George McGovern evidently didn't get the memo that there is a new election in the works and George Bush is not running. In this essay, he tries to steer the debate back to what the Nancy Pelosi led House has repeatedly rejected. The purpose of impeachment is to remove a criminal president. But the former Senator does not make any better case than the good folks at MoveOn.Org have tried unsuccessfully to make. No specifics, just the usual litany of complaints. No proof, just allegations.
For an interesting review of the history of terrorism, take a look at the latest post by Mustang.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Monday Morning Quarterback
My takes on the Saturday games are here.
Sunday's games are as follows:
NY Giants 24 - TB Buccaneers 14
I only watched a little of the Tampa Bay-NY Giants matchup this afternoon. What I did see was all Giants. I did hear one of the Bucs' scoring drives on the radio, in the car.
What I was able to gather is, the Giants were too strong for their overrated opponents. TB wouldn't even be in the playoffs if it wasn't for the fact that they play in one of the sorriest divisions in the NFL. This doesn't take into account that the Bucs are horrible at home and the Giants are one of the best road teams in the league.
No surprise here.
Next week, the Giants will need to face the Cowboys for a third time. Most football fans can tell you, it's very difficult to beat a team three times in one season.
SD Chargers 17 - Tennessee Titans 6
You have to hand it to Tennessee's defense, they really did a number on the run in this one. LT could not get into a rhythm to save his life. The one thing that really helped the Titans in this game was the coach. Jeff Fisher gets the most out of his players, even when they are out-gunned on paper.
The Titans shut the Chargers out 6-0, in the first half. The game was not decided until late. But down the stretch, the Chargers were just too strong for them. They will not have that luxury next week, when they face the Colts in Indy.
Prediction on tonight's BCS Championship:
LSU plays in the best conference in college football, they are used to big games. Ohio State plays in the Big Ten, not exactly the same caliber of opposition as the SEC. LSU should win this game, but I do not expect OSU to hand it to them. It could be close and go down to the wire. They will have to earn it.
Sunday's games are as follows:
NY Giants 24 - TB Buccaneers 14
I only watched a little of the Tampa Bay-NY Giants matchup this afternoon. What I did see was all Giants. I did hear one of the Bucs' scoring drives on the radio, in the car.
What I was able to gather is, the Giants were too strong for their overrated opponents. TB wouldn't even be in the playoffs if it wasn't for the fact that they play in one of the sorriest divisions in the NFL. This doesn't take into account that the Bucs are horrible at home and the Giants are one of the best road teams in the league.
No surprise here.
Next week, the Giants will need to face the Cowboys for a third time. Most football fans can tell you, it's very difficult to beat a team three times in one season.
SD Chargers 17 - Tennessee Titans 6
You have to hand it to Tennessee's defense, they really did a number on the run in this one. LT could not get into a rhythm to save his life. The one thing that really helped the Titans in this game was the coach. Jeff Fisher gets the most out of his players, even when they are out-gunned on paper.
The Titans shut the Chargers out 6-0, in the first half. The game was not decided until late. But down the stretch, the Chargers were just too strong for them. They will not have that luxury next week, when they face the Colts in Indy.
Prediction on tonight's BCS Championship:
LSU plays in the best conference in college football, they are used to big games. Ohio State plays in the Big Ten, not exactly the same caliber of opposition as the SEC. LSU should win this game, but I do not expect OSU to hand it to them. It could be close and go down to the wire. They will have to earn it.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Sarkozy's Next Life Event?
Most family counselors would recommend at least a year to allow for healing after a divorce. Of course they'll also say that every case stands on its own and no two cases are ever completely alike. But, as a general rule a newly divorced person should allow a year for the grief that many times is generated, both during and after the legal process is completed.
But Sarkozy seems to be healing rather well.
I say the phrase, private lives, contains the adjective "private" for a reason. It's nobody's business but his and his bride to be. But I must say that after looking at some shots of Ms. Bruni, bully for Nicolas. Having integrative needs being fully met while have nuclear codes at one's disposal, can prove to be an important component to peace and stability.
But Sarkozy seems to be healing rather well.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is to marry his new girlfriend, the former model turned singer Carla Bruni, a French newspaper reported Sunday, claiming a wedding was "imminent".
I say the phrase, private lives, contains the adjective "private" for a reason. It's nobody's business but his and his bride to be. But I must say that after looking at some shots of Ms. Bruni, bully for Nicolas. Having integrative needs being fully met while have nuclear codes at one's disposal, can prove to be an important component to peace and stability.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
NFL Playoffs Thread
Seattle 35 - Washington 14
I didn't get to see this one, was in the car on the road with the radio on and it sounded bad for Washington. They blew their chance to keep momentum late in the game, when they could not capitalize on that recovered kickoff. Leading 14-13 after trailing for three quarters, a team has to maintain the intensity that put them back into contention. They have to sense the knockout, follow up, and finish.
They did not do it. This is why they lost this one.
Next up for the Hawks is the Packers. I think the season will end for Seattle, next week.
Jacksonville 31 - Pittsburgh 29
I did see this one and what a game it was.
I thought the officiating stunk. I thought there were several bad calls along the way, on both teams. But the one that almost had an effect on the game, was the missed face mask call in the end zone, late in the game and committed by Hines Ward of the Steelers.
I am no fan of Jacksonville. They whine a lot about respect and yet, still find ways to beat themselves. My philosophy can best be described by a slogan from a Nike commericial, "just do it". There's nothing wrong with playing with emotion, mind you. But you have to keep it in check. I thought there were several instances where they came close to losing their cool, when the Steelers were mounting their comeback.
With all of their protesting of what they perceive to be a lack of respect from other teams, other fans, and (of course) the media, they desperately needed to win this one. They needed to win the game, with the game on the line. They needed to stay cohesive and focused, while the Steelers were fighting back with everything they had. They had to make a big play in the end to put them into position to win. And they did.
New England had better be pulling for Tennessee to beat San Diego. Because, they really don't want to play this team and the Colts in the playoffs, back-to-back.
Predictions for remaining games:
San Diego will prove to be too strong for a Tennessee team that could barely eke out a win last week against the Colts' second string. The Titans have a lot of heart, but I do not think they have the horses. SD over Tenn.
NYG VS TB, this is tougher to predict. It should be the Giants over the Bucs, but do not count Tampa Bay out completely. They have a shot if they can frustrate Eli Manning on offense.
I didn't get to see this one, was in the car on the road with the radio on and it sounded bad for Washington. They blew their chance to keep momentum late in the game, when they could not capitalize on that recovered kickoff. Leading 14-13 after trailing for three quarters, a team has to maintain the intensity that put them back into contention. They have to sense the knockout, follow up, and finish.
They did not do it. This is why they lost this one.
Next up for the Hawks is the Packers. I think the season will end for Seattle, next week.
Jacksonville 31 - Pittsburgh 29
I did see this one and what a game it was.
I thought the officiating stunk. I thought there were several bad calls along the way, on both teams. But the one that almost had an effect on the game, was the missed face mask call in the end zone, late in the game and committed by Hines Ward of the Steelers.
I am no fan of Jacksonville. They whine a lot about respect and yet, still find ways to beat themselves. My philosophy can best be described by a slogan from a Nike commericial, "just do it". There's nothing wrong with playing with emotion, mind you. But you have to keep it in check. I thought there were several instances where they came close to losing their cool, when the Steelers were mounting their comeback.
With all of their protesting of what they perceive to be a lack of respect from other teams, other fans, and (of course) the media, they desperately needed to win this one. They needed to win the game, with the game on the line. They needed to stay cohesive and focused, while the Steelers were fighting back with everything they had. They had to make a big play in the end to put them into position to win. And they did.
New England had better be pulling for Tennessee to beat San Diego. Because, they really don't want to play this team and the Colts in the playoffs, back-to-back.
Predictions for remaining games:
San Diego will prove to be too strong for a Tennessee team that could barely eke out a win last week against the Colts' second string. The Titans have a lot of heart, but I do not think they have the horses. SD over Tenn.
NYG VS TB, this is tougher to predict. It should be the Giants over the Bucs, but do not count Tampa Bay out completely. They have a shot if they can frustrate Eli Manning on offense.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Obama, Huckabee
Although Iowa historically hasn't been the best indicator of who the next president will be, these are the two winners last night. The big losers were Romney and Clinton. I say this because, they spent a lot of money and still didn't win.
Clinton finished third, which is probably unacceptable to her camp. Maybe she should have listened to her advisers and skipped Iowa and focused more on New Hampshire and beyond.
One thing of note for the GOP is, if they want to have any chance to win in November, Huckabee is not the man. But despite that general conventional wisdom in conservative circles, he managed to eke out the win and score some delegates.
Anyway, it's over now. At least for Iowans, they get their lives back now.
Clinton finished third, which is probably unacceptable to her camp. Maybe she should have listened to her advisers and skipped Iowa and focused more on New Hampshire and beyond.
One thing of note for the GOP is, if they want to have any chance to win in November, Huckabee is not the man. But despite that general conventional wisdom in conservative circles, he managed to eke out the win and score some delegates.
Anyway, it's over now. At least for Iowans, they get their lives back now.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Armed. Not Dangerous.
We read this kind of story all too often. Yet, some still decry a person's constitutional right to bear arms and make no secrets of their foolish desire to rid the world of handguns.
It's a short article, nothing too John Wayne. It just reinforces the folly of those that think eliminating handguns will stop murders. As we see here, it stopped a robbery in which no one got hurt (including the assailant). Who's to say it didn't prevent something worse?
I know. It doesn't always happen this way. And if it does, it gets a little article buried somewhere (in the back sections). No doubt, if there had been a shootout and people were dead as a result of it, the entire scenario would lead the headlines locally and likely get national coverage.
But it didn't. And another cold hard example of why the anti-gun lobby is wrong, has surfaced with minimal fanfare. Doesn't it make you wonder where they get their logic?
Kind of ties in with what I said in the previous post, if you think about it.
A 51-year-old man stopped a masked man from robbing a Southside grocery store and held him at gunpoint until police arrived.
It's a short article, nothing too John Wayne. It just reinforces the folly of those that think eliminating handguns will stop murders. As we see here, it stopped a robbery in which no one got hurt (including the assailant). Who's to say it didn't prevent something worse?
I know. It doesn't always happen this way. And if it does, it gets a little article buried somewhere (in the back sections). No doubt, if there had been a shootout and people were dead as a result of it, the entire scenario would lead the headlines locally and likely get national coverage.
But it didn't. And another cold hard example of why the anti-gun lobby is wrong, has surfaced with minimal fanfare. Doesn't it make you wonder where they get their logic?
Kind of ties in with what I said in the previous post, if you think about it.
Are You Tough Enough?
To some, the word tough casts a misconception. Some see it as a chest-thumping trait that is brash, arrogant, and intimidating. But when we stop and think about it, we find that it is anything but.
Toughness is not barbaric, cruel, or sadistic. It is a quiet and subtle, yet strong inner resolve that often gets mistaken for weakness by those that view tough in a negative light. Toughness is not an overt trait easily seen, at first glance. It is something that is hidden until it is needed.
Mustang at Social Sense has an essay that looks at the toughness of people throughout history and laments the lack of it, in western society today.
Give it a read, when you get a chance.
Toughness is not barbaric, cruel, or sadistic. It is a quiet and subtle, yet strong inner resolve that often gets mistaken for weakness by those that view tough in a negative light. Toughness is not an overt trait easily seen, at first glance. It is something that is hidden until it is needed.
Mustang at Social Sense has an essay that looks at the toughness of people throughout history and laments the lack of it, in western society today.
Give it a read, when you get a chance.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year
To all that spend a minute or two here now and then, and those that just pass through:
PYY wishes you all a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year. I hope your dreams and goals are realized, I pray all of you are healthy and stay that way for a long time.
And thank you for your support.
PYY wishes you all a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year. I hope your dreams and goals are realized, I pray all of you are healthy and stay that way for a long time.
And thank you for your support.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday Morning Quarterback
Titans 16 - Colts 10
In one respect, it was as expected. No surprise they lost, they played their subs in the second half. But the real surprise came from the struggle for the Titans to win against the second string and those called up from the practice squad. From the way Tennessee's QB Vince Young was playing, it was a good thing that he was knocked out of the game. Cagey veteran backup Kerry Collins did what he had to do, to get his team into the playoffs. But sadly for them, their season ends next week. San Diego should beat them handily.
One thing I was incredibly impressed with in last night's game was the level of play from the defensive subs. They made the Titans' offense work for it. They did not roll over and let them have it. And the hits, well they were bone crunching. Anyone that just watched this game will undoubtedly wake up sore.
Two things I can take away from this meaningless game for the Colts:
1. The defense is deep with talent.
2. The offense is not.
Next up will probably be San Diego. The Colts would love nothing more than to avenge the earlier loss to them, which is one they should have won. But this time, SD will come to the RCA Dome and it won't be pretty for the Chargers.
Some other observations from Week 17:
1. Congrats to the Pats on an undefeated season. But, it won't mean a hell of a lot if they do not win the Super Bowl. If things play out like they should, they will get Jacksonville first. Greg (our resident Pats fan) doesn't give Jacksonville any respect. But if the Patriots team feels that way, they may be cleaning out their lockers earlier than they want to.
2. Congrats to Rocket's Washington Redskins for making it in by the "skin" of their teeth. They will face Seattle next week. Good luck with that one.
3. Three teams from the NFC East made the playoffs. Dallas, NY Giants, and Washington. However, I certainly wouldn't say they are the best division in the league. Although their last place team (Philly) finished at .500, the AFC South was tougher. Their last place team (Houston) finished .500 and recorded two more overall wins. The NFC East had a combined 40 wins, the AFC South, 42. (Final Standings)
So for 12 teams, it's onward. For the rest, it's the old "we'll get them next year".
In one respect, it was as expected. No surprise they lost, they played their subs in the second half. But the real surprise came from the struggle for the Titans to win against the second string and those called up from the practice squad. From the way Tennessee's QB Vince Young was playing, it was a good thing that he was knocked out of the game. Cagey veteran backup Kerry Collins did what he had to do, to get his team into the playoffs. But sadly for them, their season ends next week. San Diego should beat them handily.
One thing I was incredibly impressed with in last night's game was the level of play from the defensive subs. They made the Titans' offense work for it. They did not roll over and let them have it. And the hits, well they were bone crunching. Anyone that just watched this game will undoubtedly wake up sore.
Two things I can take away from this meaningless game for the Colts:
1. The defense is deep with talent.
2. The offense is not.
Next up will probably be San Diego. The Colts would love nothing more than to avenge the earlier loss to them, which is one they should have won. But this time, SD will come to the RCA Dome and it won't be pretty for the Chargers.
Some other observations from Week 17:
1. Congrats to the Pats on an undefeated season. But, it won't mean a hell of a lot if they do not win the Super Bowl. If things play out like they should, they will get Jacksonville first. Greg (our resident Pats fan) doesn't give Jacksonville any respect. But if the Patriots team feels that way, they may be cleaning out their lockers earlier than they want to.
2. Congrats to Rocket's Washington Redskins for making it in by the "skin" of their teeth. They will face Seattle next week. Good luck with that one.
3. Three teams from the NFC East made the playoffs. Dallas, NY Giants, and Washington. However, I certainly wouldn't say they are the best division in the league. Although their last place team (Philly) finished at .500, the AFC South was tougher. Their last place team (Houston) finished .500 and recorded two more overall wins. The NFC East had a combined 40 wins, the AFC South, 42. (Final Standings)
So for 12 teams, it's onward. For the rest, it's the old "we'll get them next year".
Friday, December 28, 2007
Maverick "The Mayor" Ballard
Maverick was a popular western TV series many years ago that attained somewhat of a cult following. I can't tell you why exactly it was so successful after the series ended, except, it could be that Americans love maverick personalities.
There's nothing wrong with it, mind you. I cannot see a thing wrong with it, when the maverick does the right thing.
In this day and age, corruption and arrogance reign supreme. Politicians court money and influence, while taking money and marching orders from powerful lobbyists. And yet, while the trend looks rather bleak to say the least, there are a handful of positive moments in politics (when a maverick not beholden to special interests can get elected to anything of any real importance).
Those of you that have been following my story of Greg Ballard and his quest to get elected Indianapolis mayor, probably already know he won. Many of you also understand that winning the election is the easy part, and the hard part will be governing. This is where it gets tricky, because this is where the successful candidate gets to show who he is beholden to and has fours years to do what he/she wants, to attain whatever objectives they all have.
So, today we have noted what kind of footing the Ballard Administration will get off on, as evidenced by the announcements in this Indy Star article. Already, the new mayor is winning respect for his choices.
Olgen Williams is not well-known outside of Indianapolis. But that doesn't make his story any less interesting, as a sliver of it can be found further on in the article. But what many in Indianapolis may not know about this guy is, he is an excellent mediator than can see both sides of the coin. He will be a most valuable adviser for the new mayor and can work well with both political parties. He brings a lot of respect and says much about how Ballard intends to unite the city, instead of dividing it.
He is not the only appointment that has been announced so far, the others can be found here at Indiana Barrister. Not all are household names known in Indianapolis political circles. Some are new faces. Some are from the private sector and will be good for business.
Picking the right people is agonizing in some ways. But like the election itself, it is easier than having to do the job. Once all of the players are known, they must then get to work. that's where we can truly evaluate whether the team is working well together, or not.
Like I said earlier, that's the hard part.
There's nothing wrong with it, mind you. I cannot see a thing wrong with it, when the maverick does the right thing.
In this day and age, corruption and arrogance reign supreme. Politicians court money and influence, while taking money and marching orders from powerful lobbyists. And yet, while the trend looks rather bleak to say the least, there are a handful of positive moments in politics (when a maverick not beholden to special interests can get elected to anything of any real importance).
Those of you that have been following my story of Greg Ballard and his quest to get elected Indianapolis mayor, probably already know he won. Many of you also understand that winning the election is the easy part, and the hard part will be governing. This is where it gets tricky, because this is where the successful candidate gets to show who he is beholden to and has fours years to do what he/she wants, to attain whatever objectives they all have.
So, today we have noted what kind of footing the Ballard Administration will get off on, as evidenced by the announcements in this Indy Star article. Already, the new mayor is winning respect for his choices.
Olgen Williams, chosen to be a deputy mayor, is a well-known community leader whose connections, supporters say, can help the incoming Ballard administration address the concerns of the city's poorer neighborhoods.
"He knows the neighborhoods and the players," the Rev. Charles Harrison, pastor of Barnes United Methodist Church, said of Williams. "Olgen knows everybody in the community, and he brings a collaborative approach to get others involved."
Olgen Williams is not well-known outside of Indianapolis. But that doesn't make his story any less interesting, as a sliver of it can be found further on in the article. But what many in Indianapolis may not know about this guy is, he is an excellent mediator than can see both sides of the coin. He will be a most valuable adviser for the new mayor and can work well with both political parties. He brings a lot of respect and says much about how Ballard intends to unite the city, instead of dividing it.
He is not the only appointment that has been announced so far, the others can be found here at Indiana Barrister. Not all are household names known in Indianapolis political circles. Some are new faces. Some are from the private sector and will be good for business.
Picking the right people is agonizing in some ways. But like the election itself, it is easier than having to do the job. Once all of the players are known, they must then get to work. that's where we can truly evaluate whether the team is working well together, or not.
Like I said earlier, that's the hard part.
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