MVP???

So the Colts finished 12-4. It's not as stunning as the 11-5 of the Dolphins or Falcons, to be sure. We could argue -- and you might win -- that Miami without Pennington and Atlanta without Ryan would have been 5-11 or worse. But I simply will not accept that coaches who proved themselves very resourceful (Tony Sparano, Mike Smith) would have been hapless without their quarterbacks. Miami would have played Chad Henne earlier. Atlanta would have ridden Turner to a few wins. Indy? Without Manning, I say a team that ran the ball in quicksand would have been 4-12. - Peter King

Peter King is a blowhard who is more than full of himself (but then I guess that is par for the course for anyone on Sunday Night Football, no?). Tony Dungy is not resourceful? Are you serious? Peyton Manning despite of all this shit with his knee is sacked how many times in 15+ games? 14. 4th least in the league. They only rushed 3.4 yds/c because they often abandoned it. It's obviously not about an offensive line that can protect someone that is about as mobile as 3 day old turd. They had the 3rd fewest carries in the league, while Manning is in the top 5 of pass attempts. Sounds like the Cardinals to me, with a better O-line. Kurt Warner was sacked 26 times.

They should have been 0-4 but were gifted games by the Vikes and Texans at the start of the year. Then there is the 9 game "winning" streak. One good win out 9. That was Pittsburgh, the second victory. The rest of it, a Patriot team that was mediocre at that time of the year, Houston, San Diego (in mid-season downward spiral), Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Jacksonville, and a Titan team that played no one in the last game.

Yes, without a doubt, Peyton is the obvious choice for MVP. Please. Should he be considered? Yes. But to call him the obvious choice over the likes of Chad Pennington, DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner (how do you think Matt Ryan looks his rookie year without him?) and others is just naive.

They say...

That the new U2 album now has a release date of the Feb. 23...so I'm guessing we should probably see it by July 4th.

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2008/12/new-u2-album-no-line-on-the-horizon-gets-feb-23-re.html

As the puppies leave...

Puppies are weird. People have different reactions to them. Granted some people are dog people, and some are cat people. Some don’t like animals at all. And if you are male, make sure nobody knows that you are too much of an animal person, cause then that would make you gay or a serial killer. I think I can accept that from other people, lol.

I don’t want to call this a tribute or anything…perhaps a rumination. Erica Anderson-Senter introduced me some 6 weeks ago to the Shiba Inu Puppy Cam (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam). I’ll just say it’s been a blessing. And for someone whose life is in the shitter and likes to bitch, that’s saying something.

I’m not sure how many people were familiar with the Shiba Inu breed before the web explosion of the puppy cam (I have a feeling not that many). Adult Shiba’s tend to come across as aloof and selfish. Of course it varies, as it does with all dogs. You will never get a Shiba confused with a Golden Retriever or a Lab for personality. However, if they are properly raised, trained and socialized while growing up, chances are they will be a pretty cool dog, loyal to it’s owner. My favorite? The female “runt” of the litter, Ayumi, now minus her yellow collar.

I’m not sure exactly why other people are watching. I get some ideas with the comments that are posted on the cam site. For me, it is probably the simplicity of puppy and/or dog life. That and the love, energy and innocence that they exude on a non-stop basis. Things I see glaringly absent from my own for a long time.

So the time has come for a few of the pups to leave for their new homes. I imagine that quite a few viewers will be sad this weekend. I know I will be. And if you’re watching are honest with yourself, you will be too. Just some thoughts. Thanks again Erica, for helping forget things for a while.

The Big 12 and the BCS Thing

I will not pretend to be a sports expert by any means, though chances are you will be hard pressed to find someone that knows more about tennis than I do. As for college football, and what was supposedly "found out" last night about Texas Tech and Oklahoma, I disagree with the majority of what is being said. Sorry if you are an Oklahoma fan. But the whole Texas Tech is a poseur and Oklahoma is the real deal...sorry I don't buy it. And more ridiculous is the idea that Oklahoma has now proven themselves better than Texas and because Texas is idle, that Oklahoma will jump them in the BCS and the Polls.

Now here is the thing, I am not saying that Oklahoma isn't better, for this week, but not much. I simply ask people to look at the schedules. First Texas was asked to go through Oklahoma on a neutral field, Missouri, Ok St. and Texas Tech in Lubbock in successive games. This argument has been used to discredit TT's win as Texas simply ran out of gas. Texas Tech was asked to go through Kansas @ Kansas, Texas, Ok St. and Oklahoma in Norman in successive games. I tend to think the week off hurt Texas Tech regardless of having to go through that schedule. And then there is Oklahoma. They lost to Texas on a neutral field, beat the then slumping Kansas team by 14 at home, and then had two wins over the clearly lesser teams of Kansas State (5-7) and Nebraska (7-4)...and then had two weeks to prepare for Texas Tech at home. And apparently, it is a forgone conclusion that they will go to Oklahoma St. next week and win easily.

When I look back on all of this...perhaps it is more an indictment of the BCS than anything else. It all depends on when you lose and how your schedule shapes up, etc. And we can look at the ACC where no team apparently is good enough to win more than 2 games in a row and ask how in the hell is any team there going to a BCS game when once again an undefeated Boise St. team will be shut out. I think Bob Stoops can tell you that they are worthy of a BCS game. So what does it all mean? Not much I guess. Politics and computers win out. Oh by the way, one if not two of Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech will not be going to a BCS game. Make sense?

"This is Just the Beginning"...hopefully

“This is just the beginning of the new Libertarian Party,” says Bob Barr, the 2008 Libertarian Party nominee for president. “In these next four years, there will be an even greater need for a political party fully dedicated to lower taxes, smaller government and more individual freedom—a voice for liberty.”

“This year, we set a solid foundation for freedom, on which we will build a strong and united political organization that advances freedom and liberty in the United States,” says Barr. “I, and all Americans who support true liberty, owe a great debt of gratitude to our staff, donors, volunteers and voters who helped support this campaign.”

Bob Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. Congressman Barr was the 2008 Libertarian Party Nominee for President.
The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Find This Odd?

Obama won the election last night. 52-46% of the popular vote. Not exactly what I would call a mandate. But a reasonable difference. A little bigger than Bush's win over Kerry. I have a question though...does anyone find what happened in California a little odd? Barry beat John 61-36% in the vote, and that is a lot of people voting. However, the gay marriage ban that was on the ballot passed. How is that possible? It wasn't an amendment to approve gay marriage, but to ban it. Perhaps I do not understand how so many people that voted for Barack would vote for something like that...progressive thinkers that they are and all. Oh, did I mention that issue 4 did not pass? Abortion is acceptable in all ways (and yes, I know its not a black and white issue, there is plenty of grey area)...but keep those damn queers away from the chapel. Right?

So This Is It...

Election day is here. I won't kid you and say that at this point in my life I am not a pessimist. I am. I've been through too much shit...and am still going through it on a daily/hourly basis not to be. I won't pretend that what I am going to say is some polished, deep argument. If my mind was in a better place, then perhaps it would be.

I can not in good faith pull the lever for Obama or McCain. Rhetoric is nice and makes you feel good, but that really isn't what being president is about. I think. Obama has largely gotten a free pass from the media. Please don't try to make an argument that the media is not left-wing. It is. I know too little about Obama, and no one is going to bother to investigate. They have signed off and thrown any thought of inquiry to the wind. As for the so-called associations, I won't harp or anything to that extent like some right-wing blowhard (cuz I'm not one). I'll say that Barry was either naive knew damn well what these people thought, which is unfortunate, or he is very naive (which is scary). I think he is too smart of a guy to be naive.And on top of that I really don't like or believe the policies. There is simply not a way to pay for all of the programs he states he will enact by simply increasing the tax rate by a small percentage on those making over $250K...or is it $200K...or is it $150K...or well, I guess if the number keeps going down far enough, maybe it will.

I can not vote for McCain either. If McCain was the person I thought he was in 2000...well, probably not then either. But I can't vote for him. He did what he to do...saddle up with the Republicans more so than he had in the last few years. Make amends with Jerry Fallwell (asshole). Be gung ho on going into Iraq. Make like a socialist and approve the bailout and speak of buying up the defaulted mortgages. And choose a VP candidate that...while she makes a nice piece for SNL has done little else. And with that completely shot to shit the argument about Obama not having enough experience. Oh, did I mention that Obama (the true believer in change that he is) went with Joe Biden for his VP? The true fighter for the common man? Right.

So...being more inclined toward smaller government and somewhat of a libertarian in my way of thinking, I will be voting for Bob Barr. Well, that and the fact that I no longer have any idea what Ron Paul is trying to accomplish. I'm not overly thrilled about Barr, who used to be a Republican and originally voted for the war. But I guess changing your position at some point is better than staying with it til' you've driven everything into the ground. I'm sure those who are voting for Obama/Biden can appreciate that in relation to Joe's voting record.

I am a big fan of many, many musicians and actors/actresses. However, I do not need them telling me that I need to vote the Democratic party-line every election. That is simply insulting. It is. Collages for music videos interspersed with "yes we can" and such...no thanks. I understand you think the country is in the toilet and that every word coming out of Barack's mouth is gold. Sorry. Can't buy me. That all being said, I really am not enthused about the thought of waking up Wednesday regardless of which of the big two win. I still believe that 3rd-party voices need to be heard, even though I know that they are also far from perfect. I used to have somewhat of a love for politics, but by the end of this election season, I really don't know if I want to think about it ever again.

I thought I liked Hines Ward...

Being a life-long Bengals fan, one never has a whole lot of love for the Steelers...'cept for when they play the Browns. This year is without a doubt the most difficult to have been a Bengals fan. Yeah, we've sucked bad and started out 0-7 before. But not when there was a decent amount of talent on the roster. I could lament this for paragraph's, but I won't.

I always respected Hines Ward in the past. A WR that could block and block well, and not bitch, cry and moan about calls and hits. But I've noticed an increasing need for him to block and block hard, well away from the action...not "illegal", but questionable. This last Sunday he levelled a hit on Bengals rookie LB Keith Rivers, when Rivers at worst MAY have pushed Big Ben out of bounds, that wound up breaking River's jaw and sidelining him for the rest of the season, and then celebrating after it was over. Steeler's and Bengal's will give you various opinions on the "dirty" or "clean" argument. You can guess which side most will take, depending on their affiliation. I've seen it. At best, its questionable, at worst its helmet to helmet (or helmet to jaw if you'd like to call it that), that was completely unnecessary. I can guarantee you this, Hines. When the second meeting rolls around, Bengals players on defense will not think twice about penalty or suspension when you are rolling by. And as for me being a fan of yours...well, I can still respect your ability, which I do, but a fan I am no more.

I take it back...

...what I had said before about the homeowners. My bad. This obviously wasn't about helping them out. From the looks of things it is about saddling the taxpayer with a bigger burden and helping people that were making a lot of money...to...keep making a lot of money. And of course we are once again "helping" people to get loans for cars, houses, credit cards...loans that some of those people will pay off but a lot of them won't. So...once again, we stare greed right in the face, and it is the person with common intelligence and those who are prudent with their finances that have to blink.

I ask people who are eligible to vote...to vote!

I feel that it is probably best for me to shut up about the presidential race at this point. Call it running away if you want, I know there are people out there that gladly will say that about me. Call it political burn-out. Call it whatever you like. That's fine. I have been put down quite a few times for mentioning the mere idea of voting for a 3rd-party candidate. I've been told the vote is a throwaway and that the idea of voting for a 3rd-party candidate is once again, "a vote that doesn't matter", that you should only vote for someone that has a chance of being elected, and that I am an idealist, a dreamer, blah, blah, blah. Okay. I disagree with that entirely but people are entitled to their opinion. And I am kind of tired of getting into arguments and making enemies, not friends. I'm not going to tell you that you have to vote for Bob Barr or Ralph Nader or any other available candidate.

The point is this, I know time is often short in these days for people, even though we often somehow find time for tv, email, net surfing, texting, etc. But I simply encourage everyone out there to research the candidates that are running (here is a nice non-political site on issues, voting records, etc. http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm), and make the choice you feel is best for you. You do not have to vote for McCain or Obama regardless of what people tell you. No vote that you will cast is a "throwaway". However, if you feel that they would be the best candidate for you after you have looked them over, then please vote for them. Don't take the privilege of voting for granted.

I know...

I should quit bitching. About some things. Probably a lot of things. But I can't. I'm not even sure that it is fun anymore. A few random thoughts though...

Most horror movies are awful now. And its not just because they lack plot and suspense, its because they are PG-13. And somehow this is supposed to make us believe that they are more suspenseful, than those just relying on gore for that "R". Wrong. Simply making your movie fit into the framework of a PG-13 rating, does not make it scary. And then releasing it to dvd as "Unrated" while providing an additional 10 seconds of footage not seen in theatres? That really doesn't cut it either. After watching the "Unrated" version of "Prom Night" the other day on dvd, I am completely in the dark as to how something this bloody horrible can gross over $40 million. I am speechless.

The Reds and Bengals will get better. No. They. Won't. I'll give the Bengals credit for their effort against the Giants yesterday. I'll give Carson and Marvin credit for showing no comprehension of time management at the end of the 4th quarter, and not allowing themselves a shot at the endzone. I won't blame Carson for calling heads on the coin toss before OT. But seriously, the Bengals are 0-3, and while it looks like they can take care of the anemic Browns, from the looks of their schedule a 4-12 record for the season is very, very possible. And will the Brown family do anything to change this in the future. You're kidding right? Which brings us to the Reds. Hard to believe they swept the World Series in '90. The Reds have been consistently awful, while stopping just short of worse than dog shit. Meaning the fans, the bloggers, etc. will keep telling you that with just this and this change they can make the playoffs next year. No. They. Can't. The Reds have very little in the way of offense. The pitching is decent enough, as long as Dusty Baker (who should be fired at the end of this year but won't be) doesn't complete destroy the arms of Volquez, Cueto, and Harang. I give him points for effort though, he definitely has tried to destroy all 3 of them this year. With Dunn and Griffey gone, I can hope for a decent middle reliever under the age of 40, and some offense, but I doubt it. It'll be the same next years, avoid the 100 losses comfortably, but still win no more than 75.

As for politics...sigh, I hate it. I think if I was able to be objective and look at it simply as poly-sci, I would probably find it quite amazing. Or perhaps that more of sociology, or both. Why people do the things they do, vote for who they do, and why the parties run the shows they do. But for now, I am mostly disgusted. I don't trust either of the two major party candidates or their running mates. And in turn, will vote 3rd-party once again. Even though I have been told that my vote doesn't matter. I believe those who say that are misinformed. Really, if you are holding your nose while you push the ballot, namely "defensive voting" - as stated here http://www.ontheissues.org/askme/split_vote.htm, isn't that really the best way to waste your vote?

Lastly, Jeremy Schoolfield has very, very few original thoughts or ideas about bands or music. But anyone reading this either doesn't know who he is (you're lucky) or knows that I'm right anyway.

Peace.

Dear Congress and G.W.,

I am writing you about a small request that I have. Can you please get the credit card companies and Honda Financial...oh what the hell, throw Sallie Mae in there too, to forgive me some of my debt? I'd like to be reimbursed for say, just the last two years (c'mon, I'm not asking for all of it). I mean, its not my fault, right? And why in the hell should I not be forgiven while you are buying up $700 billion in crap mortgages that people can't pay? Oh, that's right, you are going to tell us that this is not their fault. That people don't need to take responsibility for their actions. And that is in turn the responsibility of fellow taxpayers to bail them out and the country out. Does this mean that I don't feel bad about these people, who got in way over their heads? No. I do. Thinking twice about that bankruptcy bill you so championed and pushed through, Senator Biden? Of course not. 'Cause you don't give a crap either. Just focus on the fact that Barack wants to overturn it now. Sweep your history under the rug. Just like all those campaign contributions Barack has from Lehman Brothers. No biggie.

David Foster Wallace

I won't pretend to have read every word David Foster Wallace wrote. And I admit I have gone back to re-read passages because I just didn't get them the first time. But what I have read I have liked. And I share, or I guess I should now say "shared" a connection in that we were both regionally ranked junior tennis players (him, a bit higher than me) and both of us had/have a special love for that sport. A sport many don't understand.

And likewise, David and I shared a love for those players with artistry and grace. Those like John McEnroe and Roger Federer. Not the boredom-inducing bashers that are all so prevalent today, like Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick of present, and Agassi and Courier of yesteryear. Doesn't mean I don't like them as people. Well, okay, I can't really stand Roddick. But their games just bore me to tears.

The other thing that David and I have shared, now a bit more obvious than before, is a serious battle with depression. I can't pretend to know that inner workings of David, but according to his father, depression had been a real battle of his for some 20 years or more. The last few apparently worse than the others. I can relate all too well. I won't go the TMI route for now, but things have happened, as well as some events in childhood that I have struggled with, the last 4 years have been...dark as midnight without a moon. So far nothing has worked to bring me out of this. Every day is a struggle and I don't pretend that the possibility doesn't exist that I won't join David in similar fashion one day. But for now, somehow, I'll make it through one more day. And then another. I wish you were still here David. May your soul be in peace.

For some reason...

I can't seem to stop playing "Lord, I'm Discouraged" from The Hold Steady's latest, "Stay Positive". Perhaps its just very...er...relateable now.

I'm impressed...

Hillary managed to fall on her sword tonight...well, somebody's sword anyway. At this point I can't determining exactly whose it was.

BTW, what's the chance of an old Republican getting away with calling Obama that "black boy"? Apparently Jimmy Carter can.

But back to the issue at hand. Joe Biden? Are you fucking kidding me? This guy is as crusty as McCain and is a complete credit card company whore. "Change I can believe in?" Please. Oh wait, I forgot about those hair transplants. Lookin' good brother. But you knew it was coming didn't you? All that talk about being outside of the D.C. mainstream and what not, you knew it was all bloody nonsense didn't you? I know what your thinking. Your thinking about all those lame-ass excuses you're going to have to make to anyone with common sense about how your still pimping Barack. He's not McCain...he wants to "change" America...he's about the "future"...and "progress". Mmhmm. I understand, you already ordered all those bumper-stickers. And really it'd be a waste not to decorate with them.

Can I still like Indy?

I could use this question to answer all things Indianapolis/Indiana. But that would be pretty short, since the answer is just plain "no". You've probably figured out that I'm referring to Indiana Jones in some fashion. I still have yet to see whatever this new one is called that came out this summer. I guess I have a hard time justifying paying full-price for movies these days. And even though the 4th installment hasn't made box-office for crap in a month, it still isn't in the cheap seats. So after perusing the walls of Hollywood Video for something decent that my bottom-of-the-barrel MVP program would allow, I hit the library section and went back and got "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Okay, I got Nightmare on Elm St. 2, but that's another story.

I remember liking ROTLA and TOD a lot. Not so much for the Last Crusade. And I meant to buy the box set on dvd if it was ever on sale for something decent. Nothing working there either. So, after probably a decade-plus, I thought I'd see how much I could still have with Raiders. And well...after watching them again, I'm not sure if they hold-up to anything that could be described as classic status. The dialogue/jokes at times are...lame. The action sequences are okay, but often so fantastical that it goes beyond "well, it's supposed to be ridiculous" territory. And the acting is...eh...Harrison Ford no doubt carries both of these and Karen Allen and Cate Capeshaw are definitely respectable with what they have to work with, but the rest of the casts? Jonathan Rhys-Myers as Sallah is decent, but the rest of them I can't tell if they just can't act or the scripts are just blah and the characters are so stereotypical (you know, especially the bad guys). And the jingoism? I'll stop there. Oh wait, there is the endless repetition of the theme song that made me wanted to carve my ears off with a knife by the end of TOD.

Are they still fun? Yeah, to a point. Let's just say after renting them on the Hollywood MVP plan, my previous desire to buy the dvd-box set has definitely been quelled. In another 5 years I'll check these out again and see if my stance has lightened. Don't hate me if you still think they are beyond reproach classics.

That kind of thing "is above my pay grade"

Are you serious? You knew he was going to ask you this and that was the best you could come up with? I'm surprised he didn't tell you that was a "homerun" as well, lol. Sorry, Rick Warren is a bitch.

A few selections to remember the day my life ended (8/16/87)

Well it's been ten years and a thousand tears
And look at the mess I'm in
A broken nose and a broken heart,
An empty bottle of gin
Well I sit and I pray
In my broken down Chevrolet
While I'm singin' to myself
There's got to be another way

[Chorus:]
Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain
I'm lonely and I'm tired
And I can't take any more pain
Take away, take away
Never to return again
Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain

Well I've searched and I've searched
To find the perfect life-
A brand new car and a brand new suit
I even got me a little wife-
But wherever I have gone
I was sure to find myself there-
You can run all your life
But not go anywhere

[Chorus]

Well I'll pass the bar on the way
To my dingy hotel room-
I spent all my money
Been drinkin' since half past noon-
I'll wake there in the mornin'
Or maybe in the county jail-
Times are hard getting harder
I'm born to lose and destined to fail-

-- Social Distortion, "Ball and Chain"



I see lives crash like waves on the shore again and again
In an endless cycle of join and pain
Inside one day your whole life can change innocence torn away
Trust gives way to a thicker skin
A shield from pain? or a trap that keeps it all in.
They tried to break me down - i had to break away
I woke up from that night mare to start another day

I wanna be a simple man with a little peace of mind
Live a simple life, in a place thats kind

I see lives crash like waves on the shore again and again.
No poetry, No symmetry, nothing left inside of me
What happened to that feeling of invincibility?
Broken up caught under the load
Broken down by the side of the road
They tried to break me down i had to break away
I woke up from that nightmare to start another day....

-- Bouncing Souls, "Simple Man"

I know I should...

write something, but I feel completely uninspired. That and the fact that there is a 21st anniversary of the worst moment in my life (and a moment that has fucked-up my life for those 21 years) pending on Saturday. Not looking forward to that.

So...back again for the last time?

I'm probably only here for one reason. Dawna. That somebody actually gave me the encouragement to write again, even though I suck at it (or so I think). Yes, I do have a B.A. in English Lit, though I'm not sure why anyone has ever equated that with the ability to be eloquent. I'm not. I tend to write what I feel. Though I will try to leave the very personal behind here, as that has been a problem in the past. Or at least leave it to another blog.

Thankfully, I do at least tend to be short, as in not lacking in brevity (though occasionally I can ramble on). Something I can't say for some other people. I mean, do you really think that people want to read paragraph after paragraph after paragraph of your review? Doubtful. The best thing that Dr. Doughty taught me was to say your piece and then shut up.

So...maybe I'll fill-in little details here and there. But I promise nothing. Promises are easy to break. Anyway, enough of that.