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.