One of the celebrity guests on "Extreme Home Makeover" on ABC commented the other evening that the family they were there to support is "what America was made on."
This family seemed great, and they had certainly made tremendous sacrifices to help those in need in their area to feed their families and support themselves.
While those virtues are very honorable, America was not built on charity. It was built on freedom, capitalism, tremendous natural resources, and the intelligent men and women who had the ambition to put one foot in front of the other.
Charity is great. It improves our communities, brings people together, and certainly helps those who need a helping hand. (along with a lot of other people who don't need help)
It's just that somebody had to make the money, goods, or services to donate in the first place, and that is what America was made on.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A Couple of Recent Observations
1. I was backing out of a parking space and saw another car to my left also backing out. Seeing this, I stopped and waited for this car to finish before I completed my "2 point turn." While watching I noticed the car back all the way across into a car on the opposite row. Certainly, I thought, this person would stop to see if they dented or scratched the other car, as it was a very noticable bump.
They did not.
As they drove away, I noticed that it was a woman with and "educator" car tag.
2. While at home one afternoon, I heard some disturbance on my front sidewalk. Upon walking out the front door to inspect, I see three boys (approximately 10-11 yrs old) throwing bricks towards my house from the middle of the street. Upon further investigation (and explaining that this was not, perhaps, a great idea) they explained that they were trying to kill a garden spider in my camelias. After realizing that this was not appropriate, they turned around, firing from the other direction, throwing bricks out into the street. Since that was also near my car, I objected again and suggested that they go on their way.
As they got onto their bikes to ride off, two of the three boys pulled out their cell phones. Considering the large quantity of government housing projects and Section 8 nearby, I'll put the "ass" in assumption and assume that their families are on some sort of government assistance.
Not only were they throwing bricks at my house, but my tax dollars are paying for their cell phone too?
They did not.
As they drove away, I noticed that it was a woman with and "educator" car tag.
2. While at home one afternoon, I heard some disturbance on my front sidewalk. Upon walking out the front door to inspect, I see three boys (approximately 10-11 yrs old) throwing bricks towards my house from the middle of the street. Upon further investigation (and explaining that this was not, perhaps, a great idea) they explained that they were trying to kill a garden spider in my camelias. After realizing that this was not appropriate, they turned around, firing from the other direction, throwing bricks out into the street. Since that was also near my car, I objected again and suggested that they go on their way.
As they got onto their bikes to ride off, two of the three boys pulled out their cell phones. Considering the large quantity of government housing projects and Section 8 nearby, I'll put the "ass" in assumption and assume that their families are on some sort of government assistance.
Not only were they throwing bricks at my house, but my tax dollars are paying for their cell phone too?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Aliens and the World Cup
It seems that there has been quite a few logical arguments made lately about the existance of extra terrestrials by such notables as Stephen Hawking and The History Channel. Even the Pontiff, himself, has recently acknowledged the possibility of their existance.
So, if they do exist and have a keen interest in human behavior as has been suggested, then they must be observing the World Cup soccer ("futbol") tournament.
In many ways, most Americans are in the same boat, so to speak. We have very little exposure to the "world game" and even less exposure to the cultural intricacies of the other continents as it relates to sport.
As a psuedo alien myself, with very little experience in watching soccer, I can say that the actual extra terrestrials must be less than impressed with our collective human fortitude.
Supposedly, these are the most athletic, most famous, national heroes of their respective countries. The best make salaries that put Alex Rodriguez to shame. While I can admire the tremendous skill and coordination required to excel at the game, it is also a microcosm of American perception of much of the rest of the world.
The best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, (by some accounts) is well known for his "flopping," and that seems to be a common practice among most players. The look of agony on a player's face is quite hilarious when replay shows that the player merely tripped on his own feet or took a "dive."
Then, they roll, suffering, on the ground while clutching their leg, foot, etc.
As a beer drinking southerner, I find myself thinking "get up boy, you ain't hurt."
Even as I write this, I am seeing a player carried off on a stretcher with his hands over his face. Honestly, give me a break... He fell, perhaps while getting kicked in the shin.
(The aliens must know that they have us whenever they want us...)
Then, to top it off, on most of these incidents, the team trainers (who must be really well trained to carry out this job) rush to spray some cold spray on the afflicted body part or apply an old school ice pack which is followed by an offer of a stretcher ride to the sidelines. Most of the time, the stretcher ride is waived off in favor of hopping right back up to play as if nothing was wrong.
If he was really injured that badly to begin with, I've got to get some of that spray. More likely, these fellows don't understand the difference between being injured and being hurt.
By contrast, that type of "injury" happens every play in a game of American football.
What happened to heroes being tough, playing through the pain, and certainly not faking injuries/fouls. (Amazingly, the referees fall for it almost every time)
I guess the closest thing to these "flops" is in the NBA, which has an increasing European influence. I don't know that the NBA carries the same type of passion among fans as soccer or football does either.
Question: I wonder if Phil Jackson limited Kobe Bryant's sexual activites during the finals as many of the latin coaches did in the World Cup to their players?
So, if the Aliens are anything like Americans, (and I suspect that they are...) then they are left feeling quite entertained by the World Cup and fulfilled with a vast aura of superiority.
So, if they do exist and have a keen interest in human behavior as has been suggested, then they must be observing the World Cup soccer ("futbol") tournament.
In many ways, most Americans are in the same boat, so to speak. We have very little exposure to the "world game" and even less exposure to the cultural intricacies of the other continents as it relates to sport.
As a psuedo alien myself, with very little experience in watching soccer, I can say that the actual extra terrestrials must be less than impressed with our collective human fortitude.
Supposedly, these are the most athletic, most famous, national heroes of their respective countries. The best make salaries that put Alex Rodriguez to shame. While I can admire the tremendous skill and coordination required to excel at the game, it is also a microcosm of American perception of much of the rest of the world.
The best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, (by some accounts) is well known for his "flopping," and that seems to be a common practice among most players. The look of agony on a player's face is quite hilarious when replay shows that the player merely tripped on his own feet or took a "dive."
Then, they roll, suffering, on the ground while clutching their leg, foot, etc.
As a beer drinking southerner, I find myself thinking "get up boy, you ain't hurt."
Even as I write this, I am seeing a player carried off on a stretcher with his hands over his face. Honestly, give me a break... He fell, perhaps while getting kicked in the shin.
(The aliens must know that they have us whenever they want us...)
Then, to top it off, on most of these incidents, the team trainers (who must be really well trained to carry out this job) rush to spray some cold spray on the afflicted body part or apply an old school ice pack which is followed by an offer of a stretcher ride to the sidelines. Most of the time, the stretcher ride is waived off in favor of hopping right back up to play as if nothing was wrong.
If he was really injured that badly to begin with, I've got to get some of that spray. More likely, these fellows don't understand the difference between being injured and being hurt.
By contrast, that type of "injury" happens every play in a game of American football.
What happened to heroes being tough, playing through the pain, and certainly not faking injuries/fouls. (Amazingly, the referees fall for it almost every time)
I guess the closest thing to these "flops" is in the NBA, which has an increasing European influence. I don't know that the NBA carries the same type of passion among fans as soccer or football does either.
Question: I wonder if Phil Jackson limited Kobe Bryant's sexual activites during the finals as many of the latin coaches did in the World Cup to their players?
So, if the Aliens are anything like Americans, (and I suspect that they are...) then they are left feeling quite entertained by the World Cup and fulfilled with a vast aura of superiority.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Hypocricy of the "World Wide Leader"
As many avid sports fans know, the "World Wide Leader" is ESPN. As a heterosexual male and sports fan, much of my entertainment time is filled with one of the ESPN television networks or ESPN radio.
For years, there have been complaints regarding ESPN's influence on college football rankings, NCAA basketball tournament selections, and even Craig James' undue impact on Mike Leach's career at Texas Tech.
Now, the WWL is branching into politics.
As I watched "The Sports Reporters" on Sunday morning, one of the largest topics of conversation was Arizona's new immigration enforcement laws. Not only did the columnists speak on the potential impact of the law on sports in the state, but they actually gave their interpretation and disapproval of the law.
If I wanted to watch political commentary on Sunday morning, there are a variety of options outside of the ESPN family of networks who, I'm sure, would be more deserving of my viewership.
As if it is not excruciating enough listening to Mike Lupica criticize the performance of another athelete (or anyone with any actual talent), now I have to listen to him berate the state of Arizona for standing up for itself.
One of the reporters (forgive my poor research in getting his name) actually concluded that this was a step back towards the "Jim Crow Laws" and second class citizenship.
Why in the world is this on ESPN?
I think that an effective argument can probably be made on both sides of the issue, and it has been explored in depth on many media outlets. (Which is why I have not discussed it here)
The hypocricy comes into play here: I was listening to "Mike and Mike" this morning on the radio, and they were mocking politicians who made embarrassing or erroneous statements in relation to the world of sports. (Members of Congress investigating the steroids scandal in baseball and mispronouncing players names, the Mayor of Boston saying that Varitek kicked it between the goal posts instead of Vinatierri, etc.)
Mike and Mike correctly concluded that if a politician doesn't know enough about sports to speak intelligently about it, then they should just be more up front about that instead of embarassingly pretending to be a big fan.
The same can be said for "The Sports Reporters" and politics...
I love watching ESPN and will make no empty threats of boycott.
I think that this has just as much to do with our "celebrity worship" society where we look towards our favorite movie star or rapper to figure out how to vote. Everybody feels, not only entitled to an opinion, but to an expert opinion on any subject that needs to be broadcast. (perhaps, me included)
For years, there have been complaints regarding ESPN's influence on college football rankings, NCAA basketball tournament selections, and even Craig James' undue impact on Mike Leach's career at Texas Tech.
Now, the WWL is branching into politics.
As I watched "The Sports Reporters" on Sunday morning, one of the largest topics of conversation was Arizona's new immigration enforcement laws. Not only did the columnists speak on the potential impact of the law on sports in the state, but they actually gave their interpretation and disapproval of the law.
If I wanted to watch political commentary on Sunday morning, there are a variety of options outside of the ESPN family of networks who, I'm sure, would be more deserving of my viewership.
As if it is not excruciating enough listening to Mike Lupica criticize the performance of another athelete (or anyone with any actual talent), now I have to listen to him berate the state of Arizona for standing up for itself.
One of the reporters (forgive my poor research in getting his name) actually concluded that this was a step back towards the "Jim Crow Laws" and second class citizenship.
Why in the world is this on ESPN?
I think that an effective argument can probably be made on both sides of the issue, and it has been explored in depth on many media outlets. (Which is why I have not discussed it here)
The hypocricy comes into play here: I was listening to "Mike and Mike" this morning on the radio, and they were mocking politicians who made embarrassing or erroneous statements in relation to the world of sports. (Members of Congress investigating the steroids scandal in baseball and mispronouncing players names, the Mayor of Boston saying that Varitek kicked it between the goal posts instead of Vinatierri, etc.)
Mike and Mike correctly concluded that if a politician doesn't know enough about sports to speak intelligently about it, then they should just be more up front about that instead of embarassingly pretending to be a big fan.
The same can be said for "The Sports Reporters" and politics...
I love watching ESPN and will make no empty threats of boycott.
I think that this has just as much to do with our "celebrity worship" society where we look towards our favorite movie star or rapper to figure out how to vote. Everybody feels, not only entitled to an opinion, but to an expert opinion on any subject that needs to be broadcast. (perhaps, me included)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I Disagreed with Neal Boortz?
Yesterday, I disagreed with Neal Boortz, and that was significant enough for me to note.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that will hold teachers accountable for their student's performance in the classroom. The bill would make it easier to fire teachers whose students perform below standards on a particular standardized test.
Boortz thought that Crist let the teachers off the hook and was pandering for the vote of the teacher's unions in November. (The pandering part may very well be true...)
While did let the teachers off the hook, so to speak. He also vetoed a piece of bad legislation. Using the war on drugs or most any tax policy as examples, the government must give careful consideration to the consequences of its laws in addition to their general purpose.
Indeed, this bill would make it easier for the state of Florida to circumvent past union negotiations in order to quickly assess and fire bad teachers. (Can you imagine having job tenure at 25-26 years old?) However, it would also prevent good teachers from taking on challenging school districts for fear that their kids would not adequately perform on the tests.
For that reason, Crist was right to veto.
If the bill would have compared teachers within the same school, then I would have been all for it.
Not exactly a big national issue... Just letting Boortz know that I can still think for myself-
Florida Governor Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that will hold teachers accountable for their student's performance in the classroom. The bill would make it easier to fire teachers whose students perform below standards on a particular standardized test.
Boortz thought that Crist let the teachers off the hook and was pandering for the vote of the teacher's unions in November. (The pandering part may very well be true...)
While did let the teachers off the hook, so to speak. He also vetoed a piece of bad legislation. Using the war on drugs or most any tax policy as examples, the government must give careful consideration to the consequences of its laws in addition to their general purpose.
Indeed, this bill would make it easier for the state of Florida to circumvent past union negotiations in order to quickly assess and fire bad teachers. (Can you imagine having job tenure at 25-26 years old?) However, it would also prevent good teachers from taking on challenging school districts for fear that their kids would not adequately perform on the tests.
For that reason, Crist was right to veto.
If the bill would have compared teachers within the same school, then I would have been all for it.
Not exactly a big national issue... Just letting Boortz know that I can still think for myself-
I'd Like to Change My Vote
As the new Title IX policy changes come into effect, I would like to change my vote on cheerleading being a sport. It is.
Along with cheerleading, every halftime dancer, majorette, spirit squad, and any other organized flag waving at sporting events should be considered a sport too.
Hope that helps-
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2010/04/officials_reverse_bush_policy_on_equity_compliance.php
Along with cheerleading, every halftime dancer, majorette, spirit squad, and any other organized flag waving at sporting events should be considered a sport too.
Hope that helps-
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2010/04/officials_reverse_bush_policy_on_equity_compliance.php
Friday, April 2, 2010
Just Wait...
1. How long before people making fun of Rep. Johnson are labeled as racist, hateful, or any of the other words currently being associated with tea partiers?
2. How long before this becomes a story featured in the national media?
3. How long did the Congressman have to prepare for this line of questioning?
4. How long until I stop thinking this is hilarious?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNZczIgVXjg
(Answers: 1. Not long, 2. Never, 3. Not enough, evidently, 4. Never)
2. How long before this becomes a story featured in the national media?
3. How long did the Congressman have to prepare for this line of questioning?
4. How long until I stop thinking this is hilarious?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNZczIgVXjg
(Answers: 1. Not long, 2. Never, 3. Not enough, evidently, 4. Never)
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