Friday, July 31, 2009
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This is the forseeable future:
- ...an Islamist sect called Boko Haram, a local Hausa term that means “education is prohibited”. In particular, the group is against Western education and influence. It wants to impose a pure Muslim caliphate on Nigeria. In retaliation for the arrest of their leaders, militants went on the rampage in several northern states, attacking the police with anything that came to hand, from machetes to bows and poison arrows.
Too busy to be creative...
So I'll let the greatest rock band in history do the job for me...
"Innuendo" by Queen
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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A challenge for all Republican members of Congress...
When you go back to face your consitutencies to bitch about the evils of goverment-run health insurance, please show some sack and call for the outright repeal of Medicare. See how that goes for you.
This pussy, Mike Pence (R-IN), sure doesn't have the balls to do it, no matter how perfect his hair is...
Jim Johnson, 1941-2009...
Very sad news for the Eagles organization and the city of Philadelphia...
The Eagles had more than 6 months to get ready for the awful news that arrived as evening fell on training camp at Lehigh yesterday. So you wouldn't say Andy Reid or Joe Banner looked shocked, or even that they seemed on the verge of being overcome with grief, when the head coach and the team president met with reporters in a tent adjacent to the Lehigh practice fields, the sun sinking toward the mountains behind them.
Then, too, that would not have been how Jim Johnson would have wanted them to react to the news that Johnson had passed away, at age 68, of metastatic melanoma, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
GOP Senator breaks balls on his Southern comrades...
This is a real zinger coming from a guy whose political party is only truly relevant in the South...
"We got too many Jim DeMints (R-S.C.) and Tom Coburns (R-Ok.). It’s the southerners. They get on TV and go 'errrr, errrrr.' People hear them and say, ‘These people, they’re southerners. The party’s being taken over by southerners. What they hell they got to do with Ohio?’"
--Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH)
The best take on the Gates-Crowley mess...
It comes from Andrew Sullivan...
Maureen (Dowd)'s dad was a cop and she knows people like James Crowley. I do too. And Obama is right that cops like Crowley are good men in general (although I can't pass a judgment on someone I don't know). I also believe in being respectful and polite to policemen as a rule, and do not recall any moment in my life when I haven't been. But I do think it's necessary to remember that policemen are our servants, not our masters. We pay their salary - and they'd better treat us right. And I find the many comments that we should always show deference to the man with the gun and the badge and never publicly criticize cops to be alarmingly authoritarian in its implications.Makes perfect sense to me...
If a cop gives you trouble in your own home after it is perfectly clear that no crime has taken place, you have every right to tell him to get the hell out of your house; and he has no right to hang around. You also have every right to give him your opinion of his police work or his haircut if you so wish.
There is a distinction, in other words, between a deference to cops based on trust and a deference based on fear. I find the idea that mouthing off to a cop in your own home is enough to get you arrested a disturbing feature of the post-9/11 police state.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Heading to Boston Next Week...
Recommendations? (I have no interest in Fenway or the Sawx or baseball.) I am looking for brew-pub/bar/restaurants or other places I can visit after regular work hours. I am staying near the T so anywhere not too far outside the city is in play. Other than the places that serve beer, I'm thinking about the Boston Museum of Fine Art. Union Oyster House goes without saying. Where else should I go and why? Thanks, j.
Just Retire. Please?
Enough about you, Brett. Go away. I admire what you did and the way you played, but you have overstayed your welcome. You are becoming a parody of self. Please make it stop.
25 years ago today...
This album was released...
Say what you want about Prince, that crazy little fucker writes amazing music and is a shamefully underrated guitarist...
Sarah Palin: A horse's ass to the bitter end...
A parting shot from the former governor upon bailing on the people of Alaska with 18 months left in her term...
"Some straight talk for some — just some — in the media...You represent what could and should be a respected, honest profession that could and should be a cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy depends on you. That is why our troops are willing to die for you. So how about in honor of the American soldier, ya’ quit makin’ things up?"Get that? Reporters that do their job and investigate their brain-dead former governor are disrespecting the troops.
Fucking idiot...
Best Quarterbacks Ever...
I can't wait for the NFL to start so here's some stuff to discuss if you wish...
1. Joe Montana: The ultimate winner. Montana not only went 4-0 in super bowls but also never threw an interception in a Super Bowl in 122 attempts, while throwing 11 touchdowns and winning a record three MVPs. Montana never had a losing season in a non-strike year after becoming the Niners full-time starter and for those who say "he had so many weapons" let me remind you that he won as many super bowls without Jerry Rice (2) as he did with him (2) and that the Niners won a NFL-record 18 games the year BEFORE Rice was drafted. Rice also is the only Hall of Famer (next year) that he played with on offense AND he took a dump of a Chiefs offense to the 1993 AFC championship in his first year there, leading KC to its first division title since 1971 and first championship game since 1969 after missing almost the previous two seasons. He also has one of the greatest touchdown to interception ratios of all-time. He had the total package as well. He could carve up defenses like a surgeon, he could think quick and he could improvise while moving in the pocket as well as anyone in NFL history. He also was a consummate leader who did what the great ones do and elevated the play of those around him. Still, a record of 117-47-1 kind of says it all. Montana was always at his best when it mattered most and if I had a game that my life depended on he is the guy I’d want under center.
2. Johnny Unitas: Kind of a precursor to Montana in terms of his clutch play and ability to run the two-minute offense. But Unitas revolutionized the game with his play and was basically the Colts offensive coordinator. Fearless and tough as nails, Unitas was unflappable and led the Colts to three world championships while doing what the great ones like Montana do and taking a team that wasn’t that good before he arrived and helping turn it into a dynasty. Unitas threw a NFL record touchdown pass in 47 straight games...in an era where they didn’t have the sissy pass coverage rules they do today. That is truly remarkable and so was Unitas.
3. Otto Graham: Lost in the age of instant historianism, Graham was in a league of his own during the last 40s and 50s. Graham played 10 seasons (4 in the AAFC) and led the Browns to a title game in all 10. That is something we will never come close to seeing again. Yes, there weren’t as many teams an no free agency but it had never happened before and never came close to happening again. Graham was 57-13-1 in six NFL seasons, led the league in passing five times, in yardage three times and led the Browns to three world championships from 1950-55 after leading them to four straight in the AAFC. His WORST season was 8-4 and he flourished in a run-heavy league and, like Unitas, started changing the way the game was played.
4. John Elway: A little bit of the first three combined, Elway turned the Broncos around and most of the time was like Montana in that he excelled when the pressure was highest. What prevents me from saying Elway was as clutch as Montana is that he was downright putrid in two of his three super bowl defeats. Yes, the Broncos were an inferior team to the Redskins and Niners but Elway was flat-out bad in those games, missing open receivers, throwing bad interceptions and looking rattled. But that was the exception. Elway rose to the occasion in his last two seasons, leading the Broncos to consecutive super bowls and winning MVP honors in his final game. Elway got better with age and was amazing in the fourth quarter, constantly leading the Broncos to improbable comeback wins, several times in the playoffs. And the fact that Elway took three Broncos teams to the Super bowl in the 80s speaks to how good he was because he did so without great receivers and in 86 and 87 without much of a running game or a great defense. In the top 5 in yardage and touchdowns, Elway was arguably the most physically gifted quarterback of all-time and had the moxie to go along with it and make him a legend.
5. Dan Marino: Ultimately, quarterbacks largely are judged on how many championships they won, but if ever there was a player who should get a near-pass for not winning a championship it’s Marino who held most of the significant passing records until Brett Favre came along. Marino played most of his 17 years for Dolphins teams that did not have solid running games or defenses (although in the 90s the Dolphins did bulk up their defense significantly, taking that excuse away from Marino but in the 80s the defense was horrible). Marino might be the best passer ever but that does not make him the best quarterback ever. He was a mediocre 8-10 in the playoffs and he missed golden opportunities to get back to the super bowl in 1985 and 92 when the Dolphins hosted AFC championships after winning the division but lost to wild cards New England and Buffalo. The Patriots had not won in Miami since 1966 before routing the Dolphins, 31-14. Still, Marino had one of the quickest releases ever, a great arm, great instincts and a brashness that helped him lead the Dolphins from behind repeatedly. In 1984, Marino had one of the best seasons in NFL history, shattering the previous touchdown pass in a season record with 48 while throwing for a NFL record 5,084 yards.
6. Tom Brady: True, Brady has only been in the league since 2000 but what a career he has put into his seven full seasons as a starter, leading the Patriots to a NFL-record tying three super bowls in four years while breaking the single-season record for touchdown passes in 2007 with 50 while leading the Patriots to an undefeated regular season and their fourth super bowl appearance in seven years. Brady was thrust into the starting role in just his second season when an injury to Drew Bledsoe opened the door. All he did was take a team that was 5-13 in its previous 18 games to the super bowl where the Patriots stunned the heavily favored Rams, winning on a Brady orchestrated game-winning drive. That clutch play is what makes Brady stand out. Montana was Brady’s hero and Brady is as close to a Montana clone as we likely will ever find. He is amazing in the clutch and plays his best in the biggest games. Brady began his career with 10 straight playoff wins and now is 14-3 in the postseason, the second-most playoff wins ever behind only Montana. Twice the Patriots have won the AFC championship on the road and three times they have defeated the team with the NFL’s best record. And Brady led the Patriots to those championships without ever having a 1,000-yard receiver and before 2004, without a consistent running attack. Still Brady consistently threw for more than 3,500 yards and over 20 touchdowns while never throwing more than 14 interceptions. Once the Patriots upgraded his weapons and gave him outstanding receivers, Brady showed how lethal he can be in 2007, throwing 50 touchdowns and just eight interceptions while nearly eclipsing 5,000 yards. If my life hinges on one game I want Montana under center. If I can’t have him, Brady is the guy I want.
7. Peyton Manning: That ability to remain calm and play his best in the biggest games is what separates Brady from Manning in my opinion. Manning is an exceptional quarterback and stat-wise he could end up being the greatest of all-time. Since the Colts drafted him in 1998, Manning has never missed a start and his string of six consecutive 4,000-yard seasons from 1999-2004 is remarkable as was his then record-setting 49-touchdown pass season of 2004. But what keeps Manning behind Brady at this point is his pedestrian postseason performance. Manning is only 7-8 in the playoffs and three of those losses have come at home, twice when the Colts were heavy favorites. The Colts also lost to injury-ravaged 8-8 San Diego last year with Manning leading the Colts to only 17 points. He has thrown nearly as many interceptions in the playoffs as touchdowns and even when the Colts won the super bowl one could argue they did so in spite of him. Manning threw seven interceptions in four games, including five in the first two when the defense bailed him out and led the Colts to win. He was great in the second half of a great comeback win against New England in the AFC championship but one of the reasons they were in that hole was because he threw a pick six to Asante Samuel. He then had the Colts only two turnovers in the super bowl, handing the Bears a gift seven points that gave them a 14-6 first-half lead. People have tried to blame the losses on the Colts defense. Not true. Three times the defense has held the opposition under 20 points in regulation in those losses and three other times they allowed only 20, 21 and 24 points, meaning that all Manning had to do was lead the Colts to average offensive performances in terms of what they averaged point-wise during the season and they would have won. At times, Manning seems too flustered in the playoffs but the bottom line is what he has done in the regular season is amazing. And he is very clutch in the regular season, consistently orchestrating fourth-quarter comeback wins. Here’s the best way for me to say why Manning is one of the best ever. Entering the 2009 season I look at the Colts and see an ordinary team that doesn’t look much like a super bowl contender and yet I feel strongly that they might win it all–and that is all because of Peyton Manning. He’s that good.
8. Sammy Baugh: Often forgotten in an age where ESPN has convinced viewers that if it didn’t happen in the last 15 years or so it’s not that great, Baugh was the original gun-slinger and was the NFL’s top quarterback in the 1930s and 40s. One of the greatest football players ever, Baugh also was a terrific defensive back and punter, Baugh dominated with his arm in an age of mostly running. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in yards and touchdown passes and led the Redskins to two world championships, including in his rookie season. Baugh was a four-time passing yardage champion and also sliced up defenses with the kind of accuracy unheard of at that time, completing 56.5 percent of his passes. As tough as nails, Baugh could make all the throws and could beat a defense in a variety of ways.
9. Brett Favre: If Baugh is the original gunslinger, Favre might be the ultimate gun-slinger. Although in his case it’s not always a good thing. Favre has one of the most impressive record in all of sports, never missing a start from 1992 through 2008. He also is the all-time leader in yards and touchdown passes. But the reason Favre is not higher on this list is because for every amazing thing he has done throughout his career, he seemingly has done something equally bone-headed to cost the Packers (and last year the Jets) wins. As Fran Tarketon has said and I’m paraphrasing a little bit...no great quarterback has ever done as many dumb things as Brett Favre. Just look at some of his recent playoff performances for proof. He threw horrible interceptions in overtime that set up the Eagles and Giants for 2003 and 2007 playoff wins and he threw six interceptions in a 2001 loss to the Rams and four in a 2004 loss to the Vikings. And three times since 2002, the Packers lost home playoff games, something that never happened before as Favre played below average to poorly each time. However, Favre was more careful from 1994-1997 when he had one of the best four year runs in NFL history, throwing at least 33 touchdowns and 16 or fewer interceptions each time, while topping 3,800 yards each time and leading the Packers to a world championship and two super bowl appearances. However, since 1997, Favre led the Packers past the second round just once. He is the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions and has thrown 20 or more interceptions several times. But Favre has one of the best arms in NFL history and his enthusiasm for the game is contagious and it helped him guide the Packers to 13 straight non-losing (12 winning) seasons from 1992-2004 after they had little success after the Lombardi glory days in the 60s. If not for the dumb decisions he has made at key times, Favre would be higher.
10. Roger Staubach: Had Staubach’s naval commitments not prevented him from reaching the NFL sooner there’s no telling what he might have done. Still, few did it better in the 70s than "Captain Comeback" who led the Cowboys to a terrific 85-29 record, two world championships and four conference championships in his nine seasons as starter from 1971-79. Staubach was the ultimate competitor and was amazing under pressure, leading the Cowboys to 14 come-from-behind wins in the final two minutes of a game. Staubach’s running ability also made him nearly impossible to game plan for as there was no telling where "Roger the Dodger" would end up taking a play. Staubach made his teammates better and they always believed they had a chance to win when he was on the field. That might best be illustrated in a Super Bowl XIII 35-31 defeat when the Cowboys nearly rallied in the final minutes after looking hopelessly out of it at 35-17 late in the game. Staubach did not make his debut until he was 27, but led the Cowboys to the playoffs in eight of nine seasons and topped 20,000 yards while becoming one of the games’ all-time great clutch players.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
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(Senator) Obama to Bono: "Nice work with the Hug Dodge"
Bono gives Bush his due on the issues that matter to Bono, but just had to dodge the hug.
A Rare Victory
For common sense over the military-industrial-Congressional complex. It takes an unusual set of circumstances to briung about the death of a major weapon system in full scale production. 44 states have jobs at stake, particularly CA, TX, CT, and GA. The President's choice of keeping Gates on a SecDef keeps paying dividends and Obama also played a personal role in turning out enough votes in the Senate to end production of the F-22.
- The Obama White House used substantial political capital to stop F-22 production at 187 aircraft, threatening to veto any legislation that included money for more new planes. It's unlikely such an effort will often be repeated given the stuttering economy, health care reform and other serious challenges the administration needs Capitol Hill's help with.
Lamar!
I hope this bill will pass. Nice to see a Republican recognizing the value of national natural treasures in his state and saying no to coal mining companies.
- Alexander has introduced legislation with Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) to ban the controversial practice of mountaintop-removal coal mining. He said he hopes to stop the shearing of mountaintops in West Virginia and Kentucky and prevent a resurgence of the practice in Tennessee, which has relatively little mining but was the site of mountaintop removal in decades past.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Another Reason to Leave Sooner Rather than Later
The Iraqi's have squandered the chance to make some political deals (oil revenues, the Kurds' and Sunni's status in Maliki's moderate-Shia regime, etc.) and have made unexpected interpretations of the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) that saw US combat troops removed from most cities. the Iraqi's rely on the US for intel, air support, fuel, logistics.....and they revel in showing that they are in charge all the while:
- US convoys can no longer pass through checkpoints in Baghdad without prior approval and an Iraqi escort. American night-time raids in pursuit of insurgents have also been curtailed by Iraqi officials who gained the right to veto all such missions on July 1.
- The American military has little choice but to comply with the new rules, leaving many units involuntarily confined to their bases.
Update: Maliki gets it.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bye, bye dummy...We hardly knew ya!
Peace out, dumbass.
You've certainly made politics interesting, in a "let a 3-year-old play with a loaded gun and see what she does" kinda way, don'tcha know?
Is there anything more impressive than a perfect game?
Especially when it comes against the defending American League champions.
I also love the look of the box score: 0-3 across the board. Amazing.
Mark Buehrle is a stud...
P.S. This also seems like a good time to mention that the WFC Phillies are leading the NL East by 6.5 games...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
If I ever make an album...
I hope it's made up of 8-12 tunes that are as good as this one...
"All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers
I'm in the midst of a really busy patch...
So, instead of belaboring that fact, I'll open a thread for you guys to speak your minds.
Have a ball! Or two!!!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Something a little different for a Friday...
I really hate this band, but I love this song...
"Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode
Could the governor of Texas look like more of a dipshit at this point?
There are so many stupid Republican governors out there!!!
Earlier this year, Texas Governor Rick Perry was one of a handful of Republican governors who refused some federal stimulus funds from President Obama's economic recovery package on the grounds that there were too many strings attached to the money.It's almost comical. Almost...
Now that the state is in dire straits, however, Perry is asking the federal government for a loan to cover the very expenses the rejected stimulus money would have paid for.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Anyone else loving "Nurse Jackie"?
Edie Falco is a damn good actress, and this show is friggin' awesome...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Phillies pick up Pedro Martinez...
All in all, I'm not crazy about picking up an old guy who most recently played for the Mets.
On the other hand, if you need a fifth starter to beef up your banged-up pitching staff, you might as well go with someone with a Hall of Fame resume.
Time will tell. Here's what he'll look like in Phils' gear...
P.S. I just wanted to point you toward a few fantastic Philly-centric sports sites that you may like if you're so inclined:
The Fightins - All Phillies, all the time.
The 700 Level - This one covers all the Philly franchises. Excellent site.
House that Glanville Built - Named after former Phillie and all-around nice guy, Doug Glanville.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ever get stuck next to this asshole at a ballgame?
I've never had the displeasure of being near someone this detached at a sporting event, but it will lead to some seriously high comedy if I ever do...
Judicial "empathy": It's OK...if you're a white guy!!!
So says Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), who is so batshit crazy, he actually believes abortion providers should be put to death for performing procedures that are perfectly legal.
Think about that logic for a minute.
Coburn also opposes abortion in cases of rape. Lovely.
Anyway, he thought it was admirable that Samuel Alito, a white guy, had empathy for those with backgrounds like his own, but is horrified by the same notion as it applies to Sonia Sotomayor, a Hispanic woman.
This is your Republican party, folks!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Dear God, help me...
This song is undeniable proof that I can get into ANYTHING with a catchy hook.
"Toy Soldiers" by Martika
Aren't I the worst???
Friday, July 10, 2009
You couldn't make a worse comparison if you tried...
"In 1754, Lt. Col. George Washington quit the Virginia militia, an obscure fact that now seems a bit more interesting in the wake of Gov. Sarah Palin's resignation in Alaska,"
- Paul Whitfield, Investor's Business Daily.
Take a deep breath, guys...It's gonna be okay...
From Deadspin...
Gentlemen, brace yourselves: From TMZ: "Erin Andrews — who serves as a sideline reporter for ESPN — was struck in the chin by a foul ball hit by New York Mets player Alex Cora during the 4th inning."A national nightmare has been narrowly averted. I told you people that the Mets suck ass!
But she's okay —repeat: SHE'S OKAY — just a chin bruise, according to TMZ. I do not know if there is significant swelling, or the shade of the bruise, or ice packs involved, but the most important thing is that she's OKAY. Repeat: SHE'S OKAY. I am waiting for official comment from ESPN spokespeople to fill us in on the details.
Stay tuned for updates on this breaking, terrible news that will completely alter the axis of the sports blogging universe, causing it to burst into flames, crap pants, rain frogs, turn rivers red. But again: SHE'S OKAY.
The greatest band ever
I get chills when I crank this one up and I'm not even in the band. One quarter of a century after hearing them for the first time, they're still my favorite...
Fear of the Dark - Iron Maiden
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Why does the GOP losing their asses in two straight election cycles lead to this?
The junior Senator from the only state in the nation ever to lead an armed rebellion against the United States government has this to stay about life in America in 2009...
"...we're about where Germany was before World War II where they became a social democracy. You still had votes but the votes were just power grabs like you see in Iran, and other places in South America, like Chavez is running down in Venezuela. "Isn't it funny how Republicans start to dislike democracy once the election losses start piling up?
--Sen. Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina)
For more evidence, click here...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Which sports figures will never have to buy a beer if you're in the bar?
Here's my short list, I'm guessing it's woefully incomplete:
-Every member of the 2008 WFC Philadelphia Phillies (minus Adam Eaton)
-Steve Carlton
-Donovan McNabb
-Brian Dawkins
-Randall Cunningham
-Julius Erving
-Charles Barkley (he gets a lot of crap and deserves most of it, but I still love the guy)
I'll add more when/if I think of them...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
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Monday, July 6, 2009
It's funny how stupid things can bring back memories...
My kids occasionally watch Sesame Street, and the other day I heard about two seconds of this song and immediately remembered the whole thing...
"Capital I"
Friday, July 3, 2009
HOOOOOOOOOOO-LEEEEEEEEEEEEE SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!
Sarah Palin QUITS as governor of Alaska. I am in shock!!!
Talking Points Memo found the funniest part of her resignation speech...
Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out....and then she quit. HA!!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
"Help me Osama bin Laden, you're my only hope."
Here's rightwing shitstain Michael Scheuer going all Princess Leia on us and rooting for terrorists to "detonate a major weapon" in America.
Oh, and Fox News' golden boy Glenn Beck sits back and lets him do it...
She's disrespecting our flag!!!
Here's Sarah Palin, sullying our sacred banner in a spread for Runner's World. To my knowledge, it's not a photoshop...
Here's the whole article from Runner's World. It's chock full of creepy pictures...
P.S. I'm joking about the flag, but if Nancy Pelosi was seen doing the same thing, I assume several on the right would want her dead...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
ESPN's Ultimate Franchise Standings for 2009...
#1 was a surprise, but #2 put me on the floor.
You can check out the full list here...
