This is a collaboration that did not need to happen. Can you say horrible?
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Power of Flat Out Lies
Nice blog by Kevin Drum in 'Mother Jones' this past weekend about the power of flat out lying. It's so spot on too, if you're not hearing any rebuttal to the lies and you hear them over and over again they soon become truth to the uninformed. Anyways, check it out here, it's a good read. You can find the Paul Waldman article that Drum is referring to here.
Some highlights:
"I have no doubt that the typical Republican voter actually believes that when the Affordable Care Act is implemented, every time one of the nation's nearly one million practicing physicians wants to perform a procedure or prescribe a medicine, they'll have to literally place a call to Washington and get permission from some stingy bureaucrat....Why do they believe that? Because people like Herman Cain keep telling them so. I don't know whether Cain is an ignoramus or a liar, but it has to be at least one, maybe both. He stood on a stage, looked into the camera, and told people that under the ACA, doctors will have to get permission from government bureaucrats for every procedure, and treatment of illnesses will proceed not according to the recommendations of medical professionals but on "the government's timetable."
You might say, "Well, nobody would be dumb enough to actually believe that," but you'd be so, so, wrong. It's not just Cain. If you're a conservative, you hear this kind of thing from politicians you like and trust, you hear it when you turn on Fox News and watch TV personalities you like and trust, and you hear it from radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh that you like and trust. You've heard it hundreds and hundreds of times. Were someone to tell you that it's not just false but spectacularly, insanely false, you wouldn't listen for a second.
"Not to put too fine a point on it, but this is a real problem for liberals. Sure, we cherry-pick evidence, we spin world events, and we impose our worldview when we talk about policy. Everyone does that. But generally speaking, our opinion leaders don't go on national TV, look straight into the camera, and just outright lie about stuff. Theirs do. And you know, if you'd been told over and over that Obamacare meant getting government permission every time you want to go to the doctor; if you'd been told over and over that the economy is in bad shape because a tidal wave of regulations are strangling American business; and if you'd been told over and over that stimulus spending didn't create one single job — well, what would you think about Barack Obama's presidency? Not much, I imagine."
"It's awfully hard to fight stuff this brazen. Everyone understands that politicians fudge details and engage in partisan hypocrisy. All part of the game. But most of us don't expect them to flat out lie. So when they do, we figure there must be something to it. It's a pretty powerful formula, especially when the mainstream press no longer seriously polices this stuff, and isn't much believed even when it does. The answer remains frustratingly elusive."
Some highlights:
"I have no doubt that the typical Republican voter actually believes that when the Affordable Care Act is implemented, every time one of the nation's nearly one million practicing physicians wants to perform a procedure or prescribe a medicine, they'll have to literally place a call to Washington and get permission from some stingy bureaucrat....Why do they believe that? Because people like Herman Cain keep telling them so. I don't know whether Cain is an ignoramus or a liar, but it has to be at least one, maybe both. He stood on a stage, looked into the camera, and told people that under the ACA, doctors will have to get permission from government bureaucrats for every procedure, and treatment of illnesses will proceed not according to the recommendations of medical professionals but on "the government's timetable."
You might say, "Well, nobody would be dumb enough to actually believe that," but you'd be so, so, wrong. It's not just Cain. If you're a conservative, you hear this kind of thing from politicians you like and trust, you hear it when you turn on Fox News and watch TV personalities you like and trust, and you hear it from radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh that you like and trust. You've heard it hundreds and hundreds of times. Were someone to tell you that it's not just false but spectacularly, insanely false, you wouldn't listen for a second.
"Not to put too fine a point on it, but this is a real problem for liberals. Sure, we cherry-pick evidence, we spin world events, and we impose our worldview when we talk about policy. Everyone does that. But generally speaking, our opinion leaders don't go on national TV, look straight into the camera, and just outright lie about stuff. Theirs do. And you know, if you'd been told over and over that Obamacare meant getting government permission every time you want to go to the doctor; if you'd been told over and over that the economy is in bad shape because a tidal wave of regulations are strangling American business; and if you'd been told over and over that stimulus spending didn't create one single job — well, what would you think about Barack Obama's presidency? Not much, I imagine."
"It's awfully hard to fight stuff this brazen. Everyone understands that politicians fudge details and engage in partisan hypocrisy. All part of the game. But most of us don't expect them to flat out lie. So when they do, we figure there must be something to it. It's a pretty powerful formula, especially when the mainstream press no longer seriously polices this stuff, and isn't much believed even when it does. The answer remains frustratingly elusive."
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
POTpourri
- "All My Children" ends 41 year end.
- Jason Whitlock is not a fan of sabermetrics.
- Nicolette Lacson is hot!!!!
- The 400 richest American's have more wealth than half of all Americans combined.
- Where has Edita Vilkeviciute been hiding?
- RIP Orlando Brown.
- Is Nicholas Cage a vampire???
- I wish we'd see more of Adrianne Curry!!
- Vladimir Putin wants his power back, will seek Russian Presidency in 2012.
- Even GOP voters favor increasing taxes on the rich.
NFL Overtime Rules
I think it's high time that the NFL revise their OT rules. Too much weight is put on the coin toss. The last statistics that I saw showed that there is a 60% chance that the team that wins the coin toss will win the game. There's nothing I hate more than seeing a team win the coin toss, receive the kickoff, move it 30 yards or so down field and then kick a game winning field goal without the other team even touching the ball. How is that fair??? They've already approved a change for playoff OT games, why not use it for the regular season too? Get it done Roger Goodell.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Buddy Roemer?
After last week's dismal debate performance Rick Perry seems to have lost some of his luster and it appears that the GOP is scrambling to find the next "ideal" candidate. My question is this, why don't they look inward and take a closer look at Buddy Roemer?
Romney on Auto Industry Bailout
Quite the job creator:
"If General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye. It won’t go overnight, but its demise will be virtually guaranteed." - Mitt Romney, November 2008
We all know how well that prediction turned out don't we.
"If General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye. It won’t go overnight, but its demise will be virtually guaranteed." - Mitt Romney, November 2008
We all know how well that prediction turned out don't we.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Class Warfare My Ass
Yet another great article on 'Class Warfare', this one by William Rivers Pitt of 'Truthout'. I love this article, no sugar coating, just plain facts and straight talk, we need much more of this. Nice job Mr Pitts!!!
I especially enjoyed this part:
I especially enjoyed this part:
"The top-earning businesses in America today, across the board, are wallowing in record profits, and yet somehow hiring is stagnated. Why is that?
Could it be that these titans are holding off on hiring in order to affect the number of jobless Americans, so as to influence public opinion as we head into an election season? God almighty, to have such astonishing reach...to be able to keep millions out of work in order to put one black guy out of a job...now that's real power."
****
"There is work available for the doing, on infrastructure and new technology fields and any number of other areas, but the GOP majority in the House of Representatives won't have any of it, because their marching orders are to screw the American economy in as many orifices as are available to try and unseat the sitting president. Period, end of file, and if you still think that isn't their intention, I have a big red bridge over San Francisco Bay to sell you."
"Class warfare? These cretins have the unmitigated gall to accuse other people of class warfare?
It is a wonder of American politics, this absolute and astonishing lack of shame on the part of the modern GOP. They have spent the last thirty years stifling a minimum-wage increase, they blocked legislation to help 9/11 responders pay for very present health concerns, and spent the latter part of this last week trying to screw disaster relief funding for people who lose homes to tornadoes, floods, wildfires and earthquakes. They hate Social Security and Medicare down to their gold-plated bones. Now they are deliberately and intentionally stifling the very economy they themselves tore up, for no other reason than to win the next election.
How are they doing it? Money and power, power and money, and be damned to those who suffer for their desires.
Psssst...it is class warfare: full-throated, no-bullshit class warfare, and the rich ones whining about it are the ones who are winning. Be on your own side for a change of pace. They got the guns, as a man once said, but we got the numbers.
It is class warfare, and has been for a generation. We've been losing, badly.
For now."
You can read the whole article here, I highly recommend, it's a great read!!
Class Warfare
Nice article by Sally Kohn in the Washington Post this past weekend imploring President Obama to not run away from the "Class Warfare" fight with the GOP, she claims that it's a fight that needs to be fought and won. I could not agree more, the GOP seems think that the term "Class Warfare" immediately disclaims any evidence that "Class Warfare" exists, they really haven't provided any details though, c'mon GOP give me something substantial that shows that we are not in a "Class Warfare" fight already, until you do so I think the argument is fair game.
Anyways, some highlights from the article:
"On Monday, defending his plan to raise taxes on the rich to pay for job creation, President Obama said: “This is not class warfare, it’s math.”
No, Mr. President, this is class warfare — and it’s a war you’d better win. Corporate interests and the rich started it. Right now, they’re winning. Progressives and the middle class must fight back, and the president should be clear whose side he’s on.
"Between 1979 and 2007, the income gap between the richest 1 percent of Americans and the poorest 40 percent more than tripled. Today, the richest 10 percent of Americans control two-thirds of the nation’s wealth, while, according to recently released census data, average Americans saw their real incomes decline by 2.3 percent in 2010. Though our economy grew in 2009 and 2010, 88 percent of the increase in real national income went to corporate profits, one study found. Only 1 percent went to wages and salaries for working people. "
"Last year, American companies posted their biggest profits ever, and bonuses for bank and hedge fund executives not only reached record highs, but grew faster than corporate revenue. Meanwhile, almost one in 10 Americans is unemployed, and 15 percent live at or below the poverty level."
"As a progressive activist who has marched against many wars, I try to avoid militant rhetoric. But only “class warfare” accurately describes a situation in which 400 people control more wealth than the poorest 150 million Americans combined. If “class warfare” isn’t the richest of the rich fighting tooth and nail against unions and any tax increases while record numbers of people lose their homes, what is?"
"Yet Republicans have made clear that they would rather cut Social Security and Medicare benefits than raise taxes on the rich or increase spending to help our economy. Initially, Obama conceded to the right and cut taxes. Now, he says he wants to raise them. The president must show us not only that he’s willing to fight, but that he’s willing to fight for middle-class Americans. This may be his last chance to show voters what he’s made of."
"Three out of four Americans support raising taxes on the richest of the rich. Even a majority of Republican voters favor such tax increases. With a once-popular president running for a second term, the Democratic Party must do the right thing. If it can’t now, when will it be able to?"
"At the Clinton Global Initiative conference in New York this past week, former president Bill Clinton said: “Whether you can win or not in a fight that’s worth fighting, get caught trying.” Instead of denying that there’s a class war in America, Obama must come out swinging for the good guys. History — and voters — will catch him in the act and reward him. And millions of Americans could be inspired to try, in their own way, to topple our economy’s brutal inequality."
Anyways, some highlights from the article:
"On Monday, defending his plan to raise taxes on the rich to pay for job creation, President Obama said: “This is not class warfare, it’s math.”
No, Mr. President, this is class warfare — and it’s a war you’d better win. Corporate interests and the rich started it. Right now, they’re winning. Progressives and the middle class must fight back, and the president should be clear whose side he’s on.
"Between 1979 and 2007, the income gap between the richest 1 percent of Americans and the poorest 40 percent more than tripled. Today, the richest 10 percent of Americans control two-thirds of the nation’s wealth, while, according to recently released census data, average Americans saw their real incomes decline by 2.3 percent in 2010. Though our economy grew in 2009 and 2010, 88 percent of the increase in real national income went to corporate profits, one study found. Only 1 percent went to wages and salaries for working people. "
"Last year, American companies posted their biggest profits ever, and bonuses for bank and hedge fund executives not only reached record highs, but grew faster than corporate revenue. Meanwhile, almost one in 10 Americans is unemployed, and 15 percent live at or below the poverty level."
"As a progressive activist who has marched against many wars, I try to avoid militant rhetoric. But only “class warfare” accurately describes a situation in which 400 people control more wealth than the poorest 150 million Americans combined. If “class warfare” isn’t the richest of the rich fighting tooth and nail against unions and any tax increases while record numbers of people lose their homes, what is?"
"Yet Republicans have made clear that they would rather cut Social Security and Medicare benefits than raise taxes on the rich or increase spending to help our economy. Initially, Obama conceded to the right and cut taxes. Now, he says he wants to raise them. The president must show us not only that he’s willing to fight, but that he’s willing to fight for middle-class Americans. This may be his last chance to show voters what he’s made of."
"Three out of four Americans support raising taxes on the richest of the rich. Even a majority of Republican voters favor such tax increases. With a once-popular president running for a second term, the Democratic Party must do the right thing. If it can’t now, when will it be able to?"
"At the Clinton Global Initiative conference in New York this past week, former president Bill Clinton said: “Whether you can win or not in a fight that’s worth fighting, get caught trying.” Instead of denying that there’s a class war in America, Obama must come out swinging for the good guys. History — and voters — will catch him in the act and reward him. And millions of Americans could be inspired to try, in their own way, to topple our economy’s brutal inequality."
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Cardinals 10, Seahawks 13
The Cardinals dropped to 1-2 on the season today with a very disappointing 13-10 loss to the Seahawks. It was a very winnable game, as was last weeks game against the Redskins, they could easily be 3-0 right now. The defense finally played a decent game too (although the anemic Seahawks offense may have had something to do with that also), the offense was nowhere to be seen though. They have lots of work to do.
Observations:
-Beanie Wells missed the game due to injury, he was very much missed.
-Kevin Kolb's stats look good but I thought that he struggled, especially late when it counted (69.6 QB rating).
-3 of 14 on 3rd down attempts is just not going to cut it.
-It was nice to see them finally target Todd Heap, they really need to target him more often.
-Calais Campbell is emerging as their top defensive player (2.5 sacks, 2 TFL, 10 total tackles).
-Patrick Peterson continues to show improvement (1 INT, 1 fumble recovery), he's going to be fine.
-Jay Feely was only 1 of 3 on his FG, that hurts, especially when you lose by 3.
-The Seahawks better be careful or they will play themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes (Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer at QB there).
-Sidney Rice finally contributed for the Seahawks (8 catches, 109 yards), the Vikings really miss him.
-Up next is the NY Giants (2-1) at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
Observations:
-Beanie Wells missed the game due to injury, he was very much missed.
-Kevin Kolb's stats look good but I thought that he struggled, especially late when it counted (69.6 QB rating).
-3 of 14 on 3rd down attempts is just not going to cut it.
-It was nice to see them finally target Todd Heap, they really need to target him more often.
-Calais Campbell is emerging as their top defensive player (2.5 sacks, 2 TFL, 10 total tackles).
-Patrick Peterson continues to show improvement (1 INT, 1 fumble recovery), he's going to be fine.
-Jay Feely was only 1 of 3 on his FG, that hurts, especially when you lose by 3.
-The Seahawks better be careful or they will play themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes (Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer at QB there).
-Sidney Rice finally contributed for the Seahawks (8 catches, 109 yards), the Vikings really miss him.
-Up next is the NY Giants (2-1) at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
Vikings 23, Lions 23
Unbelievable, the Vikings give up a big halftime lead again (20-0) and lose once again, this time 26-23 (in OT) to the Lions. Last week they led the Bucs 17-0 at halftime and lost (in week 1 they lead the Chargers 17-7 at halftime and lost). The Vikings have outscored their opponents 54-7 in the first half of their first 3 games only to be outscored 67-6 in the 2nd half of those games. This loss drops them to 0-3 on the season. They need to figure things out and quick before they find themselves in a hole too deep to climb out of (if it is not already).
Observations:
-The Vikings defense was on the field way too much in the 2nd half, they just wore down, much like in games 1 and 2. All of those 3 and outs on offense just killed them.
-I did not understand the pass to Jim Kleinsasser after the Lions tied the game at 20, that was a key moment in the game, if they want to throw to a TE they need to be throwing to Shianco or Rudolph.
-Donovan McNabb has not impressed me in his short Vikings tenure, I think it's safe to say that he's most definitely a one year and done QB for the Vikings.
-Brian Robison is proving to be a more than capable replacement for Ray Edwards.
-Jared Allen is playing at a very high level at the other DE spot too.
-I think the Vikings may have erred in not bringing back Ben Leber. That's no knock against Erin Henderson, he's just no Ben Leber. The Lions picked apart the middle of the field today.
-Michael Jenkins has been a nice addition, they again could have used a deep threat WR though.
-Adrian Peterson is a much better fit in a Leslie Frazier/Bill Musgrave offense than he was in the Brad Childress/Darrell Bevell offense, it doesn't matter much without a passing game though.
-Marcus Sherels is turning into a Special Teams demon.
-Up next is the Chiefs (0-3) in Kansas City.
Observations:
-The Vikings defense was on the field way too much in the 2nd half, they just wore down, much like in games 1 and 2. All of those 3 and outs on offense just killed them.
-I did not understand the pass to Jim Kleinsasser after the Lions tied the game at 20, that was a key moment in the game, if they want to throw to a TE they need to be throwing to Shianco or Rudolph.
-Donovan McNabb has not impressed me in his short Vikings tenure, I think it's safe to say that he's most definitely a one year and done QB for the Vikings.
-Brian Robison is proving to be a more than capable replacement for Ray Edwards.
-Jared Allen is playing at a very high level at the other DE spot too.
-I think the Vikings may have erred in not bringing back Ben Leber. That's no knock against Erin Henderson, he's just no Ben Leber. The Lions picked apart the middle of the field today.
-Michael Jenkins has been a nice addition, they again could have used a deep threat WR though.
-Adrian Peterson is a much better fit in a Leslie Frazier/Bill Musgrave offense than he was in the Brad Childress/Darrell Bevell offense, it doesn't matter much without a passing game though.
-Marcus Sherels is turning into a Special Teams demon.
-Up next is the Chiefs (0-3) in Kansas City.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
ASU 43, USC 22
ASU knocks off USC 43-22 tonight to move to 3-1 on the season. Of course it's not the USC of the past several years but ASU will take it. So much for that 11 game losing streak to USC. The Devils are positioning themselves nicely to take the new PAC12 Southern Division, there is still a long road ahead for them though.
Observations:
-Aaron Pfugrad has really developed into a nice WR.
-With Junior Onyeali out, they really need to find another way to get to the QB.
-Cameron Marshall had a heck of game considering he was banged up (141 yards rushing, 3 TD's).
-ASU really does have a lot of very good athletes, speed and athleticism can really cover up for a lot of weaknesses.
-The wind storm looked pretty cool in High Def.
-DT Bo Moos had a really nice game.
-Anytime you can force 4 turnovers you're chances of winning greatly increase.
-QB Brook Osweiler had another nice game (25 of 32 for 223 yards, 2 TD's).
-USC WR Robert Woods is good (8 catches for 131 yards).
-Up next is Oregon St (0-3) @ Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.
Observations:
-Aaron Pfugrad has really developed into a nice WR.
-With Junior Onyeali out, they really need to find another way to get to the QB.
-Cameron Marshall had a heck of game considering he was banged up (141 yards rushing, 3 TD's).
-ASU really does have a lot of very good athletes, speed and athleticism can really cover up for a lot of weaknesses.
-The wind storm looked pretty cool in High Def.
-DT Bo Moos had a really nice game.
-Anytime you can force 4 turnovers you're chances of winning greatly increase.
-QB Brook Osweiler had another nice game (25 of 32 for 223 yards, 2 TD's).
-USC WR Robert Woods is good (8 catches for 131 yards).
-Up next is Oregon St (0-3) @ Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.
Minnesota 24, North Dakota St 37
First year coach or not, no Big Ten team should ever lose to a FCS team. It shouldn't matter if it's a rebuilding year or not, is just should not happen. It was just an embarrassing exhibition of football by the Gophers tonight. Couple this with the loss to New Mexico St and we are headed to possibly one of the worst years ever for Gopher football (with the Big Ten season starting next week I really don't see another victory on the schedule either). I was hoping for much more out of a Jerry Kill coached football team but they were out played, they were out hustled and they were out coached tonight, it has not been a good start at Minnesota for Jerry Kill.
Observations:
-The Gophers are just not a physical football team, I'm not sure if it's a strength issue or if there are just too many young guys out there but they shouldn't be getting pushed around by North Dakota St like they did tonight.
-Where's the intensity???? Where's the heart???? I didn't see much of either tonight, they really need to amp things up a bit.
-Penalties really killed the Gophers, still way too many stupid ones. I was hoping that a new more experienced coaching staff would help them in this area but I really haven't noticed much of a difference from last year.
-The blame for last drive of the 2nd half for the Gophers that ended up in the interception/fumble TD for NDSU should fall on the coaching staff more so than the playeres. WTF was the plan on that drive???
-Wrap up!!!! What's with the olay defense????
-MarQueis Gray is just sooooo tentative throwing the ball, it's really painful to watch at times. Max Shortell is a much better passer and the offense just seems so much more cohesive when he's out there. It pains me to say this but they may be a better team with Shortell out there at QB (and I've always been a big MarQueis Gray supporter).
-Could someone please send out an APB on Brandon Kirksey and Anthony Jacobs (and the rest of the Seniors for that matter).
-You can't give up 14 points on turnovers and expect to win many games.
-Where was Donnell Kirkwood in the 2nd half? He played so well in the first half.
-Up next is Michigan (4-0) at the Big House in Ann Arbor, that could make for a long afternoon.
Observations:
-The Gophers are just not a physical football team, I'm not sure if it's a strength issue or if there are just too many young guys out there but they shouldn't be getting pushed around by North Dakota St like they did tonight.
-Where's the intensity???? Where's the heart???? I didn't see much of either tonight, they really need to amp things up a bit.
-Penalties really killed the Gophers, still way too many stupid ones. I was hoping that a new more experienced coaching staff would help them in this area but I really haven't noticed much of a difference from last year.
-The blame for last drive of the 2nd half for the Gophers that ended up in the interception/fumble TD for NDSU should fall on the coaching staff more so than the playeres. WTF was the plan on that drive???
-Wrap up!!!! What's with the olay defense????
-MarQueis Gray is just sooooo tentative throwing the ball, it's really painful to watch at times. Max Shortell is a much better passer and the offense just seems so much more cohesive when he's out there. It pains me to say this but they may be a better team with Shortell out there at QB (and I've always been a big MarQueis Gray supporter).
-Could someone please send out an APB on Brandon Kirksey and Anthony Jacobs (and the rest of the Seniors for that matter).
-You can't give up 14 points on turnovers and expect to win many games.
-Where was Donnell Kirkwood in the 2nd half? He played so well in the first half.
-Up next is Michigan (4-0) at the Big House in Ann Arbor, that could make for a long afternoon.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
POTpourri
- GOP takes Disaster Relief hostage.
- Joe Scarborough calls out Perry & Romney for undermining the President.
- The murder of Troy Davis. Is this really who we are as a country???
- Tatiana Gil is hot!!!
- R.E.M. calls it quits after 3 decades.
- What exactly is the GOP definition of 'Class Warfare'.
- Forbes Magazine comes out with their list of the '400 Richest Americans'.
- More millionaires calling for higher taxes on millionaires.
- Could you live on $400K a year???
- 'Two and a Half Men' premiere (sans Charlie Sheen) hits ratings record.
Elizabeth Warren in 2016?
I'm really liking everything that I'm hearing from Elizabeth Warren (and so too apparently are MA voters). Is it too soon to be touting her as Barack Obama's replacement in 2016? If the Tea Party was truly bipartisan, as they claim, they would be touting her too.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Moneyball
With 'Moneyball' opening this week I thought that it would be a good time to revisit my list of the Best Baseball Movies of All Time.
Here you go:
Here you go:
- Bull Durham - 1988 - Kevin Costner
- Field of Dreams - 1989 - Kevin Costner
- The Bad News Bears - 1976 - Walter Matthau
- Major League - 1989 - Charlie Sheen
- The Natural - 1984 - Robert Redford
- Sugar - 2008 - Algenis Perez Soto
- The Rookie - 2002 - Dennis Quaid
- Eight Men Out - 1988 - John Cusak
- A League of Their Own - 1992 - Tom Hanks
- Hardball - 2001 - Keanu Reeves
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
POTpourri
- Floyd Mayweather Jr defeats Victor Ortiz. Hopefully, he now stops ducking Manny Pacquiao.
- This just in, Maryna Linchuk is hot!!!
- 2011 Emmy Award winners can be found here.
- Syracuse and Pitt announce move to ACC.
- Watch out for that falling satellite!!!
- Yankee's closer Mariano Rivera sets All Time MLB Saves record.
- RIP Dave Gavitt, Eleanor Mondale & Kara Kennedy.
- Big East & Big 12 talk merger.
- Netflix to spins off DVD by mail business as Quikster.
- Americans favor higher taxes over spending cuts.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Cardinals 21, Redskins 22
The Cardinals also failed to hold onto their lead and allowed the Redskins a late score in their 22-21 defeat. It was a winnable game, they could easily be 2-0 right now, let's hope this one doesn't come back to haunt them.
Observations:
-The defense gave up over 400 yards once again, that needs to stop if they want to make a run at the postseason.
-That's 8 straight loses to the Redskins in Washington D.C. for the Cards
-Nice game by Fitz (7 catches for 133 yards, 1 TD).
-TE Jeff King is proving to be a nice free agent pick up, they need to get Todd Heap more into the game plan though.
-Darryl Washington did not play (injury), his absence was noticeable. It also didn't help when his replacement, Paris Lenon left in the first half with his own injury.
-I think Beanie out dueled Tim Hightower but it was close.
-Where have you been hiding Rex Grossman? You actually look like an NFL QB all of the sudden.
-Up next is the Seahawks (0-2) in Seattle next Sunday.
Observations:
-The defense gave up over 400 yards once again, that needs to stop if they want to make a run at the postseason.
-That's 8 straight loses to the Redskins in Washington D.C. for the Cards
-Nice game by Fitz (7 catches for 133 yards, 1 TD).
-TE Jeff King is proving to be a nice free agent pick up, they need to get Todd Heap more into the game plan though.
-Darryl Washington did not play (injury), his absence was noticeable. It also didn't help when his replacement, Paris Lenon left in the first half with his own injury.
-I think Beanie out dueled Tim Hightower but it was close.
-Where have you been hiding Rex Grossman? You actually look like an NFL QB all of the sudden.
-Up next is the Seahawks (0-2) in Seattle next Sunday.
Vikings 20, Buccaneers 24
The Vikings fall to 0-2 on the season falling to the Bucs 24-20. The Vikings lead 17-0 at halftime and appeared to be in complete control of the game. It's a bit disconcerting to me that they've been so out played (and out coached) in the 2nd half two weeks in a row now. They really need to develop a killer instinct.
Observations:
-The Bucs led for all of 31 seconds of this game.
-This is only the second time in franchise history that the Vikings have started 0-2 two seasons in a row.
-Nice game by Adrian Peterson (130 yards on 26 carries, 2 TD's).
-The OL really needs to buy more time for Donovan McNabb to throw the ball, he was constantly under pressure once again.
-A legitimate deep threat at WR would be really nice (someone like Sidney Rice perhaps??)
-Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman is good in the 4th quarter.
-Should the Vikes pick Andrew Luck a year after selecting Christian Ponder???
-What happened to the pass rush in the 2nd half?
-How do you get blindsided by a an on-side kick in the second half? Even I saw that coming.
-Up next is Detroit (2-0) in Minneapolis, the Lions are looking tough this year, don't be shocked by a 0-3 start.
Observations:
-The Bucs led for all of 31 seconds of this game.
-This is only the second time in franchise history that the Vikings have started 0-2 two seasons in a row.
-Nice game by Adrian Peterson (130 yards on 26 carries, 2 TD's).
-The OL really needs to buy more time for Donovan McNabb to throw the ball, he was constantly under pressure once again.
-A legitimate deep threat at WR would be really nice (someone like Sidney Rice perhaps??)
-Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman is good in the 4th quarter.
-Should the Vikes pick Andrew Luck a year after selecting Christian Ponder???
-What happened to the pass rush in the 2nd half?
-How do you get blindsided by a an on-side kick in the second half? Even I saw that coming.
-Up next is Detroit (2-0) in Minneapolis, the Lions are looking tough this year, don't be shocked by a 0-3 start.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Arizona St 14, Illinois 17
ASU suffers their first loss of the season tonight on the road at Illinois, 17-14. The loss drops ASU to 2-1 on the season. I suspect they will drop out of the Top 25 ratings with this loss (Illinois is a solid team though). They had their chances they just couldn't put it away.
Observations:
-Total Yards: ASU=362, Illinois=239
-Still too many stupid mistakes and penalties, they really need to play smarter.
-The injury to DE Junior Onyeali really hurt the pass rush.
-Vontaze Burfict needs to pick up his game, he seems to disappear at times.
-Gerell Robinson had a nice game (8 catches for 87 yards, 1 TD).
-The OL really needs to play better, Brock Osweiler was on the run all game.
-ASU really misses CB Omar Bolden, he's an impact CB, there aren't many of those around.
-Special team also need to play better (Garoutte missed a FG; Hubner averaged 35.7 on 6 punts).
-Up next is USC at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe next Saturday. It's a very winnable game.
Observations:
-Total Yards: ASU=362, Illinois=239
-Still too many stupid mistakes and penalties, they really need to play smarter.
-The injury to DE Junior Onyeali really hurt the pass rush.
-Vontaze Burfict needs to pick up his game, he seems to disappear at times.
-Gerell Robinson had a nice game (8 catches for 87 yards, 1 TD).
-The OL really needs to play better, Brock Osweiler was on the run all game.
-ASU really misses CB Omar Bolden, he's an impact CB, there aren't many of those around.
-Special team also need to play better (Garoutte missed a FG; Hubner averaged 35.7 on 6 punts).
-Up next is USC at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe next Saturday. It's a very winnable game.
Minnesota 29, Miami (OH) 23
Jerry Kill gets his first victory as head football coach of the Minnesota Gophers!!!! Congrats to Jerry! It was a tough week for him, I was just happy to see him roaming the sidelines, the victory is icing on the cake. The Gophers move to 1-2 on the season. They looked much better today, still some things to works on but it was a step in the right direction. I think it's only natural for there to be some growing pains while the players adjust to the new coaches/schemes and the coaches figure out what they have to work with.
Observations:
-The passing game still needs some work but Marqueis Gray did look much more confident at QB, I think he will only get better the more he plays.
-Marqueis Gray's 171 rushing yards really helped, future opponents will need to take note and that could free up a receiver or two.
-The Gophers finally got a sack!!!! Only 1 though. 1 sack every 3 games will not cut it going forward.
-The defense overall still needs to pick it up too, they gave up 400+ yards again, that will not cut it against Big Ten opponents.
-It was good to see RB-Donnell Kirkwood get some carries, I like Duane Bennett but I'm not quite sure he's an every down RB.
-It was also good to see an appearance from TE-Eric Lair, he had 2 catches today, I really hope they can work him into the game plan more as the season moves forward.
-Troy Stoudermire continues to shine at CB, I think he could have a future in the league at that position (i.e. NFL). Just think, he almost quit the team last year after being moved from WR.
-Up next is North Dakota St at TCF Stadium in Minneapolis next Saturday. Hopefully they learned something from that New Mexico St game and don't take North Dakota St lightly (they are a decent team, it shouldn't be a shock if they can pull off an upset).
Observations:
-The passing game still needs some work but Marqueis Gray did look much more confident at QB, I think he will only get better the more he plays.
-Marqueis Gray's 171 rushing yards really helped, future opponents will need to take note and that could free up a receiver or two.
-The Gophers finally got a sack!!!! Only 1 though. 1 sack every 3 games will not cut it going forward.
-The defense overall still needs to pick it up too, they gave up 400+ yards again, that will not cut it against Big Ten opponents.
-It was good to see RB-Donnell Kirkwood get some carries, I like Duane Bennett but I'm not quite sure he's an every down RB.
-It was also good to see an appearance from TE-Eric Lair, he had 2 catches today, I really hope they can work him into the game plan more as the season moves forward.
-Troy Stoudermire continues to shine at CB, I think he could have a future in the league at that position (i.e. NFL). Just think, he almost quit the team last year after being moved from WR.
-Up next is North Dakota St at TCF Stadium in Minneapolis next Saturday. Hopefully they learned something from that New Mexico St game and don't take North Dakota St lightly (they are a decent team, it shouldn't be a shock if they can pull off an upset).
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
POTpourri
- U.S. poverty level reaches highest level since 1993.
- Is GWB really taking credit for the death of Osama Bin Laden???
- This just in, Micaela Schaefer is hot!!
- Miss Angola named Miss Universe.
- Tom Brady throws for 517 yards & 4 TD's vs Dolphins.
- Congrats to Novak Djokovic and Samantha Stosur on their U.S. Open Tennis championships.
- 'Entourage' comes to an end, at least until the movie.
- Did Glen Rice and Sarah Palin have a one night stand?
- Landau Eugene Murphy Jr wins 'American's Got Talent'.
- Halle Berry continues to defy middle age.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Amazing Fiery Rescue
Just when you start to lose faith in America you come across a video like this. Look at all of those people risking their lives to save this guy. That car could have exploded at any time.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Timberwolves Hire Adelman
Reportedly, the Minnesota Timberwolves have hired Rick Adelman as their next head coach. To that, I say, great hire!!! He was my first choice as a replacement for Kurt Rambis the moment that I heard that he may have some interest. After the Rambis fiasco, they really needed to bring in an experienced coach with a successful track record and they got that and more in Rick Adelman, he brings instant credibility to the the franchise. I think his up tempo offensive philosophy is also a perfect fit for the young, athletic Wolves team that David Kahn has put together. I think they will be a fun team to watch this year (if they play this year that is). Go Wolves!!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Vikings 17, Chargers 24
What a frustrating game to watch as the Vikings lose 24-17 to the Chargers. It started out great as Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff for a TD. The Vikings even held a 17-7 half time lead. The second half is when things seemed to fall apart for the Vikings though. It seemed as though they started playing not to lose rather than to win the game. The offensive was incredibly conservative, it seemed like it consisted of run-run-pass, run-run-pass, run-run-pass, that doesn't usually cut it in the NFL. The defense wasn't much better either, there were holes open all over the place that a QB the caliber of Phillip Rivers will just pick apart. Anyways, the Vikes start out 0-1 on the season.
Observations:
-Chargers 31 first downs, Vikings 10 first downs.
-Chargers 407 total yards, Vikings 187 total yards.
-Chargers time of possession 37:17, Vikings time of possession 22:43.
-Where were the half time adjustments? The Chargers outscored the Vikings 17-0 in the second half.
-Charlie Johnson is no Bryant McKinnie. He struggled all game at LT.
-Donovan McNabb completed 7 of 15 passes for just 39 yards, I fault the playing calling for that more than McNabb though. Also, lack of protection.
-Where were the TE's??? No receptions for any Viking TE's today.
-Way too many stupid penalties, especially down the stretch.
-Adrian Peterson had a nice game (98 yards on 16 carries), they cannot rely only on him though especially when teams start stacking the box to stop the run (like the Chargers did today).
-Up next is Tampa Bay in Minneapolis @ Mall of America Field.
**********************************
***Cardinals 28, Panthers 21***
The Kevin Kolb era starts off 1-0 with a 28-21 victory over the Panthers. Kolb looked good, he played at a much higher level than any QB the Cards played at any point last year. The Ray Horton era as defensive coordinator on the other hand needs some work, they gave up 477 yards to a team playing a rookie QB in his first NFL start, I did like their aggressiveness though.
Observations:
-Nice game by Early Doucet (3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD), they really need a #2 WR to step up and Doucet showed he could be that guy.
-Nice game by Beanie Wells too (90 yards on 18 carries, 1 TD).
-Patrick Peterson struggled a bit in his first NFL start at CB, his punt return for a TD really helped though.
-Darryl Washington had a nice game at LB, hopefully his injury is not serious.
-Cam Newton had perhaps the greatest NFL debut ever (422 yards passing, 3 TD's), he just may have a future in this league.
-Up next is Washington (1-0) on the road in Washington.
Observations:
-Chargers 31 first downs, Vikings 10 first downs.
-Chargers 407 total yards, Vikings 187 total yards.
-Chargers time of possession 37:17, Vikings time of possession 22:43.
-Where were the half time adjustments? The Chargers outscored the Vikings 17-0 in the second half.
-Charlie Johnson is no Bryant McKinnie. He struggled all game at LT.
-Donovan McNabb completed 7 of 15 passes for just 39 yards, I fault the playing calling for that more than McNabb though. Also, lack of protection.
-Where were the TE's??? No receptions for any Viking TE's today.
-Way too many stupid penalties, especially down the stretch.
-Adrian Peterson had a nice game (98 yards on 16 carries), they cannot rely only on him though especially when teams start stacking the box to stop the run (like the Chargers did today).
-Up next is Tampa Bay in Minneapolis @ Mall of America Field.
**********************************
***Cardinals 28, Panthers 21***
The Kevin Kolb era starts off 1-0 with a 28-21 victory over the Panthers. Kolb looked good, he played at a much higher level than any QB the Cards played at any point last year. The Ray Horton era as defensive coordinator on the other hand needs some work, they gave up 477 yards to a team playing a rookie QB in his first NFL start, I did like their aggressiveness though.
Observations:
-Nice game by Early Doucet (3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD), they really need a #2 WR to step up and Doucet showed he could be that guy.
-Nice game by Beanie Wells too (90 yards on 18 carries, 1 TD).
-Patrick Peterson struggled a bit in his first NFL start at CB, his punt return for a TD really helped though.
-Darryl Washington had a nice game at LB, hopefully his injury is not serious.
-Cam Newton had perhaps the greatest NFL debut ever (422 yards passing, 3 TD's), he just may have a future in this league.
-Up next is Washington (1-0) on the road in Washington.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Minnesota 21, New Mexico St 28
What a disastrous day for Gopher football, and I'm not even talking about losing 28-21 to a team as piss poor as New Mexico St. Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill suffered a seizure on the field with 20 seconds left in the game and had to be taken off the field in an ambulance. It was just a surreal site to see. I noticed that he seemed to be getting more and more flush as the game went along but I just attributed that to the weather and the fact that they were losing. Anyways, it sounds like he does have a history of seizures and should be fine, I just hope it's not a sight that I will need to see again.
Observations:
-Except for a couple early interceptions, I did see some positives in the play of MarQueis Gray, he threw the ball much better as game went along and his running ability does give them an added dimension. Max Shortell did get some playing time too but he wasn't nearly as impressive as he was last week.
-The pass defense was again incredibly porous, they made Andrew Manley look like an All-American. I can't even imagine how Big Ten teams will carve up that defense.
-The pass rush was again non-existent. 2 games, no sacks.
-Where's the rushing game? The RB's combined for 36 yards on 16 carries (that's a whopping 2.25 yards per carry), they need to do better than that. I'll put it more on the OL than the RB's too, there just weren't many running lanes open most of the game.
-DaJon McKnight was easily the best player in a Gopher uniform today (9 catches for 146 yards, 1 TD).
-The silence of the stadium while Kill was down on the field was really eerie.
-The Gophers are now 0-2, it could be a long season, they really need to tighten up that defense if they hope to find a win or two this year.
-Next up is Miami (Ohio) on 09/17 @ TCF Stadium in Minneapolis.
Observations:
-Except for a couple early interceptions, I did see some positives in the play of MarQueis Gray, he threw the ball much better as game went along and his running ability does give them an added dimension. Max Shortell did get some playing time too but he wasn't nearly as impressive as he was last week.
-The pass defense was again incredibly porous, they made Andrew Manley look like an All-American. I can't even imagine how Big Ten teams will carve up that defense.
-The pass rush was again non-existent. 2 games, no sacks.
-Where's the rushing game? The RB's combined for 36 yards on 16 carries (that's a whopping 2.25 yards per carry), they need to do better than that. I'll put it more on the OL than the RB's too, there just weren't many running lanes open most of the game.
-DaJon McKnight was easily the best player in a Gopher uniform today (9 catches for 146 yards, 1 TD).
-The silence of the stadium while Kill was down on the field was really eerie.
-The Gophers are now 0-2, it could be a long season, they really need to tighten up that defense if they hope to find a win or two this year.
-Next up is Miami (Ohio) on 09/17 @ TCF Stadium in Minneapolis.
Friday, September 9, 2011
ASU 37, Missouri 30
Finally, a win over a ranked non-conference opponent for ASU as they knock off Missouri 37-30 to move to 2-0 on the season. ASU didn't make it easy for themselves though as they almost gave away a 30-16 fourth quarter lead. This is a really big win, according to Paola Bouvin of the Arizona Republic, in the 4 years that ASU has beaten a ranked non-conference opponent in September they have finished with a combined 37-9-1 record and went to 3 bowl games (including 2 Rose Bowls).
Observations:
-I really enjoyed the blackout, I'm guessing it will return.
-The new black ASU uniforms (see photo above) looked great.
-ASU needs to tighten up their tackling, I saw lots of missed tackles, they need to start wrapping up.
-WR Gerell Robinson may be a great athlete but he really needs to work on catching the football.
-WR Aaron Pfugrad does not need to work on catching the football, he had a very nice game.
-Just like last year, too many stupid mistakes and penalties.
-Special teams need to play better (blocked extra point, missed filed goal, fumbled punt return).
-LB Shelly Lyons really stood out to me defensively.
-James Franklin looks to be a nice replacement for Blaine Gabbert at QB for Missouri.
-Up next is Illinois in Champaign. That should be another tough one.
POTpourri
- The S&P rates subprime bonds higher than U.S. debt? Where's the credibility?
- Are the Vikings the 2011 Team of Destiny?
- RIP Lee Roy Selmon.
- I think I'd marry Lily Aldridge.
- Twins fire Tom Nieto as AAA manager.
- Nice work Michael Bay.
- Do corporations that are flush in cash really need more tax breaks?
- Randall Cobb becomes first player born in the 1990's to play in an NFL game.
- Where have you been hiding Jessica-Jane Clement?
- Russian jet crashes and kills entire hockey team.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
2011 NFL Season Starts Today!
The 2011 NFL Season kicks off tonight so I thought that it would be a good time to give my 2011-12 NFL Predictions. Here goes:
NFC East: 1) Philadelphia, 2) Dallas, 3) NY Giants, 4) Washington
NFC North: 1) Green Bay, 2) Detroit. 3) Minnesota, 4) Chicago
NFC South: 1) Atlanta, 2) New Orleans, 3) Tampa Bay, 4) Carolina
NFC West: 1) Arizona, 2) St Louis, 3) San Francisco, 4) Seattle
AFC East: 1) NY Jets, 2) New England, 3) Miami, 4) Buffalo
AFC North: 1) Baltimore, 2) Pittsburgh, 3) Cleveland, 4) Cincinnati
AFC South: 1) Houston, 2) Tennessee, 3) Indianapolis, 4) Jacksonville
AFC West: 1) San Diego, 2) Kansas City, 3) Oakland, 4) Denver
NFC Playoffs: Eagles, Packers, Falcons, Cardinals, Saints, Buccaneers
AFC Playoffs: Jets, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Steelers
NFC Championship: Packers vs Falcons
AFC Championship: Jets vs Ravens
Super Bowl: Packers vs Ravens
Super Bowl Champions: Baltimore Ravens
I went with this same Super Bowl prediction last year, it is certainly plausible again this year IMO. I'll go with the Ravens this year, it's just too hard to repeat. I think the addition of Kevin Kolb will help the Cardinals win the very weak NFC West. I think the Vikings will surprise some people this year, I like the coaching change, the changes to the offense and the addition of Donovan McNabb (yes, I think he will rebound from last years disaster in Washington). I think the Lions will also be much improved (especially if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy for once). I'm not high on the Bears, I don't see them having anywhere near as good a year this year. MVP pick? How can you not go with Aaron Rodgers of the Packers?
NFC East: 1) Philadelphia, 2) Dallas, 3) NY Giants, 4) Washington
NFC North: 1) Green Bay, 2) Detroit. 3) Minnesota, 4) Chicago
NFC South: 1) Atlanta, 2) New Orleans, 3) Tampa Bay, 4) Carolina
NFC West: 1) Arizona, 2) St Louis, 3) San Francisco, 4) Seattle
AFC East: 1) NY Jets, 2) New England, 3) Miami, 4) Buffalo
AFC North: 1) Baltimore, 2) Pittsburgh, 3) Cleveland, 4) Cincinnati
AFC South: 1) Houston, 2) Tennessee, 3) Indianapolis, 4) Jacksonville
AFC West: 1) San Diego, 2) Kansas City, 3) Oakland, 4) Denver
NFC Playoffs: Eagles, Packers, Falcons, Cardinals, Saints, Buccaneers
AFC Playoffs: Jets, Ravens, Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Steelers
NFC Championship: Packers vs Falcons
AFC Championship: Jets vs Ravens
Super Bowl: Packers vs Ravens
Super Bowl Champions: Baltimore Ravens
I went with this same Super Bowl prediction last year, it is certainly plausible again this year IMO. I'll go with the Ravens this year, it's just too hard to repeat. I think the addition of Kevin Kolb will help the Cardinals win the very weak NFC West. I think the Vikings will surprise some people this year, I like the coaching change, the changes to the offense and the addition of Donovan McNabb (yes, I think he will rebound from last years disaster in Washington). I think the Lions will also be much improved (especially if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy for once). I'm not high on the Bears, I don't see them having anywhere near as good a year this year. MVP pick? How can you not go with Aaron Rodgers of the Packers?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
I really enjoyed this article written by Robert Reich this past weekend in the New York Times. He does an excellent job of showing the folly of our past/present economic policies and showing how these policies have not "lifted all boats". I'm not sure what the solution is but I'm guessing it has nothing to do with lowering taxes on the wealthy (been there, done that, didn't work) or ending the collective bargaining powers of unions.
Anyways, here are some highlights:
"THE 5 percent of Americans with the highest incomes now account for 37 percent of all consumer purchases, according to the latest research from Moody’s Analytics. That should come as no surprise. Our society has become more and more unequal.
When so much income goes to the top, the middle class doesn’t have enough purchasing power to keep the economy going without sinking ever more deeply into debt — which, as we’ve seen, ends badly. An economy so dependent on the spending of a few is also prone to great booms and busts. The rich splurge and speculate when their savings are doing well. But when the values of their assets tumble, they pull back. That can lead to wild gyrations. Sound familiar?
The economy won’t really bounce back until America’s surge toward inequality is reversed. Even if by some miracle President Obama gets support for a second big stimulus while Ben S. Bernanke’s Fed keeps interest rates near zero, neither will do the trick without a middle class capable of spending."
Look back over the last hundred years and you’ll see the pattern. During periods when the very rich took home a much smaller proportion of total income — as in the Great Prosperity between 1947 and 1977 — the nation as a whole grew faster and median wages surged. We created a virtuous cycle in which an ever growing middle class had the ability to consume more goods and services, which created more and better jobs, thereby stoking demand. The rising tide did in fact lift all boats.
During periods when the very rich took home a larger proportion — as between 1918 and 1933, and in the Great Regression from 1981 to the present day — growth slowed, median wages stagnated and we suffered giant downturns. It’s no mere coincidence that over the last century the top earners’ share of the nation’s total income peaked in 1928 and 2007 — the two years just preceding the biggest downturns."
*********************
"THE real reason for America’s Great Regression was political. As income and wealth became more concentrated in fewer hands, American politics reverted to what Marriner S. Eccles, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve, described in the 1920s, when people “with great economic power had an undue influence in making the rules of the economic game.” With hefty campaign contributions and platoons of lobbyists and public relations spinners, America’s executive class has gained lower tax rates while resisting reforms that would spread the gains from growth.
"Yet the rich are now being bitten by their own success. Those at the top would be better off with a smaller share of a rapidly growing economy than a large share of one that’s almost dead in the water. "
"Reviving the middle class requires that we reverse the nation’s decades-long trend toward widening inequality. This is possible notwithstanding the political power of the executive class. So many people are now being hit by job losses, sagging incomes and declining home values that Americans could be mobilized.
Moreover, an economy is not a zero-sum game. Even the executive class has an enlightened self-interest in reversing the trend; just as a rising tide lifts all boats, the ebbing tide is now threatening to beach many of the yachts. The question is whether, and when, we will summon the political will. We have summoned it before in even bleaker times.
As the historian James Truslow Adams defined the American Dream when he coined the term at the depths of the Great Depression, what we seek is “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone.”
You can read the whole article here, I highly recommend.
Anyways, here are some highlights:
"THE 5 percent of Americans with the highest incomes now account for 37 percent of all consumer purchases, according to the latest research from Moody’s Analytics. That should come as no surprise. Our society has become more and more unequal.
When so much income goes to the top, the middle class doesn’t have enough purchasing power to keep the economy going without sinking ever more deeply into debt — which, as we’ve seen, ends badly. An economy so dependent on the spending of a few is also prone to great booms and busts. The rich splurge and speculate when their savings are doing well. But when the values of their assets tumble, they pull back. That can lead to wild gyrations. Sound familiar?
The economy won’t really bounce back until America’s surge toward inequality is reversed. Even if by some miracle President Obama gets support for a second big stimulus while Ben S. Bernanke’s Fed keeps interest rates near zero, neither will do the trick without a middle class capable of spending."
Look back over the last hundred years and you’ll see the pattern. During periods when the very rich took home a much smaller proportion of total income — as in the Great Prosperity between 1947 and 1977 — the nation as a whole grew faster and median wages surged. We created a virtuous cycle in which an ever growing middle class had the ability to consume more goods and services, which created more and better jobs, thereby stoking demand. The rising tide did in fact lift all boats.
During periods when the very rich took home a larger proportion — as between 1918 and 1933, and in the Great Regression from 1981 to the present day — growth slowed, median wages stagnated and we suffered giant downturns. It’s no mere coincidence that over the last century the top earners’ share of the nation’s total income peaked in 1928 and 2007 — the two years just preceding the biggest downturns."
*********************
"THE real reason for America’s Great Regression was political. As income and wealth became more concentrated in fewer hands, American politics reverted to what Marriner S. Eccles, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve, described in the 1920s, when people “with great economic power had an undue influence in making the rules of the economic game.” With hefty campaign contributions and platoons of lobbyists and public relations spinners, America’s executive class has gained lower tax rates while resisting reforms that would spread the gains from growth.
"Yet the rich are now being bitten by their own success. Those at the top would be better off with a smaller share of a rapidly growing economy than a large share of one that’s almost dead in the water. "
"Reviving the middle class requires that we reverse the nation’s decades-long trend toward widening inequality. This is possible notwithstanding the political power of the executive class. So many people are now being hit by job losses, sagging incomes and declining home values that Americans could be mobilized.
Moreover, an economy is not a zero-sum game. Even the executive class has an enlightened self-interest in reversing the trend; just as a rising tide lifts all boats, the ebbing tide is now threatening to beach many of the yachts. The question is whether, and when, we will summon the political will. We have summoned it before in even bleaker times.
As the historian James Truslow Adams defined the American Dream when he coined the term at the depths of the Great Depression, what we seek is “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone.”
You can read the whole article here, I highly recommend.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
AZ Tidbits
- Arizona tops Gawker's list of the Worst States.
- Greg Stanton & Wes Gullett to face off in Phoenix mayor run-off election.
- ESPN did a nice story on the Diamondbacks Sean Burroughs, check it out here.
- Cardinals lose CB Greg Toler for the season with torn ACL.
- Is Ian Kennedy pitching himself into the NL Cy Young race?
- 'Travel Leaders' ranks Phoenix/Scottsdale as one of the top 10 fall travel destinations.
- It was the hottest August ever in Phoenix.
- Is the PAC12 about to become the PAC16?
- Should the Arizona GOP really be raffling off guns to raise money???
- Cardinals sign RB Chester Taylor to replace injured Ryan Williams.
POTpourri
- GOP finds another hostage.
- I'm kind of digging on Debbie Sath.
- Texas A&M is determined to leave the Big 12.
- More Bar Refaili bikini pics here!!!!
- Small business owners say that taxes and regulations aren't killing their businesses.
- Brooke Burke is looking MILF-tastic!
- More GOP hypocrisy? They are now avoiding town hall meetings after demanding them in 2010.
- Last quarter, corporate profits were the highest they've been since 1947.
- Since 2009, 88% of income growth went to corporate growth, just 1% to wages.
- Is anybody representing the middle class in Washington?
Saturday, September 3, 2011
USC 19, Minnesota 17
The Jerry Kill era officially begins at the University of Minnesota! Unfortunately it's with a loss, 19-17 to USC. It was really a game of 2 half's, USC was clearly the better team in the first half, Minnesota was the better team in the second half. It's hard to believe (especially after the terrible start by the Gophers) but it really was a winnable game for Minnesota (they had a FG attempt blocked in the 2nd half). I hate seeing a loss but I'm actually okay with this loss, they were 20+ point underdogs, they were on the road, they were playing the first game with their new head coach, they were employing new offensive & defensive schemes and they were starting a new QB, all told, I think they played well.
Observations:
-I really like that the coaching staff was able to make some adjustments in the 2nd half to get the Gophers back into the game, that wasn't a strength under Tim Brewster.
-Do we have a QB controversy already? Max Shortell looked very impressive in relief of the injured MarQueis Gray. I'm guessing not just yet, I'm betting both of them will continue to get playing time though.
-The pass rush still needs improvement, Matt Barkley had way too much time to throw for much of the game. Barkley looked pretty good for USC too BTW, he'll be playing on Sunday's.
-IMO Gary Tinsley was the best player on either side of the field today for the Gophers, he was everywhere.
-Dan Orseske is a much improved punter from last year, that's huge, field possession can be crucial.
-The offensive line needs to play much better going forward, Gray seemed to constantly be under pressure and there didn't seem to be many running lanes open on rushing calls.
-Tackling was much improved from last year, I really can't recall one play where a tackle was missed.
-USC WR Robert Woods is good, he's probably the best WR the Gophers will see this year, they did make some adjustments in the 2nd half though that seemed to slow him down some. He will be playing on Sundays too.
-Up next is New Mexico St next Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
-I do not miss Tim Brewster!!
Observations:
-I really like that the coaching staff was able to make some adjustments in the 2nd half to get the Gophers back into the game, that wasn't a strength under Tim Brewster.
-Do we have a QB controversy already? Max Shortell looked very impressive in relief of the injured MarQueis Gray. I'm guessing not just yet, I'm betting both of them will continue to get playing time though.
-The pass rush still needs improvement, Matt Barkley had way too much time to throw for much of the game. Barkley looked pretty good for USC too BTW, he'll be playing on Sunday's.
-IMO Gary Tinsley was the best player on either side of the field today for the Gophers, he was everywhere.
-Dan Orseske is a much improved punter from last year, that's huge, field possession can be crucial.
-The offensive line needs to play much better going forward, Gray seemed to constantly be under pressure and there didn't seem to be many running lanes open on rushing calls.
-Tackling was much improved from last year, I really can't recall one play where a tackle was missed.
-USC WR Robert Woods is good, he's probably the best WR the Gophers will see this year, they did make some adjustments in the 2nd half though that seemed to slow him down some. He will be playing on Sundays too.
-Up next is New Mexico St next Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
-I do not miss Tim Brewster!!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
ASU 48, UC-Davis 14
Nice start for the ASU football team tonight as they ran over UC-Davis 48-14. Yeah, I know, UC-Davis is no powerhouse, still they did a lot of nice things, I was impressed. Expectations are high and this game did not do anything to diminish those expectations IMO.
Observations:
-Cameron Marshall looks to be on the verge of a breakout year at RB.
-Brock Osweiler looked sharp at QB, I think he's going to have a good year.
-Vontaze Burfict is still a beast, he had a couple of sacks and appeared to be everywhere.
-Junior Onyeali looked good at DE, he was in the backfield quite a bit.
-Alex Garoutte looks like a suitable replacement for Thomas Webber at Kicker, so far anyways.
-The defense was much more aggressive than last year, lots more blitzing, I liked it.
-I really like the depth at RB & WR, not so much at QB.
-Good to see QB Mike Bercovici get some playing time.
-It was 104 degrees at kickoff, I love my HDTV.
-Up next is Missouri next Friday @ Sun Devil Stadium, that will be a much tougher match up.
Observations:
-Cameron Marshall looks to be on the verge of a breakout year at RB.
-Brock Osweiler looked sharp at QB, I think he's going to have a good year.
-Vontaze Burfict is still a beast, he had a couple of sacks and appeared to be everywhere.
-Junior Onyeali looked good at DE, he was in the backfield quite a bit.
-Alex Garoutte looks like a suitable replacement for Thomas Webber at Kicker, so far anyways.
-The defense was much more aggressive than last year, lots more blitzing, I liked it.
-I really like the depth at RB & WR, not so much at QB.
-Good to see QB Mike Bercovici get some playing time.
-It was 104 degrees at kickoff, I love my HDTV.
-Up next is Missouri next Friday @ Sun Devil Stadium, that will be a much tougher match up.
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