It has been 10 games since, on Nov. 27th before a nationally televised contest with the OKC Durants, Jalen Rose opined that Brandon Jennings should start the All Star for the Eastern Conference. Since that date, here are Brandon Jennings averages:
17.1 pts/g
6.2 ast/g
2.8 reb/g
0.8 stl/g
2.0 to/g
37% FG%
For the season, Jennings is now averaging less than Gilbert Arenas in points, assists, rebounds, and steals.
And, if you ask this humble blogger, my current vote for guard#2 in the East (besides Dwyane Wade) would probably be Rajon Rondo. Obviously, Rondo is not a prolific scorer (12.0 ppg) but he leads the Eastern Conference in assists (9.5) and leads the NBA in steals (2.5). He also is shooting over 53% from the floor and averages fewer turnovers than every other player in the leagues top 9 assist leaders. Oh, and the Celtics currently share the best record in the NBA with the Lakers at 20-4.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Open Letter to Democrat Senators
Dear Senator (fill in the blank),
I understand that Joe Lieberman and the Republicans are again making every effort to thwart the progress in health care that the American public desires. Public opinion polls show that 76% of Americans want a public option available to those who can not otherwise afford health care and yet here we are whittling away a perfectly good bill just to appease a few rogue senators.
As a lifelong Democrat, I am particularly disturbed at the lack of a backbone the members of the Democratic party are showing in this debate. For six years, with only a slight majority, the GOP shoved a number of Bush policies down our throats and we sat by and took it. I think it is time for the Democrats in the Senate to exhibit this same resolve and put the public option back in the health care bill. The worst the GOP can do is filibuster. This would be political suicide for them. With public polls against them, any prolonged filibuster will hurt the Republican brand. The GOP spin will be that the Democrats are holding up the government from important work, however, the truth would be that the Democrats would be willing to vote whenever the petulant Republicans stop fighting for the insurance companies and start working for their constituents.
The biggest concern for me as a Democrat is that by giving into the demands of the few who represent less than 25% of the public interest, it will set a precedent that the Democrats in the Senate are too spineless to fight for what Americans want. The current negotiations have gone from being a compromise to making this a GOP bill. We need to take a stand now and do what the vast majority of the public wants or run the risk of being bullied for the next few years.
There are very few issues that garner this level of public support and calling the Republican’s bluff is only way to proceed now.
I understand that Joe Lieberman and the Republicans are again making every effort to thwart the progress in health care that the American public desires. Public opinion polls show that 76% of Americans want a public option available to those who can not otherwise afford health care and yet here we are whittling away a perfectly good bill just to appease a few rogue senators.
As a lifelong Democrat, I am particularly disturbed at the lack of a backbone the members of the Democratic party are showing in this debate. For six years, with only a slight majority, the GOP shoved a number of Bush policies down our throats and we sat by and took it. I think it is time for the Democrats in the Senate to exhibit this same resolve and put the public option back in the health care bill. The worst the GOP can do is filibuster. This would be political suicide for them. With public polls against them, any prolonged filibuster will hurt the Republican brand. The GOP spin will be that the Democrats are holding up the government from important work, however, the truth would be that the Democrats would be willing to vote whenever the petulant Republicans stop fighting for the insurance companies and start working for their constituents.
The biggest concern for me as a Democrat is that by giving into the demands of the few who represent less than 25% of the public interest, it will set a precedent that the Democrats in the Senate are too spineless to fight for what Americans want. The current negotiations have gone from being a compromise to making this a GOP bill. We need to take a stand now and do what the vast majority of the public wants or run the risk of being bullied for the next few years.
There are very few issues that garner this level of public support and calling the Republican’s bluff is only way to proceed now.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Bullshitter of the Week
This award goes to Dave Zirin, Sports Editor of The Nation.
Because on Friday's broadcast of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann', Mr. Zirin was asked by Keith's stand-in (Lawrence O'Donnell) the following question with regards to a statement posted on Tiger Woods website which indicated he was taking an 'indefinite break' from golf:
Q: What is "indefinite" in the world of golf? Two months? Four months? A year? What?
A: People in the know are saying they think it's a year but no one knows for sure. It's worth telling your audience, Lawrence, that this is almost without precedent though. Remember, athletes are not pundits or actors. There is a very finite period in which they can make their money and in which they can win the prizes and the trophies; and for an athlete to take themselves out of commission in the middle of their prime for a year? The only comparison I can think of is Michael Jordan in 1993 following the death of his father.
Okay, indulge me while I go over all the flaws in his answer.
First of all, who are these "people in the know" to whom he refers? Something tells me this jackhole does not have an insider with Team Tiger. I'd love to place a wager on this. I'd bet big money Tiger is back for The Masters.
Secondly, I don't paid to know sports but I can come up with some names that have temporarily left during their prime (John Riggins sat out the 1980 season, Kim Clijsters 'retired' to have a baby only to return a couple years later and win the 2009 U.S. Open, Justine Henin is returning (as did Jennifer Capriati before her), and how about Sugar Ray Leonard 'retiring' at age 26 only to return a year later... followed by his other retirements and returns).
Third, his comment about 'athletes are not pundits or actors'. Yeah, no shit. But his contention that athletes have a 'very finite period...', well according to Forbes, Michael Jordan earned $45 million in endorsements in 2009! So, I would argue that Tiger will be marketable for a long time after his prime.
And, finally, and this actually relates to #2. I came up with names that have left their sports in their prime only to return after a year plus absence... but I really should not even do that... because IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN with Tiger Woods. We'll see him in Augusta in April 2010.
Conclusion: Dave Zirin... You're my Bullshitter of the Week. Congratulations!
Because on Friday's broadcast of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann', Mr. Zirin was asked by Keith's stand-in (Lawrence O'Donnell) the following question with regards to a statement posted on Tiger Woods website which indicated he was taking an 'indefinite break' from golf:
Q: What is "indefinite" in the world of golf? Two months? Four months? A year? What?
A: People in the know are saying they think it's a year but no one knows for sure. It's worth telling your audience, Lawrence, that this is almost without precedent though. Remember, athletes are not pundits or actors. There is a very finite period in which they can make their money and in which they can win the prizes and the trophies; and for an athlete to take themselves out of commission in the middle of their prime for a year? The only comparison I can think of is Michael Jordan in 1993 following the death of his father.
Okay, indulge me while I go over all the flaws in his answer.
First of all, who are these "people in the know" to whom he refers? Something tells me this jackhole does not have an insider with Team Tiger. I'd love to place a wager on this. I'd bet big money Tiger is back for The Masters.
Secondly, I don't paid to know sports but I can come up with some names that have temporarily left during their prime (John Riggins sat out the 1980 season, Kim Clijsters 'retired' to have a baby only to return a couple years later and win the 2009 U.S. Open, Justine Henin is returning (as did Jennifer Capriati before her), and how about Sugar Ray Leonard 'retiring' at age 26 only to return a year later... followed by his other retirements and returns).
Third, his comment about 'athletes are not pundits or actors'. Yeah, no shit. But his contention that athletes have a 'very finite period...', well according to Forbes, Michael Jordan earned $45 million in endorsements in 2009! So, I would argue that Tiger will be marketable for a long time after his prime.
And, finally, and this actually relates to #2. I came up with names that have left their sports in their prime only to return after a year plus absence... but I really should not even do that... because IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN with Tiger Woods. We'll see him in Augusta in April 2010.
Conclusion: Dave Zirin... You're my Bullshitter of the Week. Congratulations!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
You Cannot Be Serious?!?!
I saw a headline today at espn.com that says "Texas QB McCoy leads finalists for Heisman".
Well, I watched the Big 12 Championship Game and I charted the passes of Colt McCoy out of that infamous spread offense. Here is what I found:
Passes behind the line-of-scrimmage: 11-11 for 59 yards. 0 TD & 0 INT.
Passes over the line-of scrimmage: 9-25 for 126 yards. 0 TD & 3 INT. (0-2 on passes over 20 yds from l.o.s.)
So just remember that when considering how impressive it is that he completes ~70% of his passes. I have nothing against the guy - but I'm not at all certain he merits a first day pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Here are some other observations for the weekend in college football:
Is Eric Mangini running the Nebraska offense? That was pathetic!
Ndamakong Suh is a beast!
Demaryius Thomas of Georgia Tech had another long touchdown reception (70 yards). Thomas is averaging 25.1 ypc and has 9 catches of 50+ yards. I am very curious if he'll declare for the draft and what type of 40 time he'll run (www.nfldraftscout.com is projecting/predicting/reporting -not sure which- that he'll run ~4.59 and go in either the 1st or 2nd round).
C.J. Spiller was very impressive this weekend. Mel Kiper projects him to go mid 1st round. It's too bad - as he would make a good complement to Kevin Smith for the Detroit Lions.
As good as Spiller looked... I'll say it again. If there is one back in college football who really looks to be a future NFL franchise back - it's Trent Richardson from Alabama. Mark Ingram (my vote for the Heisman) is better now - but Richardson has the higher upside. I guess it's like Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders back at Oklahoma State in the late 1980s.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Best. Talk Show. Guest. Ever.
All right, that is probably hyperbole. And my sincerest apologies to Adam Carolla for even making that claim (half-)jokingly. But I caught Artie's appearance on Jimmy Fallon from early October... and he gets more laughs during the second guest's segment (the lovely Olivia Munn from G4's "Attack of the Show") than almost any other guest gets in his/her own segment. So this is worth a watch:
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2009/10/artie-lange-destroyed-on-the-show-tonight
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2009/10/artie-lange-olivie-munn-late-night-gold
http://www.hulu.com/watch/105001/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-ping-pong-jimmy-and-artie-vs-olivia-and-susan
Going Rogue
I came across this (excerpt of a) review on the web for Sarah Palin's book that she didn't actually write:
"Millions of copies will be sold of a book written by someone who can’t write, intended for an audience that doesn’t read, about the thoughts of a person who doesn’t think. God is dead."
Of course, it insinuates the former half-term governor actually wrote the book - which is misleading... but, nevertheless, it is a good encapsulation of my thoughts on this cultural phenomenom.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Maybe You Should Just Stop Talking, Jalen.
Jalen Rose opined that Brandon Jennings should start the All Star Game at the point for the East.
I have a couple problems with this:
First of all, the season has just started! Do we really have to start picking All Stars already!?!
Secondly, the All Stars aren't selected on the basis of exact postions. So, while the East may have a dearth of elite point guards - such that Jalen would even bring this up - as long as there are two guards in the east better than BJ... then he is not a starter.
So, my advice to Jalen is 'settle down'. If you want to bring it up again after Christmas... I will listen. Until then, let's just hope that Derrick Rose plays better because, you know, that would help my fantasy team.
I have a couple problems with this:
First of all, the season has just started! Do we really have to start picking All Stars already!?!
Secondly, the All Stars aren't selected on the basis of exact postions. So, while the East may have a dearth of elite point guards - such that Jalen would even bring this up - as long as there are two guards in the east better than BJ... then he is not a starter.
So, my advice to Jalen is 'settle down'. If you want to bring it up again after Christmas... I will listen. Until then, let's just hope that Derrick Rose plays better because, you know, that would help my fantasy team.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jon Gruden is Wrong!
"Brady Quinn is a good quarterback"
--- Gruden on Monday Night Football, 11/16/09
Ummm, Jon. Actually he really stinks.
--- Gruden on Monday Night Football, 11/16/09
Ummm, Jon. Actually he really stinks.
Received a propaganda email (listed below in bold print) that I couldn't find refuted on snopes or the like.
My general thoughts would be first you are looking at isolated incidents. I can’t find where people crossing these borders that were not accused of spying or something other than crossing the border have been given the sentences below. I can show you reports of Mexicans crossing the border that were shot too (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migrant_deaths_along_the_Mexico_%E2%80%93_United_States_border). That doesn’t mean it is our policy. Secondly, since when did we look to Dictatorships, countries under Communist rule and Theocratic societies as the bastions of human rights? Thirdly, have you taken a second to look at the neighbors of these countries? Most of them are enemies of the nation with which they border. In this sense we already implement some of these policies. The US has taken people from their home land and detained them indefinitely, without charging them with crimes. Some of which have been released because it was determined that there was nothing to charge them with.
As far as how the US handles illegal immigrants most of that information is outright lies, however some of it is merely mostly lies. I have explanations and fact check links below if you want to be informed on the ins and outs of our current system
OK. I THINK I GET IT
Let me see if I understand all this....
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER, YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE TURKEY BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IN PRISON!
BUT, IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET:
A DRIVERS LICENSE - This is not a federal program. This is decided by the states. Some require a SS to get one others do not. In either case they are not given out to illegal aliens legally. Though that certainly doesn’t stop them from driving.
A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD - SSN are not given out to illegal aliens, they are stolen. This would be like saying I gave my TV to a robber.
WELFARE - This is not true. You can check out Myth #3 in this report by the Congressional Research Service: http://immigration.server263.com/images/File/onpoint/AILAcampaignmyths01-08.pdf
FOOD STAMPS – This is barely true. From the SNAP (foodstamp) website. Any child who qualifies can get food stamps, illegal or not. Also any illegal citizen detained by the government can get food stamps (prison, waiting to be deported, etc) until they are returned home. Illegal adults are not supposed to be able to get food stamps without breaking the law. You have to have legal working status (a social security number) and qualify with your income to get food stamps, which means citizens of the country and legal immigrants.
AND, FREE HEALTH CARE? – They get treated in the ER not free health care. Illegal immigrants are already eligible for emergency care through the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, signed by President Reagan in 1986.
If this is a reference to the current health care bill again there is almost no truth to this claim: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/09/from-the-fact-check-desk-illegal-immigrants-and-health-care-reform.html
My general thoughts would be first you are looking at isolated incidents. I can’t find where people crossing these borders that were not accused of spying or something other than crossing the border have been given the sentences below. I can show you reports of Mexicans crossing the border that were shot too (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migrant_deaths_along_the_Mexico_%E2%80%93_United_States_border). That doesn’t mean it is our policy. Secondly, since when did we look to Dictatorships, countries under Communist rule and Theocratic societies as the bastions of human rights? Thirdly, have you taken a second to look at the neighbors of these countries? Most of them are enemies of the nation with which they border. In this sense we already implement some of these policies. The US has taken people from their home land and detained them indefinitely, without charging them with crimes. Some of which have been released because it was determined that there was nothing to charge them with.
As far as how the US handles illegal immigrants most of that information is outright lies, however some of it is merely mostly lies. I have explanations and fact check links below if you want to be informed on the ins and outs of our current system
OK. I THINK I GET IT
Let me see if I understand all this....
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER, YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE TURKEY BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IN PRISON!
BUT, IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET:
A DRIVERS LICENSE - This is not a federal program. This is decided by the states. Some require a SS to get one others do not. In either case they are not given out to illegal aliens legally. Though that certainly doesn’t stop them from driving.
A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD - SSN are not given out to illegal aliens, they are stolen. This would be like saying I gave my TV to a robber.
WELFARE - This is not true. You can check out Myth #3 in this report by the Congressional Research Service: http://immigration.server263.com/images/File/onpoint/AILAcampaignmyths01-08.pdf
FOOD STAMPS – This is barely true. From the SNAP (foodstamp) website. Any child who qualifies can get food stamps, illegal or not. Also any illegal citizen detained by the government can get food stamps (prison, waiting to be deported, etc) until they are returned home. Illegal adults are not supposed to be able to get food stamps without breaking the law. You have to have legal working status (a social security number) and qualify with your income to get food stamps, which means citizens of the country and legal immigrants.
AND, FREE HEALTH CARE? – They get treated in the ER not free health care. Illegal immigrants are already eligible for emergency care through the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, signed by President Reagan in 1986.
If this is a reference to the current health care bill again there is almost no truth to this claim: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/09/from-the-fact-check-desk-illegal-immigrants-and-health-care-reform.html
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