I've been watching Ken Burns' new documentary "The War" on P-B-S this week--and I want to say "thank you" to everyone who contributed to winning World War II--whether it be the soldier who fought in Europe or the Pacific--or those who sacrificed back home for the war effort. If you think paying three-bucks a gallon for gas is a "hardship" imagine not be able to buy any gas...or meat...or sugar...for four years.
Watching the old black and white newsreel footage got me to thinking, what if we fought World War II in our current 24-hour news culture? I'm guessing that in 1939 Fox News would have talking heads on demanding President Roosevelt declare war on Germany for invading Poland and parts of Czechoslovakia. CNN would update the European situation with their special "March to War" vidoe effect. Hitler would also be invited to speak in New York City. Historians would blame Woodrow Wilson for not invading Germany when he had a chance in World War I.
On December 7th 1941, Americans would watch in horror repeated video clips showing the explosion that sank the Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Congress would form several sub-committees and hold hundreds of meetings to determine who was to blame for Twelve-Seven and why the CIA and the FBI didn't prevent it. Moments after the attack, internet rumors would be spreading that Roosevelt knew about the bombing raid and allowed it to happen so that he could start a world war. Others would claim that it was US warplanes disguised as Japanese Zeroes that attacked the harbor. Professors would tour the country saying the US deserved to be attacked given our support for European domination of Asia.
As US troops arrived in North Africa to start fighting the Nazis in 1942, Senator Russ Feingold would introduce a measure to re-assign them to the Pacific--since it was the Japanese--not the Germans--who attacked us on 12-7.
Following the loss of the Phillipines, the Democratic candidates for President in 1944 would be demanding to know when Roosevelt planned to end this war.
In 1943, the New York Times would leak classified documents exposing the Manhattan Project--setting back development of the atomic bomb and creating further distrust with the Russians. General Eisenhower would be called before Congress to explain why we haven't won the war yet.
In 1944, Anderson Cooper and his camera crew would be on the beach greeting Allied forces as they came ashore in Normandy. The tv helicopters would also draw extra Nazi forces to the beaches. The New York Times would run out of ink trying to publish the names of all the soldiers killed on D-Day. Keith Olberman would be mocking Roosevelt wondering how many more lives would be lost. Mothers who lost four sons in the war would be protesting outside the home of Roosevelt's mistress in Warm Springs, Georgia demanding the troops be brought home immediately.
In 1945, Christian Ammanpour would be doing a series of reports on how the war has destroyed the happy lives of German citizens. Protesters would fill the streets of Washington demanding to know why so many were killed in the firebombing of Dresden. The New York Times would leak classified documents detailing the atomic attack on Japan. Candidates for the 1948 Presidential election claim they would never use the bomb against the Japanese. Keith Olbermann would mock those celebrating V-E day. Protesters would call for President Truman's impeachment after dropping the bomb. Keith Olberman would mock those celebrating V-J day.
In 1946, Congress would hold hearings to determine how long US troops would remain in Germany and Japan. Fox News contributing editor George Patton would be calling for the US to declare war on the Russians for control of Eastern Europe. Americans would get back to normalcy by worrying about what Mae West wore to a Hollywood nightclub and who is Clark Gable dating this month.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday 9-27
It was another "Fire Ned Yost Night" at Miller Park Wednesday. The Brewers' manager--in a must-win game after the Cubs lost to Florida earlier in the evening chose to prove how "tough" he is rather than focus on getting a "W".
Early in the game, Prince Fielder was hit by a high and inside pitch. It may have been in retaliation for pitch thrown up and in to the Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols during a blowout the night before. Both benches were warned about retaliation and the game went on. In the seventh inning--with one out and nobody on base--Yost brought in young reliever Scott McClung for one purpose...to hit Pujols with a pitch. McClung did as he was told--nailing Pujols with his first pitch. Both McClung and Yost were ejected immediately.
That started in motion another Brewer bullpen meltdown--with Derrick Turnbow loading the bases and walking in a run and Brian Shouse allowing three more runs to score--putting the game out of reach.
My question is: why is Ned Yost even thinking about "sending a message" in a game with so much riding on it? Does he even want to make the playoffs? You're already down a run in a must-win game and you're wasting a reliever (and taking yourself out of the game) to nail a guy with a pitch. Is that the top priority for a team fighting to make the playoffs? I think the Cardinals were more than happy to just play out the game--if we win great, if we lose no big deal. Instead, Ned nails their superstar and gets them fired up instead of just playing out the string.
Of course, Ned talked about having to protect his stars after the game, citing baseball's "unwritten rules". How about following one of the written rules: "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAMES!!!" Although, Ned has been ejected from three of the last four games--so maybe that is his strategy: get out of the dugout and give the team a chance to win. Just think if the Brewers kept the deficit at one then scratched out a win. How tight do you think the collars would be on the Cubs' jerseys tonight if their lead was just one game instead of two?
I had to laugh when I saw Brewers owner Mark Attanasio tell the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ned's job is safe. His exact quote: "Ned is fine." That is why the Brewers haven't had a winning season in 14 years--a "Commitment to Fineness." Maybe the team should put that on a banner inside the stadium. That should get the fans fired up. And probably let an overmatched manager keep his job.
Early in the game, Prince Fielder was hit by a high and inside pitch. It may have been in retaliation for pitch thrown up and in to the Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols during a blowout the night before. Both benches were warned about retaliation and the game went on. In the seventh inning--with one out and nobody on base--Yost brought in young reliever Scott McClung for one purpose...to hit Pujols with a pitch. McClung did as he was told--nailing Pujols with his first pitch. Both McClung and Yost were ejected immediately.
That started in motion another Brewer bullpen meltdown--with Derrick Turnbow loading the bases and walking in a run and Brian Shouse allowing three more runs to score--putting the game out of reach.
My question is: why is Ned Yost even thinking about "sending a message" in a game with so much riding on it? Does he even want to make the playoffs? You're already down a run in a must-win game and you're wasting a reliever (and taking yourself out of the game) to nail a guy with a pitch. Is that the top priority for a team fighting to make the playoffs? I think the Cardinals were more than happy to just play out the game--if we win great, if we lose no big deal. Instead, Ned nails their superstar and gets them fired up instead of just playing out the string.
Of course, Ned talked about having to protect his stars after the game, citing baseball's "unwritten rules". How about following one of the written rules: "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAMES!!!" Although, Ned has been ejected from three of the last four games--so maybe that is his strategy: get out of the dugout and give the team a chance to win. Just think if the Brewers kept the deficit at one then scratched out a win. How tight do you think the collars would be on the Cubs' jerseys tonight if their lead was just one game instead of two?
I had to laugh when I saw Brewers owner Mark Attanasio tell the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ned's job is safe. His exact quote: "Ned is fine." That is why the Brewers haven't had a winning season in 14 years--a "Commitment to Fineness." Maybe the team should put that on a banner inside the stadium. That should get the fans fired up. And probably let an overmatched manager keep his job.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday 9-26
Just some random thoughts this morning:
Can we pass a law that requires people who have trees in their yards to be responsible for the leaves that fall from the tree into other people's yards? I don't have a single tree in my yard--yet the lawn is covered with leaves!! Too make matters worse, we have a fenced in back yard--which means the leaves can't just blow away. I think its time those who own the trees take responsibility for the leaves as well.
You know why we are getting roundabouts at every intersection in the future? I saw three people run a red light at Sixth and Oregon last night. The third car--driven by a young lady and filled with young passengers sped up to drive through the intersection a full three seconds after the light changed red. It's idiots like that make roundabouts safer than stop lights.
Can Prince Fielder please smooth things over with his father. Last night, Prince and Cecil became the first father-son combo to hit fifty home runs in a season in their careers. Prince used the occassion to again rip his dad for being a no-good deadbeat who never supported his wife and kids and now is trying to ride his coat-tails. Young man, it's time to let go of that anger because it will only destroy you in the end.
Which would be sweeter, Brett Favre setting the all time touchdown record by throwing to a receiver covered by Darren Sharper of the Vikings...or Sharper getting two interceptions against Favre to tie that record and returning the second one for a game-winning touchdown.
If the Brewers and Cubs finish tied for first and have a one-game playoff the Crew should start Chris Capuano at Wrigley Field. He hasn't pitched in a game the Brewers ended up winning since early May--but the Cubs cannot beat left-handed starters. It would be like the immovable object versus the irresistable force.
Am I the only one frightened by the cell phone commercial featuring the kids and the grandma speaking in "text language". This is the future of our language--abbreviations, incomplete sentences and partial words. My wife was watching the Emmy pre-show a few weeks ago and I heard words like "delish" "fab" and "the diff". That's how lazy we have become, we can't even say full words any more. OMG.
Can we pass a law that requires people who have trees in their yards to be responsible for the leaves that fall from the tree into other people's yards? I don't have a single tree in my yard--yet the lawn is covered with leaves!! Too make matters worse, we have a fenced in back yard--which means the leaves can't just blow away. I think its time those who own the trees take responsibility for the leaves as well.
You know why we are getting roundabouts at every intersection in the future? I saw three people run a red light at Sixth and Oregon last night. The third car--driven by a young lady and filled with young passengers sped up to drive through the intersection a full three seconds after the light changed red. It's idiots like that make roundabouts safer than stop lights.
Can Prince Fielder please smooth things over with his father. Last night, Prince and Cecil became the first father-son combo to hit fifty home runs in a season in their careers. Prince used the occassion to again rip his dad for being a no-good deadbeat who never supported his wife and kids and now is trying to ride his coat-tails. Young man, it's time to let go of that anger because it will only destroy you in the end.
Which would be sweeter, Brett Favre setting the all time touchdown record by throwing to a receiver covered by Darren Sharper of the Vikings...or Sharper getting two interceptions against Favre to tie that record and returning the second one for a game-winning touchdown.
If the Brewers and Cubs finish tied for first and have a one-game playoff the Crew should start Chris Capuano at Wrigley Field. He hasn't pitched in a game the Brewers ended up winning since early May--but the Cubs cannot beat left-handed starters. It would be like the immovable object versus the irresistable force.
Am I the only one frightened by the cell phone commercial featuring the kids and the grandma speaking in "text language". This is the future of our language--abbreviations, incomplete sentences and partial words. My wife was watching the Emmy pre-show a few weeks ago and I heard words like "delish" "fab" and "the diff". That's how lazy we have become, we can't even say full words any more. OMG.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday 9-25
Who represents you on the Oshkosh Common Council? The council will discuss options for a potential advisory referendum on the form of government next spring--and one of the options is going to aldermanic districts with a full time Mayor.
One of my beefs with the current "at large" election of all the Councillors is that not every part of town is equally represented. Who on the council experiences what I put up with in my neighborhood. Which one drives the streets in my neighborhood everyday? Who deals with the same nuisances? If I had an issue with the city I would have no idea which Councillor would be most familiar with the situation.
While opponents of aldermanic government claim it would lead to "turf wars" it would also ensure balance among all parts of the city. Would the representative of the southside neighborhood with the terrible streets be so gung ho about spending city money on cobblestone crosswalks and concrete planters downtown when the people living his his district have to replace their tires and shocks every other year due to the condition of their streets? And Appleton, Neenah and Menasha seem to be able to function quite well with aldermen.
What we currently have is representation by ideology. People take their concerns to the councillor who most closely matches their view of the city. Meaning there is the "cobblestoner" councillor, the "green" councillor and the "chamber" councillor.
I wish the Oshkosh School District had to represent specific districts as well. I'm guessing the persons representing the attendance shift areas would be raising holy hell and making sure everyone in the district shared the burden of balancing enrollment across the city. And the township portions of the district would probably get better representation as well.
So c'mon City Council, don't fear change and give us a chance to decide our own form of government next spring.
One of my beefs with the current "at large" election of all the Councillors is that not every part of town is equally represented. Who on the council experiences what I put up with in my neighborhood. Which one drives the streets in my neighborhood everyday? Who deals with the same nuisances? If I had an issue with the city I would have no idea which Councillor would be most familiar with the situation.
While opponents of aldermanic government claim it would lead to "turf wars" it would also ensure balance among all parts of the city. Would the representative of the southside neighborhood with the terrible streets be so gung ho about spending city money on cobblestone crosswalks and concrete planters downtown when the people living his his district have to replace their tires and shocks every other year due to the condition of their streets? And Appleton, Neenah and Menasha seem to be able to function quite well with aldermen.
What we currently have is representation by ideology. People take their concerns to the councillor who most closely matches their view of the city. Meaning there is the "cobblestoner" councillor, the "green" councillor and the "chamber" councillor.
I wish the Oshkosh School District had to represent specific districts as well. I'm guessing the persons representing the attendance shift areas would be raising holy hell and making sure everyone in the district shared the burden of balancing enrollment across the city. And the township portions of the district would probably get better representation as well.
So c'mon City Council, don't fear change and give us a chance to decide our own form of government next spring.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Monday 9-24
Can we get rid of the United Nations? Or at least pass it off on another country so we don't have to put up with it here. Hordes of armed guards had to travel around with the "President" of Iran when he arrived in New York Sunday. Now, he gets to stand at podiums around the city and insult the U.S.--all at taxpayers expense. Plus, he wants to pay a visit to Ground Zero to "pay his respects". If he is allowed to go, can someone ask him if he is pleased with the results of the attack carried out by the same religious fanatics that look to him as a hero?
The majority of countries in the UN don't pay their dues--meaning the U.S. picks up the tab. In addition, the delegates sent to New York enjoy diplomatic immunity--meaning they can go about breaking minor laws without impunity--all the while bashing the U.S. for protecting its interest around the world. When was the last time you invited guests over to your house just so they can tell you what a dump it is? Why can't some other country take this flaming bag of dog doo off of our front porch?
It's not like the U.N. actually works. Can you name one war the United Nations has prevented? Instead, the U.N. specializes in getting bogged down in wars--limiting member nations to "peace keeping missions" or "police actions". And don't forget the main body of those fighting forces come from the U.S. Has the Security Council made the world any safer? How can it with Russia and China on board?
The time has come to trade the U.N. to another country. the French always portray themselves as peacemakers--let them take it. And why can't the always-neutral Swiss take a few decades hosting the U.N.? I think America has spent more than enough time being the world's policeman.
The majority of countries in the UN don't pay their dues--meaning the U.S. picks up the tab. In addition, the delegates sent to New York enjoy diplomatic immunity--meaning they can go about breaking minor laws without impunity--all the while bashing the U.S. for protecting its interest around the world. When was the last time you invited guests over to your house just so they can tell you what a dump it is? Why can't some other country take this flaming bag of dog doo off of our front porch?
It's not like the U.N. actually works. Can you name one war the United Nations has prevented? Instead, the U.N. specializes in getting bogged down in wars--limiting member nations to "peace keeping missions" or "police actions". And don't forget the main body of those fighting forces come from the U.S. Has the Security Council made the world any safer? How can it with Russia and China on board?
The time has come to trade the U.N. to another country. the French always portray themselves as peacemakers--let them take it. And why can't the always-neutral Swiss take a few decades hosting the U.N.? I think America has spent more than enough time being the world's policeman.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Friday 9-21
I covered the sentencing hearing for Neil Shanak yesterday. Shanak was sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing Michael Wautlet in a drunk driving crash last April. I never met Michael Wautlet in person. The only time I had seen him before his death was in commercials for the Community Blood Center where he talked about making time to donate blood--despite his busy schedule.
And what a schedule that was. Wautlet was a volunteer track coach for St. Mary's Central High School and youth football coach as well. He volunteered for Blood Center and his church. He even played Santa Claus at events where less fortunate kids would get gifts. The court got dozens of victim impact statements talking about the role Wautlet played in their lives. Both the prosecutor and the judge called Wautlet a "giant in the community".
The question now is who will fill those shoes? Who will take the time to touch the lives of so many kids? How about we do it?
For years I have considered joining a certain volunteer program but for some reason I always find an excuse. I'm too busy or too tired or what if I don't like it. But this time I'm pushing those excuses aside. And I'm asking you to do the same. Consider giving just a little bit more of your time to help someone else. There are a number of programs and groups looking for volunteers and there has to be one that can fit your schedule. Or you can just give blood to help save lives. Or you can stop by out Coats for Kids Kickoff Cookout this afternoon at Town and Country Electric in Appleton. You can't imagine what a difference having a warm coat will make for a needy child this winter.
It doesn't matter what you do, just try to do one thing to help someone else in our community. Together we might just be able to fill the shoes of a giant lost too soon.
And what a schedule that was. Wautlet was a volunteer track coach for St. Mary's Central High School and youth football coach as well. He volunteered for Blood Center and his church. He even played Santa Claus at events where less fortunate kids would get gifts. The court got dozens of victim impact statements talking about the role Wautlet played in their lives. Both the prosecutor and the judge called Wautlet a "giant in the community".
The question now is who will fill those shoes? Who will take the time to touch the lives of so many kids? How about we do it?
For years I have considered joining a certain volunteer program but for some reason I always find an excuse. I'm too busy or too tired or what if I don't like it. But this time I'm pushing those excuses aside. And I'm asking you to do the same. Consider giving just a little bit more of your time to help someone else. There are a number of programs and groups looking for volunteers and there has to be one that can fit your schedule. Or you can just give blood to help save lives. Or you can stop by out Coats for Kids Kickoff Cookout this afternoon at Town and Country Electric in Appleton. You can't imagine what a difference having a warm coat will make for a needy child this winter.
It doesn't matter what you do, just try to do one thing to help someone else in our community. Together we might just be able to fill the shoes of a giant lost too soon.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Thursday 9-20
Is there anything better than pennant chase baseball? I've gone through a set of AAA batteries this week just flipping channels between the Brewers games and the Cubs games. My wife may have left me sometime this week. I seem to remember her complaints about keeping the TV on just one channel for more than a minute fading away back on Tuesday.
The everyday nature of baseball makes having a team in the race so great. If your favorite college or NFL team is having a great year you have to wait an entire week for that next big game. Basketball and hockey are played three times a week at most. But baseball is there every night--building the tension and bringing the joy or despair.
We had the best situation last night as the action in the Cubs-Reds game on ESPN and the Brewers-Astros on FSN was perfectly staggered to allow channel-flippers to catch almost every pitch and play without missing anything in the other game. I'll never understand why women don't understand the beauty of that.
For Brewers fans, this is extra sweet--given the fact the team hasn't had a sniff of first place this late in the season since the early 1990's. For Cubs fans this is just another opportunity to be hoist upon their own petards in front of the nation--suffering their usual fall breakdown. LONG LIVE STEVE BARTMAN!!!
The only thing that would make this situation better--if WGN Superstation would actually show the Cubs. Why is it they are on every night in seasons when they are out of the race by the all-star break--but when they are in the chase you can't find the Cubs on their flagship station. Oh well, there is a perverse pleasure in hearing Ron Santo groan and cry when Carlos Zambrano gives up another RBI double--in the second inning.
The ultimate outcome here would be for the Brewers and Cubs to finish in the tie atop the NL Central--neccessitating a one-game play off the Monday after the season. A game you would be able hear right here on WOSH courtesy of ESPN radio.
Now let's just get the Brewers a reliever that can throw strikes.
The everyday nature of baseball makes having a team in the race so great. If your favorite college or NFL team is having a great year you have to wait an entire week for that next big game. Basketball and hockey are played three times a week at most. But baseball is there every night--building the tension and bringing the joy or despair.
We had the best situation last night as the action in the Cubs-Reds game on ESPN and the Brewers-Astros on FSN was perfectly staggered to allow channel-flippers to catch almost every pitch and play without missing anything in the other game. I'll never understand why women don't understand the beauty of that.
For Brewers fans, this is extra sweet--given the fact the team hasn't had a sniff of first place this late in the season since the early 1990's. For Cubs fans this is just another opportunity to be hoist upon their own petards in front of the nation--suffering their usual fall breakdown. LONG LIVE STEVE BARTMAN!!!
The only thing that would make this situation better--if WGN Superstation would actually show the Cubs. Why is it they are on every night in seasons when they are out of the race by the all-star break--but when they are in the chase you can't find the Cubs on their flagship station. Oh well, there is a perverse pleasure in hearing Ron Santo groan and cry when Carlos Zambrano gives up another RBI double--in the second inning.
The ultimate outcome here would be for the Brewers and Cubs to finish in the tie atop the NL Central--neccessitating a one-game play off the Monday after the season. A game you would be able hear right here on WOSH courtesy of ESPN radio.
Now let's just get the Brewers a reliever that can throw strikes.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Can someone explain to me the US financial strategy? We hear all of the time that Americans don't save enough money and are too far in debt. So why then does the Federal Reserve Board drop the prime interest rate another half-percent? This is like telling an obese person they can have twice as much soda because its "diet".
The Fed cites concerns over increasing numbers of foreclosures and how those fears are dragging down the stock market and are how they are threatening the entire borrowing industry. Do we honestly think that Citigroup or Capital One are going under anytime soon?
Whatever happened to the free market deciding financial success? If a company makes a bunch of bad loans to unqualified borrowers whose fault is that? Certainly not those of us who waited until we had some cash and the proper income to buy a house.
If anything, the current situation exposes the house of cards that has been the US economy the last decade. Too many companies are dependent upon Americans spending beyond their means. That may actually be a credit to the folks in marketing--who have persuaded consumers that cell phones that play music and games and access the internet are somehow necessities. The same for the third vehicle, the boat, the plasma tv and so on.
The irony is that the interest reduction will not benefit most of those currently in debt. Credit card companies are notoriously slow in passing along interest rate cuts--if they do it at all. The same for adjustable rate mortgages.
Meanwhile, those of us who are trying to save will take an almost immediate cut in interest income. That should create of rush of people heading to the bank to make deposits.
So c'mon Fed--let's starting exerting some tough love on the economy. Force Americans to settle some of their current debts rather than encourage more unneccessary spending.
The Fed cites concerns over increasing numbers of foreclosures and how those fears are dragging down the stock market and are how they are threatening the entire borrowing industry. Do we honestly think that Citigroup or Capital One are going under anytime soon?
Whatever happened to the free market deciding financial success? If a company makes a bunch of bad loans to unqualified borrowers whose fault is that? Certainly not those of us who waited until we had some cash and the proper income to buy a house.
If anything, the current situation exposes the house of cards that has been the US economy the last decade. Too many companies are dependent upon Americans spending beyond their means. That may actually be a credit to the folks in marketing--who have persuaded consumers that cell phones that play music and games and access the internet are somehow necessities. The same for the third vehicle, the boat, the plasma tv and so on.
The irony is that the interest reduction will not benefit most of those currently in debt. Credit card companies are notoriously slow in passing along interest rate cuts--if they do it at all. The same for adjustable rate mortgages.
Meanwhile, those of us who are trying to save will take an almost immediate cut in interest income. That should create of rush of people heading to the bank to make deposits.
So c'mon Fed--let's starting exerting some tough love on the economy. Force Americans to settle some of their current debts rather than encourage more unneccessary spending.
Monday, September 17, 2007
So what to make about the Packers 2 and oh start to the season. Even the most die-hard fan has to be pleasently surprised by the wins over Philadelphia and New York. To be honest, I thought the Pack was looking at an oh and eight start to the season--but I apparently forgot the NFC stinks. The Giants may turn out to be one of the worst teams in the league before the end of the season. How pathetic was the tackling display the G-men put on in the second half yesterday. Anyone who can make Deshawn Wynn look like an All-Pro should start scouting for that number one overall draft pick.
As for the Packers themselves--they may be the Milwaukee Brewers of the NFL. You know, a bunch of young guys stuck in a crummy division with a puncher's chance of winning the whole thing. The Bears haven't looked like world beaters so far--and hello--they still have Rex Grossman at quarterback. Detroit is 2 and oh as well--but c'mon this is Detroit. And Minnesota will fold like a cheap suit in the second half of the season again. So the division is wide open and an 8 and 8 wild card team isn't that unlikely in the NFC so just a 5 and 9 record for the Packers from here will keep them in the running.
If the Pack has one thing going for it it is defense. They say that wins championships--and given the lack of a potent offense in the NFC they could be the dominating force in the conference. So enjoy the run Packer fans and raise a brat to rest of the NFC--because you may be the cream of the crap.
As for the Packers themselves--they may be the Milwaukee Brewers of the NFL. You know, a bunch of young guys stuck in a crummy division with a puncher's chance of winning the whole thing. The Bears haven't looked like world beaters so far--and hello--they still have Rex Grossman at quarterback. Detroit is 2 and oh as well--but c'mon this is Detroit. And Minnesota will fold like a cheap suit in the second half of the season again. So the division is wide open and an 8 and 8 wild card team isn't that unlikely in the NFC so just a 5 and 9 record for the Packers from here will keep them in the running.
If the Pack has one thing going for it it is defense. They say that wins championships--and given the lack of a potent offense in the NFC they could be the dominating force in the conference. So enjoy the run Packer fans and raise a brat to rest of the NFC--because you may be the cream of the crap.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday 9-14
President Bush seemed awfully optimistic last night about success in Iraq. I wish I could share that optimism. I think Iraqis are not up to the challenge of keeping militant Islam from dragging their country back into the stone age.
I kept waiting for the President to use the term "Iraqi-ization" to describe the future strategy in the war. Everyone older than me probably remembers how well "Vietnam-ization" worked back in the 1970's. And that is where I see the one parallel between this war and that one--the people we are fighting for really couldn't care less what form of government they have. The fight for democracy is always honorable--but to waste that sacrifice on people who don't want it (and aren't willing to fight for it themselves) is a shame. There was no real call for a democratic government in Iraq before the war--and I don't see huge rallies in the street from people calling upon their elected government to get something done. Of course we don't see that very often here in the US either--like when state lawmakers disregard their budget deadline and then don't even meet to fix it--but i digress.
I doubt Iraqis would make the cultural changes necessary to make democracy work. Will they guarantee women the same rights as men? Will they allow free speech in all forms--even if it offends their Muslim beliefs? Will they really fight to keep extremists from taking over the government. The Middle East has a very poor record on these points. Ask a Saudi woman if she is an equal to her husband, try reading the "satanic verses" in tehran, and explain to me how Hamas is elected to run the Palestinian authority. Why are Iraqis so much more enlightened than the rest of the Muslim world when it come to running a free and open government?
I hope that my gut feeling on this is wrong on this. Where the loss of vietnam to the communists turned out to be relatively inconsequential--as socialism was about to enter its death throes anyway--the loss of Iraq to extremism will just fuel further expansion of terrorism throughout the world. So go ahead Iraqis--prove me wrong.
I kept waiting for the President to use the term "Iraqi-ization" to describe the future strategy in the war. Everyone older than me probably remembers how well "Vietnam-ization" worked back in the 1970's. And that is where I see the one parallel between this war and that one--the people we are fighting for really couldn't care less what form of government they have. The fight for democracy is always honorable--but to waste that sacrifice on people who don't want it (and aren't willing to fight for it themselves) is a shame. There was no real call for a democratic government in Iraq before the war--and I don't see huge rallies in the street from people calling upon their elected government to get something done. Of course we don't see that very often here in the US either--like when state lawmakers disregard their budget deadline and then don't even meet to fix it--but i digress.
I doubt Iraqis would make the cultural changes necessary to make democracy work. Will they guarantee women the same rights as men? Will they allow free speech in all forms--even if it offends their Muslim beliefs? Will they really fight to keep extremists from taking over the government. The Middle East has a very poor record on these points. Ask a Saudi woman if she is an equal to her husband, try reading the "satanic verses" in tehran, and explain to me how Hamas is elected to run the Palestinian authority. Why are Iraqis so much more enlightened than the rest of the Muslim world when it come to running a free and open government?
I hope that my gut feeling on this is wrong on this. Where the loss of vietnam to the communists turned out to be relatively inconsequential--as socialism was about to enter its death throes anyway--the loss of Iraq to extremism will just fuel further expansion of terrorism throughout the world. So go ahead Iraqis--prove me wrong.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thursday 9-13
I HOPE IF YOU PLAN TO WATCH THE BADGERS TAKE ON THE CITADEL THIS SATURDAY THAT YOU HAVE A TICKET--BECAUSE A VAST MAJORITY OF YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO FIND IT ON T-V. OH IT WILL BE TELEVISED--BUT ONLY ON THE BIG TEN NETWORK. ON THE FACE OF IT, THE BIG TEN NETWORK SOUNDS GREAT--EVERY GAME OF EVERY SCHOOL ON T-V. THE PROBLEM, THE NETWORK HASN'T SIGNED ANY DEALS WITH THE MAJOR CABLE PROVIDERS IN WISCONSIN. IN FACT, THE ONLY PLACE TO FIND THE BIG TEN NETWORK IS ON SATELLITE T-V. AND NOT SURPRISINGLY, THE HANG UP IS MONEY.
THE BIG TEN, CHARTER AND TIME WARNER ARE REPORTEDLY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS APART ON HOW MUCH IT SHOULD COST TO GET A SPOT IN THE HUNDREDS OF AVAILABLE CHANNELS. DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THE BIG TEN ENDS UP IN ANOTHER PREMIUM LEVEL SERVICE SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. WOULDN'T WANT TO BUMP THE JEWELRY SHOPPING CHANNEL TO MAKE ROOM IN THE STANDARD PACKAGE. OR EVEN WORSE, IT COULD BE PAY PER VIEW LIKE THE BASEBALL SEASON TICKET OR HOCKEY CENTER ICE PACKAGES.
YOU MAY THINK "BIG DEAL, ITS JUST THE CITADEL". BUT THE BADGERS--INDIANA GAME WILL ONLY BE ON THE BIG TEN NETWORK AS WELL. AND YOU WON'T HAVE THOSE "ESPN PLUS" GAMES ON CHANNEL FIVE ANYMORE--THOSE GAMES ARE ALL ON THE BIG TEN NETWORK--SO NO KEEPING AN EYE ON OTHER TEAMS IN THE CONFERENCE EVERY SATURDAY. THE FIRST GAME ON THE "CAN'T SEE IT HERE NETWORK" WAS APPALACHIAN STATE'S HUGE UPSET OF MICHIGAN.
THE REAL IMPACT ON BADGER FANS WILL COME DURING THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON. AS PART OF THE BIG TEN DEAL--ALL CONFERENCE GAMES NOT ON ESPN OR CBS WILL BE ON THE BIG TEN CHANNEL ONLY. THAT MEANS NO MORE WEEKNIGHT OR SATURDAY AFTERNOON BADGER GAMES ON CHANNEL 32 IN GREEN BAY. THE DEAL EVEN COVERS BADGER HOCKEY--WHICH MEANS VERY FEW GAMES ON FOX SPORTS NET--EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO BIG TEN HOCKEY CONFERENCE!!!!! TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION CAN'T TAPE DELAY ANY OF THE BADGER SPORTS FOR REPLAY ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY NIGHTS.
ONCE AGAIN COLLEGE SPORTS IS CUT DOWN BY MONEY GRUBBING SCHOOL PRESIDENTS AND MONEY GRUBBING CABLE COMPANIES--AND IT'S THE KIDS AND THE FANS THAT LOSE OUT. MY HOPE IS THAT THE CABLE NETWORK FAILS MISERABLY--AND THAT THE CONFERENCE IS FORCED TO ADMIT THAT GAMES ON FREE T-V AND BASIC CABLE ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE SCHOOLS.
THE BIG TEN, CHARTER AND TIME WARNER ARE REPORTEDLY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS APART ON HOW MUCH IT SHOULD COST TO GET A SPOT IN THE HUNDREDS OF AVAILABLE CHANNELS. DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THE BIG TEN ENDS UP IN ANOTHER PREMIUM LEVEL SERVICE SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. WOULDN'T WANT TO BUMP THE JEWELRY SHOPPING CHANNEL TO MAKE ROOM IN THE STANDARD PACKAGE. OR EVEN WORSE, IT COULD BE PAY PER VIEW LIKE THE BASEBALL SEASON TICKET OR HOCKEY CENTER ICE PACKAGES.
YOU MAY THINK "BIG DEAL, ITS JUST THE CITADEL". BUT THE BADGERS--INDIANA GAME WILL ONLY BE ON THE BIG TEN NETWORK AS WELL. AND YOU WON'T HAVE THOSE "ESPN PLUS" GAMES ON CHANNEL FIVE ANYMORE--THOSE GAMES ARE ALL ON THE BIG TEN NETWORK--SO NO KEEPING AN EYE ON OTHER TEAMS IN THE CONFERENCE EVERY SATURDAY. THE FIRST GAME ON THE "CAN'T SEE IT HERE NETWORK" WAS APPALACHIAN STATE'S HUGE UPSET OF MICHIGAN.
THE REAL IMPACT ON BADGER FANS WILL COME DURING THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON. AS PART OF THE BIG TEN DEAL--ALL CONFERENCE GAMES NOT ON ESPN OR CBS WILL BE ON THE BIG TEN CHANNEL ONLY. THAT MEANS NO MORE WEEKNIGHT OR SATURDAY AFTERNOON BADGER GAMES ON CHANNEL 32 IN GREEN BAY. THE DEAL EVEN COVERS BADGER HOCKEY--WHICH MEANS VERY FEW GAMES ON FOX SPORTS NET--EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO BIG TEN HOCKEY CONFERENCE!!!!! TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION CAN'T TAPE DELAY ANY OF THE BADGER SPORTS FOR REPLAY ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY NIGHTS.
ONCE AGAIN COLLEGE SPORTS IS CUT DOWN BY MONEY GRUBBING SCHOOL PRESIDENTS AND MONEY GRUBBING CABLE COMPANIES--AND IT'S THE KIDS AND THE FANS THAT LOSE OUT. MY HOPE IS THAT THE CABLE NETWORK FAILS MISERABLY--AND THAT THE CONFERENCE IS FORCED TO ADMIT THAT GAMES ON FREE T-V AND BASIC CABLE ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE SCHOOLS.
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