As many of you may know, the bailout compromise has failed. This of course means the average American has won. At press time, the House of Representatives stated that private money should stay in private hands. The vote was close, but in all honesty the bill was killed by a bi-partisan effort.
Democrats such as Nancy (pause for shiver) Pelosi and the fabulous Barney Frank immediately pointed the finger at the Republicans in Congress. They did so because they think you, the American people, just fell off of the turnip truck. They probably do not think you can read and/or access the Internet. Here are the real facts:
Democrats have a pure majority in the House of Representatives of 235 to 199. This means if the Democrats had their own house in order, they could have passed the bill anyway.
Of the Mississippi delegation, the three Democrats voted AGAINST the bill while Chip Pickering, who is not seeking re-election, voted for it.
Even though the bill was supposed to be bi-partisan, during the debate Pelosi called out the Republicans. This obviously made some of them pretty angry.
President Bush has absolutely no credibility/power when it comes to the rank and file Republicans.
End of fact.
Now, for some inferences we can make from these facts. The two major political parties are in shambles. There is no party unity in either case. This is great for the country. George Washington, a name that often engenders a bit of respect from many Americans, abhorred political parties and warned the United States to not form them. We would probably be better off had Hamilton and Jefferson followed this advice. Instead of listening to Pelosi or Bush, the members of Congress worried about their constituents, how novel.
The Republican party has taken the populist mantle from the Democrats. The Democratic Party is up in arms that their plan to save the salaries of a few already rich (probably white) men. Now the Republicans are on the side of the everyman. I am both a Republican and a populist and you can ask my wife, I thought that meant I was crazy. The Democrats have long been the party of factory workers, rank and file, and labor organizations. Now, the Republican party is protecting the yeomen, who are the backbone of our Nation.
President Bush has jumped the shark. Wikipedia the phrase. Once you read it, if you know anything about the bailout package he tried to push through, you will understand exactly what I mean. I don't completely blame him. I believe Bernake and Paulson gave him bad advice and only one option. Doesn't say much for Harvard business degrees though.
Finally, the Democrats have squandered their advantage gained from general dissatisfaction in the Bush administration. Rank and file Democrats just want to hold on to their seats so they vote against this great communist scheme. The big knock against the Democrats for the last 15 years is that all they do is B!tch and Whine. In response, they whined that they had no power to do anything. Once they got power, they promptly did nothing with it. But they had a President from the other party so all of their bills go vetoed right? According to Wikipedia, President Bush has had the least number of vetoes since Warren Harding. So, deal with it. The American people should take note that even though they may dislike President Bush, the Democrats have squandered their chance. The Republicans have made it well known that they are no longer loyal Bushies. So, my suggestion, in your local congressional race this fall, vote Republican.
-J
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
fREDeral loan buyout
This is a pretty serious post, on par with my Rumba warning from last year.
I am sure by now most of you (if anyone actually reads this) have heard of the recent Bush administration proposed buyout of essentially bad loans to the tune of around $1 Trillion or in actual terms: $1,000,000,000,000.00. That is a lot of zeros. The bad loans the government is buying out relate to mortgages. The major companies involved are Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and AIG.
I think this is a bad idea. The government believes (in the Bush administration read this as Prays) buying these bad loans will save the backbone of American financial institutions. This outcome is merely a possibility. Another possibility is that this will do us no good at all.
What it will do is have the United States take possession of heretofore private loans. To me this is too large an intervention into the private sector by the government. That is why I titled my post the way I did. This public purchase of private debt reeks of the kind of state ownership unseen since the fall of the U.S.S.R.
One merely need look at history (or Star Wars) to see how small events can domino into a world changing catastrophe. Augustus took power in small increments eventually destroying the Roman Republic once and for all. Hitler did the same thing, gradually, taking small steps and then eventually threatening the entire world (See Star Wars Episodes I-III to see the birth of the Empire). Simply put, this mortgage buy out may look like a one time thing on the surface but it could very much be the first (ok the TVA was probably first) in a series of events that absolutely change the fabric of the United States.
So, much for small government at any rate. At the very least even if this does work it represents an unholy intervention by the government of the United States into the daily lives of Americans. This is called Totalitarianism.
These three companies mentioned above got into this mess by giving out these variable interest mortgage rates. They got in trouble because they were acting as predators and using under-educated and unsophisticated purchasers. My solution unfortunately for the people who were the prey (who may still be left unprotected by the government buyout anyway) is to just let their loans fail. As it stands now there is no accountability for these companies. They act like they acted and face small consequences because the government is going to buy them out. So in the future when all of this is behind us, not withstanding the other consequences, other companies are going to do the same thing. If there is no punishment there will be no incentive to change.
According to MONEY magazine's website, the CEO of Lehman Brothers made $22.1 million in 2007. MSNBC reports Merrill Lynch's CEO as having made over $46 million in 2007. Fortune reports the poor white trash CEO of AIG only made $13 million in 2007 (down from around $26 million in 2006). Do you foresee the point I am getting at? I find it difficult to stomach that these companies that paid their bosses this amount of money are essentially getting bailed out by the government while small businesses run by John Q. American fail everyday. Some are failing because they cannot secure loans because of the predatory practices of companies like these. This almost makes me physically ill just to think about it. If the government does succeed in bailing these companies out, I think these CEOs should be publicly executed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
-J
I am sure by now most of you (if anyone actually reads this) have heard of the recent Bush administration proposed buyout of essentially bad loans to the tune of around $1 Trillion or in actual terms: $1,000,000,000,000.00. That is a lot of zeros. The bad loans the government is buying out relate to mortgages. The major companies involved are Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and AIG.
I think this is a bad idea. The government believes (in the Bush administration read this as Prays) buying these bad loans will save the backbone of American financial institutions. This outcome is merely a possibility. Another possibility is that this will do us no good at all.
What it will do is have the United States take possession of heretofore private loans. To me this is too large an intervention into the private sector by the government. That is why I titled my post the way I did. This public purchase of private debt reeks of the kind of state ownership unseen since the fall of the U.S.S.R.
One merely need look at history (or Star Wars) to see how small events can domino into a world changing catastrophe. Augustus took power in small increments eventually destroying the Roman Republic once and for all. Hitler did the same thing, gradually, taking small steps and then eventually threatening the entire world (See Star Wars Episodes I-III to see the birth of the Empire). Simply put, this mortgage buy out may look like a one time thing on the surface but it could very much be the first (ok the TVA was probably first) in a series of events that absolutely change the fabric of the United States.
So, much for small government at any rate. At the very least even if this does work it represents an unholy intervention by the government of the United States into the daily lives of Americans. This is called Totalitarianism.
These three companies mentioned above got into this mess by giving out these variable interest mortgage rates. They got in trouble because they were acting as predators and using under-educated and unsophisticated purchasers. My solution unfortunately for the people who were the prey (who may still be left unprotected by the government buyout anyway) is to just let their loans fail. As it stands now there is no accountability for these companies. They act like they acted and face small consequences because the government is going to buy them out. So in the future when all of this is behind us, not withstanding the other consequences, other companies are going to do the same thing. If there is no punishment there will be no incentive to change.
According to MONEY magazine's website, the CEO of Lehman Brothers made $22.1 million in 2007. MSNBC reports Merrill Lynch's CEO as having made over $46 million in 2007. Fortune reports the poor white trash CEO of AIG only made $13 million in 2007 (down from around $26 million in 2006). Do you foresee the point I am getting at? I find it difficult to stomach that these companies that paid their bosses this amount of money are essentially getting bailed out by the government while small businesses run by John Q. American fail everyday. Some are failing because they cannot secure loans because of the predatory practices of companies like these. This almost makes me physically ill just to think about it. If the government does succeed in bailing these companies out, I think these CEOs should be publicly executed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
-J
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Jeremy D. Litton, Esq.
I found out today that I passed the bar. I don't know anything other than that. I will be getting some information relating to my scores and other administrative things mailed to me. This was just the early notification online.
Yay for me.
-J
Yay for me.
-J
Sunday, September 7, 2008
News and Notes
Ahh, Football Season is here again. All is good with the world (other than I am unemployed, I don't know my bar score, and hurricane season is at its zenith).
It has actually been a fairly eventful couple of weeks for us. First off, our New Orleans family was in town for about a week because of Hurricane Gustav. We had them over for a lovely Labor Day cookout and watched with a sense of relief as the hurricane seemed to largely bypass New Orleans and the West Bank. They have returned home and found their houses intact and they have electricity again. The threat of Ike looms as of now, but hopefully it will hit somewhere else also. I personally vote that it hit the Dallas Cowboys.
We got to spend a decent amount of time with them last week. We went to Tunica and experienced the Paula Deen Buffet. Her famous fried chicken was pretty good but it was not really any better than Two Sisters in Jackson. The Paula Deen Buffet however has great desserts. I recommend anyone who goes to Tunica to try it out. Other than the seafood buffet on the weekend, it is actually not that expensive either.
This weekend Nicole and I went to a Nokes family reunion. That is my mother's side of the family. It is mostly put on by PawPaw's sisters Delores and Doris. This side of the family used to see each other every single Christmas Day. We have not gotten to do that since Grandma Nokes died (Granny to most of the family). So, although they bear a heavy burden to organize this event every year, I know it means a lot to those of us who remember Christmas mornings at Grandma Nokes's house, and I know she would be very pleased with her two daughters for getting the family back together. We had our first reunion last year. There were a few less people there this time but there was still a pretty good crowd.
At the park there is an artesian well that puts out warm water all year round. Instead of capitalizing on that natural spring, the park has it enclosed by a fence (actually two) and it is full of alligators. PawPaw and I found out Thursday night that they would feed the gators on Saturday at 5 PM. We talked about how we planned to see it all weekend and totally blanked at 5 and completely missed it. The park, Leroy Percy, is the oldest state park in MS and we stayed a couple of nights in one of the cabins that was original to the park. It did not really bother me but Nicole, Jessica, and Lizzie were both freaking out all night. I am not really sure why but they did not really like it. The only really bad thing about the weekend was the mosquitoes. I got so many mosquito bites I am pretty sure a blind person could read me.
I got to watch some football today. I have missed it. My Redskins look like they are gonna stink, but I did win my first fantasy football game today.
-J
It has actually been a fairly eventful couple of weeks for us. First off, our New Orleans family was in town for about a week because of Hurricane Gustav. We had them over for a lovely Labor Day cookout and watched with a sense of relief as the hurricane seemed to largely bypass New Orleans and the West Bank. They have returned home and found their houses intact and they have electricity again. The threat of Ike looms as of now, but hopefully it will hit somewhere else also. I personally vote that it hit the Dallas Cowboys.
We got to spend a decent amount of time with them last week. We went to Tunica and experienced the Paula Deen Buffet. Her famous fried chicken was pretty good but it was not really any better than Two Sisters in Jackson. The Paula Deen Buffet however has great desserts. I recommend anyone who goes to Tunica to try it out. Other than the seafood buffet on the weekend, it is actually not that expensive either.
This weekend Nicole and I went to a Nokes family reunion. That is my mother's side of the family. It is mostly put on by PawPaw's sisters Delores and Doris. This side of the family used to see each other every single Christmas Day. We have not gotten to do that since Grandma Nokes died (Granny to most of the family). So, although they bear a heavy burden to organize this event every year, I know it means a lot to those of us who remember Christmas mornings at Grandma Nokes's house, and I know she would be very pleased with her two daughters for getting the family back together. We had our first reunion last year. There were a few less people there this time but there was still a pretty good crowd.
At the park there is an artesian well that puts out warm water all year round. Instead of capitalizing on that natural spring, the park has it enclosed by a fence (actually two) and it is full of alligators. PawPaw and I found out Thursday night that they would feed the gators on Saturday at 5 PM. We talked about how we planned to see it all weekend and totally blanked at 5 and completely missed it. The park, Leroy Percy, is the oldest state park in MS and we stayed a couple of nights in one of the cabins that was original to the park. It did not really bother me but Nicole, Jessica, and Lizzie were both freaking out all night. I am not really sure why but they did not really like it. The only really bad thing about the weekend was the mosquitoes. I got so many mosquito bites I am pretty sure a blind person could read me.
I got to watch some football today. I have missed it. My Redskins look like they are gonna stink, but I did win my first fantasy football game today.
-J
Sunday, August 24, 2008
For Lucy (don't worry this is a happy story unless you are a tree rat)
Lucy is a two year old mutt. She is part terrier and part crazy. Someone left her in her infancy at a dumpster in Meridian, MS. She was taken to the pound and adopted my my Aunt and Uncle. When she was a small puppy, her first summer, I played a major role in raising her as my Aunt and Uncle were out of town and I was in town to work for the MS AG's office. This week, I got news that made me so proud of my little baby. She killed a squirrel. Lulu, as friends and family call her has been on a mission for more than a year to "get the squirrel." She has succeeded, and I am strangly incredibly impressed and proud of her accomplishment. I can only imagine her great sense of accomplishment and the way her nub (what is left of her tail) wagged.
I am not there to congratulate her personally, so all I can do is sing her praises on the internet. So anyone reading this shold remember lucy and her first kill. If you are reading this and you are a squirrel, be afraid.
-J
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A Random Thought
I had a radom thought I wanted to share with you today. Remember on my last post I promised quantity not quality.
Do you think that some of the cases of SARS and Bird Flu in China a couple of years ago were just misdiagnosed cases of Olympic Fever?
Do you think that some of the cases of SARS and Bird Flu in China a couple of years ago were just misdiagnosed cases of Olympic Fever?
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Live* from Beijing**
It has been a long time since I updated this blog. I have been studying and taking the Mississippi Bar Exam. It ended a couple of weeks ago. Since then I have been either on the road or taking some R&R.
With introductions aside, it is time to get to the entry proper.
First of all, I hope all of you have been watching the Olympics. The United States men have been dominating in the pool, led by the now eight gold medals of Michael Phelps. It is truly and extraordinary feat. He says he will return to the London Olympics in 2012, but he will not participate in so many races. He is obviously the biggest name in Olympics. The women's swimming team however are a national disappointment.
The United States also dominates in beach volleyball. The May/Walsh women's team looks to be fairly unstoppable. I watched a game the other day where the team from Belgium had them down and the U.S. rallied against 5 Belgium set points to win the set. Then May/Walsh completely dismantled them in the second set. On another note, the women's match between Brazil and Germany has got to be the hottest sporting event ever.
I find myself strangely addicted to watching water polo. The game is essentially hockey in the water. It came on late night in the 2000 Olympics I think and I began to watch it there. Now it comes on during the day and I still find myself watching it.
My favorite new sport is handball. I cannot believe this is actually a sport. I don't mean to take away from it as far as the athletic training or skill needed. The reason I say this is because you can literally run, not walk right up to someone and throw the ball as hard as you want right at their face. Ouch.
In non-Olympic news, it seems like we are again on the verge of a world war. This one probably makes the Vegas odds makers scratch their heads. I mean come on! I think we were all prepared for Iran or North Korea to start World War III. Then out of the blue Russia invades Georgia? Those crazy Russians, they have come out of no where to lead the pack. Although, there has been a cease fire, Russia continues to advance in Georgia. This brings up two points:
The first point is that we need to realize that this is perhaps history repeating itself. The world must take a stand unlike it did when the Germans annexed Austria and invaded Czechoslovakia. I am not advocating direct military confrontation, but Russia cannot be allowed to get away with this nor should it be allowed to retain possession of the Georgian areas seized. There is obviously a problem with the United Nations. To the best of my knowledge all the UN has said is please stop. There should be consequences lest we end up back in a world war.
The second point is only brought up by the coincidental name of the country being invaded to the home state of one of our most worthless and loudmouthed Presidents, Jimmy Carter. I find it interesting that every time President Bush farts, Carter calls him a war criminal, but he seems to say nothing about Russia invading Georgia. I must stop there. I feel my ire towards Jimmy Carter reaching a boiling point.
I promise to give posts more frequently in the future.
-J
*I am not writing this as you read it
**not actually from Beijing
With introductions aside, it is time to get to the entry proper.
First of all, I hope all of you have been watching the Olympics. The United States men have been dominating in the pool, led by the now eight gold medals of Michael Phelps. It is truly and extraordinary feat. He says he will return to the London Olympics in 2012, but he will not participate in so many races. He is obviously the biggest name in Olympics. The women's swimming team however are a national disappointment.
The United States also dominates in beach volleyball. The May/Walsh women's team looks to be fairly unstoppable. I watched a game the other day where the team from Belgium had them down and the U.S. rallied against 5 Belgium set points to win the set. Then May/Walsh completely dismantled them in the second set. On another note, the women's match between Brazil and Germany has got to be the hottest sporting event ever.
I find myself strangely addicted to watching water polo. The game is essentially hockey in the water. It came on late night in the 2000 Olympics I think and I began to watch it there. Now it comes on during the day and I still find myself watching it.
My favorite new sport is handball. I cannot believe this is actually a sport. I don't mean to take away from it as far as the athletic training or skill needed. The reason I say this is because you can literally run, not walk right up to someone and throw the ball as hard as you want right at their face. Ouch.
In non-Olympic news, it seems like we are again on the verge of a world war. This one probably makes the Vegas odds makers scratch their heads. I mean come on! I think we were all prepared for Iran or North Korea to start World War III. Then out of the blue Russia invades Georgia? Those crazy Russians, they have come out of no where to lead the pack. Although, there has been a cease fire, Russia continues to advance in Georgia. This brings up two points:
The first point is that we need to realize that this is perhaps history repeating itself. The world must take a stand unlike it did when the Germans annexed Austria and invaded Czechoslovakia. I am not advocating direct military confrontation, but Russia cannot be allowed to get away with this nor should it be allowed to retain possession of the Georgian areas seized. There is obviously a problem with the United Nations. To the best of my knowledge all the UN has said is please stop. There should be consequences lest we end up back in a world war.
The second point is only brought up by the coincidental name of the country being invaded to the home state of one of our most worthless and loudmouthed Presidents, Jimmy Carter. I find it interesting that every time President Bush farts, Carter calls him a war criminal, but he seems to say nothing about Russia invading Georgia. I must stop there. I feel my ire towards Jimmy Carter reaching a boiling point.
I promise to give posts more frequently in the future.
-J
*I am not writing this as you read it
**not actually from Beijing
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
George Carlin's Death
Well, one of my personal favorites George Carlin has died and I have little faith that his soul is in a pleasant place. Fortunately, Carlin would have agreed with me. George Carlin was essentially an evangelical atheist. Because of this he lived that one shot of his to the fullest. For this George Carlin should be both revered and pitied.
It is without doubt that George Carlin was one of my favorite comedians. I do not think he was the first observational comedian but he was certainly the most in depth and controversial. George Carlin is probably most remembered for his Seven Dirty Words, but his humor was more than just foul language. I think his legacy is mixed but as far as his comedy is concerned he was one of the greats.
I say his legacy is mixed for a number of reasons. First of all, George Carlin was a student of humanity generally and American society more specifically. A good example of this is the title of his second book "Napalm and Silly Putty." He was merely commenting on the capacity of the human mind to create two things that are so diametrically different. One is a gel like substance created to incinerate forests, villages, and people. The other is a gel like substance that's main function is copying cartoon strips from the newspaper. He also comments on how the government has demonized explicit lyrics on albums when the definition of the word explicit is "fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated." This is hardly something to be feared. Few comedians are as insightful as this. However, the thing many modern comedians have picked up on is his prodigious use of swear words. Often times today comedians rely on the foul language to be the humor. This is not a good thing.
Carlin is also to be revered because he pushed the envelope of the 1st Amendment. Carlin was arrested a number of times for his routines but was always exonerated. His Seven Dirty Words routine was the subject of a very important 1st Amendment Supreme Court Case. However unlike other 1st Amendment "heroes" such as Larry Flynt or 2 Live Crew, Carlin lost his case! George Carlin's Supreme Court case actually led to upholding of restrictions on 1st Amendment Speech. So although he should be remembered for pushing the 1st Amendment envelope, his contribution is actually one that limits the 1st amendment.
Finally, the work he did in his later years (post 2000 at least) was certainly not on par with his previous work. He seemed to be more of a caricature of himself. He was an angry old man rather than a commentator on humanity. It was a sad way for him to go out.
But hey lets not forget he was a very funny man who also did a number of children's projects, most recently being in the Pixar release "Cars." If you would like a personal suggestion of some of Carlin's work, I would recommend his books "Braindroppings" or "Napalm and Silly Putty." If you would like to see one of his many stand up specials, "Carlin on Campus" is probably his best known classic. For one of his great bits which fits the PG rating of this blog check out "Baseball and Football" Which I have linked right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YphEUa5LPjM
Enjoy and if you feel the urge say a prayer for his soul. He wouldn't have wanted you to in his life but I bet he is wishing you would about now.
-J
It is without doubt that George Carlin was one of my favorite comedians. I do not think he was the first observational comedian but he was certainly the most in depth and controversial. George Carlin is probably most remembered for his Seven Dirty Words, but his humor was more than just foul language. I think his legacy is mixed but as far as his comedy is concerned he was one of the greats.
I say his legacy is mixed for a number of reasons. First of all, George Carlin was a student of humanity generally and American society more specifically. A good example of this is the title of his second book "Napalm and Silly Putty." He was merely commenting on the capacity of the human mind to create two things that are so diametrically different. One is a gel like substance created to incinerate forests, villages, and people. The other is a gel like substance that's main function is copying cartoon strips from the newspaper. He also comments on how the government has demonized explicit lyrics on albums when the definition of the word explicit is "fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated." This is hardly something to be feared. Few comedians are as insightful as this. However, the thing many modern comedians have picked up on is his prodigious use of swear words. Often times today comedians rely on the foul language to be the humor. This is not a good thing.
Carlin is also to be revered because he pushed the envelope of the 1st Amendment. Carlin was arrested a number of times for his routines but was always exonerated. His Seven Dirty Words routine was the subject of a very important 1st Amendment Supreme Court Case. However unlike other 1st Amendment "heroes" such as Larry Flynt or 2 Live Crew, Carlin lost his case! George Carlin's Supreme Court case actually led to upholding of restrictions on 1st Amendment Speech. So although he should be remembered for pushing the 1st Amendment envelope, his contribution is actually one that limits the 1st amendment.
Finally, the work he did in his later years (post 2000 at least) was certainly not on par with his previous work. He seemed to be more of a caricature of himself. He was an angry old man rather than a commentator on humanity. It was a sad way for him to go out.
But hey lets not forget he was a very funny man who also did a number of children's projects, most recently being in the Pixar release "Cars." If you would like a personal suggestion of some of Carlin's work, I would recommend his books "Braindroppings" or "Napalm and Silly Putty." If you would like to see one of his many stand up specials, "Carlin on Campus" is probably his best known classic. For one of his great bits which fits the PG rating of this blog check out "Baseball and Football" Which I have linked right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YphEUa5LPjM
Enjoy and if you feel the urge say a prayer for his soul. He wouldn't have wanted you to in his life but I bet he is wishing you would about now.
-J
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Fun with local news
There were two stories in The Daily Mississippian today that were absolutely fantastic for the discerning person. For those of you who do not know, The Daily Mississippian is the student newspaper here at the University of Mississippi. It comes out every weekday even in the summer. More often than not the writing is very adequate.
So much for the introductions. The first story is more of a picture that I found amusing rather than the story itself. As many of you know, the University here is engaged in marijuana research sponsored by the federal government. Recent reports released have announced that the potency of marijuana has increased over the last few decades. The pro pot group NORML has had responses in the subsequent issues of the paper. You do not need to read the article but check out the picture here: http://media.www.thedmonline.com/media/storage/paper876/news/2008/06/18/News/Norml.Director.Seeks.Pot.Regulation.Education-3382916.shtml
Now maybe its just me, but that looks like a hand rolled cigarette in the hand of the (presumably) woman out in the weed field. Of course we all know that most rolled cigarettes are of the marijuana variety rather than tobacco. I really have no opinion on the merits of the story of the controversy surrounding the potency of the drug, however it seems to me like the wolf is guarding the sheep.
The second story that I found amusing is this one: http://media.www.thedmonline.com/media/storage/paper876/news/2008/06/18/News/Unknown.Number.Of.Ferals.Roam.Oxford-3382922.shtml
Feral cats are a huge problem and packs of feral dogs wandering around a town is certainly no laughing matter. I do think the mention of a feral goat problem is fairly humorous. I have never seen, nor did I foresee packs of wildish goats menacing our local tin can population. This is made even funnier by the classified advertisement "For Sale: Quality Meat Goats. All Sizes Available. Prices vary according to size" which was also in today's The Daily Mississippian. It seems like the demand would be low for goats when you can apparently find them roaming about town. I applaud the paper for continuing during the summer even though there are few students and apparently nothing to really write about. When the work day grows too long, or the task grows too difficult, I hope those of you who read this blog will take time out to think of the packs of feral goats around town and have a chuckle.
-J
So much for the introductions. The first story is more of a picture that I found amusing rather than the story itself. As many of you know, the University here is engaged in marijuana research sponsored by the federal government. Recent reports released have announced that the potency of marijuana has increased over the last few decades. The pro pot group NORML has had responses in the subsequent issues of the paper. You do not need to read the article but check out the picture here: http://media.www.thedmonline.com/media/storage/paper876/news/2008/06/18/News/Norml.Director.Seeks.Pot.Regulation.Education-3382916.shtml
Now maybe its just me, but that looks like a hand rolled cigarette in the hand of the (presumably) woman out in the weed field. Of course we all know that most rolled cigarettes are of the marijuana variety rather than tobacco. I really have no opinion on the merits of the story of the controversy surrounding the potency of the drug, however it seems to me like the wolf is guarding the sheep.
The second story that I found amusing is this one: http://media.www.thedmonline.com/media/storage/paper876/news/2008/06/18/News/Unknown.Number.Of.Ferals.Roam.Oxford-3382922.shtml
Feral cats are a huge problem and packs of feral dogs wandering around a town is certainly no laughing matter. I do think the mention of a feral goat problem is fairly humorous. I have never seen, nor did I foresee packs of wildish goats menacing our local tin can population. This is made even funnier by the classified advertisement "For Sale: Quality Meat Goats. All Sizes Available. Prices vary according to size" which was also in today's The Daily Mississippian. It seems like the demand would be low for goats when you can apparently find them roaming about town. I applaud the paper for continuing during the summer even though there are few students and apparently nothing to really write about. When the work day grows too long, or the task grows too difficult, I hope those of you who read this blog will take time out to think of the packs of feral goats around town and have a chuckle.
-J
Monday, May 26, 2008
Motion Picture Malaise
I consider myself a fan of movies. I especially like to go see them on the big screen and if they are good enough, I reward them with a DVD purchase. Some of the highlights of my life at the cinema (other than when I worked at one) include Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Spiderman, Little Miss Sunshine, The Lion King, Big Fish, and the Royal Tenenbaums. Now these movies are not necessarily great, but at the time I watched them on the big screen they made me feel like movies are supposed to make me feel. Little Miss Sunshine I thought was great because everyone in the theater, no matter what their background, race, age or any defining characteristic was we were all laughing hysterically. For a movie to get that reaction out of a totally different group of people to me was very special. The Royal Tenebaums I loved for the complete opposite reason. Nicole and I seemed to be the only people in the theater laughing at all. This made me feel like we got the joke and no one else did. Spiderman was nothing less than the realization of a childhood dream. Sure, I had seen clips from the old Spiderman live action TV show from the 1970s, but to see Spiderman fully realized on the big screen cannot be put into words for me. I just list the effects these three movies had on me at the time to give a sense of what I mean by making me feel like they are supposed to make me feel.
So often in life our biggest disappointments come from our greatest loves. The more you cherish something the larger the chance it will let you down. I have felt particularly let down by the recent dreck Hollywood has churned out.
First, we shall take the case of Spiderman 3. As much as I loved Spiderman the movie and Spiderman generally (I wrote my essay to get into college about why I would like to be Spiderman for a day), I found this film to be abhorring. I had no problem with Spiderman trying to be friends with the Second Green Goblin, but having the Green Goblin proclaim he was BFF with Spiderman would be like Rosie O'Donnell and Charleton Heston having a secret love child. It is absolutely against the character and the history of Spiderman. Many people liked the movie. It honestly made me wish for a short period of time that they had never made any Spiderman movies because it led to this sense of literal betrayal. I felt Sam Rami, had not only betrayed all of the fans he endeared himself to in the first movies but also he betrayed Spiderman (I know he is not real). I refuse to buy it on DVD or watch it again.
In reality there were three other tertiary films that came out recently and they all were terrible. Oceans 13, Pirates 3, and Shreck 3 all started out as nice films. I remember seeing Pirates and Oceans 11 in the theater and really enjoying my experience. By the third time around the characters were stale and the plots were awful. The ship in Pirates 3 spent half of the movie in the middle of the desert for Pete's sake. The first Shreck I watched in my room in the fraternity house with Nicole and my fraternity little brother. I remember thinking how neat it was that all of the famous fairy tale characters were part of this modern irreverent tale. By the third one it just became the same old recycled mess.
Finally, my more recent malaise has come about because I recently went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. After watching this movie I can honestly say that Stephen Spielberg has lost it and that George Lucas is systematically trying to destroy my childhood which he actually helped to create. In the late 1970s to the mid 1990s Spielberg directed such movies as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters, ET, Schindler's List, and Jurassic Park. Now he has moved on to more entertaining fare such as AI, Minority Report, The Terminal and this new piece of Indy junk. It is obvious that he has not made a good movie in 10 years. And certainly not a great one like the ones I have just named. Thats fine, he has lost it.
George Lucas is much more blameworthy. He helped create two of the greatest movie franchises ever. Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The first films in both of those franchises are absolutely amazing. The special effects in Star Wars still basically hold up and that movie was made 30 years ago. Since then, really after the original trilogies ended, he has seemingly made his singular goal to destroy his own legacy. Phantom Menace and especially Clone Wars are just difficult to watch at all. And this new Indiana Jones movie stinks. Apparently, greasers have the unique talent of swinging around in trees like Tarzan only dreamed of, after being apart for more than 10 years you can pick right up with the woman you impregnated and left like you had just come back home from a day at work and KGB agents say certain words with an English accent. If you can suspend disbelief for all of that, you are almost there. Next you have to accept the fact that THIS MOVIE IS ABOUT ALIENS. The great thing about Indiana Jones movies was that the amount of supernatural goings on was believable. Because at one time, Lucas and Spielburg could tell a decent yarn you could believe the Holy Grail existed or the Ark of the Covenant held terrible powers, but aliens putting all of the knowlege of the universe into crystal skulls? So George Lucas has taken characters that I loved, played with, and pretended to be when I was a little kid and destroyed them. Kudos George Lucas, your goal has been achieved in my book. I feel like fans should sue you to keep you from screwing up your own work. But that is probably too late.
Speaking of late...
-J
So often in life our biggest disappointments come from our greatest loves. The more you cherish something the larger the chance it will let you down. I have felt particularly let down by the recent dreck Hollywood has churned out.
First, we shall take the case of Spiderman 3. As much as I loved Spiderman the movie and Spiderman generally (I wrote my essay to get into college about why I would like to be Spiderman for a day), I found this film to be abhorring. I had no problem with Spiderman trying to be friends with the Second Green Goblin, but having the Green Goblin proclaim he was BFF with Spiderman would be like Rosie O'Donnell and Charleton Heston having a secret love child. It is absolutely against the character and the history of Spiderman. Many people liked the movie. It honestly made me wish for a short period of time that they had never made any Spiderman movies because it led to this sense of literal betrayal. I felt Sam Rami, had not only betrayed all of the fans he endeared himself to in the first movies but also he betrayed Spiderman (I know he is not real). I refuse to buy it on DVD or watch it again.
In reality there were three other tertiary films that came out recently and they all were terrible. Oceans 13, Pirates 3, and Shreck 3 all started out as nice films. I remember seeing Pirates and Oceans 11 in the theater and really enjoying my experience. By the third time around the characters were stale and the plots were awful. The ship in Pirates 3 spent half of the movie in the middle of the desert for Pete's sake. The first Shreck I watched in my room in the fraternity house with Nicole and my fraternity little brother. I remember thinking how neat it was that all of the famous fairy tale characters were part of this modern irreverent tale. By the third one it just became the same old recycled mess.
Finally, my more recent malaise has come about because I recently went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. After watching this movie I can honestly say that Stephen Spielberg has lost it and that George Lucas is systematically trying to destroy my childhood which he actually helped to create. In the late 1970s to the mid 1990s Spielberg directed such movies as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters, ET, Schindler's List, and Jurassic Park. Now he has moved on to more entertaining fare such as AI, Minority Report, The Terminal and this new piece of Indy junk. It is obvious that he has not made a good movie in 10 years. And certainly not a great one like the ones I have just named. Thats fine, he has lost it.
George Lucas is much more blameworthy. He helped create two of the greatest movie franchises ever. Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The first films in both of those franchises are absolutely amazing. The special effects in Star Wars still basically hold up and that movie was made 30 years ago. Since then, really after the original trilogies ended, he has seemingly made his singular goal to destroy his own legacy. Phantom Menace and especially Clone Wars are just difficult to watch at all. And this new Indiana Jones movie stinks. Apparently, greasers have the unique talent of swinging around in trees like Tarzan only dreamed of, after being apart for more than 10 years you can pick right up with the woman you impregnated and left like you had just come back home from a day at work and KGB agents say certain words with an English accent. If you can suspend disbelief for all of that, you are almost there. Next you have to accept the fact that THIS MOVIE IS ABOUT ALIENS. The great thing about Indiana Jones movies was that the amount of supernatural goings on was believable. Because at one time, Lucas and Spielburg could tell a decent yarn you could believe the Holy Grail existed or the Ark of the Covenant held terrible powers, but aliens putting all of the knowlege of the universe into crystal skulls? So George Lucas has taken characters that I loved, played with, and pretended to be when I was a little kid and destroyed them. Kudos George Lucas, your goal has been achieved in my book. I feel like fans should sue you to keep you from screwing up your own work. But that is probably too late.
Speaking of late...
-J
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Is there anyone still out there?
I feel as if I have alienated my already dwindling audience. I am sorry I have not written a post in over a month. I have been kinda busy trying to find a job. Still looking by the way. Yesterday afternoon I did my last work in Law School writing a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, Client letter, and an Advance Healthcare Directive. This is all for my Will and Trust Drafting Class. Now have I alienated the rest of you? I said all that to say I have no real excuse for not updating my blog.
I have a question. Why can't we make some kinda fuel out of trees/wood? Ethanol and biodiesel are made from corn, used cooking oil, or sugar. Seems to me that wood would have enough of these sugars to make some sort of fuel. I know sticks and turpentine burn which are both wood products. The obvious problem to me would be pollution, but if they can make clean burning coal, why not wood? Just a thought.
Also, we have begun to honor our future overlords: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24181778/.
This is mostly a joke. Some honorees have been R2D2, C3PO, Lt. Cmdr. Data, and Hal. Hal? We are now honoring computer who tried to kill its human masters. Its one thing to laugh at my previous posts pointing out the problems with increasing robot intelligence, but honoring Hal? This is a bad omen.
Thats all I have right now. Sorry.
-J
I have a question. Why can't we make some kinda fuel out of trees/wood? Ethanol and biodiesel are made from corn, used cooking oil, or sugar. Seems to me that wood would have enough of these sugars to make some sort of fuel. I know sticks and turpentine burn which are both wood products. The obvious problem to me would be pollution, but if they can make clean burning coal, why not wood? Just a thought.
Also, we have begun to honor our future overlords: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24181778/.
This is mostly a joke. Some honorees have been R2D2, C3PO, Lt. Cmdr. Data, and Hal. Hal? We are now honoring computer who tried to kill its human masters. Its one thing to laugh at my previous posts pointing out the problems with increasing robot intelligence, but honoring Hal? This is a bad omen.
Thats all I have right now. Sorry.
-J
Monday, March 3, 2008
More Anti-Hillary Thoughts
I guess we can all see where this blog is going if Hillary does get elected...
This particular post in in regards to Hillary's recent media whoring. Hillary had a guest spot on Saturday Night Live last Saturday. I actually find it difficult to look at her because she makes me so angry. Also, last week she appeared on another New York favorite, the Late Show with David Letterman.
On Letterman, Hillary came on in a spot and said, "If you go to Hillaryclinton.com right now you can find my recipe for Snicker doodle Cookies." So, I, a cookie fan, decided to give it a shot and went to her website. Sure enough, there was a recipe for Snicker doodle cookies on her front page (it is not on her front page any longer). To Hillary's credit, she actually told the truth on Letterman. There is a first time for everything. I believe this whole chain of events is a microcosm for why Hillary should not be President.
The first thing is that when I clicked on the recipe, it came up as Cat Cora's Snicker doodle recipe. Hillary could not even tell the truth about whose recipe it was! Seriously? Yes, seriously. How can we trust a President who is lying to our faces about cookies? What would it have hurt her to say, "If you want a GOOD Snicker doodle recipe go to my website."? I know you may think I just misheard it. Thank you youtube, here is the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rfTmE4NGdX8. I just think it is pretty telling that she could not even tell the truth about this. For your further reading pleasure here is a list of ways to identify a pathological liar: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_tell_if_someone_is_a_pathological_liar
(As a post script to this first problem I am now putting Cat Cora, a Mississippian, on notice of a boycott for supporting someone who maligned her home state so badly. If Cat keeps selling out her fellow Mississippians, she shall feel my wrath.)
The second problem I had with Cookiegate is the fact that she put a cookie recipe on her website at all. Hillary is supposed to be representing enlightened, empowered women on par with any man. It makes me wonder how many Presidential candidates in history have felt that they needed a cookie recipe to garner votes. It reminds me when about a year ago, the Women Law Student group had a bake sale to raise funds for something. Seriously, pick a gender role. Either be liberated or don't, you cannot be everything. If I were a woman, I think I would feel a little betrayed by all of Hillary's crying and Cookiegate.
That's all I have to say at the moment.
-J
This particular post in in regards to Hillary's recent media whoring. Hillary had a guest spot on Saturday Night Live last Saturday. I actually find it difficult to look at her because she makes me so angry. Also, last week she appeared on another New York favorite, the Late Show with David Letterman.
On Letterman, Hillary came on in a spot and said, "If you go to Hillaryclinton.com right now you can find my recipe for Snicker doodle Cookies." So, I, a cookie fan, decided to give it a shot and went to her website. Sure enough, there was a recipe for Snicker doodle cookies on her front page (it is not on her front page any longer). To Hillary's credit, she actually told the truth on Letterman. There is a first time for everything. I believe this whole chain of events is a microcosm for why Hillary should not be President.
The first thing is that when I clicked on the recipe, it came up as Cat Cora's Snicker doodle recipe. Hillary could not even tell the truth about whose recipe it was! Seriously? Yes, seriously. How can we trust a President who is lying to our faces about cookies? What would it have hurt her to say, "If you want a GOOD Snicker doodle recipe go to my website."? I know you may think I just misheard it. Thank you youtube, here is the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rfTmE4NGdX8. I just think it is pretty telling that she could not even tell the truth about this. For your further reading pleasure here is a list of ways to identify a pathological liar: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_tell_if_someone_is_a_pathological_liar
(As a post script to this first problem I am now putting Cat Cora, a Mississippian, on notice of a boycott for supporting someone who maligned her home state so badly. If Cat keeps selling out her fellow Mississippians, she shall feel my wrath.)
The second problem I had with Cookiegate is the fact that she put a cookie recipe on her website at all. Hillary is supposed to be representing enlightened, empowered women on par with any man. It makes me wonder how many Presidential candidates in history have felt that they needed a cookie recipe to garner votes. It reminds me when about a year ago, the Women Law Student group had a bake sale to raise funds for something. Seriously, pick a gender role. Either be liberated or don't, you cannot be everything. If I were a woman, I think I would feel a little betrayed by all of Hillary's crying and Cookiegate.
That's all I have to say at the moment.
-J
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
MSinformed 2008 Primary
On March 11, 2008, according to our new Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann (a MSinformed 2007 pick) we are going to have ourselves a little primary election. Now, previously I told you all who I thought you should vote for. Today, I am going to tell you who you shouldn't vote for. It should be of no suprise, that I can think of nothing worse than Hillary Clinton as our next President.
In the Republican race, it is of no consequence who anyone in Mississippi votes for because Senator McCain is going to win. I predict Huckabee will carry Mississippi anyway. However in March the race between Obama and Clinton will still be very relevant. I am sure both candidates will come to Mississippi. I expect my home state to welcome them both with open arms. However, I also expect my home state to remember Hillary's comments insulting the State of Mississippi when she was pandering to voters in Iowa. If you don't remember here is a link: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2007/10/what-is-hillary.html
I made sure to use a major media outlet such as ABC news because I did not want any conservative "slant" to come off in this. This outrage we should all have toward Hillary should be without regard for political party, race, or sex. I am not going to get into this too much more because I feel my mind filling with rage. But please, do not reward Hillary for vitriol. If anything after the last 7 years we should all realize the United States needs a President who will unite the nation, and not try to divide it for personal gain.
-J
In the Republican race, it is of no consequence who anyone in Mississippi votes for because Senator McCain is going to win. I predict Huckabee will carry Mississippi anyway. However in March the race between Obama and Clinton will still be very relevant. I am sure both candidates will come to Mississippi. I expect my home state to welcome them both with open arms. However, I also expect my home state to remember Hillary's comments insulting the State of Mississippi when she was pandering to voters in Iowa. If you don't remember here is a link: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2007/10/what-is-hillary.html
I made sure to use a major media outlet such as ABC news because I did not want any conservative "slant" to come off in this. This outrage we should all have toward Hillary should be without regard for political party, race, or sex. I am not going to get into this too much more because I feel my mind filling with rage. But please, do not reward Hillary for vitriol. If anything after the last 7 years we should all realize the United States needs a President who will unite the nation, and not try to divide it for personal gain.
-J
Saturday, February 16, 2008
My Anthropology Theory, EA Sports Lets You Decide, and Other Musings
Hello again,
(I would like to note that to get this photo to appear in the proper place, I had to actually edit the HTML script. There is a first time for everything)
Recently the Westminster Dog Show has been all over the news. Uno a beagle, won best in show. This was suprisingly the first ever win for a beagle. However, the media made it a little too big of a deal. The beagle is recognizable to most every American. From reports I have heard, the beagle has been in the top ten list of breeds in American homes for the last 100 years. And if you are not aware (because you had your head in a hole) Snoopy is also a beagle. But contrary to many media reports, I do not believe Snoopy is proud of Uno. My reasoning? Snoopy is FAKE.
This recent ad nauseum coverage of dogs, especially Uno, in the media led me to come up with an Anthropological Theory. The theory is, "If we had to today, humans would be incapable of domesticating dogs." (editor's note: I am writing the boring piece first because I want you to read it before you get to the fun) When dogs were first domesticated from wolves, humans existed in a similar pack structure. There would have been one alpha male, a number of subordinates, females, and children. Therefore, when a wolf cub was raised by humans, it was a power structure the wolf could easily fit. The alpha male, or chieftan of the tribe would operate as the top of the hierarchy, so the wolf would never attack him. The subordinate males would exert their dominance over the wolf in the hierarchy also thereby putting the wolf in its place. It is obvious today that humans have lost the ability to put a dog in its place... That is why when someone keeps a wolf in a neighborhood as a pet, it invaribly escapes and gnaws off someones face. Luckily, our ancestors did the dirty work for us because we could not do it today.
Behold look into the eyes of a killer!
(I would like to note that to get this photo to appear in the proper place, I had to actually edit the HTML script. There is a first time for everything)
Second on the agenda is NCAA 2009 for Nintendo Wii. Not only will this be the first NCAA football game for the Wii, but it will also have a mascot on the cover. And EA Sports is letting America decide on which mascot to use. This brings up two things: 1) MSU's Bully mascot could actually be on the cover of a videogame sold all over the United States; and 2) Ole Miss doesn't have an official mascot, so they are out of luck. You can vote once per day. Here is the link:
Finally, I read an article this week that was not by itself funny, but the pictures accompanying the article are hilarious (and strange). It is the article from England that caught some play here in the States, regarding the World's Smallest Bodybuilder. The humor to me is not necessarily that idea, but the gentleman in question himself. He has terrible bleach blonde hair, a nasty mustache like kids have in Junior High to "look cool," and an absolutely no nonsense look on his face. Here is the link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=513820&in_page_id=1811
The picture of the other bodybuilder holding him in his hand reminds me of this picture: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=492264&in_page_id=1811
Now my article has come full circle, bookended by dogs (nice work if I do say so). Also, note that both of those articles are from the Daily Mail in the UK which just goes to show you, there is actually nothing else worth writing about in the UK (but wait Jeremy, didn't this blog start by writing about your trip to the UK? Yes, quite a paradox).
-J
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Alas, There Can be Only One Egg Bowl
Back in November, the Mississippi State offense suddenly woke up with about 6 minutes left in the game. In a flurry of scoring, the Bulldogs put 17 straight points on the board to win the game, sending the tens of thousands of MSU fans at the game into ecstacy.
A similar situation occurred on Saturday, February 2, 2008. Mississippi State's offense woke up with about 6 minutes left in the game. They even had similar deficit. This time the comback would fall short. Tennessee, playing as well as any team in the US, answered many of MSU's scores and defended the rest. Within the final minute, MSU had one chance to go ahead and one chance to tie. Riley Benock, who seemingly had a wide open shot, decided to pump-fake and pass. He traveled. Benock has shown himself to be a sharpshooter from anywhere on the court and until that point had been very dependable with the basketball. He is just a freshman. I certainly do not blame him for the loss. In fact, I would prefer he start over Turner, simply because he does take such good care of the ball. I have more on Benock in a second. Then team leader Jamont Gordon had a fairly good look from the top of the three-point line and just missed the shot. Lets face it, he is no Michael Jordan. He is a major reason State even made it back into that game. He did not make the game winning shot, but he was very much responsible for making sure we had a chance, so no fault can be put on him. So then, after such a rough week I think many Bulldog fans, like myself want to know who to blame. And I (who can't play basketball to save my life) have a very simple answer. Nobody and everybody.
I think the simple problem in the last two games is shooting. Not that State did not shoot a decent percentage, but that they didn't shoot. In the Tennessee game, State shot 16 less times than Tennessee. If State would have made 46% of those shots they would have scored 7 more points. That would have been a win. Now in the Arkansas game, Arkansas shot 12 more times than MSU. At 40% shooting that would have only accounted for about 4 points. Of course the game was a 20 point blowout, but who knows if those extra points would have changed the dynamic of the game. This goes back to Benock. He didn't shoot at all. He scored 12 on 4 threes against Ole Miss, yet continually passed up open shots against Tennessee. The crowd knew it too. They booed him at one point for passing up the shot. Again, I don't blame it on Benock, I think it is something that should be worked on by the whole club, staff and players. You can't score unless you shoot.
After the game, I expected today's headlines on ESPN and other publications to read something like exposed or overrated or something like that. But instead they seemed to signal repsect. I think many pundits now realize that if MSU makes it to the dance (which is looking less likely unless they make a deep run in the SEC tourney), they will be a tough put out. So, I guess that is a good thing.
Well, at least it was a good day for the Redskins (as good as it can be when the Giants are playing in the Superbowl and you have no coach). Art Monk and Darrell Green were selected for the Hall of Fame. The honor was long overdue for Monk. Unsuprisingly, it was Green's first time on the ballot. Unsuprisingly because he is the best NFL Cornerback ever (eat that Deion). So, congrats to them.
I was gonna write about something else, but I forgot what that was so, enjoy the Superbowl.
-J
A similar situation occurred on Saturday, February 2, 2008. Mississippi State's offense woke up with about 6 minutes left in the game. They even had similar deficit. This time the comback would fall short. Tennessee, playing as well as any team in the US, answered many of MSU's scores and defended the rest. Within the final minute, MSU had one chance to go ahead and one chance to tie. Riley Benock, who seemingly had a wide open shot, decided to pump-fake and pass. He traveled. Benock has shown himself to be a sharpshooter from anywhere on the court and until that point had been very dependable with the basketball. He is just a freshman. I certainly do not blame him for the loss. In fact, I would prefer he start over Turner, simply because he does take such good care of the ball. I have more on Benock in a second. Then team leader Jamont Gordon had a fairly good look from the top of the three-point line and just missed the shot. Lets face it, he is no Michael Jordan. He is a major reason State even made it back into that game. He did not make the game winning shot, but he was very much responsible for making sure we had a chance, so no fault can be put on him. So then, after such a rough week I think many Bulldog fans, like myself want to know who to blame. And I (who can't play basketball to save my life) have a very simple answer. Nobody and everybody.
I think the simple problem in the last two games is shooting. Not that State did not shoot a decent percentage, but that they didn't shoot. In the Tennessee game, State shot 16 less times than Tennessee. If State would have made 46% of those shots they would have scored 7 more points. That would have been a win. Now in the Arkansas game, Arkansas shot 12 more times than MSU. At 40% shooting that would have only accounted for about 4 points. Of course the game was a 20 point blowout, but who knows if those extra points would have changed the dynamic of the game. This goes back to Benock. He didn't shoot at all. He scored 12 on 4 threes against Ole Miss, yet continually passed up open shots against Tennessee. The crowd knew it too. They booed him at one point for passing up the shot. Again, I don't blame it on Benock, I think it is something that should be worked on by the whole club, staff and players. You can't score unless you shoot.
After the game, I expected today's headlines on ESPN and other publications to read something like exposed or overrated or something like that. But instead they seemed to signal repsect. I think many pundits now realize that if MSU makes it to the dance (which is looking less likely unless they make a deep run in the SEC tourney), they will be a tough put out. So, I guess that is a good thing.
Well, at least it was a good day for the Redskins (as good as it can be when the Giants are playing in the Superbowl and you have no coach). Art Monk and Darrell Green were selected for the Hall of Fame. The honor was long overdue for Monk. Unsuprisingly, it was Green's first time on the ballot. Unsuprisingly because he is the best NFL Cornerback ever (eat that Deion). So, congrats to them.
I was gonna write about something else, but I forgot what that was so, enjoy the Superbowl.
-J
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Two Entries in One Month!
Hello again. I figured it was time to update everyone on things that have been bothering me lately. In case anyone was wondering, blogger has added the option of writing one's blog in Arabic. Since I don't wish for this blog to show up on any FBI or CIA list, (and I have no idea how to read or write in Arabic) I think I will stick to the Roman alphabet (with Js and Us of course)(yes that was a nerd joke, I do have a minor in Classical studies).
The first thing on my mind is something that has been bothering me for at least a year. What is the deal with the constant bathing of produce in the grocery? Way back in the day I remember seeing the produce guy spritzing the produce once in a blue moon. Now they almost all have automatic mist sprayers that are more akin to an irrigation system than a squirt bottle. I assume that the spraying of the veggies keeps the colors more vibrant and perhaps fresher. There is something to be said about this in small doses, like a guy with a squirt bottle. But, I refuse to believe lettuce needs a swamp like environment to remain fresh. I am pretty sure that around the green onion section at Kroger here in Oxford, a cypress tree is beginning to sprout. I am unafraid to shake as much of the excess water off of my vegetables, especially lettuce. This generally not only sprays water around everywhere but also throws leaves into the floor (and embarasses Nicole). I am fine with that. As far as I am concerned that is the price the store pays. The other problem is that I am not really sure how these sprayers are timed, but I am pretty sure they are programed to start spraying when I reach my hand into the case to grab something. It never fails, it is like some grocery executive saw me running through a sprinkler when I was four and thought "Hmm maybe he would appreciate this while he is at the grocery in 23 years. Well I don't.
By the way. I decided this week that I would like to be back in England right now. But I am not.
There is a Quiznos commercial with Michael Clarke Duncan talking about their flat bread "sammys." Here is a picture of Michael Clarke Duncan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dunkenkingpin.png
This is amusing to me because its funny to picture this giant man saying the word "sammy." Hopefully this thought will get you through some cold day.*
Since there does not seem to be any end to the writer's strike forthcoming, I would recommend everyone watching the reruns of 30 Rock when they come on. That is probably the funniest show on TV right now.
Anyway, that's about it for today.
-J
* FYI after posting this I looked at Michael Clarke Duncan's entry on Wikipedia to find out he went to Alcorn State for a while. I find that interesting.
The first thing on my mind is something that has been bothering me for at least a year. What is the deal with the constant bathing of produce in the grocery? Way back in the day I remember seeing the produce guy spritzing the produce once in a blue moon. Now they almost all have automatic mist sprayers that are more akin to an irrigation system than a squirt bottle. I assume that the spraying of the veggies keeps the colors more vibrant and perhaps fresher. There is something to be said about this in small doses, like a guy with a squirt bottle. But, I refuse to believe lettuce needs a swamp like environment to remain fresh. I am pretty sure that around the green onion section at Kroger here in Oxford, a cypress tree is beginning to sprout. I am unafraid to shake as much of the excess water off of my vegetables, especially lettuce. This generally not only sprays water around everywhere but also throws leaves into the floor (and embarasses Nicole). I am fine with that. As far as I am concerned that is the price the store pays. The other problem is that I am not really sure how these sprayers are timed, but I am pretty sure they are programed to start spraying when I reach my hand into the case to grab something. It never fails, it is like some grocery executive saw me running through a sprinkler when I was four and thought "Hmm maybe he would appreciate this while he is at the grocery in 23 years. Well I don't.
By the way. I decided this week that I would like to be back in England right now. But I am not.
There is a Quiznos commercial with Michael Clarke Duncan talking about their flat bread "sammys." Here is a picture of Michael Clarke Duncan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dunkenkingpin.png
This is amusing to me because its funny to picture this giant man saying the word "sammy." Hopefully this thought will get you through some cold day.*
Since there does not seem to be any end to the writer's strike forthcoming, I would recommend everyone watching the reruns of 30 Rock when they come on. That is probably the funniest show on TV right now.
Anyway, that's about it for today.
-J
* FYI after posting this I looked at Michael Clarke Duncan's entry on Wikipedia to find out he went to Alcorn State for a while. I find that interesting.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Christmas, Anniversary, and the New Year
Whew, its been over a month since I have made an entry. Sorry.
Nicole and I had a very nice Christmas. We split time between Meridian and New Orleans. This of course gave us the opportunity to see much of our family and some friends we have not seen since the wedding. Add on our two days in Memphis and we pretty much saw everyone. Also in Memphis we went to the Liberty Bowl and OOOOHHHHHH the Bulldogs won, shutting up the very obnoxious Central Florida fans next to us. Its hard to understand how a UCF fan could legitimately be obnoxious. I have had to deal with it from LSU and Alabama fans my whole life, but, both of those programs have had tons of success. I could even take an obnoxious Vandy fan. At least they play good competition. On a final UCF note, Kevin Smith is pretty good. He would have probably gotten 1000 yards if he was in the SEC (of course in CUSA he nearly broke the single season record).
Also, while in Memphis we got to enjoy the hospitality of my cousin Ashley and cousin-in-law Chris. It is kinda strange to remember Ashley as a kid, (or atleast a teen) and then as the college student who would come to visit us in Meridian and eat our popcorn, having seen her now in her current state as a mother and hostess. She performed both roles very well in the time we spent with her. Her two children, Sydney and Clayton, are as adorable as the day is long. This is the first time we have gotten to see Clayton since he has gained a personality, now being 2 years old. I was fairly impressed with the number of words he knows. I think his two favorites are Football and Eat.
Speaking of Football- Hail to the Redskins hottest team (atleast in the NFC) in football. Watch out lame Seahawks.
We spent our anniversary in Gatlinburg. It was a nice time. This was Nicole's first enjoyable trip there; I have had many such trips. We stayed at the Four Sisters' Inn. It was very nice. The inn is located about two blocks off of the middle of the main strip there. It is brand new and the staff (Jackie) was really nice and helpful. I am not getting paid for this endorsement. We ate at Maxwell's, the New Orleans Sandwich Company, and North China. They were all very good. The New Orleans Sandwhich Company has very good onion rings.
We rang in the New Year in Gatlinburg also. They do a pretty decent fireworks show. They drop a ball and shoot fireworks from the giant space needle in the middle of town. That apparently is the only reason to come to Gatlinburg during that particular time of the year because its too cold to do any of the summer stuff and too warm for the skiing. We bought some hot sauce and beef jerky though. That stuff is always there. I also conquered a childhood fear: The Mysterious Mansion haunted house. I went when I was really little and was so scared I had to leave before we really made it in. Unfortunately, the haunted house was pretty cheesy and lame. Luckily I went through with a couple of Russian girls who were scared out of their minds. That was kinda funny.
Thats pretty much it. I have pictures of all of this, which I will post as soon as I find the cord to connect the camera to my pc.
-J
Nicole and I had a very nice Christmas. We split time between Meridian and New Orleans. This of course gave us the opportunity to see much of our family and some friends we have not seen since the wedding. Add on our two days in Memphis and we pretty much saw everyone. Also in Memphis we went to the Liberty Bowl and OOOOHHHHHH the Bulldogs won, shutting up the very obnoxious Central Florida fans next to us. Its hard to understand how a UCF fan could legitimately be obnoxious. I have had to deal with it from LSU and Alabama fans my whole life, but, both of those programs have had tons of success. I could even take an obnoxious Vandy fan. At least they play good competition. On a final UCF note, Kevin Smith is pretty good. He would have probably gotten 1000 yards if he was in the SEC (of course in CUSA he nearly broke the single season record).
Also, while in Memphis we got to enjoy the hospitality of my cousin Ashley and cousin-in-law Chris. It is kinda strange to remember Ashley as a kid, (or atleast a teen) and then as the college student who would come to visit us in Meridian and eat our popcorn, having seen her now in her current state as a mother and hostess. She performed both roles very well in the time we spent with her. Her two children, Sydney and Clayton, are as adorable as the day is long. This is the first time we have gotten to see Clayton since he has gained a personality, now being 2 years old. I was fairly impressed with the number of words he knows. I think his two favorites are Football and Eat.
Speaking of Football- Hail to the Redskins hottest team (atleast in the NFC) in football. Watch out lame Seahawks.
We spent our anniversary in Gatlinburg. It was a nice time. This was Nicole's first enjoyable trip there; I have had many such trips. We stayed at the Four Sisters' Inn. It was very nice. The inn is located about two blocks off of the middle of the main strip there. It is brand new and the staff (Jackie) was really nice and helpful. I am not getting paid for this endorsement. We ate at Maxwell's, the New Orleans Sandwich Company, and North China. They were all very good. The New Orleans Sandwhich Company has very good onion rings.
We rang in the New Year in Gatlinburg also. They do a pretty decent fireworks show. They drop a ball and shoot fireworks from the giant space needle in the middle of town. That apparently is the only reason to come to Gatlinburg during that particular time of the year because its too cold to do any of the summer stuff and too warm for the skiing. We bought some hot sauce and beef jerky though. That stuff is always there. I also conquered a childhood fear: The Mysterious Mansion haunted house. I went when I was really little and was so scared I had to leave before we really made it in. Unfortunately, the haunted house was pretty cheesy and lame. Luckily I went through with a couple of Russian girls who were scared out of their minds. That was kinda funny.
Thats pretty much it. I have pictures of all of this, which I will post as soon as I find the cord to connect the camera to my pc.
-J
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