Ever since the public shellacking of the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots have been accused of deliberately changing the air pressure of game footballs in said game. There was a long investigation that concluded in a 243-page long report published last week. The report depicts two game-day assistants as being active and fully aware of their transgressions. It also provides circumstantial evidence that Tom Brady was involved (the wording used in the report is "more probable than not").
As you can imagine, I'm not happy about the 4-game suspension given to Brady (the Patriots got docked two 2016 draft picks and got fined $1 million, although the money is the least concerning of the three). There are no precedents to work back from in handing out such a harsh suspension. There are a few cases that can be viewed as similar, although not the same.
The first one is from a Minnesota - Carolina game a few years back. It was discovered during the game that the teams were heating the balls during the game, using heaters on the sideline. No penalties were handed down; the teams were simply told not to do it again.
A second case involves the San Diego Chargers. Towels laced with Stickum, a banned substance, were found on the sideline. These were used to provide the receivers with better grip. The Chargers were fined a massive $25,000 and that was the end of it.
Based on these two ball-related infractions alone, the penalties given to New England seem unreasonably harsh and quite arbitrary. Bringing in statements from other QBs as well; Aaron Rodgers has publicly stated that he wants the balls overinflated and that he alwasys hopes the refs never check the actual pressure - this quickly becomes farcical. If one chooses to dissect the report even further, it becomes obvious that the NFL had little evidence to support the suspension, and that they have overrreacted to a minor infraction.
Today, May 14th, 2015, the Patriots came with their response. In a 20,000 word piece presumably written by their legal team, the club debunks many of the conclusions of the Wells Report and shows how much guesswork and wrongful inference based on a very haphazard collection of evidence the investigators have used to conclude that there was deliberate tampering. The report, with its lack of convincing presentation, got Brady suspended for 4 games.
I won't reiterate the Patriots defense here - if you care enough about the case to have an informed opinion you can read it yourself. However, at length, it shows how single messages, arbitrary conclusions and lack of routine is supposedly "evidence" of wrongdoing with intent. After reading the piece in full, I am (as a Patriots fan, admittedly biased) confident that Brady's suspension will be overturned.
One last piece of information: Brady stated that after a game in the fall of 2014 he wanted the footballs inflated at 12.6 psi, within the limits provided in rule 2. He has publicly said he likes game balls at the lower end of the legal spectrum, which 12.6 psi can be viewed as. Nowhere has he said he wants them below 12.5, and nowhere in the exchanges between the two team assistants is there any mention of deflating the balls to below 12.5. In fact, several times they talk about overinflating them. Brady, like most quarterbacks, have a preference for what footballs he likes to throw. And he likes them at 12.6 psi, rubbed and prepared as allowed by the league rules. If a locker room attendant were to let air out of the balls after the officials inspection, would it not be fair to assume that the amount of air to be let out had to be very specific? Would you be able to let air out of 12 footballs (there were actually 13 balls in the bag) to a specific psi within 1 minute and 40 seconds? Not likely. Although if you think you're up for it, I'd love to see video of such a feat.
Bottom line is, the Wells Report is shoddy investigation reaching for conclusions that appear to have been set before the investigation even started. The document would never hold up in a court of law. There are just too many instances of the investigators jumping to conclusions. The evidence does not support those conclusions. Free Tom Brady.
torsdag 14. mai 2015
onsdag 3. desember 2014
If it's good to be back expect more
It's been a while.
Almost two years, actually.
1 year, 11 months and 11 days, to be exact. That's a lot of ones.
I never bothered to explain why I left in the first place. For some reason, I felt like I did not want to do this anymore, even as my life was heading into a very exciting phase at that time. I would have had a lot of things to write about. You guys missed out. Sorry.
There have been two cases of me logging on and putting words to paper (screen?) since : after Sandy Hook happened (this was before my last post), I had a few words. Never published, probably never will. And about a girl. That one was never intended for publication, because, well, it's none of your damn business.
The reason for me doing this - writing - has always been personal. I write because I have something to say. Not necessarily anything intellectual or of value to the average reader, but nonetheless for me, things that need to be said. In the past few years twitter has been an outlet of sorts for me. Highly compressed as they are, opinions on twitter are fast and must be precise due to their length (or lack thereof) and the fact that there is a new one every five fucking minutes.
A quick glance on my twitter account tells me I have posted 5960 tweets, and I remember starting the account right around 3 years ago (November-December 2011). Those numbers mean that I have sent an average of 1980 (estimate due to not knowing the exact date of my debut) tweets per year, which comes out to about 5,4 tweets per day. Not a staggeringly high number, but one could assume that twitter took over for this current format as my main source of expression. Not to mention, over time, I have accumulated a small following on twitter, which basically guarantees that someone sees my tweets (and thus my opinions).
For the past week or so, I have toyed with the idea of bringing this back. Taking up writing again. Part of me really miss writing. In grad school I would churn out on average 8-10 pages per week. I miss writing. It is a pleasant form of expressing oneself. It is precise, permanent, and it can convey messages in a way that video or voice cannot. And, the long-form of it, which at least this post must be considered, has been overlooked recently because of the ascension of twitter, among other things.
I am not back to writing because I really need to tell you the story of how we snowed in in Brighton in early February last year or how embarrassed I was when I faceplanted at Hafjell last September. I don't need to tell my version of the Boston Marathon bombings or how much I miss living in America. If those stories need to be told in this forum, then it will be at a later time.
Initially, I wrote another 200+ words on current racial tensions in America. I'm not sure if I can post it. It isn't controversial, it isn't new. But it's written by a white male from one of the most homogeneous countries in the world. I do have an opinion. I just don't think it matters here.
Almost two years, actually.
1 year, 11 months and 11 days, to be exact. That's a lot of ones.
I never bothered to explain why I left in the first place. For some reason, I felt like I did not want to do this anymore, even as my life was heading into a very exciting phase at that time. I would have had a lot of things to write about. You guys missed out. Sorry.
There have been two cases of me logging on and putting words to paper (screen?) since : after Sandy Hook happened (this was before my last post), I had a few words. Never published, probably never will. And about a girl. That one was never intended for publication, because, well, it's none of your damn business.
The reason for me doing this - writing - has always been personal. I write because I have something to say. Not necessarily anything intellectual or of value to the average reader, but nonetheless for me, things that need to be said. In the past few years twitter has been an outlet of sorts for me. Highly compressed as they are, opinions on twitter are fast and must be precise due to their length (or lack thereof) and the fact that there is a new one every five fucking minutes.
A quick glance on my twitter account tells me I have posted 5960 tweets, and I remember starting the account right around 3 years ago (November-December 2011). Those numbers mean that I have sent an average of 1980 (estimate due to not knowing the exact date of my debut) tweets per year, which comes out to about 5,4 tweets per day. Not a staggeringly high number, but one could assume that twitter took over for this current format as my main source of expression. Not to mention, over time, I have accumulated a small following on twitter, which basically guarantees that someone sees my tweets (and thus my opinions).
For the past week or so, I have toyed with the idea of bringing this back. Taking up writing again. Part of me really miss writing. In grad school I would churn out on average 8-10 pages per week. I miss writing. It is a pleasant form of expressing oneself. It is precise, permanent, and it can convey messages in a way that video or voice cannot. And, the long-form of it, which at least this post must be considered, has been overlooked recently because of the ascension of twitter, among other things.
I am not back to writing because I really need to tell you the story of how we snowed in in Brighton in early February last year or how embarrassed I was when I faceplanted at Hafjell last September. I don't need to tell my version of the Boston Marathon bombings or how much I miss living in America. If those stories need to be told in this forum, then it will be at a later time.
Initially, I wrote another 200+ words on current racial tensions in America. I'm not sure if I can post it. It isn't controversial, it isn't new. But it's written by a white male from one of the most homogeneous countries in the world. I do have an opinion. I just don't think it matters here.
søndag 23. desember 2012
Week 16 Christmas special picks
Oakland
@ Carolina
Pick: Oakland +9.5
New Orleans
@ Dallas
Pick: New Orleans +3.0
Tennessee
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -12.5
Minnesota
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -9.5
Indianapolis
@ Kansas City
Pick: Indianapolis -6.5
Buffalo
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -4.5
San Diego
@ New York
Pick: San Diego +1.0
Washington
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Washington -7.0
Cincinnati
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Cincinnati +4.0
St. Louis
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: St. Louis +3.0
Cleveland
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -13.0
Chicago
@ Arizona
Pick: Chicago -5.5
New York
@ Baltimore
Pick: New York -2.5
San Francisco
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -1.0
@ Carolina
Pick: Oakland +9.5
New Orleans
@ Dallas
Pick: New Orleans +3.0
Tennessee
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -12.5
Minnesota
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -9.5
Indianapolis
@ Kansas City
Pick: Indianapolis -6.5
Buffalo
@ Miami
Pick: Miami -4.5
San Diego
@ New York
Pick: San Diego +1.0
Washington
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Washington -7.0
Cincinnati
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Cincinnati +4.0
St. Louis
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: St. Louis +3.0
Cleveland
@ Denver
Pick: Denver -13.0
Chicago
@ Arizona
Pick: Chicago -5.5
New York
@ Baltimore
Pick: New York -2.5
San Francisco
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -1.0
lørdag 22. desember 2012
lørdag 15. desember 2012
Week 15 picks
New York
@ Atlanta
Pick: New York +1.5
Denver
@ Baltimore
Pick: Denver -3.0
Green Bay
@ Chicago
Pick: Green Bay -1.0
Indianapolis
@ Houston
Pick: Indianapolis +10.0
Jacksonville
@ Miami
Pick: Jacksonville +8.0
Tampa Bay
@ New Orleans
Pick: Tampa Bay +3.5
Washington
@ Cleveland
Pick: Washington -1.5
Minnesota
@ St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis -1.0
Detroit
@ Arizona
Pick: Detroit -6.0
Seattle
@ Buffalo
Pick: Seattle -5.5
Carolina
@ San Diego
Pick: Carolina +3.0
Pittsburgh
@ Dallas
Pick: Pittsburgh -1.0
Kansas City
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -3.0
New York
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -1.0
@ Atlanta
Pick: New York +1.5
Denver
@ Baltimore
Pick: Denver -3.0
Green Bay
@ Chicago
Pick: Green Bay -1.0
Indianapolis
@ Houston
Pick: Indianapolis +10.0
Jacksonville
@ Miami
Pick: Jacksonville +8.0
Tampa Bay
@ New Orleans
Pick: Tampa Bay +3.5
Washington
@ Cleveland
Pick: Washington -1.5
Minnesota
@ St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis -1.0
Detroit
@ Arizona
Pick: Detroit -6.0
Seattle
@ Buffalo
Pick: Seattle -5.5
Carolina
@ San Diego
Pick: Carolina +3.0
Pittsburgh
@ Dallas
Pick: Pittsburgh -1.0
Kansas City
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland -3.0
New York
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -1.0
torsdag 13. desember 2012
Shit yeah!
Schoooooooool's out for winter!!!!
Cincinnati
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Philadelphia +5.5
Must-win game for both teams, although Cincy is more likely to make the playoffs with a win than the Eagles are. I predict a close game and considering last week the spread is way too high. Taking points.
Cincinnati
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Philadelphia +5.5
Must-win game for both teams, although Cincy is more likely to make the playoffs with a win than the Eagles are. I predict a close game and considering last week the spread is way too high. Taking points.
søndag 9. desember 2012
Week 14 picks
St. Louis
@ Buffalo
Pick: St. Louis +3.0
Atlanta
@ Carolina
Pick: Atlanta -3.5
Dallas
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -3.5
Kansas City
@ Cleveland
Pick: Kansas City +7.0
Baltimore
@ Washington
Baltimore +1.0
Tennessee
@ Indianapolis
Pick: -4.0
New York
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Jacksonville +2.5
Chicago
@ Minnesota
Pick: Chicago -2.5
San Diego
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -7.5
Philadelphia
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -7.5
Miami
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -10.5
New Orleans
@ New York
Pick: New York -4.5
Arizona
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -10.0
Detroit
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -6.5
@ Buffalo
Pick: St. Louis +3.0
Atlanta
@ Carolina
Pick: Atlanta -3.5
Dallas
@ Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati -3.5
Kansas City
@ Cleveland
Pick: Kansas City +7.0
Baltimore
@ Washington
Baltimore +1.0
Tennessee
@ Indianapolis
Pick: -4.0
New York
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Jacksonville +2.5
Chicago
@ Minnesota
Pick: Chicago -2.5
San Diego
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -7.5
Philadelphia
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -7.5
Miami
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -10.5
New Orleans
@ New York
Pick: New York -4.5
Arizona
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -10.0
Detroit
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -6.5
torsdag 6. desember 2012
TNF
Don't look now, but the Broncos are still in play for the 2nd seed in the AFC. With one Patriots loss and a Denver win against Baltimore they will be sitting home drinking cocoa during wild-card weekend. Peyton has been thorough and his old self the past few weeks and I for one think that they can win out. Starting tonight with the Raiders of Oakland.
Denver
@ Oakland
Pick: Denver -10.5
Denver
@ Oakland
Pick: Denver -10.5
søndag 2. desember 2012
Week 13 picks
It's the time of year we all dread: papers and finals. On top of this, there is so much non-school stuff to do that is so much more fun, so you can imagine where my concentration is. Fortunately, I managed to consolidate my record and as you can see I've started a comeback of sorts. Let's hope I can keep it up. Some playoff spots up for grabs this Sunday, it will be interesting to see what happens.
Jacksonville
@ Buffalo
Pick: Jacksonville +5.5
Seattle
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -3.5
Indianapolis
@ Detroit
Pick: Indianapolis +6.0
Minnesota
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -8.5
Carolina
@ Kansas City
Pick: Carolina -3.5
Arizona
@ New York
Pick: Arizona +6.0
San Francisco
@ St. Louis
Pick: San Francisco -7.0
Houston
@ Tennessee
Pick: Houston -6.0
Tampa Bay
@ Denver
Pick: Tampa Bay +7.5
Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -7.5
Cleveland
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland +1.5
Cincinnati
@ San Diego
Pick: Cincinnati -1.0
Philadelphia
@ Dallas
Pick: Dallas -11.0
(I do not feel good about taking Romo giving this much, but then again, I don't feel good about anything about the Eagles, except for Andy Reid's 'stache)
New York
@ Washington
Pick: New York -3.0
Season: 76-78-7
Jacksonville
@ Buffalo
Pick: Jacksonville +5.5
Seattle
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -3.5
Indianapolis
@ Detroit
Pick: Indianapolis +6.0
Minnesota
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -8.5
Carolina
@ Kansas City
Pick: Carolina -3.5
Arizona
@ New York
Pick: Arizona +6.0
San Francisco
@ St. Louis
Pick: San Francisco -7.0
Houston
@ Tennessee
Pick: Houston -6.0
Tampa Bay
@ Denver
Pick: Tampa Bay +7.5
Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -7.5
Cleveland
@ Oakland
Pick: Oakland +1.5
Cincinnati
@ San Diego
Pick: Cincinnati -1.0
Philadelphia
@ Dallas
Pick: Dallas -11.0
(I do not feel good about taking Romo giving this much, but then again, I don't feel good about anything about the Eagles, except for Andy Reid's 'stache)
New York
@ Washington
Pick: New York -3.0
Season: 76-78-7
torsdag 29. november 2012
Crunch time
Tonight's Saints-Falcons matchup is probably one of the best TNF games all year. New Orleans is making a push for the playoff in what has been an extraordinary season for them, while Atlanta is clinging to its no. 1 seed in the NFC by the skin of their teeth. Should be an interesting game, and I predict, high-scoring.
New Orleans
@ Atlanta
Pick: New Orleans +3.5
New Orleans
@ Atlanta
Pick: New Orleans +3.5
onsdag 28. november 2012
Addicted to that rush
Hi my name is Eddie and I'm and addict.
Quite a revelatory statement, and one that opened my eyes a little bit. Contrary to popular belief (and to the great relief of my mother) I am not an alcoholic. I am not a drug addict. However, I am addicted to social media.
What? I shaved for this? you might say. Social media addiction? Sounds fucking boring and not real and just a way for you to explain why you waste so much time on Facebook. And maybe it is. I think I spend too much time on Facebook (and to some extent, Twitter, although that platform is of greater use to me these days). And even when I am aware of this, I still go on Facebook virtually every time I am on a computer (unless I'm really pressed for time and just printing that one article for class).
That has to classify as an addiction, right?
This led me to another thought. Are there any non-addicts left in our society? And again, we are talking about mundane things. I know my dad is addicted to coffee, along with a large percentage of the population. My mom might be addicted to exercise. They are both addicted to each other. My roommate is addicted to his videogame. I have a few friends who are addicted to nicotine. I have several friends who are addicted to chocolate. I know people who are addicted to certain types of food, be they avocadoes, mussels or calamari.
Current research has shown that going to AA meetings is itself an addiction in some people on par with alcoholism. Obviously, less liver damage, but you get the idea. Isn't this a bit alarming? That addicts, instead of getting cured, simply swap one addiction for something else? Or is this a result of our society where everything is easy to get and nothing easy to get rid of?
I'm not an expert on this, not at all. Addictions are widespread, and as I said, often we are addicted to mundane things. On the other hand, part of me can't help but think that any addiction is bad for you, be it cocaine or cheddar cheese.
Quite a revelatory statement, and one that opened my eyes a little bit. Contrary to popular belief (and to the great relief of my mother) I am not an alcoholic. I am not a drug addict. However, I am addicted to social media.
What? I shaved for this? you might say. Social media addiction? Sounds fucking boring and not real and just a way for you to explain why you waste so much time on Facebook. And maybe it is. I think I spend too much time on Facebook (and to some extent, Twitter, although that platform is of greater use to me these days). And even when I am aware of this, I still go on Facebook virtually every time I am on a computer (unless I'm really pressed for time and just printing that one article for class).
That has to classify as an addiction, right?
This led me to another thought. Are there any non-addicts left in our society? And again, we are talking about mundane things. I know my dad is addicted to coffee, along with a large percentage of the population. My mom might be addicted to exercise. They are both addicted to each other. My roommate is addicted to his videogame. I have a few friends who are addicted to nicotine. I have several friends who are addicted to chocolate. I know people who are addicted to certain types of food, be they avocadoes, mussels or calamari.
Current research has shown that going to AA meetings is itself an addiction in some people on par with alcoholism. Obviously, less liver damage, but you get the idea. Isn't this a bit alarming? That addicts, instead of getting cured, simply swap one addiction for something else? Or is this a result of our society where everything is easy to get and nothing easy to get rid of?
I'm not an expert on this, not at all. Addictions are widespread, and as I said, often we are addicted to mundane things. On the other hand, part of me can't help but think that any addiction is bad for you, be it cocaine or cheddar cheese.
søndag 25. november 2012
LATE!
Cincinnati -7.5
Cleveland +1.0
Indianapolis -2.0
Denver -10.5
Jacksonville +3.5
Minnesota +6.0
Atlanta -1.0
Seattle -3.0
Baltimore -1.0
New Orleans +2.5
St. Louis +1.0
New York -3.0
Philadelphia +3.0
Cleveland +1.0
Indianapolis -2.0
Denver -10.5
Jacksonville +3.5
Minnesota +6.0
Atlanta -1.0
Seattle -3.0
Baltimore -1.0
New Orleans +2.5
St. Louis +1.0
New York -3.0
Philadelphia +3.0
torsdag 22. november 2012
Thanksgiving football
One of the things that I am thankful for.
Houston
@ Detroit
Pick: Houston -3.0
Washington
@ Dallas
Pick: Washington +3.5
Houston
@ Detroit
Pick: Houston -3.0
Washington
@ Dallas
Pick: Washington +3.5
søndag 18. november 2012
Week 11 picks
From San Francisco! I don't know if that helps at all. Also, happy 55 to both of my parents. I feel like that's my best skill in life. Choosing parents...
Atlanta -9.5
Rebound game
Tampa Bay -1.0
Dallas -7.5
Green Bay -3.5
Houston -15.0
Cincinnati -3.5
New York +3.0
Washington -3.5
New Orleans -4.5
San Diego +7.5
Baltimore -3.0
San Francisco -7.0
Atlanta -9.5
Rebound game
Tampa Bay -1.0
Dallas -7.5
Green Bay -3.5
Houston -15.0
Cincinnati -3.5
New York +3.0
Washington -3.5
New Orleans -4.5
San Diego +7.5
Baltimore -3.0
San Francisco -7.0
søndag 11. november 2012
Week 10 picks
Oakland
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -8.0
Denver
@ Carolina
Pick: Denver -3.5
New York
@ Cincinnati
Pick: New York -4.0
Tennessee
@ Miami
Pick: Tennessee +6.0
Detroit
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota +2.0
Atlanta
@ New Orleans
Pick: Atlanta -2.0
San Diego
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -3.0
New York
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -6.5
Dallas
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Dallas -1.0
St. Louis
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -11.0
Houston
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -1.0
Kansas City
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -12.0
And since I'm picking from outside of Gillette Stadium, you'll have to wait until later for my updates. Later bitches!
@ Baltimore
Pick: Baltimore -8.0
Denver
@ Carolina
Pick: Denver -3.5
New York
@ Cincinnati
Pick: New York -4.0
Tennessee
@ Miami
Pick: Tennessee +6.0
Detroit
@ Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota +2.0
Atlanta
@ New Orleans
Pick: Atlanta -2.0
San Diego
@ Tampa Bay
Pick: Tampa Bay -3.0
New York
@ Seattle
Pick: Seattle -6.5
Dallas
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Dallas -1.0
St. Louis
@ San Francisco
Pick: San Francisco -11.0
Houston
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -1.0
Kansas City
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh -12.0
And since I'm picking from outside of Gillette Stadium, you'll have to wait until later for my updates. Later bitches!
torsdag 8. november 2012
Luck! Gabbert! Whatever!
Things are back to normal here, except for the part where my window is letting cold air through like it's the US-Mexico border.
Indianapolis
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Indianapolis -3.0
Indianapolis
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Indianapolis -3.0
onsdag 7. november 2012
Indecision 2012
Considering my status as the worst blogger in the world (albeit quite eloquent) this should be a pleasant surprise to all of you. But I feel this is a moment that requires some analysis nonetheless.
At approximately 23.10 local time (Eastern seaboard, United States), Barack Hussein Obama was declared the winner of the 2012 election and effectively elected for his second term as president of the United States. This comes after years of campaigning and millions (billions, really) of dollars spent in advertising and general campaign funds.
What does this mean? For starters, it means stability. Obama is able to continue his policy from his first term and make sure that his legislation finds a foothold. It means that his foreign policy carries weight. It means that his job programs and road to recovery can continue. But most importantly, it means that this country is on a road to a more equal future.
For all practical purposes, the United States is about as religious as Iran, Pakistan or Israel (exaggerations, yes, but those who know the circumstances will know what I am talking about). It seems unfortunate that US citizens still believe they are gods favorite people (Jim Jefferies is an authority on explaining this, but be warned: he's quite crude in his presentation). Two things that Obama has understood: the constitution is not written with the bible in mind, it is written with humans and citizens in mind. We believe these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal. Doesn't matter if that person likes to have sex with other men or if he's black or native american or doens't own a fucking pick-up. EQUAL. That's it. And the fact that government isn't there to restrict people's right, merely to guide them. If people who are in love aren't allowed to marry simply because they are of the same sex, that's government intevention to the point where mr. Hamilton would roll in his grave.
There is a storm approaching, gentlemen. But it is not a malevolent one. It is one of openness, tolerance and increased civil liberties for ALL people, men and women. It is not about intrusive vaginal ultrasounds or legitimate rape. It is about freedom. It is about liberty. It is about not denying humans their rights granted them through the constitution.
In the words of Gerry Bertier; "Sometimes you just have to roll with it and see what happens."
This is exactly what the Obama campaign is about. Yes, the economic recovery is not even close to where we wanted it to be. Yes, there are foreign policy threats to the country, and the world. But if a nation cannot rally, cannot support the simplest of liberties and rights for its people, then how can they boost economic performance or be a international power?
The Republican party has shot itself in the leg several times this election season with comments about women and rape. Such attitudes (they are all widely available on youtube: keywords include Mourdock and Todd Akin) show a contempt for other human beings and a negative attitude towards half of the population. And, only in America would these gentlemen still be in politics.
Obama might not be the greatest president so far in American history. He might not be in the top ten 100 years from now. But he represents a new breed of political leader: one that champions equality and fairness, rights and liberties for all. This election was never about taxation. It was about the worth of human beings. And President Obama showed himself as a worthy protector of those less fortunate in American society, be it from economic or personal or social issues. That's what matters. Because without the people, there will never be a nation.
At approximately 23.10 local time (Eastern seaboard, United States), Barack Hussein Obama was declared the winner of the 2012 election and effectively elected for his second term as president of the United States. This comes after years of campaigning and millions (billions, really) of dollars spent in advertising and general campaign funds.
What does this mean? For starters, it means stability. Obama is able to continue his policy from his first term and make sure that his legislation finds a foothold. It means that his foreign policy carries weight. It means that his job programs and road to recovery can continue. But most importantly, it means that this country is on a road to a more equal future.
For all practical purposes, the United States is about as religious as Iran, Pakistan or Israel (exaggerations, yes, but those who know the circumstances will know what I am talking about). It seems unfortunate that US citizens still believe they are gods favorite people (Jim Jefferies is an authority on explaining this, but be warned: he's quite crude in his presentation). Two things that Obama has understood: the constitution is not written with the bible in mind, it is written with humans and citizens in mind. We believe these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal. Doesn't matter if that person likes to have sex with other men or if he's black or native american or doens't own a fucking pick-up. EQUAL. That's it. And the fact that government isn't there to restrict people's right, merely to guide them. If people who are in love aren't allowed to marry simply because they are of the same sex, that's government intevention to the point where mr. Hamilton would roll in his grave.
There is a storm approaching, gentlemen. But it is not a malevolent one. It is one of openness, tolerance and increased civil liberties for ALL people, men and women. It is not about intrusive vaginal ultrasounds or legitimate rape. It is about freedom. It is about liberty. It is about not denying humans their rights granted them through the constitution.
In the words of Gerry Bertier; "Sometimes you just have to roll with it and see what happens."
This is exactly what the Obama campaign is about. Yes, the economic recovery is not even close to where we wanted it to be. Yes, there are foreign policy threats to the country, and the world. But if a nation cannot rally, cannot support the simplest of liberties and rights for its people, then how can they boost economic performance or be a international power?
The Republican party has shot itself in the leg several times this election season with comments about women and rape. Such attitudes (they are all widely available on youtube: keywords include Mourdock and Todd Akin) show a contempt for other human beings and a negative attitude towards half of the population. And, only in America would these gentlemen still be in politics.
Obama might not be the greatest president so far in American history. He might not be in the top ten 100 years from now. But he represents a new breed of political leader: one that champions equality and fairness, rights and liberties for all. This election was never about taxation. It was about the worth of human beings. And President Obama showed himself as a worthy protector of those less fortunate in American society, be it from economic or personal or social issues. That's what matters. Because without the people, there will never be a nation.
lørdag 3. november 2012
Week 9 picks
Denver
@ Cincinncati
Pick: Denver -3.5
Baltimore
@ Cleveland
Pick: Baltimore -3.5
Arizona
@ Green Bay
Pick: Arizona +11.0
Buffalo
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -10.0
Miami
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Miami -2.5
Detroit
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Detroit -4.5
Chicago
@ Tennessee
Pick: Chicago -3.5
Who's a hot NFC team right now? Da Bears.
Carolina
@ Washington
Pick: Carolina +3.5
Tampa Bay
@ Oakland
Pick: Tampa Bay +1.0
Minnesota
@ Seattle
Pick: Minnesota +5.0
Pittsburgh
@ New York
Pick: New York -3.5
Dallas
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -4.0
Philadelphia
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -3.5
This was a toss-up for me. I have no idea how this will play out.
Bye: New England, New York, St. Louis, San Francisco
Last week: 5-8
(Week 7 I went fucking 7-3-2!)
Season: 42-60-4
@ Cincinncati
Pick: Denver -3.5
Baltimore
@ Cleveland
Pick: Baltimore -3.5
Arizona
@ Green Bay
Pick: Arizona +11.0
Buffalo
@ Houston
Pick: Houston -10.0
Miami
@ Indianapolis
Pick: Miami -2.5
Detroit
@ Jacksonville
Pick: Detroit -4.5
Chicago
@ Tennessee
Pick: Chicago -3.5
Who's a hot NFC team right now? Da Bears.
Carolina
@ Washington
Pick: Carolina +3.5
Tampa Bay
@ Oakland
Pick: Tampa Bay +1.0
Minnesota
@ Seattle
Pick: Minnesota +5.0
Pittsburgh
@ New York
Pick: New York -3.5
Dallas
@ Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta -4.0
Philadelphia
@ New Orleans
Pick: New Orleans -3.5
This was a toss-up for me. I have no idea how this will play out.
Bye: New England, New York, St. Louis, San Francisco
Last week: 5-8
(Week 7 I went fucking 7-3-2!)
Season: 42-60-4
torsdag 1. november 2012
And things
I promise I will catch up this weekend. I PROMISE!
In other news, Sandy really didn't give us all that we bargained for up here, merely some big wind and lots of water/rain. If you are a religious person please keep my friends and family in CT, NY, NJ and the District in your prayers as I know some of them were hit a lot harder.
On top of this, election day is only five days from now, and if you, like me, have foreign friends then your facebook and twitter is all about political posts. I know, it sucks. Rest assured, I think Obama will get reelected, and the latest job numbers released today are quite positive. Always good for a sitting CIC.
Tonight, what might be the worst TNF game of the season so far:
Kansas City
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -7.5
Because if they do not win this one handsomely, we might start thinking about saying 'bye-bye' to Norv Turner.
In other news, Sandy really didn't give us all that we bargained for up here, merely some big wind and lots of water/rain. If you are a religious person please keep my friends and family in CT, NY, NJ and the District in your prayers as I know some of them were hit a lot harder.
On top of this, election day is only five days from now, and if you, like me, have foreign friends then your facebook and twitter is all about political posts. I know, it sucks. Rest assured, I think Obama will get reelected, and the latest job numbers released today are quite positive. Always good for a sitting CIC.
Tonight, what might be the worst TNF game of the season so far:
Kansas City
@ San Diego
Pick: San Diego -7.5
Because if they do not win this one handsomely, we might start thinking about saying 'bye-bye' to Norv Turner.
søndag 28. oktober 2012
Week 8 picks
Carolina
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -9.0
San Diego
@ Cleveland
Pick: San Diego -1.0
Seattle
@ Detroit
Pick: Seattle +1.0
Jacksonville
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -14.5
Miami
@ New York
Pick: New York -1.0
Atlanta
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Atlanta +1.0
Washington
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Washington +5.0
Indianapolis
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -3.5
Oakland
@ Kansas City
Pick: Oakland +1.0
New York
@ Dallas
Pick: New York -2.0
New Orleans
@ Denver
Pick: New Orleans +6.0
San Francisco
@ Arizona
Pick: San Francisco -6.5
Bye: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston
@ Chicago
Pick: Chicago -9.0
San Diego
@ Cleveland
Pick: San Diego -1.0
Seattle
@ Detroit
Pick: Seattle +1.0
Jacksonville
@ Green Bay
Pick: Green Bay -14.5
Miami
@ New York
Pick: New York -1.0
Atlanta
@ Philadelphia
Pick: Atlanta +1.0
Washington
@ Pittsburgh
Pick: Washington +5.0
Indianapolis
@ Tennessee
Pick: Tennessee -3.5
Oakland
@ Kansas City
Pick: Oakland +1.0
New York
@ Dallas
Pick: New York -2.0
New Orleans
@ Denver
Pick: New Orleans +6.0
San Francisco
@ Arizona
Pick: San Francisco -6.5
Bye: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston
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