Congrats to Gil and all of Penske for their win at Indy yesterday! But after attending, I felt like the real winner was the fans who were there, in person or spirit because for the first time in a long time, for me at least, it felt like RACE DAY!
From where I sat I could see no “blocks” of empty seats as predicted by the CARToids. The field had the names that were alienated in the split and it was great to have them back. Hopefully Mr. Judd will be able to race next year. But there was something special about race day this year. Sure the previous days of May had rain, no bumping and not a lot of drama. The new rules I feel contributed mostly to that. But for at least one day, the whole thing seemed like the ‘good old days'!
So Tony George, you won. You own the landscape that is open wheel racing in America. Forget about CART. Your aim is to take some of NASCAR's share of fans. But I beg you…It ain't no longer broke, so don't 'fix' it!
Monday, May 26, 2003
Sunday, May 18, 2003
No Bumping at the Speedway
Well here we are a scant 2 days from Bump Day and the word “bumping” is most likely not going to be uttered around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year. Instead we are going to be lucky to have 33 starters at all. Gee thanks Tony!
The 500 has been reduced to just another race. It no longer carries any distinction with the possible exception of the largest purse. The field will struggle to fill, tickets at this late date are still available. What a mess.
To make matters really bad is the lie that has been perpetrated on the fans. Seven years ago this IRL thing was supposed to bring the best open wheelers into an all oval, all American series. The only thing that is remaining is that the races are all still on ovals, but one wonders how long that will be true.
The fact is this, Tony Georges' massive ego wouldn't allow him to sit idly by while CART toured the world and garnered fans far and wide. He had to be “the Man”. Well I have news for you, he is too stupid to be “the Man” and he has just about killed the greatest race in the world.
Sure the CART drivers are back and I for one am glad. The ones that are here are the best drivers, or close. But it's the hypocrisy that George and Brian Barnhardt spew that this was all they ever wanted. Bullshit! He tried to make it with a bunch of no name wannabes and ended up with Buddy Lazier as a winner of the 500. I don't know Buddy and he may be a hell of a guy but this was a pud driver who usually ran the 500 only. He couldn't cut it as a driver in CART and any bullshit about money is just that. If he were good enough he would have had a ride.
So all of the side-by-side racing the IRL does at all of its other tracks in front of about 20 fans doesn't mean shit to me. It's fun to watch, but it doesn't diminish the fact that George has lied to all of us for 7 years and his civil war with CART has ruined open wheel racing in America.
The 500 has been reduced to just another race. It no longer carries any distinction with the possible exception of the largest purse. The field will struggle to fill, tickets at this late date are still available. What a mess.
To make matters really bad is the lie that has been perpetrated on the fans. Seven years ago this IRL thing was supposed to bring the best open wheelers into an all oval, all American series. The only thing that is remaining is that the races are all still on ovals, but one wonders how long that will be true.
The fact is this, Tony Georges' massive ego wouldn't allow him to sit idly by while CART toured the world and garnered fans far and wide. He had to be “the Man”. Well I have news for you, he is too stupid to be “the Man” and he has just about killed the greatest race in the world.
Sure the CART drivers are back and I for one am glad. The ones that are here are the best drivers, or close. But it's the hypocrisy that George and Brian Barnhardt spew that this was all they ever wanted. Bullshit! He tried to make it with a bunch of no name wannabes and ended up with Buddy Lazier as a winner of the 500. I don't know Buddy and he may be a hell of a guy but this was a pud driver who usually ran the 500 only. He couldn't cut it as a driver in CART and any bullshit about money is just that. If he were good enough he would have had a ride.
So all of the side-by-side racing the IRL does at all of its other tracks in front of about 20 fans doesn't mean shit to me. It's fun to watch, but it doesn't diminish the fact that George has lied to all of us for 7 years and his civil war with CART has ruined open wheel racing in America.
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Shit For Brains
I have observed some things in the past few weeks that really have me scratching my head. The Colts, of course, are one of them. “Deserving” championships is another.
I'll take these in order. The Colts so far this off season have resigned a kick returner who can't hold on to the ball, have signed NO big name free agents, have let their best linebacker basically leave without compensation and have not renegotiated the one contract that can insure the financial health of the team for several years to come.
The signing of Troy Walters, or rather the resigning baffles. Why in the hell would you keep a guy like this who has shown his ineffectiveness time and time again? He fumbles all the fucking time. Yet, there he is, getting a new contract with the Colts. I don't know of anyone who wanted to keep this boob, but apparently that dumbass Bill Polian wanted him.
As for Mike Peterson, well we just basically let him go. Word from Colts camp is that he just isn't a Tony Dungy type of player. Okay, I can see that. What I can't see is just letting him get away uncompensated. Where is the sense in that?
Peterson and Walters bring me to my Polian point. This guy is ruining the Colts. He is not a player in free agency. He has made enough questionable calls on draft day to negate the Peyton and Edge picks. Now his latest fiascos. I honestly believe Polian knows exactly what the fans want to see and he does the opposite. His incessant ramblings about the lack of fan support or fan knowledge is nothing more that his own self doubt. This guy had a helluva run at Buffalo and Carolina, but we are talking about pre-cap days. He is clueless in the salary cap era.
Bill, if you're going to carp about fan support it might help if you quit gutting the team every other year to show you're in charge. How the hell do we get behind a player if he is replaced every other year? Moron Polian wrecked one of the best lines in the NFL by letting Steve McKinney get away. But instead of admitting error he blames the fans for not being knowledgeable or supportive. This clown has got to go and go NOW.
And what about this so-called superstar quarterback? Peyton's a good guy by all indication and in the scope of the NFL, probably a top 10 QB. Top 5…no freakin' way. If we keep this guy and let him eat up 20% or more of our cap we are doomed. First of all he's not worth it and second, even if he was the second coming of Joe Montana it is a team game. Again Polian seems to be dropping the ball on this one.
The last thing about the Colts is about the attitude the message boards seem to have. Generally opinion on just about every facet is split. People love Peyton, people hate him. Same with Edge, Dungy, Polian, Peterson etc. What I can't abide by is that the team owner should get a free pass with his problems. Today I read that with his personal problems still up in the air, nothing will be resolved about Peyton or any big name free agents. It went on to say that his problems weren't our business. Well hello pal! I got news for you, I will be the one who decides what is and is not my business. I just cut a check for half my season tickets for next year. I now have more than just a passing interest in the team and if his pill problem still exists then he needs to get help or sell the team and kill himself chemically. If that sounds harsh, sorry, but I find it no harsher than someone telling me what my business is. So you dickless piece of shit, piss off. I'm making it my business and I want to know what is going on to keep the team here. If they are leaving then let me know so I can find another team. And if one more of you message board idiots tells me how great we are and then tell me how it would be worse if we were Bengal fans then please call me so I can take you get some bullets and a gun so you can shoot yourselves.
________________________________________
Speaking of dickless pieces of shit, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who wanted Indiana basketball coach Mike Davis fired. Killed is probably a more accurate word for what he wanted done to Davis. Apparently Mike Davis is not running the program well enough or at least to this individuals liking. Well to be honest, I haven't exactly liked what I have seen this year myself, but I do remember last March!
Upon further discussion I found out that this person was a graduate of Indiana University. I also found out that he went to IU not because of their business school(his degree), but rather because of their basketball team. Seems he liked what happened in 1976 and decided that was his kind of school. Once I heard this, the rest of his smack made sense. In his mind, or whatever he used to put thoughts together with, he deserved a national championship because he graduated from IU. The arguments that ensued would fill another page, but the bottom line is that apparently he is the only college grad in America and since he graduated from IU he deserves that championship.
It takes all kinds to make this world go around and there are some real fucking dandies out there.
I'll take these in order. The Colts so far this off season have resigned a kick returner who can't hold on to the ball, have signed NO big name free agents, have let their best linebacker basically leave without compensation and have not renegotiated the one contract that can insure the financial health of the team for several years to come.
The signing of Troy Walters, or rather the resigning baffles. Why in the hell would you keep a guy like this who has shown his ineffectiveness time and time again? He fumbles all the fucking time. Yet, there he is, getting a new contract with the Colts. I don't know of anyone who wanted to keep this boob, but apparently that dumbass Bill Polian wanted him.
As for Mike Peterson, well we just basically let him go. Word from Colts camp is that he just isn't a Tony Dungy type of player. Okay, I can see that. What I can't see is just letting him get away uncompensated. Where is the sense in that?
Peterson and Walters bring me to my Polian point. This guy is ruining the Colts. He is not a player in free agency. He has made enough questionable calls on draft day to negate the Peyton and Edge picks. Now his latest fiascos. I honestly believe Polian knows exactly what the fans want to see and he does the opposite. His incessant ramblings about the lack of fan support or fan knowledge is nothing more that his own self doubt. This guy had a helluva run at Buffalo and Carolina, but we are talking about pre-cap days. He is clueless in the salary cap era.
Bill, if you're going to carp about fan support it might help if you quit gutting the team every other year to show you're in charge. How the hell do we get behind a player if he is replaced every other year? Moron Polian wrecked one of the best lines in the NFL by letting Steve McKinney get away. But instead of admitting error he blames the fans for not being knowledgeable or supportive. This clown has got to go and go NOW.
And what about this so-called superstar quarterback? Peyton's a good guy by all indication and in the scope of the NFL, probably a top 10 QB. Top 5…no freakin' way. If we keep this guy and let him eat up 20% or more of our cap we are doomed. First of all he's not worth it and second, even if he was the second coming of Joe Montana it is a team game. Again Polian seems to be dropping the ball on this one.
The last thing about the Colts is about the attitude the message boards seem to have. Generally opinion on just about every facet is split. People love Peyton, people hate him. Same with Edge, Dungy, Polian, Peterson etc. What I can't abide by is that the team owner should get a free pass with his problems. Today I read that with his personal problems still up in the air, nothing will be resolved about Peyton or any big name free agents. It went on to say that his problems weren't our business. Well hello pal! I got news for you, I will be the one who decides what is and is not my business. I just cut a check for half my season tickets for next year. I now have more than just a passing interest in the team and if his pill problem still exists then he needs to get help or sell the team and kill himself chemically. If that sounds harsh, sorry, but I find it no harsher than someone telling me what my business is. So you dickless piece of shit, piss off. I'm making it my business and I want to know what is going on to keep the team here. If they are leaving then let me know so I can find another team. And if one more of you message board idiots tells me how great we are and then tell me how it would be worse if we were Bengal fans then please call me so I can take you get some bullets and a gun so you can shoot yourselves.
________________________________________
Speaking of dickless pieces of shit, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who wanted Indiana basketball coach Mike Davis fired. Killed is probably a more accurate word for what he wanted done to Davis. Apparently Mike Davis is not running the program well enough or at least to this individuals liking. Well to be honest, I haven't exactly liked what I have seen this year myself, but I do remember last March!
Upon further discussion I found out that this person was a graduate of Indiana University. I also found out that he went to IU not because of their business school(his degree), but rather because of their basketball team. Seems he liked what happened in 1976 and decided that was his kind of school. Once I heard this, the rest of his smack made sense. In his mind, or whatever he used to put thoughts together with, he deserved a national championship because he graduated from IU. The arguments that ensued would fill another page, but the bottom line is that apparently he is the only college grad in America and since he graduated from IU he deserves that championship.
It takes all kinds to make this world go around and there are some real fucking dandies out there.
Wednesday, January 8, 2003
Colts Post-Mortem
Well here we are, January 8th and it's already time for the Colts post mortem. Damn, what can I, or anyone else say. A 41-0 blowout loss to the fucking Jets. Guess they were hot! Well I'm not gonna bash the Jets, they simply outplayed the Colts in every phase of the game.
No, this is about the Dolts, er Colts.
The Colts finished the regular season with a respectable, at least from the surface, 10-6 record. It's when you delve a little deeper into it that you realize how disturbing it is and why the 41-0 blowout isn't as surprising as it seems.
Let me start at the end. The 41-0 loss to the Jets was a complete team letdown. Peyton sucked, Marvin looked disinterested, I don't think the defense ever got off the airplane in NJ and special teams sucked. There really isn't any good reason to dissect that game very much further. I'll only say this, unless Irsay is just paying lip service about staying in Indianapolis, then he is going to have to field a team that plays better than that or he will have about 2500 people cheering for the Colts in the dome next year.
The team got off to a decent start in Jacksonville against an enigmatic Jaguar team. Their triple threat of Brunnell, Smith and Taylor had okay days but nothing spectacular. On the other hand Manning, James and Harrison didn't exactly light it up either. The defense bothered though and would continue to do so well into the season.
An ugly loss to the Dolphins brought out the simple fact the defense stunk. Ricky Williams and Edge put on a show though. Both ran hard and well and both caught the ball. Unfortunately a trend that would haunt us all season reared it's ugly head. The Colts let the Phins have a big halftime lead which we simply could not overcome. Games against Pittsburgh, Washington, Tennessee twice, the NY Giants and the Jets all were the same story.
Wins against Houston, Baltimore and Cincinnati brought the Colts to 4-1. However, the team was not impressive in any of the three. In fact the Ravens and Bengal games outcomes could have easily gone the other way.
This is where the wheels of the team truly fell off. A brutal Monday night showing in Pittsburgh wiped the optimism out of my eyes. Couple that with an equally abysmal effort at the Redskins and the Colts were back to 4-3. The next week at home against the Titans we saw in person what will really be remembered about this season: A soft team with little or no heart. They lost to the Titans after spotting them a big lead. 4-4 and heading to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.
The Eagles were riding high ever since their opening day loss to the Titans which spelled trouble for the Colts who seemed to be packing it in. But something strange and wonderful happened that day, the Colts showed heart and skill with a thrashing of the vaunted Eagles. They ran, they threw, they tackled and they gave hope. Hope that all was not lost for the season.
Subsequent wins against the Cowboys, a big Sunday night game at the Broncos and back home against the Texans had the Colts in the proverbial catbird seat in the AFC South at 8-4. That set up the big showdown for what most likely would be for the division title. Needless to say the Colts once again failed to compete and were essentially knocked out of contention for the division crown.
The next week at Cleveland against the Browns the Colts were up to their old tricks of giving up a shitload of points and digging themselves a hole. Amazingly to me they dug out and actually won the game. At a time when Cleveland was garnering notoriety as a team that won in the last minute the Colts held and won the game. The Colts were 9-5 and still clinging to hope of a Titans loss, which would never come, to win the division.
Any thoughts of that were extinguished early in the Giants game at the dome. The Colts had been Jekyll and Hyde all season but this was all bad. An ego bruising, momentum killing, hope spoiling, ass kicking at the hands of the Giants left me numb. Finally, in a game that by kickoff meant absolutely nothing, the Colts got by the Brunnelless Jaguars for an ugly 20-13 win whose outcome was not decided until the last minute. Meanwhile, some 600 miles east of here in the Meadowlands our next opponent as it turned out was pummeling a pretty decent Packer squad.
Well I've been over the outcome of that game so I won't dwell on it anymore. The Colts did manage to go from a 6-10 team to a 10-6 regular season record, but I think it's pretty obvious that we could have lost 3 more games easily.
Were there improvements? Yes! The defense, while disappearing again late in the season, did show signs of life and aggressiveness. They moved all the way from the 29th best D to the 8th best. Are they the 8th best defense in the NFL? No, but they do seem to be improved. Rob Morris played about the way he always had for about the first 6 games then made a miraculous recovery and really finished the season strong. Dwight Freeney made the GM look like a genius when he finally got to start and ended with numbers that should have earned him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. There are cap issues which will need to be addressed so we will see if this group continues to improve.
Edge showed good form early but was hampered by nagging injuries a lot this season. It was apparent he didn't have the stop and start moves he had in the past, but he was there. There was something going around that Bill Polian had said the plan was not to even run Edge until the end of October to make sure he was 100%. Unfortunately, preseason injuries took out most of the running back corps including 1000 yard rusher Dominic ‘Rocky' Rhodes. We were left with an 80% edge, some clown named Ricky Williams (not that one) and James Mungro. Of course Mungro's heroics in the Philly game made him the toast of the town and Edge the goat. To those who think Mungro is “it”, get a clue. Williams also had a taste of that when he scored a late touch against Washington.
The O line never really got it together. We lost Steve McKinney and Ken Dilger in the off season and you would think we lost the two greatest blockers in history. The replacements were not as good and even though we still didn't give up many sacks the running game suffered tremendously.
Marvin Harrison was always there. He caught 143 balls this year, a new NFL record. Typically he was given no consideration for NFL MVP. A travesty in my mind. As for the rest of the receiving crew, Qadry Ismail looked like a keeper early, but faded into the woodwork after a midseason slump. Reggie Wayne played well, when he played. But Harrison, as has been the case in the past, was the go to guy.
Then there's the quarterback. Peyton's a great guy. Seems like a real student of the game. But for all his preparation he had a crappy season. Sure he threw for more than 4000 yards…again, but he simply folds when the going gets tough. His three INT's against the Titans when the game meant so much were a microcosm of his season. The Colts are getting ready to pay Peyton unbelievable amounts of money. Probably the biggest contract in NFL history and after this season I am starting to question that rationale. I'm just not sure we need that high of a priced QB when we have so many glaring needs. Having Peyton may be a luxury we simply can not afford.
In a previous article I talked about the Colts moving. I still think they need to put a better product on the field game in and game out to get more fans on board. If they do not, people will stay away. I get the impression from Polian and Irsay that this is the NFL and we should be blessed just to have it. I am grateful every year that we have the Colts. I never liked how we got them, but what is done is done. 19 years of mediocrity though is wearing thin and from what I read on the forums and message boards I am not alone. We brought in a new coach this year. I wanted Gruden, but when he was not available I was glad to have Tony Dungy. I'm going to reserve comment on coach until after next year. He inherited a 6-10 team with some real issues and went 10-6 and the D is improved.
Ultimately the stamp on this season will be the inconsistency and the rumors of the team bolting for the coast. The first is true, stay tuned about the second.
No, this is about the Dolts, er Colts.
The Colts finished the regular season with a respectable, at least from the surface, 10-6 record. It's when you delve a little deeper into it that you realize how disturbing it is and why the 41-0 blowout isn't as surprising as it seems.
Let me start at the end. The 41-0 loss to the Jets was a complete team letdown. Peyton sucked, Marvin looked disinterested, I don't think the defense ever got off the airplane in NJ and special teams sucked. There really isn't any good reason to dissect that game very much further. I'll only say this, unless Irsay is just paying lip service about staying in Indianapolis, then he is going to have to field a team that plays better than that or he will have about 2500 people cheering for the Colts in the dome next year.
The team got off to a decent start in Jacksonville against an enigmatic Jaguar team. Their triple threat of Brunnell, Smith and Taylor had okay days but nothing spectacular. On the other hand Manning, James and Harrison didn't exactly light it up either. The defense bothered though and would continue to do so well into the season.
An ugly loss to the Dolphins brought out the simple fact the defense stunk. Ricky Williams and Edge put on a show though. Both ran hard and well and both caught the ball. Unfortunately a trend that would haunt us all season reared it's ugly head. The Colts let the Phins have a big halftime lead which we simply could not overcome. Games against Pittsburgh, Washington, Tennessee twice, the NY Giants and the Jets all were the same story.
Wins against Houston, Baltimore and Cincinnati brought the Colts to 4-1. However, the team was not impressive in any of the three. In fact the Ravens and Bengal games outcomes could have easily gone the other way.
This is where the wheels of the team truly fell off. A brutal Monday night showing in Pittsburgh wiped the optimism out of my eyes. Couple that with an equally abysmal effort at the Redskins and the Colts were back to 4-3. The next week at home against the Titans we saw in person what will really be remembered about this season: A soft team with little or no heart. They lost to the Titans after spotting them a big lead. 4-4 and heading to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.
The Eagles were riding high ever since their opening day loss to the Titans which spelled trouble for the Colts who seemed to be packing it in. But something strange and wonderful happened that day, the Colts showed heart and skill with a thrashing of the vaunted Eagles. They ran, they threw, they tackled and they gave hope. Hope that all was not lost for the season.
Subsequent wins against the Cowboys, a big Sunday night game at the Broncos and back home against the Texans had the Colts in the proverbial catbird seat in the AFC South at 8-4. That set up the big showdown for what most likely would be for the division title. Needless to say the Colts once again failed to compete and were essentially knocked out of contention for the division crown.
The next week at Cleveland against the Browns the Colts were up to their old tricks of giving up a shitload of points and digging themselves a hole. Amazingly to me they dug out and actually won the game. At a time when Cleveland was garnering notoriety as a team that won in the last minute the Colts held and won the game. The Colts were 9-5 and still clinging to hope of a Titans loss, which would never come, to win the division.
Any thoughts of that were extinguished early in the Giants game at the dome. The Colts had been Jekyll and Hyde all season but this was all bad. An ego bruising, momentum killing, hope spoiling, ass kicking at the hands of the Giants left me numb. Finally, in a game that by kickoff meant absolutely nothing, the Colts got by the Brunnelless Jaguars for an ugly 20-13 win whose outcome was not decided until the last minute. Meanwhile, some 600 miles east of here in the Meadowlands our next opponent as it turned out was pummeling a pretty decent Packer squad.
Well I've been over the outcome of that game so I won't dwell on it anymore. The Colts did manage to go from a 6-10 team to a 10-6 regular season record, but I think it's pretty obvious that we could have lost 3 more games easily.
Were there improvements? Yes! The defense, while disappearing again late in the season, did show signs of life and aggressiveness. They moved all the way from the 29th best D to the 8th best. Are they the 8th best defense in the NFL? No, but they do seem to be improved. Rob Morris played about the way he always had for about the first 6 games then made a miraculous recovery and really finished the season strong. Dwight Freeney made the GM look like a genius when he finally got to start and ended with numbers that should have earned him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. There are cap issues which will need to be addressed so we will see if this group continues to improve.
Edge showed good form early but was hampered by nagging injuries a lot this season. It was apparent he didn't have the stop and start moves he had in the past, but he was there. There was something going around that Bill Polian had said the plan was not to even run Edge until the end of October to make sure he was 100%. Unfortunately, preseason injuries took out most of the running back corps including 1000 yard rusher Dominic ‘Rocky' Rhodes. We were left with an 80% edge, some clown named Ricky Williams (not that one) and James Mungro. Of course Mungro's heroics in the Philly game made him the toast of the town and Edge the goat. To those who think Mungro is “it”, get a clue. Williams also had a taste of that when he scored a late touch against Washington.
The O line never really got it together. We lost Steve McKinney and Ken Dilger in the off season and you would think we lost the two greatest blockers in history. The replacements were not as good and even though we still didn't give up many sacks the running game suffered tremendously.
Marvin Harrison was always there. He caught 143 balls this year, a new NFL record. Typically he was given no consideration for NFL MVP. A travesty in my mind. As for the rest of the receiving crew, Qadry Ismail looked like a keeper early, but faded into the woodwork after a midseason slump. Reggie Wayne played well, when he played. But Harrison, as has been the case in the past, was the go to guy.
Then there's the quarterback. Peyton's a great guy. Seems like a real student of the game. But for all his preparation he had a crappy season. Sure he threw for more than 4000 yards…again, but he simply folds when the going gets tough. His three INT's against the Titans when the game meant so much were a microcosm of his season. The Colts are getting ready to pay Peyton unbelievable amounts of money. Probably the biggest contract in NFL history and after this season I am starting to question that rationale. I'm just not sure we need that high of a priced QB when we have so many glaring needs. Having Peyton may be a luxury we simply can not afford.
In a previous article I talked about the Colts moving. I still think they need to put a better product on the field game in and game out to get more fans on board. If they do not, people will stay away. I get the impression from Polian and Irsay that this is the NFL and we should be blessed just to have it. I am grateful every year that we have the Colts. I never liked how we got them, but what is done is done. 19 years of mediocrity though is wearing thin and from what I read on the forums and message boards I am not alone. We brought in a new coach this year. I wanted Gruden, but when he was not available I was glad to have Tony Dungy. I'm going to reserve comment on coach until after next year. He inherited a 6-10 team with some real issues and went 10-6 and the D is improved.
Ultimately the stamp on this season will be the inconsistency and the rumors of the team bolting for the coast. The first is true, stay tuned about the second.
Thursday, October 24, 2002
Colts to LA
How ‘bout them Colts!???Well I can't ignore this subject any longer. But really, what about them Colts. Are they leaving for the coast? Are they ever going to win a playoff game? Will they at least get tough and stop being this so-called finesse team? Do we have the players to get it done in the NFL?
Let's start at the end and work backwards through these questions.
So far this season it has become apparent that the Colts are a relatively soft team. Soft being that they do not come out and control either side of the line of scrimmage. Offensively we are allowing entirely too much pressure on Peyton Manning and giving Edgerrin James little or no room to run. Manning seems to press more and more each game to try to get the job done, but in doing so he seems to commit more errors. How many ill-timed, momentum killing interceptions does this guy have to throw before he stops forcing the ball where it will not be caught by our guys?
I don't, and I don't think anyone else, questions Manning's heart and desire. If we had 50 guys with that much heart we would answer the toughness question right now. Unfortunately talent comes into the equation too. Heart can only take you so far before you simply have to have more talent on your team than the other team. Manning has heart and I believe talent, but he has to use that talent to make plays that middle-of-the-pack QB's. I'm not sure if he is really calling all those audibles at the line of scrimmage, but he needs to get back to the basics and call the play in the huddle or, as has been suggested, go to the no huddle to keep the defense off balance personnel wise.
As for the Edge, well I still think he is tops. Right now I don't think a combination of Jim Brown, Walter Payton and OJ could run behind that line. It is obvious we miss Steve McKinney. I am of the impression that losing Ken Dilger doesn't hurt us as much, but the Wiggins fiasco at the start of the season set us back and the injury to Joe Dean Davenport is making matters worse. I suppose I just took Dilger for granted-always there and you rarely heard his name. That usually meant he wasn't missing his blocks. My solution? Stick a fullback in the mix for blocking purposes and for God's sake Tarik Glenn, quit false starting!
Defensively I really hate how soft we are. I just don't see any real keepers there. We scare no one and that ridiculous middle linebacker has got to go. Rob Morris is reacting, slowly I might add, instead of anticipating the plays, let alone controlling what the offense is able to do. He is horrible. Our president, Bill Polian continues to defend this boob, but it is obvious that Morris simply can not play at this level.I've heard this crap about our lack of toughness comes from being a “dome team”. What a load of crap. It doesn't mean shit where you play your home games. Toughness is a state of mind, not a location. The Bengals play outside, are they tough? What about the Cardinals? How about the Cowboys? They've been tough and they've been pussies. Inside, outside just doesn't matter. Until we get some players who want to hit the other team until there is no fight left in them, we will struggle.
So here we sit, a nice 4-2 record right? Sure the record is good enough, but we could easily be 1-5 and in the cellar looking up. We're not thankfully. A lot of people, the eternal optimists, will tell you we could easily be 6-0. They tell you that without the turnovers and mistakes we would have come back on Miami and Pittsburgh. Well we made the mistakes and we paid the price. We didn't against the Texans, Bengals, Ravens and Jags and we won, but we aren't dominating anyone. That brings me to the final points.
Jim Irsay has made no secret that he needs more money to keep the team competitive. Los Angeles is just waiting for a team and the NFL is salivating over the idea of a team there. I don't see the Colts as a good SoCal fit but hey, who knows. This team has a season ticket base of 36,000 people. That is about 65% of the dome guaranteed each week. That also means the Colts have to beat the bushes to the tune of 20,000 extra fans each home game for the sellout. When teams like the Dolphins and Cowboys, the Bears and Packers come to town it's no problem getting the sellout. But it is because they have so many fans here and many that are willing to travel. The other games we seem to always be up against that Thursday noon deadline for TV.
If this team were to start beating the crap out of teams you would see the fan base grow. We are now and have been mired in mediocrity for 18 years. I guarantee though that fan interest would rise immensely if the fringe fans really believed they could go to that dome and see a win for the Colts. As long as we are mediocre those fans will stay away and watch on TV. The product just isn't good enough RIGHT NOW to bring more fans in. The time is right too. Our two closest teams, the Bears and Bengals both suck and we are in a crappy division. Yet we seem to play to the level of our competition when they are bad and just not show up against the better teams. Reason? We're not that good.
No one wants to see this team stay more than me. I think they are good for the city; they bring intangibles such as prestige, which in turn brings business here. The team and players contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities. But are those good enough reasons to renovate the dome, again, or build a new stadium? No they are not. Until we get a consistently good product on the field and build a good fan base off we will always be in danger of losing the Colts to LA or wherever.
Let's start at the end and work backwards through these questions.
So far this season it has become apparent that the Colts are a relatively soft team. Soft being that they do not come out and control either side of the line of scrimmage. Offensively we are allowing entirely too much pressure on Peyton Manning and giving Edgerrin James little or no room to run. Manning seems to press more and more each game to try to get the job done, but in doing so he seems to commit more errors. How many ill-timed, momentum killing interceptions does this guy have to throw before he stops forcing the ball where it will not be caught by our guys?
I don't, and I don't think anyone else, questions Manning's heart and desire. If we had 50 guys with that much heart we would answer the toughness question right now. Unfortunately talent comes into the equation too. Heart can only take you so far before you simply have to have more talent on your team than the other team. Manning has heart and I believe talent, but he has to use that talent to make plays that middle-of-the-pack QB's. I'm not sure if he is really calling all those audibles at the line of scrimmage, but he needs to get back to the basics and call the play in the huddle or, as has been suggested, go to the no huddle to keep the defense off balance personnel wise.
As for the Edge, well I still think he is tops. Right now I don't think a combination of Jim Brown, Walter Payton and OJ could run behind that line. It is obvious we miss Steve McKinney. I am of the impression that losing Ken Dilger doesn't hurt us as much, but the Wiggins fiasco at the start of the season set us back and the injury to Joe Dean Davenport is making matters worse. I suppose I just took Dilger for granted-always there and you rarely heard his name. That usually meant he wasn't missing his blocks. My solution? Stick a fullback in the mix for blocking purposes and for God's sake Tarik Glenn, quit false starting!
Defensively I really hate how soft we are. I just don't see any real keepers there. We scare no one and that ridiculous middle linebacker has got to go. Rob Morris is reacting, slowly I might add, instead of anticipating the plays, let alone controlling what the offense is able to do. He is horrible. Our president, Bill Polian continues to defend this boob, but it is obvious that Morris simply can not play at this level.I've heard this crap about our lack of toughness comes from being a “dome team”. What a load of crap. It doesn't mean shit where you play your home games. Toughness is a state of mind, not a location. The Bengals play outside, are they tough? What about the Cardinals? How about the Cowboys? They've been tough and they've been pussies. Inside, outside just doesn't matter. Until we get some players who want to hit the other team until there is no fight left in them, we will struggle.
So here we sit, a nice 4-2 record right? Sure the record is good enough, but we could easily be 1-5 and in the cellar looking up. We're not thankfully. A lot of people, the eternal optimists, will tell you we could easily be 6-0. They tell you that without the turnovers and mistakes we would have come back on Miami and Pittsburgh. Well we made the mistakes and we paid the price. We didn't against the Texans, Bengals, Ravens and Jags and we won, but we aren't dominating anyone. That brings me to the final points.
Jim Irsay has made no secret that he needs more money to keep the team competitive. Los Angeles is just waiting for a team and the NFL is salivating over the idea of a team there. I don't see the Colts as a good SoCal fit but hey, who knows. This team has a season ticket base of 36,000 people. That is about 65% of the dome guaranteed each week. That also means the Colts have to beat the bushes to the tune of 20,000 extra fans each home game for the sellout. When teams like the Dolphins and Cowboys, the Bears and Packers come to town it's no problem getting the sellout. But it is because they have so many fans here and many that are willing to travel. The other games we seem to always be up against that Thursday noon deadline for TV.
If this team were to start beating the crap out of teams you would see the fan base grow. We are now and have been mired in mediocrity for 18 years. I guarantee though that fan interest would rise immensely if the fringe fans really believed they could go to that dome and see a win for the Colts. As long as we are mediocre those fans will stay away and watch on TV. The product just isn't good enough RIGHT NOW to bring more fans in. The time is right too. Our two closest teams, the Bears and Bengals both suck and we are in a crappy division. Yet we seem to play to the level of our competition when they are bad and just not show up against the better teams. Reason? We're not that good.
No one wants to see this team stay more than me. I think they are good for the city; they bring intangibles such as prestige, which in turn brings business here. The team and players contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities. But are those good enough reasons to renovate the dome, again, or build a new stadium? No they are not. Until we get a consistently good product on the field and build a good fan base off we will always be in danger of losing the Colts to LA or wherever.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Little Al....D'oh!
Way to go Little Al! It's always nice when the stars fuck up and this guy seems to be a never ending series of fuckups. This one may end up costing him his career. Unser has been charged with domestic battery and violence stemming from an incident Tuesday morning. Al, Al, Al! I am not now nor have ever been a fan of Little Al, or any Unser for that matter and the details of this one are just too good to pass up an opinion.
Brought in to the IRL last season by the deep pockets of Tony “Enunciate please” George, Unser was to be one of the foundations in the IRL's attempt to be the top open wheel champ car series in America. Memo to IRL: You didn't need him. The IRL already had CART on the ropes, but the powers that be saw Little AL as the last nail in the CART coffin. Well guess what, he has not dominated the series and since Penske has come to the IRL full time, is simply another driver chasing Who-Lee-Ohh, Gil and Sam (I'd include Scheckter if he could ever finish a race). He's no more of a threat to the IRL championship than Robbie, Sarah or George Mack and is way behind Cheever and Sharp.
And now this latest chapter in the Little Al story. Never mind the messy divorce and the drug rumors, this one is good! First of all him and his GIRLfriend are at the Classy Chassy. Whenever I go out on a date I think of the titty bar first as a destination. Wrong! And for those of you who have been there, it's not exactly the finest establishment of its kind in town. Okay, maybe it was a racing thing! So he gets trashed at the Chassy. Damn I wish I could have been there to see that! Little Al drinking, heavily, at the titty bar, with his woman. I wonder which one had more lap dances. Then upon leaving he is so trashed that he is shifting the car, while she drives on the highway into neutral and reverse. Hey Tom Kelley, checked that transmission in your race car lately? But he doesn't leave it at that. After his woman allegedly slapped him, he hits her…while she's driving. Class act all the way!
The kicker for me though comes when he denies even knowing her. He has been dating her for four years for Gods sake. He finally comes clean and is taken to jail.
What a loser. From the blocking incident in the 1982 500 to this latest fiasco, the lows have certainly outweighed the highs. You know he will have sponsor problems, problems with George and with Kelley Racing. But do any of those entities need the headaches? I say no. Cut your losses with this guy. He's not gonna win anything. The series has passed him by in 18 months. He couldn't cut it in CART. Maybe he should just go snowmobiling with his uncle. I suppose it's bad to kick someone when they're down, but when it's a name like say, Unser, it is just too easy. So long Al, try to stay out of trouble. By the way, I hear Pat Patrick is looking for a replacement for Townsend Bell. With the obviously low expectations of that turd you may fit in well!
Brought in to the IRL last season by the deep pockets of Tony “Enunciate please” George, Unser was to be one of the foundations in the IRL's attempt to be the top open wheel champ car series in America. Memo to IRL: You didn't need him. The IRL already had CART on the ropes, but the powers that be saw Little AL as the last nail in the CART coffin. Well guess what, he has not dominated the series and since Penske has come to the IRL full time, is simply another driver chasing Who-Lee-Ohh, Gil and Sam (I'd include Scheckter if he could ever finish a race). He's no more of a threat to the IRL championship than Robbie, Sarah or George Mack and is way behind Cheever and Sharp.
And now this latest chapter in the Little Al story. Never mind the messy divorce and the drug rumors, this one is good! First of all him and his GIRLfriend are at the Classy Chassy. Whenever I go out on a date I think of the titty bar first as a destination. Wrong! And for those of you who have been there, it's not exactly the finest establishment of its kind in town. Okay, maybe it was a racing thing! So he gets trashed at the Chassy. Damn I wish I could have been there to see that! Little Al drinking, heavily, at the titty bar, with his woman. I wonder which one had more lap dances. Then upon leaving he is so trashed that he is shifting the car, while she drives on the highway into neutral and reverse. Hey Tom Kelley, checked that transmission in your race car lately? But he doesn't leave it at that. After his woman allegedly slapped him, he hits her…while she's driving. Class act all the way!
The kicker for me though comes when he denies even knowing her. He has been dating her for four years for Gods sake. He finally comes clean and is taken to jail.
What a loser. From the blocking incident in the 1982 500 to this latest fiasco, the lows have certainly outweighed the highs. You know he will have sponsor problems, problems with George and with Kelley Racing. But do any of those entities need the headaches? I say no. Cut your losses with this guy. He's not gonna win anything. The series has passed him by in 18 months. He couldn't cut it in CART. Maybe he should just go snowmobiling with his uncle. I suppose it's bad to kick someone when they're down, but when it's a name like say, Unser, it is just too easy. So long Al, try to stay out of trouble. By the way, I hear Pat Patrick is looking for a replacement for Townsend Bell. With the obviously low expectations of that turd you may fit in well!
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
2002 Racing Season Predictions
The appeals have been heard now it is up to Tony George to tell us who won the Indy 500. But more than just telling us who won the race, I hope he has the cajones to show us the evidence to support whichever decision he makes. Those of you who know me know who I want to be declared the winner, but as much as I don't like Paul Tracy, I don't want to see him get screwed out of a race he really won. Show us the evidence Tony!
With that I will just make my predictions for this years champions. The easiest is of course Michael Schumacher in F1. What with allowing him to win when he should be second, he is a lock. Schummi has said since that day in Austria that the team wouldn't do it again. Yeah, not this year when the championship is in the bag. I would have liked to see Juan Pablo make a run at Michael, but reliability has hurt the BMW engine as of late and I fear the cause is lost.
In the taxi cabs we've had two leaders all season and one since the second race. Sterling is solid, he finishes races, he's not hard on equipment and that equipment seems solid. There seems to be a rotating cast in second, but ol' Silverfish just keeps them at bay. Can he do it all season? I predict he can. Jarrett has been showing some of his old form lately and it's just a matter of time before 24 gets a win, but the steady approach by Marlin makes him the favorite.
Two weeks ago I really thought Paul Tracy would take his loss at the Brickyard to heart and go on a tear. Well for a week he did. Then CART hit the road courses and it seems no one can catch Christiano Da Matta. He is on a tear and there seems to be no rival for him on the road courses. He may struggle at the ovals but there aren't enough of those for him to worry about. Of course we should wait to hear the outcome of Tony George's decision and see how it affects Tracy, but Da Matta is the man to beat.
Finally the IRL. Let's make it a sweep and predict that Hulio(sic) will win the title. Everyone knew there was a new dawning when Roger Penske came in. But let's face it, he comes to the track prepared week in and week out with two outstanding drivers. Sam Hornish Jr. lost his points lead for the first time in a year after Indy and he may have a long wait until he sees it again. Gil DeFerran may be able to overtake Castroneves but I doubt it. Here's to all of you who have made it to the halfway (or near) point of the season and made it with the lead in your respective series. Well done and stay focused, the big prize will be yours!
Just a prediction!
With that I will just make my predictions for this years champions. The easiest is of course Michael Schumacher in F1. What with allowing him to win when he should be second, he is a lock. Schummi has said since that day in Austria that the team wouldn't do it again. Yeah, not this year when the championship is in the bag. I would have liked to see Juan Pablo make a run at Michael, but reliability has hurt the BMW engine as of late and I fear the cause is lost.
In the taxi cabs we've had two leaders all season and one since the second race. Sterling is solid, he finishes races, he's not hard on equipment and that equipment seems solid. There seems to be a rotating cast in second, but ol' Silverfish just keeps them at bay. Can he do it all season? I predict he can. Jarrett has been showing some of his old form lately and it's just a matter of time before 24 gets a win, but the steady approach by Marlin makes him the favorite.
Two weeks ago I really thought Paul Tracy would take his loss at the Brickyard to heart and go on a tear. Well for a week he did. Then CART hit the road courses and it seems no one can catch Christiano Da Matta. He is on a tear and there seems to be no rival for him on the road courses. He may struggle at the ovals but there aren't enough of those for him to worry about. Of course we should wait to hear the outcome of Tony George's decision and see how it affects Tracy, but Da Matta is the man to beat.
Finally the IRL. Let's make it a sweep and predict that Hulio(sic) will win the title. Everyone knew there was a new dawning when Roger Penske came in. But let's face it, he comes to the track prepared week in and week out with two outstanding drivers. Sam Hornish Jr. lost his points lead for the first time in a year after Indy and he may have a long wait until he sees it again. Gil DeFerran may be able to overtake Castroneves but I doubt it. Here's to all of you who have made it to the halfway (or near) point of the season and made it with the lead in your respective series. Well done and stay focused, the big prize will be yours!
Just a prediction!
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Soccer Sucks!
A lot of you aren't going to like this. Well I guess a lot of you if I am getting a large contingent of readers from other countries. Soccer sucks! It is boring to watch, there seem to be no rules and last night, while channel surfing I saw what has been one of my biggest complaints since that stupid World Cup came here several years ago-The clock had expired and yet they played on. “Only the official really knows how much time is left”. What the fuck is up with that?
For the record, I think soccer is great for the kids. It teaches them basic exercise and it teaches them teamwork. And I suppose it gives soccer moms a purpose in life.(Didn't they have one?) But for God's sake, once you can play football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, tennis…need I go on? Shouldn't you hang up the cleats and play a game that is more than running around in a rectangle. Where's the strategy? Kick the ball in the goal while running all over hells half acre!
Let's face it, we have better sports to play and watch here and frankly, most Americans couldn't care less about what the rest of the world is doing, especially when it comes to sports. We're doing our thing in our time. Piss on a bunch of Asians or Europeans and their soccer. BORING! Hell they have to riot to make it fun!
And you can see how much of an impact the World Cup had here and when's the last time you saw Mia Hamm? Soccer sucks, it's boring and it can just go the fuck away!
Sorry Erik!
For the record, I think soccer is great for the kids. It teaches them basic exercise and it teaches them teamwork. And I suppose it gives soccer moms a purpose in life.(Didn't they have one?) But for God's sake, once you can play football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, tennis…need I go on? Shouldn't you hang up the cleats and play a game that is more than running around in a rectangle. Where's the strategy? Kick the ball in the goal while running all over hells half acre!
Let's face it, we have better sports to play and watch here and frankly, most Americans couldn't care less about what the rest of the world is doing, especially when it comes to sports. We're doing our thing in our time. Piss on a bunch of Asians or Europeans and their soccer. BORING! Hell they have to riot to make it fun!
And you can see how much of an impact the World Cup had here and when's the last time you saw Mia Hamm? Soccer sucks, it's boring and it can just go the fuck away!
Sorry Erik!
Saturday, May 25, 2002
500 Predictions
Indy 500 prediction. Winner-Who-Lee-Oh, Bruno or Michael. Biggest crybaby after the race-Michael if he didn't win, Paul Tracy-when he doesn't win.
Friday, May 17, 2002
Chip Ganassi
Is Chip Ganassi the best owner in auto racing? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing is clear; he owns the two hottest race teams in America right now. This weekend, he is sitting pretty with the pole winner at Indianapolis and is in the Winston Cup All-Star race tomorrow! That fuck! How did he get here? Oil as far as I am told… who cares?!! All I know is that this man has employed countless employees such as Juan Montoya., Jimmy ”I wish I still had the best ride” Vasser and Sterding(sic) Marlin. Other than Vasser, well..he's a POC now but Ganassi is hot. Okay?. With Bruno on the Pole at Indy and Silverfish leading the Cup series, FUCK! But what make Chip great is his life philosophy. When he sees it he goes after it! He says he got it from his dad. Don't know. But his balls out philosophy is good for racing, good for me and good for America! I wish HE owned the Colts or at least an F1 team! GO GANASSI RACING…or whatever the fuck it's called!
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Race Time Again!
Here we are, back to action at the Speedway. 24 are in and by my last count, 19 wanting in. Of course out of that 24 that are in, there are a few that are about as nervous as a whore in church. I have to admit, I thought 226 would have been plenty fast enough to get in the field, but the way things happened last weekend, that number may be a little low. There are still some very fast guys that need to make qualifying attempts. Should make for a pretty good weekend show!
It's been a nice couple of weeks without taxi cab racing and we get yet another whole week of it. Sure those boys have their little Winston down at the Lowes Motor Speedway on Saturday night, but it is a non points paying race and it's okay to miss. Don't get me wrong, I like NASCAR, but give me the real races that mean the difference between winning the Winston Cup and not!
Finally a word about the Euros. The major outcry this week over what happened at the A-1 Ring in Austria should come as no surprise to anyone that has followed F-1 racing at all. F-1 teams always have two drivers and only one of them can be Number One. Since securing the championship (driver first obviously) is the number one goal, then the order to have Rubens let Schummi pass was the right decision. Is it right that there are "team orders"? Well how do you prove that there really is? Ferrari flatly stated that they could have brought Rubens in for a pit stop and avoided the controversy, thereby skirting the issue. My only question is "Why didn't you?". It was embarrassing for motor sports in general and F-1 in particular. Enough people out there don't think auto racing is a sport without some dumbass Italians providing emphasis to their argument. Nothing will come of this as nothing has come from team orders as long as they have been racing. But let's face it, it's just not sporting and that sucks!
It's been a nice couple of weeks without taxi cab racing and we get yet another whole week of it. Sure those boys have their little Winston down at the Lowes Motor Speedway on Saturday night, but it is a non points paying race and it's okay to miss. Don't get me wrong, I like NASCAR, but give me the real races that mean the difference between winning the Winston Cup and not!
Finally a word about the Euros. The major outcry this week over what happened at the A-1 Ring in Austria should come as no surprise to anyone that has followed F-1 racing at all. F-1 teams always have two drivers and only one of them can be Number One. Since securing the championship (driver first obviously) is the number one goal, then the order to have Rubens let Schummi pass was the right decision. Is it right that there are "team orders"? Well how do you prove that there really is? Ferrari flatly stated that they could have brought Rubens in for a pit stop and avoided the controversy, thereby skirting the issue. My only question is "Why didn't you?". It was embarrassing for motor sports in general and F-1 in particular. Enough people out there don't think auto racing is a sport without some dumbass Italians providing emphasis to their argument. Nothing will come of this as nothing has come from team orders as long as they have been racing. But let's face it, it's just not sporting and that sucks!
Thursday, March 21, 2002
Get Your Shit Together Mike!
With another NASCAR weekend quickly approaching I'd like to make a couple of comments. First, I hope that Tony Stewart is okay. He's going to race, but he took a good whack last week at Darlington due to Buckshit Jones' incompetence. NASCAR is having trouble filling 43 car fields these days so I reckon dopes like Jones are necessary. Maybe the fact that NASCAR is having trouble filling fields should signal that they merely led the way to the boom that is auto racing in the US today. Don't get me wrong, I doubt if CART, IRL, NHRA or World of Outlaws is going to take over any time soon, but the days of NASCAR being the only game in town are quickly running out.
Let's be objective though. IRL etc. haven't exactly brought themselves up to the front. They still lack visibility, promotion and suffer from a lack of new American talent. CART is actually stepping backwards in all of this as they focus on the foreign drivers and circuits in their pursuit to be “F1”. Rather, NASCAR is suffering from its inane rules, which seem to change from minute to minute, its never ending schedule and the overall decline of its “marquee” drivers who are all getting old quickly and are not improving with age (re: Mark Martin, Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Jeff Burton, Ken Schrader, need I go on?). Hell the only one doing any good at an advanced age is Sterling Marlin.
Sure, there are still the young up and comers, and young already theres: Jeff “I'm gay so my Miss Winston wife is divorcing me" Gordon, Junior, Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Jimmy Johnson, Kurt Busch and Ryan “Hello” Newman among others. But let's face it, only Gordon, Stewart and Junior evoke any passion from the masses and Stewart and Gordon seem to be strictly love or hate and Junior, while a very talented driver, is popular because he is Dale Earnhardt's son. But since they unloaded the cars at Daytona in February NASCAR has seen fit to change spoiler heights for some makes, they've red flagged one race and then in a very similar circumstance let a race finish under a yellow the next week. Mike Helton who is allegedly in charge of this circus had his usual mealy-mouthed answer as to why this happened. I don't like to criticize Helton since he was pretty much given a baptism of fire when his first race as the caretaker of the series saw the death of its biggest star, but time has come to quit making up the rules as you go in the name of competition. It's not working Mike!
But NASCAR may have even outdone themselves with their new “one engine” rule. Oh sure, on paper, in a perfect world and if everyone was honest (this is not a slam on Sterling's team) then the teams would bring one engine and would not be allowed to have any more on the premises. When the rule is not written that way, then you have what happened last Sunday at Darlington. Sterling Marlin started in the back of the pack because the team changed engines on Saturday. Well hell, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that starting position means next to nothing (other than the glory of being the pole sitter) for a NASCAR race. These guys are even capable of winning from the back when they go to the tracks with pit lanes on both sides of the track. So how much of a penalty is it really to force a team to the back after qualifying while they still get a fresh new engine? None as evidenced last week.
NASCAR is trying to cut costs to the teams and make the sport more attractive to potential owners and sponsors. But they seem to fall short due to lack of vision or knowledge. It all makes me wonder how many teams will pull the ol' engine switch when the show rolls into Talladega. Let's see, you've been punishing your engine the previous days in practice and qualifying. Hmmm, I think I'll put a new engine in the car, because I know I can come from the back to win the race over 500 miles. Nice job NASCAR! There is an unwritten rule of emailing that one should wait 10 minutes after writing an email before sending it. A buffer zone, if you will, to ensure you really want to send the mail. Maybe NASCAR should put a 1-year buffer on new rules so they can examine the ramifications from all angles and make sure they get it right. Otherwise they will become a joke, and after all the hard work by all of those involved in making NASCAR what it is, that would be a shame.
Let's be objective though. IRL etc. haven't exactly brought themselves up to the front. They still lack visibility, promotion and suffer from a lack of new American talent. CART is actually stepping backwards in all of this as they focus on the foreign drivers and circuits in their pursuit to be “F1”. Rather, NASCAR is suffering from its inane rules, which seem to change from minute to minute, its never ending schedule and the overall decline of its “marquee” drivers who are all getting old quickly and are not improving with age (re: Mark Martin, Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Jeff Burton, Ken Schrader, need I go on?). Hell the only one doing any good at an advanced age is Sterling Marlin.
Sure, there are still the young up and comers, and young already theres: Jeff “I'm gay so my Miss Winston wife is divorcing me" Gordon, Junior, Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Jimmy Johnson, Kurt Busch and Ryan “Hello” Newman among others. But let's face it, only Gordon, Stewart and Junior evoke any passion from the masses and Stewart and Gordon seem to be strictly love or hate and Junior, while a very talented driver, is popular because he is Dale Earnhardt's son. But since they unloaded the cars at Daytona in February NASCAR has seen fit to change spoiler heights for some makes, they've red flagged one race and then in a very similar circumstance let a race finish under a yellow the next week. Mike Helton who is allegedly in charge of this circus had his usual mealy-mouthed answer as to why this happened. I don't like to criticize Helton since he was pretty much given a baptism of fire when his first race as the caretaker of the series saw the death of its biggest star, but time has come to quit making up the rules as you go in the name of competition. It's not working Mike!
But NASCAR may have even outdone themselves with their new “one engine” rule. Oh sure, on paper, in a perfect world and if everyone was honest (this is not a slam on Sterling's team) then the teams would bring one engine and would not be allowed to have any more on the premises. When the rule is not written that way, then you have what happened last Sunday at Darlington. Sterling Marlin started in the back of the pack because the team changed engines on Saturday. Well hell, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that starting position means next to nothing (other than the glory of being the pole sitter) for a NASCAR race. These guys are even capable of winning from the back when they go to the tracks with pit lanes on both sides of the track. So how much of a penalty is it really to force a team to the back after qualifying while they still get a fresh new engine? None as evidenced last week.
NASCAR is trying to cut costs to the teams and make the sport more attractive to potential owners and sponsors. But they seem to fall short due to lack of vision or knowledge. It all makes me wonder how many teams will pull the ol' engine switch when the show rolls into Talladega. Let's see, you've been punishing your engine the previous days in practice and qualifying. Hmmm, I think I'll put a new engine in the car, because I know I can come from the back to win the race over 500 miles. Nice job NASCAR! There is an unwritten rule of emailing that one should wait 10 minutes after writing an email before sending it. A buffer zone, if you will, to ensure you really want to send the mail. Maybe NASCAR should put a 1-year buffer on new rules so they can examine the ramifications from all angles and make sure they get it right. Otherwise they will become a joke, and after all the hard work by all of those involved in making NASCAR what it is, that would be a shame.
Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Go Hoosiers!
Congrats to Coach Mike Davis and the Indiana Hurryin' Hoosiers on their advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 last weekend. Unfortunately for their efforts they get to take on Duke Thursday night in Lexington, KY. Let's face it, the odds of the Hoosiers beating Duke are slim. Not that Duke is unbeatable, but the Hoosiers just don't seem to be a strong enough team right now to get the job done.
It's not that the Hoosiers don't play hard. They do! But with injuries nagging several players combined with Dukes speed and quickness, the task seems insurmountable. But this crew will give it all they've got. That much I am sure of!
So keep them good thoughts going and remember a kid named Dan Dakich who somehow, for one night 18 years ago, shut down a player named Michael Jordan against all probability. The Hoosiers prevailed that night only to lose a disappointing effort to Virginia two days later. But this team won't let down if they win the big one at least until they get to the really big one. GO HOOSIERS!!
It's not that the Hoosiers don't play hard. They do! But with injuries nagging several players combined with Dukes speed and quickness, the task seems insurmountable. But this crew will give it all they've got. That much I am sure of!
So keep them good thoughts going and remember a kid named Dan Dakich who somehow, for one night 18 years ago, shut down a player named Michael Jordan against all probability. The Hoosiers prevailed that night only to lose a disappointing effort to Virginia two days later. But this team won't let down if they win the big one at least until they get to the really big one. GO HOOSIERS!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2002
Those Wonderful Colts
How about them Colts? 3-13, 13-3, 10-6, 6-10! What the hell is that all about? I mean I knew it was going to be tough without the Edge, but the Rock filled in quite nicely. Peyton on the other hand had a horrible season. Let's hope that was a one off and we won't have to worry about that again. I tend to beleive it was. But now the team faces some big issues in the offseason.
First and foremost is to get a coach. I'd like to think we could get some non-retread guy, but let's face it, with the pressure to win in the NFL sooner than later, not many teams are willing to take a chance on an unproven commodity. I don't think Steve Spurrier will have anywhere near the success at Washington that he did at Florida and in fact will probably fail miserably. I have heard several names bandied about for the Colts head coaching position. Among those who we aren't likely to land are Chucky and the Tuna. More likely candidates are this Cottrell from the Jets, Tony Dungy and Marv Levy, who threw his name in the hat yesterday. Marv seems like a great guy and was a good coach, but my God he's 135 years old. Cottrell (and I hope I am spelling that right) is unproven. But Tony Dungy had some success at Tampa Bay and built them into a very good defensive team. They didn't do much on offense, but we seem to have that side of the ball mapped out pretty well. Dungy could work with Bill Polians draft picks and build a solid, if not great, defensive team. Therefore, my choice for the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts is Tony Dungy.
And finally, speaking of Polian, that boob has got to go. He is a mediocre personnel man at best and after his run in with Jay Mohr on the radio, he is a freakin' embarassment to the team and the city. For those of you who think he is so wonderful think back to his "moves". Peyton was a no-brainer. San Diego was the only team stupid enough to think Ryan Leaf was better. (So did I, but then I'm not the general manager of a professional football team either.) Yes, the Edge is great. Maybe the best player in the league. Yes, Polian made that selection instead of Ricky Williams. However, you may remember a guy named Marshall Faulk who was n our team. He was essentially given away for a couple of 6th round draft choices or some such crap. Marshall is probabaly the second best player in the NFL. Was running back really the position we needed to look for? I suppose Marshall wanted out of Indy to play in another dome in St. Louis. Bullshit Polian, you blew it. Next up was Rob Morris. Holdout, hurt and slow. He has not, nor probably will ever live up to his billing. And finally, Reggie Wayne. Let's see, our defense is awful the past 2 years, so let's pick a wide reciever. Idiot! I like Reggie and I hope he becomes the man behind Marvin, but it simply was not what we needed.
Polian is a moron who obviously has deluded himself into believing his press clippings from Buffalo and Carolina. Get rid of this madman before he drags us further into the abyss!
The issue of the new stadium will most assuredly be a topic of discussion during this offseason. The state, thanks to that idiot O'Bannon and his group of Spendocrats is running a deficit. The city doesn't have the money to build stadiums and the private sector is still rebounding from the economic pounding it took during most of last year. Couple those economic factors with the fact the Colts sucked this past year and the debate will be heated. In the report our opinion was to build a new stadium with the retractable roof. I for one am willing to pay an extra percent on sales tax if it will help get it built and keep the Colts, but I can certainly understand why people who will not go to the new stadium, be it because they just don't or because they don't like the Colts, wouldn't want to pay for it. Stay tuned as this issue is sure to generate a lot of speculation and debate!
First and foremost is to get a coach. I'd like to think we could get some non-retread guy, but let's face it, with the pressure to win in the NFL sooner than later, not many teams are willing to take a chance on an unproven commodity. I don't think Steve Spurrier will have anywhere near the success at Washington that he did at Florida and in fact will probably fail miserably. I have heard several names bandied about for the Colts head coaching position. Among those who we aren't likely to land are Chucky and the Tuna. More likely candidates are this Cottrell from the Jets, Tony Dungy and Marv Levy, who threw his name in the hat yesterday. Marv seems like a great guy and was a good coach, but my God he's 135 years old. Cottrell (and I hope I am spelling that right) is unproven. But Tony Dungy had some success at Tampa Bay and built them into a very good defensive team. They didn't do much on offense, but we seem to have that side of the ball mapped out pretty well. Dungy could work with Bill Polians draft picks and build a solid, if not great, defensive team. Therefore, my choice for the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts is Tony Dungy.
And finally, speaking of Polian, that boob has got to go. He is a mediocre personnel man at best and after his run in with Jay Mohr on the radio, he is a freakin' embarassment to the team and the city. For those of you who think he is so wonderful think back to his "moves". Peyton was a no-brainer. San Diego was the only team stupid enough to think Ryan Leaf was better. (So did I, but then I'm not the general manager of a professional football team either.) Yes, the Edge is great. Maybe the best player in the league. Yes, Polian made that selection instead of Ricky Williams. However, you may remember a guy named Marshall Faulk who was n our team. He was essentially given away for a couple of 6th round draft choices or some such crap. Marshall is probabaly the second best player in the NFL. Was running back really the position we needed to look for? I suppose Marshall wanted out of Indy to play in another dome in St. Louis. Bullshit Polian, you blew it. Next up was Rob Morris. Holdout, hurt and slow. He has not, nor probably will ever live up to his billing. And finally, Reggie Wayne. Let's see, our defense is awful the past 2 years, so let's pick a wide reciever. Idiot! I like Reggie and I hope he becomes the man behind Marvin, but it simply was not what we needed.
Polian is a moron who obviously has deluded himself into believing his press clippings from Buffalo and Carolina. Get rid of this madman before he drags us further into the abyss!
The issue of the new stadium will most assuredly be a topic of discussion during this offseason. The state, thanks to that idiot O'Bannon and his group of Spendocrats is running a deficit. The city doesn't have the money to build stadiums and the private sector is still rebounding from the economic pounding it took during most of last year. Couple those economic factors with the fact the Colts sucked this past year and the debate will be heated. In the report our opinion was to build a new stadium with the retractable roof. I for one am willing to pay an extra percent on sales tax if it will help get it built and keep the Colts, but I can certainly understand why people who will not go to the new stadium, be it because they just don't or because they don't like the Colts, wouldn't want to pay for it. Stay tuned as this issue is sure to generate a lot of speculation and debate!
Wednesday, December 26, 2001
2001
What a year it has been, or was if you are reading this after New years Day. There was good, there was bad. There was tragic there was joy.
For most Americans the events of September 11 will go down as the most dramatic and tragic happening of the year and possibly of their lives. As of today the US is continuing its search for those responsible for the atrocity. I have sounded off at length previously on the subject so I will not go into any great detail here. Suffice it to say that September 11 had a profound effect on our patriotism and our spirit of caring and helping. But it also brought out some ugly sides of our country. Scams popped up all over the landscape trying to make a quick, immoral buck by using phony charity names. There was the Red Cross telling us that only about a quarter of the money donated would actually go to the WTC victims' families.
Of course the celebrities raised boatloads of cash on several different television shows most of which were then neatly packaged and sold to raise further cash. All told it was a very generous thing to do. God only knows how many people have been involved in the enormous cleanup at Ground Zero, but their efforts have been above and beyond the call of duty. That is until some dumbass Fireman union chief decided he needed more money for his men in the cleanup effort. Like I said, there was good-very good, and there was bad.
As for the victims and their survivors there is not much I can really say. I knew none of them, but felt sorrow for their losses. Life goes on and I'm sure that many of them are getting on with it, but I can't imagine this was a very Merry Christmas for them.
In the political arena, W was finally inaugurated in January but has basically been tied up with the war in Afghanistan since September 11th. I'm pulling for you W and when this war ends I think you can make some difference and reverse some of the liberal crap left over from that idiot Clinton!
Most of you who know me know that I really enjoy football and auto racing. Sure I love the Pacers and Hoosiers basketball teams, but they are the only basketball I will usually watch. I won't rehash what happened, but suffice it to say the Colts disappointed greatly again in January in the playoffs when they blew a halftime lead and rolled over and died for the Miami Dolphins in the playoffs. Looking back I guess I should be glad we were even in the playoffs seeings how we are not going to make it this year. It has been pitiful this year. Edge hurt, Peyton playing like crap and coaching and management that have been crappy have led us to this point. Before the end of the year we will be 5-10. That is unacceptable and Jim Irsay needs to clean house with Coach Mora and his staff as well as team president Bill Polian who, in 4 years has screwed us royally. He drafted Peyton-no brainer; I could have made that pick. He drafted Edge-good pick with one exception, he practically gave Marshall Faulk who is quite possibly the best player in the NFL away for nothing. He drafted Rob Morris-too small, holdout and usually hurt. And finally he drafted Reggie Wayne-again a nice player, but with the state of our defense how do you justify that. Polian is a jackass who gets defensive every time someone questions the direction the Colts are taking. Get rid of that bum and get some non-retread guy in here that can get this team to the top.
Another very tragic event happened at the end of the Daytona 500 in February. Seven time Winston Cup winner, car owner and most importantly to me anyway, my favorite driver Dale Earnhardt was killed in a crash. The crash itself didn't look terribly vicious, but apparently there was head and neck damage great enough to kill him. NASCAR took 6 months investigating and probably really don't know any more today than they did the day of the race. They mandated the use of head restraint devices, but seem to want to slap a band-aid on the problem of restrictor plate racing at Daytona and Talladega. Dale Jr. had a decent season and I will be a big fan of his, but I will miss the 3 car and Dale Earnhardt. I was lucky enough to be at Daytona in 1998 when Dale won the 500 for the first time. For that I will be ever grateful!
The Pacers have been rebuilding since their appearance in the NBA finals in 2000. Good luck to Isaiah and the team as they try to get back on top. I hope they make it. IU basketball was about just that last season. Oh the team wasn't any better and they got knocked out of the NCAA in the first round against Kent St., but the focus was not on Bob Knight, but rather on the team. It was a nice change of pace!
One thing I was really glad to see was the success of the Indy Racing League. After years of struggling to make it, the IRL had bigger fields and bigger audiences. They have a solid television contract and seem poised to run CART out of the business. CART has dug it's own grave. Too many road course races, too many races in other countries and too much bickering amongst its owners and franchise holders. The upcoming season will see Roger Penske bringing his team and his Marlboro sponsorship to the IRL. Expect more to follow and expect a merge of the leagues or the complete demise of CART in the next 3 years.
Finally a little about me. School went fairly well. All A's and B's so I'm pretty happy about that! I switched majors from Business to Computer Tech in the spring and am very happy about it. I guess I'll just have to live with the Purdue degree. I made it to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the US Grand Prix. You can see pictures of some of these event and more by clicking here.
And finally, I lost my grandmother last week. She was 91. Of course I am sad and I will miss her immensely. But grandma was healthy, lived in her own house and basically died within a day of collapsing. She did it right. I feel for my pop as he is still struggling with the blow of losing her, but he will be all right. Grandma, you were a great lady and I will miss you, but I love you and you will always be in my thoughts!
Have a Happy New year everyone! I'll be at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas on New Years eve so it you're there, stop by!!!
For most Americans the events of September 11 will go down as the most dramatic and tragic happening of the year and possibly of their lives. As of today the US is continuing its search for those responsible for the atrocity. I have sounded off at length previously on the subject so I will not go into any great detail here. Suffice it to say that September 11 had a profound effect on our patriotism and our spirit of caring and helping. But it also brought out some ugly sides of our country. Scams popped up all over the landscape trying to make a quick, immoral buck by using phony charity names. There was the Red Cross telling us that only about a quarter of the money donated would actually go to the WTC victims' families.
Of course the celebrities raised boatloads of cash on several different television shows most of which were then neatly packaged and sold to raise further cash. All told it was a very generous thing to do. God only knows how many people have been involved in the enormous cleanup at Ground Zero, but their efforts have been above and beyond the call of duty. That is until some dumbass Fireman union chief decided he needed more money for his men in the cleanup effort. Like I said, there was good-very good, and there was bad.
As for the victims and their survivors there is not much I can really say. I knew none of them, but felt sorrow for their losses. Life goes on and I'm sure that many of them are getting on with it, but I can't imagine this was a very Merry Christmas for them.
In the political arena, W was finally inaugurated in January but has basically been tied up with the war in Afghanistan since September 11th. I'm pulling for you W and when this war ends I think you can make some difference and reverse some of the liberal crap left over from that idiot Clinton!
Most of you who know me know that I really enjoy football and auto racing. Sure I love the Pacers and Hoosiers basketball teams, but they are the only basketball I will usually watch. I won't rehash what happened, but suffice it to say the Colts disappointed greatly again in January in the playoffs when they blew a halftime lead and rolled over and died for the Miami Dolphins in the playoffs. Looking back I guess I should be glad we were even in the playoffs seeings how we are not going to make it this year. It has been pitiful this year. Edge hurt, Peyton playing like crap and coaching and management that have been crappy have led us to this point. Before the end of the year we will be 5-10. That is unacceptable and Jim Irsay needs to clean house with Coach Mora and his staff as well as team president Bill Polian who, in 4 years has screwed us royally. He drafted Peyton-no brainer; I could have made that pick. He drafted Edge-good pick with one exception, he practically gave Marshall Faulk who is quite possibly the best player in the NFL away for nothing. He drafted Rob Morris-too small, holdout and usually hurt. And finally he drafted Reggie Wayne-again a nice player, but with the state of our defense how do you justify that. Polian is a jackass who gets defensive every time someone questions the direction the Colts are taking. Get rid of that bum and get some non-retread guy in here that can get this team to the top.
Another very tragic event happened at the end of the Daytona 500 in February. Seven time Winston Cup winner, car owner and most importantly to me anyway, my favorite driver Dale Earnhardt was killed in a crash. The crash itself didn't look terribly vicious, but apparently there was head and neck damage great enough to kill him. NASCAR took 6 months investigating and probably really don't know any more today than they did the day of the race. They mandated the use of head restraint devices, but seem to want to slap a band-aid on the problem of restrictor plate racing at Daytona and Talladega. Dale Jr. had a decent season and I will be a big fan of his, but I will miss the 3 car and Dale Earnhardt. I was lucky enough to be at Daytona in 1998 when Dale won the 500 for the first time. For that I will be ever grateful!
The Pacers have been rebuilding since their appearance in the NBA finals in 2000. Good luck to Isaiah and the team as they try to get back on top. I hope they make it. IU basketball was about just that last season. Oh the team wasn't any better and they got knocked out of the NCAA in the first round against Kent St., but the focus was not on Bob Knight, but rather on the team. It was a nice change of pace!
One thing I was really glad to see was the success of the Indy Racing League. After years of struggling to make it, the IRL had bigger fields and bigger audiences. They have a solid television contract and seem poised to run CART out of the business. CART has dug it's own grave. Too many road course races, too many races in other countries and too much bickering amongst its owners and franchise holders. The upcoming season will see Roger Penske bringing his team and his Marlboro sponsorship to the IRL. Expect more to follow and expect a merge of the leagues or the complete demise of CART in the next 3 years.
Finally a little about me. School went fairly well. All A's and B's so I'm pretty happy about that! I switched majors from Business to Computer Tech in the spring and am very happy about it. I guess I'll just have to live with the Purdue degree. I made it to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the US Grand Prix. You can see pictures of some of these event and more by clicking here.
And finally, I lost my grandmother last week. She was 91. Of course I am sad and I will miss her immensely. But grandma was healthy, lived in her own house and basically died within a day of collapsing. She did it right. I feel for my pop as he is still struggling with the blow of losing her, but he will be all right. Grandma, you were a great lady and I will miss you, but I love you and you will always be in my thoughts!
Have a Happy New year everyone! I'll be at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas on New Years eve so it you're there, stop by!!!
Monday, November 12, 2001
Pity Poor Colts
Here we are. Halfway through the NFL season and with today's news, the second half doesn't look very bright. Losing yesterday's game to the Dolphins was disheartening for a myriad of reasons. First was the complete lack of defense on throws down the field. The Dolphin receivers were ridiculously wide open. We made a star of some guy named Chambers. I mean, who the hell is Chambers? Second was the constant pressure Peyton was under. He was sacked and harassed constantly. But most damaging was the hurting the Dolphins put on us.
In the first quarter, Dominic ‘Rocky' Rhodes had to be taken to the locker room with a separated shoulder. He returned, but who knows if he'll be able to go next week. Mike Peterson suffered a tear of a knee ligament which will almost assuredly keep him out for the season. Peterson is probably the best defensive player we have, and on a team with as many defensive holes as we have we simply cannot afford to lose Mike. Steve McKinney, possibly our best offensive lineman had to leave the game and was diagnosed with a fractured bone in his back. And finally, Peyton had his jaw broken on a play in the fourth quarter. Sure he returned, but he will have surgery today. And even though he is expected to play, how effective can we really expect him to be?
But the most crushing blow is what the Colts are expected to announce at their weekly press conference later today. That Edgerrin James, who I consider the best player in the NFL, will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury that is more severe than they were letting on. Without James we are simply a one-dimensional team that has trouble keeping receivers healthy. On Peyton's arm rest our chances of salvaging anything of this season. Teams are going to know this and will tee off on P and will double team Marvin and whichever other receiver, if either, can make it through the rest of the season healthy.
The reality is that the rest of the season is probably going to be an effort in futility. We'll probably play hard, but with a banged up Peyton, no Edge, a nicked up Rock and no Steve McKinney or Mike Peterson we will struggle to get wins. Let's face it, we were struggling to get wins with those guys, now without them the prospects aren't bright. Hopefully some of the other players will step up and we can see if we have anyone who we can really use in the future. That appears to me to be what the rest of the season will bring!
In the first quarter, Dominic ‘Rocky' Rhodes had to be taken to the locker room with a separated shoulder. He returned, but who knows if he'll be able to go next week. Mike Peterson suffered a tear of a knee ligament which will almost assuredly keep him out for the season. Peterson is probably the best defensive player we have, and on a team with as many defensive holes as we have we simply cannot afford to lose Mike. Steve McKinney, possibly our best offensive lineman had to leave the game and was diagnosed with a fractured bone in his back. And finally, Peyton had his jaw broken on a play in the fourth quarter. Sure he returned, but he will have surgery today. And even though he is expected to play, how effective can we really expect him to be?
But the most crushing blow is what the Colts are expected to announce at their weekly press conference later today. That Edgerrin James, who I consider the best player in the NFL, will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury that is more severe than they were letting on. Without James we are simply a one-dimensional team that has trouble keeping receivers healthy. On Peyton's arm rest our chances of salvaging anything of this season. Teams are going to know this and will tee off on P and will double team Marvin and whichever other receiver, if either, can make it through the rest of the season healthy.
The reality is that the rest of the season is probably going to be an effort in futility. We'll probably play hard, but with a banged up Peyton, no Edge, a nicked up Rock and no Steve McKinney or Mike Peterson we will struggle to get wins. Let's face it, we were struggling to get wins with those guys, now without them the prospects aren't bright. Hopefully some of the other players will step up and we can see if we have anyone who we can really use in the future. That appears to me to be what the rest of the season will bring!
Monday, October 22, 2001
Colts and New England
New England 38 Indianapolis 17. No heart + no soul = no wins in the past three games including two ass whuppin's at the hands of the New England Patriots. The Colts are a team that has left us fans disappointed time after time. I don't know why I continue to care. I could save myself the frustration by saying to hell with the Colts and just rooting for the Raiders. Unfortunately though, I do care and that's why yesterday's game leaves me just plain pissed off.
The Colts have some decent talent especially on offense. In yesterday's game they posted nice numbers. But if you watched the game you know that they simply couldn't put any sustained drives up. The defense which is suspect as a MF was busy watching Tom Brady put on a show. They never got close to him on the rush, they let his receivers run routes to keep the Colts away from them and allowed the vaunted Pats running game to make crucial yardage whenever it needed.
Ever since the Bills game a month ago, the Colts seem to be just going through the motions. There is no consistent effort from the team, and that is anyone. P. Manning, Edgerrin, Marvin, Marcus and Dilger have made mistakes that have cost this team dearly. Manning's interceptions, Edge's fumbles and the myriad of dropped passes by the receiving crew have been disastrous! These guys are human and will make mistakes, which I understand. But what I cannot accept is the lack of effort the team puts out each week. That is why Jim Mora has to go. This team is not prepared to compete each time it comes on the field. Yesterday the team seemed to just throw in the towel after the first blocked field goal attempt. If that is the case then they were not prepared to play and that blame has to be laid at the head coach's feet. And if this was a one time thing I could overlook it, but we have seen how well this team can play when it is fired up and ready to play. But we have too many of these exceptions where the team looks like they have been at my place drinking beer before the game and would rather just find a couch to lay on and watch the game. I find this unacceptable.
I hold Jim Mora accountable and I hold Bill Polian accountable for not taking action and getting a head coach that will take this team where it should be, among the elite of the NFL. Instead, we are looking gain like a team that will back into the playoffs if they even get there. Like lots of Colts fans who are just miserable when the team loses, I want answers. I want to know why the team can't be better than they are. I look to the head coach who seems more like a grandfather who dotes on his grandkids and spoils them rotten. There has to be some harsh talk and criticism directed at the players for their lack of effort, but more so, the head coach has to be changed before this season is lost.
Finally, Marcus Pollard, I have enjoyed watching you play these past few years. I was happy you got the big new contract because I thought you deserved it. But Marcus, do not attempt to tell the media that the fans have no right to boo, especially when wearing Colts apparel. That is total bullshit. We buy the tickets come to the games and scream and yell for the defense to the point of being hoarse. We high five and revel in watching the offense score in whatever of the many ways we can. But if you are taking the booing personally, then you should be on our side looking in and I think you would understand. But that won't happen, because you are insulated by that coach that you are all great and that things will be fine. NO THEY WON'T. Not unless the team get's the message that we will not just sit by idly and let you guys stink up the place.
The Colts have some decent talent especially on offense. In yesterday's game they posted nice numbers. But if you watched the game you know that they simply couldn't put any sustained drives up. The defense which is suspect as a MF was busy watching Tom Brady put on a show. They never got close to him on the rush, they let his receivers run routes to keep the Colts away from them and allowed the vaunted Pats running game to make crucial yardage whenever it needed.
Ever since the Bills game a month ago, the Colts seem to be just going through the motions. There is no consistent effort from the team, and that is anyone. P. Manning, Edgerrin, Marvin, Marcus and Dilger have made mistakes that have cost this team dearly. Manning's interceptions, Edge's fumbles and the myriad of dropped passes by the receiving crew have been disastrous! These guys are human and will make mistakes, which I understand. But what I cannot accept is the lack of effort the team puts out each week. That is why Jim Mora has to go. This team is not prepared to compete each time it comes on the field. Yesterday the team seemed to just throw in the towel after the first blocked field goal attempt. If that is the case then they were not prepared to play and that blame has to be laid at the head coach's feet. And if this was a one time thing I could overlook it, but we have seen how well this team can play when it is fired up and ready to play. But we have too many of these exceptions where the team looks like they have been at my place drinking beer before the game and would rather just find a couch to lay on and watch the game. I find this unacceptable.
I hold Jim Mora accountable and I hold Bill Polian accountable for not taking action and getting a head coach that will take this team where it should be, among the elite of the NFL. Instead, we are looking gain like a team that will back into the playoffs if they even get there. Like lots of Colts fans who are just miserable when the team loses, I want answers. I want to know why the team can't be better than they are. I look to the head coach who seems more like a grandfather who dotes on his grandkids and spoils them rotten. There has to be some harsh talk and criticism directed at the players for their lack of effort, but more so, the head coach has to be changed before this season is lost.
Finally, Marcus Pollard, I have enjoyed watching you play these past few years. I was happy you got the big new contract because I thought you deserved it. But Marcus, do not attempt to tell the media that the fans have no right to boo, especially when wearing Colts apparel. That is total bullshit. We buy the tickets come to the games and scream and yell for the defense to the point of being hoarse. We high five and revel in watching the offense score in whatever of the many ways we can. But if you are taking the booing personally, then you should be on our side looking in and I think you would understand. But that won't happen, because you are insulated by that coach that you are all great and that things will be fine. NO THEY WON'T. Not unless the team get's the message that we will not just sit by idly and let you guys stink up the place.
Friday, October 12, 2001
It's A Piece of Shit Now!
Have you ever bought a new car? Not just a new family car, but a really cool car that you knew everything about. The engine size, horsepower, size of the tires and rims etc. A car that you feel is the envy of all the other drivers on the road as well as your friends. You keep it spotless, use the best gas, always change the oil on schedule and follow all other maintenance items. A car that makes you smile just to look at. Ever had one of those? I think most of us have. I know I have and then the unthinkable happens and you are involved in an accident. It may be a major collision or just a little fender bender, but either way, you wish it were a total so you replace the car. Invariably it is never a total and no matter how quick you get it fixed and no matter how good it may look the fact remains in your head. It's a PIECE OF SHIT now!
Well today that awful, sinking feeling came over me about our country. The feeling came when another case of anthrax was diagnosed in New York. It is the feeling that things REALLY aren't ever going to be the same. That the panic that is occurring in NYC because of this discovery sets us right back to September 11. The nation wept for the victims of those attacks and then did what Americans do best. Go back to being Americans. Since that day we have been repeatedly been told to expect more terrorist attacks, but did most Americans really feel another attack on our soil would really take place? I didn't. Sure it was in the back of my mind even before September 11. And so far there is no evidence that the 2 cases of anthrax in Florida and one now in New York have any relation to each other or that they were even the acts of terrorist groups. Frankly when I heard that the building where the tabloid The Sun was produced, I figured it could be anyone whose good name was smeared by that particular publication. Hell it could have been one of those space aliens that were hanging with Hillary Clinton. But when a second case was discovered in New York it seems more and more like a terrorist, foreign or domestic, attack.
Today I feel like my shiny, great country has been reduced to a piece of shit. Panic and fear are widespread. It has become risky to even open your mail as it may contain deadly bacteria. When the attacks happened I had a hard time shedding tears. It was probably the shock of it all coupled with the fact that these were not people I knew or could even know through several degrees of separation. But I stated I wept that America may never be the same. And like that new car after it has been wrecked the first time never being the same, so it seems that America is on that same path.
Well today that awful, sinking feeling came over me about our country. The feeling came when another case of anthrax was diagnosed in New York. It is the feeling that things REALLY aren't ever going to be the same. That the panic that is occurring in NYC because of this discovery sets us right back to September 11. The nation wept for the victims of those attacks and then did what Americans do best. Go back to being Americans. Since that day we have been repeatedly been told to expect more terrorist attacks, but did most Americans really feel another attack on our soil would really take place? I didn't. Sure it was in the back of my mind even before September 11. And so far there is no evidence that the 2 cases of anthrax in Florida and one now in New York have any relation to each other or that they were even the acts of terrorist groups. Frankly when I heard that the building where the tabloid The Sun was produced, I figured it could be anyone whose good name was smeared by that particular publication. Hell it could have been one of those space aliens that were hanging with Hillary Clinton. But when a second case was discovered in New York it seems more and more like a terrorist, foreign or domestic, attack.
Today I feel like my shiny, great country has been reduced to a piece of shit. Panic and fear are widespread. It has become risky to even open your mail as it may contain deadly bacteria. When the attacks happened I had a hard time shedding tears. It was probably the shock of it all coupled with the fact that these were not people I knew or could even know through several degrees of separation. But I stated I wept that America may never be the same. And like that new car after it has been wrecked the first time never being the same, so it seems that America is on that same path.
Thursday, October 11, 2001
Ranting About Rights
One month has passed since the September 11 attacks on America. During the past month we have seen a lot of good and bad out of Americans. That shouldn't really be a surprise since there are many good and bad things about our country.
Americans have always been charitable and the outpouring of support, be it money, blood or time in the last month has been nothing short of astounding. As a friend of mine remarked, display of the American flag is at an all time high, or at least in my life. On the other hand, the backlash of bigoted Americans against other Americans who may look or speak different reared its ugly head and at least four people were killed as a direct of hate crimes. Tons of rhetoric has been tossed around by our elected officials as a knee jerk reaction to the attacks denouncing everything from the attacks to any people of the Islamic faith. Drunken talk in bars has centered on the evil “ragheads” and their deportation or worse. Even your humble author called for the immediate retaliation against the perpetrators, whoever they may be. Basically calling to nuke them all and let God sort ‘em out.
Fortunately cooler heads have prevailed in most corners from myself to the President who showed great restraint in giving the Taliban ample time to produce Osama bin Laden who has been identified as the mastermind behind the attacks.
But a couple of things have happened in the past couple of weeks that really tug at my emotions as an American. First a man in Noblesville, IN was arrested for burning an American flag in protest of US policy. As a patriotic American the burning of the flag is something I just will not consider doing. Having said that though, I would defend anyone's right to commit such an act. Sure the Supreme Court has ruled that flag burning is guaranteed under our first amendment rights. But more importantly to me is that the burning of a flag, no matter how repulsive it may be to me, is a very passive way to display ones aggravation at American policy, domestic or foreign. To be sure there are much worse ways to manifest that aggravation. Timothy McVeigh probably felt himself a patriot, but he was a coward. Killing people who did not create policy because his conservative views didn't mesh with then President Bill Clinton is cowardice period. Like I said, I would not burn an American flag, but I will defend someone's right to do so. I have to admit, this guys timing was about as bad as it could be, but he is still guaranteed that right. Of course some people will say they have the right to beat the crap out of him as well. No, that is called assault and is against the law.
The other thing that is going on is the anti-American policy village some students at Indiana University have created on campus. Here again you have students who are exercising their First Amendment rights to express their dismay at the US military strikes against Afghanistan. I do not agree with their position and would not have anything to do with them, but I certainly recognize their rights. But the last couple of days the right wing whackos have been coming out of the woodwork talking about no more public funding for the school and that they are disgracing the school, their parents and themselves with these “shameful acts of treason”. I guess Limbaugh and Liddy get new converts every day. If these radical right-wingers had paying attention they would realize that most college campuses in this country are bastions of liberal thinking in the name of peace and love. Of course, like the demonstrators, the conservatives who are denouncing the protests have every right to voice their displeasure.
Basically though, it is the ability to burn a flag, protest US policy, protest against the protesters that make life in the US fun, but it is also what makes it great. Do protests turn violent and ugly? Of course, but as long as they are kept to the two examples I have cited we are on the right track. It could be much worse. In Pakistan people are dying nearly on a daily basis in anti-American protests.
Americans have always been charitable and the outpouring of support, be it money, blood or time in the last month has been nothing short of astounding. As a friend of mine remarked, display of the American flag is at an all time high, or at least in my life. On the other hand, the backlash of bigoted Americans against other Americans who may look or speak different reared its ugly head and at least four people were killed as a direct of hate crimes. Tons of rhetoric has been tossed around by our elected officials as a knee jerk reaction to the attacks denouncing everything from the attacks to any people of the Islamic faith. Drunken talk in bars has centered on the evil “ragheads” and their deportation or worse. Even your humble author called for the immediate retaliation against the perpetrators, whoever they may be. Basically calling to nuke them all and let God sort ‘em out.
Fortunately cooler heads have prevailed in most corners from myself to the President who showed great restraint in giving the Taliban ample time to produce Osama bin Laden who has been identified as the mastermind behind the attacks.
But a couple of things have happened in the past couple of weeks that really tug at my emotions as an American. First a man in Noblesville, IN was arrested for burning an American flag in protest of US policy. As a patriotic American the burning of the flag is something I just will not consider doing. Having said that though, I would defend anyone's right to commit such an act. Sure the Supreme Court has ruled that flag burning is guaranteed under our first amendment rights. But more importantly to me is that the burning of a flag, no matter how repulsive it may be to me, is a very passive way to display ones aggravation at American policy, domestic or foreign. To be sure there are much worse ways to manifest that aggravation. Timothy McVeigh probably felt himself a patriot, but he was a coward. Killing people who did not create policy because his conservative views didn't mesh with then President Bill Clinton is cowardice period. Like I said, I would not burn an American flag, but I will defend someone's right to do so. I have to admit, this guys timing was about as bad as it could be, but he is still guaranteed that right. Of course some people will say they have the right to beat the crap out of him as well. No, that is called assault and is against the law.
The other thing that is going on is the anti-American policy village some students at Indiana University have created on campus. Here again you have students who are exercising their First Amendment rights to express their dismay at the US military strikes against Afghanistan. I do not agree with their position and would not have anything to do with them, but I certainly recognize their rights. But the last couple of days the right wing whackos have been coming out of the woodwork talking about no more public funding for the school and that they are disgracing the school, their parents and themselves with these “shameful acts of treason”. I guess Limbaugh and Liddy get new converts every day. If these radical right-wingers had paying attention they would realize that most college campuses in this country are bastions of liberal thinking in the name of peace and love. Of course, like the demonstrators, the conservatives who are denouncing the protests have every right to voice their displeasure.
Basically though, it is the ability to burn a flag, protest US policy, protest against the protesters that make life in the US fun, but it is also what makes it great. Do protests turn violent and ugly? Of course, but as long as they are kept to the two examples I have cited we are on the right track. It could be much worse. In Pakistan people are dying nearly on a daily basis in anti-American protests.
Monday, October 1, 2001
Thank God I Didn't Have To See It!
Normally I would have a comment on the Colts and their performance of the previous day here. But thankfully I was a the track yesterday enjoying some ice cold Fosters, soaking up some rays and generally having a good time at the F1 race. Suffice it to say the racing isn't anything to write home about, but the cars are really cool and we had an excellent vantage point thanks to Neil allegedly losing his ticket before we got to the gate. We sat on the grassy knoll (no, no one was shot but the finger was given to Schummi about 73 times!) at the start of the backstretch.
But I am going to say this about the Colts. There was so much talk about how poorly they play in Foxboro that I think they actually started to believe it. Well boys, before you think it is just in Foxboro go back and look at your record against New England period. It stinks and if you turn the ball over countless times when they come here in 3 weeks, they will beat you again. The Colts are too good to lose to those scrubs, but it goes to show how true "Any given Sunday..." is. You have two weeks off to stew about the loss. Are you going to stew for two weeks, or shake it off in a day or two and get off the mat and get ready for the Raiders? If you aren't ready for them, then yesterday will seem like a picnic.
But I am going to say this about the Colts. There was so much talk about how poorly they play in Foxboro that I think they actually started to believe it. Well boys, before you think it is just in Foxboro go back and look at your record against New England period. It stinks and if you turn the ball over countless times when they come here in 3 weeks, they will beat you again. The Colts are too good to lose to those scrubs, but it goes to show how true "Any given Sunday..." is. You have two weeks off to stew about the loss. Are you going to stew for two weeks, or shake it off in a day or two and get off the mat and get ready for the Raiders? If you aren't ready for them, then yesterday will seem like a picnic.
Monday, September 24, 2001
Colts 2-0
How about them Colts?! Another game, another win and lots of points! Yesterday the Colts ran their season record to 2-0 for the first time in years with an entertaining 42-26 victory over the Bills at the Dome. The fact that the Bills and the Jets, who were the Colts victim in week one are not very good teams really doesn't matter when you tack up 45 and 42 points against them.
Yesterday, the Colts, after a couple of early bobbles, played nearly perfect on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively there is still work to do, but the defense did only give up one touchdown and two field goals until a late game Hail Mary touchdown. They may not be world-beaters yet, but they seem to be improved.
As we watched the game unfold, I told my friends that there should be no Jim Mora or Tom Moore bashing after this one. The Colts mixed it up on first down and ran the no huddle exclusively. They never punted and at one point, had scored touchdowns on six consecutive drives. Peyton Manning, who somehow keeps finding ways to get better, was brilliant. He passed for more than 400 yards, threw 4 touchdown passes and even ran for a touchdown. He hit all of his receivers and, with the exception of the early interception, played what was probably the best game of his career. The Edge was simply the Edge! He rested the 100-yard mark for the 5th time in a row and once the Bills were beaten down in the second half he delivered some of his most punishing running. Jerome Pathon had another big day and seems to have a firm grip on the second wideout position. Marvin Harrison caught 3 touchdowns as the Bills, for some reason went at him one on one.
Overall the Colts looked great! Next up is New England and we all know how bad things have gone for us up in Foxboro over the years. The Colts will be big favorites going into the game against what is probably the worst team in the division. But that fact has never really mattered. We still seem to struggle against the Pats. However, this year it looks like we simply have too much firepower for the Patriots. So if you're heading out to the race next Sunday at the Speedway, take a radio and tune into the game on Q95 and root the horseshoes on to victory! Following that we get a week off then the season starts to get really tough as the Raiders come to town. And no, I will not be rooting for the Raiders just like I was not rooting for the Raiders last year, even if I was accused of it!
Yesterday, the Colts, after a couple of early bobbles, played nearly perfect on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively there is still work to do, but the defense did only give up one touchdown and two field goals until a late game Hail Mary touchdown. They may not be world-beaters yet, but they seem to be improved.
As we watched the game unfold, I told my friends that there should be no Jim Mora or Tom Moore bashing after this one. The Colts mixed it up on first down and ran the no huddle exclusively. They never punted and at one point, had scored touchdowns on six consecutive drives. Peyton Manning, who somehow keeps finding ways to get better, was brilliant. He passed for more than 400 yards, threw 4 touchdown passes and even ran for a touchdown. He hit all of his receivers and, with the exception of the early interception, played what was probably the best game of his career. The Edge was simply the Edge! He rested the 100-yard mark for the 5th time in a row and once the Bills were beaten down in the second half he delivered some of his most punishing running. Jerome Pathon had another big day and seems to have a firm grip on the second wideout position. Marvin Harrison caught 3 touchdowns as the Bills, for some reason went at him one on one.
Overall the Colts looked great! Next up is New England and we all know how bad things have gone for us up in Foxboro over the years. The Colts will be big favorites going into the game against what is probably the worst team in the division. But that fact has never really mattered. We still seem to struggle against the Pats. However, this year it looks like we simply have too much firepower for the Patriots. So if you're heading out to the race next Sunday at the Speedway, take a radio and tune into the game on Q95 and root the horseshoes on to victory! Following that we get a week off then the season starts to get really tough as the Raiders come to town. And no, I will not be rooting for the Raiders just like I was not rooting for the Raiders last year, even if I was accused of it!
Saturday, September 22, 2001
9-11 Part 6
For nearly the past two weeks, America has stood united in it's grief and pain over the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC. For two weeks we have given supplies, blood, money and time to assist not only the victims of the attacks, but also those who have the task of sifting through the rubble of two 110 story buildings. Anyone here in Indianapolis who has seen the rubble pile left over from the implosion of Market Square Arena knows how big of a pile that was. And that was one 11-story structure mainly filled with empty space.
For two weeks, everyone in the world it seems has denounced the attacks and called for an end to terrorism worldwide. But at that point seems to be where we start to see divisions in the union.
The US has commenced sending warplanes and ships to locations near Afghanistan and it seems that some military action is forthcoming. Or is it? Personally, I do not feel a war from the air or missiles fires from ships against a largely American hating, yet innocent population will achieve anything other than more terrorist attacks here and abroad. Why? Simply because dropping bombs and firing missiles are not going to achieve the desired goal. In this case, the end of terrorism, or at least that's what the President says and frankly I believe him. To be successful in the fight against terrorism we must tighten our security systems here and wherever Americans are in the world. Then we must, through intelligence gathering and covert operations systematically start to catch those responsible for the terrorism and bring them to justice. It can be done and we have to do it. Killing innocent Afghani people will not endear the US to any other country in the world and it damn sure will not unite Americans. W has shown great patience in my view up to this point. Perhaps he felt that moving the military into position to strike at Afghanistan would persuade them to produce Osama bin Laden. It didn't work. I think we all need to pray for the President as he faces what is probably the biggest decision a President has had to make since Vietnam. We didn't win that war and many brave and heroic men who fought in that war came home pariahs. We have been a country very divided since that time. Haste in this crucial hour will destroy the unity the country has built the last couple of weeks. A unity we may never again see.
For two weeks, everyone in the world it seems has denounced the attacks and called for an end to terrorism worldwide. But at that point seems to be where we start to see divisions in the union.
The US has commenced sending warplanes and ships to locations near Afghanistan and it seems that some military action is forthcoming. Or is it? Personally, I do not feel a war from the air or missiles fires from ships against a largely American hating, yet innocent population will achieve anything other than more terrorist attacks here and abroad. Why? Simply because dropping bombs and firing missiles are not going to achieve the desired goal. In this case, the end of terrorism, or at least that's what the President says and frankly I believe him. To be successful in the fight against terrorism we must tighten our security systems here and wherever Americans are in the world. Then we must, through intelligence gathering and covert operations systematically start to catch those responsible for the terrorism and bring them to justice. It can be done and we have to do it. Killing innocent Afghani people will not endear the US to any other country in the world and it damn sure will not unite Americans. W has shown great patience in my view up to this point. Perhaps he felt that moving the military into position to strike at Afghanistan would persuade them to produce Osama bin Laden. It didn't work. I think we all need to pray for the President as he faces what is probably the biggest decision a President has had to make since Vietnam. We didn't win that war and many brave and heroic men who fought in that war came home pariahs. We have been a country very divided since that time. Haste in this crucial hour will destroy the unity the country has built the last couple of weeks. A unity we may never again see.
Tuesday, September 18, 2001
9-11 Part 5
By now you no doubt have received countless emails pertaining to last weeks terrorist attacks. Some are nothing more than a bunch of hooey perpetrated by someone who had too much time on their hands and put out faux Nostradamus predictions of the events. Some are allegedly from Islamic persons living in Afghanistan denouncing the Taliban and Osama bin Laden. While still others are from Americans predicting doom and gloom for the terrorists and Afghanistan. Email is a wonderful thing and a very useful tool of both work and pleasure. But let's not too carried away with messages and articles and what they are saying. I know in this time of grief and suffering it is easy to gravitate to anything positive about America and negative about our enemies, especially foreign.
Let's set some things straight though. First of all the Nostradamus email which seems to have died out over the past couple of days was a complete hoax as the man was dead more than 20 years before he “wrote” his prediction of the attacks. With so many pointing this fact out is probably why that particular email stopped making the rounds. Next is one I received today which was allegedly by a man living in Afghanistan. He pointed out that the Taliban was not the legal government and went on to compare them to the Nazi's. Regardless of who wrote that particular piece, they are correct in certain aspects. First, with the exception of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, no other country currently recognizes the Taliban as the rightful government of Afghanistan. However, when they took power in 1998 it was after 20 years of war, both civil and against the Soviet Union. Gangs and warlords ran Afghanistan, and crime and corruption were the rule. The Taliban restored an order to the country and at the urging of the rest of the world and according to their Islamic tenets, completely eliminated the cultivation of the poppy plant and the production and sale of opium. Upon doing this, they honestly thought they would become the recognized government of Afghanistan. After all, what criminal activity has America been engaged in a war against the past several decades? Drugs. So for this man to claim the Taliban are Nazi's seems more like an American posing as an Afghan. Don't get me wrong. Having the power that the Taliban have in Afghanistan can have devastatingly corrupt ramifications. But if we are to believe them at their word, they are simply trying to create the world's purest Islamic state. As for bin Laden, why in the world would they give him to the US? We know they don't like the US and want us out of the Middle East. If we aren't going to leave, they simply will not turn him over.
Finally there is the article written by a columnist here in America. He talks of waking the sleeping giant and that America will have the stomach to lose many more lives to rid this country of terrorism. He waxes patriotically of winning a war and bringing our way of life to the world. For the love of God I hope he is right. But as I have stated on previously, I'm not sure we do. There is a lot of singing and flag-waving going on right now that is both positive and therapeutic. But there are also beatings of Middle Eastern and other foreign born or looking people going on. This lack of tolerance is nothing more than fascism and xenophobia and is enough to make me sick. These terrorist attacks were perpetrated by a complex network of people of which Americans had to be involved.
So read your emails and enjoy them and hopefully they will bring some sort of comfort to you. But please take them with a grain of salt as a real war is probably coming and the strong words from columnists, people of Islamic faith and other assorted but cases may soon be sad memories of a week when as a country we did rally together. Tomorrow, the conspiracy theories regarding bin Laden's stock portfolio and the US government perpetrating these heinous acts because W was spoiling for a fight.
Let's set some things straight though. First of all the Nostradamus email which seems to have died out over the past couple of days was a complete hoax as the man was dead more than 20 years before he “wrote” his prediction of the attacks. With so many pointing this fact out is probably why that particular email stopped making the rounds. Next is one I received today which was allegedly by a man living in Afghanistan. He pointed out that the Taliban was not the legal government and went on to compare them to the Nazi's. Regardless of who wrote that particular piece, they are correct in certain aspects. First, with the exception of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, no other country currently recognizes the Taliban as the rightful government of Afghanistan. However, when they took power in 1998 it was after 20 years of war, both civil and against the Soviet Union. Gangs and warlords ran Afghanistan, and crime and corruption were the rule. The Taliban restored an order to the country and at the urging of the rest of the world and according to their Islamic tenets, completely eliminated the cultivation of the poppy plant and the production and sale of opium. Upon doing this, they honestly thought they would become the recognized government of Afghanistan. After all, what criminal activity has America been engaged in a war against the past several decades? Drugs. So for this man to claim the Taliban are Nazi's seems more like an American posing as an Afghan. Don't get me wrong. Having the power that the Taliban have in Afghanistan can have devastatingly corrupt ramifications. But if we are to believe them at their word, they are simply trying to create the world's purest Islamic state. As for bin Laden, why in the world would they give him to the US? We know they don't like the US and want us out of the Middle East. If we aren't going to leave, they simply will not turn him over.
Finally there is the article written by a columnist here in America. He talks of waking the sleeping giant and that America will have the stomach to lose many more lives to rid this country of terrorism. He waxes patriotically of winning a war and bringing our way of life to the world. For the love of God I hope he is right. But as I have stated on previously, I'm not sure we do. There is a lot of singing and flag-waving going on right now that is both positive and therapeutic. But there are also beatings of Middle Eastern and other foreign born or looking people going on. This lack of tolerance is nothing more than fascism and xenophobia and is enough to make me sick. These terrorist attacks were perpetrated by a complex network of people of which Americans had to be involved.
So read your emails and enjoy them and hopefully they will bring some sort of comfort to you. But please take them with a grain of salt as a real war is probably coming and the strong words from columnists, people of Islamic faith and other assorted but cases may soon be sad memories of a week when as a country we did rally together. Tomorrow, the conspiracy theories regarding bin Laden's stock portfolio and the US government perpetrating these heinous acts because W was spoiling for a fight.
Sunday, September 16, 2001
9-11 Part 4
The call has been made and it appears that America stands on the brink of war. The target-Afghanistan in general and Osama bin Laden in particular. Is it he right thing to do? That remains to be seen. The Taliban and bin Laden have maintained bin Laden's innocence of last Tuesday's attacks on New York and Washington DC. AS I had wrote in a previous piece, these people are usually quick to assume responsibility for their actions. As for bin Laden, however, his modus operendi is to declare himself not responsible, but pleased with the actions of others. It looks as though the far-reaching tentacles of his followers may never be completely severed. Therein lies what has the potential for this to be a true test of just how far America is willing to go to eradicate terrorism from our planet.Any retaliatory strike we have against Afghanistan for last weeks attacks will be met with counterattacks promises the Taliban. It is urging its people to steal themselves for a Holy War against the US. Let's face it, that means more terrorist attacks on more American people in more parts of the world. Are the American people willing to see more images similar to those we have witnessed ad nauseum this week? Are the Islam Fundamentalists correct in their assessments that the Americans don't have the stomach for bloodshed and therefore will give in to the wishes of the Islamic people and leave the Middle East? I personally don't feel we are prepared to fight a war with an enemy who doesn't have borders and who seems willing to attack in non-conventional ways and on our own soil. I don't think Americans can tolerate more scenes like this past week.
Unfortunately, I believe that will be what happens if we go to war with Afghanistan in the name of getting Osama bin Laden. America, get ready, life as we know it is going to change. And it's not going to be for the better right away. If we are willing to do what it takes to rid the world of terrorism it will cost lives like we haven't seen before. The Islamic fundamentalists and bin Laden have said they do not distinguish between American military and civilians. To them we are all evil and are all targets. Sacrifices will have to be made. The question before this country is just how much are we willing to sacrifice. Things are going to get worse before they get better.
Unfortunately, I believe that will be what happens if we go to war with Afghanistan in the name of getting Osama bin Laden. America, get ready, life as we know it is going to change. And it's not going to be for the better right away. If we are willing to do what it takes to rid the world of terrorism it will cost lives like we haven't seen before. The Islamic fundamentalists and bin Laden have said they do not distinguish between American military and civilians. To them we are all evil and are all targets. Sacrifices will have to be made. The question before this country is just how much are we willing to sacrifice. Things are going to get worse before they get better.
Friday, September 14, 2001
9-11 Part 3
A moment of silence was just observed by the company I work for. Everyone gathered outside at the flagpole as a new flag was unfurled, raised and then lowered to half-mast as we held hands and reflected on the events that shocked America Tuesday. As I looked at my co-workers there were many with tears in their eyes. Sorrow and mourning are natural and healthy in a situation like this. Personally have not been able to shed any tears over what happened. Yes, I am appalled at the terrorist's attacks, which may change life in America forever. I am hopeful that those responsible are captured and held responsible for their actions. And I feel great sorrow for the innocent victims and especially their friends and families who will have to live with their losses. Maybe it's just that a tragedy like this seemed inevitable to me. After Oklahoma City it was evident of just how easy it was to commit terrorist acts against the American people right here in America! That is not said to diminish in any way the magnitude of Tuesday's events. Simply to point out that we are vulnerable to this type of terrorism. Every day we take for granted so many things in our lives. Getting on an airplane, going to work, going to the bar, going to parties, going to school and having plenty to eat and drink. It's the way of America. Thousands stream into our borders every year simply to escape persecution, dictatorship or natural shortfalls in their homelands.
Things are about to change and as much outcry as there has been this week over the attacks in New York and Washington, there will be even more when the memory has faded and the inconveniences that we all seem to want in the aftermath become intrusive on our daily lives. Suspicion will have a definite effect on America. Instead of being at the airport an hour before your flight it will now take 2 hours. I remember when it was 20 minutes! The threat of being detained is probably going to become more real.
Right now, America is lauding the impending measures to increased safety and security. But how much time will pass before the security achieved becomes a bother? And if it does become a bother, when will standards be relaxed? What will the cost be for letting our guard down again? A change is coming America. It probably will not be for the betterment of the quality of life we now enjoy. Will it increase safety and security? Almost without a doubt it will, but at what costs and how long are we willing to pay those costs? America has changed this week, and for that I do shed tears.
Things are about to change and as much outcry as there has been this week over the attacks in New York and Washington, there will be even more when the memory has faded and the inconveniences that we all seem to want in the aftermath become intrusive on our daily lives. Suspicion will have a definite effect on America. Instead of being at the airport an hour before your flight it will now take 2 hours. I remember when it was 20 minutes! The threat of being detained is probably going to become more real.
Right now, America is lauding the impending measures to increased safety and security. But how much time will pass before the security achieved becomes a bother? And if it does become a bother, when will standards be relaxed? What will the cost be for letting our guard down again? A change is coming America. It probably will not be for the betterment of the quality of life we now enjoy. Will it increase safety and security? Almost without a doubt it will, but at what costs and how long are we willing to pay those costs? America has changed this week, and for that I do shed tears.
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