Thanksgiving

Hey everyone, I just wanted to take time out and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  This is a time to not only eat, watch football, and hang with family and friends, but more importantly a time to reflect on what you are truly “thankful” for.  Enjoy….and God Bless!

Anti-War Ignorance

Interesting…..a Democrat thinks George Bush is wrong on the war in Iraq.  I mean can they come up with another mantra??? 

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DEMOCRATS_IRAQ?SITE=WIMIL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

 I don’t know about you, but this is sounding like a broken record, especially in a time when troop surges have been successful AND the President has said there WILL be troop reductions.  Why on God’s green earth does a U.S. senator have to spout off about this???  I’ll tell you why; partisan politics.  They couch it with saying how proud they are of the troops, but in actuality all they want is for George Bush to fail, and with that political marketing they hope to regain the presidency. 

 Just to clarify, here’s a little insight into Senator Bob Casey’s assessment of our situation in Iraq, “They will face hatred they did not create and sectarian violence they cannot possibly resolve,” Casey said. 

Riveting Bob, I’m sure when we went into Bosnia, we were greeted by both sides of their “sectarian” violence with open arms (Hey Bob, did you support Bill Clinton in that campaign?), and when we went into Somalia, I guess both sides of that war greeted out soldiers as well?!?!?  I feel sorry for the citizens of Pennsylvania because of this half-wit.  On second thought, no I don’t, they voted him in….

Anti-Fan Network – Continued

ARRRGGGG.  Another Badger Football game being televised on the BTN (Big Ten Network, or as I like to call it, Bad Television Network).  Ventures like this and the NFL Network should not be put on the air without having cable agreements in place.  I’m not saying some government entity needs to step in, hell it’s just college sports, but this sucks.  Thanks Delaney, you arrogant…..well, I’m going to leave it at that.

Government Run Programs……

That’s it I am tired of hearing about government run health care.  This is something that I realize is not going to go away anytime soon, and as long as it’s out there as an issue, I am going to rail on it….A LOT.  The reason I am bringing it up today is I was checking my email and ran across this particular email with the following link http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/103804/Ten-Things-the-DMV-Will-Not-Tell-%20You?mod=weekend%20tag   WOW, we all knew that the DMV was slow, annoying and rude, but this….well, it’s an all time new low.  The 10 things that DMV won’t tell you is most certainly disconcerting, but more importantly, it is another example of a government run department not having ANY accountability what-so-ever.  Here’s another thought, this is just scratching the surface of stupidity at DMV, but that’s not why I’m commenting on government programs.  I’m going to take this to its logical conclusion. 

 

Bottom line this is an example of individual state (government) run groups being completely inefficient, rude, and almost criminal.  For those of you out there that want this group of people running your health care, no offense, but that’s not sane.  If state governments run their DMV’s like this, what do you think the health care system will be run like????  Realize, state governments are typically run MORE efficiently than fed, doesn’t that scare you?  It should!

Anti-Fan Network

The anti-fan network, better known as the Big Ten Network.  Now if you’re a Dish Network or DirectTV subscriber you don’t much care about the fact that the common cable subscriber (which is most of the TV watching public) can’t watch their favorite college football or basketball team on their TV, but you should.  Yes, right now you’re able to watch Wisconsin play Ohio State, or Michigan State vs. Illinois, but if I’m in Milwaukee and have Time Warner I CAN’T. 

 This isn’t a satellite vs a cable thing, there’s a bigger picture involved here.  Trust me the Big Ten is not starting this venture (an exclusive network) because of the betterment of their Big Ten fans and/or students, it is purely money and the possiblility of having “subscribers” pay more down the road for higher profile games.  You want to see Michigan play Ohio State?  Well that will cost you an extra, oh let’s see, $25.00. 

Are we so naive to think the other big conferences, the BCS conferences, aren’t watching the success or failure of this Big Ten test, and looking to start their own network?!?!?  Here’s the scenario…. 2012, LSU is playing Florida (on the SEC network), while USC is playing Oregon (on the Pac 10 network), LSU beats Florida, and USC beats Oregon, except only 1% of the LSU, Florida, USC, and Oregon fans see the games.  Now, LSU plays USC for the national championship, except it’s on the NCAA network, and you have to pay the equivalent of Tyson vs Holyfield just to see the game (approx $100).  Sound far fetched, just ask any Big Ten fan….especially come basketball season.

Guiliani

Rudy, the rock of a mayor in the aftermath of 9/11, the man who, if he didn’t get cancer, would’ve have beaten Hillary Clinton for Senator of NY (which I wish he would have done, because if he had we wouldn’t be seeing her mug in front of the camera running for prez, but I digress), and presidential candidate.  Oh did I forget the man who took a mob sympathizing police commissioner (who he nominated) under his wing, so much so as to push for his post as head of Homeland Security – Bernard Kerik?  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071109/ap_on_re_us/kerik_investigation

Now I’m not a Rudy basher in any way shape or form, but when running for president, these are the things that political rivals hope for, and feast upon.  Now as you may or may not know, I am a Fred Thompson supporter, and if I were one of his “strategists”, I’d be jumping for joy at these developments, but I’m not.  The Republican group of candidates are behind the eight ball.  None of the front runners can stub their toe.  Can they have a misstep or two?  Absolutely, after all they are human, but to nominate, and support, someone that had this happen to them, well, let’s just say it’s not good.  

Rudy will probably come out of this relatively unscathed, but it does make you wonder what else is going to come up to derail the likes of Rudy, Fred, Mitt, or McCain.  The nature of politics in the 21st century is one mostly of MONEY.  Who has it, who doesn’t, and when you get it.  Rudy has it (and has had it for awhile), Huckabee and Paul don’t (at least not in time to make any noise).  So, regardless of “scandals” and misconceptions, you conservatives have to make a decision.  After all it is the 2nd week in November, and the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries are weeks away, and decisions have to be made as to who you are going to support.  If you put money into candidates like Huckabee (9%), and Paul (6%), all you are doing is taking money away from people that can actually win the general election from Clinton, or Obama.  Think people, think!

THE Green Bay Packers – HUH?

Wow, I’ve been a Green Bay Packer fan for….well, for as long as I can remember, and this year is one of the best I’ve seen in close to 8 years.  Not because they are that good, but because I thought they were going to be TERRIBLE.  I told friends and family that they were going to be 7-9, but realistically I thought they were going to revert back to 2005 numbers and go 4-12 (sorry everyone).  For them to be 7-1 at the middle of the season is nothing short of a miracle – and I just started going back to church.

 Her is my mid-season synopsis:

1) Brett Favre: Nothing short of a Pro Bowl QB.  I can’t and won’t throw out the MVP moniker (I’m not crazy, considering the likes of Tom Brady….HOLY COW, and Adrian Peterson), but he is playing like he’s 30 years old, much to the chagrin of the NFC North.  Keep it up Brett, and if you play like this the rest of the year, I for one will be championing you to come back for the 2008-2009 season (and no, that has nothing to do with the fact that Brett is slightly younger than I am (by 7 1/2 months)).

2) Defense Line: Front Line – deep, solid, and intimidating.  Specifically Aaron Kampman is, dare I say, unstoppable.  Now, he’s no Reggie White, or Dwight Freeney, but there is no doubting his talents and stats.  Depth in this league is quintecential and this team has it in their D-Line.  If the Packers make any noise in the playoffs, one of the main reasons is this part of the squad.

3) Linebackers: Coming into this season, it was supposed to be one of the strengths of this team, and quite honestly they have not lived up to expectations – specifically A.J. Hawk.  Remember, he was the #5 pick, and be honest, how often to you hear his name?  I understand that’s not the only way to analyze a player (especially a 2nd year player), but watching him throughout this season, he’s playing more like Na’il Diggs than a top 5 pick in the NFL draft….Dude, step up!  Nick Barnett is a good linebacker, but is exposed too often.  Not many people could step into his position and do the job he’s doing, but he’s, in my opinion, suspect.  Poppinga: Average, can’t say anything bad, but equally, can’t say anything glowing either.

Secondary: One word: Psychophrenic!  One thing is for sure, the safeties on our team are by far the weakest part of our defense, and I don’t see it getting any better (Nick Collins injured).  Both Woodson and Harris have a lot of penalties, but that is more about their legitmate/legal aggressiveness, than the phantom calls that are: ’illegal contact’ and ‘pass interference’.  NFL referees call those penalties as effectively as I do a cricket match….NOT WELL!!!!

Offensive Skill Positions: Favre, (see above), Donald Driver, another Pro Bowl season – NO QUESTION, Greg Jennings, possible Pro Bowler, and definite Favre “Go-To Guy”.  If not this year, certainly in years to come.  James Jones, if not for Adrian Peterson, he could have had as much rookie press in 2007 as Marques Colston had in 2006.  Donald Lee, re-signed for years to come and for good reason….he has brought back the TE in Green Bay’s offense (who would’ve known).  Koren Robinson is back, Ruvell Martin has stepped up his game – all of which bodes well for the rest of the season.  RB’s – Incomplete.  I say incomplete because a lot of the infectiveness comes from the O-line.  Look at the stats by the end of the season, and we’ll talk again.

Good Luck y’all!

O-Line: GREAT pass protection….GREAT.  Yes, Favre is making better decisions, as a whole, but the O-line is protecting him pretty well.  Now the bad news; their run offense is terrible and I put most of the blame on the O-line.  They can do better, and they had better change that attitude.  I believe they’ll pick it up as the season goes along, but it is not easy (as you can see).   

Offensive Line: Considering their success at the end of 2006 into 2007, this group has regressed.  They had a great O-line with the zone blocking scheme, especially with Ahman Green, but the only good thing (and it’s the biggest offensive revelation this season) is that they are pass protecting MUCH better than expected.  I do expect a much better second half regarding the run offense, and if I’m right, the Packers will have home field throughout the playoffs.

First half grade: B+  How do I grade a team that was projected to be, at best, 4-4 at this point, instead of 7-1?  Simply, because they haven’t played their best games, and they have obvious holes.  I may have raised the bar to high, but this is the NFL, and ANYTHING can happen.  Packer fans, ride this wave, because you never know when the wheels will fall off…..ENJOY!

Brewers…..

I did mention in my first post that this weblog was not going to be strictly about politics, so I am going to comment on my favorite MLB team, the Milwaukee Brewers.  Basically, even after one month of the Brewers not playing, I am still disappointed.  Disappointed that even with all of their young talent, serviceable starting pitching,  a shut down closer, and a weak division, they were unable to make the playoffs.  Admittedly their pitching was suspect, from Ben Sheets health, to Suppan’s meltdown, to our middle relief blowing lead after lead, but that doesn’t make things any easier.  I know there’s always next year.  The young guys will be a year older, Bill Hall will be more comfortable in his CF position, they should go after some more pitching, and they will be somewhat “battle tested”, etc, etc., but for now 2007 was bitter sweet. 

Now for my analysis: If Doug Melvin is listening (stop laughing):

1) Deal Ben Sheets.  Physically he is too much of a question mark, and he’s not getting any younger.

2) Jenkins….well he’s gone and even though he was a good soldier in the dark days, he got paid WAY too much for hitting .255, 21 HR’s, and 64 RBI.  I do wish him good luck in whatever he does.

3) RESIGN Cordero.  This is not negotiable.  Now, could he pull a Gagne???  Sure, but look at these 2007 stats http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mil&playerID=150188

4) Get a legitimate #1 or #2 starter(either by trade of free agency).  This is the toughest one, because for one, they’re generally not that many out there, and two they are notoriously iffy when it comes to putting up the big numbers after getting that big payday (just ask the SF Giants – Barry Zito)

5) Work on defense ALL off season.  Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Bill Hall and others have to focus their whole off season on defense.  Even though I did not like our pitching staff, they did have more pressure put on them because of the poor defense.  Errors create, at the minimum, a higher pitch count, at worst extra outs, correlating to more runs.

6) Get a freakin’ catcher.  Estrada….lazy and overrated, Miller…..good clubhouse guy, but he’ll be 38 (that’s like 80 in catcher years), Munson…..did Chad Moeller change his name? (’nuff said), and Rivera…..report card: incomplete, but nothing says he can fill the position full time.

7) Note to Brewer players for 2008:  Get your “Road Head” on straight.  It’s great to be able to see win after win at Miller Park, but to make the playoffs, and win some post season series you have to make it look like you didn’t go out to the strip clubs the night(s) before.

I do have to say, in retrospect, it was good to finally have a winning season.  It was good to see us playing important, playoff contending baseball in September.  It was also good to see the St. Louis Cardinals fade into the sunset late in the year, and look as if they were fielding a team from the local nursing home (bodes well for future seasons….Good Luck LaRussa).  And it was AWESOME to see the likes of Prince Fielder (youngest player to hit 50 HR’s and potential MVP candidate – at 23), JJ Hardy hitting GREAT numbers throughout the year, Ryan Braun, lighting up pitcher after pitcher, game after game, along with the possibility of winning Rookie of the Year, and (for me) the surprise hit of the season, Corey Hart. 

This is the first offseason that I can actually tell everyone I know that I am excited and extremely optimistic for the next Milwaukee Brewer season.  Haven’t been able to say that since 1992.  Go Brewers!

MPS Tax Hike

I figured it out….I know it took about two days, but I figured it out.  The Milwaukee Public School Superintendent (Peter Andrekopoulos), on Wednesday came out with a 16% tax increase for the citizens of Milwaukee, surprise, surprise.   http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=680111 (By the way that is not a typo, I said 16%.)  Now to put that in perspective, that 16% equates to an additional $225/year for a house assessed at $165,000, just for MPS.  Now, because of some news coverage after the announcement, the school board lowered the levy to a “workable” 9% (and no that’s not a typo either).  http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=681750 

 Now the revelation…..Andrekopoulos is good.  You cannot tell me that Peter thought he was going to get the 16%;I mean who in their right mind would think that would be a plausible idea?  So he was able to, for the third time out of the last four years, get the city of Milwaukee taxpayers to pay for an increase of 7.75% or higher.  Throw a completely unrealistic number out there, and get almost a double digit “negotiated” compromise?  Way to go Peter and MPS!!!  Here’s the worst part of this whole tax hike, not only does  the enrollment of MPS shrink every year, more importantly, so does the graduation rate.  So I ask you, WHAT ARE WE PAYING FOR?  I’d answer my own question, but that is will have to wait for a whole separate post…..