I know it is still early, but I have been following all of the off-season moves in baseball and have been working on putting together my predictions for the up coming season. After many, many, rough drafts, I have come up with what I believe will happen this year. Now some of my picks will surprise you, and some will be obvious. Seeing as how I am a Red's fan, I could not allow that to bias my selections. So for those of you who care about baseball, here it is. Of course nothing is GUARANTEED here.
American League East
1. New York Yankees. Yes, I am going with NY over Boston. I believe the Yanks are fed up with the Sox being the dominate team in this division. It's just impossible to ignore this offense. Every bat in the line-up is a legitimate 20-homer player. The pitching is a little shaky, but it should bounce back from last year.
2. Boston Red Sox. This is obviously the toughest division to pick the outright winner, but like I said. I believe Boston's run is done. I don't even have them getting the Wild Card. The risk for Boston is that all of a sudden, the offense might not look as intimidating. Manny is slipping,and Mike Lowell probably had his best year ever. On the other hand...their pitching is deep and they do have some talented young players.
*Note* I will just list the rest of the teams in the order they will finish since none of them will win the division.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Tampa Bay Rays. That's right. By losing the "Devil" in their name, they will finish 2nd to last instead of dead last.
5. Baltimore Orioles
American League West
1.Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They made some strategic acquisitions in the offseason in hopes of getting back to the postseason. Backing up their ace SP John Lackey, is former White Sox SP Jon Garland. And the Angels added CF super star (offense and defense) Torii Hunter. If Vladimir Guerrero can deliver about 110+ RBI's.. again, then all things considered, the Angel's should grab the AL West title.
2. Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are improved (brining in SP Erik Bedard and SP Carlos Silva,) but there are still questions about the rotation, and the line-up desperately needs more power and consistency-- starting with Richie Sexson. The pieces are here, but everything needs to click for the Mariners to win the AL West.
3. Texas Rangers. Like the AL East, all teams after the Angel's and Mariner's are just pretenders with no real shot at winning the division. The Rangers did make some nice acquisitions in Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley. And who knows which Eric Gagne is going to show up.
4. Oakland Athletics. Didn't they trade away their entire team?
American League Central
1. Detroit Tigers. This one was a little tough seeing as how I am an Indian's fan as well. But how can you argue it? A laundry list of new players has arrived to fill the few weak spots that existed last year: SP Dontrelle Willis, 3B Miguel Cabrera, SS Edgar Renteria, and OF Jacque Jones headline that list. They should be tough to beat and may end up with the best record in baseball.
2. Cleveland Indians. They are basicly the exact same team as last year when they were 1 game away from the World Series. Pitching is good, and so is the offense. Newcomer Jenson Lewis (local boy) should be a big help providing long middle relief.
3. Chicago White Sox. The offense has actually been given a significant offseason makeover. With the addition of OF Nick Swisher and SS Orlando Cabrera it seems the White Sox have a bit of upside-- especially given that guys like 1B Paul Konerko, DH Jim Thome, C AJ Pierzynski, OF Jermaine Dye, and 3B (for now) Joe Crede, all had bad years last season. The White Sox could surprise some people.
4. Minnesota Twins. They just lost to much in Santana and Hunter.
5. Kansas City Royals What can I say...it's the Royals. The most exciting thing to follow this year is wether or not Jason Larue hits above .183 like he did last year.
AL Manager of the Year: Joe Girardi (Yankees)
AL Cy Young: Fausto Carmona (Indians)
AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez
AL Rookie of the Year: Clay Buchholz (Boston)
National League East
1. New York Mets. With the addition of SP Johan Santana the Mets have to be considered the odds on favorite to win the NL East. Especially if Pedro comes back strong. But will the ghost of last September (losing 6 of their last 7 games) linger into this season?
2. Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have become good for about 87 wins every year, but they will need a bit more to emerge from the division. Could be an exciting race between them and NY.
3. Atlanta Braves. Do you know how akward it is picking the Braves to finish 3rd? I think the Mets and Phillies will just be to much for them. But you never know...after all, they are the Braves and Bobby Cox knows how to win.
4. Washington Nationals. Not only will they not finish dead last, but I have them winning 80 games. That will still give them a losing record by 2 games, but hey....Jim Bowden was always good at coming "close" He has a ton of ex-reds on the team and in the front office. If he couldn't win with them in Cincy, what makes him think they will win for him in D.C.?
5. Florida Marlins. The Marlins have a list of great up-and-coming bats. The anchor of the line-up is lead-off hitter SS Hanley Ramirez, who's already established himself as one of the best overall fantasy baseball players. Other than that they are pretty shaky all around.
National League West
1. Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are now an inspired bunch that not only believe they can win, they know they have done it. Also, the line-up is finally built to deliver the runs a Denver-based team should, given the high-altitude. However, heartbreak could await. But It won't be easy to repeat.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona has 3 great starting pitchers (Webb, Haren, and The Unit). And the first 3 bats in the line-up (Young, Hudson, and Byrnes) are big too. The key to success depends on the other pieces-- guys like SP Doug Davis or SP Micah Owings, Closer Brandon Lyon, and OF Justin Upton. If the D-Backs can get some spark from some of these names, they could land back in the playoffs.
3. San Diego Padres. The Padres have one of those offenses that just seems to get the job done. This year, the one consistent piece, 1B Adrian Gonzalez (30 HR's, 100 RBI's) will be backed up by the addition of OF Jim Edmonds. A good move. The rest of the order is about piecing together runs-- SS Khalil Greene and 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff meet the veteran ability of OF Brian Giles and the addition of 2B Tadahito Iguchi.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers batting order is an NL version of the Yankees. Well, a lite version anyways. But think about it: Furcal, Kent, Loney, Jones, Kemp, Martin, Garciaparra, and Pierre. It may not be rock solid, but it's got a lot of potential. Plus Joe Torre is in town. Talk about a guy who just wins. This team could easily go from my predicted 4th place finish to winning the division.
5. San Francisco Giants. Yeah...they suck...and could battle for the worst record in the NL
National League Central
1. Cincinnati Red's. There you have it. I wish I could say I was just doing this because I am a fan. But the truth is, the Central is the weakest league in the NL...maybe all of baseball. 84 wins will probably be enough to win the title. The Reds have a bunch of talent they can use right through the batting order: SS Alex Gonzalez, OF Jay Bruce, 2B Brandon Phillips, OF Adam Dunn, 1B Joey Votto. None of them are directly bumped out of the line-up because Ken Griffey Jr is there. If JR and Dunn can repeat their stats from last year, and if at least 1 more pitcher can step up with Harang and Arroyo as dependable every outing, The Reds have a legitmite shot at winning the league.
2. Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are hoping for addition by subtraction. OF Jacque Jones, C Jason Kendall, and SP Mark Prior are gone. The sole replacement comes from Japan, OF Kosuke Fukudome-- a career .300 hitting power hitter that turns 31 in April. But looking this team over, sure it's competitive-- any team with Alfonso Soriano can't help but be. However, even though the Cubs bought their way back into competing last year, there are a lot of things that would need to come together for this team to get to the World Series. Winning the division is a tough enough battle.
3.St. Louis Cardinals. Health is the key factor here. The Cards need to watch the health of a slew of key superstars: SP Chris Carpenter, SP Mark Mulder, 3B Troy Glaus, and OF Chris Duncan. Without Carpenter until, most likely, at least July (12 months after his Tommy John surgery) the situation looks bleak.
4. Houston Astros. The Astros led the league in offseason changes. A lot of it centered around just getting rid of the RP Brad Lidge sagas-- new RP Jose Valverde (who pitched lights out relief for the D-Backs last year) will be counted on as the closer. Kaz Matsui steps in to replace retired 2B Craig Biggio.
5. Milwaukee Brewers. Despite what seemed like a quantum leap in performance last season, the Brewers finished just 2 games over .500.
6. Pittsburg Pirates. For crying out loud...it's the Pirates.
NL Manager of the Year: Willie Randolph (NYM)
NL Cy Young: Johan Santana
NL MVP: Alfonso Soriano (CHC)
NL Rookie of the Year: Johnny Cueto (CIN)
Playoffs:
AL Wildcard team: Cleveland Indians.
ALCS: Tigers beat the Yankees
NL Wildcard team: Philadelphia Phillies
NLCS: Mets beat the Rockies.
World Series:
Tigers over the Mets in 7 games.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Morning Rant
What a beautiful morning. I woke up to a very frigid 9 degree's outside, but then again, it is February...right? I went outside to get the morning paper, only to discover that my delivery guy must have had a rough night. I can understand missing the driveway by a few feet to the right or left, but in the middle of my yard? Once inside, and having tended to my frostbite, I sat down to read my favorite paper, while listening to the Today Show in the background. I always read the Sports section first to but me in a good mood, and finish with the Forum section so my entire reading experience is not tainted from the start. We have some rather bright individuals in our lovely city who are so kind to grace us on a daily basis with their infinite wisdom. Of course most of them are idiots and not opinionated and open minded like myself.
let's see what is making the headlines today:
The dollar is at an all time low. Well that can't be good. It seems the only 2 Countries where the dollar is still worth more than the local currency are South Africa and South Korea. Anyone planning on going there any time soon?
On the heel's of the dollars value being worth about as much as Bill "Willy" Cunningham's endorsement of John McCain, we have President Bush insisting we are not in a recession. According to our beloved Commander in Chief, we are in a "Economic Slowdown". I tried to look up the difference but was unable to find anything that clearly separated the two. It's really just semantics anyway isn't it?
An Australian Lawyer was killed by a shark while diving in the Bahama's. OK..this peaks my interest. We all know that my greatest fear in life is to be attacked by a shark, somehow make it to shore...only to be bit by a poisonous snake while bleeding on the beach. What? Everyone has an idea on the worst way to die, right? Anyway, I'm feeling bad for this guy, right. Stupid sharks. Wait a minute....uhhhh.....nevermind. Stupid Lawyer. Turns out the wise Aussie was doing an un-caged dive while using chum to attract sharks for viewing. That makes about as much sense as the Pope performing a Jewish wedding. The shark is off the hook this time.
Housing is at an all time low.
Oil is at $100 a barrel.
Oil Company's reported record income for 07.
The Bearcats blew another game.
Drew Peterson claims he didn't kill his 4th wife, who is missing, or have anything to do with his 3rd wife's death, which is now being ruled a homicide. (Ladies...you may want to avoid this guy)
Someone in Iraq blew themselves up.
And to top it all off, my 3 year old woke up with a diaper that would have offended Pigpen from the Peanut's gang.
Lucky for me, I am a "the glass is half full" kind of guy. I mean, not all is bad. I have my health. President Bush only has a few more months in office. Spring training games started yesterday. I have a wonderful wife and 3 great kids, along with a loving family. So let's take all of this negative and turn it into a positive. Based on what we have covered today, I offer you this parting advice:
"Stay inside. Plan a vacation to either South Africa or South Korea, but stay away from the Bahama's. Buy a Hybrid car and stock in an oil company. Don't put your house on the market just yet. If you are moving into a new house and plan on having a house warming party...do not invite Drew Peterson. Be happy the Bearcats are at least competitive this year, and avoid my 3 year old until a bath has been administered.
Good Day!!!!!!
let's see what is making the headlines today:
The dollar is at an all time low. Well that can't be good. It seems the only 2 Countries where the dollar is still worth more than the local currency are South Africa and South Korea. Anyone planning on going there any time soon?
On the heel's of the dollars value being worth about as much as Bill "Willy" Cunningham's endorsement of John McCain, we have President Bush insisting we are not in a recession. According to our beloved Commander in Chief, we are in a "Economic Slowdown". I tried to look up the difference but was unable to find anything that clearly separated the two. It's really just semantics anyway isn't it?
An Australian Lawyer was killed by a shark while diving in the Bahama's. OK..this peaks my interest. We all know that my greatest fear in life is to be attacked by a shark, somehow make it to shore...only to be bit by a poisonous snake while bleeding on the beach. What? Everyone has an idea on the worst way to die, right? Anyway, I'm feeling bad for this guy, right. Stupid sharks. Wait a minute....uhhhh.....nevermind. Stupid Lawyer. Turns out the wise Aussie was doing an un-caged dive while using chum to attract sharks for viewing. That makes about as much sense as the Pope performing a Jewish wedding. The shark is off the hook this time.
Housing is at an all time low.
Oil is at $100 a barrel.
Oil Company's reported record income for 07.
The Bearcats blew another game.
Drew Peterson claims he didn't kill his 4th wife, who is missing, or have anything to do with his 3rd wife's death, which is now being ruled a homicide. (Ladies...you may want to avoid this guy)
Someone in Iraq blew themselves up.
And to top it all off, my 3 year old woke up with a diaper that would have offended Pigpen from the Peanut's gang.
Lucky for me, I am a "the glass is half full" kind of guy. I mean, not all is bad. I have my health. President Bush only has a few more months in office. Spring training games started yesterday. I have a wonderful wife and 3 great kids, along with a loving family. So let's take all of this negative and turn it into a positive. Based on what we have covered today, I offer you this parting advice:
"Stay inside. Plan a vacation to either South Africa or South Korea, but stay away from the Bahama's. Buy a Hybrid car and stock in an oil company. Don't put your house on the market just yet. If you are moving into a new house and plan on having a house warming party...do not invite Drew Peterson. Be happy the Bearcats are at least competitive this year, and avoid my 3 year old until a bath has been administered.
Good Day!!!!!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
"God Hates Gay's"?
I figured that headline would get your attention. I spend a lot of time searching the internet looking for all kinds of things. The kind of things that we may not know exist. Along with watching TV News programs, this is where I come up with a majority of my topics. Recently I heard about a man from Topeka Kansas. This is no ordinary man. He is the Pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church, and has 13 children. Sounds like a decent guy so far, right? The way I see it....not so Much. His name is Fred Phelps and he is the owner of the website "God Hates Fags.com" That was all I needed to spark my interest, and proceeded to research this individual. Reading about this man made my skin crawl. While I promote that everyone is entitled to their opinion, I found it hard to accept anything this hate monger had to say as acceptable. He does not share his views as his belief, but as the way it is. All of his children share in his beliefs and are active members of his cult.....I mean congregation. Let me start by giving you a brief run-down of this man:
Fred Waldron Phelps, Sr. (born November 13, 1929) is the pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), an independent Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas. He is a disbarred lawyer and founder of the Phelps Chartered law firm. WBC is listed as a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. He is known for preaching with slogans and banners denoting phrases such as "Thank God for 9/11", "God hates fags," "AIDS cures fags," and "Fags die, God laughs (or mocks)," and claims that God will punish homosexuals as well as people such as Bill O'Reilly, Coretta Scott King, Ronald Reagan, and Howard Dean, whom his church considers "fag-enablers". His church says he is a "Five-Point Calvinist" I would give you the definition of this, but it is long and confusing. I do however recommend looking it up). He has also thanked God for the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
Phelps and his followers frequently picket various events, especially military funerals, gay pride gatherings, and high-profile political gatherings, arguing it is their sacred duty to warn others of God's anger. When criticized, Phelps' followers say they are protected in doing so by the First Amendment. In May 2006 President Bush signed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act in response to Phelps' protests at military funerals (something Bush got right). In April 2007, Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius signed into law a bill banning the protest of funerals.
Phelps says that he is a preacher who believes that homosexuality and its acceptance have doomed most of the world to eternal damnation. The church at Westboro which he leads has 71 confirmed members, 60 of whom are related to Phelps through blood or marriage or both.
The group is built around a core of anti-homosexual theology, with many of their activities stemming from the slogan "God hates fags," which is also the name of the group's main website. Gay rights activists, as well as Christians of virtually every denomination, have denounced him as a producer of anti-gay propaganda and violence-inspiring hate speech.
Phelps says he is an old school Baptist, which includes John Calvin's doctrine of unconditional election, the belief that God has elected certain people for salvation before birth. He says that almost nobody is a member of the elect, and furthermore that he and the members of his congregation (mostly his family) are the only members of the elect, because they are the only ones not afraid to publish the current relevant application of the word of God — in particular, that "God hates fags."
OK, that was a little longer than intended, but let's move on. Let me start by saying that I am not naive. I am well aware of the numerous anti-gay, anti-American, anti-whatever groups that exist among us. And as much as I disagree with them, or find their tactics appalling, they are protected under the law. It is something I have to deal with. But when did God start hating people? No matter what form of higher power you believe in, have you ever equated God and hatred as synonymous? Certain groups do believe that their God finds certain human acts as betrayal to his teachings. But I have never heard of God "hating" anyone. It is my understanding that God loves everyone, regardless of the mistakes you may feel God thinks others are making.
And what about his statement "Thank God for 9/11". Thousands of innocent people died that day, but he see's it as God's angry work. He claims natural disasters are God's way of punishing us. He even goes so far as to post this headline: "Thank God For the NIU Massacre. They are all in hell" on his other website www.godhatesamerica.com
Am I the only one who finds this outrageous? My stomach is churning as I write this. I simply can not fathom the idea of God causing, or being glad these things happened. I am sure that God get's angry at us for not taking care of his planet and each other. But sending in a mass murderer to spread his word? Come on! My personal beliefs are based on "The Golden Rule", that is how I was raised. Everyone has their own beliefs when it comes to God and Religion, and that is wonderful. Suggesting that God "hates" certain people, and even has them killed in cold blood, is not only absurd, but it is the worst possible way you could serve him. At least in my opinion it is.
Fred Waldron Phelps, Sr. (born November 13, 1929) is the pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), an independent Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas. He is a disbarred lawyer and founder of the Phelps Chartered law firm. WBC is listed as a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. He is known for preaching with slogans and banners denoting phrases such as "Thank God for 9/11", "God hates fags," "AIDS cures fags," and "Fags die, God laughs (or mocks)," and claims that God will punish homosexuals as well as people such as Bill O'Reilly, Coretta Scott King, Ronald Reagan, and Howard Dean, whom his church considers "fag-enablers". His church says he is a "Five-Point Calvinist" I would give you the definition of this, but it is long and confusing. I do however recommend looking it up). He has also thanked God for the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
Phelps and his followers frequently picket various events, especially military funerals, gay pride gatherings, and high-profile political gatherings, arguing it is their sacred duty to warn others of God's anger. When criticized, Phelps' followers say they are protected in doing so by the First Amendment. In May 2006 President Bush signed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act in response to Phelps' protests at military funerals (something Bush got right). In April 2007, Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius signed into law a bill banning the protest of funerals.
Phelps says that he is a preacher who believes that homosexuality and its acceptance have doomed most of the world to eternal damnation. The church at Westboro which he leads has 71 confirmed members, 60 of whom are related to Phelps through blood or marriage or both.
The group is built around a core of anti-homosexual theology, with many of their activities stemming from the slogan "God hates fags," which is also the name of the group's main website. Gay rights activists, as well as Christians of virtually every denomination, have denounced him as a producer of anti-gay propaganda and violence-inspiring hate speech.
Phelps says he is an old school Baptist, which includes John Calvin's doctrine of unconditional election, the belief that God has elected certain people for salvation before birth. He says that almost nobody is a member of the elect, and furthermore that he and the members of his congregation (mostly his family) are the only members of the elect, because they are the only ones not afraid to publish the current relevant application of the word of God — in particular, that "God hates fags."
OK, that was a little longer than intended, but let's move on. Let me start by saying that I am not naive. I am well aware of the numerous anti-gay, anti-American, anti-whatever groups that exist among us. And as much as I disagree with them, or find their tactics appalling, they are protected under the law. It is something I have to deal with. But when did God start hating people? No matter what form of higher power you believe in, have you ever equated God and hatred as synonymous? Certain groups do believe that their God finds certain human acts as betrayal to his teachings. But I have never heard of God "hating" anyone. It is my understanding that God loves everyone, regardless of the mistakes you may feel God thinks others are making.
And what about his statement "Thank God for 9/11". Thousands of innocent people died that day, but he see's it as God's angry work. He claims natural disasters are God's way of punishing us. He even goes so far as to post this headline: "Thank God For the NIU Massacre. They are all in hell" on his other website www.godhatesamerica.com
Am I the only one who finds this outrageous? My stomach is churning as I write this. I simply can not fathom the idea of God causing, or being glad these things happened. I am sure that God get's angry at us for not taking care of his planet and each other. But sending in a mass murderer to spread his word? Come on! My personal beliefs are based on "The Golden Rule", that is how I was raised. Everyone has their own beliefs when it comes to God and Religion, and that is wonderful. Suggesting that God "hates" certain people, and even has them killed in cold blood, is not only absurd, but it is the worst possible way you could serve him. At least in my opinion it is.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
If you don't like it, don't go!
"Bodies....The Exhibition". Educational or offensive? I don't have the answer to that. I have not seen the exhibit, but would very much like to. If for nothing else than to fill my curiosity. This is a touchy subject, and I am not going to give those who find it offensive a hard time for saying so. If you believe the exhibit is in bad taste, that is your opinion and you have every right to express it. But you are not getting off the hook that easy. Since this media circus came to town, I have seen numerous people praising it, along with those demanding it be shut down. That is where you go from being opinionated to being self righteous. If you do not like it....don't go!!!! It is that simple. Just like finding a TV show, a movie, or a magazine displeasing. By all means share your thoughts about why you personally do not agree with it. But don't demand it be "boycotted" because of the way you feel. Just don't spend your hard earned money on the event. Isn't that the best way to show your displeasure....by not donating any money towards it success? You can even sit out front and picket. I am ok with that. But do not try and make me feel bad for wanting to see it. I am not you, nor do I care to be.
A lady in today's paper wrote in saying that the company running the display should have spent the money they are making to find and return the bodies to their families and provide them with the dignity of a decent burial. She also asks where the freely signed papers to donate their bodies for educational purposes are. She closes by asking "Have we no shame left in this Country"? She makes reference to the story on 20/20 that told us these bodies are Chinese men who were murdered by a Totalitarian Communist regime. I have no idea how these people died. The report by 20/20 was speculation at best. Their source was apparently someone close to the exhibit. Was it a disgruntled employee? Was it someone looking to get paid? Who knows. Top officials from Premier Exhibitions, the firm running the exhibit, claim otherwise. They claim that all of the bodies were either unclaimed or willingly donated to medical schools and all were legally obtained: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/493233.html
This site even has a copy of the anatomical donation form: http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2008/02/16/16/donation_form.source.prod_affiliate.81.pdf
Like anything else deemed "Controversial", you have a case of "He said, She said".
So who should be able to decide who can go and who can't. I would like to believe that decision is left up to the individual, or their guardians. Unfortunately, there are those who exist that feel it is up to them on who can go and who can't. The Most Reverend Daniel Pilarczyk decided that it was up to him whether or not any of the students attending Archdiocese of Cincinnati-affiliated schools can attend. And his decision was a very stern "No". I will give him some credit though. In his statement, Pilarczyk states “Whatever the merits of ‘Bodies’ as an educational exhibit, and however well intentioned the exhibit’s creators might be, it seems to me that the use of human bodies in this way fails to respect the persons involved. Therefore I do not believe that this exhibit is an appropriate destination for field trips by our Catholic schools. If parents, as the primary educators of their children, believe that it has educational value, they should be the ones to take their children to see it.” The credit I am referring to is that of him saying "it seems to me", and "I believe". Those are the kind of statements we like. Ones that express your opinion instead of telling us we are all going to hell if we go to the exhibit. Of course he throws the credit out the window when he states "The public exhibition of plasticized bodies, unclaimed, unreverenced, and unidentified, is unseemly and inappropriate." There he let's us know how it is rather than how he feels about it. You can view the Reverend's full statement at: http://news.enquirer.com/assets/AB9802912.DOC
So exactly where did all of this sand come from, and who is in charge of drawing the line in it? I guess that is left up to what you believe in. If you don't like it, don't go. But please keep me out of it. If nothing else...the more you tell me what an awful person I am for wanting to go, the more my desire to go increases. Sometimes bad publicity is the best publicity. And sometimes I like to do things just to piss people off. If it wasn't for people like me, what would people complain about?
A lady in today's paper wrote in saying that the company running the display should have spent the money they are making to find and return the bodies to their families and provide them with the dignity of a decent burial. She also asks where the freely signed papers to donate their bodies for educational purposes are. She closes by asking "Have we no shame left in this Country"? She makes reference to the story on 20/20 that told us these bodies are Chinese men who were murdered by a Totalitarian Communist regime. I have no idea how these people died. The report by 20/20 was speculation at best. Their source was apparently someone close to the exhibit. Was it a disgruntled employee? Was it someone looking to get paid? Who knows. Top officials from Premier Exhibitions, the firm running the exhibit, claim otherwise. They claim that all of the bodies were either unclaimed or willingly donated to medical schools and all were legally obtained: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/493233.html
This site even has a copy of the anatomical donation form: http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2008/02/16/16/donation_form.source.prod_affiliate.81.pdf
Like anything else deemed "Controversial", you have a case of "He said, She said".
So who should be able to decide who can go and who can't. I would like to believe that decision is left up to the individual, or their guardians. Unfortunately, there are those who exist that feel it is up to them on who can go and who can't. The Most Reverend Daniel Pilarczyk decided that it was up to him whether or not any of the students attending Archdiocese of Cincinnati-affiliated schools can attend. And his decision was a very stern "No". I will give him some credit though. In his statement, Pilarczyk states “Whatever the merits of ‘Bodies’ as an educational exhibit, and however well intentioned the exhibit’s creators might be, it seems to me that the use of human bodies in this way fails to respect the persons involved. Therefore I do not believe that this exhibit is an appropriate destination for field trips by our Catholic schools. If parents, as the primary educators of their children, believe that it has educational value, they should be the ones to take their children to see it.” The credit I am referring to is that of him saying "it seems to me", and "I believe". Those are the kind of statements we like. Ones that express your opinion instead of telling us we are all going to hell if we go to the exhibit. Of course he throws the credit out the window when he states "The public exhibition of plasticized bodies, unclaimed, unreverenced, and unidentified, is unseemly and inappropriate." There he let's us know how it is rather than how he feels about it. You can view the Reverend's full statement at: http://news.enquirer.com/assets/AB9802912.DOC
So exactly where did all of this sand come from, and who is in charge of drawing the line in it? I guess that is left up to what you believe in. If you don't like it, don't go. But please keep me out of it. If nothing else...the more you tell me what an awful person I am for wanting to go, the more my desire to go increases. Sometimes bad publicity is the best publicity. And sometimes I like to do things just to piss people off. If it wasn't for people like me, what would people complain about?
Monday, February 18, 2008
If You Are Not a Republican, You are Worthless!
Shocking, I know. I was un-aware of this myself until this morning. I was reading the Daily paper like I do every morning. I always save the Forum section for last, because I don't like it when the rest of my paper reading experience is ruined by the select few who have decided that God made them better than everyone else. Funny thing is...every time someone writes in telling us all how we are wrong and they are right, they always seem to be supporting some kind of Republican issue. I found myself logging on to the papers website so I could respond to this all knowing person's comments. But then I decided I did not want to be "That Guy", so I aborted. I figured I would discuss it here instead. Plus, here I can give you the guys name who wrote in. It is John Lyden from Liberty Township, Ohio. When you respond in the paper they do not let you refer to the author by name, even though it is posted at the bottom of the letter. I was going to include his address and phone number should anyone "want" it, but I was unable to locate it. But it really is not a surprise....it is always better for the high and mighty to be unlisted so us common folk don't try and track them down and tap some of their infinite wisdom. Let me start by posting Mr. Lyden's letter below. We can then go from there:
HILLARY'S NO MAGGIE; BILL'S NO SECRETARIAT
Two observations regarding syndicated columnist Maureen Dowd's whining, hypocritical column ("Clinton presents a flawed test case for women as leaders," Feb. 14), which tries to excuse Sen. Hillary Clinton's failure as a candidate:
First, Margaret Thatcher succeeded brilliantly in a man's world. She did it without surrendering her gender; she simply led. Second, comparing former President Clinton to Secretariat does the greatest racehorse in history an enormous and unwarranted disservice.
John Lyden, Liberty Township
Where do I start? Let's try this: The only thing more irritating than someone who makes statements without every inserting "in my opinion" or "I believe", or "the way I see it"....is being trapped in a corner by a pack of hungry Badgers, while you happen to be carrying 5 raw steaks in your pockets.
Right off the bat we see Mr. Lyden's superior IQ at work. All geniuses start off with name calling. I never saw Maureen Dowd as whining, or being hypocritical, but then again I am 7 brain cells shy of being a talking Monkey. So Thank you for pointing out that she is just a big cry-baby, and not a person with an "OPINION". I guess they should call it the "You people are all retarded, and I'm not" section, as opposed to the Opinion section. Anyway...I digress.
Next Mr. Lyden mentions the author "excusing Hillary Clintons failure as a candidate". Now don't get me wrong, I am not a Hillary supporter. I do however still have those 7 brain cells left, and even they are enough to tell me that being involved in such a historic nomination process points to anything but failure. If she were a failure, Obama would have McCain type numbers compared to her. So again, I guess he is filling in those of us who think "failure" and Successful" mean the same thing. Thank you for that Mr. Lyden.
Then we have the very factual...not opinionated....comment that "Margaret Thatcher succeeded brilliantly in a man's world without surrendering her gender." Look...I get that Hillary has a deep voice, but what the hell are you talking about? Ahh....I get it now. Margaret Thatcher was a member of the "Conservative" Party. Conservative Party...hmmm...why does that ring a bell?. Do you think that Mr. Lyden is aware of the fact that the British Conservative party used to be known as the "Tories"? The word Tories was originally used to describe rural bandits in Ireland. In the 17th century it had become a term applied to monarchists in the House of Commons. By the 18th century the Tories were politicians who favoured royal authority, the established church and who sought to preserve the traditional political structure and opposed parliamentary reform. After 1834 this political group in the House of Commons preferred to use the term Conservative. So they basically changed their name from "bandits" to "conservatives". IN MY OPINION, that sounds about right. Coincidence? Hillary is not my cup of tea, but I'm not sure where she abandoned her gender along the way. Woman voters seem to like her. But what do those silly liberals know. If you are not a Republican, you are worthless...right Mr. Lyden?
As far as the comment about comparing Bill Clinton to the race horse Secretariat, what can you really say about that? Sure Bill acted like a horse's ass now and again. But it is hard to argue facts. Facts can be distorted, sure. But when they are actual facts...they are hard to dispute. And the fact remains that the United States of America was in the best shape it has ever been in during the Clinton years. I don't care if you are a Republican or a Dem....when you look at the numbers as a whole...things were good. If you would like more detail on what he did for the people of this country.....all the people, you can get it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_Administration
So what have we learned here today? Probably nothing. But the way I see it, people are more likely to listen to what you have to say if you talk to them....not at them. Express your views as just that....Your Views. If everyone agreed on everything, life would be more boring than attending a 3 day convention on the proper way to watch paint dry. I'm going to go out on a limb and make the assumption that the great horse Secretariat, no matter what dog's stomach he lies in, is not turning in his horsey grave thinking it is a "great disservice" to be compared to Bill Clinton. Who knows, maybe Secretariat was a Democrat.
HILLARY'S NO MAGGIE; BILL'S NO SECRETARIAT
Two observations regarding syndicated columnist Maureen Dowd's whining, hypocritical column ("Clinton presents a flawed test case for women as leaders," Feb. 14), which tries to excuse Sen. Hillary Clinton's failure as a candidate:
First, Margaret Thatcher succeeded brilliantly in a man's world. She did it without surrendering her gender; she simply led. Second, comparing former President Clinton to Secretariat does the greatest racehorse in history an enormous and unwarranted disservice.
John Lyden, Liberty Township
Where do I start? Let's try this: The only thing more irritating than someone who makes statements without every inserting "in my opinion" or "I believe", or "the way I see it"....is being trapped in a corner by a pack of hungry Badgers, while you happen to be carrying 5 raw steaks in your pockets.
Right off the bat we see Mr. Lyden's superior IQ at work. All geniuses start off with name calling. I never saw Maureen Dowd as whining, or being hypocritical, but then again I am 7 brain cells shy of being a talking Monkey. So Thank you for pointing out that she is just a big cry-baby, and not a person with an "OPINION". I guess they should call it the "You people are all retarded, and I'm not" section, as opposed to the Opinion section. Anyway...I digress.
Next Mr. Lyden mentions the author "excusing Hillary Clintons failure as a candidate". Now don't get me wrong, I am not a Hillary supporter. I do however still have those 7 brain cells left, and even they are enough to tell me that being involved in such a historic nomination process points to anything but failure. If she were a failure, Obama would have McCain type numbers compared to her. So again, I guess he is filling in those of us who think "failure" and Successful" mean the same thing. Thank you for that Mr. Lyden.
Then we have the very factual...not opinionated....comment that "Margaret Thatcher succeeded brilliantly in a man's world without surrendering her gender." Look...I get that Hillary has a deep voice, but what the hell are you talking about? Ahh....I get it now. Margaret Thatcher was a member of the "Conservative" Party. Conservative Party...hmmm...why does that ring a bell?. Do you think that Mr. Lyden is aware of the fact that the British Conservative party used to be known as the "Tories"? The word Tories was originally used to describe rural bandits in Ireland. In the 17th century it had become a term applied to monarchists in the House of Commons. By the 18th century the Tories were politicians who favoured royal authority, the established church and who sought to preserve the traditional political structure and opposed parliamentary reform. After 1834 this political group in the House of Commons preferred to use the term Conservative. So they basically changed their name from "bandits" to "conservatives". IN MY OPINION, that sounds about right. Coincidence? Hillary is not my cup of tea, but I'm not sure where she abandoned her gender along the way. Woman voters seem to like her. But what do those silly liberals know. If you are not a Republican, you are worthless...right Mr. Lyden?
As far as the comment about comparing Bill Clinton to the race horse Secretariat, what can you really say about that? Sure Bill acted like a horse's ass now and again. But it is hard to argue facts. Facts can be distorted, sure. But when they are actual facts...they are hard to dispute. And the fact remains that the United States of America was in the best shape it has ever been in during the Clinton years. I don't care if you are a Republican or a Dem....when you look at the numbers as a whole...things were good. If you would like more detail on what he did for the people of this country.....all the people, you can get it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_Administration
So what have we learned here today? Probably nothing. But the way I see it, people are more likely to listen to what you have to say if you talk to them....not at them. Express your views as just that....Your Views. If everyone agreed on everything, life would be more boring than attending a 3 day convention on the proper way to watch paint dry. I'm going to go out on a limb and make the assumption that the great horse Secretariat, no matter what dog's stomach he lies in, is not turning in his horsey grave thinking it is a "great disservice" to be compared to Bill Clinton. Who knows, maybe Secretariat was a Democrat.
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