The surprising thing is that it's November 7th and about 20-25 C (75-80 F) outside. This has to be one of the mildest winters since I've been in Korea. However, I get the feeling that when the other shoe drops, it's going to drop hard.
The not so surprising thing is that the Redskins got beat by the 49ers. The Skins offense is atrocious. You know you're bad when the longest play from scrimmage is a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage and luckily caught by a running back for 17 yards. The Redskins have now scored a whopping 29 points in THREE games. If the Skins lose next week against the win-less Miami Dolphins, the downward slide will turn into an avalanche.
And so it goes...
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Work Heals All
There is an opinion in the US these days that people are lazy and living off the government tit. However, I believe, that given the chance, people would choose work over nothing. The fact is that the US was built on the idea that a strong work ethic made the country strong. The divide between conservatives and liberals is one of degrees. The liberal faction says that government has the responsibility to provide the opportunity for people to get out of poverty and become successful. The conservatives say that people should pull their asses out of the gutter by their bootstraps The fact is that some folks are able to pull themselves out of poverty by sheer will. However, there are many folks that need a hand up to get on their feet.
I grew up in a family that instilled a very strong work ethic in me. You have to work to be. You have to work to survive. A job, whether you like it or not; whether it is below your station or not; is still a job. I've had some shitty ass jobs in my life, but I was always happy I had a job.
Americans these days are unwilling to work. It seems folks would rather live at home, sucking off the great government tit, than getting a job that was "beneath" them. Well...Fuck you! You want a job? Go get one. Life could be far worse.
I grew up in a family that instilled a very strong work ethic in me. You have to work to be. You have to work to survive. A job, whether you like it or not; whether it is below your station or not; is still a job. I've had some shitty ass jobs in my life, but I was always happy I had a job.
Americans these days are unwilling to work. It seems folks would rather live at home, sucking off the great government tit, than getting a job that was "beneath" them. Well...Fuck you! You want a job? Go get one. Life could be far worse.
Joy in Mudville? Nope. Just mud.
BUFFALO 23 - WASHINGTON 0
It's official. The Redskins suck. I haven't seen the yardage totals yet, but I'd be very surprised if the offense broke 100 yards total. Ooops. My bad. They actually managed 178 total yards. Sure , the offense is missing a good number of starters due to injury, but that excuse is thin. Even with a patchwork line, a team of paid professionals should be able to put SOME points on the board. The defense plays with heart, but there's only so much you can do when the offense is as anemic as the Skins' is. Given the schedule for the rest of the year, it may be possible for the Skins to end up 3-13. Years of ignoring the offensive line in the draft is seriously coming back to haunt the team.
Is it baseball season yet?
It's official. The Redskins suck. I haven't seen the yardage totals yet, but I'd be very surprised if the offense broke 100 yards total. Ooops. My bad. They actually managed 178 total yards. Sure , the offense is missing a good number of starters due to injury, but that excuse is thin. Even with a patchwork line, a team of paid professionals should be able to put SOME points on the board. The defense plays with heart, but there's only so much you can do when the offense is as anemic as the Skins' is. Given the schedule for the rest of the year, it may be possible for the Skins to end up 3-13. Years of ignoring the offensive line in the draft is seriously coming back to haunt the team.
Is it baseball season yet?
Friday, September 23, 2011
There may be hope in Mudville after all!
The Washington Nationals may or may not finish the season at .500, but in the last two weeks they have made the statement that this may be a team to reckon with in the relatively near future. The team is coming of a four game sweep of arguably the best team in baseball: the Philadelphia Phillies (this was the FIRST time all season the Phillies have been swept in a series). Great pitching, outstanding defense and timely hitting have put the Nats solidly in third place in the division. The Nats don't quite have all the parts to be a bonafide contender, but I think they have enough quality players to make a run at post season play. The one thing I do know for sure is that it'll be fun to watch.
The Redskins could also be turning a corner. It's way too early in the season to jump on the Skins Superbowl Bandwagon, and two wins do not a season make (2009 saw the Skins win their first six games only to miss the playoffs with a pitiful 2-8 run in the second half). But the dead weight is gone. Albert Haynesworth is now plaguing Bill Belicheck with his attitude, and Donovan McNabb is busy stinking up the Metrodome. There has been an infusion of youth brought in through the first quality draft the Skins have had in years, and it seems that veterans and rookies alike have bought into Mike Shanahan's program. I remain cautiously optimistic about the Redskins chances this season, but a win against the hated Cowboys in Dallas on Monday night would go a long way towards reviving my faith.
The Redskins could also be turning a corner. It's way too early in the season to jump on the Skins Superbowl Bandwagon, and two wins do not a season make (2009 saw the Skins win their first six games only to miss the playoffs with a pitiful 2-8 run in the second half). But the dead weight is gone. Albert Haynesworth is now plaguing Bill Belicheck with his attitude, and Donovan McNabb is busy stinking up the Metrodome. There has been an infusion of youth brought in through the first quality draft the Skins have had in years, and it seems that veterans and rookies alike have bought into Mike Shanahan's program. I remain cautiously optimistic about the Redskins chances this season, but a win against the hated Cowboys in Dallas on Monday night would go a long way towards reviving my faith.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Departmental Review
"I Gots Me An Ejamicashun" Dept.:
I finished my TESOL certificate program today, and it feels GOOD! All I'm waiting for are the final grades on my last two assignments and it will be official. Now I can fully enjoy the last week of my vacation! I might have a ceremonial bonfire and burn all this paper the damn thing generated!
"Take That, Suckers!" Dept.:
Over the weekend, the nationals played a three game series against the hated Phillies in Nationals Park in DC. This may not seem like much, but every time the Phillies play there, so many Phillies fans show up they've dubbed the place Citizens Bank Park South. The Philly fans are like...well...Philly fans: OBNOXIOUS! Friday night's game was typical with the Phillies fans drowning out the Nats fans (who were unfortunately outnumbered as well). However, in the bottom of the 9th, with the Phillies up 4-2 and the Nationals down to their last strike, Ryan Zimmerman jacked a walk-off grand slam into the left field bleachers. HA! Have a nice bus ride home chumps! The Saturday game was won by Philly as the Nats played pretty badly. Final score: 5-0...sigh. Along comes Sunday. The Nats go into the 9th again, looking as though they're going to drop another game. However, Ian Desmond, who has been struggling at the plate all season, sends an 0-2 fastball over the left field fence to tie the game. Sean Burnett, who has had his struggles on the mound in pressure situations, throws a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the 10th. Nats come up to bat. Ryan Zimmerman hits a double. Danny Espinoza walks, Jayson Werth singles, and suddenly the bases are loaded. Up comes Jonny Gomes, recently aquired from the Reds and still getting acclimated. Gomes stands in and what happens? Brad Lidge, one of the best closers in the business, plunks Gomes on the elbow with his first pitch!!! Walk-off HIT BY PITCH for the win!! The silence from the Philly fans was DEAFENING! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
It was arguably the most satisfying series win I've watched. I hope the Philthy fans enjoyed their bus ride home!
To add icing to the cake, the Nats started off their series against the Diamondbacks today with a convincing 4-1 victory. There be good things happening in Nats Town!
And so it goes!
I finished my TESOL certificate program today, and it feels GOOD! All I'm waiting for are the final grades on my last two assignments and it will be official. Now I can fully enjoy the last week of my vacation! I might have a ceremonial bonfire and burn all this paper the damn thing generated!
"Take That, Suckers!" Dept.:
Over the weekend, the nationals played a three game series against the hated Phillies in Nationals Park in DC. This may not seem like much, but every time the Phillies play there, so many Phillies fans show up they've dubbed the place Citizens Bank Park South. The Philly fans are like...well...Philly fans: OBNOXIOUS! Friday night's game was typical with the Phillies fans drowning out the Nats fans (who were unfortunately outnumbered as well). However, in the bottom of the 9th, with the Phillies up 4-2 and the Nationals down to their last strike, Ryan Zimmerman jacked a walk-off grand slam into the left field bleachers. HA! Have a nice bus ride home chumps! The Saturday game was won by Philly as the Nats played pretty badly. Final score: 5-0...sigh. Along comes Sunday. The Nats go into the 9th again, looking as though they're going to drop another game. However, Ian Desmond, who has been struggling at the plate all season, sends an 0-2 fastball over the left field fence to tie the game. Sean Burnett, who has had his struggles on the mound in pressure situations, throws a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the 10th. Nats come up to bat. Ryan Zimmerman hits a double. Danny Espinoza walks, Jayson Werth singles, and suddenly the bases are loaded. Up comes Jonny Gomes, recently aquired from the Reds and still getting acclimated. Gomes stands in and what happens? Brad Lidge, one of the best closers in the business, plunks Gomes on the elbow with his first pitch!!! Walk-off HIT BY PITCH for the win!! The silence from the Philly fans was DEAFENING! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
It was arguably the most satisfying series win I've watched. I hope the Philthy fans enjoyed their bus ride home!
To add icing to the cake, the Nats started off their series against the Diamondbacks today with a convincing 4-1 victory. There be good things happening in Nats Town!
And so it goes!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
US Economy Flight 2011 Feared Lost over Washington DC. Officials unclear how to proceed.
KruseNews, August 9, 2011
The tragic tale of US Economy Flight 2011, which went down yesterday in a severe political storm, may never be fully understood. However, according to reports, bickering at Washington's Ivory Tower over procedure could have had a direct impact on the fate of 2011. Exerpts of the final moments of US Economy 2011, picked up by a HAM radio operator and sent to this reporter, reveal the last desperate plea for assistance:
Pilot: US Economy Flight 2011 to Ivory Tower. We're experiencing severe political turbulence and have lost all guidance systems. Requesting emergency assistance.
Ivory Tower: Ivory Tower to US Economy Flight 2011. Maintain current heading while we work out the details.
Pilot: US Economy Flight 2011 to Ivory Tower. We have lost rudder function and are descending out of control. Request emergency assistance!
Ivory Tower: Ivory Tower to US Economy Flight 2011. Maintain current heading while we work out the details.
Pilot: US Economy Flight 2011 to Ivory Tower. Please be advised that we no longer have...**static**
Ivory Tower: Congressional Tower to US Economy Flight 2011. Maintain current heading while we work out the details.
Ivory Tower: Flight 2011??
Meanwhile, in Washington, recriminations and finger pointing continue unabated and with no end in sight.
Senator Kyl DePore (R - TX) stated that his party "could not abide by the course corrections demanded by irresponsible members of this administration!"
In response, Democratic Representative Ivan O. Spine (CA) said, "We have tried and tried to get the other side to reach a consensus on the proper direction of Economy 2011, but the ideologues in the Tower would not agree."
An angry John Q. Public, who lost his family pension in the crash, bemoaned the state of gridlock among Tower officials stating, "This tragedy could have been avoided if only those people would get their heads out of [expletive deleted][expletive deleted][expletive deleted]!"
Until the Ivory Tower can get its act together it's a matter of "when" not "if " another tragedy like this will occur.
Eric Kruse reporting from South Korea
The tragic tale of US Economy Flight 2011, which went down yesterday in a severe political storm, may never be fully understood. However, according to reports, bickering at Washington's Ivory Tower over procedure could have had a direct impact on the fate of 2011. Exerpts of the final moments of US Economy 2011, picked up by a HAM radio operator and sent to this reporter, reveal the last desperate plea for assistance:
Pilot: US Economy Flight 2011 to Ivory Tower. We're experiencing severe political turbulence and have lost all guidance systems. Requesting emergency assistance.
Ivory Tower: Ivory Tower to US Economy Flight 2011. Maintain current heading while we work out the details.
Pilot: US Economy Flight 2011 to Ivory Tower. We have lost rudder function and are descending out of control. Request emergency assistance!
Ivory Tower: Ivory Tower to US Economy Flight 2011. Maintain current heading while we work out the details.
Pilot: US Economy Flight 2011 to Ivory Tower. Please be advised that we no longer have...**static**
Ivory Tower: Congressional Tower to US Economy Flight 2011. Maintain current heading while we work out the details.
Ivory Tower: Flight 2011??
Meanwhile, in Washington, recriminations and finger pointing continue unabated and with no end in sight.
Senator Kyl DePore (R - TX) stated that his party "could not abide by the course corrections demanded by irresponsible members of this administration!"
In response, Democratic Representative Ivan O. Spine (CA) said, "We have tried and tried to get the other side to reach a consensus on the proper direction of Economy 2011, but the ideologues in the Tower would not agree."
An angry John Q. Public, who lost his family pension in the crash, bemoaned the state of gridlock among Tower officials stating, "This tragedy could have been avoided if only those people would get their heads out of [expletive deleted][expletive deleted][expletive deleted]!"
Until the Ivory Tower can get its act together it's a matter of "when" not "if " another tragedy like this will occur.
Eric Kruse reporting from South Korea
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Forgive me Father for I have sinned. It's been a month since my last post!
Well, of course the big news is that the US finally got Osama bin Laden, but who cares about that? Let's talk BASEBALL!!!!
The Washington Nationals have always been a fairly schizophrenic team, and this season isn't much different with one great exception: THEY'RE WINNING GAMES. The Nats are .500 after taking three of four, including two shutouts, from the hated S.F. Giants. The thing that is fabulous and mind-boggling is that it's the pitching staff that's really carrying the torch for this team right now. Plus, the defense, which, early on, looked as if it was going to be mediocre at best (this despite defensive additions in the off-season) has really stepped up.
The problem is that the Nats couldn't hit the broadside of a barn if it fell on them. They're averaging maybe two or three hits a game. They have three or four guys in the starting line-up hitting .200 or less. I mean really; if these guys weren't great on defense, they'd get cut from a little league team. Take the one loss to the Giants this weekend. Rick Sanchez, the Giants pitcher, walked seven batters and hit three more in the first three innings. All in all, Giants pitching gave free passes to twelve, count 'em, twelve Nats hitters! The Nats had the bases loaded THREE times! Final score: Giants 2 - Nationals 1. Are you kidding me?!? The bats need to come alive soon because they're heading into two series against teams that have owned the Nats for the past three seasons: the Phillies and Marlins. The pitching has been good, but without any offense, they're gonna lose more than they win.
GO NATS!!!
The Washington Nationals have always been a fairly schizophrenic team, and this season isn't much different with one great exception: THEY'RE WINNING GAMES. The Nats are .500 after taking three of four, including two shutouts, from the hated S.F. Giants. The thing that is fabulous and mind-boggling is that it's the pitching staff that's really carrying the torch for this team right now. Plus, the defense, which, early on, looked as if it was going to be mediocre at best (this despite defensive additions in the off-season) has really stepped up.
The problem is that the Nats couldn't hit the broadside of a barn if it fell on them. They're averaging maybe two or three hits a game. They have three or four guys in the starting line-up hitting .200 or less. I mean really; if these guys weren't great on defense, they'd get cut from a little league team. Take the one loss to the Giants this weekend. Rick Sanchez, the Giants pitcher, walked seven batters and hit three more in the first three innings. All in all, Giants pitching gave free passes to twelve, count 'em, twelve Nats hitters! The Nats had the bases loaded THREE times! Final score: Giants 2 - Nationals 1. Are you kidding me?!? The bats need to come alive soon because they're heading into two series against teams that have owned the Nats for the past three seasons: the Phillies and Marlins. The pitching has been good, but without any offense, they're gonna lose more than they win.
GO NATS!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)