Ideal View

WTF?! Tabloid dig up birth certificates of Jackson's kids

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:19:00 +0000

SMDH.

There apparently is no level to which these tabloid organizations would not stoop. So apparently both TMZ and Entertainment Tonight thought it was their right to get their hands on the birth certificates of minors and publish them for the world to see. Yes, because they are the children of Michael Jackson (or maybe the spawn of aliens), we have a right to this information.

Are their no laws against this kind of thing? Why should these minors have their privacy invaded simply because they are the children of one of the most famous people in the world? Why should their personal information be put out there for the masses to consume? The media's obsession with their paternity disgusts me and so do their latest actions. They should be ashamed of themselves, the way the are carrying on. What were they hoping to find? The information on the certificates (yes, I looked at them, but will not be linking) has been public since the birth of these three children. Next these cretins will be demanding DNA tests!

I think that this is the point where people should say enough is enough. If you're going to go after Michael, then go after him, but his minor children should be left out of it. Their father was their shield and now that he's gone, it's open season! I can't imagine them pulling this bullshit with the children of anyone else. It's a damn shame that TMZ and Entertainment Tonight thought this was a smart idea. I can't even express how furious this type of thing makes me.

Where are the children's rights brigade of Gloria Allred, Lisa Bloom, Nancy Grace, and Diane Dimond when you need them? Are they going to decry these acts or for follow suit and comb through each exposed detail of these minors' personal information and add to the already ongoing discourse about their DNA?

Exploiters of the highest power.

Jackson feeding frenzy is baaaaaack

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Even in death, Michael Jackson still manages to hog all of the attention.

After days of fighting against the urge to even read or watch any news regarding MJ, I finally succumbed to temptation and did a little of both yesterday and this morning. I was not disappointed.Just as I knew, the media feeding frenzy is in high gear. Shady doctor. Prescription pills. Possible drug overdose. Child molestation charges. Plastic surgery. The ever-morphing nose. The children are not biologically his. The typical stuff you'd expect the media folks to focus on. Y'know, important shit.

Apparently, there is a custody battle brewing! Did y'all know that? So says the news networks! You see, Mrs. Katherine Jackson--Michael's mother--filed a petition in court to have temporary guardianship of her three grandchildren Michael (aka Prince), Paris, and "Blanket." The judge granted her request. There's your custody battle for you.

*crickets*

They're saying that Debbie Rowe--Michael's ex-wife and mother of his first two children--may fight for custody. She may ask for guardianship of Blanket as well. She may take the Jacksons to court. She may also get lost in the Bermuda Triangle. Until Debbie Rowe does anything, it's hard to do battle with oneself, no?

But wait! TMZ is reporting today that neither Debbie or Michael are the biological parents and that Michael never adopted the children. Entertainment Tonight, quoting an US Magazine article, says that Dr. Arnie Klein is actually the father of the children and Debbie is the mother. Yay! Let's continue to dissect without shame whether these children are human or not. *sigh* This is getting out of hand.

Then the other issue is whether Michael had a will or not. With his kind of assets, I would hope that he'd have one. The Jackson family wasn't sure if he did, so in filing her petition, Mrs. Jackson also asked to have control over Jackson's "tangible" assets. This request was also granted. No big deal, right? I mean, if there was indeed no will, according to California law, whatever is left following the resolution of debt will be split equally between his three children.

Ah, but there is drama! Yes, you see, there is supposedly a will that was created back in 2002 and is in the hands of Michael's long time attorney John Branca. The beneficiaries in the will? Mrs. Jackson, Michael's three children, and a couple of charities. Apparently, the media believes there is controversy here. Joe Jackson was left out! What does this mean??? If this said will does exist and the beneficiaries are as reported, then why is there no such focus on the fact that Michael's siblings were also not mentioned as benficiaries? Why is there even speculation based off of something that hasn't even been made public?

I swear, watching the media trip over themselves for Michael Jackson never fails to facinate me. More often than not, their reports are inaccurate or incomplete, but it never fails to capture attention.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:16:00 +0000

I am numb and heartbroken. The title of this post was hard for me to type. It's even harder trying to comprehend that this day has finally arrived. I thought it would have happened about 25 to 30 years down the line, but God apparently had other plans. Earlier today it was Farrah Fawcett (RIP), now it is this craziness.

Michael Jackson--my beloved childhood idol--has died today from cardiac arrest.

I don't know if anything that I say at this very moment would adequately express how I am feeling right now. Overwhelming sadness would probably come close. The King of Pop is gone. I really can't believe it. MJ is no more.

I know that there are people out there who will never understand why his passing leaves those like me speechless or why those like me even give a shit after all that has been said about him. Yet despite this incomprehension, I won't bother to explain or defend my feelings or Michael Jackson himself. All I know is that the man made magic on stage and in the studio. His art got me through some tough times in my life, and because of this, he holds a very special place in my heart. I mourn the departure of such a great talent from this earth.

Who in the world will take care of his three children now? *sigh*

May Michael's soul find peace in the hands of our Lord, and may his family have the strength to go on without him. My condolences to them, to those who knew him, and to those who adored him.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson. I will miss you.

James can't handle a ginormous loss?

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:24:00 +0000

What troubled me somewhat, yet was still understandable somehow, was LeBron James' behavior immediately following the final buzzer yesternight. At the end of the game, we saw James dash off into the locker room. He didn't wait for anyone. He didn't go through the routine of shaking the hands of his opponents. He simply went back to the locker room, got dressed and headed out to the team bus without talking to anyone.

One blogger referred to it as "unsportsmanlike conduct" and I must say that I agree to an extent. I can't be as critical of James as this blogger obviously is, but most of what they say is on point. James showed no class last night. Sure, he was certainly angry--and hell, if it were me, I'd be on the brink of tears, if not already crying--but there is much that is derived about the character of a person by how they handle their victories and defeats. I don't want to pile on the guy after he's just had his heart ripped from his chest, but I think he could have handled the situation better.

If he had gone to shake hands with Orlando and he so happened to start crying in the process, not many would fault him. God knows I wouldn't have. It would have made the moment and James all the more human. The media could have gotten a shot of Dwight Howard embracing his heartbroken Olympic teammate in consolation. I could see the headline now: "James Consoled After Heartbreaking Game 6 Loss". Yeah, it would've made him out to be a baby, but those of us in Wizardsland already think of him as one anyway, so it isn't as if it was going to change that perception. Though, if played right, it could have garnered some sympathy.

Afterwards, James could have offered the media an opportunity to ask him about that moment, and James could then had expressed how much it would've meant to had made it to the Finals after such a phenomenal season, congratulate the Magic for besting them, and then toss out some stock statement about how the Cavs will come back stronger next season and actually close things out.

But that didn't happen. My imagination is definitely overreactive, but I swear this would have made a better headline and impression than the reality of James leaving his teammates to answer to the media. I suppose one could look at it as him abandoning them (or throwing them under the bus) as they supposedly had abandoned him to have to shoulder the burden of the Cavaliers all alone. (Would that be their fault or that of the coach? I digress). I don't blame the guy in that sense. I'd be seeing red, too. I'd also leave before I gave into the temptation of snapping a 190-lb point guard with a big mouth in two.

I suppose I had more sympathy in me for the "King" than I thought. However, simply having the best record in the NBA does not mean you earned the right to be in the Finals. You still have to fight to get there. I would think that James, his teammates, the media and advertising execs would know that. Either that or they missed the memo.

UPDATE (05/31/09 8:35PM): LeBron finally responds and...some of his words sound eerily like those I said he should have offered immediately after the game. Stock answer here, stock answer there. Not sure what to make of what he has to say, so I'll leave it to your interpretation.

The "king" finally speaks. It would've been a damn shame if he didn't speak at all. Good on him coming to his senses...or something and facing reporters.

Ah, well. There's always next season, Bron. Though, I hope the Wizards are there to hinder you then. Nothing personal.

LeBron-Kobe? Try next season.

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:02:00 +0000

I had to break out of my blogging hiatus for this one. The Orlando Magic eliminates the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals.

Let that one sink in a minute.

I'll say right off the bat that I am not a fan of LeBron James. I believe him to be a magnificent player and delicious to look at, but other than that, he's not my guy. Neither is Kobe Bryant. Having both of them in the Finals would have made me an irritated spectator, and I won't pretend that I am without glee over the fact that the Cavs have been eliminated.

Since prior to the start of the playoffs, a mass number of prognosticators had been talking Cavaliers-Lakers. It'll be LeBron vs. Kobe, the greatest match up ever!! We got a "sportamentary" on Kobe Bryant thanks to Spike Lee and ESPN. We got a whole advertising campaign (or rather advanced exploitation) of a possible "dream" match up thanks to LeBron-Kobe puppets produced by the good folks at Nike. It was, how good is the "Black Mamba" (Bryant)? How explosive is "King James"?

Of course, some of the talk was with good reason. The Cavaliers (66-16) and Lakers (65-17) had the two best records in the NBA and their respective conferences. You would expect the number one seeds to be better than the others that fell in behind them. After all, the Cavs were immediately trailed by the Celtics (62-20) and the Lakers by Denver (54-28). Without KG, the Celts weren't going anywhere, and with an eight-game advantage, the Lakers would seemingly have no difficulty eliminating the competition.

But what people tend to forget is that the post-season brings out the best--or the worst--in any team that advances. The epic collapse of Detroit was on display for all to see, they being the only team to be swept in the 1st round by Cleveland. We saw great promise in a young Chicago Bulls team that made their match-up against the Celtics the most exciting of the playoffs. The semifinals saw Cleveland sweep another team, the Atlanta Hawks, while L.A. teetered on the brink of elimination at the hands of the 5th seeded Houston Rockets.

And then we get to the conference finals. Denver looked as if they could do damage against the Lakers, but they were unsuccessful in severely hurting them. Cleveland, on the other hand, got hit by a freight train in their first game against the Magic. Having gone 8-0 prior to this match up, it wouldn't be too surprising if some in that locker room were self-assured as to the results of the next game. They hadn't lost a game in weeks. Sports talking heads saw them in the Finals.

Yeah, well, Orlando had something to say about that. After streaking through prior rounds on the shoulders of James with inconsistent contributions from Delonte West, Mo Williams and the Cleveland bench, a collective gasp was heard as the Magic (and their bench) stunned all with their one-point win in Cleveland. A fluke, right?

Err, not exactly. The Cavs would've been 0-2 if James hadn't hit that three with one sec left in Game 2. There's still hope! A 1-1 tie. A very physical game 3 led to another Magic win and a stitched up Mo Williams. 2-1 Orlando. I don't think I've ever seen so many technicals called in one game.

Prior to this game, Kenyon Martin of the Denver Nuggets gave this gem:

“We’ve got a fight on our hands and the Cavs have a fight on their hands,” he said. “Everyone just thought us and and Orlando were going to go down so they can play. But that ain’t going to happen. I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen. Go play NBA Live if you want to see that match-up.”

You can see from the title of the SLAM article ("Kenyon Martin Making Guarantees") and the subsequent remark after the quote that the author thinks Martin was smoking something heavy. Would you consider the above quote a "guarantee"? I would say that Martin was stating the obvious. People had been looking past the Nuggets and Magic as if they didn't exist. Granted things didn't turn out as Martin may have hoped, but there were truth to his words.

If anyone was making guarantees, it was Mo Williams. Down 2-1, this is what Orlando-Bulletin-Board-Material-Provider Williams had to say:

"Yeah, we're down 1-2, but there's nobody on this team [that thinks], definitely not myself, that thinks we're not going to win the series," Williams said. "Yeah, it's going to be tough. We know that. We get this game [tonight] and we go home, we have home-court advantage.

"We don't see ourselves losing two out of three at home."

Good thing he isn't a psychic. The Magic went on to win the next game, taking a 3-1 lead. I must admit that I laughed my ass off. Really hard. You just don't tempt fate like that.

The Cavs then proceeded to take the final home game to make the series 3-2, and hope creeped in again. They could even the series in Orlando, go back to Cleveland and win another and then we'll have the lauded LeBron-Kobe match up! Yeeeeeeah!!!

But that obstacle called the Orlando Magic had other plans in mind: win this one and advance. After putting up no less than 35-points per game in this series, LeBron James' contribution in Game 6 regressed to a mere 25 points--respectable for any player not named James or who hasn't consistently carried a Cavaliers team, but definitely not typical James numbers. The guy was obviously frustrated and disappointed, a fantastic season ending on such a dour note.

So it's going to be Kobe-Dwight! Eh. Doesn't sound as sexy as LeBron-Kobe. I'll stick with Lakers-Magic. This should prove exciting! No one knows what to expect, but if the Magic finds the formula to beating the Lakers and snags their first ever Championship, they'll no doubt the be Cinderella of this season.

I'll be rooting for the underdogs...as usual.

Wizards spank the Cavaliers!! 109-101

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I know that my last couple of posts have been sports related, but that's just the kick I'm on at the moment.

With the NBA season winding down, my Washington Wizards finally got most of their front five back on the court: Arenas, Haywood, Butler and Jamison. When playing against the NBA's top-team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, it would have been oh so apropos if DeShawn Stevenson was also on hand, but he was the only one of the 5 missing due to injury. Never you mind that, though because Dominic McGuire played well in his absence, as did Darius Songaila (has anyone ever seen this dude be that emotional in any game?), Nick Young, and JaVale McGee.

Comcast Sportsnet wasn't co-broadcasting the game, so we had to deal with these idiots on TNT. All they kept droning on about was "King James" and the Cavs. That's understandable, I suppose, since the Wiz's record this year doesn't exactly inspire fear. The problem I had with the broadcast was that they clearly had no sense of just how much Wiz fans detest the Cavs. Things between both teams tend to get violent on the hardwood. That's how much animosity there is.

People seem to think that because the Wizards are nursing a losing season, that somehow that means that the rivalry is dead between Washington and Cleveland. I've even seen local writers sprouting that nonsense. Others think it's a one-sided rivalry. None of these seem to understand, just like those folks at TNT. One-sided or not, the Wiz show up against the Cavs. Mockery of the TNT commentary: "Oh, this must be the only arena where King James is booed by the crowd," marveled Marv Albert or somebody. "I can't imagine why there is such hostility."

Of course, you can't. We all know that James is good. No, he's a freak of nature. I don't think I've witnessed anyone this exciting and equally exacerbating since Michael Jordan. I've got grudging admiration for the guy. To top it off, he's delicious eye candy. BUT people, the Wiz play different against Cleveland. Granted Stevenson was the catalyst of this rivalry by stupidly referring to James as being "overrated" (what?!), it's a pride thing with these guys. They want to show that despite Cleveland having one of the best, if not the best, player in the league, that Washington can play up to their level; that the Wiz, when healthy, can do some pretty magnificent shit. Now, if they can only make it past the first round of the playoffs...

This game reminded me a lot of the Chicago game when Mr. President was in attendance. There was no Arenas or Haywood in the line-up then, and every starter scored in double figs, including three guys off the bench. Verizon Center was jazzed. The air crackled with electricity. The Cavs didn't have a chance. It took the commentators a moment to figure that out.

There is one more game against the Cavs and it'll be in Cleveland. The Wiz may not have the same kind of luck as they had playing at home, but here's to hoping they at least show up. I'll be keeping an eye out for all those times that the so-called refs fails to call a foul on James for one or five of his antics just as they somehow missed a couple of them yesternight. And we won anyway.

109-101. I wonder how they feel to have lost to the worst team in the Eastern Conference twice. And this one on nationally televised TNT to boot. It must be something like how the Lakers felt when they were upset by the Bobcats a few days ago. Haha!

Next season can't come soon enough. Is it November yet?

What a game!

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Sooo.... #44 decides to visit the Phone Booth tonight. Wizards hosting the Bulls. The Pres was of course rooting for his home team. (Booooooo, Mr. President! Either you stay neutral or you cheer for both. Considering you now live a stone's throw away from the Booth, you could at least be diplomatic, man!)

I had heard on ESPN 980 that Mr. O was going to be at the game. I intended to go, but when I couldn't get tickets online (the cut off time for purchase had passed), I decided to watch it on television. From the moment the broadcast began at 7PM, you could feel the excitement at Verizon Center and this was before Mr. O even showed up. The game was going to begin the game before he arrived, but it was delayed until the head man in charge made his appearance. The reaction from the crowd once he did show up made me wish I had mozzied my butt on down to the Booth and purchased tickets from the window. Sigh.

I don't think I've watched such an electrified Wizards game ever. From start to finish, that crowd would not let up on the juice and neither did the Wiz. There were times when I just shook my head because I figured they were getting ready to embarrass themselves in front of Mr. O, but they instead showed what they can do when motivated and buried the Chicago Bulls.

I laughed whenever Javale McGee saluted Mr. O. After a shot, he'd salute. Next thing I know, bald-headed Nick Young was doing the same. Did any of the Bulls players do that? Nope.

Will the Pres invite the Wiz to the White House now? I mean, I can't see why Chicago should get first dibs. *eye roll* (I logically understand why Chicago was invited, but emotionally? Not so much.)

Ah, what a game. Have the Wiz ever won this convincingly all season? Without looking, I'd say NO.

It's My Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Nothing is on my agenda other than taking the time to enjoy the day. I don't know why I am more excited over turning thirty-one than I was at turning thirty. I was pretty happy at having escaped my twenties (not entirely an enjoyable decade), but there just seems to be something about this year that has me giddy. Maybe I'm due to win the lottery!! My feminine instincts are telling me that something significant is about to happen. I won't even jinx it by further guessing.

I finally made it to a Wizards game yesterday! (No jokes, please.) Their opponent was the Indiana Pacers and I was resigned to the "fact" that they would be losing as has been usual this season. Winning has been an elusive concept.

In any case, we get to Verizon Center and I see that they are selling a regular 20oz bottle of water for $4! A small ass cup of Boardwalk Fries for $5? WTF?! I opted to hold the thirst and hunger until I got home. It wasn't that serious. Considering the fact that my sister and I were sitting in the nosebleeds (hey, the tix were $11 and we're in a recession), I wasn't shelling out five bucks for some fries.

All that notwithstanding, the experience was amazing. Watching it on television does not compare to seeing it live. Sure, you get to see the action a lot better on TV (or if you were at a lower level or watching the jumbotron instead), but the energy from the crowd was great. It doesn't really translate real well through the broadcast.

At the rate that the tix were selling for the seats up on "The Hill" (the nosebleeds aka the 400 level), I would have expected more people at the game, but the Pacers aren't exactly the Caveliers. Even the lower levels weren't full, but there was a good number of folks present.

The Wiz hung tough throughout the game. That last minute had everyone on their feet. It smelled like a win was near. Was it possible? Caron Butler hit a three pointer! 114-114! Timeout. Butler makes another three-pointer after the Pacers had missed theirs. 117-114! The crowd goes nuts! Twenty secs left to play. Pacers respond with a 3-pointer after a timeout. Crap! The air seemed to be sucked out of Verizon Center. 117-117. Timeout Wizards. 15.3 secs left to play. Butler dribbles the clock down to 1 sec and then takes the shot. Daggerrrr at the buzzer!!!! Wiz win it 119-117! Verizon Center explodes!!

And Butler does all this while still sick with the flu. Fifteen straight points from my dude! Wizards celebrate their 11th win on the season.

Sigh. To think this team was in the playoffs last year. I don't know what the powers of the sports universe have against us in the Washington area, but they have got to give us a break.

It was fun watching my home team play. I must do that again. Happy Birthday to meeeeee!!!

Pres. Obama turns up the heat

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Last night, President O was on fire at the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference. To say that the man deviated significantly from his prepared remarks would be an understatement. The very best about what he had to say against those who are in opposition to the Stimulus Bill are in those unscripted remarks. It is exactly what needs to be said, especially since Democrats aren't exactly fighting for face time on the various news channels in support of this bill. Instead, Republicans have been allowed to turn this thing into a freak show as is their specialty.

Here is video of the speech from C-SPAN and below is the full transcript of the speech as gotten from TPM:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ISSUES CONFERENCE

Kingsmill Resort
Williamsburg, Virginia

8:28 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you, Democrats. (Applause.) Thank you. Please, everybody have a seat. Everybody have a seat. It is great to be here with so many friends. Thank you for giving me a reason to use Air Force One. (Laughter.) It's pretty nice. (Laughter.)

I'm glad to see the House Democratic Caucus is getting by just fine without my Chief of Staff. (Laughter.) I don't know how many of you were at the Alfalfa dinner, but I pointed out, you know, this whole myth of Rahm being this tough guy, mean, is just not true. At least once a week he spends time teaching profanity to underprivileged children. (Laughter and applause.) So he's got a soft spot.

I want to thank John Larson for inviting me here tonight. This is John's first conference as Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, so we're both new at this. John, congratulations. (Applause.)

I want to acknowledge the great Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. (Applause.) She is our rock who's proven to be an extraordinary leader for the American people. And I want to thank Nancy and Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn, and the entire caucus -- (applause) -- Javier Becerra -- all the leadership working so hard, all the chairmen like David Obey, who've worked so hard in passing an economic recovery plan that is so desperately needed for our country. (Applause.)

All of you acted with a discipline that matches the urgency and the gravity of the crisis that we face. Because you know what's at stake. Every weekend you go home to your districts and you see factories that are closing and small businesses shutting their doors. You hear from families losing their homes; students that can't pay their tuition; seniors who are worrying about whether they can retire with dignity, or see their kids and grandkids lead a better life.

So you went to work, and you did your job. For that, you have my appreciation and admiration. And more importantly, you've got the American people's thanks, because they know it is time to get something done here in Washington. (Applause.)

As we meet here tonight, we know that there's more work to be done. The Senate is still acting. And after it has its final vote, we still need to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills. So we're going to still have to work, and I'm going to urge you to complete that work without delay. And I know that Nancy and Steny, all the rest of the leadership is committed to making that happen.

Now, I just want to say this -- I value the constructive criticism and the healthy debate that's taking place around this package, because that's the essence, the foundation of American democracy. That's how the founders set it up. They set it up to make big change hard. It wasn't supposed to be easy. That's part of the reason why we've got such a stable government, is because no one party, no one individual can simply dictate the terms of the debate. I don't think any of us have cornered the market on wisdom, or that do I believe that good ideas are the province of any party. The American people know that our challenges are great. They're not expecting Democratic solutions or Republican solutions -- they want American solutions. And I've said that same thing to the public, and I've said that, in a gesture of friendship and goodwill, to those who have disagreed with me on aspects of this plan.

But what I have also said is -- don't come to the table with the same tired arguments and worn ideas that helped to create this crisis. (Applause.) You know, all of us here -- imperfect. And everything we do and everything I do is subject to improvement. Michelle reminds me every day how imperfect I am. (Laughter.) So I welcome this debate. But come on, we're not -- we are not going to get relief by turning back to the very same policies that for the last eight years doubled the national debt and threw our economy into a tailspin. (Applause.)

We can't embrace the losing formula that says only tax cuts will work for every problem we face; that ignores critical challenges like our addiction to foreign oil, or the soaring cost of health care, or falling schools and crumbling bridges and roads and levees. I don't care whether you're driving a hybrid or an SUV -- if you're headed for a cliff, you've got to change direction. (Applause.) That's what the American people called for in November, and that's what we intend to deliver. (Applause.)

So the American people are watching. They did not send us here to get bogged down with the same old delay, the same old distractions, the same talking points, the same cable chatter. (Applause.) You know, aren't you all tired of that stuff?

AUDIENCE: Yes!

THE PRESIDENT: They did not vote for the false theories of the past, and they didn't vote for phony arguments and petty politics. They didn't vote for the status quo -- they sent us here to bring change. We owe it to them to deliver. This is the moment for leadership that matches the great test of our times. And I know you want to work with me to get there. (Applause.)

If we do not move swiftly to sign the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law, an economy that is already in crisis will be faced with catastrophe. This is not my assessment. This is not Nancy Pelosi's assessment. This is the assessment of the best economists in the country. This is the assessment of some of the former advisors of some of the same folks who are making these criticisms right now.

Millions more Americans will lose their jobs. Homes will be lost. Families will go without health care. Our crippling dependence on foreign oil will continue. That is the price of inaction.

This isn't some abstract debate. Last week, we learned that many of America's largest corporations already laid off thousands and are planning to lay off tens of thousands of more workers. Today, we learned that in the previous week, the number of new unemployment claims jumped to 626,000. Tomorrow, we're expecting another dismal jobs report, on top of the half a million jobs that were lost last month, on top of the half a million jobs that were lost the month before that, on top of the 2.6 million jobs that were lost last year.

For you, these aren't just statistics. This is not a game. This is not a contest for who's in power and who's up and who's down. These are your constituents. These are families you know and you care about. I believe that it is important for us to set aside some of the gamesmanship in this town and get something done. (Applause.)

Now, I believe -- I just want to repeat, because I don't want any confusion here. I believe that legislation of this enormous magnitude, that by necessity we are moving quickly -- we're not moving quickly because we're trying to jamb something down people's throats. We're moving quickly because we're told that if we don't move quickly, that the economy is going keep on getting worse, and we'll have another 2 or 3 or 4 million jobs loss this year.

I'd love to be leisurely about this. My staff is worn out, working around the clock. So is David Obey's staff. So is Nancy Pelosi's staff. We're not doing this because we think this is a lark. We're doing this because people are counting on us. So legislation of this magnitude deserves the scrutiny that it's received, and all of you will get another chance to vote for this bill in the days to come. But I urge all of us not to make the perfect the enemy of the absolutely necessary.

Understand the scale and the scope of this plan is right. And when you start hearing arguments on the cable chatter, just understand a couple of things. Number one, when they say, well, why are we spending $800 billion -- we've got this huge deficit? First of all, I found this deficit when I showed up. (Applause.) Number one. (Applause.) I found this national debt doubled, wrapped in a big bow waiting for me as I stepped into the Oval Office.

Number two, it is expected that we are going to lose about a trillion dollars worth of demand this year, a trillion dollars of demand next year because of the contraction in the economy. So the reason that this has to be big is to try to fill some of that lost demand. And as it is, there are many who think that we should be doing even more. (Applause.) So we are taking prudent steps.

But you talk to Ted Strickland and what's happening in Ohio, and you ask him whether they need some relief in terms of the unemployment insurance rates that are going sky-high, and him having to pick up all kinds of folks who are suddenly seeking food stamps who had been working all their lives -- and he'll tell you that this not something that we're just doing to grow government. We're doing this because this is what the best minds tell us needs to be done. That's point number one.

Point number two: When they start talking about, well, we need more tax cuts -- we started this package with a healthy amount of tax cuts in the mix, recognizing that some tax cuts can be very beneficial, particularly if they're going to middle class and working families that will spend that money. (Applause.) That's not me talking; that's the economists talking, who insisted that they're most likely to spend and get that money into circulation and stimulate the economy.

Now, in fact, when we announced the bill, you remember -- this is only about, what, two weeks ago? When we announced the framework -- and we were complimented by Republicans, saying, boy, this is a balanced package, we're pleasantly surprised. And suddenly, what was a balanced package needs to be put out of balance? Don't buy those arguments.

Then there's the argument, well, this is full of pet projects. When was the last time that we saw a bill of this magnitude move out with no earmarks in it? Not one. (Applause.) And when you start asking, well, what is it exactly that is such a problem that you're seeing, where's all this waste and spending? Well, you know, you want to replace the federal fleet with hybrid cars. Well, why wouldn't we want to do that? (Laughter.) That creates jobs for people who make those cars. It saves the federal government energy. It saves the taxpayers energy. (Applause.)

So then you get the argument, well, this is not a stimulus bill, this is a spending bill. What do you think a stimulus is? (Laughter and applause.) That's the whole point. No, seriously. (Laughter.) That's the point. (Applause.)

So -- I mean, I get carried away. (Laughter.) We've got to leave some time for questions and answers. Here's the point I'm making. This package is not going to be absolutely perfect, and you can nit and you can pick, and that's the game we all play here. We know how to play that game. What I'm saying is, now we can't afford to play that game. We've got to pull together.

There are going to be some things that don't get included that each of us would like to see included. All of us are going to have to make some sacrifices. And we have to accommodate the interests of a range of people. And the House is going to have to work with the Senate. But let's think big right now. Let's not think small. Let's not think narrowly.

Just as past generations of Americans have done in trying times, we can -- and must -- turn this moment of challenge into one of opportunity. The plan that you've passed has at its core a simple idea: Let's put Americans to work doing the work that America needs done. (Applause.)

This plan will save or create over three million jobs -- almost all of them in the private sector.

This plan will put people to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges; our dangerously deficient dams and levees.

This plan will put people to work modernizing our health care system. That doesn't just save us billions of dollars, it saves countless lives, because we'll reduce medical errors. (Applause.)

This plan will put people to work renovating more than 10,000 schools -- (applause) -- giving millions of children the chance to learn in 21st century classrooms, and libraries and labs -- creating new scientists for a new future.

This plan will provide sensible tax relief for the struggling middle class, and unemployment insurance and continued health care coverage for those who've lost their jobs. And it will help prevent our states and local communities -- it will help Governor Ritter and Governor Strickland not have to lay off firefighters and teachers and police. Because when they get laid off, not only do we lose services, but maybe they can't make payments on their home. Maybe they get foreclosed on and the economy goes down further.

And finally, this plan will begin to end the tyranny of oil in our time -- doubles our capacity to generate alternative sources of energy, like wind and solar and biofuels. And it does it in three years; saves taxpayers billions of dollars; makes federal buildings more efficient; saves the average working family hundreds of dollars on their energy bills. After decades of empty rhetoric, that's the down payment that we need on energy independence.

You know, there's a lot about running for President that is tough -- especially I don't miss sleeping in motels and hotels, and I don't miss not being with my kids as much as I'd like. But the best thing about being a candidate -- and all of you know this because those members of Congress who are here, you've run, you know what it's like -- you get to see the country. You get to know the character of the American people. Over the last two years, I visited almost all 50 states. I've got to admit, the one I missed was Alaska. (Laughter.) We're going to get there. I've been in so many of your districts. I've passed through towns and cities farms and factories. And I know what you know -- people are hurting. I've looked in their eyes. I've heard their stories. I've sensed their deep frustration.

And they're just hoping that we're working for them. They're so strong and they're so decent, the American people, and those struggles haven't diminished that strength and that decency. We hold in our hands the capacity to do great things on their behalf. But we're going to have to do it by not thinking about ourselves, not thinking about how does this position me, how am I looking. We're going to have to just think about how are we delivering for them.

It starts with this economic recovery plan. And soon, we'll take on the big issues like addressing the foreclosure problem, by passing a budget, tackling our fiscal problems, fixing our financial regulation, securing our country. And we won't approach these challenges just as Democrats -- because we remember the look in the eyes of our constituents. We know even though they've been cynical, that they're thinking, maybe this time is going to be different. They know we've got to overcome all these problems as Americans. And that's why we have to work in a serious, substantive, and civil way, and we will keep working to build bipartisan support for action.

I promise you that my door is always open, and my administration will consult closely with each and every one of you -- the people's representatives -- as we take on these pressing priorities.

Already, you've made a difference. Nancy mentioned -- I'm so proud of that day that we signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- (applause) -- to see Lilly Ledbetter on the stage, representing the American people, representing all the women out there who want their daughters to have the same opportunities as our sons. And then we signed Children's Health Insurance to provide coverage for 11 million, and make a down payment on comprehensive health care reform. (Applause.)

And it wasn't easy. You worked hard to make it happen, which means we can work hard to make sure that we've got jobs all across America, and energy independence all across America. And we will not stop until we deliver for our constituents. (Applause.)

That's what the Democratic Party is all about. That's what this caucus is all about. That's what my presidency is all about. (Applause.)

Thank you, guys. I love you. (Applause.) Thank you. (Applause.)

END 8:50 P.M. EST

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty on the radar

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Mr. Mayor of DC, Adrian Fenty, has drawn the attention of the folks over at Huffington Post. After being seen around town with the First Couple, it was inevitable that Mr. & Mrs. Fenty would soon get time. The manner by which they are attracting attention, however, isn't exactly how I pictured it going down.

Now being a Washingtonian, seeing Mayor Fenty on television or in the papers isn't anything new. Around here, people still marvel over the fact that he's the youngest mayor to take office. He gave folks heart palpitations when he announced that he wanted to overall the DC School system. It needs an overhaul, but folks were sideswiped by the announcement anyway. He hadn't made an indication that such a pursuit was in the works. And then he made a splash by selecting Cathy Lanier as the next Chief of Police, making her the first female to ever hold the position. And THEN he threw what political weight he had at the time (which wasn't all that much) behind the candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama.

That's just shit I remember off the top of my head. Fenty is a somewhat of trailblazer like, say, I don't know, Barack Obama. It's no surprise then that the two men and their wives would get along. Add to the fact that Fenty and Mr. President are both biracial black men, you get an even clearer idea as to their connectivity. I think it's pretty damn cool to be able to watch these two guys in action. And they are both residing in Washington! Oh joy for me!

Fenty definitely makes for great eye candy (just as Mr. President does). I saw both him and his wife a couple of weeks ago in person and I must admit that I was somewhat tongue tied. They was standing right in front of me. He wasn't even an arms length away. He did say hello and I just smiled like a simpering idiot. D'oh!

Now that I've digressed enough, I'll go back to what I said earlier about how the attention Fenty is getting and will get by the national media. The Huffington Post takes the angle of the Fentys being an attractive couple who happen to have backgrounds that parallel that of the President and First Lady. I suppose we do notice appearance first before anything else, but their angle rankled me for some reason. Maybe it's the thought of our local treasure soon being stripped away from us the way #44 was taken away from the people of Illinois? I can already see the wheels turning. When it turned in John Kerry's head, see what happened?

President Obama.

Mr. President, #44

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:38:00 +0000

I'm late with this post, but I've been trying to recouperate from the festivities since Tuesday. It isn't as if I did much other than attend the free inaugural concert and the inauguration, but some sort of weariness came to settle into my bones after the last publicly aired ball was broadcast on MTV. It was a wrap from there for me and I've been floating somewhere between surreality and shocking realization that George W. Bush is no longer in office. That we have a new President of the United States and he was sworn in as Barack Hussein Obama.

First off, being a first generation American and a child of African immigrants, seeing a guy who is part African in heritage ascend to the highest position in the United States is truly remarkable. What makes it all the more amazing is what the guy went through to get there. It is truly the past struggles of the descendants of African slaves that opened the door for this moment to transpire.

While it is true that Dr. King played a pivotal role in this struggle, one would be gravely remiss in not recognizing that this day is here because so many others (multiculturally) believed that it was better to fight for what one deserved than sit on their hands and do nothing. And the United States, while still battling the remnants of racism and other forms of discrimination and hatred, has changed a lot since the days of police dogs, fire hoses, separate bathrooms and drinking fountains, and lynchings. I know some of my friends refuse to believe that there has been progress, claiming that I view things through an "African lens" (whatever that means), but I think we would be lying to ourselves if we are of the opinion that no much has changed.

What this past election showed me (at least) is that when the backs of Americans are pressed against the wall and their livelihoods are threatened, they seem to cast a vote that would ensure their survival...or what they hope will ensure their survival. Common sense finally comes to America! If it hadn't been for the massive clusterfuck of the Bush Administration, and if we were still the same country of four or eight years ago, we'd have been saluting President John McCain and Vice President Sarah Palin on Jaunuary 20th.

Shudder. Double shudder.

I will be praying for President Obama's success. Asking for less would be no different from hoping that the United States of America fails as a nation. I won't take part in that insanity. I'll leave that to the "patriotic" Rush Limbaughs of the world.

Just to rub it in even more, I'll add this picture because (1) it shows the President and the First Lady and (2) because I'm a hopeless romantic.

Countdown to #44: Four days to go!!

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:56:00 +0000

So as you may have already determined, I am super excited about the Inauguration. As a Washingtonian, this is the kind of thing that one lives for. As a Barack Obama supporter and volunteer, this moment is indescribable.

The city is abuzz with activity. Celebrities are going to flood the District as will many locals and out-of-towners. Foreign diginitaries will be on hand. Law enforcement officers from across the country will be assisting area officers with maintaining order (at least with regards to transporation). MARC tickets are sold out. The Metro will be running on rush hour schedule all day. The President-elect will be stopping on Baltimore on Saturday. There will be a FREE concert on the Mall on Sunday with HBO broadcasting it live on an open signal! Numerous balls. Millions expected and not enough port-a-potties! Yay!!

Okay, so that last one isn't an exciting thought. Nor is the thought of standing out on the National Mall when there is a windchill in the teens, but I plan on braving it. When the hell will I get to do something this illogical again without risk of dying from exposure?

Ooo....there is a new presidential portrait. I know where this one will be: on my living room wall next to Jesus and Fela Kuti. (I kid! Sorta). But it is a mighty fine picture. I like the fact that the image was made available in high quality for all to download. You can print it up yourself and not have to pay some astronomical amount of money for it. This has thus far shaped up to be a pretty tech saavy bunch, this incoming Obama administration, and I'm looking forward to how else they intend to exploit current and future technologies to communicate with the masses.

Additionally, Obama wrote a letter to his daughters that has been published in PARADE Magazine. It is quite touching in its beauty. I don't say that simply because I like the guy, but as a writer and as someone who loves reading, this one ranks up there. For me anyway. Here is a bit of it.

'What I Want for You — and Every Child
in America'
By President-elect Barack Obama
Publication Date: 01/14/2009

Next Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them.

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. ...

Four more days till we bid good-fucking-bye to the Impersonator in Chief.

NFL: Ravens fly past Titans...

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:34:00 +0000

So the AFC's top seed Tennessee Titans was eliminated from further contention by the Baltimore Ravens. Ha! That was a good emotional end. Not very many saw that win happening. Hell, for a while there, I didn't think it was going to happen either. The game was stagnant scorewise for a while, but then it all came together.

The birds survive another week. I don't know how they're still able to function. They've been going at it since Week 2! Okay, actually, since the start of the season. No one can call Week 2 a true bye.

And here I am watching the Arizona Cardinals whip up on the Carolina Panthers. This is Arizona! And Arizona without Anquan Boldin. This is Arizona on the East Coast. This is Arizona against a team that has a perfect 8-0 at home. What. The. Fuck.

The third quarter is wrapping up now. Will the Cardinals pull an upset or will Carolina snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat?

Flashback to 1989: The Mac Band

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:32:00 +0000

One hit wonder if there ever was one, but this jam is the shit.

Let the purging begin

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Man. Teams aren't wasting time with the coaching firings. Eric Mangini has been let go by the Jets after 3 seasons (I would've given the guy one more year, but I don't own an NFL team). The Browns have given Romeo Crennel the boot, and Ron Marinelli's exit from Detroit isn't exactly a surprise. And now word is that the Broncos have fired Mike Shanahan after 14 seasons! This latter one is a straight up WTF!

I suppose Shanahan had to go sometime, but the dismissal just feels wrong. This season wasn't exactly good to the Broncos and the man had quite a number of successful seasons with Denver. However, without advancement in the postseason year after year, I could see where your job would be in jeopardy--although all those failures were not his alone to bear. I wouldn't be surprised to see Shanahan elsewhere or he may take some time off or just retire. Heck, if Cam Cameron can be resurrected after his 1-15 coaching stint in Miami (now offensive coordinator at Balitmore), anything is possible!

As for Eric Mangini, I don't know. That was just a weird decision by the Jets. When these people took Brett Favre in to be their QB, I shook my head because you just never know what you're going to get with Mr. Happy Interceptions. Mangini may likely surface again and could be somewhere next season should anything become of this report. I don't think the same can be said for Marinelli.

What I'd like to know is why it is that whenever coaches get fired or retire, we end up going through the same list of names of available VIPs? You know who they are: Schottenheimer and Cowher. Are there no other coaches? Shit, with this recession, you would think some of these clubs would be willing to go with an unknown who they wouldn't have to pay a crazy yearly salary.

Has Marvin Harrison reached the end of his NFL career? Will he be back next season with the Colts? I've been a bit troubled by the fact that my favorite wide receiver has been hampered lately by injuries. I can just seen the sun setting on his career. I don't know how many other players remain in the league who were drafted back in 1996 and has played the whole way through with the team who selected them. I'll probably cry the day that man decides to hang it up. It's depressing to think that we won't get to see much more of the Manning-Harrison hook up.

Sigh.

Speaking of players who have been in the league forever, here is my suggestion to Brett Favre: retire. Please, just do it. Re-sign with Green Bay for a few hours, let them retire your jersey, and you can return to Mississippi. We'll miss you, mehn. We appreciate the 18 seasons. But as is the case with all things, they must come to an end. Embrace that realization and allow the Jets to focus on their QB for the future. Don't make this any uglier than it needs to be. Slowly back away from the Wilson and nobody will get hurt.

NFL: Final Week

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:28:00 +0000

So....Matt Cassel is not only QB but also punter? I'm a bit perplexed by the sight. Sure, back in the early days of the NFL you had players who played QB, punter and defensive end, but in recent times? Hee. That wind in Buffalo isn't being kind to its home team. It also doesn't help that the Pats are determined to win today. They still have a shot at the playoffs after all, but it requires major collapses by a few teams in front of them.

Is there anyone who can stop the Giants? Even with Eli Manning out of the game, you've got David Carr throwing like the starting QB he used to be (at Houston, that is). Minnesota should pray for Chicago to down, which could very well happen. I don't know what Atlanta is doing, having themselves tied with St. Louis with 13 minutes remaining in the 4th.

UPDATE (3:53PM): Three shut outs thus far. Indy wins 23-0 against Tennessee and the Patriots win 13-0 vs. Buffalo. Chicago apparently doesn't know what it means to play like their lives depended on it, but there is time left for them to pull out a win and Minnesota to cough up a loss against the Giants.

Detroit is working to avoid being the first team to go 0-16. Jerious Norwood may have just helped Atlanta avoid losing to St. Louis with that 45-yard run for a TD, but there is still a lot of football left to play with 6 mins remaining in the 4th.

UPDATE (4:00PM): What the fuck was the Minnesota sideline thinking in the last seconds of that game? You waste 20secs doing what? And so you have Ryan Longwell having to kick that long ass FG?? Longwell nailed that sucker though!! Childress has survived his time management debacle. Minnesota clinches the NFC North. Congrats to them! It was nice that they won that one outright and didn't have to depend on the loss by Chicago to get in.

And so FOX switches us over to a similar situation with Carolina vs. New Orleans and the Panthers hit their FG too! One sec left in the game. WOW. And Carolina clinches the 2nd seed in the NFC. Good for them. They deserve it after the season that they've had.

So....how do you lose to the Raiders, Tampa Bay? What happened with you people? Your skid is as inexplicable as that of the Redskins. That's why you will be sitting at home with us come playoff week.

UPDATE (4:21PM): It's official. The Detroit Lions are officially utter failures. 0-16 has got to hurt. Damn. I actually feel bad for them. The city of Detroit can't catch any kind of break. Record unemployment. American automakers having since abandoned them. To top it off, the Lions of stunk for a good long time. I know we complain a lot about the Redskins being mediocre, but our own mediocrity is no where near that of the Lions. There just doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the Detroit tunnel. At least they have the Pistons.

Another shut out with Pittsburgh winning 31-0 against Cleveland. What happened with Cleveland this year? And um, Ben Roethlisberger went down with a concussion. Not good. At least, the Steelers will have a first round bye.

Who the hell are these people covering the Redskins vs. 49ers game? One's a fine brother though. Where's he been hiding? You can tell that they are completely clueless as to the Redskins. They've got their football talking points, but you can feel the unfamiliarity. Their commentary is really getting on my nerves, but that isn't their fault. I have yet to find a color commentator who I haven't had to mute.

As much as I'd love to see my Skins kick some 49er ass (that's if they don't play like putzes! The 49ers are already up 7-0), I'd much rather watch the Dallas vs. Philly game. I don't see Philadelphia taking down the Cowboys, but you never know. Whichever of the two advances, may they be eliminated after the first round. Haha! And oh, and go Ravens!

UPDATE (5:33PM): Well, the Ravens want in on the playoffs real bad. They're already 24-7 against the Jags at the half. LaRon McClain is one scary SOB. It would be nice if Jacksonville pretended to be alive. And how about those Eagles? I think I jinxed the win-lose balance by saying that they wouldn't be able to handle the 'Boys. Shall that jinx continue! As for the 'Skins, they are so far kicking ass. They are 17-7 at the half. It would have been nice if this game meant something more other than playing for pride. They better not screw this up.

UPDATE (6:13PM): LOLOLOL! It looks like the Eagles will be going to the playoffs. I'd like to see the Cowboys attempt to come out of that 41-3 hole. The Cowboys post-season streak says alive! And no, I am not celebrating early. Philly's got this one in the bag. Dallas watches at home with us. Hahahahahahahaha!

UPDATE (6:55PM): Why do the Redskins insist on giving me heartburn on the last game of the season? Why? Oh, and Dallas is still in their hole: 44-6. What a wonderful thing.

UPDATE (7:10PM): This game has been a summation of the Redskins' season. As usual, they fuck it up at the end. I really hope the Redskins make an honest assessment of themselves after this shit because this is absolutely ridiculous. I suppose I can take solace in the fact that the Cowboys equally suck.

How about those Miami Dolphins? What an amazing season!! As for Brett Favre, dude, go back into retirement. There is no reason for all of those interceptions. Congrats to the Dolphins on such a great turn around. The same goes out to the Ravens and the Eagles.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Here is to a great Christmas season and a fantastic 2009!

NFL: Week 16 ins and outs

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:33:00 +0000

Since the NFL regular season is in its second to last week, so I'll be "forced" to switch over to the NBA. And because I still love my mediocre Washington Redskins (don't talk to me about their non-advancing playoff runs), I didn't feel at all disloyal when rooting for the Baltimore Ravens who played that Dallas team in the latter's last home game.

Hahahahahahahahaha! Boo-freaking-hoo that they didn't win their last game in Dallas Stadium. The Ravens handed them their asses the way that they were supposed to (or at least the way that I had hoped they would). The fake field goal! The back to back offensive one-play long range touchdown runs by McGahee and McClain! The two Romo interceptions by Ed Reed! Hahahahaha!

The 'Skins will be watching the playoffs from home and so will the Cowboys. HA!

Fantasy Football: So because I was listening to so-called "experts," I decided not to go with Tyler Thigpen vs. San Diego and went instead with Kurt Warner vs. New England in the snow. Something told me to sit Warner for the first time all season, but I went with the "experts" and played him anyway. So what happens? Thigpen on the bench has 27 points at the half. Kurt Warner? One. One!!!

Sigh. It isn't as if I'm in the playoffs, but still!!! I hate leaving points, especially those points, on the bench. This kind of thing just happens to me.

We'll be better next year

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:31:00 +0000

Is this the mantra I'll keep adopting every December whenever the Redskins start off strong and then hit that 4-game (or more) losing streak EVERY YEAR? Are we not tired of this shit yet?

We looked like fucking pansies out there against the Ravens. Hell, we (not that "we" are on the field) had our asses handed to us by the Giants and the Cowboys before that! Oh, and let's not get started on the Steelers. And us almost getting beat by Seattle! Ugh!

Sure, we were playing against some of the NFL's top defenses. And sure, we have an old and injury prone O-line. And yes, the same could be said about the D-line (injuries, that is). But what gives with the defense's inability to blitz or pass rush a puff of smoke? What's up with the weak O-line push to create holes for the RBs or even protect their QB? With the pocket constantly collapsing, there isn't any way that Jason Campbell can get to his receivers. And don't even get me started on those receivers!

This is beyond the Ravens game. There was no damn reason why we should have lost to Cleveland or almost lost to Detroit!! If it wasn't for LaRon Landry last night, we just might have been shut out by a Ravens defense that far outshines whatever their offense does. And you know that one drive that lasted almost 8 minutes? Yeah, the one where the Ravens ran ELEVEN run plays in a row and then capped it off with a TD pass? Yes, THAT one. Redskins D can't rush the passer and can't stop the run.

Maybe it was just too cold outside. Maybe there isn't enough depth at the O and D-line positions to relieve the first stringers for some rest. Maybe Coach Zorn really knew what the heck he was doing when he put a rookie center in (without any TE assistance!) at the left tackle spot AND up against Terrell Suggs of all people!!! Seriously!?

The Skins aren't going to the playoffs, so let's quit indulging that fantasy. At this point, is it silly to hope that my dudes can at least win at Cincinnati? Can we at least finish 8-8? That's the record I was hoping for once Zorn was announced as coach. Anything above that would have been extra. 8-8. That's all I'm asking for.

That and the Dallas Cowboys not making the playoffs.

This is Thanksgiving Football?!

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:34:00 +0000

Hated the first one. Tennessee vs. Detroit? Seriously?

Dallas vs. Seahawks? Seriously??

Philadelphia vs. Arizona? The jury is still out on that one.

Secretary of State Clinton? Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:29:00 +0000

I don't know what has gotten into some folks across the blogosphere, but they've seemingly turned into a group of folks who are down with Sen. Hillary Clinton being the Secretary of State. I really don't understand why. Most of these people were so against her being the Democratic nominee, yet many of the reasons why they didn't want her apply as to why Clinton as the next potential SoS would be a shaky prospect.

The Huffington Post just a few days ago had a headline blaring that Clinton had been offered the position. Of course, you had Clinton operatives and supporters (anonymously, of course) going around talking about how GREAT an idea this was, and then it quickly turned into a listing of all of Clinton's personal attributes that would make her a great SoS. This is a done deal, y'all!

Maybe.

Hillary Rodham Clinton isn't certain she would accept the Secretary of State post even if Barack Obama offers it to her, several people close to the former first lady say.

Press reports that portray Clinton as willing to accept the job – once the Obama transition team vets Bill Clinton's philanthropic and business ventures – are inaccurate, one Clinton insider told Politico.

"A lot of the speculation and reporting is out ahead of the facts here," said the person, who requested anonymity. "She is still weighing this, independent of President Clinton's work."

Clinton, the person said, remains deeply "torn" between the possibility of serving in Obama’s cabinet and remaining in the Senate to "help pass health care and work on a broad range of domestic issues."

As Giordano says, the walk back has begun. First everyone was so sure, now the "reporting is out ahead of the facts." Right.

There has been far too much whirl around this in the press than I think the transition team is comfortable with. Couldn't all of this had been kept hush until a decision was actually made? Is that really too much to ask of Clinton operatives? They couldn't keep anything bottled up if their lives depended on it. Leak like bloody sieves, they do.

Votes are in: Lieberman stays

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:09:00 +0000

Now that that is out of the way, let's move on to more important things like, I don't know, fixing this damn economy. But before moving on, I want to take the time to agree (lukewarmly) with Howard Dean.

"You know, the desire of revenge is great, of course. But the truth is public policy doesn't run on revenge very well," he said. "And when you see the trouble this country has gotten into in terms of foreign policy, where Bush basically ran a foreign policy based on petulance because he was mad at, for example, Mexico, for abstaining on the Security Council when the Iraq War came up, if you have to actually run the country, it is best not to do it based on feeling of anger towards your enemies."

And here is video from today's news conference courtesy of TPM:

UGH! I can't stand that twit Joe Lieberman as far as I can spit him! That non-explanation about his campaign statements about the Prez-elect? Utter bullshit, but what else did anyone expect?

As I had said in a previous post, Senator Fairweather's ruckus must be handled with the country's interests in mind. I think that is what Dean was alluding to above. I'm not sure if today's decision was in the best interest of the nation, but only time will tell. In the meantime, we have serious work to do and canning Lieberman--as much as I would have loved to had seen it--wouldn't seem appropriate at this particular time.

That being said, nobody should hold hands and sing Kumbaya with Lieberman. He's still an asshat and it would serve everyone best that they not forget that. What I want to know is what it will really take for Democrats to actually rid themselves of the cancer among them. I suppose I'm being a bit harsh about it, but that's just the way I'm feeling right now.

Is Lieberman any good at the position? Was this vote based on the logic that if he keeps the post, he remains in the caucus? Was his performance during his time as committee chair even taken into account? This is all very frustrating, but I suppose I get where 44 wishes to take this.

Meh to it all. It's whatever. The only thing that is left for me to say is that when it comes to Lieberman, President-elect Barack Obama definitely needs to watch his back. Logically, I understand why the Democrats voted the way that they did, but emotionally, it makes my blood boil. If Lieberman is willing to join the dark forces to champion against you once, he'll do it again. I just pray that this decision to have that fool keep his committee appointment will not come back to hunt both Obama and Senate Democrats.

So, how about that auto industry bailout? Or not. We still have a nation to right and we (including me) need to stop getting sidetracked by stupid shit, even when said shit seems urgently necessary to address.

Secretary of State Clinton? Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:08:00 +0000

Am I the only one who has yet to really be all "rah-rah" about the idea?

NFL: Oh hell naw!

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:49:00 +0000

LMAO!!! A TIE between Philly and Cincy! Hahahahahahahaha! That's the funniest shit.

UPDATE: Any even bigger hell to the nizzaw to the Redskins getting beat by the Cowturds! Not funny at all. It would've been great if the offense was moving the ball and if the game didn't totally suck, but we had to weather through that, too. Wack ass game and a loss to a moral enemy?! Too much at once. I may never recover.

Uht oh! VT Senators demand Lieberman ousting

noreply@blogger.com (Akonuche) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:54:00 +0000

I'm just reporting what I see. Some are for Joe Lieberman and some are against. Here are two senators who are strongly in the against column. It is unclear how many others will have the guts to publicly voice their displeasure with Senator Turncoat or how many others feel the same as these two, but they are a start.

First it was Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on Vermont Public Radio (hat tip terjeanderson):

"Sen. Lieberman's chairmanship will come up for a vote. Every Senator will have to vote the way he or she believes they should. I'm one who does not feel that somebody should be rewarded with a major chairmanship after doing what he did. ...

But I thought that some of the attacks that he was involved in against Senator Obama... I thought they went way beyond the pale. I thought they were not fair. I thought they were not legitimate. I thought they perpetuated some of these horrible myths that were being run about Senator Obama.

I would feel that had I done something similar that I would not be chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the next Congress."

Bernie Sanders (I-VT) joins his colleague in stating how many feel about Senator Fairweather.

"To reward Senator Lieberman with a major committee chairmanship would be a slap in the face of millions of Americans who worked tirelessly for Barack Obama and who want to see real change in our country," Sanders in the statement sent our way by his office.

"Appointing someone to a major post who led the opposition to everything we are fighting for is not 'change we can believe in,'" Sanders continued. "I very much hope that Senator Lieberman stays in the Democratic caucus and is successful in regaining the confidence of those whom he has disappointed. This is not a time, however, in which he should be rewarded with a major committee chairmanship."

My feelings exactly, Sen. Sanders. As I said previously, Lieberman's allegiance with John McCain even after McCain's selection of Sarah Palin was a betrayal to this nation and it was in no way putting this country's interests first. There is also the fact that Lieberman took glee in playing attack dog on McCain's behalf. It's one thing to offer your support and quite another to get into mudslinging the guy who is on your side of the aisle!

We'll see if there are any others who will side with the Senators for Vermont. I appreciate their candor.