Thursday, February 17, 2011

We're taking bet that sports nuts are sometimes actually crazy...

Here are a few observations that I have over the last few days. Enjoy.

* Did you hear about the imbecile from Alabama who killed some trees at Auburn University because he hates them? Thankfully he was caught because he bragged about it on sports radio. Why does sports make people do evil things? I support though I don't completely understand ultimate passion for your team that makes you paint your chest in 4 degree weather. I love the Boston Red Sox and own an amazing amount of Red Sox apparel, but I never want to get arrested for my love of them. I will argue with James Lipscomb about why Louisville stinks and UConn is better for five hours and never come even think of slashing his tires. This guy killed two 130 year old trees and he was 62 years old. I mean if this was a fraternity prank, while not okay, would have made me feel better. We need some serious reality checks here in the United States. We don't live in Egypt or Bahrain. We don't have any reason to harbor the amount of hate this man had. Please stop the insanity over you favorite sports teams.

* To say that I am confused by the protesting in Bahrain is a complete understatement. Now most people don't even now where Bahrain is or that it is an island nation, but it has been another one of our allies. The kingdom (yes it is considered a kingdom) is ruled by King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah who, in March 1999, succeeded his father as head of state and instituted elections for parliament, gave women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners.Now there is two parliaments and the Upper House is appointed by the King and the lower house is elected by the people. The biggest problem is the fact that the Shiite's and Sunni's islamists cannot get along. The Sunni's control the lower house by a 22 to 18 margin and the Shiite's are leading these protests. The weirdest thing is that the King has made tons of moves to "Westernize" his country to give women more rights and unemployment is only at 4%. (Which if this was the US, no one would be complain and we actually might be dancing in the streets.) He actually seems like the opposite of Mubarak except for the not giving oil money to his people. I have a strange feeling that each of these country protests are going to seem the same, but have very different reasons and outcomes. The Bahrain military is completely behind the King in this instance and he is going to keep power. I for one am scared for the protesters because it looks like many are going to die for their cause.

* It is sad, but Uncle Leo from Seinfeld died at age 88 yesterday. He was one of the best characters on that show and had great comedic timing. Go to Youtube and watch him say "Jerry!" one last time.

* American Idol has actually been pretty good lately. I think the show is going to have a huge comeback. (Yes I know the ratings are still huge) They have done a good job of focusing on more positive things than bad and there are some very likable contestants. If you stopped watching I think you should give it a try, because I think there is going to be some excellent singing and so very good drama.

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