The Bad News BCS

By now all college football fans have had a few days to cool off after being steamed by the bowl game selections. The BCS should officially change its name to the Bull Crap Series, which is part of the NCAA - Not Caring About Athletes. College football has fully become a comedy skit with the constant "realignment" and BCS game selections. It's no longer about student athletes ( who don't get paid by the way) but about money hungry universities. It's been this way for some time already, but at this point the NCAA & BCS are just as corrupt as Enron, News Corp, Ponzi Schemers, etc. The NCAA will suspend a student athlete in a flash for selling his or her $70 jersey, but will not share 1 cent of the multi-millions with these kids that they bring into the NCAA and the universities.

The most recent BCS debacle has chosen two schools (LSU & Alabama) from the same conference within the same division into the 2011-2012 National Championship Game. How can a National championship be decided by divisional opponents? Well that's easy greed, SEC bias, ESPN influence, ignorance, and arrogance. What a nasty combination! There is no doubt that LSU deserves to be in this game, but not so much Alabama. Nearly all of the so called "experts" working for ESPN mainly and CBS of course say that Alabama is the second best team in the country. Their evidence of that you ask? In addition to the "eyeball test", well they play in the SEC and the only loss they suffered was to #1 ranked LSU by three points (on their home field by the way). That logic makes as much sense as asking for change for a penny. In all team sports, its about match ups and playing the actual game. Not what some person thinks or saw how one team played against another. A playoff system like every other team sport on the planet, and every other division in college football would resolve this.

In our opinion Oklahoma State is the team that should be playing LSU. There is an argument that can be made that the #3 team Oklahoma State team lost a game to a lesser unranked opponent. So they lost their chance to play for the title. However, there was a real tragedy that the entire university dealt with just prior to the game they lost. Also, that game was on the road. Though, the most important facts are that Oklahoma State held a noticeably better resume than Alabama with the number of ranked teams they beat and other factors. Besides, most college football fans prefer not to see another boring game with two teams in the same division, competing for the National Championship for that matter. In 2006 there was a very similar situation with Ohio State & Michigan which were the # 1 & 2 teams when they played a very exciting game, unlike LSU & Alabama. Some people said they should play for the National title, but ESPN and its "experts" lobbied that two teams from the same conference shouldn't play for the National title. And it would be unfair for Ohio State to have to beat Michigan again. Nonetheless, Michigan was left out and Florida got the nod to play against Ohio State for the title.

Outside of this championship game nonsense, the rest of the BCS games for this season are a complete disaster. There are teams left out that should've been included and teams included that should've been deserted. And most of the match ups are worthless and uninteresting. The NCAA and College football is only about money these days and not about student athletes having fun while getting an education, and fans getting to see their teams play in bowl games where they deserve to. It has come to whichever schools have the larger fan bases, bank accounts, and influence that are getting ahead. This is starting to feel awfully a lot like rich vs. poor and a popularity contest to see who wins prom king. The only answer to this BCS nightmare is for fans to quit watching these games when they come around. No ratings = No money for the BCS. Then eventually the right thing which is playoffs will come about when the NCAA grows up and stops being greedy. Though, you should not hold your breath because for the NCAA if it don't make dollars, it don't make sense.

Questionable Candidates

How ridiculous are the GOP candidates racing to be the nominee for Republican presidential candidate? Ron Paul seems like a creepy old loner that should be on Family Guy, Michelle Bachman is Sarah Palin 2.0, Newt Gingrich is self explanatory and a weirdo to add, Mitt Romney is up & down and left & right without a true character, Herman Cain is an absolute joke without real political experience & knowledge and a walking sexual harassment, and Rick Perry is a dumby exactly like George W Bush. If you closed your eyes and just listened to Rick Perry talk, you wouldn't know the difference between him and George W. What's even worse is many people across the country are taking these comedians pretending to be presidential candidates serious.

Sure President Obama is not perfect by any means and the U.S economy is in poor condition. That's an easy jab to take, but everything wrong in our economy is not solely his fault. Though there is a strong argument that can be made that the President is doing a sub par job with our economy, our congress isn't honestly helping him to make significant strides for improvement. The economy was in such terrible shape upon him taking office there is no way he can make every single issue on his desk favorable, certainly not with the bad attitudes congress has toward him. Besides if this country was dumb enough to let George W. have two terms, then Obama no doubt deserves more time.

What's really troubling is that the three GOP candidates currently with the most favor are not people that would truly represent the U.S. positively. Rick Perry as witnessed last night can't even remember his own agenda as it relates to things he would change with our country. This is probably because he's not sure if he wants to do things as a Republican or Democrat which he used to be. Or just plain not competent. Having mental lapses like that are not in the best interest of the American people. Herman Cain is just not someone to be seriously considered at all, even before the sexual harassment issues arised which he states are unfounded. He looks like a guy who behaves that way in our opinion. This guy has no political experience whatsoever and didn't even know that China was already a nuclear power. C'mon really? It's honestly sad that people really say they would vote for him. Don't let his strong personality fool you America, he's not presidential material by any means. Mitt Romney looks like he could be a president on a made for television movie, and his persona seems very artificial. He was also suspected about hiring illegal citizens to do work for him amongst other issues. So his integrity is somewhat in question.

Nonetheless, none of the 2011-2012 GOP candidates appear or seem to be seriously worthy of taking the place of the current president, no matter how unhappy some people are with him. These candidates are more thinking they can win the Presidential Election race than actually running the superpower of the world for four years. Those are two completely different things. True someone has to run against President Obama, but that doesn't mean they should be taken seriously. The job President of the U.S. is not some hobby, part-time job, or pizza shop position. Rather it's a monumental responsibility that takes integrity, in-depth knowledge/wisdom, patience, common sense, a loving heart, guts, and the ability to garner respect not only from Americans but the world community also.

A Frantic Fall Season

Well after a short hiatus during the end of summer until now, we're happy to be back and it's interesting to have crazy things happening all over the place. Justin Bieber who just was getting good and friendly publicity 2-3 months ago for the cross-over on Steven Nash, now has a negative spotlight for a child paternity claim. Bearing this is all true, Justin Bieber's paternity issue is funny, silly, stupid, and bad judgment all at the same time. Whenever this Justin Bieber sexual encounter did or didn't take place, why wasn't he making better decisions and choices about whom and how to be sexually involved with fans or other random girls/women? He is indeed a male superstar and has the needs and attractions as any other heterosexual male, but he still is young and not just yet an adult. So either there is sub-par mentoring/parenting in his camp or just a big mistake by Justin Bieber. Either or we're sure its not his first mistake and won't be his last. Learning from each is the key. Though, Justin Bieber claims this is a bogus allegation and doesn't know her. Everyone will find out the facts soon enough.

In the political realm things can't be more up and down for Herman Cain. This guy should star in a Nationwide Insurance commercial - "Life Comes at You Fast". Not too long ago he was answering questions about his campaign appearing to be financially broke and will he be a serious candidate for position of GOP presidential candidate. Herman Cain's presidential campaign honestly wasn't being strongly considered as having a real possibility with those types of questions and other shortcomings. Then BAM! All of sudden Herman Cain is a popular fad that has a lot of people's and the media's attention with this revolutionary 9-9-9 plan. Which sounds like a great idea to some people, and 666, or is he serious to others. That's another story for another day. Nevertheless, he was up a lot of percentage points in polls compared to several weeks prior. Then BAM again! Some good ole' Herman Cain sexual harrassment allegations arise. Yes that's allegations with an S, plural, more than one. Well you get the picture. Anyway, now Herman Cain is getting aggressive, defensive, and annoyed when asked questions about these allegations. Time will tell how these allegations affect him. Good Job! We mean Good Luck with that sir.

Last, but not least the wonderful, beautiful, dazzling, and popular for some reason Kim Kardashian has divorced her play husband Kris Humphries. Wonder if Tyler Perry made some money for this marriage fiasco? Because this sure was a good stage play. This Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries marriage had sham written all over it from the beginning. Early in this summer there was a sexual rumor about Kim Kardashian and Bret Lockett, an NFL player for the New England Patriots. Of course Kim denied the rumors strongly stating she was in love and soon to be married, blah blah blah. Life was going just swell for Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries so he probably thought. The two got married on August 20th 2011 with an impressive guest list and blown unmeasureably out of proportion wedding. We're sure many of these guests are mad they wasted their time at this ceremony just to see this joke get old after 72 days. Forest Gump ran 16 times more days than that. However, we don't feel sad for Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian divorcing. Not that we are insensitive, but this clearly was not something to take serious from the beginning and many people knew it.

Rich People In France Want To Pay Higher Taxes?

It's always good to see citizens of a country go the extra-mile to help their nation. Such is the tale of France right now. Wealthy citizens of France have signed a petition to their government to tax them more so as to make up for the nation's enormous debts and budget deficits. For a while now, tax rates of income and wealth have fallen dramatically; since then creating stronger incentives for people to work harder and also declare their income. As a result of this, wealthy citizens' businesses are now more successful than ever and they are now eager to "give back" to the economy.

One of their suggestions was a tax equivalent to 3% of their income which will be imposed until the budget deficit in their country was reduced to 3% of the gross domestic product. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett had stated in a piece published in The New York Times that it is time the U.S. Government took away more from the super rich. Saying that the wealthy have been caressed enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. This idea has now been embraced by a number of European countries. Buffett and the French petitioners have used terms such as solidarity and shared sacrifice that are usually part of the lexicon of the Left. It is however, unclear whether this is a genuine move by the wealthy citizens or just a cynical ploy to escape public ire at a time of great economic distress.

Economists argue that it is regressive that the middle class should pay relatively higher income taxes and earn negative real returns on their preferred mode of savings, the bank deposit. They say this kind of taxing kills economic growth and doesn't allow for income equality.

Also, it is worth noting that the calls have come from business people who have built their wealth in activities that have not faced popular anger. In short, they are not hedge fund managers or bankers. This move by the wealthy citizens of France leave a lot to be speculated by spectators. The fact remains that this could be the best thing that has happened to the French government in almost 25 years! Obviously, the news sounds controversial, primarily for the fact that people all over the developed world are crying for less tax.

But, this might just be what the world needs to save itself from this economic downturn.

Jobs & Crime

President Obama's speech on his plan for job creation can't seem to come fast enough for America. Albeit, grown people make their own decisions and are responsible for them, the scarcity of jobs does play a role in the rate of crime right now. While nationwide unemployment stubbornly sits around 9 % and higher in some mid to major metropolitan areas, this has many people nervous and anxious. The unemployment rate is significantly higher for African Americans, which sits around 16%. Many of the few jobs that are out there are low paying and offer no benefits. Also, hundreds and even thousands of Americans at a time are still losing their jobs or finding out they will not have one soon. Republicans and Democrats go back and forth about which side’s ideas are better and will or will not work, but they are not the people feeling the burn of not having a steady income. So while politicians with their unjustified high salaries bicker and act childish with their egos, the average American citizen continues to struggle and fall deeper into financial holes. Most Americans still believe the country is set in a recession. In which some economists agree with them. There is no quick fix to this issue, but a resolution is needed like air is needed to breathe.

Due to there being a wide shortage of jobs, crime appears to be on the rise. People are finding ways to put money in their pockets and food on the table one way or the other. Men and women alike have found themselves breaking the law to feed themselves and/or their families. Crimes are ranging from petty theft, prostitution, burglary, robbery, money making scams online, and drug trafficking. Now, some people just have regular criminal tendencies and act out regardless, but for others desperate times call for desperate measures. Frequent “Smash & Grabs” in cities like Atlanta are definitely bold and desperate crimes to find money for reselling stolen merchandise. Clothing, liquor, and beauty supply stores are typical targets for these types of crimes. Law enforcement agencies and courts find themselves with a higher number of cases involving property theft and robbery as unemployment numbers steadily increase.

Without a constructive plan in place to progress America’s financial future including job creation, crime will continue to spiral out of control. It’s time for the government to step up and put some firm actions in motion that will truly benefit the American people sooner than later. Don’t talk about it, be about it!

What Happened To The Creativity In Television & Movies?

The advancement of technology accompanied with laziness and the copycat syndrome has driven television and cinema into the ground. You can't buy a good TV show these days or a great movie you had to go see again before it came out on DVD or Blu Ray in today's world. All you get today is watered down reality shows and worthless movies that have a terrible plot and no creativity. Today's reality shows only seem to have castings for males and females that have nothing going for themselves. They seem to only possess a big ego and willingness to go on TV and drink unlimited free alcohol on and off camera then let the cameras roll. Then whatever happens, it happens as long as I'm on TV. Hey no matter how ignorant or terrible I may look, I will be famous for it. (i.e. Jersey Shore, Bad Girls Club, The Kardashians, etc.)  It's not completely the writers & producers fault for continuing to create shows like these. And there are other shows with washed up and D-F list celebrities on shows like: Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrity Apprentice, Dancing with the Stars, and Celebrity Rehab. A lot of the blame falls on you as viewers continuously watching this garbage and not demanding something better with true substance to be produced.

This poor production has severely affected movies also. It seems as there is a terrible shortage of promising young actors out there in line to take the torch from a Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Russell Crowe, Tom Hanks, well you get the picture. These actors just named as great as they are can't go on forever. However, the movie writers and producers have to take a bulk of the blame. Pretty much a good portion of movies that comes out are a complete remake of something that came out in the 80's or 90's, or the plot has just been copied with a new twist in an attempt to create a new identity. (i.e. The Roommate) Has anyone ever heard of or saw the movie Single White Female? This is the original story of roommates and obsession. Then you have movies that are simply rotten like Red Riding Hood, Big Mamma: Like Father, Like Son, Battle: Los Angeles, and The Green Hornet to name a few. Basically everything besides sports is damn near unwatchable.

Yes TV and Hollywood must evolve over time, but to consistently produce sub par material is not acceptable. The bad news is, as long as people continue to support these mediocre productions, these filmmakers and networks will continue to put this type of work out. Stop giving these networks and bad TV shows our ratings by watching and stop giving these filmmakers our money at the theatres and maybe we'll start to see a difference.

Beyonce & Lady Gaga Not So Special Says China's Government

While many were enjoying the performance by Lady Gaga and the proud pregnancy news Beyonce shared at the 2011 VMA's, not everyone fully shares that same excitement towards the two divas. At least not China's culture ministry when it comes to certain songs by these ladies. Along with other aspects of life in China, the internet is strongly controlled by the government as far as the content permitted on it. If the government doesn't approve of something online or finds it to be unsuitable, they will remove it quicker than your computer says download completed (with a high speed connection of course).

It appears that Lady Gaga is more of a bugaboo to the Chinese government than Beyonce. Lady Gaga has several songs that are banned compared to only one for Beyonce. The song titles for Lady Gaga include: Americano, Judas and Bloody Mary, Hair, The Edge of Glory, and Marry the Night. The lone Beyonce song is Run the World (Girls). If you look at YouTube alone you would've thought that everyone adored at least one of the two music queens, but that’s not the case. Any music websites in China that hold these songs have been given a deadline to remove these tracks, or potentially face consequences from the government. Why? These songs are detrimental to the natural cultural security says the Chinese government.

The Corrupt, Tragic, and Expensive Gadhafi Lifestyle

The story about the Gadhafi family, their acts of violence against citizens, along with the lavish lifestyle they lead is something you typically see in organized crime movies where the boss is heartless. However, the real life drama based on the Gadhafi's is not made up and acted on a Hollywood movie set. Moammar Gadhafi wasn't the only person in the family to carry on with violence and marinating in the good life. Of course, the way of life had to be passed on and instilled in his offspring. 

Hannibal Gadhafi, one of Moammar's sons had his own household way of doing heinous activity. As Hannibal's western Tripoli playhouse compound was entered by rebels, there was evidence left behind that would look like a young rock star lived there. There were many bottles of expensive premium liquor, fine champagnes, luxury furniture, supreme stereo equipment, and Jacuzzis. This compound was definitely built, furnished, and stocked for the high life. Unfortunately, this high life came at the expense of the Libyan people. 

Beyond the glimmer and high quality items in the compound, was also a horrific sign that life inside wasn't perfect for everyone living there. A nanny for the Hannibal Gadhafi family working directly under wife Aline had been treated terribly and tortured. Aline burned the nanny with boiling water nearly over her entire body. The nanny was bound with her hands and feet tied, with her mouth taped while getting this awful treatment. Due to the vile character of the Gadhafi's, the nanny wasn't able to receive sufficient treatment for her injuries following the incident. One person with a heart attempted to assist the nanny and took her to a hospital. Unfortunately, this was found out and the guard was threatened that if he tried to help again he would be imprisoned. This type of lifestyle and treatment of people does not have a place on the planet, and needs to be vanquished ASAP. 

The "What-if" theory concerning Michael Vick

It can be assumed by now that most football fans and many Americans in the general public have heard about the ESPN article - What if Michael Vick were white? This is a controversial subject, and honestly a never-ending topic anyway whenever race is discussed. In our opinion what if questions are never going to be answered with a real scenario because of the many variables that could exist. A couple of things make this article interesting to us; first ESPN really goes to the point of altering a photograph presenting Vick with a white face, and the article nonchalantly speaks of Vick and the "African American approach" to football as only natural talent.

The article writer while enjoying and appreciating the opportunity to see a Michael Vick play and the "African American approach", does not mention any belief or thoughts about Vick or African Americans possessing true skill from study of the game and hard work. Doug Williams and Warren Moon were likely the two most accomplished African American quarterbacks of all-time who did not play with the so called "approach." Given that it can be argued African Americans are naturally more athletic than their white counterparts, there is not a reason to label African Americans as having their own approach to football or any sport for that matter.

ESPN's article goes on to ask hypothetical questions as far as Vick's upbringing and quality of life as an inner city child. The question was presented what if it were a white player who enacted in the dog fighting activity that Vick did would they have received the same punishment. This is where the article dives into the background of Vick's existence from a child up until the dog fighting bust; and asks what if he grew up in a two parent household that whites usually tend to have.

There are some good things mentioned in the article overall. However, it fails to further discuss that even though Vick obviously committed a crime, sadly racism definitely still exists in America that leaves this so called what if story with a question unable to be answered like most what ifs. Though, race absolutely still plays a major role in how various situations are handled and confronted on a daily basis throughout America and it’s disheartening. Hopes are high that just maybe; one day this won't be the case.


The ESPN article or this particular blog is not about race and how it applies to right or wrong.

Tobacco Companies Upset Huh?

After many decades of open enterprise and billions of dollars in profits, Tobacco companies have the nerve to be upset with the government about the soon to be placed warning labels on cigarette packages. These companies seem to have more fear about potentially losing profit than their customers do about having negative health effects. Now these giant organizations actually have the ego to file a lawsuit against the government. When did Tobacco companies get into the comedy business? Because this is a monumental joke. The lawsuit is being established on the basis, that Tobacco companies feel these new warning labels by the government violates the First Amendment by presenting hardcore visual facts about the harmful effects of smoking. It's believed by the companies that these visuals are too strongly persuading people not to buy cigarettes at all.

Perhaps Tobacco companies aren't aware that the use of their products according to the FDA "is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States" which is truly ridiculous. Even without that information from the FDA, cigarettes are bothersome and damaging enough. Now there will be people who continue to purchase cigarettes regardless for whatever reason; it won't happen to me, strong addiction, or just stuck in the bad habit quick sand. Whatever the case may be, the government does have a responsibility to save as many lives as possible and possibly lower unnecessary health care costs. Health care is already a large problem in this country, but that's another story for another day. Let’s just say, that without so many people smoking cigarettes America will be healthier.

Show Me The Money.... Says Chris Johnson

So now being in the final year of his original contract signed as a rookie in the NFL, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans wants a new deal. Nothing wrong with this right? Well that depends. Johnson is not just looking for a new contract, but a contract that pays him top dollar. Not just top dollar among his NFL running back counterparts, but top dollar as in amongst the highest paid players in league. Now don't get it twisted, Chris Johnson is a tremendous talent, fun to watch, and deserving of a new contract that pays significantly more than what he's due to earn. Though, with that said being paid along side Manning, Brady, Bradford, and several others who are more tenured is a bit much to ask. The first three individuals mentioned are quarterbacks and understandably deserve the big bucks. Johnson as great as he is, plays the running back position and is more interchangeable with another back should he be injured unfortunately. The same can’t be said for those quarterbacks.

Running backs have a short life span in the NFL. As witnessed last season running backs can come a dime a dozen, and seemingly out of nowhere at times. Do the names Peyton Hillis and Arian Foster mean anything? Basically these guys were under the radar just like Johnson initially and proved to be productive and effective for their respective teams. Now they may not be as fun to watch as Johnson, but they do produce. Also, as much as Johnson carries the ball for the mediocre Titans, he is prone to getting warn down sooner than later. He doesn't take many hard hits, but with that team not having any other serious offensive threats and a rookie quarterback teams will crowd the line keying in on him. Therefore, the odds are likely high he may take more hits and start slowing down over the next couple of years even while being in his prime.

With all this said Johnson does deserve to get a very handsome pay raise that makes him among the highest paid top two running backs in the NFL. However, being paid "quarterback money" is out of the question. Sure he’s had three very good seasons, but on any given Sunday he can take a hit and be done like Bo Jackson. It's understood he wants to be paid what he's worth, but he's simply not worth the salary comparable of the league's best quarterbacks. Sorry Chris. Get a good deal and get on the field and stop dreaming.

Wise Up America

It's hard to understand why our government has the priorities of a teenager or someone in their early twenties. The U.S. government would rather buy the new Jordan's than buy groceries. This is hard to swallow when considering the recent news that came out; stating Pakistan has allowed China to get a sneak peek at our Special Forces helicopter involved in the mission to take out Osama Bin Laden. Hearing information like this makes Americans sick to their stomach literally because you have to wonder where our future is heading. Even if, this story is just a rumor there is no way a serious relationship with Pakistan can be continued. Where there's smoke, there's fire. This could be a small retaliation tactic from the third world country because of their disappointment in the U.S. coming in unannounced and murdering Bin Laden. In which by the way, they obviously were hiding him in the Pakistani witness protection program.

So this damn country gets an annual stipend over $2 billion a year from us while here domestically we were hours away from a financial default. This is some sick joke right? No! This is how the U.S. government really operates. What's even worse is the fact this story is quietly being pushed under the rug by other nonsense happening such as Google buying Motorola, who won So You Think You Can Dance, and Snooki participating on Dancing With The Stars. C'mon Really? America's current livelihood and future is on the line here and our focus is elsewhere.

The relationship we have with China is already flaky and step brotherish at best. Now, if they have gotten a firsthand measurement of our top secret military technology solely because of the Pakistani government, that is all bad. America already has a tremendous debt to China without this new incident being mentioned. However, when you add in that they may have our secret and patented technology, lookout! Its time for the U.S. to quickly wrap up and end the relationship with Pakistan, end that war, bring home our troops, save that money and use it to aid our own country. Why invest in something or someone you don't or can't trust? The answer is you don't.  This is a life or death alarm clock saying wake up America get your minds right ASAP.

When Will Men & Women Learn?

So many women and men out there today complain, nag, and b*tch about that there are no good matches out there for them. I'm sure many of you have heard all kinds of excuses from she's too thick or too thin, or he's not tall enough, and I like to wear heels. And then there's excuses like I don't like guys that complexion, or I like girls with long hair. Hey nobody is saying just settle for anything and throw out standards, but forget about having that person of your dreams bump into you while you're standing in line at Chipotle. It doesn't work like that, at least not very often. Of course we want that mate who is stable, attractive, friendly, intelligent, not crazy, respectful, mature, and without kids galore. But that's not to say just because that person doesn't look like what our dream/ideal person is supposed to look like, that the right match isn't out there.

Just like a lot of other things you encounter in life, you need to step outside of the box when it comes to dating. The real world is a whole lot bigger than your "fantasy world" that doesn't really exist. Women need to stop with the statements like I need a man at least 6 feet tall. Especially, when they are only about 5 feet even to 5 feet 6 inches tall themselves. You are very likely missing out on a great man who is about 5 feet 10 inches tall. The same goes for guys saying things like I need a woman who is Halle Berry's complexion. When a tremendous woman with Gabrielle Union's complexion is right under their noses.

The list goes on and on for reasons why women and men eliminate, or don’t even give the chance for a fantastic person to enter their life. Too young, too thin, too this, too that, not this, not that, give it a rest. Lower your wants/needs not your standards. You just might find a life of happiness with someone that you usually would’ve never given a chance. Life is too short! Don’t waste it trying to find that “perfect” person. There is NO such thing as perfect. Live life and love…

Are We Really That Gullible?

So after several days of our troops being shot out of the sky in Afghanistan, we Americans are supposed to believe that our military has already found and terminated those responsible? Don't get us confused, we have a ton of confidence in our military and their capabilities. However, a less than a week turnaround time to seek & destroy the so called Taliban member(s) who took out our military helicopter is a bit hard to swallow. Why do you ask? Because unless the exact person or persons had foot prints in the sand that lead to their location, or were taped on hidden video, or were questioned in person and openly admitted to the rocket launch then its hard to accept that the actual persons responsible have been killed.

Of course, we want to see those who truly were responsible to pay the price, but we don't want to hear what the government thinks sounds good. Come on, we're smarter than that. We already fell for the "banana in the tail pipe" when George W. took us to war in the first place. Fool us once, shame on you, fool us twice, shame on us. There probably isn’t an exact science to see who exactly took down the chopper seeing as all the Taliban cowards cover their faces like old western bandits. Let’s just say that our mighty military did make the Taliban individual(s) at fault vanish, there are countless other extremist ready to step right in and fill the void. In other words, its time to bring our troops home and realize this war is not a typical war where the other side will retreat or wave the white flag. It’s time to stop selling the American people wolf tickets, and start investing in our future.

Hard Times and Hard Headed

As the nation still marinates in high unemployment, it appears there are no significant improvements on the horizon. The national unemployment rate still sits at just above nine percent, and many of those who are fortunate to have a job are not receiving pay raises as costs rise steadily. Gas, food, and utility bills are increasing faster than you can say bullshit. Large corporations are recording record profits while large numbers of Americans are hitting rock bottom just trying to keep a roof over their head. It seems like there is no way out at the moment. Sure the people in politics can fuss over whose plans and ideas are the best; but is there really a quick fix for our poor economy? No there isn't a quick fix per se, but there is a fix. However, it will take a major decrease in corporate & political egos, as well as the willingness for monster sized corporations to not be so greedy. It’s hard to know when or if things will change, even after the next Presidential election as some are lead to believe. There needs to be enormous changes to the mindsets of the people in politics in order for positive change to happen. Though, there is just a small bit of sympathy for those in politics because they have to support our troops and the ridiculous budget for defense. Without the budget for supporting these erroneous wars hanging over America's head we'd be in a better predicament with more flexibility.

A City Abandoned

There's nothing like waking up to look out the window and seeing nothing but white snow covering everything. Though, this is a big rarity in the southeastern U.S. For most children this is almost a miracle or even something of legend considering there is not many occurrences of any measurable snow on the ground in cities like Atlanta. So when a moderate amount of snow finally comes, kids get to stay home from school, and go outside to play in the snow just as kids do; building snow men, making snow angels, having snow ball fights, and even sledding on intertubes.

However, for the hundreds of thousands of adults that are not kids and have careers and jobs to do, the snow is not that splendid. Sure, the first day a snow storm comes on a Sunday night and alleviates people the need of going to work on a crummy Monday morning is nice, but when Tuesday rolls in and work is cancelled again because of the roads and highways being covered still with snow and ice that's a problem. This is Atlanta, and not Anchorage, so working adults can't hop on dogsleds or snowmobiles and just be on their merry way.

Given that it does not snow significantly very often in Atlanta, there is absolutely no excuse why in 2011 the city should be frozen in time like a snow globe. Atlanta, is a huge metropolitan area in Georgia that is funded by such things like the state's obnoxious income & sales taxes and even a highway toll inside city limits, etc. Nevertheless, there is enough money in the city & state to be sufficiently prepared with having snow plows and salt trucks on standby during Winter. It appears that Atlanta, missed the memo that even though snow is uncommon here it is possible - better safe than sorry.

Sorry is what many companies will be after having two consecutive business days off and possibly more. This is money being missed out on because the city was too incompetent to prepare for a season that comes every year and brings cold weather, snow, and ice we believe its called Winter. In turn, many adults will be sorry because even the city's public transportation system Marta, is not providing service due to the roads being bad. Unfortunately, not every business is closed and some people do still have to work. With Marta being shut down and the roads appearing to be untreated, travel to work is a severe pain in the you know what. For other adults the workload will be that much heavier when things do return to normal whenever that is.

It seems as if the city has just shutdown and hid in a bomb shelter waiting for Spring to come so the sun will shine and warm temperatures melt away all the snow and ice. This is not the 1960's, but rather 2011. Atlanta claims to be one of North America's finest cities possessing flare & fame and even bolsters the world's busiest airport, but the city government retreats when snow hits the ground. What a joke this is! Hopefully, the city will immediately plan for the future Winter seasons to come since the world and weather is evolving with time.