I’ve often wondered which is more important to the average American sports lover…their favorite team(s) or their jobs, friends, and family. As an avid sports fan, I can honestly say that up until very recently, I had no idea just how "out of whack" my priorities were. But it wasn’t necessarily anything I did. It was something someone else made me aware of through a random email.
Unless you just don’t know me that well, or unless you are blind (no pun intended) and can’t see my avatar, then I’ll just go ahead and tell you that I’m the biggest UNC fan on the planet. I make no bones about that fact. There are games I can watch with others. However, there are other games I just need to be alone to watch. And admittedly, UNC is probably the most televised college basketball team of all time. So it’s not like I’m deprived of Tar Heel air time, that’s for sure. Knowing this about me, then you must also know that I’m an avid Duke (dook) hater. After all, I am a Tar Heel fan. But it wasn’t until I received a random email from a Duke fan, that I began to see just how warped some of our priorities really are.
I rarely blog or even comment on this site anymore. But I did happen upon a blog that brought up the subject of Duke, and how many believe they are a fallen dynasty. So naturally, I chimed in and agreed, and threw in my two cents about how I "really" felt about the dookies. Little did I know that I would be summoned by a dookie via personal email.
Here is the quote taken directly from that email:
"I used to like the Tarheels. But due to many #### fans like you, who put down Duke by calling them "Dook" and "Puke," I have been a stalwart Duke fan for years. I have never met more #### and "no class" fans than the Tarheels. I mean, they are always denigrating Duke.Anyway, maybe you should take coach Roy's job. Frankly, he is one Tarheel who has "class"; so maybe you should take his job and complete the "no class" package."
Now, of course, anyone who reads this can see that this is nothing more than the pot calling the kettle black. And I’ve got no problem "debating" UNC and dook basketball. However, in the following days it became very evident that this guy had lost his marbles.
Apparently, he is in the process of writing a book about hatred for dook basketball. Now, I may not be a smart man, but when you become infatuated with what others think about a sports team, then I can only assume that family, work, and friends may be in for a long road. I have no idea who this guy is. I can tell you that he says he is a teacher….which I find either really scary, or highly unlikely. But the amount of personal hatred he has thrown out to UNC fans via myself, has been frightening, and apparently undetectable by him. We had several emails that went back and forth. But the more we emailed, the more I began to realize that this man was so infatuated with hatred for dook basketball, that he failed to see how it had taken over his life.
I finally just told him that enough was enough. I pointed out that he had started the whole fiasco by personally attacking me, someone he had never met, nor knew anything about. He is still in denial about this fact. And apparently he is still working on his book.
How far do we take our love for our teams? Should it be taken to the point that we personally attack those who show a disdain for "our" team. Should it be taken to the point that we take valuable time away from what’s really important in life? Should we really care about those who "hate" our teams? I sure as heck don’t care. And I sure as heck aint gonna write no book about it!!
The Appalachian State University Mountaineers completed a dream season on Friday night by defeating the Delaware Blue Hens for the Division I-AA National Championship. The win completed a “3-peat” for ASU (third straight National Championship) and, in the hearts of the AppState faithful, validated a win against Michigan in the “Big House” in their first game of the 2007 season. And in an ironic twist, the Delaware uniforms were replicas of Michigan’s uniforms.
In a year where the BCS was turned upside down by a two loss team reaching the BCS title game, the Appstate Mountaineers continued to dominate Div I-AA. However, their domination didn’t become apparent until their playmaker, quarterback Armanti Edwards returned from a shoulder injury suffered in their historic win over Michigan. After a couple of close calls in the first couple of rounds in the playoffs, AppState totally dominated the Richmond Spiders in the semi finals and Delaware in the Championship game. They outscored their last two opponents 104-56 to solidify their domination of Div I-AA Football.
There will be arguments made as to whether AppState deserves to be considered for a final ranking in the top 25 of the Div-I polls. After all, they received votes in the week two AP rankings after their win over Michigan. And it would be hard to argue that they don’t deserve a consideration for a final ranking in the top 25. However, with two losses during the regular season, one to Wofford and one to Georgia Southern, it isn’t likely that consideration will become a reality. And so this crazy college football season will likely end with AppState right back where they were before the season began…..a no name school from the mountains of North Carolina still trying to put itself on the map of big time college football.
I’m not foolish enough to believe that Appalachian State would be a Big Ten contender, simply by winning an opening season game against a #5 Michigan Wolverine team that was supposed to be a national title contender. And I can honestly say that if they were to play Michigan 10 times with this year’s roster, Michigan would likely win eight of those games. However, that’s what logic tells me and anyone else who follows big time college football. The only problem is, the heart knows no logic. And for one shining season, the Appalachian State Mountaineers took the Div I-AA Championship with talent….and took the heart and soul out of a Division I –A national title contender with heart.
(I would like to congratulate the Delaware Blue Hens with a classy game. I am personally embarrassed by the actions of some of the AppState fans and even some of the players. Delaware showed nothing but class. Head Coach K.C. Keeler is a class act and a great coach. Delaware should be proud.)
Yes, is the answer to that popular question. Here's why justice was served...
1. Michael Vick broke the law, plain and simple.
2. Michael Vick was given the opportunity, initially, to confess his guilt. He declined..and instead pleaded innocent to all charges.
3. Michael Vick agreed to take a lie detector test. He failed.
4. Michael Vick, only after failing the lie detector test, confessed that he was indeed guilty of running the dog fighting ring and guilty of torturing and killing dogs that didn't perform up to "standard".
5. As part of the plea agreement, Michael Vick was required to stay clean of drugs. He failed a drug test after the plea.
There are those who say he was unfairly sentenced. Some believe there are those who commit far worse crimes who are set free or who have to spend less time in prison. One example is Mary Winkler (the preacher's wife) who murdered her husband. She will spend less than a year behind bars.
My question is...where is your "real" beef? Is it with the judge who sentenced Mikey V to 23 months (less than 40% of what he could have gotten)...or is it with those judges who don't serve justice by wussing out on sentences and allowing criminals to walk free...which leads me to number 6 in my reasons why justice was served.
6. Henry Hudson was known for his harsh sentences. This was no surprise.
My advise to those who have problems with Mikey V's sentence is to take it up with the judges you actually have the issues with...the one's who wouldn't know justice if it were to bite them in the toosh!!
It seems that we have those who can't make up their minds. They complain about the O.J. trial being an injustice...and that he should have spent the rest of his life in prison. But those very same people also complain when justice is actually served, as in the case of Mikey V....that it was too harsh. So which way is it folks?
I know I know.....haven't we heard enough about Mikey V and the dogfighting? Well, it appears as though one prominent actress isn't quite finished "expressing her opinion" on the matter. While a guest on "The View" yesterday, Whoopi Goldberg stated her support for Vick by saying, "He's from the South, from the Deep South ... This is part of his cultural upbringing,".....ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! She also said, "For a lot of people, dogs are sport," Goldberg said on the show. "Instead of just saying (Vick) is a beast and he's a monster, this is a kid who comes from a culture where this is not questioned."
There is a little known town, nestled in the northwest mountains of North Carolina, that has become a household name over the past three days. Boone, North Carolina is home to those “upstarts” we all know as the Appalachian State University Mountaineers. And on Saturday, it was home to a few thousand students, who instead of taking the Labor Day Weekend trek home, decided to stay in Boone and cheer for their beloved Mountaineers. Little did anyone know that history was about to be made.
For anyone who lives outside the “Tri-State” area of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, the words “Appalachian State” mean nothing. It is a school with around 13,000 students that most like to label a “suitcase school”. Most students, unless they are athletes, are close enough to home that they can travel home during just about any weekend they choose. For me, it was literally a 30 minute trek up the mountain. So you could literally say that Appalachian State was my “home school”.
Football has always been “the sport” at App State. During the mid 90’s, they began asserting themselves as a top Division 1-AA threat for the National Championship. But it always seemed that the Championship game was illusive, in an almost taunting sort of way. Very little is known about their football program, simply because the only Division 1-A school that seemed to be willing to play App State on an annual basis was Wake Forest. And we all know, up until last year, that Wake has never been a football power. We always looked forward to that game as ASU fans…because more often than not, we seemed to come away with the win. But in recent years, Wake Forest has shown no interest in playing App State, probably because of the damage losing to them would do their egos and to their program.
So in recent years App State has played such foes as Auburn, LSU, NC State, and this year Michigan. Two years ago, they gave a LSU, a National Championship contender, all they could handle in Baton Rouge. Although the score showed 24-0, most of those points came late, and the stats showed that the game was very close. Last year, they played NC State very tough, and should have come away with a victory. But it was not to be. So after two years of hard luck and losing games to the “big boys”, it was their turn to take it a step further, and try their luck with a perennial national power, Michigan.
Keep in mind that Kidd Brewer Stadium, where App plays their home games, holds a measly 17,000 spectators at full capacity. So when the opportunity came to play in the “Big House”, it was too hard to pass up. They would leave their cozy little home in the North Carolina mountains, and voyage to a place that most high school football players could only dream of playing their college careers.
Most football experts, and fans alike, seemed to believe that the game this past Saturday would be a blowout. Press releases from all around the country talked about the “meaning” of playing a Division 1-AA team. Most believed this was nothing more than a “tune up” for Michigan. There were some who stated that Michigan only hoped to play Henne for no more than two quarters, or at least until Michigan had had time to “build a sizeable lead”. Reporters were tauting the receiver corps for the Wolverines, and wrote of limited playing time for them also. Michigan students and fans alike had no idea who this App State team was…or where they were from. They only knew it was supposed to be blowout city for the Wolverines and company.
Appalachian State has little to show for their football program. Players like Dexter Coakley and Matt Stevens have been lucky enough to make it to the NFL. But there has only been a select few to represent App State in the NFL over the years. So how could it be that this little school with this “suitcase” mentality could ever dream of playing a perennial national contendor in “their” house and dream they could come away with a win?
Michigan was supposed to win this game 55-0. Michigan was supposed to use this game as a “tune up” for bigger games. Michigan was supposed to intimidate this little team from nowhere. The only problem is, someone forgot to tell that to the App State Mountaineers. Someone forgot to tell Michigan that they were playing a team who had only lost 4 of their previous 30 games. Someone forgot to tell Michigan that there is more to football than talent, size, and ability. Someone forgot to tell them that they needed heart to beat this upstart team of “nobody’s”.
If you want to see the biggest and hear the biggest heart in college football, please feel free to come to the mountains of North Carolina where the clouds bleed black and yellow. But don’t forget to bring your radios and “in car televisions”. Because finding a way into this little 17,000 seat football stadium may be the hardest ticket you’ll ever find.
By the way, I’m more than just a fan of App State. I’m also a graduate.
Really? Is anyone surprised that the NAACP is just now getting involved? I think everyone needs to read this article from CNN. If you're not as appalled by what Mr. White had to say in this article than I am...then I give up.
"White also said he didn't understand the uproar over dogfighting, when hunting deer and other animals is perfectly acceptable."
UNBELIEVABLE!!!
If you agree with Mr. White, I'm saddened by your obvious bias. If you cannot see the difference in torturing dogs and hunting deer, you need to be examined for a loose lugnut, Mr. White included. Not to mention the fact that Mr. White feels that Vick should not be treated any different than any other NFL player who has made mistakes. Didn't I read somewhere where Vick lied to Mr. Goodell, the Falcons, and to a judge when he pleaded "not guilty"? How is that not perjury, by the way? That's about all I got to say about that.
I must preclude this post by saying the first four paragraphs, and the last paragraphs are my own. The "Star Spangled Banner" and the supporting paragraphs in between are not to my credit. I received that content in an email from a great friend of mine. If you would like that email, please feel free to leave your email address in your comments here, or email me at mattfaw@gmail.com. Thanks.
The playing of the Star Spangled Banner has long been a tradition at our American sporting events. It is one of the few songs that bonds all Americans who cherish our freedom here in this great land. We look forward to standing in unison, before our major sporting events, and singing along to those words that represent our freedoms and our culture. It is one of the few times where Americans come together in mass, no matter what political party we are associated with, and agree in unison to sing the song that represents our great nation.
In recent times, we have been confronted with issues in this country, regarding "God" being used in our schools and in our public venues. As a young boy growing up in North Carolina, we would stand in our classroom and recite the Pledge of Allegiance "one nation, under God" with no hesitation. Songs such as "God Bless America" were sang at gatherings. No one complained, and if anyone didn't want to join in the "festivities", they weren't persecuted. Prayers were offered before high school games by a local minister. No one kicked you out of the stadium if you decided not to join in the prayer, and you lived to see another day. Well, it appears as though those days are over.
Our country is being picked apart by special interest groups who have taken their individualistic views and desires straight to the top. It is becoming a nation where our Constitution is being twisted and turned into nothing more than a "I have rites" document. Don't get me wrong, this country was set up in such a way that the intentions were to do away with religious persecution. Our country is now a melting pot for all of the world's major religions. However, it has also become a melting pot for the minorities. And I'm not talking about race. I'm talking about ideals and lifestyles. Unfortunately, we are headed in a direction that is seeing the minority rule, as opposed to the majority. Our legal system has been abused in such a way, that it makes it almost impossible for the majority to rule in many cases.
This leads me to the idea behind my post. Our National Anthem actually has four verses to it. Although all we hear is the first verse, which doesn't mention God, God is mentioned in other verses. When Francis Scott Key wrote these great words to this great song, he was watching on as the British Navy was bombarding Fort McHenry. In the distance, Francis Scott Key could see the American Flag flying over the fort. His song describes the bombardment, and the subsequent results. Here are the words to this great song....
" Oh say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars,through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air , Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
(Ramparts, in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort.) The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise? During World War I when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
(The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling):
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto --"In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away ... not even one word of it.
And oh yeah, if you don't want to be around when it is played, show up a few minutes late to the game, or wear your headphones. And no, the majority should not be the one's wearing the headphones...after all, this country is set up to be ruledby the majority...right?
As I was driving home from a weekend of reserve duty at Camp Lejeune, NC, I had about five hours to reflect on my life, and the events that have shaped it over the past 15 years. Life is a complicated thing. From the time we enter this world, to the time we leave it, we are nothing but pawns in a chess game called life. In fact, when you really sit back and think about your life, it is actually one gigantic illusion. The present slips away in the blink of an eye, quickly becoming the past. The only thing we have to hold on to are our memories of those moments.
With this in mind, I felt it necessary to post a blog that might just give us some of those old memories to ponder. And what better memories do we have here on the Fox Blogs...than those of sports. I will be looking specifically at the years between 1993 and 1996…as those years will lead into the message of my blog. However, don’t be surprised if I don’t throw some actual life experiences in there along with the sports.
1993 was quite a year in my life. As a teenager, I had attended a church camp on the coast of North Carolina during our summers off from school. It had been my dream to one day be a “staffer” at this camp. After all, those staffers were my heroes during those years. Well, after applying in the spring of 93 for a summer job at this camp, I was accepted…yee haw!!!! My Tar Heels had just won the NCAA Basketball National Championship, and Davey Allison was burning up NASCAR as an up and coming driver. Little did we know that he would end up leaving us all too soon when his helicopter crashed that summer….and we may very well have lost one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, if he only would have had the chance!! With this being said, that was the best summer of my life…as you will see later.
1994 brought another summer as a “staffer”…and who could ever forget the OJ Simpson saga!!!! Although we wouldn’t learn for another year what his fate would be, we all were left bewildered and appalled at what he had likely done. Baseball ended early that summer, as the players went on strike. Jeff Bagwell was on his way to a possible triple crown, until the almighty dollar reared its ugly head!!!
1995 brought, you guessed it, another summer as a “staffer”. Although it was a slightly shortened season, due to the strike, my Atlanta Braves won their one and only World Series that fall. And I can’t mention 1995 without remembering those who lost their lives in the Oklahoma City bombings. And we will never forget the heroes who likely saved as many as died.
1996…yes…okay, one last summer as a “staffer”. And who will ever forget Kerri Strug’s heroics on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team that took home the team gold. She had sprained her ankle earlier in the competition, and yet was able to suffer through the pain, and pull off a miracle for U.S. again!!! On a downer, however, my North Wilkesboro Speedway would lose its races after 1996. It still sits there empty…with the ghosts of the past still being heard from time to time…if the wind is blowing just right!!
From there I would go on to get a Master’s Degree at Campbell University. I would then join the military during its most turbulent times in over 30 years. I would see two combat tours and lose three of my buddies in the process.
This all leads me back to 1993. As I sat at the gate of the camp where I was working, I can remember feeling the warm coastal breeze in my face. I remember a car pulling up to the gate, with a man and his wife, both in their 30’s, wanting to make a round through the camp. He was a former “staffer”, who had worked there during the early 80’s. He said to me, “you better make the most of these days, for they will be the best of your life…and they will pass quickly.” And of course, being the cocky 20 year old that I was, I thought to myself….” Whatever dude…these days will last forever…and I will stay young forever!” That was 14 years ago…and I’m now 34.
Next weekend, two of my old buddies and I will be taking a road trip to visit this old church camp. They were two of my closest “staffer” buddies during those years. We have since gone our separate ways, each of us choosing our own paths. However, we have remained close over the years…and I can honestly call them my brothers. I’m very excited about seeing this place again….which has a strong nostalgic pull. And yet I find myself equally as excited about what the next 15 years will bring in my life.
Sports is something that keeps us young. It keeps us close. And as heroes grow older, and eventually fade, young heroes will simply take their place, and keep sports on the tips of our tongues, and at our fingertips. Keep blogging my brothers and sisters. And remember, the NOW is already gone!!!
Wanna see where this investigation is headed? Wanna see more evidence of Mikey's involvement in the dog fighting business? And coming soon, if justice is served, you're gonna see Mikey V with his b-hole puckered up the size of a pin head. And I hope it will turn the dog fighting world UPSIDE DOWN!!!! I honestly pray that justice is served.
Here's to you Mikey!!! Click on the link below....
Not!!!! The past few years have been filled with scandals and unruly athletes in the world of sports. Whether it be the BALCO scandal and Barry Bonds, or the Ohio state penitentiary we like to call…the Cincinnati Bengals, the headlines of newspapers and all other media outlets have littered our heads with negativity. In most cases, there is a common theme…."I didn’t do it" or "It wasn’t my fault". In recent days there have been articles written about the crowds these athletes choose to run with. In the case of Michael Vick, there are those who believe he is a victim of his surrounding cast. Read here to see my point:
In the case of Pac Man Jones we have the same. Well, I propose this….
Why is it up to a multi-millionaire to "choose" his running crowd? Could it be that others have chosen them? Could it be that maybe Michael Vick and Pac Man Jones are actually the "bad influencers?" Could it be THEY are the bad apples and that Mickie V and Jones are the one’s bringing others down with them?
Why is it always someone else’s fault? I suspect that the crowds athletes choose to hang with are in all essence recluses. They suddenly "become friendly" to those with money. Why do those involved with dog fighting need Mike Vick? Why does Mike Vick need those who are involved in dog fighting? Why do strippers and strip bar frequenters need Pac Man Jones? Why does he need them? Common sense would tell me that others need these two more than they need them. They have money…and most of all they have INFLUENCE!!!!
So again, I ask, who are the influencers and who are the influenced? Common sense tells me that professional athletes have no one to blame but themselves. In fact, if anything, their "running crowd" can most likely blame them for much of their problems. So please…for crying out loud…STOP BLAMING OTHERS!!!!
NOT!!!! As many have already written in blogs here on the FoxBlogs, Michael Vick’s supposed association with dog fighting has created much attention over the past few weeks. As if Vick needed any extra attention, he has been accused of being involved with dog fighting. His involvement has yet to be determined, though there have been reports from some of his associates that he has been seen at dog fights in the past. But what is even more disturbing than these accusations, is that there have been NFL players who have actually come to Vick’s defense. As you have read on several FoxBlogs, Clinton Portis has been quoted as saying, "I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog.” He also said, "If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business." Well, Mr. Portis, let’s look at some of the facts that surround dog fighting.
Dog fighting is a money making machine. It is basically an underground outfit that makes its money by pitting two dogs against one another in a violent clash that often leads to death…and always leads to injury. These dogs live through this torture through most of their lives. If they are not killed while fighting, they often die from infections and internal injuries sustained from the fights. In other words, they die a slow and painful death. These dog fights are also common venues for drug distribution and usage. In fact, it is a common venue for gangs and “mafia” like organizations who thrive on drugs and violence. Dog fighting is a felony in most states, and is illegal in all states. It is the most violent and ridiculous of all animal abuses. Much of their training is done on cats and other small domesticated animals, who are unfortunate enough to be listed in the local newspaper as “needing a good home”. So the abuse from dog fighting isn’t limited to dogs. I don’t think I need to elaborate any further on the facts of dog fighting.
With this being said, I am challenging all bloggers who have supported Michael Vick and his fellow NFL supporters to explain to the sane world how exactly it is “okay” for Vick or any other person to be involved in the vicious and inhumane sport of dog fighting. Have we really gotten to the point in American where our professional athletes are pardoned for what would be a felony in most states? Now, with this being said, Vick hasn’t been convicted of anything. However, as friends and others come to the forefront of this investigation, with incriminating evidence that supports the accusation that Vick does, in fact, have his grubby little hands in this absurd sport, it is becoming more evident to the law of public opinion that he is guilty. And for those of you who support his actions, and anyone who is involved in this so called sport, I hope you have a mirror you can look into on a daily basis, and truthfully call yourself a decent human being. If you do, you are a fool, and someone who needs to be psychologically evaluated. GET HELP SOON!!!
As for Michael Vick, he was recently asked by an ESPN reporter about what this will do for his career. Vick simply stated that he had enough support from around the nation that this wouldn’t hurt him. He was also asked if he feels that he will be convicted of being involved with dog fighting. His heart felt answer was, “no comment”. If Michael’s brain activity matched his physical abilities, he might be able to complete a sentence that is understandable to the general public. And Mike may be able to understand right from wrong. Up to this point, that part of the brain has yet to develop. Good luck Mike!! And I assure you that what your money will get you out of in this life, will not escape you in the next!!!
I advise everyone to read this post...and tell me what you see wrong here!! If you see nothing wrong in this article, then you can throw the Constitution of the United States of America to the wolves, burn our flag, and spit on every American's grave who has faught and died for our country. I guess those who are waving foreign flags are so proud of their country that they are trying to become a citizen of the United States illegally. Makes sense to me..LOL!!! Let the frenzy begin......
In these days of “political correctness” and individual rites, it has become more and more evident that it is impossible for athletes to talk about their faith in live interviews. This was no more apparent than in an interview with this year’s Masters winner, Zach Johnson. In an interview with a CBS analyst after his improbable win on Sunday, Zach gave credit to Jesus, who he claimed was with him every step of the way. So rather than CBS elaborate on the part faith played in his win, the analyst just simply turned it into a, “so how did you feel knowing Tiger was nipping at your heels” interview? Network television has become more and more “hush hush” about faith and God. Conversations are steered in another direction.
It seems as though God and Jesus have become “forbidden” words in today’s society. You can thank all your sponsors, all your neighbors, and your entire family…but if you thank God, networks seem to cringe. Exactly what is it about revealing your faith and thanking God that is not “politically correct”? You can talk about sex, pedophiles, and negativity…but let’s not talk about those things that make our lives whole, and add substance to our lives. What has happened to our society, that the things that bring our families together, and give us hope and faith, have been shut out of the public’s view? Instead, we are allowed to talk about those things that are related to money and greed. Is it just me, or does this seem a little bit like DISCRIMINATION?!!!
Mountain climbing is one of the most rigorous and dangerous leisure pastimes anyone can tackle. Mt. Everest has become famous for more than just the fact that it is the tallest peak on Earth. The excavations to the summit have become legendary. The brutal terrain, along with the ever changing and unpredictable weather, have made the mountain a graveyard for many who have attempted to tackle its summit. Only the most experienced and seasoned climbers attempt to make that treck.
It seems that in recent times, mountain climbing has made the headlines for rescuing stranded climbers, than it has for legendary escapades. Mt. Hood Oregan has become famous over the past five years for the rescue efforts of those who attempt to climb the mountain in horrible conditions. I recall reading and watching the news on a few occasions, just this year, about rescue efforts being made to search for lost or stranded climbers. Of course, we all hope and pray that there will be happy news during these efforts. However, let’s take a look at another side to these stories, one that entails the expenses and danger that come to those who are putting forth those rescue efforts.
Each time a climber gets lost or is stranded, a search not only consists of manpower, but it consists of pulling resources from government agencies and sometimes even our military. While are hope and our wish as that there will be a happy ending to the searches, it should be noted that there is a substantial danger to those who are leading the search efforts also. This is no more evident than a search effort for stranded climbers in 2002, when a Blackhawk Helicopter was being used in the rescue efforts of some climbers who had fallen into a crevice. The Blackhawk was flying to its altitude limits during this search. Sometimes, at these altitudes, a downdraft occurs which can send a helicopter spinning out of control. Well, that is exactly what happened. The helicopter began twisting out of control before slamming to the ground, critically injuring one of the crewman on board.
It is worth mentioning here that the use of a Blackhawk Helicopter can run around $2,800 an hour to operate. This doesn’t include the manpower and other resources being used for this effort. The only time those being rescued are forced to pay back some of that money, is if they are found to be negligent. And even that caps out at $500 a piece.
In December 2006, there were three climbers who attempted to scale Mt. Hood. They were caught in a terrible blizzard, which isn’t uncommon this time of year, and subsequently lost their lives. The rescue efforts, though desperate, were in vain. In an exerpt from CNN News, Tom Kovacs, the former President of the Mountain Rescue Association had this to say…
“Rescues on Mount Hood are primarily done by volunteers. The expenses for the sheriff's departments run about $1,500 to $2,000 a day, Kovacs said. The full-time deputies and crews provide the logistics to set up the search, and the volunteers do the bulk of the work in the field. When the hypothetical cost of the unpaid volunteers is added, the price for a typical 18-hour rescue mission shoots up to about $8,000. In the more dangerous parts of Mount Hood, the typical rescue mission is two to three days, Kovacs said. When helicopters from the military or Oregon National Guard are used, the cost can go up thousands of dollars. The smallest choppers run about $750 an hour, and the larger helicopters can easily cost more than $2,000 an hour, Kovacs said. Add to that overtime, meals and supplies, and the number keeps rising. Part of the cost is covered by the military, because some helicopter use is considered basic training. Some states provide money to reimburse local authorities and donations contribute a portion of the cost, but whichever way you look at it, taxpayers foot much of the bill.”
Now, I may not be a smart man, but I have to wonder…just how smart is it to attempt to climb these monsters? If it is such a big deal to climb these mountains, in peak blizzard season, then maybe we should make this a spectator sport. Maybe we should charge admission for people to watch these selfish idiots attempt to have their day of glory, all at the expense of those who may very well be leading search efforts to find them later. How else are these rescue efforts going to be funded? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me…but it seems to me, that rescue efforts are only being made because of selfish and foolish decisions being made by “glory seekers”. Unfortunately, some will never know, and to those who lead these rescue missions, the glory of rescuing those who have been stranded become tainted, because they have basically just rescued idiots!!!
I'm sure there are many of you on this blogsite who are well aware of the problems between Dusty and I. It has not been a secret. I have recently tried to come to some sort of truce with Dusty...at which he has rejected my plea and has continued his hate toward me and those of my religious "right wing" beliefs. I have NEVER thrown my religion in his face on a single blog on this site. I have never called Dusty, nor anyone else on this blogsite a racist. I haven't been perfect. I have expressed anger toward Dusty...and toward others on this blogsite. However, I don't think that makes me any different than any other person on this blogsite. I have, however, been labeled a racist, a thug, a cracker, and a "must be Christian" by Dusty because I have dissented on his views about Barry Bonds. The fact is, I was only commenting on the subject of the blog. If there had been a blog who's subject was about Mark McGuire or Raffy Palmiero, he would have heard the same. But there wasn't, so everyone heard my feelings about Bonds instead. Somehow, that warranted a reply from Dusty labeling me as a racist cracker. This is where our war of words started. And it hasn't went away.
I posted a blog on how I believe Kobe's one game suspension for his flagrant elbow has been discussed more than it should have been. In my blog, I made the statement that those who are Kobe supporters are also Bonds haters. Well, if you had read my blog, you would have known what I meant by that title. The title was meant to attract all sports fans, whether you support Kobe or not. Sure, I'm just like everyone else. I am excited to think that there would be many who would dissent from my view. Of course, if you know Dusty that well, you would have known that he would not have been able to resist this blog...due to Kobe being the subject. However, according to Dusty, I only created the blog in order to get hits. Well, I thought that was the purpose in everyone writing a blog...was to get hits. I could care less if it is one hit or 1000 hits. I don't write very many blogs...as I don't have the time to do it. I have not entered one single Fox Blogs contest....NOT A SINGLE ONE!!! So that pretty much throws that theory of Dusty's right out the window.
Now, I have said that there are those on this blogsite, that I refer to as Kobe "#### sniffers". I have said that they have their heads up Kobe's #### so far that they should know what his #### smells like. Maybe that was uncalled for. Maybe that was a little overboard. However, I don't think that warrants getting my own religion thrown in my face. Keep in mind...that I never called anyone out individually on this post. Dusty came ranting and accusing me!!! If you don't believe me, read the post...and then read the comments. Sure, I probably said some things that were not very nice. But that doesn't make me a bad person...and that certainly doesn't warrant Dusty throwing my own religion in my face.
Now..with all this being said...I'm not the only one to have had problems with Dusty. I'm not going to name names....simply because the list is too long....and I don't want to bring up anyone else's name in this. This is between Dusty and I. Dusty has real issues with those who dissent from his view. They automatically become "haters"!! He then lights in with his many labels and accusations. However, if I do the same, I immediately become a hypocrite and I get my Chrisitianity thrown back in my face. Seems a little "hypocritical" to me....haay?!!!
So with this being said...tonight I came to Dusty trying to reach a truce. I asked him to start over from scratch. In all actuality Dusty and I agree on most everything. However, when the labeling and name calling began over a stupid Bonds blog....those agreements went out the window. So when I came to him tonight, asking him to find a common ground, where we could start from scratch, here were his replies....and keep in mind, that my pleas for a truce were erased before I had the chance to copy and paste them...although he mysteriously enough left his up for everyone to see....here was some of Dusty's latest comments about me and my Kobe post....and also my plea replies from tonight...
Dusty said...
"The never ending amount of Kobe hate and outright lies on Kobe on this blog never cease to amuse me. Fatmaw's latest attack on Kobe and Kobe lover's outright accused us of racism and hatred for Barry Bonds. Holy Moley now, that's a reach of historical porportions. How that connect is made is beyond me. But his primary complaint, like so many Kobe haters, is that us Kobe fans never stop talking about him. And your point is what? Someone held a gun to your head and made you click on the Blog with Kobe in the name and made you post nasty hateful things back to us Kobe fans? Ya Know it's a free country. If you don't want to read about Kobe don't click on the Kobe writers blogs. Novel thought there huh?"
fatmaw said...
"Hey Dusty...so exactly how did I accuse ANYONE of racism. I accused you of accusing me of racism. But I have NEVER accused anyone of racism. I would like to see you post my quotes on that please!!!!
And you totally read waaaaay too much into my post about Kobe and Barry. I'm not quite sure how you read it that way...you appeared to be the only one who did!!! You totally twisted that blog into something it wasn't meant to be...and I'm not quite sure how you did that!!
Please post my racist quotes accusing you or ANYONE of racism!!!"
I still haven't gotten those quotes, by the way
Dusty said...
"But the bottom line is exactly what Kris Kristofferson said...........
"Jesus was a Capricorn, he ate organic foods, he believed in love and peace, never wore no shoes Long Hair, Beard and Sandals and a funky bunch of friends Reckon they'd just nail him up if he came down again.
Cause everybody's gotta have somebody to look down on Who they can feel better than at any time they please, Someone doing something dirty decent folks can frown on If you can't find nobody else, then help yourself to me.
Eggheads, cussing ####, cussing hippies for their hair...others laugh at staights who laugh at freaks who laugh at squares.......
Some folks hate the whites who hate the blacks who hate the K-lan......most of us hate anything that we don't understand"
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHRISTIAN FAR RIGHT IN AMERICA TODAY.
ZERO TOLERANCE ZERO FORGIVENESS ZERO ALLOWANCE FOR OTHERS RIGHT TO BELIEVE DIFFERENTLY THAN THEY BELIEVE
THEY ARE THE MOST RACIST SEGMENT OF AMERICA. AND THEY DO NOT REPRESENT EVEN A MAJORITY OF CHRISTIANS IN THIS COUNTRY DESPITE WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE. THEY ARE NEITHER CHRISTIAN NOR RIGHT. THEY ARE THE ANTI CHRIST THE BIBLE WARNS US OF "WHICH WILL COME DRAPED IN THE ROPES AND THE WORDS OF THE FATHER BUT KNOW THEM FOR THE SERVANTS OF LUCIFER THAT THEY ARE"
fatmaw said...
"Dusty...I see you've deleted my comments again....and you've managed to throw my religion in my face once again...though I have never thrown it in yours. Nice job!! Why do you hate me so much? What have I done that has made you attack my ideals and my religion so tenaciously? Think about this...we were fine until I said something negative about Bonds. Then you began with the labeling. Am I wrong? What happened that set that whole thing off? Go ahead and delete this...that's fine. I'm just copying them anyway. So you know a blog's coming about this. Just answer my questions. I have a few for you. Show you aren't afraid to answer. Show you're willing to meet in the middle here.. 1. When did I ever call you or anyone else racist. I would like that quoted please. 2. You never answered my question about Kobe vs. Artest and Wallace...and you know what my question was. 3. Where does your content and hate for me come from? 4. Why do you continue to throw my religion in my face when I have never thrown it in yours? I'm trying here Dusty. I really am. Now show me you're doing the same."
Dusty said...
"I've already explained quite succiently and quite factualy my objection to you using things like HANG HIM, I KNOW HE DID IT on bonds, I object to you comparing Kobe to Bonds, I object to you saying "all kobe lovers makes excuses for Kobe but hate bonds" when you KNOW that to NOT be fact. I object to people wearing the "christian label" on their sleeves but NEVER having any CHRISTIAN CHARITY or FORGIVENESS for ANYONE they don't like or anyone who likes them. Finally I object to be told that we "sniff Kobe's ####" not once but THREE times because we write about our favorite player who is a FIRST BALLOT HALL OF FAMER, WHO VIRTUALLY ALL THE WRITERS AND PUNDITS AND SPORTSCASTERS SAY IS ONE OF THE TWO BEST PLAYERS IN THE GAME, NOBODY MADE YOU READ OUR BLOGS. YOU SIMPLY WENT HATING FOR NO REASON AT ALL AND USED BAD LIES TO JUSTIFY IT."
Fatmaw said...
"Dusty...I never used your name in any of my Kobe stuff. You came in my blog and started your rants. I have never said I was perfect. If there is any Christian who does...they are a liar. Stating my opinion does not make me a lying Christian. The fact is...you don't like it when anyone dissents from you...especially me. And where were my facts about Kobe wrong? I guess Kobe is who you’re referring too. In my entire blog on Kobe and Barry…where was I wrong?
Dusty…I honestly believe we think more alike than you think. Our biggest problem is basically with your support of Kobe and Barry…and my dissent from that. If you want to base that on principle…then reread my blog again. I honestly think you have misread it.
I realize I get angry….but it’s only with you. I’m not perfect…I never said I was. I make mistakes. But don’t get so angry everytime I say something negative about Kobe or Barry. That’s just how I feel. It doesn’t make me racist…and it doesn’t make me a thug. I have said on many occasions that I believe Mark Mcguire and Raffy are just as much scum as Barry. I don’t have a problem forgiving. But everyone must be held accountable for their sins or wrong doings if you will. I honestly feel that Kobe got off scott free…just as I believe Barry is. I also think that McGuire is. I am
Each time a climber gets lost or is stranded, a search not only consists of manpower, but it consists of pulling resources from government agencies and sometimes even our military. While are hope and our wish as that there will be a happy ending to the searches, it should be noted that there is a substantial danger to those who are leading the search efforts also. This is no more evident than a search effort for stranded climbers in 2002, when a Blackhawk Helicopter was being used in the rescue efforts of some climbers who had fallen into a crevice. The Blackhawk was flying to its altitude limits during this search. Sometimes, at these altitudes, a downdraft occurs which can send a helicopter spinning out of control. Well, that is exactly what happened. The helicopter began twisting out of control before slamming to the ground, critically injuring one of the crewman on board. 