First off, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It is a special occasion when one can really appreciate those closest to them, and not have to worry about what type of present to purchase. Thanksgiving also brings with it the title of "busiest travel day of the year". My journey, unlike many, begins on the morning of Thanksgiving. This day is drastically less crowded then the day before, and yet I don't miss any football or our wonderful Thanksgiving dinner.
Besides for being the busiest travel holiday, I'd like to take some time to rant about how horrible traveling by plane has become. I will also point out that this is not an attack against our government, TSA, etc. In fact, I have little to no argument against the measures being taken to protect our freedom and ensure our safety. I personally did not go through the new scanners at the airport, but did see others passing through. The process takes only a handful of seconds as you put your arms up, stand still and wait for confirmation to continue. Some folks have an issue that a detailed picture of your body will be seen by someone. Well, this person is not anywhere near you. Does not see your face, name or travel information. They see a body, and are only ensuring that nothing harmful is being smuggled through. Is it ideal? I guess not. Does it help secure the airport, planes and those of us traveling? Yes - and that is the most important issue. Oh, and by the way! If this is too much for you, please let a stranger put his or her hands all over you so they can feel that you don't have anything harmful on your person. Because in this instance, the person is only feeling you, and seeing your face, hell they can talk to you (and if you're lucky offer a smoke when they're done).
My additional complaints are more targeted to the airline companies. I realize business is doing better now then the past few years, but that gives them no reason to treat their customers like rotten sardines. I stepped onto a plane this Thanksgiving and the first problem was having to duck half a foot to enter. Please note, I'm 6 feet and 2 inches. Slightly taller then your average male, but nonetheless this should not cause much of an issue - or I'd like to think. So not only did I duck to enter, I could barely stand up straight walking down the isle. In fact, I was hunched over ever-so slightly to protect my hair and top of my head from rubbing up against the cabin ceiling.
Next came the worst part of all, the part were the airlines treat their customers like sardines. We get squeezed into these one-foot wide seats (exaggeration) where our knees jab into the seat in front of us. Not only this, but there is so little room to place our legs - I hope for an isle seat so I can at least fully stretch one leg out. Of course this only lasts until a flight attendant shuffles by with the cart and her elbow begins poking at my shoulder. Fortunately my flight lasted just shy of 2 hours, but this pattern is becoming outrageous. Airlines are squeezing as many passengers as they can and are flirting with the fine line between profits for them and comfort for us (and if you ask me, they've wined and dined that line and are way past flirting).
Not to mention now you must pay for your luggage to travel with you, at no small fee. These fees can add up after a round-trip, and on-top of the already sky-high ticket prices, it's amazing anyone can afford to fly anymore. Once on, those of us in coach are subjected to a drink and either a bag of pretzels or peanuts (all of which seem to be getting smaller and smaller each time I fly).
I just hope I can afford first class when I'm older...
If you have any nightmare travel stories or comments to add please share them below!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sports Recap
A couple thoughts on some recent sports activity...
Let's start with the biggest news of the day, the Vikings finally fired Brad Childress. One old man down, one to go. It's about time. Childress shouldn't be wearing a headset on the sidelines of the NFL. The guy is a joke, a fool for sticking with Favre, and if it weren't for a magical season last year wouldn't have been around this year. Favre had his best season statistically and did the Vikings really think he could perform to the same level again? Childress has lost all respect from his team and the season was a bust from day 1. The Vikings finally made the right decision to fire the coach, and now if they'd just bench Favre they'd be getting somewhere.
Best recent NFL rivalry lives up to expectations. New England vs. Indianapolis. The Patriots got off to a good start, sparked by an early interception that led to a New England touchdown. The Patriots played well the first 3 quarters, and then Peyton went to work. He picked apart the Patriots defense, who showed their true colors against one of the games best. Down by 17 Peyton led his teams back to within 3, while Brady and the Pats couldn't get anything going on offense. Before we knew it, the Colts were within field goal range to tie up the game, yet still forcing the ball down the throat of the Patriots defense. Thoughts of last years game came to life as questions about Belichick's defense arose. Then an unexpected, but welcomed play came out of no where. The Patriots defensive line put pressure on Manning that changed his throwing motion just enough. With the ball coming up short, the Patriots intercepted the ball and the game. Nervous feelings throughout the 4th quarter were extinguished as the Patriots took back the game and kept up with the New York Jets in the win column.
Lastly, I'd like to bring up the MLS Cup that took place last night in Toronto, Canada. Most of you probably had no idea the championship was taking place, and I'm sure most of you don't care either. Nonetheless, it took place. The match was between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas. Although not the most exiting game, there were some signs of brilliance here and there. FC Dallas took the lead in the first half, and recent history would have told us the Rapids would not be winning the game. In the second half, with the thought of an earlier no-call in the penalty box on his mind, Conor Casey was able to find the ball and touch it past the goal line. The tied game went to overtime where an unfortunate ball deflected off a Dallas defender put the Rapids ahead. Able to hold off a few late surges by Dallas, Colorado went on to win the 2010 MLS Cup. Congratulations to the Colorado Rapids on winning their first ever championship!
Cheers.
Let's start with the biggest news of the day, the Vikings finally fired Brad Childress. One old man down, one to go. It's about time. Childress shouldn't be wearing a headset on the sidelines of the NFL. The guy is a joke, a fool for sticking with Favre, and if it weren't for a magical season last year wouldn't have been around this year. Favre had his best season statistically and did the Vikings really think he could perform to the same level again? Childress has lost all respect from his team and the season was a bust from day 1. The Vikings finally made the right decision to fire the coach, and now if they'd just bench Favre they'd be getting somewhere.
Best recent NFL rivalry lives up to expectations. New England vs. Indianapolis. The Patriots got off to a good start, sparked by an early interception that led to a New England touchdown. The Patriots played well the first 3 quarters, and then Peyton went to work. He picked apart the Patriots defense, who showed their true colors against one of the games best. Down by 17 Peyton led his teams back to within 3, while Brady and the Pats couldn't get anything going on offense. Before we knew it, the Colts were within field goal range to tie up the game, yet still forcing the ball down the throat of the Patriots defense. Thoughts of last years game came to life as questions about Belichick's defense arose. Then an unexpected, but welcomed play came out of no where. The Patriots defensive line put pressure on Manning that changed his throwing motion just enough. With the ball coming up short, the Patriots intercepted the ball and the game. Nervous feelings throughout the 4th quarter were extinguished as the Patriots took back the game and kept up with the New York Jets in the win column.
Lastly, I'd like to bring up the MLS Cup that took place last night in Toronto, Canada. Most of you probably had no idea the championship was taking place, and I'm sure most of you don't care either. Nonetheless, it took place. The match was between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas. Although not the most exiting game, there were some signs of brilliance here and there. FC Dallas took the lead in the first half, and recent history would have told us the Rapids would not be winning the game. In the second half, with the thought of an earlier no-call in the penalty box on his mind, Conor Casey was able to find the ball and touch it past the goal line. The tied game went to overtime where an unfortunate ball deflected off a Dallas defender put the Rapids ahead. Able to hold off a few late surges by Dallas, Colorado went on to win the 2010 MLS Cup. Congratulations to the Colorado Rapids on winning their first ever championship!
Cheers.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ban on Four Loko, Loko?
There has been a lot of coverage recently about the drink Four Loko, and those similar that are essentially an energy drink and alcohol in a can. More and more states seem to be banning the drink as Massachusetts just did.
Before I begin, I will tell you I have never actually had this beverage and therefore cannot comment based on experience. I have had mixed energy drinks and alcohol - either on my own or ordering from a bar. I will touch more on this in a little bit.
Is there evidence that there have been issues due to the drink? Unfortunately, yes. Caffeine and alcohol can be a very bad combination, especially when taken in large quantities. I support what is happening and agree that things such as this should be taken off the market. It will no longer be sold in stores, and will be made difficult to get. Well now, let's think about this...
Energy drinks are sold in every store I can think of, and alcohol well, if you're 21 you can buy it. What's the issue here? Sure you can take the drink off the market, but you will not stop young adults from buying the two main ingredients and creating the exact same beverage. In fact, by banning the drink you will only open the door for more people to rebel and drink it more. Young adults, especially those in college do not think about the pros and cons of a drink prior to drinking it. That's before they're a couple of drinks deep when their common sense is long gone. If they want to make a slightly larger effort, they must prohibit restaurants, bars, clubs from making these drinks. Although this would be another step, it is nearly impossible to stop people from making the drink on their own.
Another thought that crossed my mind as I wrote this was that this drink had to have been approved by the FDA? And I'm going to assume it was. Sure the drink may have nothing illegal in it and it may be okay when consumed in small quantities. But did no one predict the mess it has caused? You are taking a beverage made from caffeine and alcohol, and targeting a younger generation that is very immature. This is a group that tends to ignore limits, and will only become more immature the more they drink. Yes, there are suggested amounts for consumption by companies and the FDA, but these are frequently ignored. Maybe in addition to just banning the sale of Four Loko, the government should take a look at the FDA and figure out how such a product was allowed to be sold in the first place.
Talk about Loko...
Before I begin, I will tell you I have never actually had this beverage and therefore cannot comment based on experience. I have had mixed energy drinks and alcohol - either on my own or ordering from a bar. I will touch more on this in a little bit.
Is there evidence that there have been issues due to the drink? Unfortunately, yes. Caffeine and alcohol can be a very bad combination, especially when taken in large quantities. I support what is happening and agree that things such as this should be taken off the market. It will no longer be sold in stores, and will be made difficult to get. Well now, let's think about this...
Energy drinks are sold in every store I can think of, and alcohol well, if you're 21 you can buy it. What's the issue here? Sure you can take the drink off the market, but you will not stop young adults from buying the two main ingredients and creating the exact same beverage. In fact, by banning the drink you will only open the door for more people to rebel and drink it more. Young adults, especially those in college do not think about the pros and cons of a drink prior to drinking it. That's before they're a couple of drinks deep when their common sense is long gone. If they want to make a slightly larger effort, they must prohibit restaurants, bars, clubs from making these drinks. Although this would be another step, it is nearly impossible to stop people from making the drink on their own.
Another thought that crossed my mind as I wrote this was that this drink had to have been approved by the FDA? And I'm going to assume it was. Sure the drink may have nothing illegal in it and it may be okay when consumed in small quantities. But did no one predict the mess it has caused? You are taking a beverage made from caffeine and alcohol, and targeting a younger generation that is very immature. This is a group that tends to ignore limits, and will only become more immature the more they drink. Yes, there are suggested amounts for consumption by companies and the FDA, but these are frequently ignored. Maybe in addition to just banning the sale of Four Loko, the government should take a look at the FDA and figure out how such a product was allowed to be sold in the first place.
Talk about Loko...
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Celtics Being Celtics
Celtics finished up a 4-game road trip with a record of 3-1. That one loss coming in Dallas in the second night of back-to-back games in a very close game. The most notable game was of course the win over Miami in South Beach. The Celtics grabbed an early lead and controlled most of the game. Sure you can make the excuse that the new "Big Three" still need to gel together, and that will take time. I can't deny that it takes time for new players to get on the same page - especially with D-Wade sidelined for all but 3 minutes of the preseason games. But this excuse only works for so long. 3 big-names players that have played before for USA shouldn't have too much trouble learning about each other.
What we learned from this road-trip is the Celtics are still the top team in the East, and that experience will usually beat youth. The Celtics aren't always playing the best, but are getting it done. In the past 4 games, they showed they can score over 110 points and give up 100, and can also score 90 points and while keeping the opponent in the 80s. To me this is a sign of a very good team. Whatever the needs of a game are, they can successfully execute and get the job done. I think a lot of this comes down to the play of Rajon Rondo. Averaging about 15 assists per game, he is managing the game, leading his team down the field and looking for his options.
I think if prior to the season you asked people if they'd be surprised if the Celtics started with an 8-2 record, that answer would be no. Something I'd like to point out from their record is that they are 5-1 against over-.500 teams, and 3-1 sub-.500 teams.
In comparison here are some interesting statistics that may show some true colors:
Orlando: Overall 6-3, vs. Over-.500 teams: 1-2, Sub-.500 teams: 5-1
Atlanta: Overall 7-4, vs. Over-.500 teams: 0-4, Sub-.500 teams: 7-0
Miami: Overall 6-4, vs. Over-.500 teams: 1-4, Sub-.500 teams: 5-0
I won't comment on these statistics because the reason I included them makes it self-explanatory.
Please add your comments below!
What we learned from this road-trip is the Celtics are still the top team in the East, and that experience will usually beat youth. The Celtics aren't always playing the best, but are getting it done. In the past 4 games, they showed they can score over 110 points and give up 100, and can also score 90 points and while keeping the opponent in the 80s. To me this is a sign of a very good team. Whatever the needs of a game are, they can successfully execute and get the job done. I think a lot of this comes down to the play of Rajon Rondo. Averaging about 15 assists per game, he is managing the game, leading his team down the field and looking for his options.
I think if prior to the season you asked people if they'd be surprised if the Celtics started with an 8-2 record, that answer would be no. Something I'd like to point out from their record is that they are 5-1 against over-.500 teams, and 3-1 sub-.500 teams.
In comparison here are some interesting statistics that may show some true colors:
Orlando: Overall 6-3, vs. Over-.500 teams: 1-2, Sub-.500 teams: 5-1
Atlanta: Overall 7-4, vs. Over-.500 teams: 0-4, Sub-.500 teams: 7-0
Miami: Overall 6-4, vs. Over-.500 teams: 1-4, Sub-.500 teams: 5-0
I won't comment on these statistics because the reason I included them makes it self-explanatory.
Please add your comments below!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Soccer Talk
Soccer, Futbol, Calcio... whatever you call the greatest sport in the world, it is just that - a great sport. It has been a passion of mine since I was 5 years old, and I am surprised I haven't posted about it sooner. Nonetheless a few things have happened in the sport recently and I'd like to share some thoughts.
I would first like to take the time to honor one of Major League Soccer's (MLS) best strikers who was recently forced to retire due to a concussion suffered a couple seasons ago. Taylor Twellman, a scoring-machine on the New England Revolution retired last week after years of post-concussion symptoms that hinder his day-to-day life, let alone playing soccer. A true competitor on the field and a great guy off the field - Twellman was an ideal player. If you were a fan you loved watching him score goals, reaching the 100-goal mark in fewer games then anyone else. As a coach, you loved his skill, effort, and willingness to sacrifice his body. For his teammates, he was an offensive target (ask fellow great Steve Ralston about this one), a leader, and a great guy to have around the locker room. It is unfortunate Twellman had to deal with so many injuries throughout his career. I can only imagine the numbers he would have put up, the continued success of the Revolution - the part that was most important to him, and potentially seeing him sport the Red, White and Blue of another team playing in the World Cup.
Twellman #20 - he is the reason I once chose #20 for my soccer jersey and remains my jersey and favorite number. It was an honor seeing Twellman play, and I wish him the best going forward in whatever he pursues.
Please visit here to see his retirement speech: http://beta.revolutionsoccer.net/videos?id=10210
I've also attached a video of of Twellman's highlights with the New England Revolution, enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQIK50WRoj0
Staying on the subject of MLS, we are currently in the middle of the 2010 playoffs. Unfortunately the New England Revolution did not advance this year. Sadly enough, this was a common theme throughout the Eastern Conference. For those of you unaware, 8 teams make the playoffs - and this number does not have to be evenly split between the Eastern and Western Conferences. This year, only 2 teams came out of the East, while 6 from the West. In this case, MLS has put two Western Conference teams into the Eastern playoff bracket. Sound crazy? You bet. Imagine having a team in the AL East (MLB) play in the NL. Very awkward to think about. Well a funny thing has happened after the first round, no Eastern Conference teams have advanced. This means that all 4 teams left in the playoffs are out of the West. This is the only league where this occurrence could happen, and it is not right. Yes the conferences may be lop-sided on a given year, but that shouldn't affect the playoff format. Allow 4 teams from each conference, and let them play it out. Who knows what could happen..
The final comment I'd like to make takes us across the pond... well kind of. Most folks, even those not very interested in soccer should know of one of the most famous teams in the world. That would be Liverpool FC, in the English Premier League. Now if you follow news, and are from the Boston area, you would know that the owners of the Boston Red Sox, recently purchased Liverpool FC from it's struggling owners. These same owners brought 2 World Championships to Boston, and our hoping have similar success again. Prior to their takeover, Liverpool was struggling and on the bottom of the EPL standings. Since then it has been all success, and the season seems to have turned around. Have the new American owners brought a sign of hope to the Reds and their fans? I think so. I wish them all the best, and can only hope more games are brought to Fenway so that we may all enjoy the thrill of watching the best in the world in our backyard.
Cheers and see you on the pitch!
I would first like to take the time to honor one of Major League Soccer's (MLS) best strikers who was recently forced to retire due to a concussion suffered a couple seasons ago. Taylor Twellman, a scoring-machine on the New England Revolution retired last week after years of post-concussion symptoms that hinder his day-to-day life, let alone playing soccer. A true competitor on the field and a great guy off the field - Twellman was an ideal player. If you were a fan you loved watching him score goals, reaching the 100-goal mark in fewer games then anyone else. As a coach, you loved his skill, effort, and willingness to sacrifice his body. For his teammates, he was an offensive target (ask fellow great Steve Ralston about this one), a leader, and a great guy to have around the locker room. It is unfortunate Twellman had to deal with so many injuries throughout his career. I can only imagine the numbers he would have put up, the continued success of the Revolution - the part that was most important to him, and potentially seeing him sport the Red, White and Blue of another team playing in the World Cup.
Twellman #20 - he is the reason I once chose #20 for my soccer jersey and remains my jersey and favorite number. It was an honor seeing Twellman play, and I wish him the best going forward in whatever he pursues.
Please visit here to see his retirement speech: http://beta.revolutionsoccer.net/videos?id=10210
I've also attached a video of of Twellman's highlights with the New England Revolution, enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQIK50WRoj0
Staying on the subject of MLS, we are currently in the middle of the 2010 playoffs. Unfortunately the New England Revolution did not advance this year. Sadly enough, this was a common theme throughout the Eastern Conference. For those of you unaware, 8 teams make the playoffs - and this number does not have to be evenly split between the Eastern and Western Conferences. This year, only 2 teams came out of the East, while 6 from the West. In this case, MLS has put two Western Conference teams into the Eastern playoff bracket. Sound crazy? You bet. Imagine having a team in the AL East (MLB) play in the NL. Very awkward to think about. Well a funny thing has happened after the first round, no Eastern Conference teams have advanced. This means that all 4 teams left in the playoffs are out of the West. This is the only league where this occurrence could happen, and it is not right. Yes the conferences may be lop-sided on a given year, but that shouldn't affect the playoff format. Allow 4 teams from each conference, and let them play it out. Who knows what could happen..
The final comment I'd like to make takes us across the pond... well kind of. Most folks, even those not very interested in soccer should know of one of the most famous teams in the world. That would be Liverpool FC, in the English Premier League. Now if you follow news, and are from the Boston area, you would know that the owners of the Boston Red Sox, recently purchased Liverpool FC from it's struggling owners. These same owners brought 2 World Championships to Boston, and our hoping have similar success again. Prior to their takeover, Liverpool was struggling and on the bottom of the EPL standings. Since then it has been all success, and the season seems to have turned around. Have the new American owners brought a sign of hope to the Reds and their fans? I think so. I wish them all the best, and can only hope more games are brought to Fenway so that we may all enjoy the thrill of watching the best in the world in our backyard.
Cheers and see you on the pitch!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Post-Election Thoughts
Elections are finally over and political ads on TV are finished for a while.
In general there wasn't anything too shocking about the way the elections turned out. On a national level, the Republicans took over the House, while the Democrats kept control of the Senate. This was something expected for a while now, and I really don't think it will make a huge difference going forward. Sure, I've heard Republicans talking about how things will be done differently, and how this is America speaking up. But let's be honest, this is the same talk we hear every time a party takes over a portion Congress. Whether Democrat or Republican, politicians say the right things at the right time, but when it comes to walking the walk - they stumble. There are so many different views on major, nation-wide topics that rather the going forward on them, our government goes side-to-side. At what point will our government come together on these major topics, compromise and do better for this country.
The local ballot questions in Massachusetts were another topic of interest. I have added the 3 questions below for those of you that are unaware:
1. Get rid of the sales tax on alcohol.
2. Something about building affordable housing (I will admit I was/am not as knowledgeable on this topic)
3. Reduce the state sales tax from 6.25% to 3%.
The first and third questions were the ones of most debate. Getting rid of the sales tax, which would slightly decrease our states budget, was hardly the issue at hand. Many argue that we should not be taxed twice on an item being purchased - something that is happening when buying alcohol. Just this alone is wrong, and should not be allowed. What many store owners, especially in northern Massachusetts, have an issue with is the decrease in alcohol sales. Many people have been traveling to New Hampshire to avoid the extra tax. New Hampshire has had their highest alcohol sales, and are hurting local businesses in Massachusetts that rely on the sale of alcohol for their revenue.
The third question about reducing the sales tax is absurd. The sales tax was recently increased from 5% to 6.25% as a way to help increase the state's budget. Some claimed that by reducing this, and therefore the budget, would decrease wasteful government spending. Although this may be true in actual numbers, there would still be too much government spending and reducing the budget wouldn't stop politicians from wasting what should be used for good causes. To reduce the sales tax to 3% would be too extreme, and cutting down the on a budget that is already too thinly spread across the board would be horrible. People that supported this reduction seemed more focus on the idea of paying 3 less cents on each dollar they spent. This is a perfect example of how people make their decisions based on what they see on TV, and what benefits them as an individual. What we need is more people to be focused on what benefits society as a whole, and hopefully one person at a time we can make a difference.
In general there wasn't anything too shocking about the way the elections turned out. On a national level, the Republicans took over the House, while the Democrats kept control of the Senate. This was something expected for a while now, and I really don't think it will make a huge difference going forward. Sure, I've heard Republicans talking about how things will be done differently, and how this is America speaking up. But let's be honest, this is the same talk we hear every time a party takes over a portion Congress. Whether Democrat or Republican, politicians say the right things at the right time, but when it comes to walking the walk - they stumble. There are so many different views on major, nation-wide topics that rather the going forward on them, our government goes side-to-side. At what point will our government come together on these major topics, compromise and do better for this country.
The local ballot questions in Massachusetts were another topic of interest. I have added the 3 questions below for those of you that are unaware:
1. Get rid of the sales tax on alcohol.
2. Something about building affordable housing (I will admit I was/am not as knowledgeable on this topic)
3. Reduce the state sales tax from 6.25% to 3%.
The first and third questions were the ones of most debate. Getting rid of the sales tax, which would slightly decrease our states budget, was hardly the issue at hand. Many argue that we should not be taxed twice on an item being purchased - something that is happening when buying alcohol. Just this alone is wrong, and should not be allowed. What many store owners, especially in northern Massachusetts, have an issue with is the decrease in alcohol sales. Many people have been traveling to New Hampshire to avoid the extra tax. New Hampshire has had their highest alcohol sales, and are hurting local businesses in Massachusetts that rely on the sale of alcohol for their revenue.
The third question about reducing the sales tax is absurd. The sales tax was recently increased from 5% to 6.25% as a way to help increase the state's budget. Some claimed that by reducing this, and therefore the budget, would decrease wasteful government spending. Although this may be true in actual numbers, there would still be too much government spending and reducing the budget wouldn't stop politicians from wasting what should be used for good causes. To reduce the sales tax to 3% would be too extreme, and cutting down the on a budget that is already too thinly spread across the board would be horrible. People that supported this reduction seemed more focus on the idea of paying 3 less cents on each dollar they spent. This is a perfect example of how people make their decisions based on what they see on TV, and what benefits them as an individual. What we need is more people to be focused on what benefits society as a whole, and hopefully one person at a time we can make a difference.
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