OK, so he was wrong. He ran a dog-fighting clinic for years. Bets were made. Money was made. Michael Vick got richer. Michael Vick got caught. Michael Vick did time and Michael Vick lost millions - MILLIONS - of dollars.
In March, 2009, Donte Stallworth killed a man and pleaded to DUI manslaughter. Let me repeat. He killed a man, under the influence of alcohol (why these stupid celebrities and athletes drink and drive is beyond me...if I had their money, I would have my own limo service take me wherever, whenever so I wouldn't have to worry about such things, but that's another subject altogether). After pleading to second degree manslaughter, he did 24 days in jail, was suspended for the 2009 football season, and paid a nice chunk of change to the poor man's family.
Now I'm not going to hold a man liable his entire life. People make mistakes. Let me repeat. People make mistakes. But Mike Vick was caught for dog-fighting and did two years in jail and lost almost his entire fortune.
There's a lot to be said for players and the amounts of money they make. Vick wasn't right in what he did. Neither was Stallworth, or the several other athletes and celebrities convicted of heinous crimes. But I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about Vick. All of a sudden you throw animals into the mix and your entire life is gone, left only to hopefully rebuild if you can restore faith in the public that originally put you on a pedestal.
Fast forward to 2011...right now! Mike Vick has rebuilt himself. He worked hard to work his way back into the league. He trained, gave community service time, spoke at several different gatherings to discuss the importance of animals and properly caring for them and treating them, and has given mounds of himself to many different animal organizations, most notably, PETA.
The Philadelphia Eagles were nice enough to give him a chance to redeem himself and last season, he performed outstanding after replacing the benched Kevin Kolb. He was a winner in many ways. He had a comeback against the NY Giants that will forever be embedded in Giants' fans' heads for years to come. He was a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a dream for fantasy owners that drafted him. He made his comeback heard - and heard quickly!
Recently he was given a very nice contract that should set him up for life. However, after all is said and done, he is still being frowned upon, heavily criticized, and scrutinized for this season's performance.
"Mike Vick leaves game with concussion...was he worth the contract."
"Mike Vick breaks hand, slams refs...he's too soft."
"Mike Vick's hand is only bruised...maybe he should focus less on whining."
Give the freakin' guy a break. He's paid his dues. He's earned his way back. Let up and let off. He's frustrated that his O-Line isn't protecting him against the rush. He's frustrated that his team has struggled after making many what-seemed-to-be incredible offseason pickups. Oh, by the way, he's human folks! He has feelings. He has a heart. His had may not be on right all the time, but his heart is in it. Back off him and let him play. Nobody likes to see greatness succeed (i.e. Tom Brady and the Patriots). But this man has gone through the ringer and everyone needs to lay off. Give him time to make his way back. Let him be the man he should've been. Then he will become the quarterback he should be.
By the way, anybody heard anything about Donte Stallworth lately?
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Another great American story
On September 2, 2011, an autistic man took to the field at Fenway park to sing the National Anthem. Many would question the ability of a mentally challenged person singing such a big song, but that would be ludicrous because moments like that could become awe-inspiring. Such was the case.
The man took to the field and started singing. He was doing fine, even holding a tune nicely. Mid-way through the song, however, he began laughing. The crowd laughed with him. The man continued to sing and again, began laughing through the song, stumbling over words too difficult for him to sing. That's where the wonderful spectacle took place.
The crowd, after laughing along, chimed in. The entire stadium began to sing the second half of the song, guiding the young, autistic man through the rest of the song. The man sang along with the crowd as they guided him through to the finish and wildly cheered him on at the end.
If you haven't seen it, take a look at the following link: http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2011/5/13/2170303/boston-red-sox-fans-autistic-man-national-anthem
It's one of those moments that bring tears to your eyes and make you feel good inside. It wasn't a great moment in sports, it was a great moment before sports, before the baseball game - America's favorite past time. This simply brings goosebumps to your flesh, tears to your eyes, and once again, reminds us that we are a great nation that backs and supports our own. If you aren't moved by this video, then I'm not sure there is much that can move you.
It's a feel good story during difficult times, natural disasters, economic crises, and low incomes and housing markets that remind us, no matter what, we come together as a family, a team and we are all in this together, one nation, under God.
The man took to the field and started singing. He was doing fine, even holding a tune nicely. Mid-way through the song, however, he began laughing. The crowd laughed with him. The man continued to sing and again, began laughing through the song, stumbling over words too difficult for him to sing. That's where the wonderful spectacle took place.
The crowd, after laughing along, chimed in. The entire stadium began to sing the second half of the song, guiding the young, autistic man through the rest of the song. The man sang along with the crowd as they guided him through to the finish and wildly cheered him on at the end.
If you haven't seen it, take a look at the following link: http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2011/5/13/2170303/boston-red-sox-fans-autistic-man-national-anthem
It's one of those moments that bring tears to your eyes and make you feel good inside. It wasn't a great moment in sports, it was a great moment before sports, before the baseball game - America's favorite past time. This simply brings goosebumps to your flesh, tears to your eyes, and once again, reminds us that we are a great nation that backs and supports our own. If you aren't moved by this video, then I'm not sure there is much that can move you.
It's a feel good story during difficult times, natural disasters, economic crises, and low incomes and housing markets that remind us, no matter what, we come together as a family, a team and we are all in this together, one nation, under God.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The blame game
Several times you hear of kids and teenagers running rampant, causing chaos, or doing things they should not be doing. Then you hear the media reporting on such stories and blaming their lifestyles, or the infuences their friends had on them, etc.
Who's to blame? Parents, that's who! Kids are a recipient of the upbringings and teachings of their parents. Its about the way parents raise their children, instilling morale, teaching manners, proper etiquette, and allowing them to learn and grow. Parents should also play an intregal part in their childrens' lives, allowing them to feel free to wander, learn, and experience while keeping them close to help them learn from their mistakes.
Take, for instance, the kids who did the Columbine shootings. I choose not to mention them by name because I don't feel the need to glorify the names of two youngsters who, unfortunately, lost their way and let the best of the world and those around them get to them. But we know them well and the acts they performed. So what happened? They came from rather good families, so it seemed. But how much do we really know? How involved were their parents in their lives? They weren't struggling financially. How much did their parents really care to remain active in their daily routines? One can only imagine.
How about the young girl that committed suicide because she was being bullied - at school and over facebook? Why wouldn't she have gone to her parents? Were they involved enough or were they so entrenched in work, their own daily lives, paying bills, and trying to keep a roof over their heads that they forgot the reason that they did all that so the child they raised would grow up without any worries and never feel the stresses or pressures their parents faced?
I can't speculate because I'm not them nor was I a part of their lives or familial lifestyles. However, I can say that I am very much involved in my own daughter's life and know what goes on. She talks to me about anything and everything. Sure, she's only ten and I have people tell me all the time that when she gets into her teens, she will begin to rebel, etc., etc. Not unless I make myself available to her at all costs, pay attention to her needs, and never forget that she is what's first in my life - not work, not paying bills, not wondering what's going on in the news...SHE is first and foremost and I drop all things when she needs my attention.
I can't speak for the parents and families of those that have had to endure hardships. But I do know the strengths of families are dependent upon the leaders that keep them strong - their parents - through hard times and good times. That goes for single parents as well. I am a single parent but I work well with her mother to make sure she grows well. We are in a tough economic situation right now. The bonds that families have with each other - and other families - will guide them, and most importantly, their children through to better times. It will most certainly make them stronger and allow them to keep their heads above water and remember the love that was given them by their parents is something they will never forget.
Therefore, I blame my parents. I blame them for loving me and backing me through all that I have done. I'm not exactly where I want to be in life, at least not yet. But I'm 35 years old and I can always remember the good times I had growing up as a kid and the support and love that my parents always presented me with whatever endeavor I decided to partake in. Sure, they may not have always agreed, but they allowed me to grow, learn, and make decisions that I am now instilling in my daughter to see to it that she make the right choices, learns, grows, and that I will always be right by her side, come hell or high water. That's my job. That's my first job and the one job I absolutely love. There's no blame in that game.
Who's to blame? Parents, that's who! Kids are a recipient of the upbringings and teachings of their parents. Its about the way parents raise their children, instilling morale, teaching manners, proper etiquette, and allowing them to learn and grow. Parents should also play an intregal part in their childrens' lives, allowing them to feel free to wander, learn, and experience while keeping them close to help them learn from their mistakes.
Take, for instance, the kids who did the Columbine shootings. I choose not to mention them by name because I don't feel the need to glorify the names of two youngsters who, unfortunately, lost their way and let the best of the world and those around them get to them. But we know them well and the acts they performed. So what happened? They came from rather good families, so it seemed. But how much do we really know? How involved were their parents in their lives? They weren't struggling financially. How much did their parents really care to remain active in their daily routines? One can only imagine.
How about the young girl that committed suicide because she was being bullied - at school and over facebook? Why wouldn't she have gone to her parents? Were they involved enough or were they so entrenched in work, their own daily lives, paying bills, and trying to keep a roof over their heads that they forgot the reason that they did all that so the child they raised would grow up without any worries and never feel the stresses or pressures their parents faced?
I can't speculate because I'm not them nor was I a part of their lives or familial lifestyles. However, I can say that I am very much involved in my own daughter's life and know what goes on. She talks to me about anything and everything. Sure, she's only ten and I have people tell me all the time that when she gets into her teens, she will begin to rebel, etc., etc. Not unless I make myself available to her at all costs, pay attention to her needs, and never forget that she is what's first in my life - not work, not paying bills, not wondering what's going on in the news...SHE is first and foremost and I drop all things when she needs my attention.
I can't speak for the parents and families of those that have had to endure hardships. But I do know the strengths of families are dependent upon the leaders that keep them strong - their parents - through hard times and good times. That goes for single parents as well. I am a single parent but I work well with her mother to make sure she grows well. We are in a tough economic situation right now. The bonds that families have with each other - and other families - will guide them, and most importantly, their children through to better times. It will most certainly make them stronger and allow them to keep their heads above water and remember the love that was given them by their parents is something they will never forget.
Therefore, I blame my parents. I blame them for loving me and backing me through all that I have done. I'm not exactly where I want to be in life, at least not yet. But I'm 35 years old and I can always remember the good times I had growing up as a kid and the support and love that my parents always presented me with whatever endeavor I decided to partake in. Sure, they may not have always agreed, but they allowed me to grow, learn, and make decisions that I am now instilling in my daughter to see to it that she make the right choices, learns, grows, and that I will always be right by her side, come hell or high water. That's my job. That's my first job and the one job I absolutely love. There's no blame in that game.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The music side to movies
It all plays too well in my ears. Every time the original Superman or Superman II comes on , I'm instantly hooked. I've seen it a thousand times. I know most of the words by heart. I've seen every take, cut, director's cut made. That's not to say I felt that way about all four films (five if you include Superman Returns). I enjoyed Superman III with Richard Pryor. It was entertaining and drove us into the upcoming computer age. Superman IV had little to be desired. But the first two - amazing! So why am I discussing Superman? Because of what makes it so great - the music!!
Superman was greatly casted and filmed. For it's time, it had effects that seemed so real. It's hard to imagine anyone else playing the role that Christopher Reeves cemented, even though Brandon Routh did a fairly decent job reprising his role in Superman Returns. However, you can't have Superman without the wonderful score composed by John Williams. It revs you up, gets you excited, and makes you believe you can put on a cape and fly (although I highly advise against doing so unless you are on the ground trying for a takeoff...just make sure no one is around and if they are, record it and post it on youtube).
Musical scores are 50% of a movie's quality. Think about it. E.T., one of my all-time favorite films, is a fantastic movie. But the musical score elevates it, takes it to a different level. Would the scene where Elliot takes off on his bike with E.T. in the basket up front, flying across the moon, have been as powerful without the brilliant musical score? No. It would've been cheesy and silly. And without the music, you wouldn't recognize the movie by any other sound, other than maybe E.T.'s famous, "E.T. phone home." And what about Star Wars? Would Star Wars be all that it was without it's powerful musical score? M
Music alone plays a character role. Think about when the Empire enters the picture, or Darth Vader shows up. The music is grim, deep, and dark. Then we jump to Yoda giving youg Luke instructions on how to be a Jedi. The music suddenly is soft, inspiring, rings of hope and desire. Then of course, the main score that introduces the entire saga.
The musical score of a film is just as powerful as the film itself. Indiana Jones. Star Wars. Superman. E.T. Jurassic Park. These are just some of the major films that are as easily recognizable by their sound as they are their appearance. You can even go the way of horror films, classics such as Psycho, the Poltergeist theme, Nightmare on Elm Street, or John Carpenter's Halloween.
You probably never sit back and truly realize the power music has on film. It helps define the film, its characters and has a rather odd way of taking on the role of becoming a character of its own. So the next time you are sitting, watching one of your favorite movies, pay close attention to how the film makes you feel. Most of the time, it could be because it's mainly character-driven and built on the power of emotions. But listen closely to the music because its the music that can stimulate those emotions and bring the film closer to your heart.
Superman was greatly casted and filmed. For it's time, it had effects that seemed so real. It's hard to imagine anyone else playing the role that Christopher Reeves cemented, even though Brandon Routh did a fairly decent job reprising his role in Superman Returns. However, you can't have Superman without the wonderful score composed by John Williams. It revs you up, gets you excited, and makes you believe you can put on a cape and fly (although I highly advise against doing so unless you are on the ground trying for a takeoff...just make sure no one is around and if they are, record it and post it on youtube).
Musical scores are 50% of a movie's quality. Think about it. E.T., one of my all-time favorite films, is a fantastic movie. But the musical score elevates it, takes it to a different level. Would the scene where Elliot takes off on his bike with E.T. in the basket up front, flying across the moon, have been as powerful without the brilliant musical score? No. It would've been cheesy and silly. And without the music, you wouldn't recognize the movie by any other sound, other than maybe E.T.'s famous, "E.T. phone home." And what about Star Wars? Would Star Wars be all that it was without it's powerful musical score? M
Music alone plays a character role. Think about when the Empire enters the picture, or Darth Vader shows up. The music is grim, deep, and dark. Then we jump to Yoda giving youg Luke instructions on how to be a Jedi. The music suddenly is soft, inspiring, rings of hope and desire. Then of course, the main score that introduces the entire saga.
The musical score of a film is just as powerful as the film itself. Indiana Jones. Star Wars. Superman. E.T. Jurassic Park. These are just some of the major films that are as easily recognizable by their sound as they are their appearance. You can even go the way of horror films, classics such as Psycho, the Poltergeist theme, Nightmare on Elm Street, or John Carpenter's Halloween.
You probably never sit back and truly realize the power music has on film. It helps define the film, its characters and has a rather odd way of taking on the role of becoming a character of its own. So the next time you are sitting, watching one of your favorite movies, pay close attention to how the film makes you feel. Most of the time, it could be because it's mainly character-driven and built on the power of emotions. But listen closely to the music because its the music that can stimulate those emotions and bring the film closer to your heart.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Human kindness comes to the rescue
A two ton BMW. A motorcyclist. A fire. And a dozen bystanders and construction workers. This is what you get when you mix them together - sweet humanity playing its wonderful role, coming to the rescue of a perfect stranger.
In Logan, Utah, a motorcyclist has an unfortunate accident with a BMW and the victim is trapped beneath it. What happens next is the reason we live life, love life, and as humans, appreciate the simple humane efforts that surround us.
Construction workers, passers-by, women, and men alike came to the rescue. As the car and motorcycle burned, a few construction workers attempted to lift the car to retrieve the trapped motorcylists. When their efforts failed, a female bystander recruited several others to help. Roughly a dozen men and women bound together, lifted the 2 ton Beamer, and pulled the motorcyclist to safety.
Commendable! Honorable! Heroic! These words define their efforts. Out of the goodness and kindness of their hearts, to save a human life, they are heroes. An amazing effort. This is what makes this land so great. Stories like these reach deep within and pull heartstrings that are difficult to reach in a rather tough economy. These are some hard times. But this is proof that in hard times, we hold hands, stand strong, and the strength and will of our efforts can overcome obstacles that seem too great to overcome.
Trusting the written words of the media these days is becoming more and more dfficult. Their words change. Their articles change. They never seem to get the details or he story right. They fabricate. They extend the story beyond the actual story, and they belittle the truths of actual story. But when you catch it on video, there is no denying the sights we see. And this video is proof - no denying, no fabrication - of the good deeds done by those willing to help someone completely helpless.
http://autos.aol.com/article/citizens-lift-car-pull-injured-man-from-flaming-wreckage-video/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%7C95275
In Logan, Utah, a motorcyclist has an unfortunate accident with a BMW and the victim is trapped beneath it. What happens next is the reason we live life, love life, and as humans, appreciate the simple humane efforts that surround us.
Construction workers, passers-by, women, and men alike came to the rescue. As the car and motorcycle burned, a few construction workers attempted to lift the car to retrieve the trapped motorcylists. When their efforts failed, a female bystander recruited several others to help. Roughly a dozen men and women bound together, lifted the 2 ton Beamer, and pulled the motorcyclist to safety.
Commendable! Honorable! Heroic! These words define their efforts. Out of the goodness and kindness of their hearts, to save a human life, they are heroes. An amazing effort. This is what makes this land so great. Stories like these reach deep within and pull heartstrings that are difficult to reach in a rather tough economy. These are some hard times. But this is proof that in hard times, we hold hands, stand strong, and the strength and will of our efforts can overcome obstacles that seem too great to overcome.
Trusting the written words of the media these days is becoming more and more dfficult. Their words change. Their articles change. They never seem to get the details or he story right. They fabricate. They extend the story beyond the actual story, and they belittle the truths of actual story. But when you catch it on video, there is no denying the sights we see. And this video is proof - no denying, no fabrication - of the good deeds done by those willing to help someone completely helpless.
http://autos.aol.com/article/citizens-lift-car-pull-injured-man-from-flaming-wreckage-video/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%7C95275
Monday, September 12, 2011
Serena...the next McEnroe???
Serena walked steadily through the U.S. Open the last two weeks. I mean steadily, crushing her opponents with brute force and intense vigor. She didn't seem to break a sweat along the road to the finals. Then all-of-a-sudden she reaches the finals against Stosur and - aghast! - she ruptures during a point where she yells after striking a ball to the ad court to win the point.
So what happened? Let me say again, she screamed out after she hit the ball. Tennis rules clearly state that striking a ball and grunting when returning is legal, but to bellow out a good a brief second after you hit the ball, is that right? Can she do that? Is it legal?
According to the USTA, she screamed out "Come On!" in celebration while Stosur was reaching to return the shot - before the point was over. That is why the judge called her on it and gave the point to Stosur. This infuriated Williams, to which she called the umpire "a hater" and told her "don't even look at me." So are we looking at the next McEnroe or what?
Definitely not! McEnroe complained often and frequently. He was in constant uproar against officials, umpires, and line judges. Serena lashed out in 2009 with expletives and threatening abusive action. This year, she refrained from using abusive language but did dispute the call and the umpire's decision, which will only cost her $2000, a far cry from the $1.4 million pay check she receives. McEnroe argued improper calls and fought for the chance to prove his worth. Serena had a moment, with intensity, where she disputed an umpire's call, even though she was wrong.
Serena is 30 years old and needs to keep her self under control, however I give her kudos for being passionate in the middle of a game where she was fighting - and losing - and did not use any threatening or abusive language. Chalk it to the history books, she is no John McEnroe!
So what happened? Let me say again, she screamed out after she hit the ball. Tennis rules clearly state that striking a ball and grunting when returning is legal, but to bellow out a good a brief second after you hit the ball, is that right? Can she do that? Is it legal?
According to the USTA, she screamed out "Come On!" in celebration while Stosur was reaching to return the shot - before the point was over. That is why the judge called her on it and gave the point to Stosur. This infuriated Williams, to which she called the umpire "a hater" and told her "don't even look at me." So are we looking at the next McEnroe or what?
Definitely not! McEnroe complained often and frequently. He was in constant uproar against officials, umpires, and line judges. Serena lashed out in 2009 with expletives and threatening abusive action. This year, she refrained from using abusive language but did dispute the call and the umpire's decision, which will only cost her $2000, a far cry from the $1.4 million pay check she receives. McEnroe argued improper calls and fought for the chance to prove his worth. Serena had a moment, with intensity, where she disputed an umpire's call, even though she was wrong.
Serena is 30 years old and needs to keep her self under control, however I give her kudos for being passionate in the middle of a game where she was fighting - and losing - and did not use any threatening or abusive language. Chalk it to the history books, she is no John McEnroe!
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