2011 NFL Draft Prep

Let me start off by saying that I LOVE the NL Network!  Until the wound of the Patriots’ season being over has healed (and it’s almost there), I can fill the void by studying this year’s draft prospects.  Last week, they broadcasted the East-West Shrine Game.  This week, they are broadcasting the practices leading up to this Saturday’s Senior Bowl. 

The Shriner’s game is the first opportunity for players to impress NFL scouts and there were some players that stood out enough to have coaches want to see al lot more of them oat the Senior Bowl, on their school's pro days, and at the NFL Combine next month.  Thinking about the Pats’ needs (pass rush & a tackle to replace Light); Kenny Rowe (OLB/DE – Oregon), Chris Carter (DE – Fresno State), Akeem Dent (LB – Georgia: GO DAWGS!), and Marvin Austin (DT – North Carolina) all had great games.  As the Pats’ may want to look at an RB, Delone Carter (RB – Syracuse) also impressed.

Kenny Rowe is fast and displayed a few great pass rush moves.  He always seemed to be in the backfield.  http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=238452 

Marvin Austin may not make it onto the Pats’ draft board because of potential character issues.  He was suspended for his senior season for violating multiple team and NCAA rules.  Among them, the DE reportedly received benefits from agents that included a free VIP cabana in a Miami club that included all the booze he and his buddies (some underage) wanted.  This rocket scientist was smart enough to tweet about the club and the booze.

Some thoughts after watching Day 1 of the North team’s practice for this Saturday’s Senior Bowl some players that have appeared on mock drafts as potential Pats’ picks impressed.  Offensive tackles, Nate Solder (Colorado), Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), and Anthony Costanzo (BC) had very good days. 

I like Gabe Carimi (http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/carimi_gabe00.html).  He’s this year’s Outland Trophy winner as the best lineman in college football.  He’s big AND athletic enough to play LT and G.  I can easily see him and Sebastian Vollmer competing to replace the most overrated NFL player in history (Matt Light) next year with the loser sliding to RT.  Solder (6’ 9”, 315) and Costanzo (6’ 7”, 305) will also be nice replacements but they may be pigeon holed as LT talent only.

On the other side of the ball, Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB, Purdue) impressed.  Kerrigan recorded 25 sacks and forced 14 fumbles over the past two seasons.  After being stopped by Carimi during a 1-on-1 drill, he came back on the next play with a swim move and beat him to the inside. 

Here are some early mock Pats’ draftees from CBS and ESPN:

• CBS
  • Akeem Ayers, LB – UCLA
  • Cameron Jordan, DE – Cal
• ESPN
  • JJ Watt, DE – Wisconsin
  • Michael Leshoure, RB – Illinois
  • Ryan Kerrigan, OLB – Purdue
  • Mark Ingram, RB – Alabama

A lot will change between now and the draft (April 28-30).  This week’s practices will lead to a slew of mock drafts and the same will happen after the combine.  Bill?  If you’re reading this, give me a call.  I’d love to work for the Pats and be in the war room on draft day.  

One a side note, I’m going to try to not comment about the idiot who walked into the fountain while texting.  No one could tell who it was until she came forward and announced that she’s retained an attorney to possibly sue the mall. 

Thanksgiving

Although today is a national holiday that we celebrate with football games, turkey, pies, etc., be thankful for the blessings in your life.  Believe me, I LOVE football, turkey, pies, etc.  My doctor and the pies sitting in my fridge can attest to this.  I’m trying not to have a nice “small” piece of pumpkin pie for breakfast.

Leading up to today, I’ve been thinking about what I’m thankful for.  Although I have plenty of things that I’m thankful for, the past couple of years especially have made this time of year more and more difficult.  I guess it’s something that happens with age and “wisdom”.

Despite those things that have been “royal bummers”, there are still a great number of things I’ll be thinking about as I watch the Pats beat the Lions and eventually doze off in an l-tryptophan induced sleep.
I’m thankful for my relatively “OK” health.  Volunteering at EC Week every year helps remind me that even though my waist line is larger than what I’d want, things could be much much worse.  EC Week also lets me continue the memory of my Aunt Kathy, even if in a small little personal (not anymore) way.

Although getting laid off kinda sucks, I’m thankful that I have had a job that allowed me to give  be able to give back and donate to charities that are important to me; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, MSPCA, to name a few.  If you have any “extra” money, please think about giving some to a an organization that is meaningful to you.  The incessant mailers, updates, newsletter, and requests for more money may be a little annoying but in the grand scheme of things it’s not that bad, is it?

I’m thankful that my parents sacrificed to send me to good schools that offered great educational opportunities.  Opportunities that I didn’t take full advantage of, but I still think that I did well enough.
Related to education, I’m thankful that God gave me a voice that was good enough to attend a school that opened doors that probably would have remained shut, being a kid from Dorchester.  I know that without the “choir school”, I would have never spent part of the summer in the Berkshires performing at Tanglewood, never mind singing at Symphony Hall and the Opera House.

I’m thankful for football.  I will always remember the Saturdays and Sundays when I listened and watched football with my dad.  He never said that football was his favorite sport, but I’m pretty sure that it was.  I remember listening to the end of the Notre Dame games with him in the car just before the 4pm mass on Saturdays.  Sometimes we were a little late for mass.  I don’t think my mother approved of that.  Dad had his chair at the dining room table on Sundays where he could have Sunday dinner (lunch) while watching the game and listening to the Pats on the radio.  

I’m thankful for having friends and family that we always be there when I need them.  A family that now includes two (more) wonderful nephews.  Although we don’t see each other enough, (my fault) or even talk over the phone (again, my fault) or exchange an email (yup, my fault), I know that I can count on them.  Hopefully, they know that I’ll be there for them as well.

So, today as we officially begin holiday season, please take take to think about those people, places, and blessings that have helped you get to where you are today.  Not having some of the people with you anymore or not being able to go to places where you want to go may suck, but be thankful for having that emotional reaction and celebrate as if they were still here – because they are, in your hearts and actions.

There are so many more things that I'm thankful for, but I'll let you get back to enjoying your day.

Now, I’m off to have some pie!  Get ready Mr. Pumpkin pie, be thankful for allowing me to have my first serving of fruit today before my second later on (cranberry sauce).

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

“(We) speak loudly and carry a big hammer and sickle.”

Be careful, because this is the new motto of National Progressive Radio (NPR -formerly known as National Public Radio) and the left wing who want to force this country into “Change”…Hmm, where have I heard “Change” before.  I can’t put my finger on it.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally the snakes are rearing their ugly heads.  No one can argue now that there is (and has been for DECADES) a radical frightening bias that is now emerging and no one is safe.  NO ONE!  Anyone who disagrees with those in power find themselves in the crosshairs.  You are required to not question or promote alternative thoughts.  DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO!

Liberals and Conservatives need to be vigilant in defending democracy.  Just look at how crazy things have gotten.  I’m glad to see that CBS MAY be coming around.  Hopefully, it’s not too late.  Are we so stupid to fall for the “Did not! Did too!” argument.  Where’s the proof, Mr. Alexrod?  Where is the outcry for George Soros’ groups to disclose their contributions? 

CNN fired Rick Sanchez for calling John Stewart a bigot.  After the initial disagreement, listen to the agreement of the interviewer where HE (the interviewer) says, “If he’s bigoted against the ignorant, fine!  If he’s bigoted against the apathetic and he’s being elitist, saying the others are stupid…” Let’s face it, the REAL reason why Mr. Sanchez was fired was because he called out CNN in this interview.  I applaud him for that.

 

NPR fires Juan Williams because he “violated our (NPR) standards and values.” 

You just watched and listened to what Juan Williams actually said.  Now, be honest with me and don’t put up your liberal PC defense shields.  Do you agree with the comments?  If you were traveling on vacation and a group of men dressed in Muslim garb got on the same plane as you, will you not think of 9/11?  If you say no then go wash your black tongue and chisel the wood off your nose Pinocchio. 

Let’s see how Jesse Jackson feels about this type of profiling.  Here is what he said at an Operation PUSH Meeting on 11/27/93.  Don’t believe me?  Look it up!

“There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery.  Then you look around and see somebody white and feel relieved…After all we’ve been through.  Just to think that we can’t walk down our own streets, how humiliating.”

OK.  Jackson wasn’t and isn’t an employee of NPR.  Will NPR fire Nina Totenberg, an NPR Correspondent (REPORTER not ANALYST), for talking about learning the language of “Tea Baggers”  or this quote:

You and I both know the answer is no. Why?  Let Juan Williams explain in his own words on GMA. 

He was fired for telling the truth.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/10/21/juan-williams-npr-fired-truth-muslim-garb-airplane-oreilly-ellen-weiss-bush/

Watch NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller’s comments given yesterday in Atlanta.  Look at her smirk when she talks about him talking to his psychiatrist.  Where is Al Sharpton calling the NPR racist for firing a black man?

NPR recently received a $1.8M donation from George Soros.  This George Soros.  http://bigjournalism.com/wthuston/2010/10/18/george-soros-millions-buying-political-reporters-for-npr/

Don’t forget about the recent ATTACK on Target Corporation.  If you don’t know this story, let me educate you.  Target was attacked by MOVEON.org for making a political contribution in Minnesota to the pro-business group MN Forward.  MN Forward has endorsed the Republican candidate for Governor.  The candidate is opposed to gay rights.  So, Target was singled out because of its notoriety DESPITE the company winning awards from Human Rights Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

Fellow Americans, we are at a cross roads in our history.  Will we continue to be a free republic or have we turned into a totalitarian state.  Please help me defend the country we all love.

Let’s be honest here

Too many Americans take our freedom for granted.  We do!  As people in other parts of our world fight and DIE for the right to vote what do we do as Americans…run home to watch TMZ or Wheel of Fortune.  Patrick Henry, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Noah Webster are rolling over in their graves.

“Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and foe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Sir Winston Churchill 

The final results are not in yet but voter turnout was expected to be 15% today. 15%!  Let me put it another way, for every 6 people only 1 of us will determine the direction of or state.  Actually, assuming that most general election races (TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2nd) will end up somewhere around a 60/40 split, our elected officials and ballot questions will be voter FOR by approximately 1 in 9 people.

Looking at my own State House District (5th Suffolk) the numbers are even worse.  The winner garnered just about 700 votes in a district with just over 19,000 voters and 37,000 residents.  Approximately 3.5% of voters and less than 2% of residents have elected their Representative on Beacon Hill.  Comparing the 5th to the 4th Suffolk where there was no incumbent, the 5th’s winner would have come in last in the 4th.

FULL DISCLOSURE: As you may know, I attempted to run for this seat as a Republican.  However, for a few reasons, not all of which I can give here, I was not successful in getting my name put on the ballot.  Let’s just leave the reason as I didn’t get enough signatures.

Voter apathy is not a problem only for the 5th Suffolk.  In a time when there are so many important issues that our state and federal governments need to address, our citizens are forfeiting their responsibility to participate in the democratic process.

“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by the majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and vote – a very different thing.”  Walter Judd

Let’s analyze the voting process to see if we can determine the reason for the low turnout. 

• Voters only need to watch the news, read the newspaper (hardcopy or online), or even check their mail/answer their phone to find out when to vote.
• Polls in our state are only open 13 hours. 
• Polling precincts are spread out throughout the state that voters need to drive a few miles (if that). 
• Ballots are pre-printed requiring voters to either draw a line or fill in a circle.

With all of these obstacles, it’s not wonder why we can’t get more people to vote! 

As Americans, we all have the duty to be involved in the political process, even if it as straightforward (yet, ultimately important) as casting a ballot every few years.  So, please remember to vote in November and in every election!  Remember,

“Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”  Ronald Reagan 

    Massachusetts Elections Division

Should We Close Down and Privatize NASA?

OK, OK...So it's been 5 months since my last post.  Sorry, I've been busy.  I had attempted to run for State Representative but ran into a major hurdle thanks to some "friends" in New York whose job it is to stifle political activity, literally.  I'll be much more prepared for a fight next time.  I'm not going to try to catch up on issues (i.e, AZ Immigration Law, the Pats' draft picks, Daisuke, Boston violence, etc.).  I'm just going to start posting again on a periodic basis.  I may post something on some of these topics, but now now.

Is it time to shut down NASA and privatize all of its functions?  I believe that it's something that we should think of.  It's not something that I want to do, but to say they lost their way is the understatement of the past two centuries.  According to NASA.gov, "NASA's mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research".  Also, "NASA is making significant and sustained investments in:

• Transformative technology development and demonstrations to pursue new approaches to space exploration, including heavy-lift technologies;
• Robotic precursor missions to multiple destinations in the solar system;
• U.S. commercial spaceflight capabilities;
• Extensions and increased utilization of the International Space Station;
• Cross-cutting technology development in a new Space Technology Program;
• Climate change research and observations;
• NextGen and green aviation; and
• Education, including focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)."

So, how are they they doing this?  Well, I've posted the interview that Obama appointed NASA Administrator Charles Bolden gave to Al Jazeera.  You only need to watch the first few minutes to understand why I think NASA has lost its way.  When watching the video, ask yourself how the Muslim world can help NASA accomplish the items listed above.



If you listened to the whole interview, you know that Bolden mentioned that the U.S. has gotten away from basic research and development of new technologies and relies on the technology of other nations.  He goes on to mention that it will need the talents and technologies of different nations who offer different specialties.  He talks about the importence of the U.S. being the lead agency and that all of the other agencies look up to NASA.  Then, he talks about relying much more on international partners and putting them in the "critical path" with responsibilities they may not have been trusted with before. 

NOW IT MAKES SENSE.  Let's turn to the Middle East for technology.  You know, the Mecca of the Scienftic World.  Let's ask the people who last contributions to match and science came between 1,000 to 1,300 years ago.  Their society must be so sophisticated and modern!  With all those smart people, their literacy must be through the roof.  They must have match and science schools everywhere!  Let's tap into that knowledge to get the U.S. to go where we want to go, but don't know how to get there!

What?  They don't?  What do you mean that most people can't read and rely on the preachings (I mean teachings) of those who only know sharia law?

OK, at least tell me they live like the Jetsons.  Huh?  The vast majorty of the area live as if they were in the stone age?  Stone age.  Really?!  Not even like the American Old West? 

So, what is NASA doing pandering to the Middle East?...AGAIN!  Celebrating the anniversary of Obama's Cairo speech sounds like a diplomatic mission and not a scientific mission.

Clearly, Mr. Bolden is a well educated man. His career as a Marine and astonaut should be an inspiration to us all. Being a retired military officer, I think that he is following orders and doing what he is told.  However, I need to ask how can the Muslim countries help us realize this mission and list of objectives?  What can the countries of Iran, or Pakistan, or Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. contribute?

Without a doubt, there are brilliantly educated Muslim people in this world.  Where were they educated?  In "western" universities in Europe and the United States.  Stop bending over backwards to people who hate the way we live with electricity, running water...books. 

Let's focus on the global warming and rising seas that Al Gore has made millions speaking about.  Millions that be used to buy OCEANFRONT property in California.  Hmm....Then again, maybe he's giving that to Tipper in the divorce!