Gun Control - What is the Solution?

In light of yesterday's terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I wanted to take a break from my daily sports commentary that I enjoy providing on twitter (@cip23) and sometimes at this blog. Social networks and even the news stations were inundated with outrage and calls for immediate changes to our gun laws.

There were experts on both sides of the argument screaming at each other on the Piers Morgan Tonight show last night. I think that many were losing sight of the fact that 20 families had just lost their small children just before Christmas and countless families are dealing with the loss of their children’s' innocence forever.  Couldn't we all grieve together for at least one day instead of taking sides?

The point that the debate for gun violence needs to move forward is a valid one. I just question whether it was yesterday, in the middle of the fact finding, grief filled moments immediately following the events. I also think that those who just point to stats and say there are too many guns are naive in thinking that this is a solvable problem overnight. What do you think the answer is, get rid of all guns? It just isn't realistic. Come to the table with real solutions.

I, for one, think that the media coverage of these types of events is as much to blame that tragedies like these keep happening as any other contributing factor. I commend Anderson Cooper, of CNN, for purposely not mentioning the suspects name and for covering him as little as possible. I think that other potential killers see the 24/7 coverage that these attacks get and possibly crave that 7-10 days of coverage on countless cable stations.

But the real discussion is guns. Why do we have so many darn guns is the question people keep asking? I will disclose that I am a gun owner. I sleep within 5 feet of a loaded gun. It is locked in a safe where only I can access. I also have long guns that I use to hunt. I believe in responsible gun ownership. When my kids get older, I plan to teach them about gun safety and how to shoot.

I am; however, open to some changes in federal laws. I do think that there can be some common sense changes that everyone should be able to agree. The government let the federal ban on assault weapons expire in 2004. I am not opposed to some form of that ban being reinstated. A limit on size of magazine clips would also be something I would support. I don't, however, think that these will have a major impact on the reduction of gun violence.

The number one thing I am in favor, and do think could have an effect, is the requirement of all States to impose background checks on those trying to purchase firearms. I also think they need to be done even more detailed then are done now. It seems to me that all of these mass killers have some sort of mental history in their past. I would think there could be easily be a link between the databases of the agencies handling the gun permits and those of the medical field that could prevent patients with a questionable mental history from obtaining such permits. I know on the NJ firearm ID card, there are mental health questions but it is easy for anyone to just check "no history". If, during the background check, a doctor had put a red flag in the system, it wouldn't matter what the applicant checked.

There is also the issue of carrying hand guns. Some states allow it, even openly, and others don't. When incidents like the one that happened at Sandy Hook School occur, there is discussion about what if there were someone that was armed, wouldn't it have been better? The opposition to carrying laws say there are studies that say it enrages the killer and more will die. Well I would like to see those studies. Why then are there armed air marshals on most of our airplanes since 9/11? Is that marshal not going to engage a terrorist or other armed person? I think responsible people, who go through training and background checks to become licensed gun carriers are not the issue and to go after that aspect of gun controls is to have a different agenda in my opinion.

Gun control is a complicated issue. If it weren't for the troubled economy over the last 6 or so years, it probably would have been more hotly debated during the last two presidential elections. I don't think any of us have all of the answers. I fall somewhere in the middle of the issue as someone who is a gun owner, believes in gun rights but is in favor of some common sense changes to our laws. I also believe that we need to think outside the box on these mass killings and look at the media coverage and medical fields and find a way to link them into the discussion. We are the greatest country in the world with the offer of the greatest dream. But too many of those dreams are being dashed in an instant and we must make it stop.

Who Will Make the Eagles 53?

Every year there are many articles trying to project each team's 53 man roster that they will take into their first game.  They usually make for a fun read and lets the writer show how close he/she can get to guessing how the team will look.  I always enjoy reading them.  However, this year, I am going to not try to guess which players will make the initial 53 man roster (there will certainly be changes in coming weeks) but will offer who I think should make the team.  I offer for anyone to chime in and give their opinions too.

Quarterbacks (3) - Michael Vick and Nick Foles are certain to make the team and more than likely will be one-two on the depth chart to start the season.  Who will be the third quarterback is the big question.  My vote goes to Trent Edwards.  I think that with the unexpected development of Foles, the Eagles can't rely on two guys that have virtually no experience to back-up the often injured Vick.  That's why I would keep Edwards over Mike Kafka in case Vick gets hurt for an extended time and Foles shows some rookie growing pains once given real time against game planning defenses.

Running Backs (3) - For me, this is a no brainer.  Lesean McCoy, Dion Lewis and Bryce Brown should all be safe.  The shiftiness and explosion that Brown has shown makes him possibly the second best back on the team.  Chris Polk has been impressive but is probably behind these three and it's hard with other roster log jams to keep four RB's.

Full Back (1) - For the first time in many years, the Eagles are considering not keeping a full time full back.  Stanley Havilli has been good in this role but, again; with other positions of strength, you might see them not keep any.  There is also a possibility of keeping Polk and using him in some two back sets.  I would keep Havilli and use him to help lead block since there will be a drop off in the run blocking with the absence of Jason Peters.

Wide Receivers (6) - Jeremy Maclin, Desean Jackson, Riley Cooper, and Jason Avant are all safe.  I think Damaris Johnson is safe too.  He was undrafted but has looked fast and is valuable in the return game.  I think the Eagles should keep Marvin McNutt as the sixth receiver whom they drafted in the 6th round this year which would spell the end of Chad Hall.

Tight Ends (2) - Brent Celek and Clay Harbor are the two tight ends that will play and both will see the field often.  Brett Brackett, the converted Penn State QB/WR, could make this a tough decision.  He has played well this preseaon and if they decide to not go with a full back, he is someone who could be the beneficiary.  I think they can probably squeak Brackett onto the practice squad so that's what I would do.

Offensive Line (9) - For this unflashy and underappreciated group, there is a lot of guys that can play multiple positions.  That helps them keep only nine guys which will allow them keep more defensive lineman.  Demetress Bell, King Dunlap, Todd Herramans, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Dennis Kelly, and Danny Watkins are all safe.  I don't like giving up on draft picks (the Eagles don't usually either) so I think Julian Vandervelde is safe.  I think the last spot is between Steve Vallos and Dallas Reynolds whom the Eagles have maxed out his use on the practice squad the last few years.  My guess is that they keep Reynolds whom they have groomed as long as possible as the ninth lineman.

Punter (1) - I think the Eagles should keep Matt McBriar as their punter.  I think they are very seriously considering it too but, again; they will be hesitant to give up on a young player that they brought in last year and tried to groom into their long time punter.  McBriar brings lots of experience and some good numbers to the Eagles.

Kicker (1) - Alex Henry will be the kicker this year and expect him to build upon his impressive rookie campaign.

Long Snapper (1) - Jon Dorenbos continues to be one of the top long snappers in the NFL and will enter his seventh season for the Eagles.

Safeties (4) - Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman remain the starters and, to me, the biggest question marks on the team leaving camp.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles scan the waiver wire at this position.  Although he was hurt most of camp, I think the Eagles should and will hold onto free agent signee O.J. Atagwe.  The big question is whether or not they will keep 2011 second round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett.  He still doesn't seem to move instinctively but with only three other safeties, I think he is safe.

Corner Backs (5) - Nnamdi Asomugha and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie are the two starters.  Brandon Boykin is fighting veteran Joselio Hanson for the nickel corner spot.  Boykin will be involved in the return game.  If I were making the decisions, I am saying goodbye to Hanson all together.  They Eagles really like Curtis Marsh and Brandon Hughes so I think they fill out the five CB's while they also give up on third year man Trevard Lindley.

Linebackers (7) - This is a position that the Eagles may load up on players as much for hope of finding guys that may step up as anything.  The starters, as of today, are DeMeco Ryans, Akeem Jordan and impressive rookie, Mychal Kendricks.  Casey Mathews and Jamar Chaney look to be safely on the team, as well.  Brian Rolle, who was the starter at the WILL position until earlier this week is in danger of getting cut but I think he has shown enough big play ability to make the team.  Finally, Kenan Clayton has shown he is a big time special teams player at the very least and should round out this group.

Defensive Ends (5) - So far in this roster, there are some thin spots such as tight ends and even wide receiver.  The depth at defensive end and tackle is the reason.  I would keep the top five defensive ends.  This includes the veteran starters of Jason Babin and Trent Cole, the second group of Brandon Graham and Phillip Hunt along with rookie Vinny Curry.  They may choose Daryl Tapp over Hunt and they may also choose to keep all six but I would keep five ends and five tackles especially with the ability of Cullen Jenkins and Fletcher Cox to swing outside if needed.

Defensive Tackle (5) - I think this position became easier in recent days with the addition of Mike Patterson to the PUP list and the knowledge that he may not be back at all this season.  That being said, Cullen Jenkins and Derek Landri have looked very solid as the starting group this summer.  First round pick Fletcher Cox will mix in and basically be considered a starter as well.  I would keep Cedric Thorton and Antonio Dixon as well.  Thorton has looked great in camp and Dixon has been a good run stopper through the years which they will miss without Patterson.  If they decide to keep six ends and only four tackles, I would keep Thorton and waive Dixon.

There you have the 53 man roster I would submit to the league office come this Friday.  It will be interesting to see what happens and, as usual, the intial 53 man roster will change many times throughout the year, sometimes even between submission and the first kickoff.

Feel free to add comments here, on Facebook or Twitter with your own picks at some of the bubble positions, would love to hear them!


Cippi

Browns Game Observations

Here are my thoughts about the Eagles thru their first three preseason games.

• Overall I'd say that the rookie class has been the story thus far.  It's still early but it already looks like this draft class could rival and even surpass the 2009 group that yielded Jeremy Maclin, Shady McCoy, Moises Fokou, Brandan Gibson, and the picks used to acquire Jason Peters. So far Nick Foles has been the story of camp and maybe one of the big stories of the preaseson.  His poise, accuracy, intelligence and arm strength are not just a mirage.  This goes along with Mychal Kendricks,, who is always near the ball and first round pick Fletcher Cox who will be part of the tackle mix.  Add in Vinny Curry, Dennis Kelly, Brandon Boykin, and Bryce Brown, all of which could see playing time as rookies.

• I tried to isolate on Demeteess Bell during the Brown's game.  He looked slow and unathletic.  He was beaten on two plays in a row, one a running play, one in pass coverage.  If he can't be a solid tackle, the offensive line could be mediocre at best.  King Dunlap has been nothing more than a journeyman in his career.  This is no way to protect Michael Vick's blind side.

• I continue to be impressed with the defensive line.  No matter who is in, they are bringing pressure.  I really think when they are playing games that count and a few blitzes and stunts are mixed in, this team will create a lot of sacks and turnovers.

• I think 2010 first round pick, Brandon Graham, is ready for his breakout year.  After two injury plaqued years, he looks healthy and very quick.  I predict, if he can stay healthy, he will accumulate around 8 sacks in a rotation role.

• Could Bryce Brown be the steal of the draft?  After not playing much college ball but being rated the top running back out of high school, the Eagle's brass did their homework and were impressed with what they found.  He looks like the second best back on the team and could be a good compliment to McCoy.

• I think that the special teams will be much improved in 2012.  With the addition of Boykins and undrafted rookie Damaris Johnson (another player that needed significant research after embezzlement charges ruined his senior year at Tulsa), the return game should be much improved.  Between the improved return game and the development of second year kicker Alex Henry, the special teams should help steal a game or two this year.

• With Trent Edwards playing solid so far, I think there is a real chance that Mike Kafka gets cut.  This would also allow the team to have a more veteran back-up in case Foles faltered during a long term injury to Vick.

• Phillies mix in - When did Kyle Kendrick and Roy Halladay switch bodies?  Halladay has looked very human all season.  Kendrick has a 0.82 ERA in his last three starts and that was only because of a two run homer that ended a 21 inning scoreless streak.

I will be projecting the final Eagles roster later this week, or at least what I think it should be.  Feel free to give your feedback, even disagreements.  Would love to hear your opinions.

Cippi

Patriots Game Observations

Here are my thoughts about the Eagles and their pre-season game against the Patriots.

• Nick Foles continues to impress.  And I mean REALLY impress.  He showed incredible poise for a rookie, a strong arm and toughness to hang in the pocket under pressure.  I do remember feeling similar about Bobby Hoying but there was something much more fake about those expectations.
• This has to be the deepest defensive line in the NFL.  They just keep coming after the quarterback.  The second and third teams too.  They have some serious number issues with how many ends and tackles to keep because unless there are injuries, there are two or three guys getting cut that will end up playing on other teams.
• Phillip Hunt had the best game amongst the lineman.  I thought Fletcher Cox looked good too.
• Mychal Kendricks is a total beast!  He was all over the ball right from the first snap.  Can you imagine him turning into a Terrell Suggs type playmaker?
• Demetress Bell has looked totally lost in limited action so far.  Not playing with instinct at all. 
• Both starting corners looked solid.  I really think they will have a much better season in a man to man system.
• Demeco Ryans through two games has not been the game changer that all Eagles fans were hoping he would be.
• I loved seeing some fire out of Big Red when calling out his defense.
• The Eagles have got to get better on 3rd down.  They will lose every game if they keep giving up 3rd down conversions especially via penalty.
• These replacement refs have got to go.  If not, we are in for a lot of 4 hour games this year.
• Ryan Howard has 13 RBI's in his last 12 games.

Would The Real Chase Utley Please Stand Up?

Like most Phillies fans, I lived for Harry Kalas play by play calls. There were so many favorites. My personal favorite of all time was the Mike Schmidt 500th home run call against the Pirates. I know exactly where I was and remember hearing it and running outside to make sure my dad heard it too. Right up there with that call is the "Chase Utley, YOU ARE THE MAN!" call (http://bit.ly/xzqh8). I loved everything about the call. It was hip, it was spontaneous and it was a bit out of the box for Harry who liked his coined phrases.

Soon after Utley scored from second on that weak grounder to the pitcher which caused that praise from Harry, Chase Utley was cemented as a legend in Philadelphia. He had always played "the right way". He always hustled, he never asked for a day off and frankly for a few years, he put up numbers comparable to the greatest second basemen of all time.

The only problem was that his statistics had already started to decline by 2009. Since he had become the full time starter in 2005, Utely hadn't hit below .291. However, from 2009-2011, he hit .282, .275, and .259 respectively. Power numbers had a similar decline with his slugging percentage going .508, .445, .425 during the same span.

So were we just witnessing a 30 year old experiencing a normal decline or was this the result of a chronic knee problem?  In 2011, at the start of spring training, we found out that he was struggling with a sore right knee.  Some fancy unpronounceable condition that surgery would likely only make worse. This kept him out of the lineup until May 23rd. He played the rest of the season and just wasn't himself as noted by the stats above. However, entering into the offseason, many thought the time off would provide him the rest he needed to come back in 2012 possibly stronger with the ability to properly strengthen his legs.

Then the bombshell hit at the start of 2012 spring training that his left knee was bothering him. This news disseminated out of camp at a snail’s pace. Was it the Phillies putting the cork on the information or Utley himself? As we have come to learn, Utley was not only keeping the information quiet from the media, he was not being open with his condition to the ball club. The Phil’s management was just as surprised that he would end up missing the first 76 games. At times when Ruben Amaro Jr. would speak to the media, he sounded as distraught at his lack of knowledge of how Utley felt and his overall condition as the situation itself.  Was all of this just Utley's crusty personality or is something more sinister?

One of my favorite Eagles as a kid was Mike Quick. He was tall, fast and could out work his opponents for the ball. However, he also was very well known for not being much of a fan of training camp or practice. Is it possible that for all of the love that we have bestowed on Utley for his work ethic over the years, he might be one of those players too? Might he just want to play 90-100 games per year instead of 162 at this stage in his career on achy knees?

One thing is bound to be sure starting tonight. This is the first time there are at least a few doubters out there about him as a warrior and whether he still has top level ability. He also is carrying expectations, mostly by himself for the time being, to get this team back on track. The legend that was cemented by Harry when he certainly was the man might be in jeopardy. However, the great thing about sports is that the games are played on the field and we will find out in the next few months who Chase Utley really is.

Rube, Where Are You?

As this 2012 Phillies season nears the halfway point, I am searching for proof that their General Manager is still alive and well. Other than the every few days health update for the walking wounded, do we have any proof that Ruben Amaro Jr. is actually still doing his job?

This season certainly hasn't gone the way anybody thought it would, especially Amaro Jr. When he traded Wilson Valdez back in January, he certainly couldn't have known that Chase Utley had a bad enough left knee that he would not play a game prior to June 27th. He couldn't have thought that through June 26th, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee would have 4 wins between them and Halladay would be on the 15 day DL. He couldn't have thought that Ryan Howard would still barely be running on June 25th after needing a second surgery on his repaired achilles tendon. He couldn't possibly think that, other than Jonathan Papelbon, the bullpen would have a combined ERA of 4.84 which ranks 29th in MLB.

Certainly Amaro Jr. can't take the blame then for the Phillies being nine games out after 74 games played, right? Well, let's examine the details of that 4.84 ERA from the bullpen. Amaro Jr. Went out and signed Papelbon to a 4 year 50 million dollar contract in the offseason, a record contract for a reliever. Other than him struggling in non save situations, he has been very good. He also brought in journeyman Chad Qualls to be a set-up man. This move has proved disasterous, as Qualls has struggled mightily in the first half. Antonio Bastardo has also struggled trying to adapt from a lefty specialist to a full 7th or 8th inning man. They have also had multiple season ending injuries to guys like Michael Stutes, David Herndon, and Jose Contreras.

This is where Amaro Jr. comes in. At a time where the team desperately needs a morale boost. Just when like Utley is coming back and Howard not too far either, this team needs badly to rely on its management to provide that boost. Not just in morale but in wins. Strong teams are won at the back end of the bullpen. Take Sunday's early game for example. Cole Hamels pitched very well for 7 innings. Charlie Manual was hoping to get Qualls and Bastardo through the 8th and have Papelbon close it out in the 9th. Bastardo proceeded to walk two and then give up a three run homer. This led to losing both ends of a double header and the series loss.

The bullpen deficency has been present all season, it's not new. Amaro Jr. needs to go out a get some help. Not from Jake Diekman, who appears to have good stuff, but clearly needs more minor league seasoning. He needs to go get a Brett Myers or another experienced arm. But this should have been done a month ago before 4-5 games have been given away at the hands of this deficient bullpen. Has the contract to Papelbon prevented the financial flexibility of years past to allow such moves? Only the GM knows why he has yet to act in attempt to save this sinking ship.

Now, as Halladay and Utley and Howard all start to come back and the real possibilty of the team stringing wins together, the reality of Manual having no one to go to between starter and Papelbon very well may prevent the seventh straight postseason for the Phils. Ruben Amaro Jr. has had and still has a chance to change that by making the first move(s) by imrpoving the bullpen immediately.

Rube, as one famous sports figure in this town loves to say, the time is yours. The only problem is that it is very quickly running out for 2012.

Is it Time To Panic for Phils Season?

Like many Phillies fans out there, I haven't been real comfortable with the start of the 2012 season.  Something about this year's slow start felt different than others in their recent past.  Maybe it is the fact that there seem to be gaping holes in the lineup similar to Andy Reid's failure to have an adequate punt returner or fullback to start a season.  Maybe it's the fact that there is a new Natitude in the division with all four of the teams seeming to have gotten better.

So during my down time in worrying about the Flyers sudden collapse, I have decided to analyze the Phils of recent years and also what they appear to have coming back.  What I have found is pretty remarkable and have decided that it is time for all of us to relax and enjoy what the next four plus months will be providing.

First, I looked at their record.  As of May 8th, the Phils stand at 14-16.  For all intents and purposes, this is .500 for this analysis.  Since 2007, the Phils have finished April below or just above (no more than 2 games over) .500 every year except for last year.  In 2007, their first year of their current playoff run, they finished April 11-14.  More or these numbers coming up.

This week also provided good injury news for the team.  We learned this past Saturday that Chase Utley was re-joining the team.  It sounds like he is going to be with them for about a week and then head down to Clearwater to not just rehab but possibly start playing extended spring training games.  So although the Phils have refused to give a timetable on Utley, is June 15th or even June 1st out of the question?

Ryan Howard has already started back in Florida and had a full week rehabbing last week and as of yesterday started taking batting practice.  All indications from the team so far have been that the Achilles itself is in good condition.  Could Howard make a trip north sometime in mid June?  By the way, if after the dust settled after Game 7 last year and you were asked if Howard could come back sometime in June, would you have taken it?  I sure would have.

Lastly, is Cliff Lee.  He threw a bullpen session on Saturday and reported no issues.  The Phils currently have him scheduled to start against the Mets Wednesday night.

What does all of this mean?  Will then win 100 games because these guys seem to be coming back soon?  I doubt it.  But Lee helps immediately.  The Phils lost all three game Kendrick started in his place and putting him back into a suspect bullpen can only help. 

Will Howard and Utley be their 2009 versions when they come back?  I doubt that too but just their presence would really help this lineup. For one, it will put guys back into their more natural batting order.  It will also give Charlie Manual a chance to move Ty Wiggington, about the only guy hitting consistently, to left field, a spot the Phils have gotten very little production so far.

Going back to the numbers, where do the Phils need to finish to make the playoffs and will they need to play .700 ball to make it?  Not at all.  Going back to 2007, the Phils have averaged playing .594 ball from June 1st on.  For the sake of argument, let's say they are at .500 by the end of this month, putting them at 21-21.  With 120 games left to play, the .594 clip would finish them 71-51 for a record of 92-72.  Those 92 wins might not win the division but since 2003, it would have at least gotten a tie for the National League wild card every season.

I think instead of panic, we should hope for the healthy return of Lee, Howard and Utley.  We should hope that RAJ can add some bullpen help at the trade deadline and that they play how they have played the second half in recent years.  If so, we will be biting our nails in October for the sixth straight year.

Just Call Me Ebenezer Scrooge

It is that time of year again.  People were outside this past weekend putting up Christmas lights.  I see holiday displays everywhere and Sirius radio has multiple stations playing 24/7 Christmas music.  Have I mentioned that I haven’t even fried my Thanksgiving turkey yet?  It does really seem that we start "celebrating" Christmas earlier and earlier every year.  Not only that but we have started to ruin the holiday season all together.  I say this knowing I sound like people of our grandparent's generation and it generally sounds like I am being a scrooge.  However, if you give me a few minutes of your time, maybe I can convince you that I am right.

In the last two weeks I have read about retailers, whom over the last decade have seemingly opened black Friday shopping earlier and earlier in the AM, actually opening on Thanksgiving night to start the official holiday shopping spree.  The claim is that their customer feedback is telling them that they want to be able to shop after dinner on Thanksgiving.  I am sure that it has nothing to do with plummeting sales over the last 3 shopping seasons.  I am also not convinced that opening their stores, paying employees and covering operating costs will be a net gain for them but as long as they get more gross sales it will look good to shareholders.

I have also come across more and more of these perfect looking artificial Christmas trees.  They are beyond perfect.  They are the shape, color and brightness of every great picture and painting we ever saw growing up.  They also come with the lights and even garland already on them.  These are a far cry from the originals that looked as real as the cell phone towers that we see on the side of highways that look like giant pine trees.  Better yet, you can get these trees for only $30 or $40 more than a real one and they last a whole lot longer. 

I am not a very religious person.  Even so, I do find it troublesome that so little of the Christmas holiday has become about the true meaning of the day.  I do sometimes feel hypocritical about my lack of religion but I think that even without my affinity towards that aspect of all of the religious holidays, I have always and continue to make them about friends and family.  This is where I think that the commercialization of the holidays has caused us to lose our way.

My childhood memories are filled with family times during the holidays.  This includes Thanksgiving.  We would also have a big sit down dinner and watch the football games.  The thought of some of our family rushing out to go shopping after turkey dinner is very saddening to me.  Isn't the whole point of Thanksgiving to spend that time together and everyone just hanging out?  To commercialize Christmas so much into needing to start shopping for gifts at the expense of family time is just plain sad.

As for some Christmas traditions, I fully understand how busy we have become.  I am not knocking anyone that goes out and gets the artificial tree that is all pre-made.  But I am stuck again in the memory bank of my dad and I getting the not so perfect tree, drilling the trunk, moving a couple of branches around to fill a gap or two to try and make it our version of heaven.  It wasn’t because we didn’t want to just get the right tree from the start but it was fun doing these things together and making these memories.  Then there were all of us putting everything on the tree together.  My sister and I would fight over the different tasks of trimming the tree.  These are the great memories that you can only get when spending time doing things together.  I fear that too many of these great memory making times are being taking away at the expense of long lines, parking lot rage, and the Christmas tree Made in China.

I think retailers are good at making things convenient for us and thank you to them in most cases.  But for my holidays, I will take a pass and I am going to go slow and try to enjoy them as much as possible and pass it on to my girls as much as possible.

We Can Learn A Lot From a Straw

Have you ever done something for a long time, say your whole life, and one day realized there is a better way to do it?  I had that experience recently and it was eye opening.  I, like many others, used the grasp in your hand while banging it into the table method when I wanted to get the paper off.  This method works fine.  The problem is that about every third time, the straw bends during the violent thrashing against the table.  Then you end up with the little hole in the side of the straw that lets in as much air as liquid totally ruining your drinking experience.

Well one day, while taking my daughters to Chik-Fil-A, I noticed a 3 year old try it a different way.  I noticed that she grabbed the straw with two hands and pulled in opposite directions stretching the paper until it broke, pulling it right off the straw.  Since then, I have had a much easier time drinking my large lemonade at Chik-Fil-A.

This experience, among others, got me to thinking about our government.  If I could go thirty some years doing something a certain way that I thought was best and suddenly there is a much easier less destructive way, couldn't that apply to the troubles our country faces?  Couldn't our government find easier ways to deal with unemployment?

In the last two weeks, many protesters have come out in droves to protest Wall Street and our political and economic systems in general.  People are tired of rich and powerful people taking advantage of them.  Unemployment is still around 10%.  The poverty level is rising into the middle class.  Wall Street is continuing to be able to do whatever they want even though their unregulated greed is a big reason for the mess we are in today.  Bank of America, the largest bank in the country, is now leading the charge for new bank fees per month for everyone that uses their debit cards.  The status quo is just not working anymore and thankfully people are standing up to be heard.

President Obama ran his campaign in 2008 on a guarantee of change from the previous regime.  These first three year surely don't feel like a lot of change to me.  The lobbyists are still calling the shots, taxes are still high, the government is still in our business and the giant companies are still making all the money at our expense.

There is one thing that has changed in that last decade or two and has an ugly feel to it.  It also seems to have people on the left and the right equally as annoyed.  It is the almost unilateral rejection each party's leaders has to the other side’s ideas.  No matter what ideas our President comes up with, it is automatically met with unilateral rejection from the Republican congress.  Same thing if the Republican House comes to the table with an idea.  How can we expect to move forward with ideas on how to fix things when our own government is stuck in childish gridlock?

Finally there are the new calls for change.  Suddenly, I am hearing a lot more promises in these early days of the new Presidential election.  These include promises about bringing troops home, ideas about a flat tax, and ideas about keeping the lobbyist out.  All ideas to make you feel good but will probably end up on the cutting block.  So until the people really rise up and realize that there is a better way to open a straw, I have a feeling we are going to be stuck sucking on air.

We Hardly Knew Ya Mark MacPhail

This past week, The State of Georgia executed Troy Davis.  He was a 42 year old African American man that was convicted of killing an off duty police officer in 1989.  He had maintained his innocence from the time of the crime until his death this week. Recently, his case had received international attention to the point where many celebrities, including Pope Benedict XVI, campaigned on his behalf for either a new trial or a stay of his execution.  A lot of inconsistencies in the original trial have come to light in recent days but each time the appellate court rejected the attempt to gain a new trial or a stay of execution.

This case has reminded me of two others like it: The OJ Simpson murder trial and the Mumia Abu-Jamal murder conviction. Both of these cases also involved African American males who allegedly murdered white victims.  They also forced and in the case of Mumia, still is, a lightning rod of debate about many philosophical issues including race, the death penalty, our justice system, and police misconduct.

For me, it is unfortunate that all three of these cases have been divided on racial lines.  There have been many wonderful documentaries about the OJ Simpson trial that delved into this phenomenon.  It seemed that many in the African American community were seeing the OJ acquittal as one big F-U to the justice system for all of the affronts to their people over the years by police, prosecutors and judges.  White people, on the other hand, could not believe that this man, who in their mind had obviously stabbed his ex-wife and her friend, could get away with it even though there was overwhelming evidence.

Mumia Abu-Jamal was convicted of murdering Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981. The biggest similarity to the Troy Davis case I noticed in the Abu-Jamal case is all of the international celebrities it has attracted.  This, I just don't understand.  I saw a Rage Against the Machine concert once where the lead singer screamed in anger over the imprisonment of Abu-Jamal.  The funny thing was that he didn't have his facts right on the case.  I began taking notice of the case more and more and noticed guys like Ed Asner and others doing the same thing, speaking out for Abu-Jamal but seemingly knowing little about the actual case.  In the past couple of weeks, it seems that everyone has become an expert on Troy Davis.  From celebrities, to dignitaries, to your favorite friends on Facebook.  I will admit that what I have read leaves me with doubt about his trial and his guilt.  But for me to come out and claim his innocence and seek his freedom goes too far, I think.  Which leads to why I am writing this post in the first place.

What bothers me most about these cases, and all three of them are the same, is the lack of attention that the victims get.  No matter how strongly you feel that OJ didn't kill anyone or that Abu-Jamal was framed or that Davis received a bum deal, one thing is for sure:  Nicole Brown Simpson, Ronald Goldman, Daniel Faulkner, and Mark MacPhail are all dead.  They were all murdered in a brutal fashion.  The celebrities don't come out for them or their families that are left to pick up the pieces.  When the families have to deal with appeal after appeal after appeal and watch celebrities, perhaps ones they idolize, speak out on behalf of their loved ones killer imagine what that must feel like.

So next time one of these celebrity execution cases comes out, I may root for the execution to be stayed if the evidence I read leans that direction.  But I might not.  One thing I do know is that I will learn the name of the victim in the case and think of that person and their family.  I will also think back to Mark and Nicole and Ron and Daniel.

The Club Card Membership

I am a big Seinfeld fan.  I think it is one of those timeless shows that no matter how many times I watch an episode it continues to make me laugh.  One of my favorite episodes was during the ninth season when George Costanza starts having back problems from carrying such a fat wallet.  He kept everything in his wallet from receipts to credit cards to his money although George was never one to carry a lot of dough.  The episode concludes with his wallet exploding in the New York City air as he tries to close it after adding one last receipt.

I doubt George was faced with the growing list of stores that are offering Club Card memberships.  You know the cards I mean.  The ones that you don't want but without them, it seems like you pay double the cost for just about every item.  They started at the grocery stores which were somewhat understandable.  They want you to feel at home so that when you had their particular store's membership card (and the handy key chain card), you were part of their club.  You wouldn't dare go to another grocery store to buy your toilet paper and ice cream once you had the card, right?  The problem is that we all have multiple stores near our work and home so we are stuck getting cards for multiple stores.

Now that we all had at least three credit sized cards added to our wallets and/or the key chain version, we felt like we were part of something.  We were members of multiple clubs and there was a certain high school feeling about that.  We were jocks, band geeks, and part of the debate team all at once.  We were like Ferris Bueller, loved by everyone.


The problem is that other stores caught on to this madness.  Sporting goods stores, the big box stores and yes, now my favorite one, the liquor stores.  I went shopping for some wine over the weekend and noticed two things.  First, it was a newer fancier store than the average liquor store.  They had wine tasting stations set-up that were free along with some freshly cut provolone cheese.  Yummy, I thought, and what a great idea to put the wines that they were recommending out to be tasted.  The problem was that without the Club Card, you couldn't partake in the tasting.  Fooey, I said, I am not adding any more cards to my wallet fearing my impending George-like explosion.  The second thing though, was that I noticed almost every item in the store was discounted about 20% to the Club Card member.

So I was faced yet again with the decision to pay the added non-member price or join another club and receive normal pricing for the goods I was buying.  Needless to say, I am a proud new member of the glee club, I mean Wineworks in Marlton.  I am also proud that my wallet is still in tact both physically and fiscally.

When push comes to shove, I really feel like the whole thing is a rip off.  Not only in a monetary way but of our intelligence.  Here are these companies that are overcharging us to come into their stores unless we sign up and join them.  Joining them, however, doesn't only involve carrying around the extra cards which I am half joking.  But it involves handing over phone numbers and e-mail addresses so that we can be hounded by our new club but also sold to other club members for well coordinated attacks.  Involved in this information swapping is the occasional breach of security as well.  How many of you have gotten the news that your information may have been compromised by one of the clubs to which you belong?  What becomes more frustrating is when you go ahead and try to find out who received your information and what info did they get.  You will not win this battle, you do not have the security clearance for that.  This is when you will not feel so much a part of the club.

I know it is a losing battle trying to fight the powers at be from avoiding the surcharges that are the non-member prices.  I am sure that next time I buy fish food at Petsmart, I will be pulling out my Club Card to save $.38.  But here's to hoping that the next card I get doesn't push my wallet to the limit like my friend George and I do not lose everything the least of which will be my sanity.

Christmas in July

I always wondered what the purpose of this pseudo holiday was.  Is it just another Hallmark creation to spark up greeting card sales?  Or is it another watering down of the true meaning of Christmas?  Well during the latter stages of July 2011 (and a few days into the start of August) I finally figured it out.  It was created for us Philadelphia sports fans and the wonderful week or two that we have just experienced.

It started with the NFL and their 136 day lockout coming to an end.  The Eagles brass spoke all during the lockout about how they poised themselves to be ready for an aggressive approach to reshaping their roster when it finally ended.  But after the first two days came and went without any deals, including quarterback Kevin Kolb not being traded, the fan blogs were incensed.  Joe "Nickels" Banner, as he has been nicknamed by the current regime haters, were having their field days about the "Gold Standard" being all talk and no action.  How could every other team be making moves but the Eagles be too cheap and all talk to get into the fray?

However, over the next few days, the Eagles shook off the rust, traded Kolb, and signed highly ranked defensive end Jason Babin.  It culminated last Friday with the coup signing of top free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha that no one expected after already landing another pro bowl cornerback in the Kolb trade.

Friday July 29th may go down as one of the most memorable days in Philly sports history and it was not even for what happened on any field.  In a matter of hours the Eagles landed Asomugha, that turned into one of those moments where you will always remember what you were doing when you found out, and the Phillies finally got the big right handed bat that they have been coveting.  In a surreal moment, as the Phillies were playing the Pirates, a TV report from Milwaukee broke in and showed former Phillie Jason Michaels replacing Hunter Pence in right field - in the middle of an inning no less.  It was obvious that the long rumored trade between the Astros and Phillies had been consummated.  It turned out to be one of those great days that sports fans remember forever and Pence has quickly become a fan favorite.  Not only that but as of this writing (August 5th) the Phillies haven't lost a game since this great July day.

Not to be outdone, the Eagles decided to continue to make headlines and acquisitions in their new "all-in" approach to free agency.  On Saturday, they signed highly touted pass rush specialist Cullin Jenkins from the Green Bay Packers.  They also added more offensive and defensive line help, a strong safety safety, a new back-up quarterback and claim they might not be done yet.  National writers have now descended onto camp Lehigh like ants on a cookie crumb and odds makers have cut the line for the Birds to win the super bowl in half.

I know that championships for baseball and football are not won in July.  I know that you can be the best team all year and still lose in the end.  I also know that both teams have put themselves in great positions to win in 2011.  And if either or both of them do, I will definitely remember this Christmas in July as being a big reason why.

My Very First Blog

I have often wondered what I would write about if I were to write a blog.  A few friends of mine write blogs.  They are very good at it, all of them much better writers then I.  Words seem to come more natural to them but I often have opinions that I feel an urge to share.  Sometimes though, they are the kind of opinions that your mother teaches you at a young age to keep to yourself.  For topics, I thought of politics, education, parenting, and work issues.  For today though, I thought of something I probably know more about than anything else - sports.  Sports with some social commentary mixed in.  I am not sure how often I will blog or what all of the topics will be about but I can probably bet that sports will come up more than once.

Today's sports topic is specifically about one of my favorites - Philadelphia Sports.  I am pretty much as die-hard of a Philadelphia sports fan as there is.  However, there is an undertone of the fan base that when I sit back and think about it, really bothers me.  I am sure some of you are picturing fans throwing snowballs at Santa Clause, right?  I am not. (if you want to read the real story about this fairy tale, click here http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/santa/philadelphia.asp)  I am also not thinking about the general hard nose nature of the craziest fan base in America.  These are aspects about Philly fans that make me proud.  However, it is the undercurrent of racism and the even sometimes right out in the open blatant version that makes me cringe.  I am sure this topic, in general, makes many people uncomfortable.  By reading posts and comments on blogs and facebook, many people are tired of talking about racism.  It seems that in many circles, it just doesn't exist.  Or is it that it exists stronger in these circles and they just want to pretend it doesn't?

In the Philly sports scene, there are many examples.  One of my father's favorite players was Dick Allen.  He was a dynamic third baseman for the Phillies before Mike Schmidt, who later became my favorite player.  There are many documented cases of the struggles he had with racism back in his day.  I am proud to say that we have come a long way since then.  I don't think we have come as far as we would like to think though.

I have been a season ticket holder for the Eagles for 17 years.  Without goring you with details, I have witnessed many examples of outright nastiness from fans shouting at other fans but even more so at the players that we are there to cheer.  One of the main victims is none other than Donovan McNabb.  Five, as he is so eloquently called when he was scrambling for touchdowns, was very often the target of fans who just didn't think he was ever good enough.  Sure he didn't win the elusive super bowl that the championship starved natives craved but was he not probably the best quarterback to ever play for the birds?  If not first, he has to be in the top two or three, right?  Time and time again, he was booed, heckled and cursed at.  Too often the words "We will never win with a black quarterback" were heard around the stadium.  When Jeff Garcia took over for a hurt McNabb in 2006, and won a single playoff game, you'd have thought Johnny Unitas came out of retirement the way the fans wanted him to take over the starting job from McNabb in 2007.  I often wondered why the fans took such a liking to Garcia (and later A.J. Feeley) when they didn't perform any better than McNabb but in the back of my mind I think I always knew that race played a part in it.

The Phillies have enjoyed a lot of success in the last four to five years.  A lot of the reason is because of the core group of young players that were brought up through their farm system and matured into star players.  Two, in particular, are Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.  Utley is a hard nose, grind it out hustler that reminds you of Pete Rose.  The fans adore him.  Howard is a big man, is more relaxed and happens to strike out a lot.  Howard has won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2005 and the MVP in 2006.  Maybe because of his tendency to strike out, Howard is often the victim of the fans ire.  He is often booed when he strikes out or doesn't bring a runner home, something he has done more than any other player since 2006.  He is criticized on talk radio and in blogs by fans for his play and as recently as this preseason, many fans wanted him traded.  Utley, on the other hand, seems to enjoy carte blanche with the home crowd.  Just last night, in his first three at bats, he failed to bring runners home who were in scoring position, twice striking out.  Not a peep from the crowd.  Howard, who followed him in the first inning after Utley failed to bring home the runner from third with one out struck out and took a pretty good beating.  Sure, this is just one example but I think after reading this, if you pay close attention to this dynamic and keep score, you will be surprised at the results.

Domonic Brown is my final example.  He is a prospect for the Phillies that is in his first full season in the big leagues.  In the pre-season, he was ranked #4 prospect in baseball by Baseball America.  He has been very highly rated for a few seasons.  He is supposed to be the next guy developed by the Phillies in their system to be groomed for stardom.  Like Howard, he is also African American.  So far this year, he has played in about 50 games.  He hasn't dazzled to say the least.  His batting average is .250 and his OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) is .749.  To compare, let's use another guy that most agree is a great Phillie.  Hmmm, how about that Chase Utley guy again that we all love.  Utley played 43 games his rookie year which is right around the same as Brown this year.  His batting average was .239 and OPS was .696.  In fact, the following year, when Utley played 94 games, his average only improved to .266 and OPS to .776.  It wasn't until the following year that Utley became the player that he is today.  The point is that it takes time for young players to develop.  It is normal for young players to experience growing pains as they make the jump to the majors.  The larger point though, is the backlash that Brown has felt in the last month or so.  The MLB trade deadline is this Sunday. The Phillies are built to win now and Brown isn't cutting it.  Despite the fact that the Phillies need to start turning their aging roster over with younger, and yes cheaper players, the fans are calling for Brown to get traded for a more experienced player.  Most even want to hold onto, at all costs, a young surprising 5th best pitcher, Vance Worley over Brown.  That's right, keep the 5th best pitcher, who didn't even have a Baseball America rating and likely won't pitch in the postseason, over the top prospect because he hasn't looked good in his first 50 games of his first full season.

Or is that not the reason at all.