Yeah, you, textbook. Shut up!
But seriously, why are some textbook authors insistent on "talking" to you through the text. I was reading my English textbook this afternoon, and the more I read it, the more angry I got not because I couldn't understand the text, but because it was talking to me.
Here is a paraphrased excerpt from it (Current Issues). I paraphrased it because I am too lazy to copy it word for word. It went something along these lines. "We admit, this list and webbing was printed after editing. We did think of two ideas, two we are ashamed we thought of, to be included, but knew they were stereotypical, and probably unethical. While we are sure you think of ideas along these lines, we hope you edit them out after the brainstorming process, as we did."
To be quite honest, I don't give a damn. In college English classes we are taught to get our point across in as few words as possible. Basically, the whole point of that passage is, "don't be stupid in your writing." Even that is needless to say. I'm going to assume everyone knows what pisses people off. I guess that is a bad assumption though, as these textbook authors didn't know that their incredibly obnoxious style pisses me off.
Textbooks are supposed to present the information to me. I don't want to talk to a piece of paper. I'm not 6 and have imaginary friends and talk to my stuffed animals. I am a college student, and I don't do that kind of stuff anymore. Maybe I'm the only one...?
I'm just looking forward to reading the rest of the 1,000 pages in that text. Oh joy.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Drinking Age Debate
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWXhmLxHPcv8q_iFiN7nLt7RP8CgD92NJEV00
Despite being a young adult who likes to have a good time, I have always supported the drinking age being 21. I viewed alcohol as a privilege, available only to those who are responsible enough. The federal law that essentially requires states to set their drinking age at 21 is up for reauthorization in 2009, and there has been a recent surge to consider lowering the drinking age to age 18.
I don't want to get too much into the actual issue (you can read about it from the AP article linked above), as I want to get into my opinion now after hearing a more reasonable argument from the "lower the drinking age" side.
States should set their own drinking age without getting "punished" by the federal government for having a drinking age that is "too low." That currently doesn't happen, as any state which has a drinking age lower than 21 loses ten percent of federal highway funds.
The current drinking age of 21 encourages binge drinking. Will there still be binge drinking if the age is lowered? Of course. We want things we can't have; it is simply human nature. Those who are underage will drink more alcohol, because they can't have it. The restriction of drinking alcohol should be replaced by education which focuses teaching moderation. While the best way to learn things is usually by doing, finding out what happens when one's self drinks too much is unpleasant and unnecessary with proper education.
It allows those who are underage to show serious disrespect to the law. Using fake identification is a very serious infraction of the law. By using a fake ID, a person has essentially broken at least two laws: (1) using falsified documentation, (2) purchasing alcohol. Without a doubt, possession and consumption laws are also being broken. By using a fake, it shows others that it is okay to break the law, which is bad role modeling. Younger people will think it is okay to break the law, and if their older sibling is, they likely will also.
Social drinking is a lost art. Drinking is a forbidden pleasure and thus, those who are underage drink more because it is mysterious.
We are essentially segregating college students. When there is a campus event where alcohol is made available to those of age, there are essentially two groups: those who can (usually marked with a wristband) and those who can't. People don't like to be segregated from one another in the same venue. Students want to become one of what they view as the ideal (those who can drink) and get a fake ID, so they can, which leads to binge drinking and the lost art of social drinking.
Prohibition did not work and neither is this "mini-probation." Adults of all ages were breaking the law when there was prohibition in the 1920s. Now, just adults aged 18-21 are breaking the laws. History repeats itself. We are supposed to learn from history. We just haven't in this instance...yet.
Notice, I have not said the typical arguments of "well, you can drive, vote, and go to war, why can't you drink?" That argument, I think, is elementary. There are plenty of better ideas and reasons why the age should be lowered.
I'm not sure what the "correct" drinking age should be. I am sure it should be at least one year later than the driving age. This will reduce the amount of deaths by driving under the influence, which is (basically) why the currently law is 21. If that means different drinking ages in different states, that is fine. I hope Congress realizes the problems the current law has causes, and that the situation is fixed in 2009, when the law is re-voted upon.
Despite being a young adult who likes to have a good time, I have always supported the drinking age being 21. I viewed alcohol as a privilege, available only to those who are responsible enough. The federal law that essentially requires states to set their drinking age at 21 is up for reauthorization in 2009, and there has been a recent surge to consider lowering the drinking age to age 18.
I don't want to get too much into the actual issue (you can read about it from the AP article linked above), as I want to get into my opinion now after hearing a more reasonable argument from the "lower the drinking age" side.
States should set their own drinking age without getting "punished" by the federal government for having a drinking age that is "too low." That currently doesn't happen, as any state which has a drinking age lower than 21 loses ten percent of federal highway funds.
The current drinking age of 21 encourages binge drinking. Will there still be binge drinking if the age is lowered? Of course. We want things we can't have; it is simply human nature. Those who are underage will drink more alcohol, because they can't have it. The restriction of drinking alcohol should be replaced by education which focuses teaching moderation. While the best way to learn things is usually by doing, finding out what happens when one's self drinks too much is unpleasant and unnecessary with proper education.
It allows those who are underage to show serious disrespect to the law. Using fake identification is a very serious infraction of the law. By using a fake ID, a person has essentially broken at least two laws: (1) using falsified documentation, (2) purchasing alcohol. Without a doubt, possession and consumption laws are also being broken. By using a fake, it shows others that it is okay to break the law, which is bad role modeling. Younger people will think it is okay to break the law, and if their older sibling is, they likely will also.
Social drinking is a lost art. Drinking is a forbidden pleasure and thus, those who are underage drink more because it is mysterious.
We are essentially segregating college students. When there is a campus event where alcohol is made available to those of age, there are essentially two groups: those who can (usually marked with a wristband) and those who can't. People don't like to be segregated from one another in the same venue. Students want to become one of what they view as the ideal (those who can drink) and get a fake ID, so they can, which leads to binge drinking and the lost art of social drinking.
Prohibition did not work and neither is this "mini-probation." Adults of all ages were breaking the law when there was prohibition in the 1920s. Now, just adults aged 18-21 are breaking the laws. History repeats itself. We are supposed to learn from history. We just haven't in this instance...yet.
Notice, I have not said the typical arguments of "well, you can drive, vote, and go to war, why can't you drink?" That argument, I think, is elementary. There are plenty of better ideas and reasons why the age should be lowered.
I'm not sure what the "correct" drinking age should be. I am sure it should be at least one year later than the driving age. This will reduce the amount of deaths by driving under the influence, which is (basically) why the currently law is 21. If that means different drinking ages in different states, that is fine. I hope Congress realizes the problems the current law has causes, and that the situation is fixed in 2009, when the law is re-voted upon.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Note To High School Seniors
Ok, high school seniors, this one is for you (and you, and you, and you, this one's for you). So here we go, my advice and lecture about senior year of high school.
1. It is the best year of high school, by far. The first part of the year will be tough with college applications and essays, of course. But, you've been through worse (see: Junior year with SATs, HSPAs, and all that crap), and you lived. College applications will feel like a breeze and you can do them on you're own time (i.e. not at 8am on a Saturday). After about January, you're in the home stretch and are just coasting down the hill to graduation.
2. As much as you think you are, you're not all that. No one likes an entirely cocky and arrogant son of a bitch. A little cockiness and arrogance is okay (I know I am), but there is a balance. You're not invincible and you're not hot shit. Trust me.
3. You don't run this. If you did, the school would be a pile of bricks. You couldn't handle running a school. The administration does a fine job with that. You can say, however, that the school is your house. It is a place for students and you have been there the longest.
4. Teachers can still make your life a living hell. Don't be so lazy and so annoying (see nos. 2 and 3) that teachers get so pissed at you that they actually make you do a shit load of work. They will work with you, they know it's your senior year, but put forth some effort.
5. You haven't had senioritis yet. You think you did at the end of junior year, didn't you? As much as you think you did, you didn't. You ain't seen nothin' yet. Your brain will shut down and be like your body in survival mode when you haven't eaten for 4 days. It just won't work. But, remember, no. 4 is in effect.
6. Enjoy it. I know I've laid out a bunch of stuff that you probably disagree with. Well it's all true, and when you're in my position, you'll realize that I'm right. But there are great advantages and privileges to being a senior. Use them, don't abuse them. The more you use them, the more you will enjoy senior year. You'll figure out your true friends, and that the school you thought you hated so much, you actually loved.
1. It is the best year of high school, by far. The first part of the year will be tough with college applications and essays, of course. But, you've been through worse (see: Junior year with SATs, HSPAs, and all that crap), and you lived. College applications will feel like a breeze and you can do them on you're own time (i.e. not at 8am on a Saturday). After about January, you're in the home stretch and are just coasting down the hill to graduation.
2. As much as you think you are, you're not all that. No one likes an entirely cocky and arrogant son of a bitch. A little cockiness and arrogance is okay (I know I am), but there is a balance. You're not invincible and you're not hot shit. Trust me.
3. You don't run this. If you did, the school would be a pile of bricks. You couldn't handle running a school. The administration does a fine job with that. You can say, however, that the school is your house. It is a place for students and you have been there the longest.
4. Teachers can still make your life a living hell. Don't be so lazy and so annoying (see nos. 2 and 3) that teachers get so pissed at you that they actually make you do a shit load of work. They will work with you, they know it's your senior year, but put forth some effort.
5. You haven't had senioritis yet. You think you did at the end of junior year, didn't you? As much as you think you did, you didn't. You ain't seen nothin' yet. Your brain will shut down and be like your body in survival mode when you haven't eaten for 4 days. It just won't work. But, remember, no. 4 is in effect.
6. Enjoy it. I know I've laid out a bunch of stuff that you probably disagree with. Well it's all true, and when you're in my position, you'll realize that I'm right. But there are great advantages and privileges to being a senior. Use them, don't abuse them. The more you use them, the more you will enjoy senior year. You'll figure out your true friends, and that the school you thought you hated so much, you actually loved.
A Note To Freshmen
As the school year is very near (some have already started), here is some advice that I have come up with to help you survive your first year of high school or college.
1. Get acquainted with campus. You're likely going to a place that is much bigger than where you last went to school, and thus, are probably a little intimidated. Don't be. Scout out campus and know where things are. Everyone can spot someone who looks lost, and lost people are likely freshmen.
2. Be confident. Walk with your head up. Look like you know what you are doing (that way, people won't push you around). Realize that while, yes, this is a new experience, it's still just school, and you've been going there for the vast majority of your life.
3. Meet new people. The more friends you have the better. There is strength in numbers. You can't have too many friends or at least people you don't mind talking to. High school and college kids are much more mature than your last school experience, and your good friends will watch out for you.
4. Study hard, party hard. Yes, partying and hanging out with friends is fun. But realize why you're at school: to get an education. Don't waste your or your parents' money by failing your classes. (High school kids: I know what you're thinking, "My parents don't pay." Yes, they do, it's called taxes.) and trust me, the harder you work during the week, the more rewarding that party and socialization is on the weekend.
5. It's okay to be afraid. We all have fears. We all get over them. The first time you rode a rollercoaster you were probably shitting your pants constantly asking what you have gotten yourself into. Two minutes later, the ride is over, and you want to go again. The same thing happens to school.
6. Most importantly, have fun. These are the best four years of your life up until that point. You will have so many memories that it's almost ridiculous. Plus, if you have to spend four years of your life doing it, why not have fun while doing it?
1. Get acquainted with campus. You're likely going to a place that is much bigger than where you last went to school, and thus, are probably a little intimidated. Don't be. Scout out campus and know where things are. Everyone can spot someone who looks lost, and lost people are likely freshmen.
2. Be confident. Walk with your head up. Look like you know what you are doing (that way, people won't push you around). Realize that while, yes, this is a new experience, it's still just school, and you've been going there for the vast majority of your life.
3. Meet new people. The more friends you have the better. There is strength in numbers. You can't have too many friends or at least people you don't mind talking to. High school and college kids are much more mature than your last school experience, and your good friends will watch out for you.
4. Study hard, party hard. Yes, partying and hanging out with friends is fun. But realize why you're at school: to get an education. Don't waste your or your parents' money by failing your classes. (High school kids: I know what you're thinking, "My parents don't pay." Yes, they do, it's called taxes.) and trust me, the harder you work during the week, the more rewarding that party and socialization is on the weekend.
5. It's okay to be afraid. We all have fears. We all get over them. The first time you rode a rollercoaster you were probably shitting your pants constantly asking what you have gotten yourself into. Two minutes later, the ride is over, and you want to go again. The same thing happens to school.
6. Most importantly, have fun. These are the best four years of your life up until that point. You will have so many memories that it's almost ridiculous. Plus, if you have to spend four years of your life doing it, why not have fun while doing it?
I Hate The Metric System
Everyone has always said that hate is such a strong word. I agree. But I truly do hate the metric system. I didn't realize how much I hate the metric system until I had geography class today.
First and foremost, most people think that the French created the metric system. That is slightly true; they were the first to actually implement the system of weights and measures. But, actually during the first congress in 1790, America's own Thomas Jefferson proposed his own version of the metric system, which about five years before the French started the system. As you can see, the congress did not approve the system, and at that time, the congress was approving just about anything. America shot down one of its own ideas. That never happens to a good idea. Examples: Star Spangled Banner as National Anthem, good idea, approved; moving most holidays to Mondays for a 3-day weekend, good idea, approved; building a fence along the Mexican border, good idea, approved. Based on this logic, metric system, bad idea, not approved.
I don't care if the rest of the world uses it. I don't care if it makes sense to scientists and the like. I don't care if it's based on 10s. I don't care that our system is based on how long a king's foot was. I don't care that there are 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard. Why? Because our system is traditional. It makes sense to the American people. We know it. We don't want to be bothered learning a whole new system. We don't want to change our road signs or cars. We don't want to change our football field.
To all you pro-metric system people out there, don't give me this ridiculous scenario: "How many feet are in a mile?" I know, 5,280. "How many inches are there in a mile?" I don't know. "See, you would know how many cm are in a km." No I wouldn't. I would spend just as much time trying to figure out the decimal conversions as I would spend doing 5,280 x 12. Plus, who cares how many inches are in a mile? We will never have to know it, ever. (63,360 inches in a mile, by the way.)
First and foremost, most people think that the French created the metric system. That is slightly true; they were the first to actually implement the system of weights and measures. But, actually during the first congress in 1790, America's own Thomas Jefferson proposed his own version of the metric system, which about five years before the French started the system. As you can see, the congress did not approve the system, and at that time, the congress was approving just about anything. America shot down one of its own ideas. That never happens to a good idea. Examples: Star Spangled Banner as National Anthem, good idea, approved; moving most holidays to Mondays for a 3-day weekend, good idea, approved; building a fence along the Mexican border, good idea, approved. Based on this logic, metric system, bad idea, not approved.
I don't care if the rest of the world uses it. I don't care if it makes sense to scientists and the like. I don't care if it's based on 10s. I don't care that our system is based on how long a king's foot was. I don't care that there are 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard. Why? Because our system is traditional. It makes sense to the American people. We know it. We don't want to be bothered learning a whole new system. We don't want to change our road signs or cars. We don't want to change our football field.
To all you pro-metric system people out there, don't give me this ridiculous scenario: "How many feet are in a mile?" I know, 5,280. "How many inches are there in a mile?" I don't know. "See, you would know how many cm are in a km." No I wouldn't. I would spend just as much time trying to figure out the decimal conversions as I would spend doing 5,280 x 12. Plus, who cares how many inches are in a mile? We will never have to know it, ever. (63,360 inches in a mile, by the way.)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hey, People, Get Smarter
Ever encounter someone and then think to yourself, "wow, that's the dumbest person I have ever met," or even go to the extreme and replace "I have ever met" with a simple "ever?" Well, if you say ever, I say wrong! I say that because today I met the dumbest person ever.
I was waiting in line for food and I was hungry, so I could be judging him unfairly, but I don't think I am. After the first time he spoke, I knew he was trouble. He goes to grab some fries and asks me (who has no idea what anything costs, I just pay it) how much they cost because "the price is not listed on the board." I simply respond, I don't know, but I could have simply looked up on the board and indicated that they were $1.30, because it was very clearly posted. Ok, so that's not so bad, but then there was this. His total came to $6.10. After the cashier counted out the 90 cents, which is a lot coins and closes the drawer, the customer goes, "oh wait, here's a dime, give me a dollar back." Then, after about 5 minutes of explanation from the cashier that she will have to wait until my order is rung up to open the drawer and exchange the coins to a bill, comes the soda fountain. Just when you think it couldn't get any more ridiculous, it does.
It literally takes him about 2 minutes to figure out how to work the thing. Apparently he thought it was automatic (he just put his cup under the spout). Then he's looking for a button. (Fair enough, some of them have buttons, except for the fact that this one had big black levers you press the cup up against.) Finally figured that out. You think I'm done, don't you. I'm not.
It takes another 20-30 seconds to figure out which way the lid goes on the cup. After he realized I was more pissed than when a human with a golf club comes within 5 feet of a goose (by the way, they hiss, a lot), he turns to me and says "sorry." I don't know if he was trying to apologize for taking a half hour, or his sheer stupidity, but I took it.
All of that is a true story. Not based on a true story. Not inspired by a true story. But an actual encounter with an actual human (I'm assuming that's what he was. He didn't have antennas or anything, but I really hope he isn't part of my species.)
So, I have an assignment for every person in the world. Use common sense. If you don't have any, take a class in it. I will be publishing a book shortly.
I was waiting in line for food and I was hungry, so I could be judging him unfairly, but I don't think I am. After the first time he spoke, I knew he was trouble. He goes to grab some fries and asks me (who has no idea what anything costs, I just pay it) how much they cost because "the price is not listed on the board." I simply respond, I don't know, but I could have simply looked up on the board and indicated that they were $1.30, because it was very clearly posted. Ok, so that's not so bad, but then there was this. His total came to $6.10. After the cashier counted out the 90 cents, which is a lot coins and closes the drawer, the customer goes, "oh wait, here's a dime, give me a dollar back." Then, after about 5 minutes of explanation from the cashier that she will have to wait until my order is rung up to open the drawer and exchange the coins to a bill, comes the soda fountain. Just when you think it couldn't get any more ridiculous, it does.
It literally takes him about 2 minutes to figure out how to work the thing. Apparently he thought it was automatic (he just put his cup under the spout). Then he's looking for a button. (Fair enough, some of them have buttons, except for the fact that this one had big black levers you press the cup up against.) Finally figured that out. You think I'm done, don't you. I'm not.
It takes another 20-30 seconds to figure out which way the lid goes on the cup. After he realized I was more pissed than when a human with a golf club comes within 5 feet of a goose (by the way, they hiss, a lot), he turns to me and says "sorry." I don't know if he was trying to apologize for taking a half hour, or his sheer stupidity, but I took it.
All of that is a true story. Not based on a true story. Not inspired by a true story. But an actual encounter with an actual human (I'm assuming that's what he was. He didn't have antennas or anything, but I really hope he isn't part of my species.)
So, I have an assignment for every person in the world. Use common sense. If you don't have any, take a class in it. I will be publishing a book shortly.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Notes From An Asian City
The Games of the 29th Olympiad are well underway in Beijing, and I have a lot of stuff to talk about. So, let's get this party started.
First and foremost, I love the Olympics. Seeing sports you never see (water polo and handball), watching athletes' passion toward their sport, and watching history rewrite itself over and over again, who wouldn't want to watch it. Best of all, it only comes every 4 years, so you almost have to get excited about it. Moving on.
London, calm down: A London paper broke the story that the fireworks that were seen on television during the opening ceremony (which, by the way, was phenomenal) were fake. Whoop-dee frickin' do. There were fireworks that were launched at the stadium, but it would have been nearly impossible to catch the mass amounts of them on TV. So, there were computer generated fireworks. Sounds fine to me. Point of irony: London hosts the 2012 Games. Jealous much, London?
Michael Phelps: Yes, he's good. Really good. But there are more swimmers than just him, especially in the relays. Dan Hicks and his annoying counterpart can talk all they want about exclusively him during individual races. But during relays, please talk about the other swimmers too. After the 4x100, it wasn't, "America wins the gold, what a great team accomplishment." No, it was "America wins the gold, and Phelps' dream of 8 golds is still alive." While that was true, you have to give props to the anchor who swam ridiculously well to edge out the win. At least Michael, it seems, has his own head on straight, and acknowledges his teammates during the relays.
Danny Almonte in reverse: Athletes in the gymnastics competition have to be at least 16 years old. Now, call me skeptical, but China's first women's gymnast on floor exercise tonight (I think she was wearing number 329) wasn't 16. She has to be 14. It looks like she doesn't have all her teeth in yet, and should be expecting a tooth fairy visit tonight in the Olympic Village. I probably wouldn't believe myself as much if there weren't rumors about China faking their gymnasts' ages. I'll give it to her though, even if she isn't the minimum age (which, she isn't), she is ridiculous. Such a young age and that good.
Who pissed off New Zealand? In the syncronized diving competition, the New Zealand judge was constantly about one point less than all the other judges. Not really important, as his scores almost always didn't count, but it's just interesting.
Congratulations to Togo. Yes, Togo. They finally got their first olympic medal ever. The whitewater kayaker (who's name escapes me right now, and I'm way too lazy to look it up) was so excited in his celebration, he actually snapped his paddle. Good to see that kind of passion and raw emotion.
Well, I think that's all I have to say about the games so far. Except that Bob Costas should not talk as much, for the sake of America. Enjoy the olympics, and of course, USA #1.
First and foremost, I love the Olympics. Seeing sports you never see (water polo and handball), watching athletes' passion toward their sport, and watching history rewrite itself over and over again, who wouldn't want to watch it. Best of all, it only comes every 4 years, so you almost have to get excited about it. Moving on.
London, calm down: A London paper broke the story that the fireworks that were seen on television during the opening ceremony (which, by the way, was phenomenal) were fake. Whoop-dee frickin' do. There were fireworks that were launched at the stadium, but it would have been nearly impossible to catch the mass amounts of them on TV. So, there were computer generated fireworks. Sounds fine to me. Point of irony: London hosts the 2012 Games. Jealous much, London?
Michael Phelps: Yes, he's good. Really good. But there are more swimmers than just him, especially in the relays. Dan Hicks and his annoying counterpart can talk all they want about exclusively him during individual races. But during relays, please talk about the other swimmers too. After the 4x100, it wasn't, "America wins the gold, what a great team accomplishment." No, it was "America wins the gold, and Phelps' dream of 8 golds is still alive." While that was true, you have to give props to the anchor who swam ridiculously well to edge out the win. At least Michael, it seems, has his own head on straight, and acknowledges his teammates during the relays.
Danny Almonte in reverse: Athletes in the gymnastics competition have to be at least 16 years old. Now, call me skeptical, but China's first women's gymnast on floor exercise tonight (I think she was wearing number 329) wasn't 16. She has to be 14. It looks like she doesn't have all her teeth in yet, and should be expecting a tooth fairy visit tonight in the Olympic Village. I probably wouldn't believe myself as much if there weren't rumors about China faking their gymnasts' ages. I'll give it to her though, even if she isn't the minimum age (which, she isn't), she is ridiculous. Such a young age and that good.
Who pissed off New Zealand? In the syncronized diving competition, the New Zealand judge was constantly about one point less than all the other judges. Not really important, as his scores almost always didn't count, but it's just interesting.
Congratulations to Togo. Yes, Togo. They finally got their first olympic medal ever. The whitewater kayaker (who's name escapes me right now, and I'm way too lazy to look it up) was so excited in his celebration, he actually snapped his paddle. Good to see that kind of passion and raw emotion.
Well, I think that's all I have to say about the games so far. Except that Bob Costas should not talk as much, for the sake of America. Enjoy the olympics, and of course, USA #1.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Are You Serious, America's Got Talent?
I was relegated to watching America's Got Talent on NBC last night because there was absolutely nothing else on television. I'm not going to lie, I wasn't a big fan of the show before I watched last night, and now, I definitely am not.
Last night they cut the competition down from about 2.5 million acts (ok, exaggerating, but still a lot) to 60 acts. Among those who made the cut: a 9-year old "singer" and a 4-year old "singer." Yes, you read that right. And, no, I'm not lying. I may be sarcastic, but unfortunately, this is all true. The judges (why is Sharon Osbourne a judge?) brought out a few acts and divided them into a yes, you're moving on line and a no, you suck line. Could you imagine being a 20-year old singer (actual singer) in the no line looking at a 4-year old "singer" who can only "sing" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Ring Around the Rosey in the yes line? By the way, the 4-year old can't even say "practiced" correctly; how can she sing well enough?
Sure, it's cute to have them on the audition shows and the first round of the Vegas call backs, but having them advance to the short list of 60? That's over the top. The judges know they aren't going to win. Hurt the feelings of the little kids early in the show rather than devastating them later in the show. I just hope America knows these kids aren't really any good and really don't have any talent, yet. And why are these parents allowing these kids on this show? They have to know they aren't going to win, especially when there are acts who have been practicing their performances for sometimes twice as long as the kid are old.
And Sharon Osbourne has to get off the show. She is annoying and an inconsistent judge. In the same hour of the show she said that she can only judge on what she saw today and that one guy has a lot of potential, and urged the other judges to push a certain act forward. There's the consistency we all like in a judge. Besides, what has Sharon done besides marry Ozzy? Nothing.
Before you tell me I'm wrong just because America's Got Talent is the number one show of the summer, consider this. Only 13 million Americans disagree with me and watch the show regularly. Assuming that all the other 287 millions agree with me, I am in the vast majority.
Last night they cut the competition down from about 2.5 million acts (ok, exaggerating, but still a lot) to 60 acts. Among those who made the cut: a 9-year old "singer" and a 4-year old "singer." Yes, you read that right. And, no, I'm not lying. I may be sarcastic, but unfortunately, this is all true. The judges (why is Sharon Osbourne a judge?) brought out a few acts and divided them into a yes, you're moving on line and a no, you suck line. Could you imagine being a 20-year old singer (actual singer) in the no line looking at a 4-year old "singer" who can only "sing" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Ring Around the Rosey in the yes line? By the way, the 4-year old can't even say "practiced" correctly; how can she sing well enough?
Sure, it's cute to have them on the audition shows and the first round of the Vegas call backs, but having them advance to the short list of 60? That's over the top. The judges know they aren't going to win. Hurt the feelings of the little kids early in the show rather than devastating them later in the show. I just hope America knows these kids aren't really any good and really don't have any talent, yet. And why are these parents allowing these kids on this show? They have to know they aren't going to win, especially when there are acts who have been practicing their performances for sometimes twice as long as the kid are old.
And Sharon Osbourne has to get off the show. She is annoying and an inconsistent judge. In the same hour of the show she said that she can only judge on what she saw today and that one guy has a lot of potential, and urged the other judges to push a certain act forward. There's the consistency we all like in a judge. Besides, what has Sharon done besides marry Ozzy? Nothing.
Before you tell me I'm wrong just because America's Got Talent is the number one show of the summer, consider this. Only 13 million Americans disagree with me and watch the show regularly. Assuming that all the other 287 millions agree with me, I am in the vast majority.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Hey, Brett Favre: Grow Up
I have a riddle for you: Who is just about fourty years old, said he was retired, didn't mean it, then meant it, now doesn't mean it again, and won't even talk to teams who he doesn't want to be traded to? Give up? It's not difficult. Brett Favre.
Brett Favre is 38 years old going on 2. He's basically at the point where he just stamps his foot, yells, storms off to his room, and slams the door when he doesn't get his way. He is trying to come back when he said he is retired and done with playing football, he refuses to talk to the Jets and Buccaneers for trade offers, and it looks like he won't accept the $20 million the Packers offered him to stay retired. (Let me get this straight, $20 million to stay retired and he won't take it? What the hell?)
So, Brett, either do what your team wants you to do (be a back-up), get traded to a team you don't want to play for, or take the 20 million. I know what I would do.
I am proud of the Packers though; they have named Aaron Rodgers the starter and they are sticking with their decision.
Brett Favre is 38 years old going on 2. He's basically at the point where he just stamps his foot, yells, storms off to his room, and slams the door when he doesn't get his way. He is trying to come back when he said he is retired and done with playing football, he refuses to talk to the Jets and Buccaneers for trade offers, and it looks like he won't accept the $20 million the Packers offered him to stay retired. (Let me get this straight, $20 million to stay retired and he won't take it? What the hell?)
So, Brett, either do what your team wants you to do (be a back-up), get traded to a team you don't want to play for, or take the 20 million. I know what I would do.
I am proud of the Packers though; they have named Aaron Rodgers the starter and they are sticking with their decision.
But seriously, Favre has to grow up. Maybe he should have never retired in the first place. Then we wouldn't have to listen to this. I have an idea, maybe he should play a different sport (i.e., minor league baseball) and then come back to the NFL. It works for the NBA I hear.
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