I'm getting frustrated with the NFL. This in and of itself is frustrating to me because I love the NFL. Why is it that last week during the Monday Night game, the first call was made in Spanish (by a Hispanic ref I might add)? To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
I'm also on the fence a bit about the players wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness. In theory it's nice because it's for a great cause, but what's next? Wearing pictures of hearts for cardiac disease awareness? Having a symbol for diabetes awareness? I know I sound so bad for saying this because it's great the NFL supports a wonderful cause but can they do it in another way so the players don't change their uniforms for an entire month?
Speaking of changing uniforms (and a little off topic)...I'm really getting tired of every single week having several teams wearing their throwback uniforms. Some teams (yes, even my beloved Steelers) wear their throwbacks several times per year for important games. It really is getting old quick...I want to see the teams in their usual uniform. I want to see the refs in their regular uniforms, and not in red stripes like I saw today.
Let's get back to basics NFL. You can't begin to cater to every cause because you are going to end up offending people that you choose not to promote (like those diabetics or those of Asian decent, for example). You need to stick to your traditions and not worry about being PC. I'll support you and I think a lot of other Americans will too.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Beer Summit
So I'm sure most of you have heard how there was a situation in Massachusetts where a Harvard Professor (who happens to be black) was arrested for disorderly conduct. The professor's neighbor called police when she saw what looked like two men breaking into his home. The police get there, Prof. Gates becomes belligerent and pulls the race card. Apparently he was trying to get into his house by jamming his busted door. Fine.
So then Obama opens his mouth and comments on the situation and points his finger that the cop overreacted (Obama is a chum of Prof. Gates). Regardless, it's not Obama's place to micromanage what is going on with this situation.
So, I have a few issues with this story. One issue I have is that Obama stuck his nose in without knowing all the facts and implied that the officer was in the wrong and Gates was in the right. From what I've read and heard it sounds like the officer acted perfectly appropriately. I'm frustrated that Obama automatically assumed the white guy was doing wrong to the black guy. What a way to piss off all police officers in this country. In a time when they are stretched thin and deserve the support of their president, they get criticized. And why is Obama even getting involved? It's up to the city and state to deal with it. Is he going to stick his nose in to every controversy in every town in the U.S.? Maybe if someone pulls the race card...
The other issue I have is that the woman who called 911 has been receiving criticism and even threats that she's a racist. The 911 tapes have no record of her referring to Prof. Gates and his friend as black men. But in the police report they are referred to as black men. Even if she did say they are black men, it's the TRUTH! What is racist about that? A person's race is a crucial way to help identify suspects. If we stop using race as a descriptor for fear of offending criminals it's going to make them that much harder to catch. And this poor lady was being a good neighbor and called the cops when she saw something suspicious. Prof. Gates should be thanking her for her efforts!!
Finally, this whole Beer Summit where Obama is putting on a show and getting together with Gates and Officer Crowley and having a beer. Again, why is Obama even involved? Doesn't he have more important things to do? Can't he just (gasp) apologize and move on? No, the Beer Summit is the big headline of the day. How about spending some time on the gazillion other issues going on in the country. Nah, guess that would be too presidential.
So then Obama opens his mouth and comments on the situation and points his finger that the cop overreacted (Obama is a chum of Prof. Gates). Regardless, it's not Obama's place to micromanage what is going on with this situation.
So, I have a few issues with this story. One issue I have is that Obama stuck his nose in without knowing all the facts and implied that the officer was in the wrong and Gates was in the right. From what I've read and heard it sounds like the officer acted perfectly appropriately. I'm frustrated that Obama automatically assumed the white guy was doing wrong to the black guy. What a way to piss off all police officers in this country. In a time when they are stretched thin and deserve the support of their president, they get criticized. And why is Obama even getting involved? It's up to the city and state to deal with it. Is he going to stick his nose in to every controversy in every town in the U.S.? Maybe if someone pulls the race card...
The other issue I have is that the woman who called 911 has been receiving criticism and even threats that she's a racist. The 911 tapes have no record of her referring to Prof. Gates and his friend as black men. But in the police report they are referred to as black men. Even if she did say they are black men, it's the TRUTH! What is racist about that? A person's race is a crucial way to help identify suspects. If we stop using race as a descriptor for fear of offending criminals it's going to make them that much harder to catch. And this poor lady was being a good neighbor and called the cops when she saw something suspicious. Prof. Gates should be thanking her for her efforts!!
Finally, this whole Beer Summit where Obama is putting on a show and getting together with Gates and Officer Crowley and having a beer. Again, why is Obama even involved? Doesn't he have more important things to do? Can't he just (gasp) apologize and move on? No, the Beer Summit is the big headline of the day. How about spending some time on the gazillion other issues going on in the country. Nah, guess that would be too presidential.
Friday, June 12, 2009
What happened to good customer service?
Jimmy and I just went through a harrowing mortgage refinancing process. Normally it wouldn't have been a big deal...a few phone calls, fill out the application, fax over some forms, set up a closing, and then close on the loan. No biggie. However, the ordeal was a bigger headache than we anticipated. The main problem seemed to be that whenever I called the bank to check on the status, I was told we were missing something or they never received it. This is after the fact when another customer service agent confirmed they received what we sent. Now, I can handle this once. But not two or three times which was the case with us. In addition to the people losing our stuff left and right, some of the agents weren't even on the same page regarding the facts. We were told two completely different (and contradictory) things by different people. Is it too much to ask that the so-called "experts" who are processing our loans understand the same rules and regulations and be on the SAME page so as not to confuse their consumer?
Anyway, the two month long ordeal was finally over this week when we were able to close on the loan. It just boggled my mind during this process the lack of organization and knowledge some of these loan agents had. I'm not sure if it was the bank we chose, if it's because they are slammed with new loan applications, or if it's just complete ineptitude (is that a word?). Or maybe it's a product of the poor economy so people are working harder for less money and mistakes are being made as a result. I just don't know. I was planning on complaining several times but decided to hold off as we did get a great rate and everyone was always very friendly when I spoke with them. They were apologetic on their mistakes, so I decided it's probably best to bite my tongue.
I'm hoping this was an isolated incident but feel it might be the trend. We are already in the age of automated customer service and not being able to get a live human being to help us. But sometimes good customer service is what is necessary for a satisfied consumer. Case in point: Today I'm going to a local running store to buy new running shoes. I know I can get them cheaper on the internet but I like having them help me choose the right shoe for my foot and running style. To me, it's worth paying an extra $10 or so for the customer service I will receive.
Anyone else have a poor customer service experience lately? Please share!
Anyway, the two month long ordeal was finally over this week when we were able to close on the loan. It just boggled my mind during this process the lack of organization and knowledge some of these loan agents had. I'm not sure if it was the bank we chose, if it's because they are slammed with new loan applications, or if it's just complete ineptitude (is that a word?). Or maybe it's a product of the poor economy so people are working harder for less money and mistakes are being made as a result. I just don't know. I was planning on complaining several times but decided to hold off as we did get a great rate and everyone was always very friendly when I spoke with them. They were apologetic on their mistakes, so I decided it's probably best to bite my tongue.
I'm hoping this was an isolated incident but feel it might be the trend. We are already in the age of automated customer service and not being able to get a live human being to help us. But sometimes good customer service is what is necessary for a satisfied consumer. Case in point: Today I'm going to a local running store to buy new running shoes. I know I can get them cheaper on the internet but I like having them help me choose the right shoe for my foot and running style. To me, it's worth paying an extra $10 or so for the customer service I will receive.
Anyone else have a poor customer service experience lately? Please share!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Earth Day Hypocrisy
For those of you who don't know, Earth Day was last week. (Not sure how you couldn't know that since it seemed to get more media coverage than the swine flu :) ). I commend those people who care for our environment WITHIN REASON. What I have a problem with is misinformed people trying to push their agendas onto the rest of us and Earth Day gives just an excuse for the hypocrites of the world to do that.
Hypocrisy: The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.
Did you know that Obama used over 9,000 gallons of fuel to fly to give a speech on a windmill farm on Earth day? He did this to make himself look like he cares about the environment (because of course the speech wouldn't have the same effect if the windmills weren't in the background) yet wastes all that fuel in the process. And don't get me started on Al Gore. The man has made millions on his scare tactics about global warming while he jets all over the country and internationally giving speeches and selling books, using more fuel in a month than most Americans do in their lifetime.
I'm not sure if you have noticed too that instead of the media using the term "global warming" it's now "climate change". This way the eco-extremists can use any change in the weather and environment to further their cause (and make more money). And since their whole global warming motto hasn't worked out they needed to change it. Has anyone ever considered that the earth is supposed to have changes in it's climate? Perhaps that is what is healthy for the planet and necessary for humans and animals alike to continue to thrive.
The wildfires in South Carolina recently reminded me of those who protest the cutting of trees. Well, responsible forest pruning is necessary to prevent these wildfires (especially in CA and out west). By cutting down some trees we are lowering the chances of those rampant fires which destroy tons of forests. But somehow the eco-extremists can't think about prevention and are only worried about not cutting down any trees because that would be WRONG.
So, my bottom line is this. Yes, we should care for the environment...don't litter, recycle if you want, etc. But, also be critical of those who preach about being "green" and don't walk the walk themselves. We need to hold our leaders accountable and we also need to realize that sometimes "climate change" is actually a good thing.
Hypocrisy: The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.
Did you know that Obama used over 9,000 gallons of fuel to fly to give a speech on a windmill farm on Earth day? He did this to make himself look like he cares about the environment (because of course the speech wouldn't have the same effect if the windmills weren't in the background) yet wastes all that fuel in the process. And don't get me started on Al Gore. The man has made millions on his scare tactics about global warming while he jets all over the country and internationally giving speeches and selling books, using more fuel in a month than most Americans do in their lifetime.
I'm not sure if you have noticed too that instead of the media using the term "global warming" it's now "climate change". This way the eco-extremists can use any change in the weather and environment to further their cause (and make more money). And since their whole global warming motto hasn't worked out they needed to change it. Has anyone ever considered that the earth is supposed to have changes in it's climate? Perhaps that is what is healthy for the planet and necessary for humans and animals alike to continue to thrive.
The wildfires in South Carolina recently reminded me of those who protest the cutting of trees. Well, responsible forest pruning is necessary to prevent these wildfires (especially in CA and out west). By cutting down some trees we are lowering the chances of those rampant fires which destroy tons of forests. But somehow the eco-extremists can't think about prevention and are only worried about not cutting down any trees because that would be WRONG.
So, my bottom line is this. Yes, we should care for the environment...don't litter, recycle if you want, etc. But, also be critical of those who preach about being "green" and don't walk the walk themselves. We need to hold our leaders accountable and we also need to realize that sometimes "climate change" is actually a good thing.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A bad fad
Well Obama is on Leno tonight and he has his picks for the NCAA tournament. He sure is focusing on what's really important isn't he? Nope, he's too busy schmoozing with the media than really focusing on helping the American people. As I told a friend this week, Obama to me is a "bad fad". I saw someone wearing a denim jacket with an embroidered Obama over the entire back. Give me a break. He isn't a rock band or a sports star. He is our president. Only he isn't acting like one.
Anyway, the whole taxing the AIG execs 90% of the bonuses (b/c it's THEIR fault that the politicians didn't actually review the bill they passed which permitted them to get their bonuses). What's next? The government decides that I should have been taxed 50% on my car? 85% on my house? When will it end? Yes, the AIG execs are greedy. But it's Washington's fault for not even knowing what they are signing.
I hope everyone is taking notes. Because in 4 years I have a feeling I won't be seeing Obama's face on the back of a jacket and I won't be seeing Obama bumper stickers on every car I pass. Just wait.
Anyway, the whole taxing the AIG execs 90% of the bonuses (b/c it's THEIR fault that the politicians didn't actually review the bill they passed which permitted them to get their bonuses). What's next? The government decides that I should have been taxed 50% on my car? 85% on my house? When will it end? Yes, the AIG execs are greedy. But it's Washington's fault for not even knowing what they are signing.
I hope everyone is taking notes. Because in 4 years I have a feeling I won't be seeing Obama's face on the back of a jacket and I won't be seeing Obama bumper stickers on every car I pass. Just wait.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Barry is quite the busy guy!
So it seems that Barack Obama has been super busy since he took office. One might say he is ambitious, a go-getter, a "mover and a shaker", but I beg to differ. I want to preface my opinions with the disclaimer that I am a conservative and never wanted him in the White House to begin with. However I'd like to think that I am open minded and willing to consider all sides of an issue before making an opinion. I also actually WANT him to succeed. It would be selfish and un-American of me to wish him failure as our president.
But, the guy sure has been busy making lots of changes since he took office. To start, his inauguration cost three times the amount of Bush's (however not a blurb in the media about it, unlike the scolding Bush took!), and his "spendulus" package will cost more than the money spent in Bush's 8 years of office. So, within Barry's first 60 days he's managed to spend more than what Bush spent in 8 years. Interesting. Yet not a word in the mainstream media about that little fact.
In addition to this huge spendulus bill (which one might think would take up an awful lot of his time), Obama also has managed to set a deadline for the troops in Iraq, wants to "talk" with terrorists who have attacked our country, has decided that stem cell research on human embryos is fine and dandy, he wants to revamp our healthcare system and have the government take over some of the banking industry, etc. etc. Gee, he sure is busy isn't he?!
What really has me fired up is this whole stimulus package. What a crock! I mean, is it common sense to spend $50 million on new TSA uniforms in a time of financial crisis for our country? How about the water slides I heard about or the 9,000 other earmarks in the bill? Am I the only one who realizes that this is just the liberals way of getting what they feel they've been deprived of during the Bush administration? Why doesn't Nancy Pelosi and her crew listen to all the financial experts' advice? Now is not a time to spend frivolously! It's also not a time to allow the government to manage every aspect of our lives! In many ways we need to let the market do it's thing and rebound, but every time Barry starts getting involved, I lose money from my retirement fund. Yes, we need a strong plan but you can't convince me that having new uniforms is a real priority when the unemployment rate is about 8% right now. Ridiculous.
My bottom line is this...Obama is showing his inexperience and his true colors. He has an agenda for our country...to make Americans feel helpless and that we must rely on government for our livelihood. Our country is rapidly heading towards socialism and I fear too much damage will already be done before the majority of America realizes that the reason we are AMERICA is because we aren't like other countries who rely on socialistic principles. We are better than that but if Americans don't start realizing this it just might be too late.
So, if you've made it this far...I wish Obama the best and hope he does do good things for our country but to me, the writing is on the wall that in 4 years (or possibly 8) us Americans are going to be scratching our heads and looking for our next source of "hope and change."
But, the guy sure has been busy making lots of changes since he took office. To start, his inauguration cost three times the amount of Bush's (however not a blurb in the media about it, unlike the scolding Bush took!), and his "spendulus" package will cost more than the money spent in Bush's 8 years of office. So, within Barry's first 60 days he's managed to spend more than what Bush spent in 8 years. Interesting. Yet not a word in the mainstream media about that little fact.
In addition to this huge spendulus bill (which one might think would take up an awful lot of his time), Obama also has managed to set a deadline for the troops in Iraq, wants to "talk" with terrorists who have attacked our country, has decided that stem cell research on human embryos is fine and dandy, he wants to revamp our healthcare system and have the government take over some of the banking industry, etc. etc. Gee, he sure is busy isn't he?!
What really has me fired up is this whole stimulus package. What a crock! I mean, is it common sense to spend $50 million on new TSA uniforms in a time of financial crisis for our country? How about the water slides I heard about or the 9,000 other earmarks in the bill? Am I the only one who realizes that this is just the liberals way of getting what they feel they've been deprived of during the Bush administration? Why doesn't Nancy Pelosi and her crew listen to all the financial experts' advice? Now is not a time to spend frivolously! It's also not a time to allow the government to manage every aspect of our lives! In many ways we need to let the market do it's thing and rebound, but every time Barry starts getting involved, I lose money from my retirement fund. Yes, we need a strong plan but you can't convince me that having new uniforms is a real priority when the unemployment rate is about 8% right now. Ridiculous.
My bottom line is this...Obama is showing his inexperience and his true colors. He has an agenda for our country...to make Americans feel helpless and that we must rely on government for our livelihood. Our country is rapidly heading towards socialism and I fear too much damage will already be done before the majority of America realizes that the reason we are AMERICA is because we aren't like other countries who rely on socialistic principles. We are better than that but if Americans don't start realizing this it just might be too late.
So, if you've made it this far...I wish Obama the best and hope he does do good things for our country but to me, the writing is on the wall that in 4 years (or possibly 8) us Americans are going to be scratching our heads and looking for our next source of "hope and change."
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