Which World Cup do you think I am talking about? There is only one that matters, and there is only one Football, no matter what Americans like to call their game, played using "hands". So, you call it Soccer, so what? That word comes from "Football Association" anyway! The real problem here is all the Soccer haters out there, specifically:
A Kick In The Head: Soccer Is Not The Game That ‘The Rest Of The World’ Loves
and,
Introducing: Sports Wonks
Now seriously, after the wonderful drama of the first two Quarterfinal games you want me to waste time on this subject? It is true that the United States DID NOT make it past the Round of 16. But people in the know, people who appreciate the game, have other teams that they cheer for and therefore are still watching the games. Maybe the ratings will not be spectacular (20 Million viewers for the USA - Ghana game), but I believe they will still be respectable.
So let me make a couple of points here. Ethan Epstein over at True/Slant, proposes that other sports are more popular than Soccer in other countries not just the US, so why should it be popular here where sports like American Football, Basketball, and Baseball dominate? Well sure, pick a country, even World Soccer powers like Brazil, Argentina and Spain. You know what, those countries love other sports. It might surprise you to know that Basketball is really really popular in those countries. In fact, their very best players, are actually playing over here, in our league, the NBA, and their national teams, are going to give the US Super Team (made of NBA All Stars) a run for its money this summer at the FIBA World Championships. So what has your argument proven? Here are some soccer powers that can also play basketball. All we're saying is that over the whole world, taking into account every sport, the most popular sport IS SOCCER.
So the Sports Wonks over at FrumForum argue that the "tie" in soccer is Un-American. My friends you're wrong. The "tie" in soccer can be a strategic weapon when used properly, and of course it can therefore be a win. There are competitions in which a tie, means that an away goal gives you the edge. In the early rounds of the World Cup, the tie ensures a so-so team, the chance to advance to the next round of the competition, where it can prove its mettle, by improving its game. And sometimes, if you're playing with 10 players due to an ejection, or red card, you try to hold on to a tie, so that you can still get a point, and maybe then advance out of your group.
It really comes down to understanding the game. Millions of young children in the US play the game of soccer due to its accessibility. Yet, as they grow-up they forget it and gravitate to other games such as American Football, and Baseball. I love these other sports. I wholly embrace them and completely enjoy them. But yet, I do not understand the vitriol surrounding the World Cup tournament which comes around every four years. Just like the Olympics, it is a spectacle. It provides highs and lows. It provides drama and story lines to tell your kids. I still remember fondly the World Cup from 1982 and some magical football games played by Italy, the eventual winners that year. Aah, those are the memories!
Soon, this year's version of the World Cup will be complete. A Champion of the World will be crowned. We will move on to other pursuits. Will Americans watch more games on the MLS? Who knows? I don't dislike the MLS. I just don't think it's a World Class League yet. The best American Players go overseas to play. And the only good foreign players that come here, are past their prime. David Beckham, has been injured for most of his time with the L.A. Galaxy and now Thiery Henry is coming to NY. Until the spectacle improves, I'll watch the occasional game. Until then, it's the World Game I am still in love with. And to you haters I say:
"Get over yourselves!"
Friday, July 02, 2010
Saturday, June 05, 2010
The Cult of Personality (Part 2)
Honestly, I don't hate Rachel Maddow. I leave such feelings of hate (that word is such a powerful word, I don't like using it) to people on the right of the political spectrum, who call her names and attack her constantly, for her views, her lifestyle, her appearance and a myriad other things that they find wrong about her. She has a TV show to do, particularly, TRMS, otherwise known as "The Rachel Maddow Show". Her show is on the MSNBC network every weeknight at 9:00 pm Eastern or 8:00 pm Central.
Rachel's Show has various segments during its hour-long run. Sometimes, the writer and former Air America host, Kent Jones, appears on Rachel's show to discuss pop-culture or other items. Of course, I am sure, none of these appearances are unscripted, or without the approval of the producers and of course Rachel Maddow herself.
On June 1st, 2010 for the second consecutive year, Rachel Maddow and Kent Jones proceeded to launch into what could only be described as a "light comedic satire" of the just transpired Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo, Norway. This was not the first time that Rachel and her team had made fun of the Eurovision Song Contest, previously "liking it" to American Idol "light" and "a bunch of musical wannabees without talent". When she did it the previous year (2009), she had described the Greek Singer as "dressed like a porn star". This, of a man, Sakis Rouvas, who is #1 in sales in his own country, and very successful at what he does. Yet, Rachel Maddow and Kent Jones decided to mock him and all the other singers representing their respective countries.
This year, their mockery was no different. They attacked the songs, they attacked the costumes, they attacked the stage direction of the performances themselves. And why? In order to provide a 3 to 4 minute segment of what they thought was entertainment to their viewers. In the half-hour news show that I watch in the afternoon by Katie Couric, she normally finishes with something uplifting, something about the human condition that not only informs us, but let us know that we're not alone. Katie Couric and the CBS Evening News does journalism correctly.
I don't doubt Rachel Maddow's geek credentials. I don't want
to debate her. She has awesome debating skills. She understands arguments better than the average human being. But she does not understand her audience. She does not understand that it's NOT "all about her". This is NOT the "The Rachel Maddow Show". This is an informative, news and commentary and analysis show. But, who am I to try to tell her this. She has achieved cult status, and thinks she has surpassed our tastes and can dictate what we want to see and hear. Even Keith Olbermann is more of a newsman than she is. Maybe, Ms. Maddow believes that commentary continues past politics into the world of entertainment, and anything that goes on oversees is fair game, we can make fun of foreigners.
All I know, is that her attempt at humor in mocking or satirizing the Eurovision Song Contest was poorly thought out and poorly executed.
Did it personally bother me? Of course! Have I stopped watching her show because of it. Yes. I understand nothing "mean" might have been "meant" by this exercise, but Ms. Maddow, this is the second year in-a-row that you have performed this stunt. At some point coincidences stop being such, and a pattern emerges. One wonders if you believe in such things as Journalistic Integrity and Professional Ethics. Making fun of the Europeans and their quaint little song contest, might seem amusing, but it is a heritage that some of us have grown-up with and enjoy. Maybe you'd be better served "mocking" American Idol and its voting patterns?
In the end, a journalist who is a TV Personality is only as good as the people watching him or her. Presenting the information of the day requires some perspective. I have always appreciated the ideas and perspective that you have offered, but not anymore. What you seem to be saying to your audience is, "I have a large spoonful of Cult, for those who want to follow me, and I spurn those who don't." I am NOT going to take that bargain.
I'd rather take an apology from you, if offered.
Rachel's Show has various segments during its hour-long run. Sometimes, the writer and former Air America host, Kent Jones, appears on Rachel's show to discuss pop-culture or other items. Of course, I am sure, none of these appearances are unscripted, or without the approval of the producers and of course Rachel Maddow herself.
On June 1st, 2010 for the second consecutive year, Rachel Maddow and Kent Jones proceeded to launch into what could only be described as a "light comedic satire" of the just transpired Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo, Norway. This was not the first time that Rachel and her team had made fun of the Eurovision Song Contest, previously "liking it" to American Idol "light" and "a bunch of musical wannabees without talent". When she did it the previous year (2009), she had described the Greek Singer as "dressed like a porn star". This, of a man, Sakis Rouvas, who is #1 in sales in his own country, and very successful at what he does. Yet, Rachel Maddow and Kent Jones decided to mock him and all the other singers representing their respective countries.
This year, their mockery was no different. They attacked the songs, they attacked the costumes, they attacked the stage direction of the performances themselves. And why? In order to provide a 3 to 4 minute segment of what they thought was entertainment to their viewers. In the half-hour news show that I watch in the afternoon by Katie Couric, she normally finishes with something uplifting, something about the human condition that not only informs us, but let us know that we're not alone. Katie Couric and the CBS Evening News does journalism correctly.I don't doubt Rachel Maddow's geek credentials. I don't want
to debate her. She has awesome debating skills. She understands arguments better than the average human being. But she does not understand her audience. She does not understand that it's NOT "all about her". This is NOT the "The Rachel Maddow Show". This is an informative, news and commentary and analysis show. But, who am I to try to tell her this. She has achieved cult status, and thinks she has surpassed our tastes and can dictate what we want to see and hear. Even Keith Olbermann is more of a newsman than she is. Maybe, Ms. Maddow believes that commentary continues past politics into the world of entertainment, and anything that goes on oversees is fair game, we can make fun of foreigners.All I know, is that her attempt at humor in mocking or satirizing the Eurovision Song Contest was poorly thought out and poorly executed.
Did it personally bother me? Of course! Have I stopped watching her show because of it. Yes. I understand nothing "mean" might have been "meant" by this exercise, but Ms. Maddow, this is the second year in-a-row that you have performed this stunt. At some point coincidences stop being such, and a pattern emerges. One wonders if you believe in such things as Journalistic Integrity and Professional Ethics. Making fun of the Europeans and their quaint little song contest, might seem amusing, but it is a heritage that some of us have grown-up with and enjoy. Maybe you'd be better served "mocking" American Idol and its voting patterns?
In the end, a journalist who is a TV Personality is only as good as the people watching him or her. Presenting the information of the day requires some perspective. I have always appreciated the ideas and perspective that you have offered, but not anymore. What you seem to be saying to your audience is, "I have a large spoonful of Cult, for those who want to follow me, and I spurn those who don't." I am NOT going to take that bargain.
I'd rather take an apology from you, if offered.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Last Night’s Vote By The Numbers – What Health Care Can Teach Us About Voting, Insurance, and Campaign Contributions - Chris Thomas - Politics on the Rocks - True/Slant
Friday, March 19, 2010
Young (and not so young) and without a Plan
It's fascinating when certain thoughts are percolating in your head and then you read an item on the web that validates your thinking. Just today, I read this article:
It's a fascinating look into the culture of the man-child, of the perpetual adolescent who does not want to grow-up, like the old "Toys 'R 'Us" commercial used to say in its jingle.
I will not repeat here what the Author, David Masciotra discusses in his article (or rather series of articles), but rather I want to expand on his theme. I believe that a lot of his points are not only valid, but illuminating about today's culture. I have seen the man-child in action. But the man-child is not a symptom of only this generation -- it exists in Generation X, it also blossomed in Generation Y also known as Millennials. What scares me the most is that I have some first hand knowledge of the man-child. I have seen him in action. And I am writing this in hope of preventing the "man-child" from passing unto the next generation.
The man-child has his own hours and his own schedule. The man-child does not believe in the same productive hours that the rest of society functions in... Is that really a description of a modern day "slacker"? What is a "slacker" after all, but a man-child wanna-be? But the "slacker" has been identified as one who could be suffering from depression. And the man-child? David Masciota says:
Is it any wonder, with the world we all have to deal with today and the problems that we have to face how some otherwise sane people choose to "tune out" the world around them and how the same world in kind treats them:
When after so much struggle, after you have achieved your goals, or even some goals, and you have reached some level of relative success, the collapse of what used to be the American Dream is starting to affect even those who can not be categorized as a man-child or "slacker", then something somewhere has gone terribly wrong. Yes, it has affected me... Oh, I won't say that I am exhibiting the symptoms of the man-child in all its glory: For example, I won't be out, until all hours of the night, keeping to a night-owl schedule that would lead me to being compared to a vampire. Nor would I drink myself into a stupor; but just maybe I get my kicks from some wonderful prescription pain meds, or even over the counter ones. Or for a change of pace, I have zero motivation to achieve anything new in my life, to progress beyond where I am right now. After all I say, in this current climate, "what would that get me?"
The powerful and the rich have everything locked-up in this world, and those in authority, those in the corporate world tell the rest of us what to think and what to do. In light of this, what can I do? But dammit, I think I can still make a difference with the younger generation. Maybe I can influence a nephew or a niece, maybe I can influence someone reading this blog to change their way. I certainly thought better of myself once, and succeeded mightily, broke past the family traditions and achieved things beyond what would have been possible. Now, this success is not uncommon for this family, is not uncommon for immigrants like us at all. But the lesson here is this: Standing still is not the answer. Playing the video game, watching TV, drinking that drink, taking that pill, that is not the answer. The way forward is make a positive step every day, is to say:
I hope those who can change, those that have read David's seminal 3-part series and my blog, will also change for the better.
An American Mutant: A Three Part Series on the Man-Child (Part 2)
This was only the second part of a three part series, but this was the part that really caught my attention.
Here is Part 1: An American Mutant: A Three-Part Series on the Man-Child
And Part 3 here: An American Mutant: A Three Part Series on the Man-Child (Part 3)
It's a fascinating look into the culture of the man-child, of the perpetual adolescent who does not want to grow-up, like the old "Toys 'R 'Us" commercial used to say in its jingle.
I will not repeat here what the Author, David Masciotra discusses in his article (or rather series of articles), but rather I want to expand on his theme. I believe that a lot of his points are not only valid, but illuminating about today's culture. I have seen the man-child in action. But the man-child is not a symptom of only this generation -- it exists in Generation X, it also blossomed in Generation Y also known as Millennials. What scares me the most is that I have some first hand knowledge of the man-child. I have seen him in action. And I am writing this in hope of preventing the "man-child" from passing unto the next generation.
The man-child has his own hours and his own schedule. The man-child does not believe in the same productive hours that the rest of society functions in... Is that really a description of a modern day "slacker"? What is a "slacker" after all, but a man-child wanna-be? But the "slacker" has been identified as one who could be suffering from depression. And the man-child? David Masciota says:
"...[they] have no plans for their lives, and the most terrifying part of that is that no one seems to care enough to do anything about it. Their parents reportedly bicker at them but refuse to levy any threats or ultimatums."Could it possibly be a lack of self-esteem? Many years ago, I was lucky enough to be given a set of these powerful tapes by self-help guru Jack Canfield. Their title was: "How to Build High Self Esteem.". I realized then one of the biggest problems facing me was the man looking back in the mirror. The lack of self-esteem can be a major hindrance going forward in life. It stops you from having goals, whether positive or negative, any kind of goals. It sometimes robs you of the will to live a normal life -- all you want to do is just get by. It can lead to depression pretty easily.
Is it any wonder, with the world we all have to deal with today and the problems that we have to face how some otherwise sane people choose to "tune out" the world around them and how the same world in kind treats them:
"Political and social institutions ignore them, which is not surprising considering they also ignore the unemployed and undereducated who desperately want a college degree or fair-paying job, and the surrounding community seems to take an apathetically tolerant position regarding their presence.There is a pattern here. A self-perpetuating pattern. If you want to live in mediocrity, those around you will let you be part of their tribe. The institutions are geared towards allowing you to be "buried" in this mediocrity, and your parents... well, even if you were lucky enough to have immigrant parents, there is only so much they can take. Their walls have chips and cracks in them and they are crumbling. They have given-up trying to prop you up, to build you up to help you gain a leg-up that ladder of success that is America, because America has wore down on them as well. The land of opportunity is calling in its chips and its collecting, and a lot of people are coming-up short.
This may not seem catastrophic, and it certainly is not when compared to people who are forced to live in the margins of inner city or rural poverty. However, the rising number of middle-class males who voluntarily accept roles as fringe figures, misfits, and aimless snails signals deep trouble for a nation undergoing cultural decay, economic collapse, and communal breakdown. The Wall Street Journal reported before the super-recession that the current young generation of men is the first that will be less successful than their fathers.
The financial collapse and unemployment epidemic raises the stakes for the current generation, and may result in a pyramid future where the few upper and middle-class born men with drive and ambition rise to the top, and the rest—the poor and working-class who are uncounted by the powerful, along with the man-child section of the middle-class—fill the bottom."
When after so much struggle, after you have achieved your goals, or even some goals, and you have reached some level of relative success, the collapse of what used to be the American Dream is starting to affect even those who can not be categorized as a man-child or "slacker", then something somewhere has gone terribly wrong. Yes, it has affected me... Oh, I won't say that I am exhibiting the symptoms of the man-child in all its glory: For example, I won't be out, until all hours of the night, keeping to a night-owl schedule that would lead me to being compared to a vampire. Nor would I drink myself into a stupor; but just maybe I get my kicks from some wonderful prescription pain meds, or even over the counter ones. Or for a change of pace, I have zero motivation to achieve anything new in my life, to progress beyond where I am right now. After all I say, in this current climate, "what would that get me?"
The powerful and the rich have everything locked-up in this world, and those in authority, those in the corporate world tell the rest of us what to think and what to do. In light of this, what can I do? But dammit, I think I can still make a difference with the younger generation. Maybe I can influence a nephew or a niece, maybe I can influence someone reading this blog to change their way. I certainly thought better of myself once, and succeeded mightily, broke past the family traditions and achieved things beyond what would have been possible. Now, this success is not uncommon for this family, is not uncommon for immigrants like us at all. But the lesson here is this: Standing still is not the answer. Playing the video game, watching TV, drinking that drink, taking that pill, that is not the answer. The way forward is make a positive step every day, is to say:
"Today is another day, a better day than yesterday, and today, I will do ONE thing more that I did not do yesterday."
I promise to change.
I hope those who can change, those that have read David's seminal 3-part series and my blog, will also change for the better.
After The Health Care Apocalypse: Analyzing The GOP’s Strategy For What’s Next - Chris Thomas - Politics on the Rocks - True/Slant
After The Health Care Apocalypse: Analyzing The GOP’s Strategy For What’s Next - Chris Thomas - Politics on the Rocks - True/Slant
Is this what will happen, once Health Care reform passes?
Read the fantastic article I have linked to here and let's discuss.
My position? I completely agree with this article. Even if the Republicans make major gains in 2010, even if they somehow come back and regain the presidency in 2012, the "die" has been cast. Is this why they are fighting so hard against it right now?
Is this what will happen, once Health Care reform passes?
Read the fantastic article I have linked to here and let's discuss.
My position? I completely agree with this article. Even if the Republicans make major gains in 2010, even if they somehow come back and regain the presidency in 2012, the "die" has been cast. Is this why they are fighting so hard against it right now?
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