The propaganda scare piece linked here was published in the Baltimore Sun on Sept. 1. The Sun is a typical big city newspaper filled with boilerplate left wing tripe as evidenced by its unquestioned devotion to 'concerns' like 'global warming'. The point of their piece is basically to align ANY unusual weather phenomenon to global warming, and they use hurricanes Katrina and Isabel to buttress this point. Nevermind that unusual weather disasters have occurred since the dawn of the planet, these are merely inconvenient facts that do not fit the left wing agenda of radical environmentalism that runs rampant among the Sun's editors. Does the fact that there has been NO global rise in temperatures since 1998 mitigate the horrific possibilities of the seas inundating our coastal cities? Not according to the Sun's climate alarmists.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/green/2009/09/katrinas_warning_unheeded.html
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Woeful O's have found their dystopia
A conversation with a friend:
Me:
Trembley is gone at the end of the year. It's ridiculous he stuck with Mora and Huff the way he did. I'd have had those useless has beens riding the pine along about June 1. Still - I keep looking at this lineup and instead of asking WHY, I ask WHY NOT? I'm borrowing from Robert Kennedy (as much as it pains me to do so) AND from the famous O's campaign of 1989 when we nearly shocked the world. THERE IS TALENT HERE. I know it. It just never presents itself on the field in the way I expect. The lack of clutch hitting is astounding and I'm given to turn the TV off in disgust the minute I get a whiff of their utter futility - along about the 2nd innning of most games. In some sense, they seem SO CLOSE - but they simply never get that one key hit that puts them over the hump. That is THE mark of a losing team with a losing mentality. They believe in their failure that is their self fulfilling prophecy. I DO think that if they get ONE more hitter - a first or a third baseman - AND Bergesen, Matusz and Tillman ARE as advertised - then this is at least a .500 team NEXT year assuming they also get a manager with half a clue. Eddie Murray - NO WAY. You are quite correct in your assessment - he has garnered a good deal of criticism for his poor performance as batting coach - no need to put the managerial crown on his head. Some fans are clueless about HISTORY. You and I are not among them. We well remember how Murray was run out of town for 'lack of hustle' and refusal to wear eyeglasses. We were so desperate to trade him that we ended up with Juan Bell. God give me strength. Murray will never be considered for manager here unless Angelos sticks his pig nose into things again and overrules McPhail thus driving McPhail out of town just like all the other GMs - excepting Syd Thrift who Angelos loved. Oh gosh - I'm rambling!
Him:
Okay, now that the O's are in their annual tailspin (a little earlier than in previous years) the masses are clammoring for the head of Dave Trembly. Among the candidates for his job are Eddie Murray, based on one observer's opinion that he's an old school (read winning) Oriole and will bring fire and intensity to the team and deliver them from mediocrity. Please refresh my memory if I'm wrong, but when Eddie left in 1988, lots of people were ragging on him, me included, because of, among other things, his lack of fire and intensity on the field (any one remember the last time we saw him diving in the hole for a ground ball?). Not that I think he's on McPhail's list of potential replacements, if there is one, but I think Eddie would be a terrible manager, not that any of the other old Orioles who keep on getting mentioned would be any better - Cal???, Palmer???, Dempsey????? I don't remember Eddie being any great shakes as a hitting coach and they want him running a team, especially with those legendary communication skills? By the way, I'm all for dumping Trembley; can't say he's the main reason we stink, and he was dealt one putrid rotation this year, but all of the baserunning gaffs, lineup management (Huff 4th and Mora 5th no matter how cold, and we're talking Kelvin Scale cold, their bats are) and poor fundamentals fall on his shoulders. Don't think I'd do it until the end of the season, but I'd definitely look elsewhere when the season's over.
Me:
Trembley is gone at the end of the year. It's ridiculous he stuck with Mora and Huff the way he did. I'd have had those useless has beens riding the pine along about June 1. Still - I keep looking at this lineup and instead of asking WHY, I ask WHY NOT? I'm borrowing from Robert Kennedy (as much as it pains me to do so) AND from the famous O's campaign of 1989 when we nearly shocked the world. THERE IS TALENT HERE. I know it. It just never presents itself on the field in the way I expect. The lack of clutch hitting is astounding and I'm given to turn the TV off in disgust the minute I get a whiff of their utter futility - along about the 2nd innning of most games. In some sense, they seem SO CLOSE - but they simply never get that one key hit that puts them over the hump. That is THE mark of a losing team with a losing mentality. They believe in their failure that is their self fulfilling prophecy. I DO think that if they get ONE more hitter - a first or a third baseman - AND Bergesen, Matusz and Tillman ARE as advertised - then this is at least a .500 team NEXT year assuming they also get a manager with half a clue. Eddie Murray - NO WAY. You are quite correct in your assessment - he has garnered a good deal of criticism for his poor performance as batting coach - no need to put the managerial crown on his head. Some fans are clueless about HISTORY. You and I are not among them. We well remember how Murray was run out of town for 'lack of hustle' and refusal to wear eyeglasses. We were so desperate to trade him that we ended up with Juan Bell. God give me strength. Murray will never be considered for manager here unless Angelos sticks his pig nose into things again and overrules McPhail thus driving McPhail out of town just like all the other GMs - excepting Syd Thrift who Angelos loved. Oh gosh - I'm rambling!
Him:
Okay, now that the O's are in their annual tailspin (a little earlier than in previous years) the masses are clammoring for the head of Dave Trembly. Among the candidates for his job are Eddie Murray, based on one observer's opinion that he's an old school (read winning) Oriole and will bring fire and intensity to the team and deliver them from mediocrity. Please refresh my memory if I'm wrong, but when Eddie left in 1988, lots of people were ragging on him, me included, because of, among other things, his lack of fire and intensity on the field (any one remember the last time we saw him diving in the hole for a ground ball?). Not that I think he's on McPhail's list of potential replacements, if there is one, but I think Eddie would be a terrible manager, not that any of the other old Orioles who keep on getting mentioned would be any better - Cal???, Palmer???, Dempsey????? I don't remember Eddie being any great shakes as a hitting coach and they want him running a team, especially with those legendary communication skills? By the way, I'm all for dumping Trembley; can't say he's the main reason we stink, and he was dealt one putrid rotation this year, but all of the baserunning gaffs, lineup management (Huff 4th and Mora 5th no matter how cold, and we're talking Kelvin Scale cold, their bats are) and poor fundamentals fall on his shoulders. Don't think I'd do it until the end of the season, but I'd definitely look elsewhere when the season's over.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Market recovery?
I am surprised by the strength of the market rally the past few months - but it is a reaction to the sugar high the Obamites have injected into the economy via stimulus. There is no chance this works long term because all he and his team of socialist Keynesians are doing is interjecting more debt at all levels of society to put off the day of reckoning a while longer - at least until we are through another election cycle. These utterly corrupt and amoral evildoers are ensuring the destruction of what we once knew as America. So my advice is to stand ready to face the worst of what they have to offer. P.S. - I am pleased at the grassroots fight that many ordinary Americans are taking to the pompous bastards that are for some reason referred to as our 'representatives' during the health care town halls. Clearly - these insulated, priviledged elites weren't prepared for meeting resistance from the proletariat over whom they so arrogantly rule. Any time we get to see hypocrites like Arlen Specter sweat a little is a good day indeed. Now, if we could just get Nancy Pelosi dropped somewhere in middle America from one of her energy wasting executive jets to see how the little people live... ahh, I'm dreaming. There's no reason to expect THAT kind of sacrifice from our rulers!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Government retirement scam?
The following is my advice to friend nearing retirement from the federal government who got wind that the government may snap the retirement carrot away from him just as he's ready to walk out the door. I didn't mean to stress him further!
Dave - I expect that you'll be alright. I think that even if changes to federal retirement plans are implemented - the likely scenario would be to apply changes to newer employees who don't have as much vested in the system. In other words - those with say 20 years or more of service will be grandfathered under the existing rules. At least that would be my GUESS because it really depends on the severity of the coming economic disaster. These initiatives have been offered by the Republicans - who are the minority party - so it is easy POLITICALLY to make grand statements about fiscal conservatism that play well in Peoria. Of course - neither party has the much interest in ACTUALLY doing anything to reign in spending - because they want the voters to believe we can continue to kick the can of ever increasing, and massive, federal deficits down the road indefinitely. They expand the goodie pool for today's voters, thus helping assure their reelection, on the backs of tomorrow's voter who is no threat to their position. Unfortunately, Republicans talk a good game as they advocate for fiscal responsibility but when faced with an electorate who expects ever more 'free stuff' from government then their principles tend to fly out the window. Trouble is, the Democrats are even worse, so that leaves us with no good options. However, despite being fiscally reckless, rife with corruption, and utterly amoral, I expect government will honor their retirement promise to us as long as China is willing to fund our deficits. So rest easy. :)
Here is the notification my friend received that caused his initial angst:
Federal Workers: Act Now Against Recent Threats To Your Retirement Benefits "High 5" Proposal; Age 62 Minimum
Dear Federal Worker:
A plan floated by House Republican leaders on June 4 to cut the federal budget $375 billion over five years would reduce the retirement annuities of federal workers and would require them to work longer to receive their full earned annuity.
The proposals set forth in a policy agenda released by Minority Leader John Boehner, R-OH, and Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-VA, recommend that the federal civilian annuity calculation be based on the highest five years of salary instead of the highest three years.
In addition, the Boehner/Cantor paper recommends that federal civilian employees not be afforded their earned annuity until they reach age 62, under any circumstance. Currently, employees can retire at age 55 if they have 30 or more years of service or at age 60 if they have 20 or more years of service. Federal public safety employees are required to retire by age 57 and air traffic controllers must retire by age 56.
The 320,000 members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) value your public service. Indeed, we exist to ensure that government honors its promises to you. Help us fight to preserve your earned retirement and health benefits by taking a few minutes to urge your lawmakers to oppose the Boehner/Cantor proposals.
Sincerely,
Margaret L. Baptiste
NARFE President
Dave - I expect that you'll be alright. I think that even if changes to federal retirement plans are implemented - the likely scenario would be to apply changes to newer employees who don't have as much vested in the system. In other words - those with say 20 years or more of service will be grandfathered under the existing rules. At least that would be my GUESS because it really depends on the severity of the coming economic disaster. These initiatives have been offered by the Republicans - who are the minority party - so it is easy POLITICALLY to make grand statements about fiscal conservatism that play well in Peoria. Of course - neither party has the much interest in ACTUALLY doing anything to reign in spending - because they want the voters to believe we can continue to kick the can of ever increasing, and massive, federal deficits down the road indefinitely. They expand the goodie pool for today's voters, thus helping assure their reelection, on the backs of tomorrow's voter who is no threat to their position. Unfortunately, Republicans talk a good game as they advocate for fiscal responsibility but when faced with an electorate who expects ever more 'free stuff' from government then their principles tend to fly out the window. Trouble is, the Democrats are even worse, so that leaves us with no good options. However, despite being fiscally reckless, rife with corruption, and utterly amoral, I expect government will honor their retirement promise to us as long as China is willing to fund our deficits. So rest easy. :)
Here is the notification my friend received that caused his initial angst:
Federal Workers: Act Now Against Recent Threats To Your Retirement Benefits "High 5" Proposal; Age 62 Minimum
Dear Federal Worker:
A plan floated by House Republican leaders on June 4 to cut the federal budget $375 billion over five years would reduce the retirement annuities of federal workers and would require them to work longer to receive their full earned annuity.
The proposals set forth in a policy agenda released by Minority Leader John Boehner, R-OH, and Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-VA, recommend that the federal civilian annuity calculation be based on the highest five years of salary instead of the highest three years.
In addition, the Boehner/Cantor paper recommends that federal civilian employees not be afforded their earned annuity until they reach age 62, under any circumstance. Currently, employees can retire at age 55 if they have 30 or more years of service or at age 60 if they have 20 or more years of service. Federal public safety employees are required to retire by age 57 and air traffic controllers must retire by age 56.
The 320,000 members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) value your public service. Indeed, we exist to ensure that government honors its promises to you. Help us fight to preserve your earned retirement and health benefits by taking a few minutes to urge your lawmakers to oppose the Boehner/Cantor proposals.
Sincerely,
Margaret L. Baptiste
NARFE President
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The bike
The endorphins really kicked in tonight as I experienced the sublime pleasure of healthful exercise as I pedaled over quiet country roads in Maryland. Every fiber of my being feels alive on a good bike ride as the stresses of everyday life fade into the rear view mirror. I wish more people could experience this. Perhaps there would be more understanding from motorists, wrapped so tightly in their mechanized, four wheeled cocoons, if they just could experience the ride. If they could feel the road beneath them, really feel it, as the wind rushes through their hair, and hear the sound of birds winging to a new destination, and see the blue sky without the plexiglass interference, then they might know peace. Maybe they could see the cyclist, who KNOWS that feeling, not as a freak in tight pants and a helmet, but as someone to be respected. The road calls to me, and it is my fervent hope that more people will come to know what I know. For peace.
Monday, August 3, 2009
We've seen this movie before
The second half swoon is well underway in 'Birdland', and after another wrenching defeat, this one to the Tigers, it is hard not to succumb to cynicism. I still hold that there is more reason for optimism with the Orioles than in many years, but there are a few changes that must be made. Melvin Mora needs to be shown the door... NOW! Mora provided the Orioles with 8 years of service, lives in the Baltimore area, and his wife had quintuplets during his tenure here. Thanks Melvin - now goodbye. He was part of the veteran mafia that helped get Sam Perlozzo fired - not that Perlozzo didn't deserve it - but the kind of backstabbing for which Mora was accused - was simply unexcusable. His apparent whining to the owner that Perlozzo was 'uncommunicative' says more about Mora than it ever did about Perlozzo. And now he has the audacity to criticize Dave Trembley for having the guts to actually give Mora the straight scoop on his non-production. It takes a special kind of gall to be critical of a manager, who is fighting for his own job, for not playing a guy who has been an albatross around the Oriole offense all year long. It's really ridiculous and is reflective of the loser mentality that has plagued this team for far too long now. Melvin Mora is now the poster child for Oriole ineptitude this decade.
In addition to Mora - there are several other folks that deserve special criticism. Danys Baez is a morale killer. Yet again - for what seems like the 5th time in the last week - Baez gives up a crushing home run to lose another game. Manager Dave Trembley's hands were tied on this one because his bullpen was exhausted after the Bosox plated 18 runs on 23 hits the day before against the beleaguered Oriole staff but still... BAEZ? Come on now. Send him packing and bring up a youngster to fill his minimal void. I know there are no takers - but Aubrey Huff must go as well. If it means simply cutting him and paying off the remainder of his contract - then do it. Huff had one good year as an Oriole, but that time has past and Huff's abilities are crumbling. Finally, Dave Trembley. This is it for Dave. Unless the Orioles win 50 of their final 55 games - Trembley must go. I believe he did establish a reasonable rapport with most of the players - but he clearly lacks - oh shall we say - gravitas? to handle the pressures of managing in the AL East. I like Trembley, a solid baseball man who served as a bridge between the abysmal Oriole past to a hopefully brighter future. But he is NOT the man to put the Orioles over the top. There is still an attitude - an expectation to lose - and a sloppiness of effort that is a direct indictment of the manager. There aren't that many things that a manager really controls - but if the team plays sloppily or makes an inordinate number of mental errors as the Orioles have throughout this year - then the manager must take the heat. Bye bye Dave. It was a pleasure knowing you.
In addition to Mora - there are several other folks that deserve special criticism. Danys Baez is a morale killer. Yet again - for what seems like the 5th time in the last week - Baez gives up a crushing home run to lose another game. Manager Dave Trembley's hands were tied on this one because his bullpen was exhausted after the Bosox plated 18 runs on 23 hits the day before against the beleaguered Oriole staff but still... BAEZ? Come on now. Send him packing and bring up a youngster to fill his minimal void. I know there are no takers - but Aubrey Huff must go as well. If it means simply cutting him and paying off the remainder of his contract - then do it. Huff had one good year as an Oriole, but that time has past and Huff's abilities are crumbling. Finally, Dave Trembley. This is it for Dave. Unless the Orioles win 50 of their final 55 games - Trembley must go. I believe he did establish a reasonable rapport with most of the players - but he clearly lacks - oh shall we say - gravitas? to handle the pressures of managing in the AL East. I like Trembley, a solid baseball man who served as a bridge between the abysmal Oriole past to a hopefully brighter future. But he is NOT the man to put the Orioles over the top. There is still an attitude - an expectation to lose - and a sloppiness of effort that is a direct indictment of the manager. There aren't that many things that a manager really controls - but if the team plays sloppily or makes an inordinate number of mental errors as the Orioles have throughout this year - then the manager must take the heat. Bye bye Dave. It was a pleasure knowing you.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
One of these nights
For the Baltimore Orioles, now in their 12th consecutive year of futility, it is difficult to see the light amid the gloom of loss after crushing loss. But I'm here to praise the Orioles, not to bury them. This team is close, very close, to being competitive for the playoffs in the hyper-competitive AL East. Now, before you recommend I undergo a thorough neurological work up, let me explain why my optimism is founded.
1. Markakis, Jones, and Reimold are all young and talented. This group is already among the best of any outfield in the American League. As they gain experience they'll get better.
2. The farm system is no longer barren. For the first time in 2 decades, the team has some highly touted pitchers coming up through the system. It is my belief that several of these pitchers are the 'real deal' although many an 'ace' in the minors becomes an afterthought once he is challenged by major league hitters.
3. The team dynamics are changing. O's GM Andy McPhail is not just looking for young, talented players, he is looking for a mindset. It's a winning mindset - and he's beginning to find it.
4. There is consistency with the scouts, coaches and managers throughout the Oriole system. Many years ago there was a saying 'the Oriole way'. The Oriole way involved developing talent throughout the minor leagues with consistent teaching techniques so that the players would all be 'major league' ready when they were ready for promotion. McPhail is trying to reinstill the Oriole way. Evidence of this can be found in the pitchers - who are showing the proper poise even as they try to find their way through a major league lineup.
Despite the losing - which never seems to take a holiday - this team is much closer to being a playoff contender than ever before. There are two major hurdles remaining: one - the young players are still a bit green and experience is the best teacher of all; two - the team doesn't yet BELIEVE it can win. This is a big psychological hurdle and will be the last significant obstacle to success. They need to have success in order to succeed. I don't know exactly what that catalyst will be, or when it might occur, but it's coming, it's surely coming.
1. Markakis, Jones, and Reimold are all young and talented. This group is already among the best of any outfield in the American League. As they gain experience they'll get better.
2. The farm system is no longer barren. For the first time in 2 decades, the team has some highly touted pitchers coming up through the system. It is my belief that several of these pitchers are the 'real deal' although many an 'ace' in the minors becomes an afterthought once he is challenged by major league hitters.
3. The team dynamics are changing. O's GM Andy McPhail is not just looking for young, talented players, he is looking for a mindset. It's a winning mindset - and he's beginning to find it.
4. There is consistency with the scouts, coaches and managers throughout the Oriole system. Many years ago there was a saying 'the Oriole way'. The Oriole way involved developing talent throughout the minor leagues with consistent teaching techniques so that the players would all be 'major league' ready when they were ready for promotion. McPhail is trying to reinstill the Oriole way. Evidence of this can be found in the pitchers - who are showing the proper poise even as they try to find their way through a major league lineup.
Despite the losing - which never seems to take a holiday - this team is much closer to being a playoff contender than ever before. There are two major hurdles remaining: one - the young players are still a bit green and experience is the best teacher of all; two - the team doesn't yet BELIEVE it can win. This is a big psychological hurdle and will be the last significant obstacle to success. They need to have success in order to succeed. I don't know exactly what that catalyst will be, or when it might occur, but it's coming, it's surely coming.
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