Here we are the the end of yet another long (too, long) professional Football season. As is customary these days, the end of the season is very quickly followed by the firing of at least a few head coaches. Today, the Cleveland Browns, NY Jets AND the Denver Broncos all canned their head coaches for the poor performances of their respective teams.
I don't know about you, but I'm sick of seeing professional sports coaches getting the axe for the performance of their players. Why is the fault always with the Head Coach?
True, to a large extent, the team follows the guidance of the head coach. Also true, the head coach is supposed to put together a coaching staff that will add more leadership and light more emotional fires under the feet of their players. The weekly team and coaching preparation must be thorough, and the play calling has to be spot on.
However, what everything comes down to is the actual efforts of the players.
THEY must be in the proper year-round physical condition; THEY must learn the plays; THEY must accept responsibility for all they do; THEY must execute the plays as designed; THEY must fulfill their assignments in every way; THEY must take the blame for a poorly executed game plan.
After all, aren't the players under contract to play for pay? Where is it written in any contract that once they have money, a player can miss a pass route; miss a crucial block; not make the passes; etc?
Aren't these PROFESSIONAL athletes we're talking about? Where is the professionalism when an entire team underperforms so much that the coach gets fired? Where is their integrity?
I would love for a whole team to stand up and tell sports fans that they just didn't get their jobs done. Their coaches are not to blame for the lack of execution on the field. "Heck, the coaches prepared great...WE blew it out there today."
But it'll never happen. Why? Because a coach is far more expendable than players under contract--and the players know it! I've never heard of a team firing its players, and we never will. There is too much money invested in the players. Sure, we'll see one or two jettisoned along the way, but we'll NEVER see players being fired from their teams en masse. Won't happen...Ever.
So, we arrive still at the same place--blaming coaches for the lack of positive results on the field. Remember, over-paid and under-performing players aren't to blame, just the head coach. After all, coaches are out there playing the games, running the wrong routes, missing the tackles, allowing defenses to sack the quarterback, not opening lanes for running backs, etc. Right?
But, when a team loses, I guess you gotta blame somebody. Might as well be the coach...even one that brought you a couple of Super Bowl wins.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
How He HOPES He'll Be Remembered
Last week our lame, lame-duck President showed off his latest lame move--the unveiling of the Presidential Portrait. Traditionally this portrait shows the outgoing President looking distinguished, having an air of grace and authority.
Our lame[duck] President, GeeDubya Bush pulled another fast one and thumbed his nose (yet again) at the tradition of the Oval Office. The artist painting the portrait was a former classmate of Dubyas, and our lame [duck] Prez asked him to portray our nations most hated leader in a more casual, relaxed pose.
So, here we have the end result--good ole Georgie sitting on the floor in a casual shirt (sans tie), in a good old folksy-type pose.
To me this is yet another pathetic move by a less than pathetic President. This portrait screams "forget about all the problems I've caused this country...two wars; an environmental firesale to big business; $10T (that's TRILLION) dollars of debt; a weakened Congress; a demoralized military; suspicious allies; near depression-level economy, etc.
No...to me the lame ducker is trying to tell everyone (enemies and supporters (however few there may still be) that he's just Georgie--the down-home, next door neighbor guy who happened to live in the White House.
Well Shucks and tarnation...I forgot he was just like me!
Do you see my point? All throughout his Presidency, his now infamous Spin Machine of an Administration always portrayed Dubya (and Cronies) as if there really WERE acting in the best interest of this Country--and not in their own self-serving, money hungry selfishness that truly spewed out of the West Wing.
Now here he goes again, trying to convince everyone that the Domestic nightmare that was his Presidency was really not his fault--cuz he's just a regular guy like you and me...
Sorry you Lame-duck. Your spin machine is well past broken, and all your attempts to tell us you're really one of the good guys just ain't gonna happen. You will always be remembered as the worst President in the history of this once great nation.
Our lame[duck] President, GeeDubya Bush pulled another fast one and thumbed his nose (yet again) at the tradition of the Oval Office. The artist painting the portrait was a former classmate of Dubyas, and our lame [duck] Prez asked him to portray our nations most hated leader in a more casual, relaxed pose.
So, here we have the end result--good ole Georgie sitting on the floor in a casual shirt (sans tie), in a good old folksy-type pose.
To me this is yet another pathetic move by a less than pathetic President. This portrait screams "forget about all the problems I've caused this country...two wars; an environmental firesale to big business; $10T (that's TRILLION) dollars of debt; a weakened Congress; a demoralized military; suspicious allies; near depression-level economy, etc.
No...to me the lame ducker is trying to tell everyone (enemies and supporters (however few there may still be) that he's just Georgie--the down-home, next door neighbor guy who happened to live in the White House.
Well Shucks and tarnation...I forgot he was just like me!
Do you see my point? All throughout his Presidency, his now infamous Spin Machine of an Administration always portrayed Dubya (and Cronies) as if there really WERE acting in the best interest of this Country--and not in their own self-serving, money hungry selfishness that truly spewed out of the West Wing.
Now here he goes again, trying to convince everyone that the Domestic nightmare that was his Presidency was really not his fault--cuz he's just a regular guy like you and me...
Sorry you Lame-duck. Your spin machine is well past broken, and all your attempts to tell us you're really one of the good guys just ain't gonna happen. You will always be remembered as the worst President in the history of this once great nation.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
CHRISTMAS vs Holiday
...we interrupt your Christmas music for the following news...
Headline.....Political Correctness runs amok....Atheists tell the vast majority of religious citizens that god and all religion are a myth perpetrated to enslave minds...political leaders, fearing for future votes, cave in to the demands of this "oppressed" minority...News at 11.......
...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!....Christmas is off! The yearly "Winter Holiday" is officially celebrated on December 25th!...Atheists now feel they are included in a society they claim was NOT founded on Christian principles...There is NO Christmas because Christ does NOT exist...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!...
...Dateline, Olympia, Washington...Governor Christine Gregoire, fearing that the Constitutional rights of a very small handful of people (most of whom aren't even in her constituency) are being denied, today allowed a Wisconsin Atheist group to place a sign next to a Nativity scene [in the Washington State Capital building] that did nothing but spit in the collective faces of all religious folks.
Predictably, the religious response was both swift and on the mark as they stated that Christmas was not just a religious holiday, but one of love, sharing, and giving as well; and anyone who opposed even these precepts had no right imposing their will on everyone else...
...Editorial...Since when does the Christmas Holiday offend anyone...I mean...really!? This reporter suspects that these so-called non-believers have celebrated Christmas for decades, and felt as much a part of society as they do every other day of the year.
In my humble opinion, if they want to enforce their will on 99.999999% of the population,let them try. In the last 10 years there has been a growing backlash against the supposed trampling of civil rights on a few who want to change both the Letter and the Spirit of the Constitution.
I say, boo hoo you poor wretches. No one makes you include religion in the annual holiday. Just share presents, eat good food, and let your friends warm your hearts with smiles and gifts.
Would that really be such a terrible thing? I think not...
...and now, back to more of everyone's favorite CHRISTMAS music...
Headline.....Political Correctness runs amok....Atheists tell the vast majority of religious citizens that god and all religion are a myth perpetrated to enslave minds...political leaders, fearing for future votes, cave in to the demands of this "oppressed" minority...News at 11.......
...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!....Christmas is off! The yearly "Winter Holiday" is officially celebrated on December 25th!...Atheists now feel they are included in a society they claim was NOT founded on Christian principles...There is NO Christmas because Christ does NOT exist...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!...
...Dateline, Olympia, Washington...Governor Christine Gregoire, fearing that the Constitutional rights of a very small handful of people (most of whom aren't even in her constituency) are being denied, today allowed a Wisconsin Atheist group to place a sign next to a Nativity scene [in the Washington State Capital building] that did nothing but spit in the collective faces of all religious folks.
Predictably, the religious response was both swift and on the mark as they stated that Christmas was not just a religious holiday, but one of love, sharing, and giving as well; and anyone who opposed even these precepts had no right imposing their will on everyone else...
...Editorial...Since when does the Christmas Holiday offend anyone...I mean...really!? This reporter suspects that these so-called non-believers have celebrated Christmas for decades, and felt as much a part of society as they do every other day of the year.
In my humble opinion, if they want to enforce their will on 99.999999% of the population,let them try. In the last 10 years there has been a growing backlash against the supposed trampling of civil rights on a few who want to change both the Letter and the Spirit of the Constitution.
I say, boo hoo you poor wretches. No one makes you include religion in the annual holiday. Just share presents, eat good food, and let your friends warm your hearts with smiles and gifts.
Would that really be such a terrible thing? I think not...
...and now, back to more of everyone's favorite CHRISTMAS music...
Gross Advertising Misconduct: The Follow-Up
In my original post called "Gross Advertising Misconduct" I told you about a commercial from Arby's restaurants that was blantantly sexual in nature. There was absolutely no mistaking the message they were putting across.
Well, I'm writing this because I actually received a response from Arby's. The complete text follows:
"Dear Arby’s Friend,
We’re sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with our current advertising.
Many times we choose to use tongue-in-cheek humor and satire in our commercials in an effort to communicate information about the Arby’s menu in an engaging and entertaining manner.
Your opinion is very important to us, and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. The last thing we want to do is offend anyone. We have shared your comments with our marketing and advertising teams so they can be considered in the development of future advertising.
Very truly yours,
Arby’s Customer Relations"
Tongue in cheek humor? Satire? No way. My response to their letter:
"I'm sorry, but this commercial was NOT about humor or satire. It was about sex; plain and simple. If it was merely satirical, why insinuate a sexual encounter in exchange for your food, or simulate the man getting an erection? The explanation I received just doesn't cut it."
Needless to say, but I have not yet received a response to that. How can they? Their position is indefensible.
You see, advertisers generally stick to to a few basic premises to get their message across.
One is Sex.
Two is Humor.
Three is Relevancy [to everyday life].
Four is a combination of any of the first three.
All advertising seeks to manipulate the viewer in some way through visual, audio, or narrative enticement--or again, a combination of all three.
The Arby's ad in question was supposedly intended to be humorous or satirical, but was instead unmistakenly and overtly sexual. I've spoken with other people about this ad, and every one of them said they didn't see any humor; but instead were offended by the sexual nature of the ad.
Arby's is missing the boat. Their flat denial and suggestion of intent is just another manipulatory ploy to get a dissatisfied customer on their side and once again purchasing from their businesses.
My response clearly states the ridiculousness of their claim because I see it (the commercial AND the response) for what it truly is...an attempt to sell me on their product. A sales pitch. One for which I will NOT fall.
Well, I'm writing this because I actually received a response from Arby's. The complete text follows:
"Dear Arby’s Friend,
We’re sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with our current advertising.
Many times we choose to use tongue-in-cheek humor and satire in our commercials in an effort to communicate information about the Arby’s menu in an engaging and entertaining manner.
Your opinion is very important to us, and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. The last thing we want to do is offend anyone. We have shared your comments with our marketing and advertising teams so they can be considered in the development of future advertising.
Very truly yours,
Arby’s Customer Relations"
Tongue in cheek humor? Satire? No way. My response to their letter:
"I'm sorry, but this commercial was NOT about humor or satire. It was about sex; plain and simple. If it was merely satirical, why insinuate a sexual encounter in exchange for your food, or simulate the man getting an erection? The explanation I received just doesn't cut it."
Needless to say, but I have not yet received a response to that. How can they? Their position is indefensible.
You see, advertisers generally stick to to a few basic premises to get their message across.
One is Sex.
Two is Humor.
Three is Relevancy [to everyday life].
Four is a combination of any of the first three.
All advertising seeks to manipulate the viewer in some way through visual, audio, or narrative enticement--or again, a combination of all three.
The Arby's ad in question was supposedly intended to be humorous or satirical, but was instead unmistakenly and overtly sexual. I've spoken with other people about this ad, and every one of them said they didn't see any humor; but instead were offended by the sexual nature of the ad.
Arby's is missing the boat. Their flat denial and suggestion of intent is just another manipulatory ploy to get a dissatisfied customer on their side and once again purchasing from their businesses.
My response clearly states the ridiculousness of their claim because I see it (the commercial AND the response) for what it truly is...an attempt to sell me on their product. A sales pitch. One for which I will NOT fall.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Gross Advertising Misconduct
I saw something on tv tonight that I was completely astounded at...and I don't mean that in any positive sense.
During tonights' 7 pm Family Hour a commercial for Arby's restaurants came on. It featured a man, sitting on a bed looking quite anxious. He asks an unseen person if she's ready. Flash to a view of a doorway and a voice calling out, "I'm only doing this because it's your birthday." Flash to the man who looks even more anxious.
Flash to the doorway through which a woman (presumably the man's wife) suddenly appears dressed in an Arby's uniform, holding a tray of food. She starts sauntering towards the bed [while sexually suggestive music plays in the background] in a highly sexually suggestive manner. Flash to the man who has a huge grin on his face. Above him is an Arby's logo with a definitely limp look to it. Suddenly the hat straightens right up in an unmistakable representation and overt reference to the man having an erection.
EXCUSE ME?!!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!!
I promptly went to my computer, looked up Arby's corporate, and wrote a very blunt and pointed letter informing them of how I feel about this commercial. Right afterwards, I got on my blog [here], and wrote this.
Now, don't get me wrong...I'm no prude, and I am definitely not sheltered. I am well aware of how advertisers go about selling the products of their clients. This particular ad however, surprised even me. This blatant, overt, and uninhibited use of sex to sell fast food was disgusting at best. And to have it during the Family Hour is simply irresponsible.
This commercial, aimed at our kids, should never have been approved. In my letter to Arby's, I stated that the advertisers should be fired, and the corporate manager who approved it should be, too. Further, I went on to suggest that the company fine itself, and donate the money to an appropriate charity. Lastly, I told them that I would never eat at any Arby's again for this gross misconduct. I meant every word.
If we, the viewing public do nothing about this type of advertising, the ad industry will assume that all is well, and will grow bolder with each successive ad campaign.
Please, if you see inappropriate advertising, write the company, the FCC, the TV stations, etc. Let your voices be heard so these people who so strongly influence our kids are not allowed to flood their innocent eyes with increasingly graphic sexual references. I for one, will not allow myself to stand by while this happens. I will speak out. You should too.
After all, if we don't do everything we can to care for the physical health and mental well-being of our kids, we are failing them.
During tonights' 7 pm Family Hour a commercial for Arby's restaurants came on. It featured a man, sitting on a bed looking quite anxious. He asks an unseen person if she's ready. Flash to a view of a doorway and a voice calling out, "I'm only doing this because it's your birthday." Flash to the man who looks even more anxious.
Flash to the doorway through which a woman (presumably the man's wife) suddenly appears dressed in an Arby's uniform, holding a tray of food. She starts sauntering towards the bed [while sexually suggestive music plays in the background] in a highly sexually suggestive manner. Flash to the man who has a huge grin on his face. Above him is an Arby's logo with a definitely limp look to it. Suddenly the hat straightens right up in an unmistakable representation and overt reference to the man having an erection.
EXCUSE ME?!!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!!
I promptly went to my computer, looked up Arby's corporate, and wrote a very blunt and pointed letter informing them of how I feel about this commercial. Right afterwards, I got on my blog [here], and wrote this.
Now, don't get me wrong...I'm no prude, and I am definitely not sheltered. I am well aware of how advertisers go about selling the products of their clients. This particular ad however, surprised even me. This blatant, overt, and uninhibited use of sex to sell fast food was disgusting at best. And to have it during the Family Hour is simply irresponsible.
This commercial, aimed at our kids, should never have been approved. In my letter to Arby's, I stated that the advertisers should be fired, and the corporate manager who approved it should be, too. Further, I went on to suggest that the company fine itself, and donate the money to an appropriate charity. Lastly, I told them that I would never eat at any Arby's again for this gross misconduct. I meant every word.
If we, the viewing public do nothing about this type of advertising, the ad industry will assume that all is well, and will grow bolder with each successive ad campaign.
Please, if you see inappropriate advertising, write the company, the FCC, the TV stations, etc. Let your voices be heard so these people who so strongly influence our kids are not allowed to flood their innocent eyes with increasingly graphic sexual references. I for one, will not allow myself to stand by while this happens. I will speak out. You should too.
After all, if we don't do everything we can to care for the physical health and mental well-being of our kids, we are failing them.
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