The NCAA transfer portal, introduced in 2018, has significantly reshaped college athletics by providing student-athletes with a streamlined process to change schools. This system, combined with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, has led to increased player mobility and altered the dynamics of college sports programs nationwide. IMPACT ON COLLEGE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS The transfer portal has facilitated a notable increase in athlete transfers across various sports. In 2022, approximately 13% of all Division I student-athletes entered the transfer portal, with 7% successfully transferring to another NCAA program. Specifically, men’s basketball saw 1,649 athletes enter the portal, with 1,123 securing transfers to other NCAA schools . This heightened mobility has prompted athletic programs to adapt their recruitment and retention strategies, placing greater emphasis on both incoming transfers and the development of existing talent. TRANSFERS MOTIVATED BY NIL OPPORTUNITIES The introduction of NIL rights has allowed college athletes to monetize their personal brands, influencing transfer decisions. While precise data on the percentage of athletes transferring primarily for enhanced NIL opportunities is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that financial incentives play a significant role. The transfer portal has become a tool for athletes to seek better NIL deals, with some using the possibility of transferring as leverage to renegotiate terms with their current institutions . IMAGINED FUTURE 0F COLLEGE SPORTS The combination of the transfer portal and NIL rights is expected to continue transforming college athletics. Powerhouse programs may strengthen further by attracting top talent seeking better exposure and financial opportunities, potentially diminishing the prevalence of “Cinderella” stories in tournaments. For instance, the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Sweet 16 featured only teams from power conferences, a shift attributed to the transfer portal and NIL deals consolidating talent at wealthier schools . This trend raises concerns about competitive balance and the evolving nature of college sports. COACHES’ OPIONIONS ON THE TRANSFER PORTAL Coaches have expressed mixed feelings about the transfer portal. While some acknowledge the benefits of increased flexibility for athletes, others are concerned about roster stability and the challenges of team building. The ease of transferring has led to a more dynamic and, at times, unpredictable recruiting environment, requiring coaches to continually adapt their strategies. FANS’ OPINION ON THE TRANSFER PORTAL Fans’ reactions to the transfer portal are varied. Some appreciate the empowerment of student-athletes and the excitement brought by new talent joining their favorite teams. Others lament the perceived erosion of team loyalty and the potential weakening of traditional rivalries. The shifting landscape has sparked debates about the essence of college sports and the balance between athlete rights and maintaining the integrity of collegiate competitions. In conclusion, The transfer portal and NIL rights have ushered in a new era for college athletics, characterized by increased player movement and evolving program dynamics. As stakeholders navigate these changes, ongoing discussions will be essential to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformed landscape. Views: 0
Category: Schools
Why Different “OCEANS” When They Are All One Body of Water?
While there is indeed only one global ocean, distinct names emerge from geographical, navigational, scientific, and historical contexts. Each “ocean” carries its own legacy, connecting us to ancient myths, explorations, and the vastness of our planet’s waters. The oceans, vast and mysterious, bear names that echo their ancient origins and the cultures that have navigated their waters. Let’s delve into the fascinating stories behind each ocean’s name: 1 . Arctic Ocean: The word “Arctic” traces back to the Greek term “arktikos,” meaning “near the Bear.” This likely refers to the constellation Ursa Major, the “Great Bear,” whose stars aid navigation toward the northern star, Polaris. 2 . Atlantic Ocean: The term “Atlantic” first appeared in the sixth century BC, used by a Greek poet to describe the “Sea of Atlas.” In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the heavens eternally. The mountain range separating the Sahara Desert from the Atlantic Ocean also bears his name. Southern Ocean: Proposed by the International Hydrographic Organization in 2000, it remains the youngest ocean. Some dispute its status as a separate ocean. Its boundaries are still debated among experts. The Southern Ocean’s name reflects its location in the southernmost reaches of our planet1. In summary, while there is indeed only one global ocean, these distinct names emerge from geographical, navigational, scientific, and historical contexts. Each ocean carries its own legacy, connecting us to ancient myths, explorations, and the vastness of our planet’s waters12. 🌊 Learn more 1oceanconservancy.org2mapsofworld.com3quick-advices.com4quick-advices.com5link.springer.com6letslearnslang.com7behindthename.com8ancestry.com9behindthename.com+7 more 1of30 Tell me more about the Southern Ocean. What are some interesting facts about ocean currents? How do oceans impact climate? Response stopped New topic New topic Atlantic Ocean: The term “Atlantic” first appeared in the sixth century BC, used by a Greek poet to describe the “Sea of Atlas.” In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the heavens eternally. The mountain range separating the Sahara Desert from the Atlantic Ocean also bears his name. In some southern hemisphere maps, the Atlantic was referred to as the Aethiopian Sea or Ethiopian Ocean, reflecting the historical name for much of Africa south and west of Egypt: Aethiopia1. Indian Ocean: Known as such since at least 1515. Earlier accounts named it the Eastern Ocean. Ancient Greece referred to the northwestern Indian Ocean as the Erythraean Sea or the Red Sea, possibly due to seasonal cyanobacteria blooms turning the water reddish brown1. Pacific Ocean: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan bestowed the name “Pacific Ocean” or Mare Pacificum in 1520. After a treacherous journey in search of the Spice Islands (now the Malaku Islands in Indonesia), Magellan encountered the calm and tranquil waters of the Pacific. The name signifies a “peaceful sea” in contrast to the tumultuous straits he had crossed1. Southern Ocean: Proposed by the International Hydrographic Organization in 2000, it remains the youngest ocean. Some dispute its status as a separate ocean. Its boundaries are still debated among experts. The Southern Ocean’s name reflects its location in the southernmost reaches of our planet1. In summary, while there is indeed only one global ocean, these distinct names emerge from geographical, navigational, scientific, and historical contexts. Each ocean carries its own legacy, connecting us to ancient myths, explorations, and the vastness of our planet’s waters12. 🌊 Learn more 1oceanconservancy.org2mapsofworld.com3quick-advices.com4quick-advices.com5link.springer.com6letslearnslang.com7behindthename.com8ancestry.com9behindthename.com+7 more 1of30 Tell me more about the Southern Ocean. What are some interesting facts about ocean currents? How do oceans impact climate? Response stopped New topic New topic Views: 34
Children Sports Burn Out
Yes, too much of one sport can indeed lead to burnout in children. Burnout usually results from chronic stress and might manifest as physical or emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, feelings of cynicism or detachment, and a lack of accomplishment. Although it varies from child to child, typically, playing multiple games a week, and adding in practices as well as travel for tournaments on weekends can become overwhelming. This intense schedule can cause physical fatigue and mental stress. To avoid burnout: 1. Variety: Encourage your child to play different sports. This can help them develop diverse skills and prevent overuse injuries. 2. Breaks: Ensure that your child takes breaks during the season and has an off-season when they do not play any organized sport. 3. Balance: Balance their sports activities with other things they enjoy like hanging out with friends, hobbies or family time. 4. Limitation: A common recommendation is that children should not spend more hours a week than their age playing sports. For example, a 10-year-old should play no more than 10 hours per week. 5. Listen: Pay attention to your child’s feelings about their sport commitment – if they’re consistently feeling too tired or unmotivated to participate, it may be time to reduce the intensity of involvement. 6. Fun element: It’s important that playing sports remains fun for your child rather than being perceived as a chore or job. 7. Professional guidance: Seek advice from a coach or pediatrician if you worry about burnout or over-exercise. It’s important to remember that every child is unique – one size does not fit all when it comes to an appropriate schedule for sports participation. Views: 52
Electoral College: Protector of Small Populous States RIGHT TO VOTE
It has been brought to my attention, some states are taking steps to eliminate the ‘ELECTORAL COLLEGE”. Apparently the people trying to eliminate the Electoral College, either missed that day in school, or was asleep when the subject was being taught. You see the Electoral College was put in the constitution to protect smaller states from being RULED by the whims of the larger populated states. It is a safe stop; which is more necessary now than at the time of its placement in the constitution. Before you begin reading the main body of this post, I ask you to keep in mind these numbers. (Although the Electoral College isn’t perfect please consider these numbers). Then tell me who completely controls the “POPULAR VOTE”. California: 38,889,700 people. Texas: 30,978,754 people. Florida: 22,975,931 people. New York 19,467,232 people. Pennsylvania 12,951275 people. I am using numbers available for April, 2024. The total population of just these 5 states, (according to my calculator), 335,893,238 that is almost 336 MILLION PEOPLE. Now as for the other 45 states (again according to my calculator), 206,982,776 almost 207 MILLION PEOPLE. My point being with 5 states having 129 MILLION MORE PEOPLE THAN THE remaining 45 states. These 5 states have more than enough people to elect whoever they want not necessarily who is best for the entire country. This conundrum (to ME). Do I want a president I do not want or even have a say in? The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the United States Constitution in Article II, Section 1. It was intended as a compromise between those who advocated for the election of the president through a vote in Congress and those who believed it should be decided by a popular vote of qualified citizens. The Electoral College consists of 538 electors in total, which represent the 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and three additional electors from the District of Columbia. To win the presidency, a candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes. This system is not based on equal representation of individuals, but rather on equal representation of states. Now let’s consider your hypothetical scenario where just five most populated states control a presidential election. These states are California (55 Electoral Votes), Texas (38), Florida (29), New York (29), and Pennsylvania (20) as per the 2020 allocations. This adds up to just 171 electoral votes – still far short from the required majority of 270. Therefore, even though these states might have large populations, they alone cannot decide an election through popular vote due to our current electoral college system. However, if we were to shift to a direct democracy model or use only popular vote to determine elections, theoretically these states with high populations could indeed dominate national elections. This could lead to political imbalance and neglecting interests of less populous areas which often have unique socio-economic and environmental issues that require specific policy attention. If this were the case, citizens from less-populated states might feel that their votes don’t carry enough weight or their voice is not heard adequately in deciding national leadership. This could lead to certain degree of voter disillusionment or lower voter turnout among them because they may see their role as insignificant next to larger populace areas. This concern forms one of key arguments behind maintaining our Electoral College – it ensures all parts of country can have recognizable say in choosing our national leader irrespective of their population size. Furthermore, the electoral college system forces presidential candidates to seek support from a wider geographic base, instead of just focusing on densely populated urban areas. It maintains the balance of influence among states and encourages candidates to understand and respond to diverse needs of different states. So despite criticisms, many argue that maintaining the electoral college is an important tool in preserving our federal system and ensuring that all parts of the country have an equitable say in national elections. In conclusion: What am i missing? After all I am sure these lawmakers have a much better education than I do. OR, are they ??? What is their motive for taking away the voters rights, as IT IS possible that the votes cast by these 45 states are just a matter of going through the motions, allowing the residents to feel their votes count. Thank you. Artie Fischal P.S. Please feel free to leave me comments those who agree and those who don’t agree. Maybe I’ll learn something. Views: 166
THE 2024 TO MARCH MADNESS FIRST FOUR TEAMS: PREDICTIONS
Hi ! Artie Fischal here giving you my personal picks for the FIRST FOUR games being played tonight and tomorrow night. 1. Virginia Cavaliers (No. 10 seed, Midwest Region) Record: 23-10 (13-7 ACC) The Cavaliers had a strong showing in the ACC, and their stifling defense could pose problems for opponents. Look for them to grind out a win. 2. Colorado State Rams (No. 10 seed, Midwest Region) Record: 24-10 (10-8 Mountain West) The Rams have balanced scoring and solid rebounding. Their matchup against Virginia promises to be intense. 3. Boise State Broncos (No. 10 seed, South Region) Record: 22-10 (13-5 Mountain West) Boise State boasts a high-scoring offense led by sharpshooters. Can they outgun their opponents? 4. Colorado Buffaloes (No. 10 seed, South Region) Record: 24-10 (13-7 Pac-12) Colorado’s disciplined play and strong inside presence make them a formidable team. 5. Montana State Bobcats (No. 16 seed, Midwest Region) Record: 17-17 (9-9 Big Sky) The Bobcats are the underdogs, but March Madness is all about surprises. Can they pull off an upset? 6. Grambling Tigers (No. 16 seed, Midwest Region) Record: 20-14 (14-4 SWAC) Grambling is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance. Watch out for their hunger and determination. 7. Howard Bison (No. 16 seed, West Region) Record: 18-16 (9-5 MEAC) Howard’s Cinderella story begins here. Can they shock the world? 8. Wagner Seahawks (No. 16 seed, West Region) Record: 16-15 (7-9 NEC) Wagner aims to prove that they belong on the big stage. Can they make history? Projected Winners Tuesday, March 19 Wagner vs. Howard (West Region) Projected Winner: Wagner The Seahawks’ experience gives them the edge. Colorado State vs. Virginia (Midwest Region) Projected Winner: Virginia The Cavaliers’ defense prevails in a close battle. Wednesday, March 20 Montana State vs. Grambling (Midwest Region) Projected Winner: Grambling The Tigers’ hunger leads them to victory. Boise State vs. Colorado (South Region) Projected Winner: Boise State The Broncos’ scoring prowess seals the deal. Artie Fischal [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 130
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: TORNADO SAFETY
[adrotate group=”1″] What Are Tornadoes? Tornadoes are powerful, rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground. They can cause immense damage, uprooting trees, demolishing buildings, and hurling debris at high speeds. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe during tornado season: Stay Informed: Tornado Watch: Be prepared! Tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay alert and monitor local weather updates. Tornado Warning: Take action! A tornado is imminent. Seek shelter immediately. Find Shelter: Identify safe locations in advance: Basements: Ideal for protection. Interior Rooms: Choose a small, windowless room on the lowest floor. Avoid Mobile Homes: They are not safe during tornadoes. Practice tornado drills with your household. Stay Connected: Sign up for local emergency alerts. Monitor weather updates and news. Keep a backup battery or charger for your cell phone. Emergency Supplies: Gather essential items: Go-Kit: At least 3 days of supplies (food, water, medications). Stay-at-Home Kit: At least 2 weeks of supplies. Include batteries, chargers, and a battery-powered radio. During a Tornado: Seek Shelter Immediately: Move to your designated safe room. Cover yourself with blankets or mattresses to protect against debris. Bring head protection and sturdy shoes. Avoid Windows and Doors: Flying debris poses the greatest risk. Stay Informed: Listen to emergency alerts and weather updates. Turn up your TV or radio to hear warnings. Don’t Open Windows: Contrary to old beliefs, it won’t prevent damage. Check on Neighbors: After the tornado passes, ensure everyone is safe. Tornado Direction: Most tornadoes in the Northern Hemisphere spin counterclockwise. While they often move from southwest to northeast, there’s no absolute rule. Wind conditions influence their path. Remember, tornadoes can strike unexpectedly, so be prepared and take immediate action when warnings are issued. Stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones! 🌪️🏠 🚗 For more information, visit the Red Cross Tornado Safety Tips and Ready.gov Tornadoes [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 126
THE DISRUPTIVE SHIFT
[adrotate group=”1″] Daylight saving time, that biannual clock dance, disrupts our internal rhythms. Here’s how: Health Risks: The sudden shift messes with our bodies. Researchers link DST to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, mood disturbances, and hospital admissions. Inflammatory markers spike due to stress, and car crashes become more likely after the spring forward. Energy Conservation Myth: Benjamin Franklin’s candle-saving idea birthed DST, but today it’s questionable. Lighting accounts for less energy use, and extending daylight hours encourages more air conditioning and heating. Mood Disorders: Contrary to popular belief, extra evening sunlight doesn’t necessarily make us healthier. Data suggests DST exacerbates mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Circadian Rhythms: Sunlight synchronizes our internal clocks. While evening light is great for outdoor activities, it can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep at our usual bedtime. The Two-Hour Gap Now, let’s focus on the peculiar scenario of a state being two hours ahead of the sun. Imagine waking up while the world outside is still cloaked in darkness. Here’s what happens: Darker Mornings: After DST, mornings become gloomier. The sun rises later, affecting our wake-up routines. On March 9, Milwaukee will see sunrise at 6:11 a.m., but on March 10, it won’t rise until 7:09 a.m. Evening Sunsets: On the flip side, evenings gain extra daylight. By April 15, the sun sets at 7:36 p.m. in Milwaukee, granting 13 hours and 29 minutes of daylight. Trade-Off: While longer evenings are delightful, the cost is darker mornings. Finding the right balance is tricky. Longest Day of the Year Remember the Summer Solstice? It’s the longest day, when the sun reaches its zenith. This year, Milwaukeeans will bask in 15 hours and 25 minutes of daylight on June 20. The sun rises at 5:10 a.m. and sets at 8:36 p.m. DST isn’t just about adjusting clocks; it’s about recalibrating our lives. As we spring forward, let’s be mindful of the effects—both positive and negative—of this temporal tango with time. BUT, Our government officials do not care about OUR HEALTH. All they care about is having more time to play Golf and enjoy the benefits of their extravagant lives. Nevermind the average working man’s needs. I suggest those who want DST should adjust their times to their schedules, NOT force the general public to observe DST’ers to go along with their whims. DST’ers I ask you. How much time have you saved. (SAVED, as a rule means to put aside for use at a later date). When to you plan to make that withdrawal of time. Answer YOU HAVE NOT ONE MINUTE IN YOUR BANK. YOU WILL NEVER USE IT. Maybe DST should really be called SDT (SUN DELAYED TIME), at least that would be more HONEST! [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 146
NCAA March Madness 2018
VILLANOVA 2018 NCAA CHAMPIONS. MICHIGAN 62 VILLANOVA 79 Notre Dame 61-58 over Mississippi State with a buzzer beating 3 pointer. 17 years after Notre Dames last National Championship… NOTRE DAME 2018 NCAA Women’s CHAMIONSHIP !!! This gives the state of Indiana bragging rights. Having teams win both NCAA and NIT Women Championships. IF Michigan can pull off the Win tomorrow night the Big Ten will have both NCAA Mens and Mens NIT Championship. And a combined Men and women 3 National Champions in one year. WE CAN ONLY WAIT AND SEE. (I have no idea when OR if that has ever happened. Indiana Hoosier Women WIN WNIT 65-57 over Virginia Tech Hokies Big 1o looking strong. with two NIT Championships under their belt this year. WILL Michigan be able to add the NCAA Championship to this list? Penn St Nittany Lions defeats Utah Utes 82-67. WE ALL WAITED FOR IT . AFTER ALL THESE YEARS A NUMBER 16 SEED UPSET A NUMBER 1. NOT JUST ANY NUMBER 1. THE OVERALL NUMBER 1 SEED. AND BY 20 POINTS. UMBC UPSET VIRGINIA. HOW ABOUT A BIG HAND FOR UMBC. Can they go on and be a true “CINDERELLA” Team. If they continue to play like they did today. A real possibility. Alas the dream came to an end. However, it may signal a new era of parity in this Modern Era of college basketball. Seems we were treated, in the past few years with more 15 Seeds upsetting 2 seeds. Now a 16 upsetting a 1 seed. We will just have to wait and see, what the future brings. I can’t help wondering if anyone has a perfect bracket. With only 2 number 1 seeds left; and 2 number 2 seeds left. On the SOUTH bracket, we see highest seeds of 5 (Kentucky), and 7th seeded Nevada. Remaining. The WEST has a number 3 seed, (Michigan), and a number 4 seed (Gonzaga), yet on a possible quest to the FINAL FOUR. The Right side, EAST, and MIDWEST, (for the most part), has pretty much remained intact, both with number 1 and number 2 seeds still in play. WELCOME TO OUR 2018 MARCH MADNESS. I am not sure How many years we have been doing this. I will have to look it up. (Pre-Blog days Has been online since 1992) Warren Buffett has once again offered $1 million dollars for life to any of his employees who gets the final 16 correct.(there’s a 1 in 1.24X1064 chance of accurately predicting all 16 teams. ) Not everyone will go home empty-handed, though. Whichever employee’s bracket makes it the furthest in the tournament will win $100,000. I wonder if anyone still has a chance to win it; NOW. This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”, “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS” for each game. An “UPSET BRACKET” (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an upset it will be listed in RED”. And, Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry) What is a seed? Merely a starting place. Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game. Would lets say Michigan St were to be seeded as a number 16. They would still have to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP. Seeding should lead to the best 2 teams playing in the final game. However there is always that upset minded team; or the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. Selection Sunday will be Sunday March 11, 2018. At 6pm. You can watch the Selections Live on TBS. Something different this year. ALL 68 teams will be announced at the beginning. Teams will know if they are in or out before the seeding announcements. The First Four, (play in games), will be played March 13 and 14. On TRU tv. All games will be played in Dayton Ohio. Two games March 13. Two games March 14. Time is to be determined later. To print BRACKET: HOVER OVER SHEET. You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right). Click this button. It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file, and PRINT. Will only print in black and White. TO Enlarge each sheet: Hover over and select the square on the far bottom RIGHT. I think my sentimental favorite, right now has to First Time Ever entry the “BISONS” of LIPSCOMB ! I must say I am very disappointed, by the Selection Committee’s decision. Placing Conference Champions in a play in position, while seeding others (with questionable credentials), in the set field. All Times Atlantic Standard Time (or for the uneducated EDT) MASTER BRACKET [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-Master.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett Master”] ALL HIGH PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-HIGH-.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett HIGH”] UPSETS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-UPSETS.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett UPSETS”] MY PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-MY-PICKS.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett MY PICKS”] Views: 118
Parkland High School Shooting Thoughts
While putting together my thoughts on the recent tragedy in Florida. I had many things flash through this feeble mind. We had the shock of another terrible loss of young lives. We had the “STUDENT ACTOR”. We had the Scripted Interviews. We had the usual MEDIA SPIN. We had the Anti Gunners. We had the Pro-Gunners. We had the Sheriff’s men who failed to enter the school. So let us look at these things. First the Shooter. Had he not lost his parents at such a tender age, would he not have acted the way he did. It appears that his adoptive family, noticed he was troubled. According to reports the local constabulary, even the FBI, had concerns about the mental/emotional stability of Nineteen (19) year old Nikolas Cruz, EVEN the school personnel had concerns. They expelled him. I have not read or heard anything where these people tried to get him help. Had they tried to get him help, would it have possibly detoured this terrible event. Probably, maybe not. We don’t know. BUT, it would have been worth a try. Should he have had guns. Given his background reports we have seen; NO! BUT, there is always a but; I believe this to be where the LAW should have impounded his guns, until further investigation, and psychic evaluation was attained. BUT, WAIT ! He did have grenades. Where did these come from? I am sure they are harder to get than guns. Aren’t they? Seems they should be. Now the student and teacher population of this School. It is always a bad sign for our future when innocent young people needlessly lose their lives. Seventeen, 17, lives. I would not want my children exposed to this. Nor to the pain of those who were at the school or worse witnessed the unfortunate incident. I know of no Teacher who leaves for school thinking I may be killed at work today. Who knows what emotional and/or mental damage may have been done. We all know the MEDIA, has a penchant to SLANT the news the way they want it. How many times have you watched political events, or anything, only to have the NEWS MEDIA, say “Now let US tell you what you really heard”. ? I remember learning in grade school, then having my newspaper editor reinforce. A reporter tells WHO, is in the story. WHAT, is the story. WHEN, the event occurred. WHY, did the event occur. The WHY, becomes the gray area. You have heard of sport team announcers getting fired because they said something the OWNER found to be derogatory to the team. Players get fined, for the same thing. It most probably is TRUE. BUT, are contrary to what the BOSS wants. The same is true with reporters, They may disagree with management, BUT, (see here it is again; I wonder how many times I will use it today), THEIR JOB maybe on the line. Some may simply state their opinions, (NOT FACTS), In other words they EDITORIALIZE. NOTE: Editorialize is what I do. After all this BLOG is for MY OPINIONS. I share them with you as MY opinions. Not hardcore news. (See the difference) Is the media above scripting interviews. NO happens quite often. Are the anti-gunners above hiring actors to further their propaganda. SURE ARE. How about the Pro-gunners. Could be. Probably do. But I prefer to think They would be ABOVE taking advantage of such an event as this. One thing ANTI-GUNNERS are quick to point out is “Law enforcement is only a call away”. In this case they were just OUTSIDE the door. THEY WERE A LOT OF HELP. Had teachers been able to have guns….Would that have altered the outcome? Hard to tell. I am not sure I would be able to pull the trigger. I think I would be more inclined to pull that trigger to protect someone else (KIDS) than I would be to protect myself. BUT, I am sure if it was him or me, I would choose ME. What I am saying is; if it were just me and him, I would most likely not go hunt him. BUT, if he came hunting for me. DEFINITELY ME. Back to the Law Enforcement Officers. YOU CANNOT COUNT ON THEM. My own experience. 1. I had a motorcycle stolen off my front porch. I called the police. I was told; “ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS IF THEY SAW ANYTHING”. ” COME TO THE STATION AND FILL OUT A REPORT”. 2. My High School son was threatened that he would be shot when he walked out of the school, (a disagreement about a girl), I called the cops. I was told, “Just one of those teenage things. You probably should pick him up and take him home after school”. 3. I had my Mustang convertible top slashed, the dash destroyed. My truck window smashed and the stereos stolen from both. Witnesses knew who did it. The Cops knocked on the culprits door, and said, “Did you steal those radios’? He said, “No”. The cops said okay. That was all there was to it. 4. While watching a friends property while he was away. One of his relatives called said he had received a threat of vandalism to the property at some time soon. I called our local County Mounties. “It will be some time before we can get there”, they said. It took me about a half hour to get there. No damage yet. One (1) hour passed. No County Mounties. After waiting another half hour, I called again. “We haven’t dispatched anyone to that location yet” Yeah. Right. The Law is only a few minutes away. HA,HA. The Right to Bear Arms is a constitutional right. A Right that state shall not be infringed upon. That means NO ONE can stop you from legally owning or carrying a gun. There have been exceptions made. Felons, people with a misdemeanor of domestic battery, mental disorders, or if so adjudicated by a judge. Driving is… Continue reading Parkland High School Shooting Thoughts
The Native American Mascot GENOCIDE !!
GENOCIDE The DELIBERATE and SYSTEMATIC EXTERMINATION of a National, Political, Racial, or CULTURAL GROUP. It appears to me the “MEDIA”, has triggered a movement to eradicate the MEMORY, of our Native American Culture. We now see few movies featuring the “INDIAN”. Westerns we all watched, most of the time, featured the Indian in a fashion that could be interpreted in a bad light. The Massacre of Custer’s troops. Attacking wagon trains, etc. etc. Then we also had the ones which showed the other side the “Indians” who worked as Scouts for the Calvary. SACAGAWEA, Who was instrumental in the movement to push the boundaries of the United States to the Pacific Ocean. Without her, the USA may have ended at the Mississippi River. Let’s not forget the “INDIANS” who befriended the first SETTLERS, and saved their live by teaching them how to grow keeps in this “Untamed Land”. We had Tonto, faithful companion to The Lone Ranger, NOT just a companion, BUT actually his life saver. And many more. In reality many of us wanted to be the “INDIAN” when we played Cowboys and “INDIANS”. We admired the family values, they depicted. We appreciated their courage. Their tenacity to hold on to their Land and way of LIFE. WHO? Among us would not FIGHT to defend our LAND, OUR WAY OF LIFE. We took away their Land, Food, and most likely their dignity. We moved them around, for our convenience. Put them on little parcels of land called RESERVATIONS. Before we came this whole country was theirs. They welcomed us with open arms, and we treated them badly. Now the NCAA and PRO Sports, even our Primary Schools, are wanting to abolish the use of any reference of the “INDIAN”. I know of a small town about 20 miles from where I live, began as an “INDIAN” village. The school there taught them our ways, and took their name as the school’s nickname. Thanks to school consolidation, the town has only an elementary school, but still carries the “INDIAN” name. The meaning has several interpretations today, from the native name of a type of TREE, to what they called EELS. HISTORY LOST. But ask any of the alumni, or any of the townspeople. They are proud of the that name regardless of what it means. By removing the last remnants, the team NICKNAMES, and MASCOTS; the GENOCIDE, of our Native Americans will move closer to being nothing more than a footnote in history. These Mascots, (even if not exactly accurate), remind of the American Heritage. There were many Tribes. Few of us know more than a handful of their names. But with the Colleges, Pro, and Primary Schools, we find our last tributes, to the brave native people who settled here long before “”AMERICANS”‘, thought of coming here. What people are missing is this. The names were given with respect and admiration. Whether, like the nickname of the school previously mentioned, (remember the tree, or eel, or whatever it meant). Or a local tribe, or chief, or warrior. They remain as a reminder, lest we forget… If you have noticed I used quotation marks each time I wrote “INDIAN”. American should be used. The word “INDIAN” came about because Chris Columbus thought he was in INDIA. In conclusion, I think removing these last few reminders, of the REAL American, would be an absolute tragedy. That Is How I See It. Views: 123
