For 31 years, foothold traps have been prohibited in New Jersey. A law passed during the administration of former NJ Governor Tom Kean banned any animal trap of steel-jawed leghold types.
But last June the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife changed the law, voting to legalize these traps. And now, the New Jersey state Senate has refused to over-rule the DFW, thus opening up the possibility that your innocent family pet will be killed in one of these inhumane traps.
The stupidity of the New Jersey legislators in the state Senate and Assembly is not surprising. The state is in a mess is so many ways, and this situation just illuminates the fact that politicians are foolish and incompetent.
It also shows how politicians are beholden to special interest groups. The legislators are bowing to the demands of 267 members of the New Jersey Fur Harvesters group, while ignoring the 60,000 New Jersey citizens who signed a petition urging the law banning traps be upheld.
So if your pet's leg gets caught and mangled in one of these ridiculous steel traps, thank New Jersey legislators like Steve Sweeney and Bob Smith.
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
The best Second Basemen in New York Yankee history
One of the keys to championship baseball in the major leagues is the double play. Since the second baseman is involved in more double plays than anyone else, this is a pretty important position.
A second baseman who can play great defense as well as hit for power and/or average can make a good team great, since the best hitters tend to play other positions. The Yankees have had their share of second basemen who were excellent hitters as well as top-notch fielders.
Based on factors such as longevity with the team, contributions to championships, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics, here are the top five in franchise history:
5) Robinson Cano: During nine years and 1,374 games in pinstripes Cano hit .309 with 204 homers and 822 RBI's. He was five time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 2010.
4) Bobby Richardson: Winner of five Gold Gloves and named to seven all star teams, Richardson played in 1,412 games during his 12 seasons with the team, contributing to Yankee championship teams in the early 1960's. His .266 lifetime batting average is respectable, but his real value was as a consistent defender (.979 fielding average, slightly higher than the league average of .978) who rarely missed a game.
3) Joe Gordon: Selected to the Hall of Fame in 2009 by the Veterans Committee, Gordon played 1,000 games at second base during his seven seasons with the Yanks, from 1938-1946 (missing two seasons while serving in the military during World War II). Named an all star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942 when he batted .322 with 18 home runs and 103 runs batted in. Gordon's fielding average was .970, about the same as the league average at the time of .971.
2) Willie Randolph: Appearing in 1,694 games during his 13 seasons with the team, Randolph's batting average was .275 and his on-base percentage was an excellent .374. He ranks fifth in team history with 1,005 walks and third in stolen bases with 251. Contributing to the team's championship years in the late 1970's and early 1980's and a five time All Star, Randolph was a steady defender, with his .980 fielding percentage and range factor of 5.40 comparing favorably with the league averages of the time, which were .980 and 5.31.
1) Tony Lazzeri: Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1991, Lazzeri appeared in 1,659 games during his 12 seasons with the Yanks. From 1926-1937 he averaged .293 with an on base percentage of .379, and had more than 100 RBI's in seven seasons. His fielding percentage of .967 is close to the league average of .968 - a time period when gloves weren't as sophisticated as today. Lazzeri was a key player on five World Championship teams and the best second baseman in Yankees' history.
A second baseman who can play great defense as well as hit for power and/or average can make a good team great, since the best hitters tend to play other positions. The Yankees have had their share of second basemen who were excellent hitters as well as top-notch fielders.
Based on factors such as longevity with the team, contributions to championships, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics, here are the top five in franchise history:
5) Robinson Cano: During nine years and 1,374 games in pinstripes Cano hit .309 with 204 homers and 822 RBI's. He was five time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 2010.
4) Bobby Richardson: Winner of five Gold Gloves and named to seven all star teams, Richardson played in 1,412 games during his 12 seasons with the team, contributing to Yankee championship teams in the early 1960's. His .266 lifetime batting average is respectable, but his real value was as a consistent defender (.979 fielding average, slightly higher than the league average of .978) who rarely missed a game.
3) Joe Gordon: Selected to the Hall of Fame in 2009 by the Veterans Committee, Gordon played 1,000 games at second base during his seven seasons with the Yanks, from 1938-1946 (missing two seasons while serving in the military during World War II). Named an all star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942 when he batted .322 with 18 home runs and 103 runs batted in. Gordon's fielding average was .970, about the same as the league average at the time of .971.
2) Willie Randolph: Appearing in 1,694 games during his 13 seasons with the team, Randolph's batting average was .275 and his on-base percentage was an excellent .374. He ranks fifth in team history with 1,005 walks and third in stolen bases with 251. Contributing to the team's championship years in the late 1970's and early 1980's and a five time All Star, Randolph was a steady defender, with his .980 fielding percentage and range factor of 5.40 comparing favorably with the league averages of the time, which were .980 and 5.31.
1) Tony Lazzeri: Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1991, Lazzeri appeared in 1,659 games during his 12 seasons with the Yanks. From 1926-1937 he averaged .293 with an on base percentage of .379, and had more than 100 RBI's in seven seasons. His fielding percentage of .967 is close to the league average of .968 - a time period when gloves weren't as sophisticated as today. Lazzeri was a key player on five World Championship teams and the best second baseman in Yankees' history.
Crazy job search stories: Goldman Sachs
I’m sure lots of people have had strange experiences while searching for and interviewing for jobs. People who do the recruiting and interviewing of job candidates often have funny stories to tell. Sometimes I wonder though, if other people looking for a job have had anything similar to mine.
Once I went on an interview for a job as a college recruiter, with Goldman Sachs. This particular office was in lower Manhattan. The director of college recruiting was a guy named Mike Lowenthal. At the start of the interview he mused, “There’s mostly women working in college recruiting.” Hmm, maybe this gives me an edge, I thought. He didn’t ask me any questions though. He just rambled on for a couple of minutes about Goldman Sachs. Suddenly, he looked past me (his office was surrounded by windows). He stood up, grabbed a stack of what look to be like tickets to a game or concert wrapped with elastic bands, and raced out the door. I turned around, but he had already fled down one of the hallways, disappearing from sight.
So I sat there for a few minutes, wondering what I should do. Wait until he comes back? Leave now? It started to dawn on me that I wasn’t going to get this job even if I stayed, so I was about to go when a girl named Kim walked in.
“Mike had to go, but I’ll finish the interview,” she said brightly. Then she proceeded to talk a little about the job. She didn’t ask me any questions, or ask if I had any questions about th position. She did talk at length about the bars in the area and how everyone in the department liked to go out for drinks after work.
After a few minutes she stood up and held out her hand. “It was nice to meet you,” she said. For some reason I said thank you, nice to meet you too, instead of saying what I really felt, which was, why did you even bother to call me in….
I’ve thought that maybe they didn’t like the way I looked. If that’s the case, and I’m sure some interviewers consider that above all else (although they would never admit it), why not ask for a picture? A photograph with the resume on the back. It would save us all a lot of time and money. By looks, I mean beyond the blue suit/white shirt/red tie/polished shoes/clean shaven appearance.
Who knows. Maybe this isn’t as ridiculous as some others’ experiences. It feels like it was a waste of time and energy. On the other hand it’s given me something to write about, so maybe it wasn’t a total loss. Stay tuned for upcoming stories about job search…
Once I went on an interview for a job as a college recruiter, with Goldman Sachs. This particular office was in lower Manhattan. The director of college recruiting was a guy named Mike Lowenthal. At the start of the interview he mused, “There’s mostly women working in college recruiting.” Hmm, maybe this gives me an edge, I thought. He didn’t ask me any questions though. He just rambled on for a couple of minutes about Goldman Sachs. Suddenly, he looked past me (his office was surrounded by windows). He stood up, grabbed a stack of what look to be like tickets to a game or concert wrapped with elastic bands, and raced out the door. I turned around, but he had already fled down one of the hallways, disappearing from sight.
So I sat there for a few minutes, wondering what I should do. Wait until he comes back? Leave now? It started to dawn on me that I wasn’t going to get this job even if I stayed, so I was about to go when a girl named Kim walked in.
“Mike had to go, but I’ll finish the interview,” she said brightly. Then she proceeded to talk a little about the job. She didn’t ask me any questions, or ask if I had any questions about th position. She did talk at length about the bars in the area and how everyone in the department liked to go out for drinks after work.
After a few minutes she stood up and held out her hand. “It was nice to meet you,” she said. For some reason I said thank you, nice to meet you too, instead of saying what I really felt, which was, why did you even bother to call me in….
I’ve thought that maybe they didn’t like the way I looked. If that’s the case, and I’m sure some interviewers consider that above all else (although they would never admit it), why not ask for a picture? A photograph with the resume on the back. It would save us all a lot of time and money. By looks, I mean beyond the blue suit/white shirt/red tie/polished shoes/clean shaven appearance.
Who knows. Maybe this isn’t as ridiculous as some others’ experiences. It feels like it was a waste of time and energy. On the other hand it’s given me something to write about, so maybe it wasn’t a total loss. Stay tuned for upcoming stories about job search…
Friday, February 13, 2015
Belleville, NJ: How Our Tax Money Is Wasted in the Municipal Court System
An experience with the municipal court system in Belleville New Jersey shows how time and tax money is wasted, and how a town mistreats its senior citizens
My father had always kept his car parked on the street in front of his house in Belleville, NJ. Not in front of anyone else's house, mind you. His second car was kept in the garage. When I visited recently I noticed the old car in front of the house was gone. I asked him what happened to it, and being 82 years old, he said to me, “They towed it away, they said I donated it." Of course, this is not what happened. Among some papers on his desk I found a parking ticket that read "abandoned motor vehicle."
I called the chief of police who said neighbors had complained that the car was parked in front of the house (his house, not theirs, I remind you. I guess some people have nothing better to do than look out their windows and get into other people's business). Then he said, "Well, the town has an ordinance that says a car can't be parked in the same spot for 48 hours." So I guess the cops in Belleville have too much time on their hands, being that they spent their time writing parking tickets to senior citizens. No wonder property taxes are so high in New Jersey. Too many cops doing nothing.
The chief said he was sent written warnings, about not moving the car. Well that isn't true. They sent nothing, because I went through my father's mail every day, and they never sent any warnings. Then the chief said, just go to court, and they'll dismiss the ticket. (Okay...but then why did you write it in the first place?)
So I went to the impound lot and had the car hauled away for $300, which I had to give to the impound lot owners, for their towing fee. The car was still running, but since my mother wasn't driving anymore, there was no need for my father to keep and maintain two cars. Then I scheduled a court date to contest the $260 abandoned motor vehicle ticket.
So I go to the municipal court in Belleville and meet with the prosecutor, who gives me a silly song and dance about how he can't recommend dismissing the ticket, blah, blah, blah. Nevermind that my father lived in Belleville, his entire life as a law abiding citizen, and paid thousands of dollars in property taxes during the past 50 years. Nevermind that there was no written warnings about the car, and nevermind that he's 82 and probably didn't comprehend that there was some obscure ordinance about not leaving a car in the same spot for longer than 48 hours. (By the way, there were no marks on the tires when I found it at the impound lot, so the cops had no proof that the car was parked there for a certain amount of time).
Finally I stood up and said to the wormy prosecutor, "Forget it, I'm just going to pay the ticket and go to the media with my story, about how Belleville treats their senior citizens." Of course, now the prosecutor says, "Don't do that, we'll call the cop and try to reach a settlement."
So we go in front of the municipal court judge to ask for a new date, and this judge rambles on about nonsense...where's your father, I don't know if we can do this, blah, blah, blah. This from a guy, like all municipal court judges in New Jersey, has his own private law practice but moonlights on the side as a judge in order to get into the state pension system and milk the taxpayers for money. Finally he relents and we have a new court date, three weeks later.
So I go to court on the new date - and there's a new prosecutor! I start to explain the situation, and after fifteen seconds he cuts me off with "I'm just going to ask the judge to dismiss this." He hustles into the courtroom, I follow him, he asks the judge to dismiss the ticket, and the same judge from the three weeks prior, the one who grumbled and groaned about setting a new date for a conference, says, "This is a minor issue. Case dismissed."
Wouldn't it have made more sense just to dismiss the ticket the first time? Wouldn't have made more sense for the cops to ask my father if there was anyone helping with things, and could you give them this warning letter about the car parked in front of the house? No. Instead these fools waste my time and tax money with their silly shenanigans. Political nonsense. Right wingers rage about too much government at the federal level, when the reality is there's too much government at the local level. Anyone who writes a parking ticket to senior citizen for a car parked in front of his own house ought to be ashamed of himself. All the problems in the world, and this is what cops, prosecutors, and judges are spending their time and our tax money on? It's a disgrace.
I called the chief of police who said neighbors had complained that the car was parked in front of the house (his house, not theirs, I remind you. I guess some people have nothing better to do than look out their windows and get into other people's business). Then he said, "Well, the town has an ordinance that says a car can't be parked in the same spot for 48 hours." So I guess the cops in Belleville have too much time on their hands, being that they spent their time writing parking tickets to senior citizens. No wonder property taxes are so high in New Jersey. Too many cops doing nothing.
The chief said he was sent written warnings, about not moving the car. Well that isn't true. They sent nothing, because I went through my father's mail every day, and they never sent any warnings. Then the chief said, just go to court, and they'll dismiss the ticket. (Okay...but then why did you write it in the first place?)
So I went to the impound lot and had the car hauled away for $300, which I had to give to the impound lot owners, for their towing fee. The car was still running, but since my mother wasn't driving anymore, there was no need for my father to keep and maintain two cars. Then I scheduled a court date to contest the $260 abandoned motor vehicle ticket.
So I go to the municipal court in Belleville and meet with the prosecutor, who gives me a silly song and dance about how he can't recommend dismissing the ticket, blah, blah, blah. Nevermind that my father lived in Belleville, his entire life as a law abiding citizen, and paid thousands of dollars in property taxes during the past 50 years. Nevermind that there was no written warnings about the car, and nevermind that he's 82 and probably didn't comprehend that there was some obscure ordinance about not leaving a car in the same spot for longer than 48 hours. (By the way, there were no marks on the tires when I found it at the impound lot, so the cops had no proof that the car was parked there for a certain amount of time).
Finally I stood up and said to the wormy prosecutor, "Forget it, I'm just going to pay the ticket and go to the media with my story, about how Belleville treats their senior citizens." Of course, now the prosecutor says, "Don't do that, we'll call the cop and try to reach a settlement."
So we go in front of the municipal court judge to ask for a new date, and this judge rambles on about nonsense...where's your father, I don't know if we can do this, blah, blah, blah. This from a guy, like all municipal court judges in New Jersey, has his own private law practice but moonlights on the side as a judge in order to get into the state pension system and milk the taxpayers for money. Finally he relents and we have a new court date, three weeks later.
So I go to court on the new date - and there's a new prosecutor! I start to explain the situation, and after fifteen seconds he cuts me off with "I'm just going to ask the judge to dismiss this." He hustles into the courtroom, I follow him, he asks the judge to dismiss the ticket, and the same judge from the three weeks prior, the one who grumbled and groaned about setting a new date for a conference, says, "This is a minor issue. Case dismissed."
Wouldn't it have made more sense just to dismiss the ticket the first time? Wouldn't have made more sense for the cops to ask my father if there was anyone helping with things, and could you give them this warning letter about the car parked in front of the house? No. Instead these fools waste my time and tax money with their silly shenanigans. Political nonsense. Right wingers rage about too much government at the federal level, when the reality is there's too much government at the local level. Anyone who writes a parking ticket to senior citizen for a car parked in front of his own house ought to be ashamed of himself. All the problems in the world, and this is what cops, prosecutors, and judges are spending their time and our tax money on? It's a disgrace.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
A job interview at Goldman Sachs
I’m sure lots of people have had strange experiences while searching for and interviewing for jobs. People who do the recruiting and interviewing of job candidates often have funny stories to tell.
Once I went on an interview for a job as a college recruiter, with Goldman Sachs. This particular office was in lower Manhattan. The director of college recruiting was a guy named Mike. At the start of the interview he mused, “There’s mostly women working in college recruiting.” Hmm, maybe this gives me an edge, I thought. He didn’t ask me any questions though. He just rambled on for a couple of minutes about Goldman Sachs. Suddenly, he looked past me (his office was surrounded by windows). He stood up, grabbed a stack of what look to be like tickets to a game or concert wrapped with elastic bands, and raced out the door. I turned around, but he had already fled down one of the hallways, disappearing from sight.
So I sat there for a few minutes, wondering what I should do. Wait until he comes back? Leave now? It started to dawn on me that I wasn’t going to get this job even if I stayed, so I was about to go when a girl named Kim walked in.
“Mike had to go, but I’ll finish the interview,” she said brightly. Then she proceeded to talk a little about the job. She didn’t ask me any questions, or ask if I had any questions about th position. She did talk at length about the bars in the area and how everyone in the department liked to go out for drinks after work.
After a few minutes she stood up and held out her hand. “It was nice to meet you,” she said. For some reason I said thank you, nice to meet you too, instead of saying what I really felt, which was, why did you even bother to call me in….
I’ve thought that maybe they didn’t like the way I looked. If that’s the case, and I’m sure some interviewers consider that above all else (although they would never admit it), why not ask for a picture? A photograph with the resume on the back. It would save us all a lot of time and money. By looks, I mean beyond the blue suit/white shirt/red tie/polished shoes/clean shaven appearance.
Who knows. Maybe this isn’t as ridiculous as some others’ experiences. It feels like it was a waste of time and energy. On the other hand it’s given me something to write about, so maybe it wasn’t a total loss. Stay tuned for upcoming stories about job search…
Sometimes I wonder though, if other people looking for a job have had anything similar to mine.
Once I went on an interview for a job as a college recruiter, with Goldman Sachs. This particular office was in lower Manhattan. The director of college recruiting was a guy named Mike. At the start of the interview he mused, “There’s mostly women working in college recruiting.” Hmm, maybe this gives me an edge, I thought. He didn’t ask me any questions though. He just rambled on for a couple of minutes about Goldman Sachs. Suddenly, he looked past me (his office was surrounded by windows). He stood up, grabbed a stack of what look to be like tickets to a game or concert wrapped with elastic bands, and raced out the door. I turned around, but he had already fled down one of the hallways, disappearing from sight.
So I sat there for a few minutes, wondering what I should do. Wait until he comes back? Leave now? It started to dawn on me that I wasn’t going to get this job even if I stayed, so I was about to go when a girl named Kim walked in.
“Mike had to go, but I’ll finish the interview,” she said brightly. Then she proceeded to talk a little about the job. She didn’t ask me any questions, or ask if I had any questions about th position. She did talk at length about the bars in the area and how everyone in the department liked to go out for drinks after work.
After a few minutes she stood up and held out her hand. “It was nice to meet you,” she said. For some reason I said thank you, nice to meet you too, instead of saying what I really felt, which was, why did you even bother to call me in….
I’ve thought that maybe they didn’t like the way I looked. If that’s the case, and I’m sure some interviewers consider that above all else (although they would never admit it), why not ask for a picture? A photograph with the resume on the back. It would save us all a lot of time and money. By looks, I mean beyond the blue suit/white shirt/red tie/polished shoes/clean shaven appearance.
Who knows. Maybe this isn’t as ridiculous as some others’ experiences. It feels like it was a waste of time and energy. On the other hand it’s given me something to write about, so maybe it wasn’t a total loss. Stay tuned for upcoming stories about job search…
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
New baseball book available at Amazon.com
New baseball book available at Amazon.com:
THE PERFECT GAME is a novel for middle grade readers. It is about a twelve year old boy’s roller coaster experience while playing one season of organized baseball.
It is available in Kindle at Amazon for 99 cents, as well as at Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.
Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j
Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.
Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.
Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.
Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.
Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j
Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.
Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.
Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.
Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Who were the most over-rated Minnesota Vikings of all time?
Sometimes coaches and general managers draft or trade for players who they think will put their team "over the top" and lead them to a Super Bowl. It doesn't always work out that way though. Here are some of the Vikings who were not worth the high draft pick or the trade that brought them to Minnesota.
10) Warren Moon, QB: Another one of Dennis Green's silly decisions, bringing in a washed up quarterback and the end of his career, in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Didn't work out, as Moon's three years in Minnesota resulted in a big nothing.
9) E.J Henderson, LB: Started a lot of games for the Vikings but never really lived up to the hype that accompanied him coming out of college. Was basically an average linebacker, and never dominated opponents.
8) Randall Cunningham, QB: Only had a great year in 1998 because he was surrounded by other outstanding players on offense, and had coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Choked in the team's NFC championship game, and there's no way he should have been kept on for the 1999 season over QB Brad Johnson.
7) Darrin Nelson, RB: A much heralded first round pick in 1982, Nelson did not become a standout running back the team had envisioned. He never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and wasn't very explosive, averaging only 8.8 yards per reception, 8.0 yards per punt return, and 22.4 yards on kick returns. The Vikings passed up Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen to take Nelson. Big mistake.
6) Mark Mullaney, DE: Although he played in 151 games and started 97 in his 12 years with the team, Mullaney didn't seem to learn much from playing behind great ends Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. He never came close to being even an average pass rusher, let alone one that was worth a first round selection. A symbol of the Vikes' mediocrity from 1979 through the mid-1980's.
2) Bryant McKinnie, OT: Why was this guy named to some Greatest Vikings of All-Time lists? McKinnie was reliable but was never a standout. The team has had other offensive tackles who were much better players.
1) Herschel Walker, RB: Obviously wasn't worth what the Vikings gave up for him. Never even rushed for a thousand yards once in his three years with the team. What a disaster.
10) Warren Moon, QB: Another one of Dennis Green's silly decisions, bringing in a washed up quarterback and the end of his career, in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Didn't work out, as Moon's three years in Minnesota resulted in a big nothing.
9) E.J Henderson, LB: Started a lot of games for the Vikings but never really lived up to the hype that accompanied him coming out of college. Was basically an average linebacker, and never dominated opponents.
8) Randall Cunningham, QB: Only had a great year in 1998 because he was surrounded by other outstanding players on offense, and had coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Choked in the team's NFC championship game, and there's no way he should have been kept on for the 1999 season over QB Brad Johnson.
7) Darrin Nelson, RB: A much heralded first round pick in 1982, Nelson did not become a standout running back the team had envisioned. He never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and wasn't very explosive, averaging only 8.8 yards per reception, 8.0 yards per punt return, and 22.4 yards on kick returns. The Vikings passed up Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen to take Nelson. Big mistake.
6) Mark Mullaney, DE: Although he played in 151 games and started 97 in his 12 years with the team, Mullaney didn't seem to learn much from playing behind great ends Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. He never came close to being even an average pass rusher, let alone one that was worth a first round selection. A symbol of the Vikes' mediocrity from 1979 through the mid-1980's.
5) James White, DT: Although a first round draft pick, White didn't exactly turn out to be the next Alan Page. Started 61 games for Bud Grant during his eight years with the team. Not sure why Grant cut Page, thus making White the regular RDT; Bud must have been an optimist. White didn't even make Les Steckel's 1984 mess of team, being waived at the end of training camp.
4) David Palmer, WR: Before the start of each season coach Dennis Green would rave about "his" 1994 second round pick Palmer. What did Palmer produce in his seven year career? A mere 9.9 yard average on punt returns, only 22.6 yards on kickoffs, and no more than 26 receptions in a season, with a career average of 8.6 yards per catch. Whee!
3) Duante Culpepper, QB: Culpepper only had two good years (2000 & 2004) but was still named to many "50 Greatest Vikings of All Time" lists. Why? He was mediocre most of the time and hardly worthy of a first round draft pick. He's just another one of Denny Green's "guys" who never panned out.
4) David Palmer, WR: Before the start of each season coach Dennis Green would rave about "his" 1994 second round pick Palmer. What did Palmer produce in his seven year career? A mere 9.9 yard average on punt returns, only 22.6 yards on kickoffs, and no more than 26 receptions in a season, with a career average of 8.6 yards per catch. Whee!
3) Duante Culpepper, QB: Culpepper only had two good years (2000 & 2004) but was still named to many "50 Greatest Vikings of All Time" lists. Why? He was mediocre most of the time and hardly worthy of a first round draft pick. He's just another one of Denny Green's "guys" who never panned out.
2) Bryant McKinnie, OT: Why was this guy named to some Greatest Vikings of All-Time lists? McKinnie was reliable but was never a standout. The team has had other offensive tackles who were much better players.
1) Herschel Walker, RB: Obviously wasn't worth what the Vikings gave up for him. Never even rushed for a thousand yards once in his three years with the team. What a disaster.
Monday, November 17, 2014
New baseball book available at Amazon.com
New baseball book for middle grade readers: The Perfect Game
THE PERFECT GAME is a novel for middle grade readers. It is about a twelve year old boy’s roller coaster experience while playing one season of organized baseball.
It is available in Kindle at Amazon for 99 cents, as well as at Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.
Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j
Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.
Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.
Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.
Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.
Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j
Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.
Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.
Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.
Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Jets quarterback Michael Vick a pussy, can't take a hit
Jets quarterback Michael Vick is a pussy, complaining about a couple of hits he took from the Pittsburgh Steelers defence during Sunday's game.
Here's a guy who tortured and killed innocent dogs with his bare hands, and never expressed any remorse for it, and now he's complaining about a couple of hard licks during a football game? What a wuss. This guy is a total loser. Not to mention a crappy quarterback. Hey Vick, stop being such a pussy. You're an animal yourself for what you did to the dogs, so how can you be crying about getting hit in a pro football game...
Monday, October 6, 2014
Jets are desperate, to be playing Michael Vick at quarterback
The New York Jets put Michael Vick in as quarterback for the first time this season on Sunday. The results were predictably pathetic.
Vick has always been over-rated as a quarterback. He was a pretty good runner but never did much to stand out as an all-around quarterback. When he played in Atlanta supposedly the Falcons had to cut the playbook in half since he couldn't learn some of the plays.
The Jets need to hope that Vick doesn't remain the turnover machine that he was in 2012, when he fumbled the football 8 times in 5 games, to go along with 6 interceptions in those 5 games. Or that he remains injury-prone like in 2013. In six games started he fumbled the ball four times and threw three interceptions.
The Jets also need to hope Vicky doesn't stir up any new controversy with his dog, like several years ago when he posted a photo on Twitter titled "we workin" with a picture of his daughter doing homework - but sharp eyes noticed a Milk Bone box in the background, which led to Vick later admitting that he now owns a dog. He stated that he wanted his "children to develop a healthy relationship with animals."
Hmm. Well, it might be more believable if it sounded like it was something he would actually say. Sometimes having your publicist write your statements isn't the best way to build credibility.
When his kids get older they'll probably ask Dad what he was thinking back in the day when he electrocuted, hanged, and abused dogs. Animal rights groups ought to try to get that family meeting on tape, and sell it as a fundraiser.
We don't know the breed of Michael's dog; although we can be hopeful that it is being treated well, since the last thing Vick needs is for the dog to get worms. That wouldn't help his image.
Maybe he ought to ask his dog to teach him how to hang on to the football. But I don't think you can carry a football in your mouth in the NFL.
Vick has always been over-rated as a quarterback. He was a pretty good runner but never did much to stand out as an all-around quarterback. When he played in Atlanta supposedly the Falcons had to cut the playbook in half since he couldn't learn some of the plays.
The Jets need to hope that Vick doesn't remain the turnover machine that he was in 2012, when he fumbled the football 8 times in 5 games, to go along with 6 interceptions in those 5 games. Or that he remains injury-prone like in 2013. In six games started he fumbled the ball four times and threw three interceptions.
The Jets also need to hope Vicky doesn't stir up any new controversy with his dog, like several years ago when he posted a photo on Twitter titled "we workin" with a picture of his daughter doing homework - but sharp eyes noticed a Milk Bone box in the background, which led to Vick later admitting that he now owns a dog. He stated that he wanted his "children to develop a healthy relationship with animals."
Hmm. Well, it might be more believable if it sounded like it was something he would actually say. Sometimes having your publicist write your statements isn't the best way to build credibility.
When his kids get older they'll probably ask Dad what he was thinking back in the day when he electrocuted, hanged, and abused dogs. Animal rights groups ought to try to get that family meeting on tape, and sell it as a fundraiser.
We don't know the breed of Michael's dog; although we can be hopeful that it is being treated well, since the last thing Vick needs is for the dog to get worms. That wouldn't help his image.
Maybe he ought to ask his dog to teach him how to hang on to the football. But I don't think you can carry a football in your mouth in the NFL.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
What is the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, anyway?
Who
is the New Jersey Council of County Colleges?
And what do they do, anyway?
There’s
a bill in the New Jersey state legislature that would allow the county colleges
to not be required to join the council and pay the estimated $90,000 per year
in annual dues. Instead the colleges could spend that money to lobby
legislators on their own, or not spend it at all. Either way, taxpayers and
students are on the hook, since that’s where all the money for the county
colleges comes from. State taxes, students paying on their own, and federal
funds that are given to students in the form of financial aid.
You’d
think that the state legislators would be intelligent enough to provide
sufficient funds to the county colleges to operate. I guess that isn’t the
case, since taxpayers and students have to pay lobbyists to fight for their
cause in the state capitol of Trenton.
Too
many lobbyists, not enough common sense.
But what else is new?
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
MLB Catchers -- highest career "caught stealing" percentage
Throwing out would-be base stealers is one of a catcher's most important jobs. In a previous blog post I ranked the 21 best catchers in MLB history, based on games caught, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics. Below is how those 21 catchers rank according to their career "caught stealing" percentage. A quick release, strong arm, and the ability to make accurate throws are important for a catcher. Of course, having pitchers who can keep baserunners close helps. The era in which a catcher played can also be a factor, since base stealing was not as prominent in the 1940's as it was it the 1970's.
Career caught stealing
percentage:
1)
57% - Roy Campanella
2)
56% - Gabby Hartnett
3)
49% - Yogi Berra
4)
47% - Bill Dickey, Ernie Lombardi
5)
46% - Ivan Rodriguez
6)
44% - Thurman Munson, Elston Howard, Ray Schalk
7)
43% - Johnny Bench
8)
41% - Jim Sundberg
9)
40% - Bob Boone, Rick Dempsey
10) 39% - Mickey Cochrane,
Lance Parrish
11) 35% - Gary Carter, Brad
Ausmus
12) 34% - Carlton Fisk, Ted
Simmons
13) 28% - Jorge Posada
Monday, February 24, 2014
The best Catchers in Major League Baseball history
The position of catcher is the most demanding position in the sport, both physically and mentally. So to have a player who can sustain a high level of achievement at the position is rare. Below is a ranking of the top 21 Catchers in major league baseball history, based on both offensive and defensive statistics.
The best Catchers in major
league baseball history:
21) Rick Dempsey: A four-decade major leaguer, Dempsey had a
.988 fielding percentage and threw out 40% of runners attempting to steal while
catching 1,633 games from 1969-1992. He was the MVP of the 1983 World Series.
20) Ray Schalk: A member of the Baseball
Hall of Fame, Schalk caught 1,727 games from 1912-1929, with a .981 fielding
percentage and 49% caught stealing rate, higher than the league averages at the
time of .976 and 44%.
19) Ted Simmons: An eight time All Star
while catching 1,771 games from 1968-1988, Simmons had a fielding percentage of
.987 and threw out 34% of runners, while batting .285 with 248 home runs and
1,389 RBI’s in his career.
18) Brad Ausmus: Ausmus caught 1,998 games for four teams from
1993-2010, winning three Gold Gloves. His career fielding percentage was .994
and caught stealing rate was 35%.
17) Mike Piazza: A twelve time All Star,
Piazza has a fielding percentage of .989 and threw out 23% of attempted
basestealers while catching 1,630 games from 1992-2007, but his value lay in
his bat. He has a career average of .308 with 427 home runs and 1,335 RBI’s.
16) Jorge Posada: A five time All
Star, Posada batted .273 with 275 homers and 1,065 RBI's, in 16 seasons. He caught
1,574 games with a .992 fielding percentage and a 28% caught stealing rate.
15) Elston Howard: A nine time All
Star and winner of the 1963 American League MVP award, Howard caught 1,138
games and had a fielding percentage of .993 and a 44% caught stealing rate.
14) Jim Sundberg: A three time All Star and
winner of six Gold Gloves, Sundberg had a .993 fielding percentage and threw
out 41% of runners attempting to steal, while catching 1,927 games from
1974-1989.
13) Bob Boone: Winner of seven Gold Gloves
and a four time All Star, Boone caught 2,225 games from 1972-1990, with a .986
fielding percentage and caught stealing rate of 40%. He batted .311 in 36 post
season games.
12) Lance Parrish: Catching 1,818 games from 1977-1995, Parrish won
three Gold Gloves and was named to 8 All Star teams. He had a fielding
percentage of .991, and threw out 39% of attempted base stealers. Parrish also
hit 324 home runs and drove in 1,070 runs.
11) Carlton Fisk: During a 24 year career
Fisk caught 2,226 games with a fielding percentage of .988 while throwing out
34% of base stealers. He batted .269 with 376 home runs and 1,330 RBI’s. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in
2000.
10) Thurman Munson: Winner of the
1970 Rookie of the Year Award, and named the American League MVP in 1976,
Munson was a seven time All Star selection and winner of three Gold Gloves. He
threw out 44% of base runners attempting to steal, and hit .373 and drove in 12 runs in 16 World
Series games. Munson caught 1,278 games in eleven seasons.
9) Mickey Cochrane: A two time All Star,
Cochrane was named American League MVP in 1928 and 1934. He has a career
batting average of .320 with a .419 on-base percentage. He threw out 39% of
basestealers while catching 1,421 games in 13 seasons. Selected to the Baseball
Hall of Fame in 1947.
8) Gary Carter: Winner of three Gold Gloves
and an eleven time All Star, Carter had a fielding percentage of .991 and
caught 35% of attempted basestealers while catching 2,056 games in 20 seasons. Selected
to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
7) Ernie Lombardi: A seven time All Star and
winner of the 1938 National League MVP award, Lombardi caught 1,544 games in 17
seasons. He had a .306 career batting average and threw out 47% of attempted
base stealers. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986.
6) Gabby Hartnett: Catching 1,793 games in 20
seasons, Hartnett led the National League catchers in caught stealing
percentage six times, with a career mark of 56%. A six time All Star, he had a
career batting average of .297 and won the 1935 National League MVP award. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in
1955.
5) Roy Campanella: Named the National League
MVP in 1951, 1953, and 1955, Campanella was named to eight All Star teams. He
threw out 57% of basestealers while catching 1,183 games in 10 seasons. Selected
to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
4) Bill Dickey: An eleven time All Star, Dickey's threw out
47% of runners attempting to steal. In 17 years Dickey had a .313 batting
average and caught 1,708 games, while contributing to seven Yankees’ world
championships in the 1930's and early 1940's. Selected to the Baseball Hall of
Fame in 1954.
3) Ivan Rodriguez: A thirteen time Gold Glove
winner and fourteen time All Star, Rodriguez won the 1999 American League MVP
award. Catching 2,427 games in 21
seasons, he threw out 46% of runners attempting to steal.
2) Johnny Bench: Winner of ten Gold Gloves
and a fourteen time All Star, Bench won the National League MVP award in 1970
and 1972. Catching 1,742 games in 17 seasons, he threw out 43% of basestealers
and had a .267 average, 389 home runs, and 1,376 RBI’s. Selected to the
Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.
1) Yogi Berra: Selected to the All Star team 15 times, Berra
won the American League MVP award in 1951, 1954, and 1955. He caught 1,699
games in 19 seasons and threw out 49% of basestealers to go along with a .285
career batting average, 358 home runs, and 1,430 RBI’s. Selected to the
Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
source for statistics: www.baseball-reference.com
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
The best Managers in New York Yankee history
The best ten managers in New York Yankee history:
10) Yogi Berra: In slightly more than two years as manager, Berra had a 192-148 record, for a .565 winning percentage. He led the team to the 1964 World Series, but was stuck with a middling team in 1984, when George Steinbrenner saddled him with mediocre players.
9) Clark Griffith: From 1903-1908 Griffith had a 419-370 record, a .531 winning percentage.
8) Buck Showalter: In 1995 Showalter led the Yankees to their first playoff appearance since 1981, a fourteen year drought. In four years at the helm he had a winning percentage of .539, with a 313-268 record.
7) Ralph Houk: Managing the team for 11 years, Houk led the Yankees as they went from the top of the baseball world in 1961 to its bottom depths in the late '60's and early '70's. He finished with a 944-806 record, a winning percentage of .539.
6) Joe Girardi: The Yanks have made the playoffs in four of Girardi's six years with the team. His record is 564-408, a .580 winning percentage, with one World Series title. Girardi has done a good job managing his pitching staff and bullpen.
5) Billy Martin: Taking five turns as manager, Martin ended up with a 556-385 record, a .591 winning percentage. The team won pennants under his helm in 1976 and 1977, taking the World Series title in '77.
4) Miller Huggins: With the game's best players in Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on his roster, Huggins compiled a 1067-719 record, a .597 winning percentage, from 1918-1929. A monument at Yankee Stadium was erected in his honor.
3) Joe Torre: Torre led the Yanks to four world championships in 12 seasons, from 1996-2007. His 1173-767 record, a .605 winning percentage, demonstrates consistency while facing adversity as manager.
2) Casey Stengel: In 12 years from 1949-1960, Stengel won seven World Championships, plus three more American League pennants. His 1149-696 won-loss record gives him a winning percentage of .623.
1) Joe McCarthy: The longest tenured Yankee manager at 16 years, McCarthy holds the record for most wins as Yankee manager, and his 1460-867 regular season record gives him a winning percentage of .627, which is also tops among Yankee managers who were at the helm for more than one season. His teams won seven World Championships from 1931-1946.
source for statistics: www.baseballreference.com
10) Yogi Berra: In slightly more than two years as manager, Berra had a 192-148 record, for a .565 winning percentage. He led the team to the 1964 World Series, but was stuck with a middling team in 1984, when George Steinbrenner saddled him with mediocre players.
9) Clark Griffith: From 1903-1908 Griffith had a 419-370 record, a .531 winning percentage.
8) Buck Showalter: In 1995 Showalter led the Yankees to their first playoff appearance since 1981, a fourteen year drought. In four years at the helm he had a winning percentage of .539, with a 313-268 record.
7) Ralph Houk: Managing the team for 11 years, Houk led the Yankees as they went from the top of the baseball world in 1961 to its bottom depths in the late '60's and early '70's. He finished with a 944-806 record, a winning percentage of .539.
6) Joe Girardi: The Yanks have made the playoffs in four of Girardi's six years with the team. His record is 564-408, a .580 winning percentage, with one World Series title. Girardi has done a good job managing his pitching staff and bullpen.
5) Billy Martin: Taking five turns as manager, Martin ended up with a 556-385 record, a .591 winning percentage. The team won pennants under his helm in 1976 and 1977, taking the World Series title in '77.
4) Miller Huggins: With the game's best players in Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on his roster, Huggins compiled a 1067-719 record, a .597 winning percentage, from 1918-1929. A monument at Yankee Stadium was erected in his honor.
3) Joe Torre: Torre led the Yanks to four world championships in 12 seasons, from 1996-2007. His 1173-767 record, a .605 winning percentage, demonstrates consistency while facing adversity as manager.
2) Casey Stengel: In 12 years from 1949-1960, Stengel won seven World Championships, plus three more American League pennants. His 1149-696 won-loss record gives him a winning percentage of .623.
1) Joe McCarthy: The longest tenured Yankee manager at 16 years, McCarthy holds the record for most wins as Yankee manager, and his 1460-867 regular season record gives him a winning percentage of .627, which is also tops among Yankee managers who were at the helm for more than one season. His teams won seven World Championships from 1931-1946.
source for statistics: www.baseballreference.com
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Close all Puppy Mills!
Puppy Mill Resources | Best Friends Animal Society
15 Things You Can Do to Help Stop Puppy Mills
- Adopt your next pet. You may have your heart set on a puppy or a particular breed, but please don't support puppy mills by buying pets online or in stores. We guarantee that the perfect pet is waiting for you at one of the thousands of shelters or rescue groups across the country - and they're not hard to find. First, visit your local shelter. If you don't find the right pet there, visit www.petfinder.com. You can also find a dog of a particular breed by contacting a breed-rescue organization. To find breed rescue groups, do a search online: Go to www.google.com (or another search engine), enter a city or state, the name of the breed you are looking for, and the word "rescue."
- Don't buy a puppy online or from a pet store. If you buy a puppy online or from a pet store, you are most likely supporting the puppy mill industry because these are the two ways that puppy millers sell millions of dogs each year. If you intend to buy a puppy, do your homework and read "How to Be Sure Your Next Dog Isn't from a Puppy Mill."
- Take action against pet stores that sell dogs supplied by puppy mills. Ask pet stores to consider switching to a humane business model, one that promotes adopting instead of selling puppies from breeders. (Click here for a list of stores that have paved the way.) If the store chooses not to change, you can hold peaceful rallies to help educate the public and change store policy. To learn how, download the action kit called "How to Organize a Peaceful Pet Store Demonstration."
- Support legislation that regulates and reduces breeding of animals. To help change your city, county and state laws, sign up to receive alerts from Best Friends' Voices for No More Homeless Pets. We make it quick and easy for you to support laws in your area that fight puppy mills. Go to yourvoice.bestfriends.org to sign up.
- Become an expert on the subject. Get familiar with how the puppy mill industry works by looking through Best Friends' resource library. You can watch breeder video footage, read USDA documents, and learn how to research pet stores in your community. Click here to start learning.
- Know the existing laws. Many states have laws that regulate breeders and/or retail pet sellers. To find out how your state stacks up, click here.animallaw.info/articles/ovuspuppymilltable.htm
- Ask government officials to pass stricter laws for pet stores and dog breeders. Write or call your city, county, state and federal officials and ask them to take these issues seriously. Read "How to Write a Letter to Legislators and Newspapers About Puppy Mills" to help compose a message and contact the right people. Keep your call, letter or email brief, respectful and to the point. You may not receive a response, but know that these communications are counted and can really influence legislators.
- Speak out in your community. Write letters to the editors of newspapers about puppy mills and breeders who keep their animals in unacceptable conditions. Note how many ads for dogs, puppies, kittens and other animals there are in the paper's classified section, while shelters overflow with unwanted pets.
- Donate to Best Friends' puppy mill initiatives. Your donation will be used to fight puppy mills and to give former puppy mill dogs a chance to have what all dogs deserve: safety, good care, happiness and love from a family of their own.
- Elect animal-friendly candidates. Before any election (local, state or federal), ask candidates if they would support laws regulating commercial breeders and what they would do about puppy mills in the community.
- Report bad puppy stores. If you have bought a puppy from a store and the puppy is sick, read "What to Do If You've Bought a Sick Puppy."
- Infiltrate the ads. In your newspaper's classifieds section, you've seen the numerous ads that sell puppies. To plant the idea of adopting instead, place classified ads promoting your local shelter or breed rescue group via Petfinder.com.
- Raise awareness and/or donations. Host an awareness-raising or fundraising event in your community. To educate the public about puppy mills and/or raise awareness and funding for local rescue groups, organize a walk, conduct a bake sale or set up a table at local events and hand out information.
- Spread the word. Educate your friends, family and coworkers - especially those looking to obtain a pet - about the cruelty of puppy mills and the joys of pet adoption. Share adoption websites, such as Petfinder.com, and breed rescue websites with people who are looking for purebred dogs.
- Don't give up. The fight against puppy mills and bad breeders has been going on for decades. Things won't change overnight, but we are making progress and each little change helps. If you educate just one person about the horrors of puppy mills or convince just one person to adopt rather than buy a pet, you've made a difference.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
The biggest TV news moments of all time
Television has provided people with the opportunity to view news as it happens. TV Guide recently released its list of the 60 biggest news moments on
TV in the history of the medium. Here is one viewer's opinion of the 10 most notable news events on TV of all time, based on too many years of watching
television...
10) A man stands in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China - 1989
9) Walter Cronkite speaks out against the Vietnam War - 1968
8) Morley Safer reports on U.S. Marines burning the village of Cam Ne in Vietnam - 1965
7) President Nixon's resignation - 1974
6) Th Gulf War - 1991
5) Jack Ruby's shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald - 1963
4) The Challenger explosion - 1986
3) The September 11 attacks - 2001
2) The John F. Kennedy assassination - 1963
1) The moon landing -1969
10) A man stands in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China - 1989
9) Walter Cronkite speaks out against the Vietnam War - 1968
8) Morley Safer reports on U.S. Marines burning the village of Cam Ne in Vietnam - 1965
7) President Nixon's resignation - 1974
6) Th Gulf War - 1991
5) Jack Ruby's shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald - 1963
4) The Challenger explosion - 1986
3) The September 11 attacks - 2001
2) The John F. Kennedy assassination - 1963
1) The moon landing -1969
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Television's 25 greatest catchphrases
A catchphrase is a way to build a character and give an identity to a television show. TV Guide recently released its list of the 60 most notable catchphrases on TV shows in the history of the medium. Here is one viewer's opinion of the best 25 catchphrases of all time, based on too many years of watching television...
25) "Dy-no-mite!" (JJ Evans, Good Times)
24) "This tape will self-destruct in five seconds." (Mission: Impossible)
23) "Resistance is futile." (Star Trek, The Next Generation)
22) "How you doin'?" (Joey Tribbiani, Friends)
21) "Yadda, yadda, yadda." (Elaine Benes, Seinfield)
20) "Baby, you're the greatest." (Ralph Kramden, The Honeymooners)
19) "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." (Jim McKay, Wide World of Sports)
18) "You look mahvelous." (Fernando, Saturday Night Live)
17) "Danger, Will Robinson!" (The Robot, Lost in Space)
16) "To the Batmobile!" (Batman, Batman)
15) "Yabba Dabba Do!" (Fred Flintsone, The Flintstones)
14) "Eat my shorts." (Bart Simpson, The Simpsons)
13) "Live long and prosper." (Commander Spock, Star Trek)
12) "Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!" (Adventures of Superman)
11) "Good night, John Boy." (The Walton family, The Waltons)
10) "I'm listening." (Frasier Krane, Frasier)
9) "Come on down!" (Johnny Olson, The Price is Right)
8) "Book'em, Danno." (Detective Steve McGarrett, Hawaii Five-O)
7) "Make it so." (Captain Picard, Star Trek the Next Generation)
6) "What's up, Doc?" (Bugs Bunny, Looney Tunes)
5) "Let's be careful out there." (Sergeant Phil Esterhaus, Hill Street Blues)
4) "And that's the way it is." (Walter Cronkite, CBS Evening News)
3) "Aaay!" (Fonzie, Happy Days)
2) "D'oh!" (Homer Simpson, The Simpsons)
1) "Heeere's...Johnny!" (Ed McMahon, The Tonight Show)
Friday, September 6, 2013
The best animals on television of all time
There have been many animals on television since its beginning. Some have had starring roles, others supporting roles; some have been real, others cartoons. TV Guide recently released its list of the 60 most notable animals on TV shows in the history of the medium. Here is one TV viewer's opinion of the best 15 animals of all time, based on too many years of watching television...
15) Yogi Bear (cartoon, 1961-1962)
14) The Pink Panther (cartoon, 1964-1980)
13) Gentle Ben (1967-1969)
12) Flipper (1964-1967, 1995-2000)
11) Winnie the Pooh (cartoons, 1966-2010)
10) Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, 1997-present)
9) Dino the Dinosaur (The Flintsones, 1960-1966)
8) Miss Piggy (The Muppet Show, 1976-1981)
7) Scooby Doo (cartoons, 1969-1993)
6) Eddie (Frasier, 1993-2004)
5) Rin Tin Tin (The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, 1954-1959)
4) Kermit the Frog (Sesame Street, 1968-present)
3) Snoopy (cartoons, 1950-2000)
2) Bugs Bunny (cartoons, 1940-2011)
1) Lassie (1954-1973, 1989-1991, 1997-1999)
15) Yogi Bear (cartoon, 1961-1962)
14) The Pink Panther (cartoon, 1964-1980)
13) Gentle Ben (1967-1969)
12) Flipper (1964-1967, 1995-2000)
11) Winnie the Pooh (cartoons, 1966-2010)
10) Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, 1997-present)
9) Dino the Dinosaur (The Flintsones, 1960-1966)
8) Miss Piggy (The Muppet Show, 1976-1981)
7) Scooby Doo (cartoons, 1969-1993)
6) Eddie (Frasier, 1993-2004)
5) Rin Tin Tin (The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, 1954-1959)
4) Kermit the Frog (Sesame Street, 1968-present)
3) Snoopy (cartoons, 1950-2000)
2) Bugs Bunny (cartoons, 1940-2011)
1) Lassie (1954-1973, 1989-1991, 1997-1999)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Philadelphia Eagles must be desperate, to be relying on Michael Vick as quarterback
It's been reported that the Philadelphia Eagles will be starting Michael Vick at quarterback in this weekend's exhibition season opener, although the coaches have not ruled out Nick Foles as being the eventual starter at QB by the time the regular season begins.
Vick has always been over-rated as a quarterback. He was a pretty good runner but never did much to stand out as an all-around quarterback. When he played in Atlanta supposedly the Falcons had to cut the playbook in half since he couldn't learn some of the plays.
The Eagles need to hope that Vick doesn't remain the turnover machine that he was last fall, when he fumbled the football 8 times in 5 games, to go along with 6 interceptions in those 5 games.
The Eagles also need to hope Vicky doesn't stir up any new controversy with his dog, like last year when he posted a photo on Twitter titled "we workin" with a picture of his daughter doing homework - but sharp eyes noticed a Milk Bone box in the background, which led to Vick later admitting that he now owns a dog. He stated that he wanted his "children to develop a healthy relationship with animals."
Hmm. Well, it might be more believable if it sounded like it was something he would actually say. Sometimes having your publicist write your statements isn't the best way to build credibility.
When his kids get older they'll probably ask Dad what he was thinking back in the day when he electrocuted, hanged, and abused dogs. Animal rights groups ought to try to get that family meeting on tape, and sell it as a fundraiser.
We don't know the breed of Michael's dog; although we can be hopeful that it is being treated well, since the last thing Vick needs is for the dog to get worms. That wouldn't help his image.
Maybe he ought to ask his dog to teach him how to hang on to the football. But I don't think you can carry a football in your mouth in the NFL.
Vick has always been over-rated as a quarterback. He was a pretty good runner but never did much to stand out as an all-around quarterback. When he played in Atlanta supposedly the Falcons had to cut the playbook in half since he couldn't learn some of the plays.
The Eagles need to hope that Vick doesn't remain the turnover machine that he was last fall, when he fumbled the football 8 times in 5 games, to go along with 6 interceptions in those 5 games.
The Eagles also need to hope Vicky doesn't stir up any new controversy with his dog, like last year when he posted a photo on Twitter titled "we workin" with a picture of his daughter doing homework - but sharp eyes noticed a Milk Bone box in the background, which led to Vick later admitting that he now owns a dog. He stated that he wanted his "children to develop a healthy relationship with animals."
Hmm. Well, it might be more believable if it sounded like it was something he would actually say. Sometimes having your publicist write your statements isn't the best way to build credibility.
When his kids get older they'll probably ask Dad what he was thinking back in the day when he electrocuted, hanged, and abused dogs. Animal rights groups ought to try to get that family meeting on tape, and sell it as a fundraiser.
We don't know the breed of Michael's dog; although we can be hopeful that it is being treated well, since the last thing Vick needs is for the dog to get worms. That wouldn't help his image.
Maybe he ought to ask his dog to teach him how to hang on to the football. But I don't think you can carry a football in your mouth in the NFL.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Finding the Perfect Pet - Adopt a Dog or Cat
It's been estimated that anywhere from 5 to 7 million dogs and cats enter
animal shelters in the United States each year. As many as 3 to 4 million of
them are euthanized, due to a lack of space to house them and/or a lack of
finances to care for them.
So the best thing to do if you want to add a pet to your family is to adopt one from a shelter. The next best thing is to adopt a dog or cat from a rescue group. For a list of shelters in your area search online at your city or town's website, or sites of animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA. Check Petfinder.com for lists of rescue groups. Petfinder also lists photos and descriptions of dogs and cats, so that you can try to make a better match for the pet and your family situation.
When adopting a dog it's important to consider your own lifestyle. If you're not particularly active, don't adopt an active breed, such as a Labrador retriever. Labs often end up in shelters because their owners were not aware of how much walking and exercising was needed to keep this breed of dog. Other dogs may need more training to become well-behaved, and this could mean paying for a professional trainer or training classes. Do some research on the temperament of various breeds, to see what you can realistically handle.
Also remember to microchip your dog. It's not a huge expense, and is the best bet to get your pet home to you if it ever becomes lost.
Having a dog or cat to come home to every day can bring incredible joy to your life, and adopting a pet can bring happiness to an animal. Just like people, many just want to find their forever home.
So the best thing to do if you want to add a pet to your family is to adopt one from a shelter. The next best thing is to adopt a dog or cat from a rescue group. For a list of shelters in your area search online at your city or town's website, or sites of animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA. Check Petfinder.com for lists of rescue groups. Petfinder also lists photos and descriptions of dogs and cats, so that you can try to make a better match for the pet and your family situation.
When adopting a dog it's important to consider your own lifestyle. If you're not particularly active, don't adopt an active breed, such as a Labrador retriever. Labs often end up in shelters because their owners were not aware of how much walking and exercising was needed to keep this breed of dog. Other dogs may need more training to become well-behaved, and this could mean paying for a professional trainer or training classes. Do some research on the temperament of various breeds, to see what you can realistically handle.
Also remember to microchip your dog. It's not a huge expense, and is the best bet to get your pet home to you if it ever becomes lost.
Having a dog or cat to come home to every day can bring incredible joy to your life, and adopting a pet can bring happiness to an animal. Just like people, many just want to find their forever home.
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