Philadelphians and Sports: A Deadly & Dangerous Combo

I hate stupidity. Just as much as the other person. But two stories from Philadelphia, at the Sports Complex area has me dumbfounded. I kindly submit these two articles for your inspection:

1) Phillies Fan Uses Laser Pointer To Take On Pujols - Source, NBC10 Philly.

and

2) Man fatally assaulted outside Citizens Bank Park - Source, 6ABC.

Now, as a Dallas Cowboys fan, devoted to death, it should be no surprise that this will be a biased and slanted opinion. But I think the chain of events that happened yesterday does need to be addressed.

First of all, I would think that during this post 9/11 world, that a ballpark holding over 43,000 people, a laser pointer would be the last thing that you would have with you. Where was the security? Security did go to this idiot's section, but they could not find the laser pointer. They had to actually stop game play because of the idiot's actions. Now, I am not profiling or pointing out people, but it was probably a teenager, doing it on a bet from their peers. You know who you are, and I would hope that you turn yourself in.

Philadelphia fans (of all sports, but most particularly Eagles fans), will cheat and use anything to advance their team. That said, let this be a muted hope for the Eagles fans. If you think you will put a trick like this during the 2 Dallas loss you will encounter this season, you are wrong. We are onto your tricks and your ways.

Philadelphia fans booed Santa Claus once and threw snowballs at him. Who in their right mind would think of that?

Philadelphia fans not only stupid, but they are now going to an event can get you ... killed. As the second article points out, stupid fans who probably had too much to drink beat up on each other, but this time it proved fatal.

Now, I have been to the Sports Complex in Philly about 4 times. Two times for concerts, once for a Flyers game and once for my memorable American Idol auditions back in Season 7.

Something needs to be done, security wise, here to make sure this doesn't happen again. I have called Lincoln Financial Field in Philly numerous times, "the nest of darkness." Never, however did I think the complex that holds this place will become deadly. Now it has.

I will close with this thought ... What is worse ... Stupidity by laser pointer in a professional baseball game ... or getting killed? Damn

-- matt

Remembering Michael Jackson

I am sure you are tired of hearing about the passing of Michael Jackson. I must admit that I am too, just a little.

But I would be neglect if I didn't take a blog post to reflect on his life and the impact he had in the world.

With me being born in 1980, much of my life I knew of MJ, but didn't appreciate him as much as I should have. But with all he did, it's hard not to notice what he has accomplished.

I found the memorial yesterday quite moving. Mariah Carey was just beautiful and her performance was grand. When MJ's daughter Paris spoke, I nearly broke down. I have to think however, do you think MJ wanted his children to speak at such an event? I think not. But this wasn't just any other memorial.

Neilsen says that over 30 million people seen the memorial yesterday. Over 10 broadcast networks covered the event. And around the world, perhaps up to 1 BILLION people saw it.

Did MJ have issues and troubles? Yes. Was it worthy and necessary for us to pause and reflect? Yes. To those people who want to diss MJ and the coverage, I say this: Everyone has issues and hardships. That's life. So, before you cast the first stone, think to yourself ... should I be dissing this person?

Michael, thank you for the music. We will remember you for the bright things you gave us. Has Diddy said, "Other people brought the music. Michael made the beat."

With that said, let's remember that. I know I will.

God Speed Michael.

-- Matt

Well, I Hope They Enjoyed the View ...

Yesterday was quite a sports day at the PA State Capitol Complex. At the East Wing Rotunda, they had showcased the Stanley Cup, World Series and Lombardi trophy. A good turnout came to see such a rare sight. There was no previous record on if this ever happened before, where 3 major sports trophies were in the same location, at the same time.

I hope in particular that the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles and NFL Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers' enjoyed the moment. Because once my Dallas Cowboys get the year through and win the super bowl next winter, the Lombardi trophy will have a new home, in Dallas.

Let's see how dem 'Iggles enjoy that then. Haha.

-- matt

Happy Birthday America!

Well, today is the day we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America.

Back in 1776, we declared our independence from the country of Britain, in a gutsy move that has forever shaped this world.

To our military men and women serving stateside and abroad, thank you for your service to our great country. I know your service is hard and that it puts great strains on you and your families. But know that we do appreciate everything that you do and that we all want you back home, safe and sound, as soon as possible.

So, I went to a picnic today at my grandmothers. All my relatives were there. We had food (no hot dogs tho :(, what's up with that?) and great company. Then my aunt started the prayer. Now, you know me. I don't mind prayer. It is a great instrument that we all have to talk to God. Then my aunt said, "a country based on Christian principals, now and forever." This is where I take exception.

I'm not trying to be a party pooper, or a person that likes to poke or incite arguments, but let's be serious and real for a second. Is America the same it was in 1776 as it is today, faith wise? No. America is the best and most envious country to all people. People come here from all faiths, just not Christianity.

Now, I'm not knocking or mocking Christianity. Personally, I'm an agonistic. I believe in God, but have no formal religion that I turn to. Does that make me a bad person? No. All people who know me, can say that I may be a bit weird, but I am a great and funny person and loyal friend.

However, it really ruffles my feathers when the Christian right thinks that they are the kingpin religion and their way is the other way. It also ruffles my feathers that they think that Christianity is the sole religion that formed this fine nation. I'm sure when it was 1776, perhaps that was the view. Most people in the 1400's also thought the world was flat. Pioneers like Christopher Columbus however proved that wrong.

As technology advanced, we seen that this is a vast world and there has to be more than one master rule and more than one master religion. I think most people agree with me. And they should. So, has those fireworks go off tonight, embrace a diverse America. This is the America of 2009, not 1809.

-- Matt