Cowboys Post: Deja Vu (4th Year runnning)

Well, we lost again, and this time I'm madder than hell.

You know, if things work out, I should be getting my Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten jersey on Monday. I really got a great deal on this authentic jersey from a friend of mine. Know what would really be great to go with that jersey??? A win. But no, even that can't be done.

The Dallas Cowboys lost to the San Diego Chargers, 20-17 today, and in a sense, the season is over. Ware, one of our star players, exited the game with a sprained neck. That and poor coaching, especially at 4th & Goal, made us lose the game.

Yeah, Romo was OK this game, but still, did we win? No. As of now, the Eagles are winning against the Giants. If the Giants win, Cowboys become 7th seed, season over. Eagles win, more boastful talk from a horrible fan base. Cowboys are really damned if we do, and damned if we don't.

Saturday night, we play the unbeatable New Orelans Saints, in New Orleans. Can we beat them? Highly unlikely. You would think with Ware in the hospital, and the way we played that will give us hope. But, me as the eternal realist thinks we might as well just forefit this game.

I love my Cowboys, and been a loyal fan since like age 5. Our season is over.

I really hate December. Why is December so cruel to my team? I think I have a solid reason as to why. ROMO went on vacation to Vegas. Again, partying it up, when his head should be in the game. If it was one year with this theory, I might just ignore it and not publish it. But friends, THIS IS HAPPENING NUMEROUS YEARS. THIS IS MORE THAN A HABIT. 4 years in a row with a unfavorable losing December & January.

This is not what the Cowboys that I know. Now, Monday will come, and the Eagles fan base will roost their feathers and boast at how good they will be. The Giants fans from a popular take out place I go to will say, "Hey, How Bout Dem Cowboys." It will be like a bad nightmare, all over again. And then, that jersey I bought. Yeah, Witten is a solid player and I will wear it with pride. But really, what's the point?? Seriously.

I want Wade Phillips fired now. Bring in Tony Dungy. Hell, bring in Michael Irvin. Bring in someone who wants to have a winning season. Bring in someone who wants to reverse our December curse. Bring in someone who cares and gives a damn about America's team. Because as of now, that spirit is just not there.

Again, I want my Super Bowl dammit. It just won't be this year.

I Want My Super Bowl Dammit

OK, time for another Tony Romo rant blog entry. But this time, it's not only him, but also our defense.

For the past 3 years, we have been plagued as Dallas Cowboys fans for not having great December/January records. Well, if 4th time's the charm, we didn't disappoint the stat keepers.

Yeah, Romo's stats was was alright, about 80% completion, but I want perfection.

Like I said numerous times, this year is different. I want my Super Bowl title dammit, and Romo, if you refuse to be perfect, then son, I want Kitna in.

I don't want people saying 'Have faith, Romo will get us through." Time for appeasement and feel good optimism is over. This is the year for this to be done. Romo, either you are with the Cowboys in this quest, or you're not.

Considering what you have done in the past, I want Kitna in. Oh, and yes, everyone in Cowboys nation KNOWS you went to VEGAS. This is partly the reason why we did not do good today. YOU DID NOT HAVE YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME.

Now, because of Romo and our defense that wasn't it's usual self, we are tied with the bastard 'Iggles, yet again. This alone makes me mad. Now we have to really watch what cards they come up their sleeve.

In closing, Romo ... are you with us or against us? Let Wade know by the end of tomorrow, so we can prep Kitna. I'm serious. Sit down son, we are moving on, with or without you.

-- Matt

What Was Old, is Again New ...

It only took about 11 months, but looks like what was old, is new again.

Yesterday evening, President Obama ordered 33,000 more American troops to go to Afghanistan, but there will be a troop pull out by the Summer of 2011.

Mr. President, I this is not what I voted you into office for. Sir, I am sure all of the voters who voted for you too, feel the same feel as well.

Mr. President, we are not the world's police. That is what the U.N. is for. We need our troops to come home. That is what you PROMISED us during the campaign.

However, like all politicians who have power, you went back on your word.

It only took 11 months, but looks like more and more everyday, you are turing into the next President Bush.

I don't blame you tho for this Sir, I blame our former president. I know this was not the decision you wanted to make. I can see the stress of the office for the past 11 months as taken a severe toll on you, as it does every occupant of that fabled and storied job.

Sir, Bush is not president anymore. You are. Again, YOU were the one that promised that we were going to have our troops come home. Are they home? No. Did they get the heroes welcome that they so rightly and honorable deserve? No.

I am not against our military men and women who proudly serve our country. My heart and concerns went out to the families of Fort Hood when that incident happened. My cousin and her husband are currently stationed there. I just feel that after 8 years of war, we are ready for peace.

Mr. President, last time I checked, NONE of the 9/11 hijackers came from Afghanistan. They came from Saudi Arabia. But yet, we still have an involvement in Afghanistan. Why?

Mr. President, we are disappointed. I think you can tell that in my tone of this message. You let your base down.

Sadly, and I think this with truth and with humility, I think President Bush and Cheney are laughing in their secret bunker right now. They may not be in the Oval Office anymore, but the strings are certainly still being pulled.

What is wrong with this picture??

Cowboys/Packers wrap-up

With one of my best friends away on his Honeymoon, I highly doubt that he will post his Cowboys game wrap-up, so I will do this for him.

After last week's decisive and redeeming win against the Philadelphia Eagles, we were almost meant to come apart. Unfortunately that is what happened, in Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI.

This was not our greatest game. We perhaps have lost Marc Colombo for the remainder of the season due to a broken left fibula.

The game was scoreless up unto just about halftime, when Green Bay made a field goal. The game was sloppy on both sides. The game was going to be a shut-out for the Cowboys, a first since the Pats game in 2003. But there was a last minute TD by our Cowboys, and we lost 17-7.

But, let's put things in perspective people. All is not lost. With the Eagles getting a grim loss in San Diego today, 31-23, we are still in 1st place in the NFC East. The Giants had a bye week, and now the Eagles are tied with the NY Giants for 2nd place. Next week, the Eagles play Chicago, in Chicago. With how the Bears have collapsed as of late, I think the Eagles might squeeze out this win.

Cowboys fans, let's not panic. Realize that Tony Romo was just not really into this game. With Tony as our QB, we will have to face this risk. Next week, we play our division rival Washington Redskins. And today, after weeks of collapsing, the Washington Redskins, suddenly came alive, winning against the Denver Broncos. I really don't want to say this, but if we were to lose a game, this was the one. Now that this has happened, let's shake it off, and get our head into the game. If we do that, we will prevail over the Skins. And we will retain first place next week.

In closing, I wished we would have won. It just wasn't our week. I think I speak for all my Cowboys fans in that I think we all hoped that Miles Austin would have took the Lambeau Leap. But, no ... that tool Aaron Rodgers did it. Ugh. Anyway, let's get in gear, and we should be alright for next week.

Ever forward ...

-- Matt

Fort Hood Rampage

Looks like a horrific shooting rampage occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, which is near Waco. As of now, 12 people are killed and over 30 injured.

There were 3 shooters, and one of them was a Major. He was a mental health specialist. I cannot wrap my head around as to why stuff like these happens in America.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has ordered state flags to be at half mass effective now, until Sunday. President Obama has ordered the same, nationwide.

Keep the citizens of Texas in your thoughts.

Tony Romo, I'm Sorry ...

Looks like Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo listened to my blog entry.

Glad he did.

Surely, as each week passes, my beloved Dallas Cowboys are becoming the team that they are supposed to be. We are back to winning. And I am glad to see that.

Now, our biggest test yet comes this coming Sunday night.

The battle for NFC East 1st place is on the line with the NFL team I hate and despise the most, the Philadelphia Eagles.

The last game we had with this 'team' if you even call them that, ended in embarrassment for us. That was then, this is now.

Eagles, we know you number. We know the games you play. We know the tricks you play and the moves you think you can execute on us. We know that Andy Reid had to 'advise' with his sons, in prison, on weather or not to bring Michael Vick on board. Andy Reid is the most despicable NFL coach, period.

Everything about the Philadelphia Eagles is vile and disgusting. This Sunday night, at the Linc, Eagles fans, you will get what is coming for you. The Dallas Cowboys are far more equipped and experienced in the number 1 spot in the NFC East, than any other team.

By the time we are done with you, you will just sit down, shut up and you can go on losing games, again. First, by us, then by other teams.

This can happen ... If Tony Romo is focused. Tony, continue what you are doing. Keep your head in the game. This is the BIGGEST game we will have so far this year. We cannot accept, nor will we accept anything but total success.

We have been using this 'one game at a time' mentality for a while this season, and it's working. Philadelphia Eagles are nothing. Most in Philly don't realize this, but after Sunday night, they will, they will. And my Cowboys will be number 1 in the NFC East. Bring It!

Beat Philly!

Go Cowboys!!

-- Matt

What to do with Tony Romo??

As a devoted Cowboys fan for most of my 29 year life, I care deeply for my NFL team. However, my level of frustration with my NFL team is reaching a fever pitch.

Call me naive, or what you will, I have thought since the beginning of post-season last year that this was gonna be my team's year. We have the best and most awe inspiring beautiful stadium, anywhere in the world, for any sport. What would be a better way to cap off the season, with our first Super Bowl win since the mid 90s?

Every time Tony Romo is in the pocket, I get nervous now. Time seems to stand still. What takes a QB so long to execute a play and make it happen? Yeah, I know the DNA of football and that the defense comes up on you and you have to manage that. But, it just seems like Tony just don't know what to do.

Yeah, Tony Romo has good days, and he has bad days. Every QB has them. But, remember what I said in beginning of this opinion piece, THIS IS OUR YEAR. Are we gonna let teams like the Giants, Eagles or any other team take it from us? I think not.

I feel that Jerry Jones finds himself in a unique position. What should he do? Yeah, there are arguments on both sides: Keep Romo, put him 2nd string, or just let him go. I offer a wild and unorthox solution to this, with a little help of our NFC East fans. Let's get to reality here, Tony Romo is gonna fail ... again. Once that happens, take Tony out of the game, IMMEDIATELY. But in Kitna, or any one of our back ups. This is called the Donavon McNabb effect. Tony will realize how good he has it, then after the bye week, he will be better than ever. Before, you laugh about it, think about it. This can work.

Also, Tony needs to be more of a motivator. At last minute crunches, they should lift their team up. Not just look dumb.

Tony, I want you to do good. But, now, you just suck. Prove me wrong.

-- Matt

A Lot to Think About ...

We live in weird and troubling times ...

Yes we do. I really can't explain it. But if you just see, you will now what I mean.

I'm not talking just about politics and Obama's European overnight trip. I'm just not talking about the village idiot, Glenn Beck. I am talking about the world in general.

Even though Chicago did not get the privilege to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, you must give Obama credit to try to pitch his HOMETOWN to get the games. Now Obama is getting flack from the right for going in the first place. Since when has the politically right think it's cool to be un-patriotic to support a Olympic city plan? What ever happened to COUNTRY FIRST?? Humm??

I do think just a tad that President Obama is taking a little much on his plate than he should. But, let's remember three very important points ... 1) The former President, G.W. Bush left this country in such a mess that Obama has to clean it up, immediately. 2) Historically, it takes about a good year to year and a half before the current Presidents ideals and plans come to play. So, that makes me think that all of this arguing that Obama is turning this country into a Socialist nation is just rubbish. The political right are acting like a bratty teenager and they just need to grow up. And 3) Let's remember that if the stimulus package DID NOT go through, that the job losses would have been over 2 times worse than what happened.

Now, as for Glenn Beck ... the village idiot. I am glad that the mainstream political pundits are starting to describe him as a crazy person. Because, in reality that is what Beck is. It really scares me to think that even though he lost over 50 advertisers, he still gets big ratings on FOX News. It boggles my mind. I have no idea what to think.

It also troubles me that Comcast is actively looking into buying NBC/Universal from GE. I have written on here before that I don't trust Comcast. I always believed that they were too big as a corporation and if they get control of NBC/Universal, my fears will become ever more true. How big is to big? When Comcast looks at that question, they don't think anything. It's scary.

Again, a lot troubles me. I hope you feel the same way.

-- Matt

Religion gone crazy ...

Kirk Cameron is back in the news again. Now, I know you are asking yourselves right now, "Who is he?" Let me briefly remind you. He was the ubercool Mike Seaver from Growing Pains. He really hasn't done anything since then, so in my eyes, he's probably the best candidate for washed-up B-list actor since Michael Vick came aboard on the Eagles.

Now, I don't have anything against Kirk Cameron if you see him as a father and husband. He adopted 6 children and has been married to his wife for a long while. It takes a man to be a father, but it takes a special type of man to raise adopted children. Kudos to him on that.

Where I have a beef against Kirk is that ever since going into obscurity after Growing Pains, it seems like he has been brainwashed to be a ultra-right wing fundamentalist Christian, who is now a street preacher. Him and a other gentleman have a Trinity Broadcasting Network show (TBN) called "Way of the Master". If you haven't seen this peace of artwork, make sure you watch a segment here.

I don't have anything against religion and you can do what you want, but street preaching and getting into someone's face to make you accept YOUR god, or something like that is just unacceptable.

Reason for this blog post is twofold. 1) Looks like Kirk Cameron and his buddies are back in the news yet again. Kirk Cameron thinks that 18-35 year olds are becoming atheists and agnostics (like me) and he needs to save us. They wrote a short book about Creationism and is handing it out to colleges across America. Kirk, leave us alone. No one knows who you are anymore and you are certainly not the Mike Seaver you once were. Yeah, I know he was an actor and that Mike wasn't a real person. But you get my point. Mike was cool. Kirk is not.

Also, another reason for this rant post is that looks like Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas won their court case throwing out a $5 million ruling a year or two ago against a man who sued them because they picked his deceased son's funeral. The court said that Westboro Baptist Church is protected by the 1st Amendment. Are you kidding me? You can hold out signs at funerals and that's ok? What is wrong with this picture???

What ever happened to us respecting each other? Why are so many people afraid of things they don't understand, or refuse to understand? My soon to be six month old nephew, I really feel for him. Ever since he was born, I love him so much. But yet, I worry about him on how this world will treat him. What will it be like when he starts school, high school, college, and beyond? I hope his generation is more tolerant than the one I experience today. If you don't want to be preached to, you don't have to be. Yeah, you could say, "leave me alone," and just walk away. But with the likes of Cameron and his flock, and Westboro too, that is just not that simple. We those who are independent in our religion and those who don't believe in a higher power need to say that enough is enough and stand up. If we don't it will just get worse and worse. It's happening right before our very eyes.

I cannot stand people who don't think before they act. I was reading an AOL News article the other day that was telling about Kirk Cameron. I will end this post with a comment one person wrote ... Perhaps the best 11 words ever wrote: "Science flew us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings."

-- Matt

Thursday Reading: 9/10/2009

Good morning all. The week is almost over and Thursday is here. Hope this dispatch finds you well.

1) President Obama made an passionate and excellent speech last night, in a joint session of Congress last night, as he made one final hail mary pass for Health Care Reform. CNN reports this morning that over 70 percent of those polled found the speech was good and that most are confident that health care reform will happen. However, there was dissent and it happened at the most wrong time. A congressman from the state of South Carolina shouted DURING the President's speech, "YOU LIE!", then the President talked about health care coverage for undocumented people in the US. Sen. John McCain asked for this guy's immediate apology.

2) The NFL season FINALLY gets started tonight, as the Pittsburgh Steelers will play against the Tennessee Titans. I hope the Titans win this game. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of hearing about the Steelers.

3) I was very happy to hear that Ellen DeGeneres will be the permanent 4th judge on AMERICAN IDOL. Yeah, she may not have a record, she may not be an artist, HOWEVER, she will give the average view of the average person. And those who know me, know that I love Ellen so much. So, this is good news all-around. Go girl. Congrats.

I gotta get going now. Have a good day.

-- Matt

Special Review & Comment: American Idols Live

American Idol is one of the best shows in America. And of course, with me as a BIG fan, I had to go Reading's Soverign Center last night to see the concert. Reading Eagle, the daily newspaper for Reading had a fair and accurate review of the concert. I'm just going to echo some of the thoughts there and offer some thoughts of mine.

I thought most of the singers last night sounded great. They really improved their voice, their stage presence and in Danny Gokey's case, dancing skills from when they were on TV. The only ones that in my opinion that really didn't improve their voice sadly was Megan (who only impressed me with her hip-shaking skills) and 'Lil Rounds.

Most of the songs the singers sang were good for them. Kris Allen did a great version of Matchbox 20's 'Bright Lights'. Adam Lambert (who got the most applause whenever his image was on the video walls, or on stage) did a good dancey/disco version of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'. Matt Giraurd did a flawless, breathtaking version of Ray Charles 'Georgia on my Mind'.

Perhaps the most surprising part of the concert was the length. I was convinced before the concert that it was gonna be over between 90 minutes and 2 hours. But, the concert lasted nearly 3 hours long. As the article mentioned, over 40 songs. You were not given a short dish of music.

However, leaving the concert was another thing. Even though Reading is a nice city and the Pagoda that can be seen from the concert venue is very nice, as it was lit up in red color,, but leaving the city of Reading and finding the way out from business route US 422 is a pain the neck. I swear, I was driving around in a 2009 Chevy Impala at 11:30PM in the ghetto. I hope there is a better way to get out of there next time. Better yet, I next year, think they need to come back to Hershey's Giant Center.

-- Matt

Tuesday Reading: 9/8/09

Good morning everyone.

1) I want to alert you to a story one of my friends told me about last night. As you know, we are all on the Swine Flu watch this fall and next winter. If things get as bad as the CDC says it will be, we could be in for 50% of the population getting this bug. Well, just like the flu shot, there is the swine flu vaccine. Well, the Daily Mail newspaper from England says that the US Government and the British government are covering up possible downsides to the vaccine. In the article, you will find that people who get the vaccine are 8 times more acceptable in getting Guillian-Barre Syndrome. As a person who had GBS about 7 years ago, I can speak first hand of the horrors of this disorder. I know the chances are low of people getting GBS if they get the vaccine, but I highly suggest everyone NOT TO GET THE VACCINE. If we all follow common sense health care prevention and be pro-active in protection from germs, we will be fine. You do not want to get GBS. Take it from me.

2) I will be on the road later this afternoon as I head with a friend of mine to Reading for the American Idol Live concert. It should be fun. I will have a report on this Wednesday.

3) I was saddened to hear about the news about the San Diego Charger player being arrested for beating up and detaining reality star, Tila Tequila. Any man who beats up a woman in my book is a idiot and a fool. However, the players lawyer says that there is a completely different side of the story. He said that Tila wanted to drink and drive. Now, that is a serious accusation to say, but Tila said that she is allergic to alcohol. Allergic? Child please. Have you ever heard of anyone being allergic to alcohol??? I haven't. I don't buy that. I'm sure that there is more to this story.

and finally ...

4) My car hunt is going well and I should have more details for you later this week. Let's just say what I found is a sweet ride.

-- Matt

This and That ... 9/4/09

Good Friday morning everyone ...

Just have a few points I want to make for this morning, then you will be on your way and your day.

1) An update on the President Obama speech for school-children slated for Wednesday. I know yesterday I posted a WASHINGTON TIMES link that said the speech was not going on. However, to my approval, it seems as if the speech WILL go on. But, parents are asking schools not to air the speech. They want 'alternative' activities planned. I hope the parents realize that this is for a good cause and not to brainwash their children. Having fear inside of you does NOTHING. It is almost ironic/funny that the fantical/religious right is asking for 'alternative activities', yet they have a hard time accepting people with alternative lifestyles and/or anything that is different than their narrow viewpoint of the world as they see it. Ironic, isn't??

2) I tried out the new JIGSY'S OLD FORGE PIZZA last night along Route 39, Linglestown Road. It is inside the Sports City complex. I really liked their pizza, but the cheese could have been a little better. The pizza itself is unique. Lighter than a scician slice, but more like a french bread pizza type. And it's toasted. If you want something different than every other pizza shop, I suggest you check it out. Also, keep in mind, that when you order, there are onions in the sauce. You can order without, if that is your wish (like me). Also, it's not in slices, but pieces. And the pieces are not small. Definately check it out. Nice place.

3) LABOR DAY WEEKEND is apon us and I hope that you have a great weekend. Nice weather should be with us the entire weekend. Check out Kipona in downtown Harrisburg. Also, HERSHEYPARK will be open this weekend. I might head there on Sunday.

finally ...

This coming Tuesday, I am heading to the AMERICAN IDOL LIVE concert in Reading. If you been a reader of this blog, you will know that I am a BIG American Idol fan and I will have a good concert review of the event Wednesday, right here.

Make it a good day and weekend all. Next post on Tuesday.

-- matt

What's so wrong about this?

The radical right is at it again my friends ... and now they won ...

Our President wanted to speak to ALL public school children about the importance of education and about doing well in school. Well, anti-Obama people around America spoke up. They said that it was almost socialistic that something like this would happen. Glenn Beck suggested that parents keep their kids home from school. People in Texas spoke up, saying that they don't want kids seeing this.

Newsflash ... Reagan spoke to school children after the Space Shuttle Columbus disaster. He also spoke to school students about the dangers of drugs ...

So, with that said, what is so wrong with our President wanting to give more or less a pep-talk to our youth?

Well, news broke late this morning from the Washington Times that the Education Department has backed off from this nationwide speech, set for this coming Tuesday.

Another newsflash to those people who are scared that this nation is supposedly going to socialism ... this country is in need of change. That is why we elected Obama. It takes time for change to occur. It does not happen overnight. The fear that people are trying to put on us (death panels, czar's acting beyond their means, etc) has to stop. As I mentioned before, and I will repeat until it sticks ... If you don't have anything nice to say, then be quiet. You had your time for power, it's time for us to fix it.

Trying to motivate students to do better is a right of not only teachers, parents and family members, but everyone. Again, I repeat ... what was so wrong with this idea?

We are moving forward in America ... not backwards. Just like the school bus, it's time to either get on, or get off. No stopping progress now.

-- Matt

Saying Goodbye ...

... to a great blog.

Happy September all. We made it through the long August month and September has finally arrived. For us football fans (like me), this month could not come soon enough. PSU football starts Saturday and it will be good to see some sports.

Now, don't worry. This blog is not ending, even though I should be updating a lot more than I am. I am trying to write now at least 1 post a week. And the majority of the posts will be opinion pieces. Not just other things I have had here before.

What we are saying goodbye to is one of the best regional blogs that I follow, Philly Skyline, B. Love, the writer of the blog has been on a summer-long hitas. He said that we will have a new look to the blog come Sept. 1st. As I and many others were anxiously awaiting this, he came out with a heart-felt piece of how things changed in his life.

The great American west and travels out there captured his heart and soul. While I do admire him (for exploring America the way it is) and wish him all the best, I'm sure that I am not the only one saddened to hear this. If you never seen his blog, I strongly encourage you to check it out. Even though there will be a few more posts, the whole website will stay and all postings will be archived, including all his amazing photos and skyline pics of Philly.

Even though there are many faults with Philadelphia (mainly #1, the Eagles), this website is one of the best websites on the web, and you will be remorsed not to take a few minutes to check it out.

Finally, as selfish as it is for me to say this, I hope B. Love will reconsider. I wrote to him earlier today via his website, expressing my sadness of his news. I really do hope he that even if he leaves, he finds someone to carry this on. Philly has it's many faults, most it can't help. Hell, they just asked to borrow close to $300 million to help it's budget. It can't afford to lose such a great website.

-- Matt

Michael Vick: There Goes the Fans ...

The most shocking announcement of the NFL Post/Pre season came out this past Thursday evening. First came the Twitter rumors that Michael Vick was signing with the Buffalo Bills. Vick and T.O. on the same team ... now that's gangsta.

Then as I was leaving the 'District 9' showing (great movie, btw) and rebooted my iPhone, the bombshell came out, Michael Vick, signs with the the Philadelphia Eagles ... The Eagles? WTF. Serious? This can't be right. That was my first reactions.

But with every shock, comes the anger. With every anger, comes the consequences. And that is happening right now with the Iggles' Nation. I seen on a recent poll that over 60 percent of people are upset at this. The Patriot-News sports fan line was nearly a full page today. Over 2/3rd's of the comments were anti-Vick. Now, the anger has made it's way to the Jersey Shore.

One of my closest friends, Ryan, is celebrating his birthday weekend at the shore and he told me that a banner plane has this message: "Shame on the Eagles, boycott the games".

Anger is a VERY powerful thing. And this can play well for the Dallas Cowboys hands, if it is done right. Can rabid Eagles fans be rehabilitated back into normal football fans, and can they become Cowboys fans? I think so.

Granted, am I worried at a so called 'Wildcat' Eagles offense? Maybe. But come on. This is Andy Reid. And now they have Michael Sick as backup QB. This is gonna blow up in their faces.

The season has yet to start, but now the drama has started. Let it be known. Michael Vick IS NOT healed. As the Philadelphia Daily News said on their front page yesterday, "HIDE YOUR DOGS". And as one of my friends told me, "I think they need to throw Milk Bones into the field when he comes out". Could not said it better myself.

-- matt

The Madness of Untamed Free Speech ...

Something is happening in America. And it's not pretty.

For the past few weeks, our elected representatives and Senators have been berated and yelled at by citizens who do not think before they speak. And yesterday, it boiled over, right here in the midstate.

Sen. Arlen Specter was at a town-hall meeting at the HACC Lebanon Campus. Only 250 to 300 people were allowed to be inside the auditorium, and reports are that close to 3,000 people were outside the campus. Most were holding signs and yelling at each other.

As the meeting/town hall session started, someone (who I believe must have had bad Lebanon Bologna the night before) threatened our Senator. He said, "One day, God is going to stand before you and he is going to judge you and the rest of your damn cronies up on the Hill. And then you'll get your just dessert." Now, I don't know about you, but that sounds like a direct threat against our Senator.

Personally, I don't agree with Sen. Arlen Specter on everything. Even though his voting record don't show it, I don't think he should have changed parties. But he did. That was his decision. But for a far-from-average, upset citizen to say something like that on LIVE TV that was shown on CNN and his face posted on the NY TIMES front page this morning, he really must be ashamed of himself.

Another prime example of speaking before you think is the former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. She tried to scare people in thinking that older Americans will have to go in front of 'Obama's Death Council' in deciding whether you should live or not. Perhaps she should have thought of her words before saying it. St. Petersburg Times 'PolitiFact' did research on this and gave her a 'Pants on Fire' rating. Reports state that now she is asking people who disagree with Health Care Reform to calm down. Let's see if she takes her own advice.

As an American, I am entitled to free speech. That man from Lebanon is entitled to his, and Sarah Palin to her's. But let's be civil. I know health-care reform is a VERY touchy subject. The bill itself is over 1,000 pages and is very confusing to understand. But when it comes to speaking, and public speaking especially, it is vital to be nice, thoughtful, and respectful. It is time to do that. I am sick of people making idiots of themselves.

As your mother said, "if you don't have anything nice to say ... don't say anything at all."

-- Matt

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