A Memo to Jay Leno:

A memo to Jay Leno:

Greetings Mr. Leno. I have been an avid watcher of your show for as long as you've been hosting. Truth be told, I was a big fan when you were guest hosting in place of Mr. Carson, and I was very happy when you won the position over Mr. Letterman (and even moreso when your ratings proved that you were the right choice). I've even made an appearance on your show.

Having said all of that, I have a question. Why is it that you and your writers believe that ageism is acceptable? Not only acceptable but the anchor that holds your monologue together.

Since Sen. McCain was announced as the Republican nominee you've made no less than three "old" jokes at his expense each and every night. The first ones were funny. But it's gotten quite old. Perhaps even older than Sen. McCain himself. There are only so many ways you can show that someone is very old. You've covered them all.

Furthermore, so few other candidates are the target of your "humorous" jabs. Yes, you point fun at the "gun toting, I-have-no-foreign-policy-experience, working-mother" Sarah Palin. And on a rare occasion you point out a gaffe made by Sen. Biden. However, it seems to me that Sen. Obama is completely off limits. When you have guests who support Sen Obama you allow them to speak openly and freely. When you have guests who support Sen McCain you pose tough questions and force them to defend their position.

Are you simply getting lazy as you head toward retirement? If your obvious lackluster attempts at used comedy continue, I may have to tune into a different show. Truly, you are becoming a hack of yourself, and it's not pretty.

Hopefully, things will change.

~A former faithful viewer

This Week in the NFL

No power rankings, just some observations:

The following NFL teams are undefeated:

Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
New York Giants
Tennessee Titans

However, of the seventeen wins represented there (the Ravens have already had their bye week) seven have been against teams that have yet to win. The Raven's opponents have gone 0-6, the Titan's foes have gone 1-8, and the Giants have faced off against teams that have a combined 2-7 record. The Cowboys are the only team that has handed each of their opponents their only loss of the season thus far. And if we compare the net points of the losing teams, only Dallas and Denver have beaten teams that have net points that aren't negative.

Those stats not impressive? How about this: If we compare the rankings of the teams average points, yards, rush yards and passing yards per game only 2 crack the top 5. Denver averaging a ranking of 3.75 and Dallas at 4.

All this is to say we have four illegitimate "undefeated" teams right now. Not only that, but the Giant's schedule is so soft that it would be a disappointment if they didn't go 6-0. And they should be 6-1 when they face off against the 7-0 Dallas Cowboys. This would be the first of four consecutive losses for New York, dropping them to a more earthly, more representative 6-4. Baltimore's average ranking is 16.75, The Titans are at an average of 14.75 and the Bills average 14.25. Remember, there are 32 teams in the NFL. These "undefeateds" are smack in the middle.

In Other News: (Ok, not news exactly, but in other aspects of the NFL:)

Running up the score: Last year the Patriots were slammed for what some saw as "running up the score." Up by two touchdowns they went for it on fourth and one against Dallas igniting the ire of the Lone Star fans. How interesting, then, this past week when Dallas goes for it on fourth and 1 late in the game deep into Green Bay territory and up by a lot. They failed to convert. But had they converted, shouldn't they be accused of running up the score? There was more time than they would have been able to kneel out. They would have had to get another first down and there wasn't much room to obtain it. So, for the record, the following fans cannot complain about anyone else "running up the score": Dallas (see above). San Diego 48-29 (38-14 at one point, yet they kept scoring). Miami 38-13. Atlanta 38-14. New York Giants 41-13 (wk2). Green Bay 48-25 (wk2). Denver 41-14 (wk1). Buffalo 34-10 (wk1). Philadelphia 38-3 (wk1). Unless, of course, it's true that you shouldn't be required to "stop yourself."

Ok, I can't resist, without explanation, here's a power ranking:

10) Atlanta Falcons
9) Indianapolis Colts
8) Carolina Panthers
7) Minnesota Vikings
6) San Diego Chargers
5) Philadelphia Eagles
4) Denver Broncos
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Green Bay Packers
1) Dallas Cowboys

The AFC is totally up for grabs. Denver looks good but they give up too many points (84 thus far). Pittsburgh can't seem to protect Big Ben. The Titans and Patriots are playing with back up QBs. The Colts and Chargers are whole, but can't seem to close out the wins. It's gonna be a fun year.

There you go. My NFL post for the week.

Exxon Mobile

Frankly, I'm tired of Exxon Mobile trying to improve their public image by these "Look-at-all-the-good-stuff-we-do-for-the-community-while-we-rob-you-blind-at-the-pump" commercials they've been airing. They did it during the Olympics and they've continued even after the games have ended.

How dumb do they think we are? "Oh, gee. Exxon Mobile posted the largest single quarter profit in the history of the world last quarter. Isn't it nice that they are spending some of that money to tell me that they are spending some of that money to provide mosquito nets in Africa? Now I don't feel so bad paying $4+ dollars at the pump."

"Wow, this Exxon Mobile employee is volunteering his time to encourage students in math and science. ... Unless they are paying him to do this... in which case they are again proving that they have too much money."

Truth be told (is there ever anything other than truth told on Just My Opinion?) they have three different "Math and Science" ads and two different "Mosquito Nets" ads. That is a lot of money spent to tell people just how much good they are doing in the world. Imagine if a non-profit spent that much declaring from the rooftops all the good they are doing. The people who donate to them would be livid.

Well, I, apparently, am "donating" to this good by paying too much for gas. Instead of spending the extra money you are receiving, try giving some of it back. Looks to me like the oil companies function more like Democrats than Republicans: "Oh, we have more money than we need. Let's find new ways to spend it, rather than giving it back to the people we took it from."

Because of these ads, I won't buy gas from Exxon Mobile!

... And Nothing But the Truth

As we remember the attacks on our country that took place seven short years ago (can you believe it's been that long?) my thoughts turn to politics.

A recent poll asked people if they were afraid of another attack on the country. Only 30% said yes compared to over 2/3rds of those polled in 2002. Anyone want to take a guess as to why that might be? I have a theory. Our government has been successful at thwarting the plans and the schemes of those that would desire our harm.

This is something that ought to be considered as we contemplate who we will allow to lead our nation for the next four years.

Several times on this blog I've accused Sen. Obama of lying to us.

What do ya know! I found a situation where Barack Obama did not lie to the American public.

He only purposefully mislead us.

After much research, I have learned that Sen. Obama was telling the truth when he said that "Sen. McCain voted with President Bush 90% of the time."

This is a true statement. (What is meant by "with President Bush" is with the Republican party.) Since January, John McCain has voted in line with the President's view (hence, the Republican view) 90% of the time.

But if a half truth is a falsehood, then I've found one. In 2005 McCain voted in line with the President only 77% of the time. And in 2001, McCain voted in line with the Republican party a mere 67% of the time.

Let's contrast this with Obama who voted with his party 97% of the time in 2007 and 2005 and 96% of the time in 2006.

To quote one of the most unbiased sources I could find: "So to sum up, McCain has indeed voted to support the unpopular Bush 90 percent of the time most recently, but less so in earlier years. And Obama has voted pretty close to 100 percent in line with fellow Democrats during his brief Senate career."

Where is the promised "change?" A President in the Oval office who tows his party line is not bringing change to Washington! The change that is needed in Washington is not simply a change of party. It is a change of process, practice, and policy.

For as much as McCain voted "With Bush" 90% of the time this year, he still has a track record of being one of the most independent voters in the Senate. Unlike the distinguished freshman Senator from IL.

Hey, when all I've presented are facts, I can't really say that it's just my opinion!

In the interest of fairness, here are other unbiased reports on the "facts" of the convention speeches of Obama and McCain

Were You Not Listening?

Nothing like lying to the American people. And nothing like doing it before you even get elected!

Barack Obama, after the Republican National Convention stated: "Nobody talked about jobs. Nobody talked about health care, Nobody talked about education."

Look, Barack, if you didn't watch the RNC, just admit it. Don't make stupid false statements about it. You sound like a teenager who told his parent he was going to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks" but really went to see "The Hills Have Eyes." "What was the movie about Barack?" "Oh, uh... there were these ... uh... rodents...see, and uh..."

Or if you disagreed with what was said, that's fine. Disagree. But don't act like nothing was said. To use the teenager analogy again. "Barack, I told you to clean your room!" "It doesn't need cleaning!" is different than "Barack, I told you to clean your room!" "No you didn't!"

Personally, I found four portions of McCain's speech exceptional. One was about jobs, one about health care, one about education, and one about compromise.

Or perhaps Senator Obama simply went to the kitchen to get some ice cream. Maybe he had to hit the head. Because here is an uninterrupted segment from Senator McCain's speech: (emphasis added)

My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government-run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.

Keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and create new jobs. Cutting the second-highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas. Doubling the child tax exemption from $3,500 to $7,000 will improve the lives of millions of American families. Reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs will let you keep more of your own money to save, spend and invest as you see fit. Opening new markets and preparing workers to compete in the world economy is essential to our future prosperity.

I know some of you have been left behind in the changing economy and it often seems your government hasn't even noticed. Government assistance for unemployed workers was designed for the economy of the 1950s. That's going to change on my watch. My opponent promises to bring back old jobs by wishing away the global economy. We're going to help workers who've lost a job that won't come back find a new one that won't go away.

We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. For workers in industries that have been hard hit, we'll help make up part of the difference in wages between their old job and a temporary, lower-paid one while they receive retraining that will help them find secure new employment at a decent wage.

Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained. But what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice, remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work.

When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have that choice and their children will have that opportunity. Sen. Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched bureaucracies. I want schools to answer to parents and students. And when I'm president, they will.

Hmm... Not sure what I was listening too, then. McCain must have accidentally skipped this vital portion of his speech because according to Senator Obama nobody talked about jobs, health care, or education.

Oh... maybe he meant at his own convention!

And, for those of you who are interested, here was my favorite part of his speech. I've boldened the absolute greatest line. If McCain wins and keeps his promises, this line will enter the ranks of "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall." And "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This line could potentially change politics as we know it. It's so simple that it's profound and so attainable that it's revolutionary.

The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn't a cause, it's a symptom. It's what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.

Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as president. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Sen. Obama does not.

Instead of rejecting good ideas because we didn't think of them first, let's use the best ideas from both sides. Instead of fighting over who gets the credit, let's try sharing it. This amazing country can do anything we put our minds to. I will ask Democrats and independents to serve with me. And my administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.

We're going to finally start getting things done for the people who are counting on us, and I won't care who gets the credit.

This man is my choice for President. I hope that isn't just my opinion.

wanna read the whole speech? here it is: McCain's Acceptance

NFL Power Rankings Week 1

with upsets and injuries I simply couldn't resist:

10) New York Giants (Previous Ranking: off)
Last Week's result: W vs Washington

Convincing win. Though Manning still looks like a timid kitten in the pocket. If they want climb in the power rankings, he needs to mature. next game at St Louis, should be an easy win.

9) Chicago (Previous Ranking: off)
Last Week's result: W vs Indianapolis

Wow. WOW. The mighty Bears D held Indy to 1 touchdown and that was in the second half! Used Orton's strengths rather than trying to force him to do things he doesn't do well. Keep this up and you'll contend. next game at Carolina. Tough game. It'll be close. Probable loss.

8) Carolina (Previous Ranking: off)
Last Week's result: W vs San Diego

Poise, calm, gameplan. Overcame the team some have picked to win it all. Welcome to the list. Next game home vs Chi-town. It'll be close, but you should be able to eek out a win.

7) Green Bay (Previous Ranking: 7)
Last Week's result: W vs Minnesota

Brett who? This is Mr. Rodger's neighborhood. I fully expected a valiant effort in a losing battle. (Of course, I had you ranked above MN and should have listened to myself.) You won when the power ranks said you should. Hence you keep your spot. Next game should be an easy win compared to this one: At Detroit.

6) Indianapolis (Previous Ranking: 4)
Last Week's result: L vs Chicago

It's one thing to have a great defense stymie your offense. It's another to not be able to stop Kyle Orton. Things better change if you want to prevent another free-fall on the list. Next game at MN. If you can stop their run (which I think you can) you should win this game. Though right now I see it as 50/50.

5) New England (Previous Ranking: 1)
Last Week's result: W vs Kansas City

You won the battle of the back up QB's. Brady is out for the season. Moss is still Moss. Vrabel still Vrabel. Belichick is still Belichick. If anyone can find a way to win with Matt Cassel it's Bill. Besides, Cassel hasn't started a game since 1999 when he was in high school. He has something to prove. They can run the Indy passing offense: dink dunk 4 yard here 6 yards there try a huge play every now and then. This takes 2 wins from them, tops. Next game: The Old-timer vs the new comer. Favre vs Cassel. At the Jets. I think New England can pull this one out.

4) San Diego (Previous Ranking: 3)
Last Week's result: L vs Carolina

Your loss was not as egregious as some others (*cough* Indy *cough*) But you didn't look like a playoff bound team. Tighten it up. We don't want the only Bolt we're talking about to be a sprinter from Jamaica! Next game at Denver. Denver showed themselves to be formidable and the new Mile High isn't very forgiving. With reservations I pick you to win.

3) Philadelphia (Previous Ranking: 9)
Last Week's result: W vs St Louis

The New England of 07. Running up the score. Blowing out the other team. I'm not complaining. I think this should only be prevented if the participants are under 14. It's not your job to prevent yourself from scoring. Too bad you next game is at Dallas. But starting the season at .500 isn't terrible.

2) Pittsburgh (Previous Ranking: 6)
Last Week's result: W vs Houston

See notes for the Eagles. Basically the same situation. Exact same point total. But you did it against a slightly better team. Next game another blowout as you march into Cleveland.

1) Dallas (Previous Ranking: 2)
Last Week's result: W vs Cleveland

Sleeping to a 28-10 victory over a team I had high hopes for. With Indy faltering, San Diego fizzling, and New England limping, you are the default #1. Keep Jessica out of the stadium and you might stay there. You face the first test of the season next week when you host Philly. You'll come away with the win, though.

Off) Cleveland, Jacksonville, Minnesota.

Seriously, I don't expect this to be a regular thing (barring enough interest and requests for it to continue), but this week one was so volatile that I had to reorder the teams.

Can't wait till next Sunday!

Seven Political Complaints

When it comes to politics, do I ever do anything else?

Complaint 1: Double Standards

When a hurricane devistates a city, when politicians fail to serve their people, and when disaster strikes: It's the president's fault. However, when a disaster is averted, when an evacuation is successful, and when politicians shine: The credit goes to the local leaders. Hmm... And the latter is not just the national media. The Republicans are congratulating Mayor Nagin and the new (Republican) Governor of Louisiana. Granted it's a back-handed compliment saying "The local leaders did their part this time. They did what they were supposed to do and evacuated the areas most affected." I couldn't agree more. The blame and the kudos should fall squarely on the shoulders of the local officials. I await the apologies of all of those that blamed the president and are congratulating Nagin.

Complaint 2: An Inconvenient Label

A major news website has the headline "Ex-Democrat now backs McCain" to announce that Joe Lieberman would be speaking at the GOP convention. Funny thing is: Lieberman still holds all of this committee positions and the Democrats count him when they discuss their margin over the Republicans in the Senate. So, he's a Democrat when they like what he's doing and he's an "Ex-Democrat" when he's stumping for the other party. Most memorable line from his speech: "Country matters more than party and John McCain is the best choice to lead our country."

Complaint 3: Lying to America

I grow weary of the Democrats strategy to paint McCain as Bush III. Let's be honest: Bush II wasn't even the same as Bush I. How can McCain be a little Bush II clone? I think what bothers me most about this is it is so far off the mark. The only Senator who may be more of a maverick, more of a wild card, than McCain is Lieberman. I hope that those who believe that McCain will be "four more years of failed leadership" (As Hillary put it) will view his voting record and find that the mathematical equation Bush=McCain deserves a big red X through it.

Complaint 4: Stupid Voters

Once before at work I had a customer say something so stupid on the phone that I had to mention it here. It's happened again. A customer said to me today that they were apprehensive when it came to voting for the McCain/Palin ticket because, "What if, God forbid, she should become president? I'd be uncomfortable with her inexperience in the White House." Pardon? Yes, let's all vote for Obama to ensure inexperience in the Oval Office rather than voting for McCain on the outside chance that it might happen. Seriously. There should be a test before you are allowed to vote.

Complaint 5: Inappropriate Bias

On the rerun of House today there was a scene were a doctor is attempting to gain some privacy in a restroom. In the stall, on the wall behind her was a bumper sticker that said "Vote for Change '08." Shameless. I'd be just as upset if it said "Country First '08." I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. It seems that the wealthy of Hollywood enjoy paying more in taxes because that why they don't have to feel compelled to donate any more of their money. "Sorry, I gave in my paycheck." Actually, Lieberman said it right, "The real vote for change is a vote for John McCain."

Complaint 6: "The High Road"

I'm incredibly surprised that the Left decided to press the issue of Sarah Palin's daughter's (Bristol) pregnancy. Did they forget that Barack said that he "wouldn't want [his] daughters to be punished [by having a baby] for poor decisions they made"? Seems to me this is exactly the type of thing they'd want to stay way from. Although, I wouldn't put it past Obama to ok the release of this information so that he can "take the high road." "Family is off limits," he can now say. Rather than actually making it off limits. It's the same strategy he used when he encouraged his "former mentor" pastor to continue speaking loud and crazy so that Obama could immediately disagree with him, rather than trying only to disagree with the things he'd said in the past.

Complaint 7: How the Election Process fails me

I've realized why I so prefer the negative "attack" political ads. As I look back over my own voting record I found that I have yet to vote for a candidate for President. Even before I could vote I was campaigning actively for Bush I because I didn't want to see Clinton in the White House (Just ask my High School Art teacher...) The first vote I ever cast was against a Clinton second term (So much against, I had registered Democratic so I could vote for Bradley in the primary in the hopes that Clinton would not get the nomination... and then I voted against Clinton again and consequently Dole received my vote.) I voted against Gore and Kerry. Now, every vote I've ever cast has fallen into the pool of a blue state. So, for those of you who feel like your vote "didn't count" when you voted against Bush II: I know how you feel. I'm so hoping that this vote will be for a candidate and not against one. In that fashion, I'm a bit of an undecided voter. Will I be voting for McCain? Or against Obama? I just don't know.

There you have it, feel free to respond by number. Offer your opinion in response to mine.