I AM ANGRY!!!
Good Tuesday morning evening readers! On this day in 1775, American revolutionary and Founding Father Patrick Henry delivered his famous “give me liberty or give me death” address. Born in colonial Virginia, Henry was a staunch opponent of British taxation- hence the harsh reaction to the English Stamp Act. Although he strongly supported the Revolution, Henry was one of the Constitution’s harshest critics- voting against ratification on the grounds that it failed to protect individual rights. Unfortunately for Henry’s great legacy, his most famous words are tied in contemporary culture to the tea party movement. In the ultimate irony, a group that purports to champion the self evident greatness of the Constitution cries the words of a man who devoted years of his life to preventing ratification. That said, Henry is one of the most influential individuals in Western history and crafted the initial mold of what we now know as the United States.
1) During much of the unfounded socialism screams from the right in reaction to the Health Care bill passing, we heard a great deal regarding how the Democrats would feel their anger in November. White House advisor David Axelrod acknowledged a public shortcoming when it came to substantive knowledge of the bill’s contents and admitted that the Obama Administration needed to “do a better job educating the American people.” However, it appears the public has spoken. According to a USA Today poll, a day after the passage a majority of American people are glad the bill passed and think it will aid the country as a whole. Funny how quickly things change.
Affordable health care? YAY!
2) For the second game running, the Chicago Bulls found a way to win- upending the visiting Houston Rockets 98-88 at the United Center. Once again we saw that any team with Derrick Rose has a chance to win on any given night (so stay away from us with your injury inducing arms, Dwight Howard) as the reigning Rookie of the Year led all scorers with 27 points and a ridiculous seven three point attempts. After tanking the previous seven games, Kirk Hinrich did exactly what the Bulls needed- made open jumpers. Additionally, it was nice to see Joakim Noah on the floor on consecutive nights. That said, it was not all rainbows and butterflies at the UC. With the Bulls down six, coach Vinny Del Negro earned his first ejection as an NBA head coach. Three minutes later, Chicago led by 13 and the game was in the bag. Some may say that this was Vinny’s intent, but that assumes he has some measure of macro-strategy at all. With only a dozen games remaining, the Bulls have their backs against the wall. Let’s hope we have one more big run left.
Carry us to the postseason DRose
3) With the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament complete, basketball fans enter the meaty round- the Sweet Sixteen- on Thursday night. With two of my Final Four teams eliminated in the second round (Kansas and Villanova), it is probably time to re-evaluate my predictions. In the East Region, I still believe the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats (34-2) will reach the Final Four- despite playing the belle of the ball, Cornell, on Thursday night. With Villanova out of the picture in the South Region, I have to reluctantly pick Duke to head to Indianapolis. After a pair of solid performances, I still feel comfortable taking Kansas State in the West Region (although Syracuse is coming on strong). Finally, Ohio State serves as my second reluctant pick in a Midwest Region involving three teams for which I do not particularly care. Either way, we have an exciting week of basketball ahead.
Different Sweet 16
4) In a hilarious story out of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky athletics blog- Kentucky Sports Radio- is subject to a legal battle arising from a post regarding Kansas basketball fan and adult film star Samantha Ryan. In a tongue in cheek reaction to a Jayhawk blogger citing Ryan’s professional skill as a reason it was better to be a Kansas fan than a Kentucky supporter, KSR took jabs at the porn star while trumpeting the Cats’ greatness. Apparently the “actress” took exception to some of the remarks; my personal favorite being her disdain with the allusion that she may drink bourbon. Citing defamation concerns, Ryan demanded the blog take down the post with a full explanation. Little did she know that this would spark a series of national stories about her ridiculous faux-outrage. Sorry Ms. Ryan, but absurdity sells and nothing is more inane than an individual who makes a living having relations with multiple partners claiming character damage arising from an alcohol reference.
If this is embarrassing, then color me humiliated
Have a good Tuesday everyone!
