Seriously here folks... what is this? A Saturday without work? That cannot be true.
Well what did I do with myself? Easy question.
Sleep. Sleep. Woke up with Rachel Ray... I mean isn't that any foodie's dream? To wake up to a cute woman cooking in the kitchen? (I kidd folks) So after sleeping and watching some Food Network, I decided that I must cook for the Super Bowl next weekend.
So for tomorrow, there is an orange tequila chicken in the refridgerator. It should be tasty.
Tonight, I made a chili from scratch. It isn't bad. A little on the sweet side, but the kick hits you at the end...
Not the world's most exciting post. But, perhaps I will have something interesting to write a little later on.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
This Falls Under The "NO $HIT" Category
From Reuters:
LONDON - Work really can kill you, according to a study on Wednesday providing the strongest evidence yet of how on-the-job stress raises the risk of heart disease by disrupting the body's internal systems.
The findings from a long-running study involving more than 10,000 British civil servants also suggest stress-induced biological changes may play a more direct role than previously thought, said Tarani Chandola, an epidemiologist at University College London.
"This is the first large-scale population study looking at the effects of stress measured from everyday working life on heart disease," said Chandola, who led the study. "One of the problems is people have been skeptical whether work stress really affects a person biologically."
Heart disease is the world's leading cause of death. It is caused by fatty deposits that harden and block arteries, high blood pressure which damages blood vessels, and other factors.
The researchers measured stress among the civil servants by asking questions about their job demands such as how much control they had at work, how often they took breaks, and how pressed for time they were during the day.
The team conducted seven surveys over a 12-year period and found chronically stressed workers — people determined to be under severe pressure in the first two of the surveys — had a 68 percent higher risk of developing heart disease.
The link was strongest among people under 50, Chandola said.
"This study adds to the evidence that the work stress-coronary heart disease association is causal in nature," the researchers wrote in the European Heart Journal.
Behavior and biological changes likely explain why stress at work causes heart disease, Chandola said. For one, stressed workers eat unhealthy food, smoke, drink and skip exercise — all behaviors linked to heart disease.
In the study, stressed workers also had lowered heart rate variability — a sign of a poorly-functioning weak heart — and higher-than-normal levels of cortisol, a "stress" hormone that provides a burst of energy for a fight-or-flight response.
Too much cortisol circulating in the blood stream can damage blood vessels and the heart, Chandola said.
"If you are constantly stressed out these biological stress systems become abnormal," Chandola said.
No Kidding... Ok, truth be told I didn't do more than briefly scan this and post. However.. any analyst should know that "work can kill you." First off, there are rumors of analysts dying, or passing out in client meetings and being taken away to the hospital. Por ejemplo (you like that use of Spanglish there dontcha), the rumor of the Lazard analyst who died. Well, while these rumors all float about, I did live with a Lazard analyst who would spend weeks away from the apartment, coming home but for a shower and clean clothes. I know a former BoA Securities analyst who had to take two months off for ulcers. And, I have met a plethora of other analysts who are physically impacted by their tenure in the cube. As for myself, while I do not work 100 hour weeks (70-80) or suffer the general insane stress of The Street, I still do find myself in contempt of my current state of athletic being. Bottom line - high finance is not good for the body unless you have the body of superman or you are rocking out at the top of the game where you are a BSD and have all the time in the world to exercise and be healthy and fit. This game is not for the weak of heart or those lacking fortitude and grace under pressure.
Now, you all may be wondering why I am posting at this hour:
1) I'm an analyst.. this is not even close to bed time
2) This damn pitch is making me sick... I just cannot believe how I have had to rewrite the entire damn thing. (gag motion)
To bed in an hour? Yes? Maybe?
LONDON - Work really can kill you, according to a study on Wednesday providing the strongest evidence yet of how on-the-job stress raises the risk of heart disease by disrupting the body's internal systems.
The findings from a long-running study involving more than 10,000 British civil servants also suggest stress-induced biological changes may play a more direct role than previously thought, said Tarani Chandola, an epidemiologist at University College London.
"This is the first large-scale population study looking at the effects of stress measured from everyday working life on heart disease," said Chandola, who led the study. "One of the problems is people have been skeptical whether work stress really affects a person biologically."
Heart disease is the world's leading cause of death. It is caused by fatty deposits that harden and block arteries, high blood pressure which damages blood vessels, and other factors.
The researchers measured stress among the civil servants by asking questions about their job demands such as how much control they had at work, how often they took breaks, and how pressed for time they were during the day.
The team conducted seven surveys over a 12-year period and found chronically stressed workers — people determined to be under severe pressure in the first two of the surveys — had a 68 percent higher risk of developing heart disease.
The link was strongest among people under 50, Chandola said.
"This study adds to the evidence that the work stress-coronary heart disease association is causal in nature," the researchers wrote in the European Heart Journal.
Behavior and biological changes likely explain why stress at work causes heart disease, Chandola said. For one, stressed workers eat unhealthy food, smoke, drink and skip exercise — all behaviors linked to heart disease.
In the study, stressed workers also had lowered heart rate variability — a sign of a poorly-functioning weak heart — and higher-than-normal levels of cortisol, a "stress" hormone that provides a burst of energy for a fight-or-flight response.
Too much cortisol circulating in the blood stream can damage blood vessels and the heart, Chandola said.
"If you are constantly stressed out these biological stress systems become abnormal," Chandola said.
No Kidding... Ok, truth be told I didn't do more than briefly scan this and post. However.. any analyst should know that "work can kill you." First off, there are rumors of analysts dying, or passing out in client meetings and being taken away to the hospital. Por ejemplo (you like that use of Spanglish there dontcha), the rumor of the Lazard analyst who died. Well, while these rumors all float about, I did live with a Lazard analyst who would spend weeks away from the apartment, coming home but for a shower and clean clothes. I know a former BoA Securities analyst who had to take two months off for ulcers. And, I have met a plethora of other analysts who are physically impacted by their tenure in the cube. As for myself, while I do not work 100 hour weeks (70-80) or suffer the general insane stress of The Street, I still do find myself in contempt of my current state of athletic being. Bottom line - high finance is not good for the body unless you have the body of superman or you are rocking out at the top of the game where you are a BSD and have all the time in the world to exercise and be healthy and fit. This game is not for the weak of heart or those lacking fortitude and grace under pressure.
Now, you all may be wondering why I am posting at this hour:
1) I'm an analyst.. this is not even close to bed time
2) This damn pitch is making me sick... I just cannot believe how I have had to rewrite the entire damn thing. (gag motion)
To bed in an hour? Yes? Maybe?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Congratulations
I must offer a sincere and most heart-felt congratuations to my dear friend on his engagement. Yes, I knew this was coming all along, but it is indeed a most joyous occasion. While I am sad he will be moving out in a matter of months to settle down with his (soon-to-be) wonderful bride, I could not be happier. I shall miss the deep and intellectual conversation, along with the drinking and joking moments. I will be making many a trip to the 'burbs once this happens to spend quality time with him and the wife.
But this isn't about my "loss", no, this is about his gain. He has a wonderful woman. She is radient, loving, sweet, and hard-nosed when she has to be. Fantastic qualities and I truly believe this is a great match. I am proud to have them both as friends and look forward to the wedding.
Congratulations my Intellectual Arbitrageur. You deserve it.
But this isn't about my "loss", no, this is about his gain. He has a wonderful woman. She is radient, loving, sweet, and hard-nosed when she has to be. Fantastic qualities and I truly believe this is a great match. I am proud to have them both as friends and look forward to the wedding.
Congratulations my Intellectual Arbitrageur. You deserve it.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A New Year
I cannot believe that a new year is already under way.
New year, new goals, new dreams, new aspirations.
I am not usually one for all of that junk, however this year will be most certainly new.
Now, onwards to more important things.
There is much to write and much has happened since my last post. However, I will stick with a recent insight. I just wish I knew how to share it. I can't think of the right words.
(I'll get back to this in a bit)
Another subject.
I am definitely not one who has much if any tolerance for the populists and the populist movement. As far as I am concerned, these people have little insight, little logic and little foresight for future events and consequences. Populism is merely a tool which capitalizes on people's fears and on current, inflamed passions. Arguments made by populists often lack substance, rather using these inflamed passions to fuel their arguments. For example - Lou Dobbs. All he does is ride the wave of public opinion about economics, Wall Street, immigration, etc. He adds nothing to the argument. He merely repeats what people what to hear in a slightly more verbose and arrogant manner. Sad, but true. The same can be said for almost all of the CNN.com commentators. Navarrette, etc. They all, for the most part, waffle, refuse to take solid stands and play to popular opinion (and race bait / play the race card). Look, I believe in the value of the opinion of the common man. I am not an elitist. However, with many issues such as immigration, finances, personal finances, mortgage crisis, etc., your Joe Schmo opinions lack reason, tact, and fact-based, rational analysis. j
However, for a brief moment, no matter how much I dislike these individuals playing to public opinion (although, who are we kidding, all they are doing is what politicians do) and refuse to call what they write "journalism", Mr. Navarrette made an excellent point today -
For the record, I'm glad that Arizona is bearing down on employers. It's nice to see government pick on someone its own size for a change. Besides, I can't wait to see what happens when Arizonans realize that the same folks who built all those resorts, restaurants, and houses are no longer around to maintain them.
Of course, there is always the chance that Americans -- especially those in their teens and 20s -- will step in and fill the void by leaving their air-conditioned homes, video games, and $3 coffees and going to work in 110-degree weather.
But whom are we kidding? That's just more wishful thinking.
Sad to say it, but he is right. As much as the majority of people want to crack down on illegal immigration, these same people lack the courage to tell their lazy ass kids to get out of the damn house. The current 16-30 age demographic is, for the most part, lazy as all f*cking hell. They spend at least 2x what they earn, demand outrageous benefits compared to what they add in value, have no stomach for actual work and sacrifice, and have mooching tendencies off of parents / relatives. Here is what I think - your degree from a state school (or even worse off - from an expensive Ivy League or Liberal Arts school) in anthropology, sociology, women's studies, etc. entitles you to NOTHING. Sorry folks... an easy degree in a subject where the only real path is academia... your fault for picking it. Heaven forbid if you were some lame basket weaving major. My specialized degree entitled me to nothing. However, it served a purpose to position me for a career. I then went out and earned every single thing I have, own, etc. I believe in education, in learning, but I also believe that if you are going to pursue subject matter that does not have immediate payoff potential, you sure as hell better back it up with something that will secure your future. A degree entitles you to NOTHING; AT ALL; WHATSOEVER. You need to EARN it for yourself through hard hard work and sacrifice.
Even more importantly, parents (for the most part) need to shove these slackers out the door. I understand if you are under 25, living at home and saving and planning for the future. But, if the kid is 25+, no ambition, no aspiration, no goals and no foresight - cut his lazy ass off; throw him out the door; and make his sorry ass work. Why? Because at that point, as much as he looks down his nose at hard labor, at minimum wage work, etc. he is less deserving of those jobs than potential illegals holding them. So, if we are really serious about enforcing our immigration laws and booting the current ones out - PUT THE LAZY, SLACKING 16-30 DEMOGRAPHIC TO WORK NOW. Make them build houses, cut lawns and flip burgers. A dose of reality will do them and this country far better than the coddling they receive. And if they fall on their faces and have ridiculous amounts of debt? So be it. Let them suffer and fail... then they can become adults. Because, after being in the world for 2 years now... I worry about the maturity of many adults 28+ who are having families and still have no grasp on reality or maturity. As for failure. If you are flipping burgers and think you can have a nice apartment, used BMW and dress in Juicy and have Coach bags... you deserve to crash and burn. Tough love folks.. tough love.
And the bottom line, when you go to work in the professional world - that company owes you jack$hit. You work for them. Your job is to make them money and add to their bottom line. Just because you waltz in the door means nothing. They owe you nothing until you have worked your ass off and produced for them. Stop worrying about your bennies package and start worrying about to make the company better so that many down the road, something nice comes your way. You work for them, not the other way around.
I would start to launch about how lazy HS kids have become, but will save for another time.
New year, new goals, new dreams, new aspirations.
I am not usually one for all of that junk, however this year will be most certainly new.
Now, onwards to more important things.
There is much to write and much has happened since my last post. However, I will stick with a recent insight. I just wish I knew how to share it. I can't think of the right words.
(I'll get back to this in a bit)
Another subject.
I am definitely not one who has much if any tolerance for the populists and the populist movement. As far as I am concerned, these people have little insight, little logic and little foresight for future events and consequences. Populism is merely a tool which capitalizes on people's fears and on current, inflamed passions. Arguments made by populists often lack substance, rather using these inflamed passions to fuel their arguments. For example - Lou Dobbs. All he does is ride the wave of public opinion about economics, Wall Street, immigration, etc. He adds nothing to the argument. He merely repeats what people what to hear in a slightly more verbose and arrogant manner. Sad, but true. The same can be said for almost all of the CNN.com commentators. Navarrette, etc. They all, for the most part, waffle, refuse to take solid stands and play to popular opinion (and race bait / play the race card). Look, I believe in the value of the opinion of the common man. I am not an elitist. However, with many issues such as immigration, finances, personal finances, mortgage crisis, etc., your Joe Schmo opinions lack reason, tact, and fact-based, rational analysis. j
However, for a brief moment, no matter how much I dislike these individuals playing to public opinion (although, who are we kidding, all they are doing is what politicians do) and refuse to call what they write "journalism", Mr. Navarrette made an excellent point today -
For the record, I'm glad that Arizona is bearing down on employers. It's nice to see government pick on someone its own size for a change. Besides, I can't wait to see what happens when Arizonans realize that the same folks who built all those resorts, restaurants, and houses are no longer around to maintain them.
Of course, there is always the chance that Americans -- especially those in their teens and 20s -- will step in and fill the void by leaving their air-conditioned homes, video games, and $3 coffees and going to work in 110-degree weather.
But whom are we kidding? That's just more wishful thinking.
Sad to say it, but he is right. As much as the majority of people want to crack down on illegal immigration, these same people lack the courage to tell their lazy ass kids to get out of the damn house. The current 16-30 age demographic is, for the most part, lazy as all f*cking hell. They spend at least 2x what they earn, demand outrageous benefits compared to what they add in value, have no stomach for actual work and sacrifice, and have mooching tendencies off of parents / relatives. Here is what I think - your degree from a state school (or even worse off - from an expensive Ivy League or Liberal Arts school) in anthropology, sociology, women's studies, etc. entitles you to NOTHING. Sorry folks... an easy degree in a subject where the only real path is academia... your fault for picking it. Heaven forbid if you were some lame basket weaving major. My specialized degree entitled me to nothing. However, it served a purpose to position me for a career. I then went out and earned every single thing I have, own, etc. I believe in education, in learning, but I also believe that if you are going to pursue subject matter that does not have immediate payoff potential, you sure as hell better back it up with something that will secure your future. A degree entitles you to NOTHING; AT ALL; WHATSOEVER. You need to EARN it for yourself through hard hard work and sacrifice.
Even more importantly, parents (for the most part) need to shove these slackers out the door. I understand if you are under 25, living at home and saving and planning for the future. But, if the kid is 25+, no ambition, no aspiration, no goals and no foresight - cut his lazy ass off; throw him out the door; and make his sorry ass work. Why? Because at that point, as much as he looks down his nose at hard labor, at minimum wage work, etc. he is less deserving of those jobs than potential illegals holding them. So, if we are really serious about enforcing our immigration laws and booting the current ones out - PUT THE LAZY, SLACKING 16-30 DEMOGRAPHIC TO WORK NOW. Make them build houses, cut lawns and flip burgers. A dose of reality will do them and this country far better than the coddling they receive. And if they fall on their faces and have ridiculous amounts of debt? So be it. Let them suffer and fail... then they can become adults. Because, after being in the world for 2 years now... I worry about the maturity of many adults 28+ who are having families and still have no grasp on reality or maturity. As for failure. If you are flipping burgers and think you can have a nice apartment, used BMW and dress in Juicy and have Coach bags... you deserve to crash and burn. Tough love folks.. tough love.
And the bottom line, when you go to work in the professional world - that company owes you jack$hit. You work for them. Your job is to make them money and add to their bottom line. Just because you waltz in the door means nothing. They owe you nothing until you have worked your ass off and produced for them. Stop worrying about your bennies package and start worrying about to make the company better so that many down the road, something nice comes your way. You work for them, not the other way around.
I would start to launch about how lazy HS kids have become, but will save for another time.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
In Defense of Bankers
I'll be writing this when I have the time... ie sometime between the hours of 2am and 5am one day this week........
However, after a conversation with a friend last night, I find myself with no other choice than to defend the profession known as Investment Banking. Why? I know, we are loathsome creatures. But academics (from the social science spectrum) with no business (especially with no finance) experience have no business making blanket statements concerning the profession. Why? Well, it shows their blatant ignorance and lack of understanding; their inability to remove personal bias and politics from their academics; and their true biases and bigotry. Rather sad since they spend a vast majority of their time accusing others of the exact same thing........
So, eventually I will get around to this defense.
For the time being - isn't it slightly funny how once the Wall fell and Communism was no longer the dominant threat to the world, the villains in movies became businessmen, capitalists, and Western white males? (This did exist before the Wall - example Gordon Gecko as the bad guy, but it has become oh so prominent in the last 20 years.... rather disturbing)
Side note for the night: Lifetime might be the worst channel ever created. I ask you, have they ever showed a single movie where, out of two characters - a man and a woman, the woman is the evil, horrible, disgusting and murderous one? Can we say discrimination, bias and stereotyping????
However, after a conversation with a friend last night, I find myself with no other choice than to defend the profession known as Investment Banking. Why? I know, we are loathsome creatures. But academics (from the social science spectrum) with no business (especially with no finance) experience have no business making blanket statements concerning the profession. Why? Well, it shows their blatant ignorance and lack of understanding; their inability to remove personal bias and politics from their academics; and their true biases and bigotry. Rather sad since they spend a vast majority of their time accusing others of the exact same thing........
So, eventually I will get around to this defense.
For the time being - isn't it slightly funny how once the Wall fell and Communism was no longer the dominant threat to the world, the villains in movies became businessmen, capitalists, and Western white males? (This did exist before the Wall - example Gordon Gecko as the bad guy, but it has become oh so prominent in the last 20 years.... rather disturbing)
Side note for the night: Lifetime might be the worst channel ever created. I ask you, have they ever showed a single movie where, out of two characters - a man and a woman, the woman is the evil, horrible, disgusting and murderous one? Can we say discrimination, bias and stereotyping????
Monday, November 5, 2007
Chalk This Up to Another Thing in Life Which Baffles Me
I am a little stumped. How on Earth are sports reporters and columnists so damn liberal? Ok. I understand that the vast majority of "journalists", "reporters", broadcasters, media types, etc are left leaning, and of them, the preponderance are pretty darn leftist. One study has it pegged that over 70% of media member from local papers to those on the major networks vote a steady left ticket. All right. Fine.
However, I just can't see how sports journalists can really be so leftist? I mean really. Sports, in some ways, is more real than life. Let us look at a few franchises in particular - Red Sox, Yankees, Cowboys, Patriots; as well as certain colleges - The Ohio State University, Oklahoma, Texas, USC, LSU, etc. The lists in these cases could go on and on and on, especially in the case of colleges. Ok, those last couple of thoughts didn't necessarily make sense. Allow me to clarify -
1) sports being more real than real life. With the exception of certain professions (finance and medical), there is always "live to see another day." So the report isn't perfect, no one died... deadlines? Consultants live to battle deadlines. Research? Let's throw some more money at it with a government grant. The product line isn't perfect? The website has flaws? Eh, the consumer is dumb enough, why bother to fix it. There is always another day - there is always another chance. Heck, most bosses and companies are concerned about your emotional health, making sure you "feel" fulfilled and emotionally satisfied, rather than the bottom line. For most professional franchises, as well as the top tiered collegiate teams, life is about one thing - the bottom line. All that count are Ws and Ls. No one cares about anything else except for winning the ultimate prize - Super Bowl, World Series, BCS, etc. It is do or die. You lose, you're fired (unless your employer signed you to a ridiculous contract with buyouts even though you can't win a bowl game and have put up the worst season in school history despite a "decided schematic advantage"). Winning. That is the only thing that counts.
2) All that being said, I realize that sports is a game. Yes, it is a business and a very serious one at that for the players and more importantly the management. However, at the end of the day it is a game.... one played in backyards, courts, fields, pitches, driveways, ponds... everywhere all over the world. How many kids gather the entire neighborhood to practice their accounting?...... thought so!
So, how, how on earth does a culture and a profession that cares only about the bottom line fit with a journalistic style that whines about race and "feelings"? How does it fit with a cultural line of thinking that cares about "feelings", self-esteem, group hugs, and emotional self-fulfillment mesh with a culture that cares about winning with little regard for lives or cost? Sports, is in almost every way militaristic. As a player your job is to sacrifice yourself for the prize and to hell with your body. (Unless you are T.O., then who cares as long as your embarrass yourself to the degree of being a sideshow entertainment package....but still put up some numbers........ or unless you are A-Rod and don't understand how the game is about the World Series and not about your personal stats) How, how does this mesh? This truly confuses me.
However, as I write this, it is almost as if I am answering my own questions. Athletes, are at least split down the middle. This may not be the best example - but Red Sox - Curt Schilling (Rep), Theo Ep. (Dem). My answer (at least partially) is that the athletes understand the do or die nature of the sport. Management and journalists, for the most part do not. Especially the journalists.
In some ways, I can understand a journalist in a war zone being jaded, etc. But come on folks - I have no desire to hear Bill Simmons, Keith Olberman's, Bob Costas', Jason Whitlock's, Scoop Jackson's (learn how to speak and write English please... it is pathetic... stop trying to be "ghetto") take on politics. Your life is a freakin' joke. Seriously. What on Earth do you do? You write about A GAME. Your job is to "seriously" cover a game. You spend your days watching TV and psychoanalyzing A GAME. Yes I know sports is a business. If I ever got into sports as a career, I wouldn't leave. However, what perspective do these people... these so-called "journalists" have on life and the real world. Does spending a weekend in Las Vegas watching a bunch of druggies and gang-bangers "throw down" on the hardwood have anything to do with the real world? You do NOTHING with your lives. You are sitting in front of TVs every night of the week writing about games and this and that, when most people are reading their kids to sleep... or young people like me are still slaving away in the office. Nothing (and by nothing I mean about 99%) of your life gives you the ability to get on a soapbox and preach... none of your so-called "experience" gives you any credibility to insert social or political commentary into your work. Most of the time your complete lack of experience as a player (ie the fact that you NEVER WERE A PLAYER) means that the vast majority of your conclusions are ridiculous.
You harp on Manny for the "sun will come up tomorrow" comment. Please... you harp on that for what reason? That is the same sort of attitude that you attempt to pump our children full of in the lackluster public school system... accept mediocrity since the white man is keeping you down and just focus on your own self esteem.
No, here is what Manny really meant. Life goes on. The sun comes up tomorrow. The fans in Boston will get over it and we will go back to work to improve. This had nothing to do with this attitude... this wasn't Manny being Manny. This was Manny being honest. He understands what you, Bill Simmons and the rest of you guys don't. While this is his job, this is a game and he is truly blessed to be able to go out and play a game for his job - to have fun for a career. Of course he cares - look at his performance. He wanted to win. He understands that sports is a "what have you done for me lately" world. But, he knew that if they gave it their all and did not win. That, everyone would recover and come back the next year to win again... yes it would be hard... but in some ways, the fans would get over it much faster than the players.
So no, I don't need or want to hear the political and philosophical thoughts of you sports reporters. You do not have the life experience or credibility to discuss even the most basic of these issues. Stick to trying to understand the sports you cover... because, as a former player, you're usually pretty off-base. Grow up, get over it. Oh, and please, please S.A. Smith and Scoop Jackson, learn to speak English. It is embarrassing. Really, it is.
Oh and finally - Peter King.... college sports is different than pro football... no sh*t! The pro coaches interview in a different style.. NO SH*T. They don't owe you (or the fan) anything. Their job is to win rings and bring home Lombardi trophies.... so who cares if they are crusty in their interviews. Their job is to coach, not spend their time being nice to a fat guy writing about sports. If they are like Tony Dungy and do more with your life... I honor and respect you. But if you are Bill B. in New England... I again respect your diligence to the task at hand and expect nothing more out of you unless you choose that option.
However, I just can't see how sports journalists can really be so leftist? I mean really. Sports, in some ways, is more real than life. Let us look at a few franchises in particular - Red Sox, Yankees, Cowboys, Patriots; as well as certain colleges - The Ohio State University, Oklahoma, Texas, USC, LSU, etc. The lists in these cases could go on and on and on, especially in the case of colleges. Ok, those last couple of thoughts didn't necessarily make sense. Allow me to clarify -
1) sports being more real than real life. With the exception of certain professions (finance and medical), there is always "live to see another day." So the report isn't perfect, no one died... deadlines? Consultants live to battle deadlines. Research? Let's throw some more money at it with a government grant. The product line isn't perfect? The website has flaws? Eh, the consumer is dumb enough, why bother to fix it. There is always another day - there is always another chance. Heck, most bosses and companies are concerned about your emotional health, making sure you "feel" fulfilled and emotionally satisfied, rather than the bottom line. For most professional franchises, as well as the top tiered collegiate teams, life is about one thing - the bottom line. All that count are Ws and Ls. No one cares about anything else except for winning the ultimate prize - Super Bowl, World Series, BCS, etc. It is do or die. You lose, you're fired (unless your employer signed you to a ridiculous contract with buyouts even though you can't win a bowl game and have put up the worst season in school history despite a "decided schematic advantage"). Winning. That is the only thing that counts.
2) All that being said, I realize that sports is a game. Yes, it is a business and a very serious one at that for the players and more importantly the management. However, at the end of the day it is a game.... one played in backyards, courts, fields, pitches, driveways, ponds... everywhere all over the world. How many kids gather the entire neighborhood to practice their accounting?...... thought so!
So, how, how on earth does a culture and a profession that cares only about the bottom line fit with a journalistic style that whines about race and "feelings"? How does it fit with a cultural line of thinking that cares about "feelings", self-esteem, group hugs, and emotional self-fulfillment mesh with a culture that cares about winning with little regard for lives or cost? Sports, is in almost every way militaristic. As a player your job is to sacrifice yourself for the prize and to hell with your body. (Unless you are T.O., then who cares as long as your embarrass yourself to the degree of being a sideshow entertainment package....but still put up some numbers........ or unless you are A-Rod and don't understand how the game is about the World Series and not about your personal stats) How, how does this mesh? This truly confuses me.
However, as I write this, it is almost as if I am answering my own questions. Athletes, are at least split down the middle. This may not be the best example - but Red Sox - Curt Schilling (Rep), Theo Ep. (Dem). My answer (at least partially) is that the athletes understand the do or die nature of the sport. Management and journalists, for the most part do not. Especially the journalists.
In some ways, I can understand a journalist in a war zone being jaded, etc. But come on folks - I have no desire to hear Bill Simmons, Keith Olberman's, Bob Costas', Jason Whitlock's, Scoop Jackson's (learn how to speak and write English please... it is pathetic... stop trying to be "ghetto") take on politics. Your life is a freakin' joke. Seriously. What on Earth do you do? You write about A GAME. Your job is to "seriously" cover a game. You spend your days watching TV and psychoanalyzing A GAME. Yes I know sports is a business. If I ever got into sports as a career, I wouldn't leave. However, what perspective do these people... these so-called "journalists" have on life and the real world. Does spending a weekend in Las Vegas watching a bunch of druggies and gang-bangers "throw down" on the hardwood have anything to do with the real world? You do NOTHING with your lives. You are sitting in front of TVs every night of the week writing about games and this and that, when most people are reading their kids to sleep... or young people like me are still slaving away in the office. Nothing (and by nothing I mean about 99%) of your life gives you the ability to get on a soapbox and preach... none of your so-called "experience" gives you any credibility to insert social or political commentary into your work. Most of the time your complete lack of experience as a player (ie the fact that you NEVER WERE A PLAYER) means that the vast majority of your conclusions are ridiculous.
You harp on Manny for the "sun will come up tomorrow" comment. Please... you harp on that for what reason? That is the same sort of attitude that you attempt to pump our children full of in the lackluster public school system... accept mediocrity since the white man is keeping you down and just focus on your own self esteem.
No, here is what Manny really meant. Life goes on. The sun comes up tomorrow. The fans in Boston will get over it and we will go back to work to improve. This had nothing to do with this attitude... this wasn't Manny being Manny. This was Manny being honest. He understands what you, Bill Simmons and the rest of you guys don't. While this is his job, this is a game and he is truly blessed to be able to go out and play a game for his job - to have fun for a career. Of course he cares - look at his performance. He wanted to win. He understands that sports is a "what have you done for me lately" world. But, he knew that if they gave it their all and did not win. That, everyone would recover and come back the next year to win again... yes it would be hard... but in some ways, the fans would get over it much faster than the players.
So no, I don't need or want to hear the political and philosophical thoughts of you sports reporters. You do not have the life experience or credibility to discuss even the most basic of these issues. Stick to trying to understand the sports you cover... because, as a former player, you're usually pretty off-base. Grow up, get over it. Oh, and please, please S.A. Smith and Scoop Jackson, learn to speak English. It is embarrassing. Really, it is.
Oh and finally - Peter King.... college sports is different than pro football... no sh*t! The pro coaches interview in a different style.. NO SH*T. They don't owe you (or the fan) anything. Their job is to win rings and bring home Lombardi trophies.... so who cares if they are crusty in their interviews. Their job is to coach, not spend their time being nice to a fat guy writing about sports. If they are like Tony Dungy and do more with your life... I honor and respect you. But if you are Bill B. in New England... I again respect your diligence to the task at hand and expect nothing more out of you unless you choose that option.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Investment Bankers do Models
*minimizes Excel, kicks off loafers, pushes back from desk, puts up feet and places keyboard in lap*
Ok, so now I have your attention with my post title... let's get started.
First off, the title is just an attention grabber. I'd say I am not an egotistical person. However, I believe that whenever a person has to claim that they are not something or place extra emphasis on what they "are" that, they are, in fact, really hiding their identity. (Yes, that was a bit confusing... just read through it a couple of times and it will make sense.) I am, me - I wake up, eat breakfast (if there is time), put on my pants, shirt and occasionally tie just like anyone else and proceed to crtl and alt my way around Word and Excel just like anyone else. I like my job and I am proud of the work I do. My work is a gateway to securing my future and having a safe and secure life later on.
Now, with that fluff out of the way. Let's get on to today's issue - honesty. Since all of you are out there in/on the interwebs (or the Internets, as our occasionally speech-impaired President says), you can raise your hands in complete anonymity. So - how many of us are honest? I mean truly, completely and unequivocally honest? All the time, when it counts and even when it doesn't count? With the people that matter the most to us? Serious question. How many of you are 100% honest all the time with everyone? on the things that really truly matter/count?
Yep. Ok, after a quick count.... I am pretty sure that all, that is right, every single one of us, fails to be truly honest with the important people in our lives... This is somewhat discouraging. I know I attempt to be honest, but there are countless occasions when I know that I have failed to be honest as well. This is sad. I realize there are occasions where one cannot be completely honest, where it would not be tactful, or where it would cause more harm than good. However, this is most likely less than 5% of the time where we have the opportunity to be completely honest with others. As I said before, this is discouraging. People deserve our best and they deserve our honesty, especially if they are family members or friends. I believe, I thoroughly believe that in many cases this is because we are weak as a society. We are weak as people and fear rejection or conflict should we speak our minds, as well as the fact that we know the other person cannot handle the truth. The most disappointing aspect is that this can apply to our nearest and dearest of friends.
I believe this is something on which we all need to work.
Anyways, I will write more later. Now, back to work!
(Note: Not referring to people I know, this is a societal observation)
Ok, so now I have your attention with my post title... let's get started.
First off, the title is just an attention grabber. I'd say I am not an egotistical person. However, I believe that whenever a person has to claim that they are not something or place extra emphasis on what they "are" that, they are, in fact, really hiding their identity. (Yes, that was a bit confusing... just read through it a couple of times and it will make sense.) I am, me - I wake up, eat breakfast (if there is time), put on my pants, shirt and occasionally tie just like anyone else and proceed to crtl and alt my way around Word and Excel just like anyone else. I like my job and I am proud of the work I do. My work is a gateway to securing my future and having a safe and secure life later on.
Now, with that fluff out of the way. Let's get on to today's issue - honesty. Since all of you are out there in/on the interwebs (or the Internets, as our occasionally speech-impaired President says), you can raise your hands in complete anonymity. So - how many of us are honest? I mean truly, completely and unequivocally honest? All the time, when it counts and even when it doesn't count? With the people that matter the most to us? Serious question. How many of you are 100% honest all the time with everyone? on the things that really truly matter/count?
Yep. Ok, after a quick count.... I am pretty sure that all, that is right, every single one of us, fails to be truly honest with the important people in our lives... This is somewhat discouraging. I know I attempt to be honest, but there are countless occasions when I know that I have failed to be honest as well. This is sad. I realize there are occasions where one cannot be completely honest, where it would not be tactful, or where it would cause more harm than good. However, this is most likely less than 5% of the time where we have the opportunity to be completely honest with others. As I said before, this is discouraging. People deserve our best and they deserve our honesty, especially if they are family members or friends. I believe, I thoroughly believe that in many cases this is because we are weak as a society. We are weak as people and fear rejection or conflict should we speak our minds, as well as the fact that we know the other person cannot handle the truth. The most disappointing aspect is that this can apply to our nearest and dearest of friends.
I believe this is something on which we all need to work.
Anyways, I will write more later. Now, back to work!
(Note: Not referring to people I know, this is a societal observation)
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