Monday, January 23, 2012

We Are.......????

Courtesy of lobshots.com


It seems that in the wake of Joe Paterno’s death everyone has been weighing in with their opinion.  There are those who believe that JoePa walked on water, that St. Paterno IS Penn St.  On the other side there are those who think that he was just a man, a very flawed man at that.  Then there are also those who fall somewhere in between.  After much thought and consideration, I surprisingly fall closer to the first group than the second group.  Before I go any further let me preface this with the fact I am not a fan of Penn St. in any way, shape or form.  In fact I can be classified as Penn St. “hater” if you will.  

Courtesy of http://www.sbnation.com
As a coach, the man’s record speaks for itself.  62 years as a coach at Penn St. (assistant and head), 409 wins in 46 years as head coach (almost 9 wins a year), 37 bowl appearances with 24 victories, 3 Big Ten titles and 2 National Championships (pre BCS).  There’s no arguing those stats.  Sure there are those who question just how much input he had in recent years but that’s another topic for another blog post.  Besides, most people would love to just live to be in their 80s let alone walking the sidelines of a big time college football program.

Courtesy of http://www.sbnation.com
People argue that it’s the students and alumni that make Penn St. what it is.  They’re right.  What these people fail to realize is that JoePa helped to put Penn St. on the national map.  Many of those people who help to make Penn St. what it is may not have attended the university if it wasn’t for JoePa.  The man gave his life to Penn St. and has become a symbol of the university.  Did Joe not educate some of those students and alumni?  As an educator myself I believe that no matter how big or small, I have made an impact on every student that I have ever taught.  So if it is truly the people that make Penn St. what it is, then isn’t JoePa in some way responsible; no matter how big or small?

Coutesy of wikipedia.com
Everyone is bringing up the whole Sandusky situation and the way Joe reacted.  I do not think that this is an inappropriate time to bring it up, like some are arguing.  It is a part of the legacy of JoePa and when remembering the man’s life it’s more than appropriate.  I’ve thought long and hard about how I feel about his response.  In a recent interview Paterno said that he regretted not doing more.  I believe him.  I also believe that in his mind he did what he thought was the right thing.  He told his superiors, who should have handled the situation better.  We all have the benefit of hindsight.  Everyone can puff out their chest and say they’d do this or do that but until you’re truly in that position, you don’t know how you’d react.  Is Paterno 100% innocent in this fiasco?  Not by a long shot.  The Board completely handled the situation the wrong way.  Unfortunately there’s nothing that can be done about it now.  Hopefully they will do the right thing and give Paterno a fitting tribute in the future. 

Finally I’d like to respond to the people who are ripping the people who are “mourning” the loss of Paterno despite never meeting him.  Again, the man has meant so much for to the University.  No matter what you think of the man, he was a legend.  There are many people who went to Penn St. simply because of Paterno.  Sound crazy?  Not to me. The closet thing that I can compare it to in my life would be if John Chaney passed.  One of the reasons that I went to Temple was because of Chaney and the basketball team.  I will be very upset when Chaney passes away.  I’ve had the privilege to meet Coach on a few occasions and he was always willing to take time out to talk to you.  He genuinely cared.  I’ve heard the same in the stories about Joe Pa.  So I get and understand where the Penn St. faithful are coming from….which is saying something since I usually can’t stand the things they say or do.


Was Joe Paterno a saint as many from Happy Valley would have you believe?  No.  Paterno was just a man.  He was regular human being just like you and me who was capable of making mistakes….which he did.  To the tens of thousands of people whose lives have been touched by JoePa, he was more than that.  He was an inspiration, hero, philanthropist, hall of famer, legend, coach, and teacher.  Paterno has meant more to Penn St. than anyone else has or probably ever will.    Yes Penn St. existed before Paterno and it will exist after him.  JoePa didn’t create Penn St. but he did put it on the map.  Now that he’s gone it’ll be tough to “hate” on Penn St., but I’ll try my best. 
courtesy of supportyourlocalgunfighter.com
Until next time this is Jimbo saying judge Joe Paterno on his body of work, not what YOU perceive to be a transgression…..R.I.P. JoePa……..

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Happy Birthday to You...and You...and You.............



I wanted to take this time and recognize the people who celebrate their birthdays in the month of January as well as talk about some important events that took place in this month.

On January 1, Verne "mini me" Troyer, Betsy Ross, and Paul Revere all share a birthday. Weird group but historic nonetheless.
On January 3, Eli Manning and Mel Gibson share a birthday. Interesting combo.
Michael Stipe
from REM and famous Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula share a birthday on January 4th.
On January 6th, Joan of Arc would have been 600 years old!!

Nicholas Cage, Katie Couric, and Kenny Loggins are all alright on January 7th as they share a common birthday.
R. Kelly, Stephen Hawking, Elvis Presley, Soupy Sales, and David Bowie all have a birthday on January 8th.
On January 9th, "Royal Wedding" bride Kate Middleton shares a birthday with Bob Denver, (Gilligan) rock stars Jimmy Page,
and Dave Mathews as well as race car driver Mark Martin, and former president Richard Nixon.

Pat Benetar, Jim Croce and Rod Stewart all share a birthday with former heavyweight boxing champ and grill salesman George Foreman on the 10th of January.
On January 11th, the Queen of Hip Hop Mary J Blige shares a birthday with pro golfer Ben Crenshaw and former Secretary of the
Treasury Alexander Hamilton (Where's Aaron Burr?).

Rob Zombie, Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh and former heavyweight boxing champ Joe Frazier all share a birthday on January 12th.

On January 13th, Orlando Bloom, Nicole Eggert of Baywatch fame, Patrick Dempsey and Richard Moll who played Bull on Night Court, all share a birthday.
Jason Bateman and LL Cool J share a birthday with Benedict Arnold on the 14th.
Courtesy of espn.com

Drew Brees, who recently had his "dream" of winning another super bowl end, shares a birthday with a more famous dreamer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 15th.         
Courtesy of music-mix.ew.com

On the 16th, Albert Pujols, the late great Aaliyah, Kate Moss, and baseball legend Dizzy Dean all share a birthday with the "Smooth Operator" herself Sade!!

The 17th provides a star studded list that includes, Dwayne Wade, Kid Rock, Michelle Obama, Maury Povich, Vidal Sassoon ( yes like the shampoo), James Earl Jones, Betty White, "The Greatest Of All Time" Muhammad Ali, and last but not least Benjamin Franklin!!!
A real athlete in Mark Messier and a guy who always plays an athlete in his movies, Kevin Costner both share a birthday on the 18th.
Courtesy of nndb.com

The 19th brings, Junior Seau, Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin, Edgar Allen Poe and Gen. Robert E. Lee together to celebrate their birth.
Controversy comes to mind on the 20th as opinionated talk show host Bill Maher and astronaut Buzz Aldrin share a birthday.
January 21st is an interesting day as, Hakeem "the dream" Olajuwon, Jack Nicklaus, Wolfman Jack, Thomas Stonewall Jackson, and the person who is responsible for the two creators of this blog, our mother all celebrate their birthdays on this day!!  

Don't stop believing that the 22nd is not important as Steve Perry, lead singer of the band Journey, Linda Blair of Exorcist fame and my loving and beautiful wife all share a birthday on this day!!!
The 23 has Tiffani-Amber-Thiessen (Kelly from Saved by the Bell), Princess Caroline of Monaco, and Chelsea "Sully" Sullenberger all share a birthday with none other than John Hancock.
Courtesy of bannersontheparkway.com

On the 24th, Tatyana Ali, Mary Lou Retton, Neil Diamond, and Aaron Neville share a birthday with Oral Roberts who founded Oral Roberts University.

Alicia Keys and Etta James celebrate their birthday on the 25th.
On the 26th of January, Wayne Gretzkey, Anita Baker, Ellen DeGeneres, Eddie Van Halen, Gene Siskel, Paul Newman and Bob Uecker of Major League fame all celebrate their birthday.

As it should be, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is the only celebrity worth mentioning whose birthday is on the 27th.
Courtesy of talkbass.com

Oprah and Tom Selleck celebrate their birthday on the 29th.
On the 30th, Christian Bale ( ohhhh goood for you) Phil Collins, Dick Cheney, and Gene Hackman all share a birthday with arguably the greatest president ever, FDR.

To end the month, Justin Timberlake, Ernie Banks, and Jackie Robinson all celebrate their birthdays on the 31st.

So there you have the notable birthdays in the month of January. This may be a monthly post so if you find it interesting, creative, funny, or ridiculous, let us know all of it!!

This is Kyle Montgomery wishing everyone born in January a very Happy Birthday and for those
I mentioned who are no longer with us, we'll pour out a little liquor for you!!!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Friday the 13th

It has become an Obstructed Views’ tradition to do a “holiday” post.  So why should Friday the 13th be any different?  Maybe it’s my own superstitions but here are 13 “freaky” facts about Friday the 13th:

1.       In 2012 there are 3 Friday the 13ths – January, April, and July

2.       The next Friday the 13th in April is….13 weeks away…..and July 13th is exactly….13 weeks after that

3.       The fear of Friday the 13th is known as Friggatriskaidekaphobia

4.       Most buildings in America do not have a 13th floor, many hospitals don’t have a room 13th, and many airlines don’t have a row 13

5.       Friday the 13th will cost many businesses between $800-$900 million because people are afraid to travel, make major purchases, or conduct business

6.       13 is considered unlucky (irregular) because it follows 12 which is a considered a complete number….12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 eggs in a dozen…etc….

7.       Friday the 13th happens at least once every year and no more than 3 times in a year.

8.       Franklin Delano Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th of any month and would never have just 13 dinner guests…he also refused to travel on the 13th

9.       On the back of the dollar bill:  There are 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagles head, 13 war arrows in the eagles claw, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 bars and stripes on the shield, 13 letters in the "E Pluribus Unum" on the ribbon…..

10.   Born on Friday the 13th – Butch Cassidy, Fidel Castro, Peter Tork, Steve Buscemi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Darius Rucker, and the Olsen Twins

courtesy of www.hiphopwired.com
11.   Tupac Shakur died on Friday the 13th – September 1996

12.   The Friday the 13th movie franchise has 12 movies

13.   A Baker’s Dozen is equal to 13


That’s it for Friday the 13th.  Do you have any good facts associated with 13?  Be sure to leave a comment.  Good luck to everyone out there.  Until next time this is Jimbo saying, watch out for black cats and don’t step on any cracks….
Courtesy of www.stars.ign.com
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Sunday, January 8, 2012

You Are Gay......

Courtesy of www.simpsonsimages.tumblr.com


During the Saints/Lions game last night, I stumbled upon the Republican debate that was going on.  Needing a show to flip to during commercials, I decided what the hell.  Keep in mind I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat, I instead am registered as an Independent.  I registered this way because I feel both Republicans and Democrats are all full of shit and I don’t want to be lumped in either group.  Anyway, as I’m watching the “best” that the Republicans have to offer I began to get aggravated.  The topic of gay marriage came up and I can’t believe that supposed “educated” individuals can have such ignorant views.  I also have a hard time trying to figure out why gay marriage is even a topic for a presidential debate.  Do we not have more serious, pressing issues in this country to deal with?  Is whether gay people can or should get married up there with fixing the economy or possible situations in Iran and North Korea?


Courtesy of www.politickerny.com
For the sake of argument, let’s say it is an important issue.  The views given by these candidates were so outrageous I can’t fathom how any of them can coherently run the country.  Just to be clear, I’m not ripping just republicans because the Democrats have a lot of asinine views on other issues.  (I’ll save that for another blog)  In doing some research this morning I stumbled across the website www.balancedpolitics.org (there I go with the free plugs again) in checking out the site it listed the 6 arguments that those against gay marriage generally fall back on.  I’d like to give you my response to the 6 now.  Remember, I’m pro gay marriage.  The fact that this is even an issue baffles my mind.  Here are the arguments and my response:


Courtesy of www.goripic.com
1.        Most religions consider homosexuality a sin- This is the argument I hear most often.  It also is the one to me that makes the least amount of sense.  Our country was founded by people who came here to escape religious persecution; in fact the first right guaranteed in the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion.  My question is who the hell do you think you are to force your religious views on me?  You're that caught up in your religion that you think homosexuality is bad?  More power to you.  I personally disagree.  The first amendment guarantees my right to disagree with you.  Don’t you dare tell me I have to believe “insert nutty religious view here” and don’t you dare make laws that support “insert nutty religious view here” when not everyone in our country agrees.  Last time I checked we had separation of church and state in America…get off your religious, holier than thou high horse and focus on the issues that are really plaguing this country.

2.       It would weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage- This is a laughable argument.  As the Dude (Big Lebowski) would say, “Yeah, well, that’s just like your opinion man.”  Same sex marriage wouldn’t weaken my definition or respect of the institution of marriage.  Stop thinking for me.  Besides as a country we have the highest divorce rate (according to www.nationmaster.com ) that doesn’t weaken the definition or respect for marriage?  What about some of your political brethren who consistently commit adultery? (not to mention the other non-political people)  In my opinion there are many more straight people that are destroying the definition and respect for marriage so again, get off your high horse.

courtesy of www.s412.photobucket.com
3.       It would further weaken the traditional family values essential to our society – Just as laughable as the previous.  First of all what constitutes “traditional” family values today?  Do cheaters and divorcees help to strengthen your “traditional family values”?  Yeah, I thought so.  There are so many single parent families today, so why can’t a gay COUPLE instill family values?  Besides, maybe your family values are different than mine and others?  Who are you to tell me?  As far as I’m concerned, a child benefits greatly from coming from a 2 parent home.  You mean to tell me that 2 men or 2 women who want to adapt a child couldn’t do just as good a job as a single parent?  (props to single parents but again, that’s a topic for another blog) That gay couple will give just as much love if not more than straight couples.  Still not convinced a gay couple can do a good job parenting?  Check out this video, and then tell me the same thing. 


4.       It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage (e.g. having multiple wives or marrying an animal could be next) - Just stop.  This argument implies that homosexuals are animals.  Are you kidding me?  Nobody is saying let’s legalize marrying the family pet or supporting polygamy.  This argument just emphasizes your ignorance.

Courtesy of www.dating.failblog.org
5.       It confuses children about gender roles and expectations of society, and only a man & woman can pro-create – With proper sex education (which many Republicans don’t support) a child would know “where babies come from”.  Again, that’s another blog post though.  As far as gender roles, what are gender roles?  This isn’t 1950.  Women work.  That means household chores are now shared.  Like or not, that’s the way it is.  I cook, clean, and do laundry.  My fiancĂ© does too.  Whoever is off or has time does it.  So what exactly are the gender roles and expectations?  The woman should “serve” the man?  It’s 2012.  Your archaic thinking needs updating.  Same sex marriage has nothing to do with this and if this is the argument you give to justify why gays shouldn’t marry, you may as well say that you don’t support women’s rights as well.  You’re basically saying that men and women have different roles in relationships and that a woman’s is in the kitchen. 

Courtesy of www.simpsons.wikia.com
6.       The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged, as a lot of research shows it leads to a much lower life expectancy, psychological disorders, and other problems – What exactly is the gay lifestyle and who are you to say what should or shouldn’t be encouraged.  At this point you are grasping for anything.  I’m assuming you mean the sensationalized image you see on TV and in movies?  What about straight couples who “party” all the time?  A lot of research shows that drinking and smoking will lead to a much lower life expectancy, yet they are both legal.  Psychological disorders?  Please.  I know plenty of people who grew up in the “traditional” 2-parent home that have psychological disorders.  What about kids that grow up with alcoholics or drug addicts as parents?  They don’t have psychological issues?  I’m sure there are plenty of people that came from single parent homes with psychological disorders.  Do I need to go on?  Also, I’d love to see where this so called “research” comes from.

Well there you have it.  I’m not sure why this struck such a nerve with me but it did.  In my opinion there are many other more pressing issues our government officials should be focusing on.  If gays want to get married I don’t see one logical reason why they shouldn’t.  I’d love to hear your thoughts no matter what your opinion is on this.  Until next time this is Jimbo saying focus on the real issues, vote Jimbo in 2012….