Farewell To An American Icon

Of all of the great things that were accomplished in the 20th century, perhaps none is more impressive or breathtaking than that moment when Neil Armstrong first walked onto the moon. Looking into the night time sky and seeing the moon in the vast distance, it's still hard to imagine that men have actually walked there. Although there have been a total of twelve Apollo astronauts to walk on the lunar surface, Mr. Armstrong was the first to do it (followed shortly thereafter by Apollo 11 companion, Buzz Aldrin).

How scary must it be to travel to a place over 200,000 miles away where no one has ever stepped foot? The Apollo astronauts must have had nerves of steel!

Believing that the planned landing spot was unsafe, Neil Armstrong had to improvise and alter the original plans slightly which meant that he would manually have to land the spacecraft. During the critical touchdown, most of us have heard the audio segment where Mission Control tells the Apollo 11 crew, "30 seconds". This was to inform them that they only had thirty seconds worth of fuel left for the landing! As if things weren't scary enough already, huh?

Of course, history was made when Armstrong responded back to Houston that The Eagle had indeed landed. Shortly after the landing, the crew received a phone call from President Nixon. Keep in mind that this was 1969 and Nixon was making a telephone call from Washington DC to the moon! Kind of makes cell phones seem just a little less impressive.

While preparing to liftoff from the moon and begin their journey back to earth, Armstrong and Aldrin discovered that the ignition switch for the ascent engine was broken. They were able to use an ink pen to activate the launch sequence. And this was years before MacGyver came along!

After returning to earth, Neil Armstrong, a modest man, preferred to stay out of the limelight. He went on to teach at the University of Cincinnati. When a CBS reporter asked him about his experience on the moon, Armstrong simply replied, "It is an interesting place to be. I recommend it."

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When Neil Armstrong stepped foot onto moon and uttered his famous line, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", it gave hope to humans on every corner of the earth. It was a shining example of how technically advanced we had become since the days when caveman first discovered fire and invented the wheel. To say we had progressed would surely be an understatement......

Sadly, Neil Armstrong left the earth for the final time yesterday at the age of 82. He will always be remembered as an American icon who boldly went where no man had went before........

kw

Lance Armstrong - Famous or Infamous?

Today, we learned that legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong will be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles as well as receiving a lifetime ban from the Olympics. This comes after Armstrong announced his decision to stop fighting the doping accusations brought against him by the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency). Armstrong has consistently denied any doping allegations. He has called the USADA's process "one-sided and unfair" and announced that he is "finished with this nonsense". Earlier this week, Armstrong lost a legal bid to stop the USADA's probe.

Admittedly, I'm not a fan of cycling. But Lance Armstrong is a guy who seemed larger than life. Coming back from a very serious bout with cancer and winning the Tour de France seemed surreal. You couldn't write a script better than that. Armstrong seemed to be living proof that if you work hard and never give up, anything is possible. 

So, now that Armstrong has decided against fighting the doping allegations, it leads many to believe that he is indeed guilty of the charges. If the charges are not true, people naturally expect the guy, who has a history of fighting back, to stay in the fight until the final round.

Will Lance Armstrong become another name in the growing list of "cheaters" in professional sports? Will all of the great things that he accomplished in life be forever overshadowed by the doping scandal? Can he still remain a role model to some degree? And how will Armstrong's charity work, if at all, be affected? 

The Lance Armstrong Foundation, founded by the cyclist in 1997, has dome some tremendous good for people stricken with cancer. The foundation raises a lot of money for cancer research in United States. It has generated over $300 million from the sale of the yellow Livestrong bracelets alone. No matter what becomes  of the cycling decision, the great work that Armstrong has done for cancer research can't be ignored.

So......

Do you think that any or all of the doping accusations are true? Or do you believe, as Armstrong himself has said, that this nothing more than a witch hunt by the USADA?

Nonetheless, Armstrong is a guy that almost everyone was pulling for. We all love to see someone battle adversity and ultimately come out victorious. None of us like the disappointment of learning that one of our heroes may actually be a fraud. Although all the pieces initially seemed in place, it sure doesn't seem like this one is going to have that story book ending that we all hoped for....

kw

The Akin Firestorm

Republican Senate nominee Todd Akin has stirred up quite a controversy with his comment on "legitimate rape".  And in the heat of the campaign season, the timing couldn't have been worse for the six-term Missouri congressman. During a recent St. Louis television interview, Akin was asked about his views on abortion. Trying to explain that he was opposed to abortion even in cases of rape, he made the following statement:

“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”

"Legitimate" is the key word that sparked a heated reaction from both Democrats and Republicans. No doubt, Akin certainly put his foot in his foot on an already passionate issue. I can certainly understand why people, especially women, would take offense to his comments. But were his words magnified mostly for political purposes? Let's look at it.....

First off, I think almost everyone is pretty much in agreement that Todd Akin's comments were, at the very least, stupid. There is no scientific proof that a woman can naturally shut down her body to prevent pregnancy. So, why would he say such a thing? And to put a "legitimate" tag on rape is asinine. On the surface, this sounds like Akin is saying that all rape is not real or "legitimate". That's hard to comprehend. I think all of us would agree that any sexual assault is horrible. Akin certainly painted himself into corner as soon as he went down that road...

But on the other side...........

Were Akin's comments overblown? Although he could have chosen better words, he was attempting to explain that, even in cases of rape, he was opposed to aborting a pregnancy. Were Akin's comments merely a misinterpreted gaff? If this man is such a pro-life advocate, is it reasonable to think that he wouldn't be sympathetic to rape victims? 

And afterwards, Akin did apologize and acknoldge his And while staying true to his protection for the unborn, he did express deep empathy for rape victims. Should his apology be accepted?*

Regardless of what Akin said, meant to say or what he said afterwards, there is pressure from both Democrats and Republicans for Akin to drop out of the Senate race against Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill. And both sides, although it may be a calculated gamble, have something to gain politically. 

There was general feeling that Akin would have defeated McCaskill, who is viewed as one of the most vulnerable Democrats in this year's election. A McCaskill defeat would amount to giving the the Republicans an additional seat in the US Senate. This would prove to be huge for any GOP congressional efforts over the next four years. So, it would be a clear political advantage for the Democrats to get any serious opponent of McCaskill out of the race. 

But the Republicans have also called on Akin to drop out. With the Missouri Senate seat being so important, why would the GOP want to risk bringing in a new candidate with less than three months until election day? Are they attempting to sacrifice one their own for the greater good? Nonetheless, Akin is being urged to call it quits by prominent conservatives such as Karl Rove, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Mitt Romney himself.

And as an added bonus for the Democrats, the Akin firestorm comes on the heels of some recent controversial "slavery" comments made by Vice President Joe Biden. The VP's comments were clearly overshadowed by Akins words. Not surprising, the Republicans view the media's lack of coverage on Biden's comments as a perpetual double standard.

With what many people are predicting to be a close Presidential election, I don't think Mitt Romney really had any choice but to distance himself from Todd Akin. He is now a political lightning rod that will likely bring unwanted negativity to the Republicans from now until election day.

For now, Akin has vowed to stay in the race until the bitter end. With limited support from his own party, he will certainly have an uphill battle until November. The negative attack ads regarding the rape comments will only increase as the election gets closer. How big of an impact will all of this have on Missouri voters and on the overall outcome of this years election?

Time will tell..........

kw

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbOKlGOabhg

Baseballs And Taxes

Last Friday, Baltimore Oriole's rookie third baseman, Manny Machado, hit the first home-runs of his young career. Impressively, he hit his first two homers in only his second major league game, making him the youngest Oriole to have a multi-homer game.. But what's even more impressive, is that the same fan caught both of Machado's home-run balls.

Of course, at this point, only time will tell if the balls will have an monetary value. I mean, if Machado should go on to have a Hall of Fame career, the first home-run ball would surely be worth something. But for right now, personal value for Machado (or the fan who caught them) is all that's in it....

On the other hand, when a bona fide slugger, such as Barry Bonds or Alex Rodriquez, hits a historical home run (500th, 600th, etc.), it's becomes an instant ball of gold. And because of that, the fan who catches the ball could wind up getting a visit from the tax man. However, I'm a bit confused on the tax consequences. I have read through some sources that the ball would be subject to tax on the present year's income. But in some cases, the ball is returned to the player. So, is the player now expected to pay a large tax just because he happened to hit a monumental home-run? Talk about a buzz kill!

Recently, Derek Jeter of the NY Yankees, got his 3000th career base hit. As luck would have it, this particular hit happened to be a home-run that landed in the left field stands. And you guessed it, a fan picked it up. The fan, feeling that it was the right thing to do, returned the ball to the Yankees. In return, the Derek Jeter gave the guy some signed bats and jerseys and the Yankees gave him luxury seats for the season;s remaining home games. Sounds like a win-win, right? Not so fast, because of the value of these items, especially the seats, the fan might be looking at a tax bill in the neighborhood of $14,000! Ouch! Personally, I think the Yankees should offer to cover any tax consequences for the guy considering that he could have likely gotten much more for the ball if he would have sold the ball on the open market.

So this brings up some interesting questions. If I go to a potentially historical baseball game and happen to be sitting in the outfield section, should I buy an extra ticket for my tax lawyer? Maybe I should bring my laptop loaded with the latest version of Turbo-Tax? Or are we slowly reaching a point where fans will crawl over each other to get away from the ball altogether? I can see it now, "I'm not picking it up, you pick it up!!"

I dream of catching a valuable home-run ball one day and trading it in for a round of beers for the entire stadium, Of course, it probably wouldn't even cover the cost of the round at $8 a pop. Oh well, it was just a thought......

Who ever thought that going to a baseball game could get so complicated???

kw

The American Flag - Pride vs. Disrespect

Like most proud Americans, I am instinctively offended when I see our flag being blatantly disrespected. In the most obvious displays of disrespect, I have seen the flag burned in acts of protest. And, last year,  I can remember at least one instance of an Occupy Wall Street participant who gave a flag to his dog to use as a chew toy. I can understand the passion of a protest, but I could never quite understand why people feel compelled to desecrate our flag in the process.

With all of this being said, I discovered, that aside from the obvious displays of what I'd consider disrespecting our flag, it actually happens in more subtle ways than I ever realized. And before I go any further, my point is not to cast judgement on those involved in the following events. I just found it truly interesting that most of these things were in direct violation of the flag rules and regulations...*

• At a 2009  inaugural celebration in Baltimore, flags were distributed with the face and name of the newly elected Barrack Obama. And earlier this year in Lake County, Florida, a flag depicting the image of President Obama's face in place of the starts was flown at the Democratic headquarters. This is violation of section 8g of the flag code: "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor any part of it, insignia, letter. word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature."

• There have been instances of politicians such as George W. Bush and Sarah Plain signing flags for supporters. Although it may seem patriotic, this too, is in violation of section 8g.

• Governor Chris Christie took some criticism for ordering flags to be flown at half staff after the death of recording artist, Whitney Houston. Christie also did the same for famous saxophonist and Bruce Springsteen band mate, Clarence Clemmons when he passed last year. Perhaps, now even a bit more controversial, Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett ordered flags flown at half staff to honor Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno. No matter how you feel about any of this, it looks like both Governors were in violation of section 7m of the flag code which authorizes the Governor to half staff the flag to honor, upon death, the present or former official of the government of the state. The flag can also be lowered by the Governor to honor a member of the Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty. Sorry, nothing in the code addresses Grammy award winners or football coaches.

• Along these same lines, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, in 2008, ordered flags flown at half staff to honor news journalist, Tim Russert. But it looks like Mayor Brown overstepped his bounds as only the President, Governor or Mayor of DC, again under section 7m, can order flags to be flown at half staff.

• We have probably all seen people wearing the American flag as clothing to some degree. I've seen the flag configured as swimsuits, dresses, t-shirts, etc. I actually always thought it looked great to see people displaying their American pride in the form of their clothing. However, it looks like this too is a no-no under section 8b which says that the flag should never be used as wearing apparel.

• I have also seen welcome mats with an image of the American flag. Personally, I always thought something was fundamentally wrong with walking or wiping your dirty shoes on anything with an image of the flag. Well, it turns out that I wasn't far off in my thinking as section 8b states that "the flag should touch nothing beneath it, such as the ground..." Might be something to keep in mind the next time you're shopping for a new doormat.

• We've all seen those huge flags that are displayed on the field before huge events such as the Super Bowl. These flags are usually stretched across the field and suspended by a large number of people. Again, I always always thought it was a beautiful display especially during he playing of our National Anthem. However, this too, is in violation of the flag rules as section 8c states that "the flag must never be carried flat or horizontally..."

• In recent celebrations of Hispanic heritage, the Mexican flag has been flown over top of the US flag. The fact that we're in the US should tell anyone that this is taboo. But technically, the top and the bottom National flags are a moot point as section 7g states: "When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from different staffs...." I will chime in on this one and say, "If happen you think Mexico is superior to the United States, then pack your bags and head back across the border, amigo!

• Companies, such as McDonalds, often fly their logo flag underneath of the American flag at their places of business. This is a violation of section 8i which says that advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff from which the flag is flown.

• I have also seen credit cards with the image of the America flag. This breaks rule 8i which states..."the flag should never be used in any advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.."

• Have you ever been to a Fourth of July party and seen those "patriotic" paper plates and napkins depicting the Stars & Stripes? Yep, you guessed it! Section 8h sates that "the flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.."

I believe that most of us proud Americans would never do anything to intentionally to disrespect our flag. And I'm pretty sure that most of the  folks in the above examples didn't realize that they were doing anything wrong.

Originally, I innocently intended on pasting a photo of the American flag to this story, but I realized that I would be in violation of several sections of the flag code. I now know that there's a fine line between displaying your American pride and being disrespectful. 

kw

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/faq.htm

Eddie Murray - Mr. Clutch

For most baseball fans, there is always that one impact player that they remember coming through time and time again when the game was on the line. For me, that player will always be Eddie Murray.

Yesterday, Murray was honored with a statue at Camden Yards. This statue is part of the Orioles' Legends tribute  And Eddie Murray was indeed an Oriole's Legend.

Back in the late 70's/early 80's, I can remember watching Eddie coolly walk up to the plate late in the game. No matter how tense the situation, Murray always seemed to be in total control. I can probably never prove this, but pitchers often seemed to be intimidated when Number 33 was staring at them from 60 feet away. I can remember hearing about a survey back in the early 80's. The question was asked of American League pitchers, "What batter would you least likely want to face with the game on  the game?" The majority answered, "Eddie Murray." No doubt, Murray was the best clutch hitter that I've ever seen.

Murray took some heat from the local press during his days in Baltimore for his reluctance to speak to them. As a result, they were sometimes harsh in their criticism of him. I personally never agreed with the way Murray was treated by the press.

When it came to team players, there were few that compared to Eddie Murray. My understanding is that when he would arrive at the stadium prior to the game, less concerned about his own stats, he would always check out where the Oriole's were in the standings. Murray once said, "If I can help you, it helps us. It's about winning. If you can tell somebody something and it can help the team, that's what you do."

Although Murray was a perennial candidate for the League's MVP Award, surprisingly, he never actually won it. Even with one of his best years with the Oriole's, in 1983, Murray finished second in MVP voting to teammate Cal Ripken Jr. Many feel that Murray should have won the award over Ripken. For me, as an O's fan, the only thing that could have made the 1983 season any better would have been seeing Ripken and Murray named co-MVP's of the American League.

Among his accomplishments, Murray was an eight-time All-Star, won three Gold Gloves, American League Rookie of the Year in 1977, and was one of only four players to ever have over 3000 hits while hitting over 500 home runs.

Eddie Murray was a class act on and off the field. I am so glad that I got to see him play during those days of Oriole's Magic at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium years ago. He spoke softly but carried a big stick. Eddie Murray, truly one of the greatest players ever to grace the field.

kw

Chick-fil-A - A Convenient Target?

On most days, gay marriage and fast food have very little in common. But Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy's recent comments opposing gay marriage has created quite the firestorm. Many liberals immediately branded Cathy's comments "hate speech" and have called for a boycott of the popular fast food restaurant. Taking a different view, conservatives have applauded Cathy for voicing his opinion and staying true to his Christian values.

Even though I've heard of planned boycotts, they sure don't seem to be gaining much ground. Since the Cathy's controversial comments, the predictably long lines at Chick-fil-A seem to be even longer. And today, being "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day", the lines were backed up to the door and cars in the drive-thru lanes were completely wrapped around the building.

I can understand why some people would have an issue with Cathy's anti-gay marriage remarks. He's a devout Christian who doesn't approve of homosexuality. Ok, I get that. But what I don't get, is how Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-A are being targeted in this whole thing. Is Cathy the only person or group who has publicly voiced opposition to gay marriage? I don't think so.....

When Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the same-sex marriage bill into law earlier this year, it was met with large opposition which resulted in the bill making it's way to a referendum vote in November. Some of the strongest opposition came from Maryland's black community. And on a larger scale, in reaction to President Obama's recent support for gay marriage there is a push by the Coalition of African-American Pastors to oppose same-sex marriage. The president and founder of the coalition, Rev. Williams Owens was recently quoted as saying, "I am ashamed that the first black President chose this road, a disgusting road."* I believe the man has a right to say what he feels, but is anyone coming out to protest him or his coalition?? 

And let's look at Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In an effort to block the opening of a local Chick-fil-A, he said said that the restaurant chain didn't have "Chicago values". Keep in mind that this is coming from the same guy who campaigned for Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama when they both opposed gay marriage. And Emanuel even stayed on as Clinton's adviser even after Clinton signed the (anti-gay) Defense of Marriage Act into law. Where was his outrage then?

Now, looking at this from yet another angle, if liberals feel compelled to boycott Chick-fil-A for opposing gay marriage, should conservatives boycott businesses that openly support it. For instance, Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos recently gave $2.5 million to a campaign to support Washington's same-sex marriage law. Should we expect to see Christian groups organizing protests against the online retailer? 

In retaliation for the today's Appreciation Day, gay advocate groups are calling for a "kiss-in" at Chick-fil-A restaurants this Friday where same-sex couples are encourages to show public displays of affection inside the restaurants. I don't know about you, but I really don't want to see any couple, gay or straight, making out while I'm trying to eat my Number One with a Diet Dr. Pepper.....

kw

* http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/31/black-pastors-group-launches-anti-obama-campaign-around-gay-marriage/