« June 2006 | Main | August 2006 »
Go camping Bush
July 28, 2006Reggie Bush needs to end the holdout.
I know he was, in my eyes, the best player in the 2006 NFL Draft, but he shouldn't be the highest paid player.
There is a staggered system in place for rookie contracts for a reason.
The Saints screwed it up when they told him he was going to be treated like a No. 1. But he shouldn't.
Ever day he holds out can potentially limit his future. Running backs in the NFL last about 3, or 4 years, so I can see how every little bit helps. But $3 to $4 million in contract guarantees is small potatoes when you're gonna' get somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million.
How greedy can you be?
Reggie Bush in my mind is already the NBA's LeBron James.
He comes into the league with more endorsement money than I can fathom. No, he didn't get a $70 million dollar sneaker deal, but the guys got some ridiculous marketing pull.
He hasn't proved himself in an NFL setting, so I guess his agent has taken reigns over Reggie, who knows.
I'll compare any other RB, as a current rookie to that of last year’s situation. Pick No. 5 was Cadillac Williams - signed right away. Pick No. 4 was Cedric Benson.
Both got hurt, but Williams was able to play through his injury. And low and behold Williams ended being the Rookie of the Year.
He had his contract signed and delivered, and reported to training camp the day it opened. Benson held out, lost his job and tried to play catch up to Thomas Jones the rest of the year.
No for New Orleans sake, Reggie sign your stinking millionaire contract and get to work.
You haven't earned the privilege to holdout yet. You’re no Emmitt Smith.
The only way to earn money is play...so go play.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Fantasy Football
July 27, 2006ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!??
The '06 season is heating up. Training camp has begun, rookies are no-shows and a handful of vets are underpaid or overworked.
Isn't it great?
About every time this year I start jonesing for football. Now that I have the NFL channel, my addiction has increased tenfold.
The only way to cure it...Fantasy Football.
I don't why or how, but I've been playing fantasy football for about 9 years. That's pretty bad considering the fact that I turn 24 this year.
I remember my first ever fantasy football selection...Terrell Davis.
What a beast. At the age of 15 I was mopping the floor with supposed old guy experts, twice and three times my age.
Those were the good ol' days. Now there's more pressure to win then ever.
It seems like every company either has a fantasy football publication or game starting up this time of year.
Every major internet provider has one. All the sporting and networks associated with football have leagues at people's disposal.
It's just crazy...and so much fun.
One thing about the blurred fantasy football line is the shift of true "team" fans. Now you have a guy who wants to see the Raiders score a touchdown because they have both Kerry Collins and Randy Moss. And they hate the Raiders. The freaking bandwagon fans are actually Chiefs enthusiasts.
You can't root for a team in the same conference, much less division, or your "team."
But it's just so much fun.
I've started my team on Yahoo. Playing with a bunch of Wa-Hoo's, and hopefully, just like last year, I can win it all in my Yahoo league. The other league I participated in is a whole different store. I couldn't beat my way out of a paper bag with the other team I had.
This year I'm hoping to tone it down a notch...hoping is the key word.
So if anyone is looking to play...I'm the sucker at the paper who can't get enough.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Too much Bible?
July 26, 2006I was watching comedy central the other day and an up-and-coming comedian started slammin' George W.
First the comedian commented on W.'s overall incompetence, then for his "reading the Bible" ways.
The comedian went on the say something along the lines, jokingly, as "dude, finish the book already."
Then he continued to heckle Bush, at the same time going on into another bit about too much of something is a bad thing.
Mainly referencing the Bible, the comedian compared it to too much of "Green Eggs and Ham."
It was his little play, only with the highly overanalyzed scriptures of the lord.
He playfully continued to read the pretend Dr. Seuss book and then turned around to the audience — with a misinterpreted message — and teasingly said "I hate the Jews," or something like that.
But is too much of the Bible a bad thing?
I know I don't read the Bible enough. I know that.
But do some people read the Bible too much? How can reading the Bible too much be a bad thing?
The Bible is full of life lessons. Lessons everyone needs to live by, but when one person continues to read and reread the same thing over and over, will its interpretations change to them?
Some people could stand to read it more.
I get in ruts and only worry about the Bible during church lessons, but after last weekend I know I need to give praise when the chips are up, and down.
So what was the comedian talking about?
Maybe trying to make a little money, and maybe trying to get ahead by hitting people where it hurts -- on their knees, praying.
People overanalyze all the time...look at the sporting world. Football, baseball the list goes on and on.
Everything thing is look at with a 100x microscope and a lot of times it’s taken with a grain of salt in sports.
Does anyone do that with the Bible? Better yet, should anyone do that with the Bible?
Posted by Clayton Hein at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
$4.3 million = $500,000
July 21, 2006Weeks Park Golf Course is getting more green than the grass they have growing on their course.
Yet the proposed Wichita Falls skate park is slowly skidding along.
The 4B Sales Tax Board doled out project funding and the rich got richer.
The established public golf course made out like a bandit. And a lot of "young" people are left without something to do, unless mom or dad goes golfing.
What's the deal Wichita Falls?
Amarillo has one, close to building a second, and even Lubbock has one. Heck, Bowie even has something they call a skate park.
Wichita Falls has a nothing.
Score: other cities our size - 1, Wichita Falls - big fat goose egg.
Are people aware that skateboarding is not a crime?
They skating population has it posted on t-shirts, bumper stickers and Nike even did a commercial about it a couple of years ago.
But Wichita Falls has yet to embrace it.
I've talked with a couple of skaters in town and they say the cops don't really hassle them. The WFPD knows, yet the leaders of Wichita Falls hesitate to fund a general meeting area for "punk" skaters.
They're far from gang members. Yes they listen to crazy music, most of them have tattoos and even some of them wear baggy clothes, but $4.3 million to a golf course is crazy in my mind.
I don't play golf. Maybe it’s because I'm not over 35-years old, but who knows.
During my morning "brain storming" session I tried to think of things for teenagers and 20-year olds to do in town.
1. Get into trouble 2. Go to church 3. Go to bar (if you're old enough or have a fake I.D.) 4. Go to a gym
Trust me, I know because that's what I did on a regular basis.
A skate park, not an improved golf course, is Wichita Falls needs.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Dr. Pepper
July 20, 2006I have a weekness, and Dr. Pepper is it.
I'm trying to cut back and I think I'm almost there, but the cravings are crazy at times.
I read in men's health the lasting affects that carbonated, super-syrup'd beverages can have on the body and I don't want to think about them.
Something about drinking a Dr. Pepper, especially the first drink, is about as refreshing as it gets, well except for Bud Light, but that's another problem.
I want, need, should drink more water.
But while I'm staring at the vending machine and I'm thinking, "a water machine is right over there and a Pepper would get rid of the morning yawns." "I don't want to drink coffee, its too damn hot outside."
That's when I push the Dr. Pepper button.
But it's getting better.
I have redirected my hand at times to shoot directly for the Dasani selection. Just as cool and refreshing, but it doesn't creating a heavy tingling sensation feeling in the back of my throat when I drink it.
Is that bad?
And sometimes its not just Dr. Pepper. I have a sweet tooth for Big Red and Cherry Coke. What's a guy to do.
I just can't go out and find another addiction. Or can I?
Posted by Clayton Hein at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Awkward situation ?
July 19, 2006I've never been to a gynecologist, and on Monday I had my first trip.
No, not for me, the trip was “officially” for my pregnant wife.
It's usually the first time a man gets a free pass to visit with his wife's “unmentionables” doctor.
It was the first ultrasound and I couldn't wait to go. She's about 11 weeks pregnant, so the first check up is the most nerve racking experience I've been through.
I knew what I was in for, but still didn't know what to expect.
Having a doctor, or more importantly, another man looking at your wife's private area is just an uncomfortable situation to be in -- but I'm gonna have to get used to it.
This is going to be my first child, and listening to those first sounds — the heartbeat — made mine stop.
My chest seized, my ol’ pumper was in my throat and I was walking on a cloud. I didn't know whether to cry or laugh in excitement.
As my wife was propped up on a table, legs in harnesses, or stirrups as I've been told, I thought it would have been more uncomfortable than it would have been.
But, altogether it was fine.
I usually blow the little things out of proportion, but I definitely had the right to this time. Didn't I?
The appointment went like a normal appointment, but because it was our first sonogram the doctor has to use an alternative method to view the desired area.
She's not far enough along to do a sonogram the old fashioned way.
There was a female doctor/nurse who was in the enclosing room, and it helped.
I guess in the end it won't matter, as long as the kid's healthy.
It’s just too bad the doc couldn't determine the sex.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Black Sports Journalism
July 15, 2006Scoop Jackson, of ESPN and SLAM magazine fame, recently posted a story on the wide world of sports website pointing out the lack of black sports journalists in America.
Then he went on to point out that only 4 - count 'em - sports editors exist at ASPE newspapers.
What is America coming to?
I understand his point with an overwhelming lack of diversity, but what does it matter?
I'm not saying racism doesn't exist, especially in sports, but pointing out that there are about 300 black journalists, and 4 black editors, in the U.S. doesn't make sense to me.
The majority of NBA players are black; the majority of tennis/golf/hockey players are white. The majority of NFL players are black, and the NHL is a majority white. Baseball is the most diverse sport, besides soccer, in America. You have Mexicans, Latin Americans, Asians, Whites and Blacks.
But why does it matter who writes the news. Last time I checked, newspapers have and will always be printed in Black and White.
Scoop Jackson is an idiot.
He points out in his rant that "The sports experience for black people is different. It is one that hasn't and will never be shared by any other race or nationality in the country."
When did black people stop being concerned with winning and losing?
Last time I checked that's what it was, and still is all about. Yes cultural differences exist; even in celebration and during a remorseful lose. A good example is the World Cup.
But how different can it be?
A black man watches a sporting event and writes a story. 90 percent of the time a black man is going to observe the same facets of the same game.
I grew up playing sports with people of all races and winning and losing was the only thing we were concerned with.
Maybe he's preaching on the standard set by Billy Hoyle -- Woody Harrelson -- in "White Man Can't Jump." Hoyle stated that a black man would rather look good first and win second.
Is that what Scoop Jackson is talking about?
I have no idea. Does anybody?
Posted by Clayton Hein at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Spicy Chicken War
July 14, 2006McDonald's is waving the white flag.
In the land of food wars, Wendy's has delivered the one-two combo to the chicken fast food giant.
After a couple of months McDonald's is pulling its Spicy Chicken Sandwich off its menu in favor of some other snack food.
And Wendy's is heating up the competition even more, so to speak.
Soon they will amp the volume on their already spicy sandwich and make a "4-alarm" chicken sandwich.
I can't wait.
I'm guessing one of the reasons McDonald's spicy chicken sandwich failed, was basically, because it sucked.
Big Time, with a capital T.
Now that I think of it, all the chicken sandwiches at McDonald's are better left off the menu. The only thing worth a damn at that fast-food hut is the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets.
They reinvented their "restaurants," or eating areas, a while back to attract a new crowd and keep the ones they have.
Main reasons of success for that company are kids and old people looking for a place to sip some coffee and talk in the early hours.
It's the breeding grounds for AARP meetings, great-grandparent conventions and gin rummy discussions.
Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich has dominated the market for years. And with them revealing a spicier one, I'll be waiting at the counter.
I can get enough of good spicy food.
You have to dial it down from time to time, but I like that burning sensation when I eat. Nothing's better than sniffling your nostril off all meal long.
So as McDonald's turns their back on the spicy chicken sandwich, I will again start to turn my back on them.
I can't boycott the giant...they have the best sausage biscuit and hash browns around.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Another Dimension
July 13, 2006So I was at a area family clinic's version of an emergency room the other day when I saw something that caught me by surprise.
But other - somewhat unsightly - dimensions added up to a crazy scenario when the event unfolded.
A mother, probably in her late 30s or early 40s, was sitting with her tow-headed daughter, about 4 to 5-years old, filling out the needed paperwork for the clinic's requirements.
First strange observance...the girl was wearing a pink shirt and a diaper. That's it, nothing else. No shoes, pants or socks were present at the time of the incident.
I didn't pay that much attention to it mainly because we were sitting at the hospital. It's hard enough dressing a kid, much less a sick kid who has to go the hospital.
Nonetheless.
The daughter was sitting on the mom's lap as the mom was filling up paperwork, then all of a sudden....RALPH.
The little girl threw up all over the place while sitting on her mom's lap. It got on the floor, on the chair, on the paperwork (I'm guessing) and on mom.
The clinic staff didn't really do much to help. I'm not sure if they didn't want to deal with the vomit, or if they couldn't hear the violent sounds of a little girl throwing up all over her mom.
Wait for it, it only gets better and better (trust me).
I really didn't know what to do.
The mom looked like she had the situation under control; she had a dirty-looking towel at the ready I should add.
The best I could/wanted to do at the moment was offer the trash can so the vomit could be projected in a better location.
Still — the hospital staff does nothing!? The puke has been contained, but all of a sudden, the girl starts to throw up some more.
I'm not sure if this was the first time the little girl had thrown up before, but she had not been trained in her vomiting ways.
Growing up I always went for the bucket or the toilet, which ever one I got to first.
So the girl is puking and the situation is getting worse.
The mom finally asks for some help from the staff. And guess what they give her - a barf bag.
What the hell does that help? Couldn't they see I already gave the woman the trash can?
This is about the time I start to get furious.
IS this place a hospital or not??!! Aren't the people working paid to help people??
After a few minutes of them not doing anything I take action. I ask the drenched mom if she would like a towel or something. She said yes, so I approached the counter at the clinic in a calm yet furious tone.
"Can I get a towel or something for this sick baby throwing up all over the place," I asked.
The receptionist/nurse starts to hand me something - another vomit bag. "No! She already has a vomit bag, I need towel," I responded.
"OK, hold on. I'll be back," the receptionist/nurse responded.
Finally action had been taken. The battle was won.
And that's when the strange scenario opens up for all to enjoy in its powerful, absurd grandeur.
The vomit was controlled and the child was calm being held like a baby would have been. But she was 4 to 5-years old. Ah, oh well.
Then what to my wandering eyes should appear, but the mother sucking on her sick kid's fingers like a freakin' pacifier.
Holy cow (I want to use a stronger term, but don't want to get fired).
What was this mom thinking? Her kid is sick as a dog and to console the child you suck on her fingers.
I saw the image, which is now burn in my memory, and turned my head in disbelief.
Is this a normal practice among mothers nowadays, or was she an oddball?
What a wonderful day I had at the clinic. Good thing I wasn't sick when I got there.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Smoker Discrimination???
July 12, 2006A letter was published in the newspaper Wednesday comparing the treatment of smokers to that of "blacks during segregation" times???
What the devil was this person thinking? I'm sure it's tough to not be able to smoke anywhere you want to when you’re finished eating a restaurant. Sitting in a "segregated" section and all can be tough. Not to mention the fact at how tricky it is to get reservations in Wichita Falls for "smoking only".
I’m sure all 2 restaurants in Wichita Falls that still take reservations are always packed with smokers.
The last time I checked sitting next to a black person didn't kill anybody. Nor does it make clothes stink or eyes sting.
And more importantly...it's nowhere near the same level as “blacks during segregation” times.
What happened to eating at home?
I know having a night out on the town is nice, but what's it in comparison to a home-cooked meal.
I'd take my wife's cooking over something prepared behind closed doors any day of the week.
Maybe the person who wrote the letter was smoking something else when he/she typed it up.
The letter also advised non-smokers to "go where we don't go."
Sounds just like "blacks during segregation" times alright. (Insert sarcasm here)
Now all smokers need is a leader with the verbal persuasion of Martin Luther King Jr. and maybe Malcolm X to rectify the ever changing demographic of healthier people.
Come to think of it, maybe a few smokers could start a KKK - A Kool Krusaders Klub.
You can go around and put burning cigarettes in people's lawn and run away in smoky-grey sheets on your stinky car full of cigarette burn holes.
The letter goes on to attack hospital's non-smoking policy, concerts (what concert does this person go to?) and sporting occasions.
Seriously!
The fact that I even took time to write a rebuttal is killing me now. My grandma smokes, has for years, and I'm sure it skimmed a good decade off her life.
My wife is having our first child early next year, and I pray every day she will make it to welcome her first great-grandchild onto this Earth.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Conspiracy Theory
James for three, Wade for three and Anthony for three? What's the big deal you ask? Well, how about where's the commitment?
James, Wade and Anthony are the present and future of the NBA. (or until O.J. Mayo shows up)
What happened to wanting to be able to retire for the team you were drafted by?
Are these guys that money hungry and have that much clout to demand and get only a three-year deal?
Bird, Johnson, Robinson...the list goes on and on of players who stuck by one team in basketball, and whose jersey hangs in the rafters.
I'm guessing the only reason the current three-headed monster want a three year deal is to play together. Maybe the Knicks, but who knows.
These guys came into the league together and were instantly engulfed by success.
The organizations were reborn under their draft choices, and Miami was the first to win a championship.
Maybe these guys want to dominate daily, challenge the 72-win plateau set by the 90s Bulls and go down in history as the greatest TEAM ever.
Everything I read points out that the Knicks organization/team (although it's the joke of the league now) is the place to play.
But why would these three guys want to do that.
I know there are certain limitations on contract size depending on years played and age, but in three years these guys are going to be about 25-27-years old.
By the time James, Wade and Anthony turn 35 they might have close to eight titles.
Then who would be the greatest of all time?
Would it, could it still be Jordan?
Posted by Clayton Hein at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
R.I.P. Dr. Campbell
July 7, 2006Doctor, Professor, Pastor, Teacher and all around good guy Jefferson Holland Campbell died Friday, June 30. His memorial service was Friday, July 7.
He will be missed.
Unfortunately I only had one class with Dr. Campbell in my five years at Midwestern State. I wish I had taken more, but its too late.
I had him for Medieval Cultures, a humanities course.
I don't think I ever learned more about the world around me than in his class. Even though he couldn't take the class around the world, his experiences brought the world to his class.
The course touched on everything from every major culture following...if I remember correctly...the Byzantine period, up until about the Renaissance.
At times you could sense the frustration as he taught. He had what appeared to be Parkinson's disease - his hands shook continuously - but he always showed up for class and it never got the best of him.
His class was informative and appealing to all the local "good ol' boys and gals" who haven't traveled out of Texas.
He demanded a lot of work, but unlike most professors at MSU he didn't spoon feed anyone.
Something about Dr. Campbell was different. He was brilliant, but he carried an aura around him. I'm not sure really what it was.
So after about 32 years at MSU, how will the English dept. and the rest of the university carry on? Much like the tree from Walden's Pond he frequented, it will just have to be his memory that survives.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 5:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Wonder Years
"What would you do if I sang out tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
I will try not to sing out of key, yeah
Oh, baby I get by with a little help from my friends
By with a little help from my friends."
I have missed those famous words by Joe Cocker for too long. It's time the show moved to DVD.
http://timstvshowcase.com/wonderyr.html
I grew up on the "Wonder Years." I don't know if there was a better show to watch late at night. It was the 60s, I grew up in the 80s, but I could still relate nonetheless.
Daniel Stern (the crazy loon from "Home Alone") narrated the 30 minute episodes and Fred Savage, as Kevin Arnold, was the reason everyone watched.
I haven't seen the show like it in years. Reruns don’t even make the cut for the stuff they have playing on Nick at Night. Why, I have no idea. The show was quality.
It had teenage Angst, parental dilemmas and more importantly kids being kids.
We all tend to resort to the stuff we did as kids to reconnect us in a world of unknowns. Heck, I even picked up a few old WWF wrestling movies just to feel comforted, to some effect that is.
But the "Wonder Years" is my ultimate "security blanket." I can't sleep at night because of it. JK, but seriously...whoever owns the rights needs to transfer the shows to DVD.
Sooner, not later, I need it.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 4:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
where's the festival
July 6, 2006Wichita Falls needs more festivals.
I'm talking bands galore, every type of food imaginable and fun events for all ages.
This town only really has two main ones - Freedom Fest and Falls Fest. The "WhyDon’t We Do It in the Road" festival counts, but there aren't enough vendors to constitute a family festival.
The Freedom Fest is held on base every two years. That's not enough.
The Falls Fest is attracting better music every year, now if we could just extend the fun to more days out of the year.
While catching up with old friends at Tuesday's Freedom Fest I finally realized something.
The only time anyone really gets together is weddings and funerals. I've had a couple of friends pass away of the years, and just about everybody is married nowadays, or trying to get re-married.
The festival is a perfect excuse. The Freedom Fest was free, but I would have paid to get in.
My buddies usually compete in the mud volleyball contest, and it gets better every year. I would have paid just to see them make fools of themselves getting covered in mud.
The antics of some of my friends are unspeakable. They usually will do anything to get a laugh, and they usually get one.
Even from innocent bystanders who usually don’t want to be part of the joke.
But, enough of my unrelated tangent.
If a city event consists of cheap-ish beer, a lawn chair and good tunes, then I want to do my best to attend.
Johnny Cooper and Wideawake performed, the beers were $3 (not too crazy) and there was even cheesecake on a stick.
You really don't have to say much when you're with your friends - unless you're a woman.
A true bond can be unspoken. After you get past the "breaking the ice" phase, the rest is a "cheesecake on a stick" walk.
If not for the sake of improving the attractiveness of Wichita Falls, then do it for the sake of getting everyone together again.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Holy Heimlich
July 2, 2006Everybody usually has a normal day at work.
You go in, you go to lunch and then you go home. My wife's days are usually like that, but Sunday something special happened.
She works at a non-profit agency, and the work she does takes a heart of gold.
She has to have special training, CPR and so forth, but I'm sure she wasn't ready for what was in store for her when she woke up that morning.
I'm guessing the story goes a little something like this. (Men have selective listening skills, sometimes it works and other times it fails miserably)
She shows up, punches in, and goes on about her business. But when lunch was served, lunch was really served.
The cook at my wife's work decided to not chew/swallow lunch correctly. Seconds later the cook couldn't breathe and her life was flashing before her eyes.
Much like every other women who have an instinct for trouble, my wife rushes to the cook's aid. She starts patting the woman on the back, but nothing. She starts violently slapping the cook on the back, again the desirable effect wasn't happening.
So my wife lassoed the cook by the stomach/chest and started thrusting away. Bingo. A little bit of lunch popped out and everybody was happy.
When she told me the news, I didn't know what to think. I didn't even know she knew the Heimlich. I don't know the Heimlich.
My wife's been pregnant for a short time, so morning sickness has settled in quite nicely. What would have happened if she couldn't have made it to work Sunday?
I don't want to even imagine the possibilities. I'm the cop’s reporter on the weekends, and I can only image seeing the images of a lifeless body. Enough said.
Bottom Line: I love my wife - the Heroine.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
