OMG!!!

I hope you all had a good holiday, whatever you celebrate; however you celebrate.

BUT, now that it's all said and done here are some reasons I don't understand 'organized' religion.  (Please take this in the semi-sarcastic/humoristic tone in which it is intended).

Christianity
So when Jesus was killed (presumably for the blasphemy of proclaiming himself the 'King of the Jews') those left behind decided the best way to honor him was to create a different religion?

Judaism
The Jews are known as "The Chosen Ones", but I have to ask what they were chosen for? Since pretty much the beginning of civilization the Jews have only been chosen for death and scapegoatism (can I get a spell check on my made up word??) as best I can tell.

Buddhism
If you’re a good person and meet a certain set of standards, when you die you go to Nirvana, which is, of course, a fancy version of heaven.  But if you’re bad, you’re basically demoted? You can come back as a pig or a goat or something. But here’s what I don’t understand. How do you work your way back up? Do you have to be a good pig to then be reborn as a human? What is a good pig? One who doesn’t roll around in it’s own shit?! What’s a good cow? One who gets lucky enough to be in a Hebrew National hotdog? I mean, they do ‘answer to a higher authority.’” (I'll be taking my stand-up routine on the road shortly).

Islam
Forget radical extremists.  I am not bigoted or naive enough to believe that the majority of Islam are whack-job terrorists.  But, prayer 5 times a day?  Now, that is extreme.  Add that to sleeping and eating and I have to wonder how Muslims have time for anything else.
 
 
As usual this post is meant to get a laugh and inspire thought, as well as maybe provoke some comments/feedback.  Feel free to educate me on the finer religious principles or just rip into me for being an insensitive ass...

To Be A Jew At Christmas – You’re In Good Company

This is the time of year when Jews around the world feel just a little slighted. Owning no ugly Christmas sweaters it’s easy to spot the Jew at the Christmas party, Channukah came and went before the ‘holiday’ sales even started, and everyone you talk to asks what your Christmas plans are or if you’ve finished your shopping. Let’s face it, being a Jew (or non-Christmas celebrating person) this time of year is pretty annoying.

The fact is that although this is a time of year when many Jews feel a little lonely, it’s important to note that you are in good company.

Mila Kunis and Laura Prepon (That 70’s Show) – Apparently there were a lot of hot Jews hanging out in Wisconsin in the 70’s.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) – Though their characters on tv always had crosses readily available, there are none to be found on these beauties.

Natalie Portman (Multiple Movies) – Her education, do-good personality, good looks, fluent Hebrew and of course her acting have made Natalie Portman the most sought after female Jewish celebrity.

Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody (The OC) – On television these 2 Jewish actors portrayed the best of the Jewish stereotypes – beautiful girl with a fickle personality and a father who’s a doctor; slightly neurotic geek with a creative streak and a father who’s a lawyer.

Scarlett Johannson (Multiple Movies) – Add Judaism to the long list of reasons Scarlett Johannson was named ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ by Esquire Magazine in 2006.

Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Bank and Isla Fisher (Multiple Movies) – Though all converted the tribe welcomed them with open arms.

Jon Stewart, Jeremy Piven, Paul Rudd, Alyson Hannigan, Jon Favreau, Seth Green, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Sarah Silverman, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Guttenberg, Ben Stiller, Chelsea Handler and Hank Azaria (Comedians and Comedic Actors) – All of these funny people honed their craft in Jewish households.

Bar Rafaeli and Brooke Burke (Modelling) – Can I get an Amen?

Ron Jeremy (Porn Star) – Yes, the Jews are represented in the adult entertainment industry also.

Zac Effron, Daniel Radcliffe, Zack Braff and Shia LeBeouf (Multiple Roles) – Women and 'Tweens alike can enjoy the Jewish Fellas.

Adam Lambert (American Idol) – He’s for the men that like other men. The Gift does not discriminate.

Other Notables (Jewish Actors)

Amanda Bynes (TV Actress)

Ben Stein (Actor/Genius)
Selma Blair (Multiple Movies) - Made out with Sarah Michelle Gellar in 'Cruel Intentions'.  Now, that's some Jew on Jew love.

Winona Ryder (Multiple Movies)

Rashida Jones(Multiple Movies)

Kate Hudson (Multiple Movies) – If you’re a Yankees fan, have you thanked a Jew today?

Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster)

Emannuelle Chriqui (Multiple Movies) – I fell in love with her in the movie ‘100 girls’. I was also a horny high schooler when it came out.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos) – Jews and I-talians aren’t too disimilar.

Fred and Ben Savage (The Wonder Years, Boy Meets World) – If you didn’t grow up watching one of these shows you didn’t grow up in the 80’s or 90’s.

Mark Feurestein (Actor)

Amanda Peet (Multiple Movies) – We’ve seen her ‘Whole 9 Yards’ and we liked it.

Alicia Silverstone (Multiple Movies) – Clueless and sexy.

Henry Winkler (The Fonz)

Gwenyth Paltrow (Multiple Movies)

Harrison Ford (Multiple Movies)

Rachel Weisz (Multiple Movies)

Noah Wyle (ER)

Leah Remini (Saved By the Bell)

Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal (Multiple Movies)

Dustin Hoffman (Multiple Movies)

Michael Douglas (Multiple Movies) – Gets a nod because he managed to marry Catherine Zeta- Jones

And this list is only the famous actors. The Jews are also well represented in music, intellectual pursuits and to some extent in sports as well.

To all my Christmas celebrating readers, I wish you the best and hope you enjoy your day. To all the Jews I wish you good Chinese Food and luck getting into whatever movie it is that you are going to see.

Kitty Update 2

I know many of you are anxious for an Emma update.

"She has had an additional surgery on her jaw, is out of her collar, purrs loudly, uses her litter box, grooms herself and loves human attention. She will still need some additional surgery but her progress has been amazing and moving. We are hoping she will begin eating on her own and be rid of her feeding tube, but I haven't heard an update on that."

To date there are 1100 + people who have become 'fans' of her cause on Facebook and together we have raised nearly $5000.

A Decade of Laughter

As 2009 is approaching its end there are going to be a lot of ‘best of 2009’ and ‘best of the decade’ lists. My recent post on the DVD’s releases of Inglourious Basterds and The Hangover gave me the incentive to create one of my own. So now I’ll give you my list of the best comedies of the 2000’s.

(Please note that obviously I haven’t seen every comedy out there. For this list I’m also tending towards the ‘laugh out loud’ comedies. Van Wilder, Shaun of the Dead, and Finding Nemo are all good movies, but they won’t make my list. Maybe I should rename my list ‘Biggest Laughs of the 2000’s’?)

Zoolander (2001)
A cult favorite, this movie gradually grew to mass appeal. I was gonna give you one great memorable quote, but there are too many. If you have somehow missed this movie, you’ve missed out on a lot of laughter.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
This is the dream for anyone that’s been dumped: to meet someone better and to have the ex- come crawling back only so you can tell him/her to ‘shove-it’.

Anchorman (2004)
Will Ferrell was to the 2000’s what Adam Sandler was to the 90’s, and Anchorman was Will Ferrell’s Billy Madison. I can no longer talk about San Diego without saying “the whale’s vagina”.

Super Troopers (2001)
If you only see the first 5 minutes of this movie you know why it belongs on this list.

Wedding Crashers (2005)
Hilarious plot, good cast, nudity, and a few one-liners. Oh, and Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams. Everything you need for a top notch comedy.

The Hangover (2009)
I talked about this the other day and I don’t want to belabor the point, but this movie is hilarious.

Zombieland (2009)
When history looks back on the later portion of this decade it will be remembered for wizards (Harry Potter), vampires (Twilight) and adult women reverting to tween status. Somewhere in there, hopefully this movie will serve to balance out the insanity. This is an instant classic.

40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Like the phone-call scene in ‘Swingers’ much of this movie was just hard to watch. You couldn’t help but feel bad for Andy Stitzer, but you couldn’t help but to laugh at his pain. This movie made Steve Carrell a household name.

Superbad (2007)
When a movie spawns the career of several previously unknown actors you know it was good. Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Stone, and Seth Rogen have all since gone on and starred in other comedies. “McLovin? What kind of a stupid name is that, Fogell? What, are you trying to be an Irish R&B singer?”

Old School (2003)
Who doesn't wish they could go back to college?


I know many of you will disagree with my list. Tell me why.

Available Now

I'm not a big owner of movies.  Since my VHS tapes went out of style I've always figured DVD's would too and any money I invested would be wasted long-term.  Blu-Ray hasn't yet taken over the market, but it seems inevitable (until the next big things comes around anyway).  If I was the kind of guy that collected movies, however, this would be a big week.  The release of 'Inglourious Basterds' and 'The Hangover' makes it almost possible for me to justify buying $30 DVDs... ALMOST.

Inglourious Basterds is a film that must be taken at face value.  Despite being based around the very real holocaust there is little semblance of historical accuracy.  This farce has a few plot holes, but is well written, well acted, and highly entertaining.  If you want a real WWII story I recommend the Band of Brothers mini-series.  If you're just looking for 2 hours of entertainment Inglourious Basterds is a great choice. 

In my mind, there are 2 types of comedies: those that are full of one-liners intended to make you laugh out, and those that have 'funny' story lines, but less actual laughs.  'Airplane' and 'Spaceballs' would qualify in the first category, while 'Wayne's World' and 'Swingers' fit more in the latter (personal opinions of course).  With that clarification made, if you're looking to laugh your way through a good ab workout, I recommend The Hangover.

Ice Breaker

As you attend all of the holiday parties this weekend and through new years you’ll hopefully have the chance to meet new people. For some, conversation doesn’t come so easily and it can be awkward trying to figure out how to initiate. There will be times when someone introduces you to their 3rd cousin and after exchanging pleasantries you’ll just kind of stare at each and hope for some divine intervention. I’m not God, but maybe I can help.

Below are some easy conversation starters.

- If you were on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you bring along?
- Law and Order SVU or Criminal Intent?
- Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera or Jessica Simpson? Then or now? - the discussion may be different, but this is not surprisingly a unisex question.
- PTI or Around the Horn? - This is probably more for the men.
- What’s your favorite celebrity gossip site? – This is probably more for the ladies.
- Which do you put on first? Your pants or socks?
- Wipe sitting or standing?

Ok, all of these suggestions are kind of a joke, but any if nothing else pops in your head, go for it.

Anyone have other suggestions for topics of conversation?

A Little Self-Promotion

The Gift and The Goods now has a facebook fanpage of its own...

The Gift and The Goods Fanpage

Become a fan. Contribute to the discussion. Give feedback. Give me inspiration for future posts - it's not as easy as you think to continue to come up with things to write everyday.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

The Climate Change Summit is going on in Copenhagen right now and you can hear all about the protests and controversies on television or read about them all over the internet.

This is my favorite ‘news’ source:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
World of Warmcraft
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

I, personally, am not into this whole ‘green’ thing. I believe in global warming and the efforts to counteract it, but I’m not going to sit here and lie about being carbon neutral or whatever. I drive an SUV and I love it. I eat meat and non-organic vegetables. I like to travel and I am absolutely leaving a carbon footprint.

With that said, I must also tell you that I love the other ‘green’ thing – money. The reason I mention this is that there are several things we can do to help our environment and save money. I’m sure this post isn’t going to tell anyone anything they don’t know, but maybe it will be that extra push in the right direction.

- Turn off lights and electronics when you aren’t using them. If you’re only in 1 room of your house or apartment at a time, why would you leave other lights on? That’s a waste of electricity AND money.
- Unplug electronic appliances when you aren’t using them. Even when ‘off’ electronic devices suck energy if plugged in. If you don’t use your toaster everyday, why leave it plugged in? What about your laptop when it’s hibernating?
- Recycle cans and bottles. In most places you’ve paid a deposit on those bottles and sure it’s chump change and maybe there’s a stigma about collecting your $0.05 but a) it’s money and b) it’s good for the environment. 2 birds, 1 stone.
- Turn off or at least turn down the AC when you’re sleeping. Wrap up tight in your blanket and you’ll sleep just as well. Maybe even better with that good feeling of having extra cash in your bank account.
- Turn off the heated drying cycle on your dishwasher. The dishes will air dry just fine.
- Insulate your homes, upgrade to double paned windows, upgrade to more efficient (energy star) appliances. Yes, this is upping the ante a little, but in most cases these are completely worth while investments. You’ll save not only on your utility bills (and eventually make up your costs), but you’ll improve the value of your home. This is, in most cases (do your research before acting), a long-term win.

Any of you have any other good ideas I can impliment in my own life?

Need For Speed

I’ve talking about cars and driving a lot on this blog already and I’m sure to do it a decent amount more, but today’s post focuses on speed limits.

There was a time when speed limits were about safety. Now it’s almost strictly a money making enterprise for state and local officials.

I was going to make this very scientific with facts and figures, but I don’t have that kind of time and likely you don’t want to read 6000 words. Instead I’m going to make some blanket statements (with a ‘fact’ or 2 thrown in) and hope to maybe initiate some thought, discussion and maybe even some individual actions (aka letters to your elected officials).

Like all statistics you can manipulate the ‘facts’ any number of ways. There are studies that say speeding causes more accidents and there are others that say there is no correlation between the two. Truth is, and there is no denying it, speed is a factor in motor vehicle accidents. The faster you drive the less reaction time you have; the faster you drive the less room for error there is. BUT, (and this is a big but) speed alone doesn’t cause accidents. Reckless driving is much more of a factor. It’s tailgaiting, cutting people off, slamming on the breaks, etc. that cause the accidents. It’s talking on a cell phone, texting, and playing with an iPod that causes accidents.

If speed itself were so inherently dangerous would we have NASCAR? I mean, congress is starting to get involved in the helmets football players wear, but they haven’t said a peep about NASCAR drivers. (Yes, I know there are accidents in racing and they have safety in place, but you’re smart people. You know what I’m getting at.)

The bottom line is that, like many of our laws, it’s about money – and it shouldn’t be.

Speed traps are not a myth. And they aren’t set up to protect and/or serve the general public. They are set up in places cops know people ‘speed’ so they can write a ticket and earn their salary (I support police and the work they do, but just as we don’t like getting tickets the majority generally do not like issuing them – it’s just a part of their job). If people are known to ‘speed’ on specific roads, but the incidence of accidents is non-existant wouldn’t it make more sense to review the speed limit?

There is no reason that a 3 lane highway should have a 55mph speed limit. There is no reason cops should pull people over for going 80mph on a highway if there isn’t another car on the road. I guarantee that 100 out of 100 times you drive on the highway (in normal traffic conditions) the flow of traffic is moving at at least 10 mph above the speed limit. Isn’t it more dangerous for the cars to slam on their breaks (which can cause tailgating accidents) when they see a waiting patrol car than to continue on at their cruising speed?

Maybe I’m just rambling at this point, but the moral of this post is that speed limits are by and large a joke and our government is abusing their power. Didn’t we fight a whole war against ‘taxation without representation’? Well, isn’t this exactly the same thing? Speeding tickets are more or less a tax, and I want to know who is representing the driving public? I’d like to see that person’s driving record. I bet there’s a speeding ticket on it.

Kitty Update

As promised here is an update of that beloved kitty - now named Emma.

While she still has a lot to go through, she looks better.  She still has a hard time moving, but she is very affectionate and has been as sociable as can be expected. 

Emma is still not eating and an esophageal tube will be placed later today so that she can get the nourishment she needs to recover.  She also does not yet use her litter box. 

More surgery is definitely in her future and donations are still very much welcomed.

A facebook fan page has been created to help her cause and to keep everyone connected.  Please join and spread the word.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Emma-her-long-journey-back/231516941351?ref=nf#/

99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall...

What should happen if one should fall?  What a waste of alcohol. 

It's hard to transition from the last post, but this isn't a blog about pets or charities.  I will continue to use this forum to try and do good now and then, but the goal is mostly to entertain and to provoke discussion, and to be an outlet for my random thoughts..  As mentioned, I will try to give updates on the cat (recently named Emma) as appropriate (expect one tomorrow), but for now, let's try this new post on for size...

What is it about beer (and alcohol in general) that allows us to consume massive amounts.  To have 6 beers during the course of a football game would be considered 'taking it easy'.  If you had the same amount of soda instead you'd be gas-y to say the least.  If you had the same amount of water you'd probably pee every 30 seconds.  If you had the same amount of milk you'd inevitably puke.  Why is alcohol so special?

Let's Make a Difference

This year money has been tight for almost everyone and it's become just a little harder to find the money for a good cause.  Though large organizations (like the American Cancer Society, etc.) do great things, it's often hard to see the results of your donations.  You give what you can, and you maybe get a thank you card and a request for a future donation, but you don't really see the worth of your donation.  That good feeling you have when you the mail the check quickly dissipates. 
It's much more powerful when you can see the result of your goodwill and when you can experience that feeling of benevolence regularly.  This year as the season of giving nears I offer you that chance.
Below is a cause that was brought to my attention today.  If we can save the life of this poor cat I will use this blog to post regular updates and pictures so we can not only feel good about giving today, but hopefully for years to come.


"A volunteer picked up the below cat yesterday from the Euthanasia list, initially, the ACC believed she had been hit by a car- she had severe head injuries, trauma to her jaw and her nasal passage was completely shattered.
A volunteer brought her to a personal vet who removed her eye which was hanging from the socket and cleaned the rest of her head wounds. She is being kept there for monitoring and made it through the first surgery but will need a lot more extensive reconstructive surgeries to live.

The vet said because there weren't any injuries to her body it was unlikely she was hit by a car. The surgeon actually confirmed that she was most likely severely abused using a baseball bat. They also believe she had recently given birth to a litter- how many they don't know and the babies haven't been found yet (they believe they are dead).

While the damage is extensive, the surgeon felt that she could have good quality of life after some more work. As of now, however, she is out of the woods (there was concern she might not survive surgery), and is resting after her long ordeal. We have some donations that have been given specifically for her medical expenses, but given that she will need two more surgeries, they will sadly not be nearly enough. We contacted the Picasso Foundation but they are unable to help at this time.

She has further surgeries that will total about $7000. We have raised about $2000 in the past two days but have a bit to go. I know things are tight with the holidays but if you could even spare $5 it would be a big help in saving this little ones life.  If she gets better there are already people discussing fostering/adopting her.

Below is where you can donate to Anjellicle Cats (Tax Deductable) and make a note that it's for: the unnamed severely injured kitty 12/8/09.  (she will be named when she gets a bit better)

Please click the below site and scroll down to their "Donate" button. It will bring you right to their paypal page:
http://anjelliclecats.homestead.com/index.html

Anything you can spare would help! Thanks so much! Happy Holidays!"
 

"Check Please!"

I recently learned of this on the Colbert Report and I gotta admit, this freaks me out just a little bit..
It definitely seemed worthy of passing along.

"What the ...."

RIAA - It's Not About The Music Anymore

There was a time not too long ago when musicians were in it for the love of the music or to pick up 'chicks' or to get famous.  Sure, there was always the hope for large monetary returns, but it was about a lifestyle.

I do not condone the illegal downloading of music.  I believe musicians should be able to make money for their talent.  I think the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is a joke, however.  This isn't about the musicians, this is about lawyers making a buck off of the little guy. 

Read This

If you didn't click the link (really people?), this is about a graduate student (who one can assume is what, like 28 years old maybe) getting fined $675,000 for illegally downloading and sharing 30 songs.  If each of these songs was on a different album and he had to purchase these albums, what are we looking at? 
30 albums x $15 an album = $450.  (And once he purchases the albums, he is free to burn as many CD's for anyone that he wants.) 
Can the RIAA tell me that this kid realistically cost them an additional $674,550 in 'damages'/lost sales?  This kid (and he is still a kid) will be in debt most of his life...  How much of this 'win' is going directly to lawyers?  How much to the record label?  how much to the actual artists? 
On top of the fine, he has now been told he must destroy copies of the music he illegally downloaded.  So after paying $675,000 they won't even let him continue to enjoy the music?? 

This isn't justice.  This is a sham.

For the Ladies: Say What You Mean

I feel like it's been a while since I catered to my female audience (and by associate to my male audience), so I thought it was time I dropped a little more knowledge...

Here’s a newsflash ladies… Men don’t understand you. Some are better than others and some fake it like pros, but for the majority of men women are a complete mystery. Don’t leave it up to a man to decode your words or actions.  He will inevitably get it wrong.
Men can’t distinguish between ‘I’m playing hard to get’ and ‘don’t ever talk to me again’, and a man can’t tell when you’re ignoring his messages because you’re playing aloof or you’re just not interested. A man doesn’t know if you’re really busy or if you didn’t answer his call because you’ve already deleted his number. A man can’t tell if it was just a drunk make-out, or if you’re interested in something more.

I know a lot of my women readers are going to retort with the following:
1) We don’t understand men either.
2) Some guys just like the chase, so I have to play hard to get.

Well ladies, yes, men can be complicated too. But as the traditional aggressors, it falls on men to do the hardwork - to put themselves out there and make the first gesture and the first move. Men almost have no choice but to make their intentions clear up front. You can reciprocate.
And women, yes, some men like the chase (just as women like to be pursued). It doesn’t mean you can’t make it a little easier – save some time.  The chase can be fun for a guy - make it interesting - but it can also just get tedious and mess with a guys psyche... Games are OVERRATED.  And, if you aren't interested, don't play games.. It's just not nice.  Trust me, men don’t mind getting rejected up front. It only really bothers a guy after he’s put in some type of effort.

Finally, saying what you mean doesn’t stop at the pre-relationship stage. Being in a long-term relationship with a woman doesn’t give a man the ability to read her mind…

If we all just said what was on our minds - in regards to the opposite sex - life would be a lot easier.

The Crimson Pride

Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant (most notably of the University of Alabama) was one of the greatest coaches in college football history and in all of sports, for that matter. His motivational speeches have become the stuff of legend.

When I was in Huntsville, Alabama a few years ago on a business trip I had some free time before my meeting and ended up wandering a local mall. During my stroll I came across a banner, which has been prominently displayed above my bed ever since. The simple crimson banner held a quote:

“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride… and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.”

This seemed an appropriate time to pass this one along, as Alabama prepares to play the University of Florida in the crucial SEC Championship game this weekend.

Theeeee Yankees Win! Theeeee Yankees Win!

There are a lot of sports focused sites and blogs on the web (including these two, less well-known, that I particularly enjoy: Voices In The Crowd and Everyman's Fantasy), and thus I've tried to keep my blog relatively sports free. Truth is though, this is MY blog and sports are a major part of who I am. So, from time-to-time sports will pop up on here. This is one of those times.

The baseball season ended almost a month ago and I tried to let it go, but today on Mike and Mike (a morning talk show on ESPN Radio and ESPN 2) team salaries were discussed. Bitter fans of other teams still want to shout to the world that the Yankees bought their championship.

I know I’ll never convince anyone that this isn’t true. Honestly, maybe to some extent it is. The best players demand the highest salaries and the Yankees have amassed a team full of winners. But we need to go beyond the $201 million dollar payroll (2009 salaries) and look a little deeper. I hoped the mass media would do their job, but they seem content to stay above the surface. I am not going to do all the research (not only because that’s boring, but because this is a blog, not an article for Sports Illustrated), but here are some things to consider - not all facts may be 100% correct since I'm not doing the research, like I already said.

Cost of living/taxes in NY/NYC vs the rest of the country.
-The Houston Astros had a payroll of $102,996,414 in 2009, the 8th highest. What is the cost of living in Houston versus living in NY? What are the income taxes? Money in NY does not go as far as it will in most of the nation. In every industry worker’s salaries are higher in NY than in most of the nation.

American League teams should have higher salaries because they have to pay a DH who plays everyday.
-In the National League there is no DH position. In the American League there are 10 everyday players (9 batters and a pitcher). In the National League the pitcher is a batter as well.

In trading Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees in 2004 the Texas Rangers agree to pay $43 million dollars of his salary.
-Alex Rodriguez, the highest paid baseball player in history ($10 million higher than Manny Ramirez at #2), had a salary of $33 million this year. This obviously skews the total salary of the Yankees. $7 million of that, however, was paid by the Texas Rangers.

Luxury Tax.
-The Yanks certainly spend a lot, but they also pay a lot in the luxury tax. There is evidence that owners of other teams, rather than investing this ‘free’ money on their teams, are pocketing it.

How many teams only sell out games when the Yanks or Sox come to town?
-Yanks make the MLB money. PERIOD.

Yanks won with players who may be paid a lot, but came up in the farm system.
-Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Alfredo Aceves, and David Robertson, are the highlights of a strong group of home grown talent. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera were in the top 25 of league salaries in 2009. But they were not ‘bought’, they were compensated for their worth.

Other teams spend a lot, but lose.
-Money isn’t everything. The Mets had the second highest payroll in baseball in 2009 and had a total of 70 wins. The Red Sox spent over $50 million just to talk to Dice-K. How’s that working out?

Ewing Theory
-If you don’t know the Ewing Theory go here.  This says everything I need to.

Anyway, this post (and this blog in general) won’t change people’s opinions. BUT, maybe it will make people think a little more, or dig deeper. Or maybe it will just be interesting to read. That’s OK too...

Polar Bear Plunge

Is there any doubt that the originator of the Polar Bear Plunge was one of the best salespeople of all time?

You know the expression "I could sell ice to Eskimos"?  Well, this guy was probably the closest to ever actually achieve that feat.

Bobby Bowden Gets Seminole Chopped

Well, it’s official. Bobby Bowden, age 80, has ‘retired’ from coaching at Florida State University. I put retired in quotes because clearly he had no real choice. From the mid-80’s to 2000 FSU was at the top of the football heap and it was in no small part due to Bobby Bowden. To those who follow professional sports and understand the beast that is wins + money versus loyalty (see Notre Dame over the last decade for further proof) this forced retirement comes as no surprise. It is still sad none-the-less.

“He died right after he retired, and seeing that made me feel more conscious of a man needing a motive to live. If I ever got out of coaching, I would have to get a job somewhere, or I'm afraid I'd wilt on the vine, too.” – Bobby Bowden on the passing of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant (most notably of the University of Alabama) in early 1983.

Hopefully this isn’t a self-fulfilling prophecy.


Some other notable quotes from Bobby Bowden over the years:

“After you retire, there’s only one big event left… And I ain’t ready for that.”
“Don’t go to the grave with life unused.”
“If somebody mistreats you, treat ‘em good. That kills ‘em.”
“The winning doesn’t feel as good as the losing does bad.”
“Son, you’ve got a good engine, but your hands aren't on the steering wheel.”