September 29, 2008

Linehan is Out

St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan got axed this morning after the Rams suffered another one sided defeat yesterday at the hands of the Buffalo Bills.

It was expected, as I wrote yesterday. But, the larger problem is the team's lack of talent. That ultimately falls on the head of Jay Zygmunt, the team's general manager. Zygmunt fought former coach Mike Martz for several years before solidifying his power base as GM and taking ultimate responsibility for the team's annual draft.

Zygmunt's drafts have been poor. If the owners of the team, the Rosenbloom children, really want to improve the product they will get rid of Zygmunt and bring in a new general manager. The owners also need to review the performance of team president John Shaw as well.

September 28, 2008

Coach Linehan is on the hot seat

The Rams will play the Buffalo Bills later this afternoon. If the team loses it's fourth straight game, coach Scott Linehan could very well lose his job before the team has the week off for a bye next Sunday.

The Rams have been horrible at best this season. And now reports are coming out of the locker room of dissension among the players and a lack of faith in management decisions.

Add to this, the fight that took place for control of the franchise in the past and you can see why the organization is in chaos. If Linehan gets canned it's not his fault. But, like the old saying goes, you can't fire the whole team.

Sign Poll

I have noticed more campaign signs going up in advance of the Presidential Election in five weeks. When I walked my route through my middle class predominantly Republic subdivision on Friday I discovered eight Obama signs to only two for McCain. Four years ago, the number of signs for Bush and Kerry were evenly divided. Check back for updates on my "yard sign poll".

September 23, 2008

Leaning Towards Obama

As of this evening I am leaning heavily towards voting for Barack Obama for president.

The crisis being experienced by the financial markets and cost of a gallon of gasoline makes me believe it's time for change. My 401k has gotten killed in the last three quarters and the latest crisis makes it even less bearable. The thought of a continuation of Republican policies has me thinking enough is enough. In addition, the Democrats are running an effective campaign ad asking how John McCain can be a reformer when his top advisers are lobbyists for the industries in need of reform.

If the election were held today, (and I wish it were today and not in six weeks) I would vote for Obama.

Who Are These People

While watching the Nightly News this evening both John McCain and Barack Obama made reference to "The American People".

I know by definition who the American People are, but do the politicians. This term has been used for years. But, it makes me wonder how politicians at the national level really perceive this group called "The American People".

Do these high level politicos really know about the problems of the rest of us and what we have to deal with every day? Or are we just the taxpayers who have to be tolerated every four years when all the pol wants is a vote?

My guess is when someone at the national level uses the term "The American People" it is a reference to an undefined faceless inanimate object. Perhaps the candidates should really be thinking about "The American People" as 300 million living breathing human being with real and diverse problems, wants and needs.

September 14, 2008

Tigers Win....Rams Lose

So what else is new?

Mizzou beats Nevada 69-17 (tieing the university record for most points scored) and...

The Rams get stomped by the Giants 41-13. This team is not very good and may be worse than last years 3-13 squad. If that offensive line doesn't do it's job Mark Bulger is going to get seriously injured. I certainly hope not, but that line is bad.

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to my oldest nephew R and his new wife S. They exchanged vows yesterday afternoon after dating for several years. They will do very well together.

The reception was a great time. Good music, good food, and good drink. But, most importantly good time spent with family.

Oh yeah, did I mention the music...it was great. Even, I (who really don't dance) ended up out on the dance floor. It was an afternoon I won't soon forget.

September 10, 2008

I Hope this Attorney is Successful

As you can tell by reading this blog I am a beer drinker. It appears as if Joe Alioto is striking a blow for "Joe Six Pack. Alioto has filed suit to block the Anheuser Busch - InBev merger.

KWMU reported on it this morning.

September 08, 2008

...The Rams Were Awful

As good as Missouri was this weekend the St. Louis Rams were just as bad.

I watched the first half of the game and the Rams were so bad I turned it off at halftime. The Eagles led the Rams 21-0 and it could have been much worse. I ended up taking a nap. It turned out to be a better use of time. The final score was Philadelphia 38 - St. Louis 3.

The Rams gave up 361 yards in passing to Donovan McNabb who had to feel as if he was back at Syracuse University. The St. Louis defensive line was that bad and got no pressure on McNabb all day. And, the Rams offensive line was just as awful. Unless something changes the Rams are going to be in for another long season.

Mizzou Rah...

My beloved Missouri Tigers are now 2-0 after beating up on Southeast Missouri State on Saturday night in Columbia by a final count of 52-3.

Now, in itself that isn't much cause for celebration. But the Tigers played well. And that combined with the season opening win over Illinois gives me hope as the team starts to build momentum towards what I hope is a national championship season. The first real test won't come until the first weekend in Lincoln, Nebraska. Missouri hasn't won there in 30 years. But, I am putting the cart before the horse.

This week the opponent will be Nevada. A division one team that has had success in the past and is well coached. This will be a better test and I look forward to the game.

September 06, 2008

Back to the Undecided Column

A week ago, after the Democratic National Convention I had made up my mind I would vote for Barack Obama for president. But, after the Republican National Convention this week I am not so sure. In fact, I am undecided.

I am impressed with Sarah Palin and her ability to cut through the BS. Ten days ago I was not too familiar with her. But, after taking on the oil industry and good old boys in Alaska her ability to reform has impressed me.

I also thought John McCain did a great job with his acceptance speech on Thursday night. I have always liked him because he is a true war hero and seems to put the nation first. But, if he in fact voted with George Bush II 90% of the time I have some reservations. I am researching his voting record. Why? Because I don't know that I believe the people putting out that statistic.

And I also think a lot of Joe Biden as a fighter. I never really thought of him as presidential material previously, but he can certainly express himself.

In the past I thought the choices for president were poor. (See George Bush, Jr and Al Gore). But this year, we have quality candidates running on both sides. I will post more as I weight the facts and make up my mind.

Where Did the Week Go?

Last Thursday night I told you I would have more time to post. Well, it turns out I was just as busy on vacation as I was working. In fact probably busier.

I have been all over the metropolitan area. I was able to play golf three times. I have gotten together with friends and family on several occasions. And I have had a chance to sample some of the areas better restaurants including a new microbrewery.

That new micro-brewery is Buffalo Brewing near the campus of a major area university. The value offered by this establishment is excellent. I know of no other place in the area where I can get a half chicken and two sides for $6.95. And the best thing about Buffalo Brewing is the beers I have sampled are very good!

The Rye IPA and the Belgium Dubbel were each good on both occasions I sampled them. It appears as if some of the existing micro-breweries in the region may need to re-think their prices. Long live Buffalo Brewing!