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Out of the Mouths of Babes
Author: BobR
Date: 01/31/2014 13:41:45
There are no guarantees in life. We know that luck and happenstance of birth can make life difficult for some people. We as a species - and particularly we as Americans - expect, however, that everyone deserves the basics: food and shelter. Charities and governmental programs have existed for decades (and in some cases centuries) to ensure that we as a people and a nation don't starve.
Programs such as WIC and Food Stamps and school lunch programs for the poor are literally the least we can do to keep citizens of the one of the richest nations on the planet from starving. Yet to hear the "pull yourselves up by your bootstraps" crowd tell it, these are "freeloaders" and "takers" that deserve scorn. Never mind that the majority of these are people working full time, like employees of Wal-Mart and McDonald's.
It's worse when you see how kids - who really have no responsibility for their financial status - are treated by some "adults". In Utah, 40 kids had their lunches taken away and thrown in the trash because they had no money in their accounts. This happened in front of their school peers. I can guarantee the school lunch manager who ordered this is not a liberal.
In Colorado, the school was stamping the hands of children who did not have money for lunch. A school principal who objected to the practice was fired over it, which shows just how widespread this was.
What adult thinks it's okay to take food away from children? What adult thinks it's okay to humiliate and traumatize kids because their parents are too poor to pay for lunch?? This is sick sick sick...
To hear some small-government anti-tax types tell it, it's because we can't afford it. The latest farm bill from the Republican-led House once again cuts food stamps, yet preserves subsidies for farmers. As our government cuts big holes in an already tattered safety net, corporate tax breaks and subsidies are still sky-high and getting higher. These are highly-profitable industries that are essentially getting government handouts, and the money is coming from us (the taxpayers) in both dollars and lost essentials (like food for hungry kids).
We as a nation need to take a long hard look at ourselves and ask where are priorities are. Just as tax cuts for the rich have transferred wealth from the middle class to the upper 1% over the last 12 years, so too are these government handouts to rich companies. This isn't about refrigerators or TVs or cellphones, this is about a basic human need: food.
The "job creators" aren't creating jobs with their obscene largesse. There's no rationale for continuing this march to serfdom. It's time for this country to once again find its conscience.
Programs such as WIC and Food Stamps and school lunch programs for the poor are literally the least we can do to keep citizens of the one of the richest nations on the planet from starving. Yet to hear the "pull yourselves up by your bootstraps" crowd tell it, these are "freeloaders" and "takers" that deserve scorn. Never mind that the majority of these are people working full time, like employees of Wal-Mart and McDonald's.
It's worse when you see how kids - who really have no responsibility for their financial status - are treated by some "adults". In Utah, 40 kids had their lunches taken away and thrown in the trash because they had no money in their accounts. This happened in front of their school peers. I can guarantee the school lunch manager who ordered this is not a liberal.
In Colorado, the school was stamping the hands of children who did not have money for lunch. A school principal who objected to the practice was fired over it, which shows just how widespread this was.
What adult thinks it's okay to take food away from children? What adult thinks it's okay to humiliate and traumatize kids because their parents are too poor to pay for lunch?? This is sick sick sick...
To hear some small-government anti-tax types tell it, it's because we can't afford it. The latest farm bill from the Republican-led House once again cuts food stamps, yet preserves subsidies for farmers. As our government cuts big holes in an already tattered safety net, corporate tax breaks and subsidies are still sky-high and getting higher. These are highly-profitable industries that are essentially getting government handouts, and the money is coming from us (the taxpayers) in both dollars and lost essentials (like food for hungry kids).
We as a nation need to take a long hard look at ourselves and ask where are priorities are. Just as tax cuts for the rich have transferred wealth from the middle class to the upper 1% over the last 12 years, so too are these government handouts to rich companies. This isn't about refrigerators or TVs or cellphones, this is about a basic human need: food.
The "job creators" aren't creating jobs with their obscene largesse. There's no rationale for continuing this march to serfdom. It's time for this country to once again find its conscience.
Comments:
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Comment by 
Raine on 01/31/2014 13:56:16
Good Morning.
I had a decent nights sleep, and I'm feeling a little better today.
Raine on 01/31/2014 13:56:16
Good Morning. I had a decent nights sleep, and I'm feeling a little better today.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 13:58:40
Raine on 01/31/2014 13:58:40
As to the blog, I really wish that we, collectively could find our moral compass.
I heard these stories yesterday and It made me just really sad that we -- the richest nation in the world -- can't feed the poorest among us.
Children don't deserve this.
I heard these stories yesterday and It made me just really sad that we -- the richest nation in the world -- can't feed the poorest among us.
Children don't deserve this.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 14:10:54
Hello everyone.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 14:10:54
Hello everyone.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/31/2014 14:31:02
wickedpam on 01/31/2014 14:31:02
Morning 
I read the Utah story yesterday but Colorado was new. Since when do we think its okay to take food away from children or purposely set out to humiliate them? These are reasons why I have to fight daily to find something good about humanity.
I read the Utah story yesterday but Colorado was new. Since when do we think its okay to take food away from children or purposely set out to humiliate them? These are reasons why I have to fight daily to find something good about humanity.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 14:37:28
Raine on 01/31/2014 14:37:28
Personally I think ALL school lunches should be free.
When I was in school we would get the weekly (maybe monthly) school lunch menu. WE would mark what days we were going to eat lunch or bring lunch so they could plan on how many meals to make.
Some years I was on the free school lunch program. Others times I wasn't -- and when I wasn't, the lunch lady cashier would write it down that I forgot my money.
It was i dunno -- NOT MEAN.
When I was in school we would get the weekly (maybe monthly) school lunch menu. WE would mark what days we were going to eat lunch or bring lunch so they could plan on how many meals to make.
Some years I was on the free school lunch program. Others times I wasn't -- and when I wasn't, the lunch lady cashier would write it down that I forgot my money.
It was i dunno -- NOT MEAN.
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/31/2014 14:46:29
TriSec on 01/31/2014 14:46:29
We have the free lunch / reduced lunch program in this Commonwealth. It is tied to SNAP. In general, if a family is receiving SNAP benefits, they automatically qualify for the free lunch program. The reduced lunch is based on income.
And then there's the "I forgot my money" lunch. For both regular lunch and reduced lunch, we have a built-in grace period. It's 5 lunches you get to 'float', but if things aren't paid up by then, the child goes to the second-tier lunch, which is basically a PBJ (or "sun butter" for the allergic ones), milk, and a piece of fruit.
The point being, of course, is that nobody goes hungry in school.
I suppose we could take the kids that forget their lunch money out back and have them whipped, and feed their lunches to the dogs, but then again this is Massachusetts.
And then there's the "I forgot my money" lunch. For both regular lunch and reduced lunch, we have a built-in grace period. It's 5 lunches you get to 'float', but if things aren't paid up by then, the child goes to the second-tier lunch, which is basically a PBJ (or "sun butter" for the allergic ones), milk, and a piece of fruit.
The point being, of course, is that nobody goes hungry in school.
I suppose we could take the kids that forget their lunch money out back and have them whipped, and feed their lunches to the dogs, but then again this is Massachusetts.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/31/2014 15:09:22
Scoopster on 01/31/2014 15:09:22
Mornin' all 
and happy Fridee!! 
I am quite looking forward to geeking it hard this weekend with the card game peeps. I'm also looking forward to receiving the $50 in mersh I won the last time - daddy needs new card sleeves!
and happy Fridee!! I am quite looking forward to geeking it hard this weekend with the card game peeps. I'm also looking forward to receiving the $50 in mersh I won the last time - daddy needs new card sleeves!
Comment by BobR on 01/31/2014 15:18:06
BobR on 01/31/2014 15:18:06
For your daily dose of squeee - baby wombats!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:21:10
I am going full need this weekend too! A friend of mine is doing his annual gaming/Superbowl extravaganza. Starts this evening with board games and video games, more of the same tomorrow and then, the Superbowl party.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:21:10
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
I am quite looking forward to geeking it hard this weekend with the card game peeps. I'm also looking forward to receiving the $50 in mersh I won the last time - daddy needs new card sleeves!
I am going full need this weekend too! A friend of mine is doing his annual gaming/Superbowl extravaganza. Starts this evening with board games and video games, more of the same tomorrow and then, the Superbowl party.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 15:21:57
SQUEE!
Raine on 01/31/2014 15:21:57
Quote by BobR:
For your daily dose of squeee - baby wombats!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:23:02
Yeah, I know. Remember that conservatives love the fetus, but hate the child.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:23:02
Quote by Raine:
Personally I think ALL school lunches should be free.
When I was in school we would get the weekly (maybe monthly) school lunch menu. WE would mark what days we were going to eat lunch or bring lunch so they could plan on how many meals to make.
Some years I was on the free school lunch program. Others times I wasn't -- and when I wasn't, the lunch lady cashier would write it down that I forgot my money.
It was i dunno -- NOT MEAN.
Yeah, I know. Remember that conservatives love the fetus, but hate the child.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 15:38:03
Raine on 01/31/2014 15:38:03
We're going to see this story get uglier than it already is.
Researchers say they have exhumed the remains of 55 people at Florida's Dozier School for Boys, a notorious reform school that closed in 2011. The total found by University of South Florida researchers represents 24 more bodies than official records say should be there.
"They also found remains under a road, under a tree and spread throughout surrounding forest," reports The Tampa Bay Times. "Only 13 were found in the area marked as a cemetery with pipe crosses, which is on a forgotten corner of campus."
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:39:26
Oh gosh, yes. This is a slow motion tragedy.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:39:26
Quote by Raine:
We're going to see this story get uglier than it already is.Researchers say they have exhumed the remains of 55 people at Florida's Dozier School for Boys, a notorious reform school that closed in 2011. The total found by University of South Florida researchers represents 24 more bodies than official records say should be there.
"They also found remains under a road, under a tree and spread throughout surrounding forest," reports The Tampa Bay Times. "Only 13 were found in the area marked as a cemetery with pipe crosses, which is on a forgotten corner of campus."
Oh gosh, yes. This is a slow motion tragedy.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:41:35
There is a giant yellow ball in the sky! HELP!
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:41:35
There is a giant yellow ball in the sky! HELP!
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 15:46:16
:: :: :: Throws blanket over Mondo ::
Raine on 01/31/2014 15:46:16
Quote by Mondobubba:
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:50:10
:quivers: I am a-skeert!
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:50:10
Quote by Raine::: :: :: Throws blanket over Mondo ::Quote by Mondobubba:
:quivers: I am a-skeert!
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 15:51:03
I've done a little research into this, and there are some concerns that the guy -- Dozier -- liked to lynch the black boys at the school.
This was from last year.
Raine on 01/31/2014 15:51:03
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
We're going to see this story get uglier than it already is.Researchers say they have exhumed the remains of 55 people at Florida's Dozier School for Boys, a notorious reform school that closed in 2011. The total found by University of South Florida researchers represents 24 more bodies than official records say should be there.
"They also found remains under a road, under a tree and spread throughout surrounding forest," reports The Tampa Bay Times. "Only 13 were found in the area marked as a cemetery with pipe crosses, which is on a forgotten corner of campus."
Oh gosh, yes. This is a slow motion tragedy.
This was from last year.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:58:59
I have been following this since it came up last year as well. This I didn't see. Dozier was a right bastard.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 15:58:59
Quote by Raine:I've done a little research into this, and there are some concerns that the guy -- Dozier -- liked to lynch the black boys at the school.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
We're going to see this story get uglier than it already is.Researchers say they have exhumed the remains of 55 people at Florida's Dozier School for Boys, a notorious reform school that closed in 2011. The total found by University of South Florida researchers represents 24 more bodies than official records say should be there.
"They also found remains under a road, under a tree and spread throughout surrounding forest," reports The Tampa Bay Times. "Only 13 were found in the area marked as a cemetery with pipe crosses, which is on a forgotten corner of campus."
Oh gosh, yes. This is a slow motion tragedy.
This was from last year.
I have been following this since it came up last year as well. This I didn't see. Dozier was a right bastard.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 16:14:53
I wish they had a better website, but check this freaky ish out.
Raine on 01/31/2014 16:14:53
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I've done a little research into this, and there are some concerns that the guy -- Dozier -- liked to lynch the black boys at the school.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
We're going to see this story get uglier than it already is.Researchers say they have exhumed the remains of 55 people at Florida's Dozier School for Boys, a notorious reform school that closed in 2011. The total found by University of South Florida researchers represents 24 more bodies than official records say should be there.
"They also found remains under a road, under a tree and spread throughout surrounding forest," reports The Tampa Bay Times. "Only 13 were found in the area marked as a cemetery with pipe crosses, which is on a forgotten corner of campus."
Oh gosh, yes. This is a slow motion tragedy.
This was from last year.
I have been following this since it came up last year as well. This I didn't see. Dozier was a right bastard.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 16:28:36
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 16:28:36
Comment by wickedpam on 01/31/2014 16:35:29
wickedpam on 01/31/2014 16:35:29
why is this caller using a kermit voice?
Comment by TriSec on 01/31/2014 16:47:43
TriSec on 01/31/2014 16:47:43
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/31/2014 16:55:17
livingonli on 01/31/2014 16:55:17
Good morning, folks. Feeling a little better but I need a good, long sleep so that my cold can go away and my side can finally heal.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 16:59:35
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 16:59:35
Time to stock up on the Thin Mints and piss off a conservative.
Comment by 
clintster on 01/31/2014 17:06:51
What's with that little black spot on it, though?
clintster on 01/31/2014 17:06:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
What's with that little black spot on it, though?
Comment by clintster on 01/31/2014 17:22:15
clintster on 01/31/2014 17:22:15
Ohhhh myyyyyyy.... this is pretty damn cool!
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 17:27:29
Raine on 01/31/2014 17:27:29
Quote by clintster:
Ohhhh myyyyyyy.... this is pretty damn cool!
Comment by TriSec on 01/31/2014 17:32:05
TriSec on 01/31/2014 17:32:05
Bonus Post:
I had written this on Monday, when I realized that I had to be at a training class by 8am tomorrow morning. But then Bob somehow got inside my head this morning. Skimming my veteran's websites today, I easily picked up a half-dozen stories, on top of the 5 or so I had on-deck, so we'll go in another direction tomorrow.
Nevertheless....here is my thought for today:
I had written this on Monday, when I realized that I had to be at a training class by 8am tomorrow morning. But then Bob somehow got inside my head this morning. Skimming my veteran's websites today, I easily picked up a half-dozen stories, on top of the 5 or so I had on-deck, so we'll go in another direction tomorrow.
Nevertheless....here is my thought for today:
Beer and Cigarettes
Allow me to go all right-wing on you today. It's the first of the month, which means SNAP and Welfare benefits have been distributed throughout this Commonwealth, and likely many other states as well.
Which means later today, I'm bound to get hung up in a long line of customers at a convenience store or gas station cashing in their benefits on lottery tickets and cigarettes.
That's the snide part of me talking, but there is a certain truth to it. I've been on SNAP benefits myself. I know the anticipation of receiving our benefits, which come out on the 1st and 15th of the month here. I also know how quickly those funds disappear, but that's a blog for another day. Being a modern state, those payments come out on EBT cards that work the same way as debit cards - you swipe and pay just like everyone else. This was part of the effort to remove the "stigma" of food stamps, but I digress.
In any case, there are certain restrictions to these things, and you can only use SNAP to buy certain items from certain stores. It is expressly forbidden, and illegal, to purchase things like non-food items, cigarettes, alcohol, or other such things.
But we've got a second EBT card in this state. Our Commonwealth also distributes "ordinary" welfare payments via this method, also on the first and fifteenth of the month. And here is the rub.
Unlike SNAP benefits, there's no restrictions on the welfare EBTs. Oh, you're *supposed* to buy necessities with them, but I've only recently found out that you can also do a "cash back" option at point-of-purchase, just like a debit card. So of course, the unscrupulous will buy a bag of potato chips, swipe the card, and get $100 back just like that, with no oversight or other restrictions. Then it's off to the gas station for cigarettes and lottery tickets, or down the street to the liquor store.
I have no idea how big or widespread this is. Perhaps it's a perception on my behalf. (Thanks to my next-door neighbor, I witnessed the cash back - liquor store connection with my own eyes last year.) But like many other things, it's really just the exposed tip of the iceberg.
Our Republican Friends would pounce on my neighbor and hold her up as a "Welfare Queen" if they ever found out. But in taking the humanist route and actually getting to know her, and her situation, I'm inclined to think a little differently. She's got a lot of issues, and the SNAP/Welfare/Section 8 lifestyle she's leading now is the means to an end. She doesn't work, but she does take care of her elderly and dying stepfather. Her young son is in public school and daycare. And every spare second she has is spent in a classroom - She's trying.
But again, our friends on the right don't care. She is a leech upon society, and as such she shouldn't get food, housing, medical, or any other support. It's a much bigger problem than you or I, but since she's among the powerless and the downtrodden, she's got no pull with any of the government agencies that might be able to help her.
I am fortunate to live in this Commonwealth. When I was laid off, I had all these resources available to me. This is what my state and local taxes pay for. It's always derided as "entitlements", but since I actually paid for those benefits, why yes...I am "entitled" to them should I need them. If I don't need them...well, those taxes are the price I pay for being a member of this community. "Every Man for Himself" may be a good idea when your ship dips under and there aren't enough lifeboats...but it's a horrid way to run a country.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 17:46:25
Raine on 01/31/2014 17:46:25
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 17:51:11
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 17:51:11
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 17:55:40
I was trying to let that slide.
BEing the newby I am, I think I like calling it the FEMS
... anywhoo -- the captain has been suspended of duty.
Raine on 01/31/2014 17:55:40
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
A counterpoint to yesterday's NYFD story.
Ahem, you mean the MFD.
BEing the newby I am, I think I like calling it the FEMS
... anywhoo -- the captain has been suspended of duty.
Comment by clintster on 01/31/2014 17:55:47
Heh. From the article:
Methinks Shooty McSmallpenis will end up having to cancel the fight for "medical reasons" at the last minute, that is if he even agrees to the challenge in the first place.
clintster on 01/31/2014 17:55:47
Quote by Raine:
In G-Zimmy news...
(Bet the phucker didn't see THAT one coming.)
Heh. From the article:
The Game is 240lbs and 6’5″ and heavily muscled. Zimmerman is 5’7″, and his weight has fluctuated from 185lbs. to 285lbs. by media accounts – most of it generally not muscle.
Methinks Shooty McSmallpenis will end up having to cancel the fight for "medical reasons" at the last minute, that is if he even agrees to the challenge in the first place.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 17:58:59
I'd pay money to see that!
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 17:58:59
Quote by Raine:
In G-Zimmy news...
(Bet the phucker didn't see THAT one coming.)
I'd pay money to see that!
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 17:59:08
I'm gonna have to agree there.
What the hell is going on in this guy's mind? Did he not for one damn minute think this wasn't gonna happen? Does he WANT to get the shit beat out of him by a black guy?
Raine on 01/31/2014 17:59:08
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
In G-Zimmy news...
(Bet the phucker didn't see THAT one coming.)
Heh. From the article:The Game is 240lbs and 6’5″ and heavily muscled. Zimmerman is 5’7″, and his weight has fluctuated from 185lbs. to 285lbs. by media accounts – most of it generally not muscle.
Methinks Shooty McSmallpenis will end up having to cancel the fight for "medical reasons" at the last minute, that is if he even agrees to the challenge in the first place.
What the hell is going on in this guy's mind? Did he not for one damn minute think this wasn't gonna happen? Does he WANT to get the shit beat out of him by a black guy?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/31/2014 18:00:35
wickedpam on 01/31/2014 18:00:35
Ed keeps pushing this college athletes do more for a college the other students thing. Its pissing me off - he's completely diminishing ever other students value cause the don't bring in corporate money and large donations to a college.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 18:01:14
Shooty McSmallpenis!
Well played Clintster!
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 18:01:14
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
In G-Zimmy news...
(Bet the phucker didn't see THAT one coming.)
Heh. From the article:The Game is 240lbs and 6’5″ and heavily muscled. Zimmerman is 5’7″, and his weight has fluctuated from 185lbs. to 285lbs. by media accounts – most of it generally not muscle.
Methinks Shooty McSmallpenis will end up having to cancel the fight for "medical reasons" at the last minute, that is if he even agrees to the challenge in the first place.
Shooty McSmallpenis!
Well played Clintster!
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 18:07:41
Raine on 01/31/2014 18:07:41
HOLY SHIT and WOW! I missed this yesterday.
“I’m flattered that I’m being discussed as a potential candidate,†she told the station. “A number of folks I respect very deeply have reached out today and encouraged me to run. I am strongly considering running.â€
Fluke’s LinkedIn account describes her as a “social justice advocate†in the “greater Los Angeles area†and she’s active on Twitter promoting causes related to women’s health, safety and equality. She also tweeted Thursday to congratulate Waxman on his retirement.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 18:11:04
Not listening but I gotta say I think Ed is really wrong on this.
Raine on 01/31/2014 18:11:04
Quote by wickedpam:
Ed keeps pushing this college athletes do more for a college the other students thing. Its pissing me off - he's completely diminishing ever other students value cause the don't bring in corporate money and large donations to a college.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 18:13:37
Yes! Rush's head will esplode in 3...2...1...
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 18:13:37
Quote by Raine:
HOLY SHIT and WOW! I missed this yesterday.“I’m flattered that I’m being discussed as a potential candidate,†she told the station. “A number of folks I respect very deeply have reached out today and encouraged me to run. I am strongly considering running.â€
Fluke’s LinkedIn account describes her as a “social justice advocate†in the “greater Los Angeles area†and she’s active on Twitter promoting causes related to women’s health, safety and equality. She also tweeted Thursday to congratulate Waxman on his retirement.
Yes! Rush's head will esplode in 3...2...1...
Comment by TriSec on 01/31/2014 18:17:07
TriSec on 01/31/2014 18:17:07
Dear Iowa,
If we made a freakin' computer out of CORN, could you figure out how to use it THEN??????
(No offence to anyone with an Iowa background intended. Oh hell, yes it was.)
If we made a freakin' computer out of CORN, could you figure out how to use it THEN??????
(No offence to anyone with an Iowa background intended. Oh hell, yes it was.)
Comment by TriSec on 01/31/2014 18:23:18
Meh, Washington, New York...all I know is this wouldn't happen in MY city.
(Seriously, TriSec regrets the error. I was too lazy to look up yesterday's story.)
TriSec on 01/31/2014 18:23:18
Quote by Mondobubba:
Ahem, you mean the MFD.
Meh, Washington, New York...all I know is this wouldn't happen in MY city.
(Seriously, TriSec regrets the error. I was too lazy to look up yesterday's story.)
Comment by livingonli on 01/31/2014 18:39:02
There is a point in how college sports has become a lucrative business. Hofstra decided to discontinue its football program after the 2009 season despite the fact a number of Hofstra Alumni have made the NFL. But with Hofstra's football team being in a lower-ranked division and the expense of recruiting players since the only way a school's football program is considered viable is if they can get into a bowl game. The lucrative TV contracts that conferences get for their games on TV which have now expanded into dedicated channels to certain schools and conferences (Big 10, Pac-12, The Texas Longhorns, and starting this fall, the SEC) which now means the schools are focuses on drawing athletes who are supposed to have huge potentials to make the pros so that the schools teams have a chance of making either a bowl game for Football or the NCAA Tournament for basketball for those schools to be exposed. And I can tell you this is all very expensive and has made college sports less a training ground and more a multimillion dollar business.
livingonli on 01/31/2014 18:39:02
Quote by Raine:Not listening but I gotta say I think Ed is really wrong on this.Quote by wickedpam:
Ed keeps pushing this college athletes do more for a college the other students thing. Its pissing me off - he's completely diminishing ever other students value cause the don't bring in corporate money and large donations to a college.
There is a point in how college sports has become a lucrative business. Hofstra decided to discontinue its football program after the 2009 season despite the fact a number of Hofstra Alumni have made the NFL. But with Hofstra's football team being in a lower-ranked division and the expense of recruiting players since the only way a school's football program is considered viable is if they can get into a bowl game. The lucrative TV contracts that conferences get for their games on TV which have now expanded into dedicated channels to certain schools and conferences (Big 10, Pac-12, The Texas Longhorns, and starting this fall, the SEC) which now means the schools are focuses on drawing athletes who are supposed to have huge potentials to make the pros so that the schools teams have a chance of making either a bowl game for Football or the NCAA Tournament for basketball for those schools to be exposed. And I can tell you this is all very expensive and has made college sports less a training ground and more a multimillion dollar business.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 19:12:03
Welcome to my world!
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 19:12:03
Quote by TriSec:
Dear Iowa,
If we made a freakin' computer out of CORN, could you figure out how to use it THEN??????
(No offence to anyone with an Iowa background intended. Oh hell, yes it was.)
Welcome to my world!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 19:14:21
By your city do you mean Waltham or Boston? Hmm?
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 19:14:21
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Ahem, you mean the MFD.
Meh, Washington, New York...all I know is this wouldn't happen in MY city.
(Seriously, TriSec regrets the error. I was too lazy to look up yesterday's story.)
By your city do you mean Waltham or Boston? Hmm?
Comment by BobR on 01/31/2014 19:27:39
Heard on the news that she has filed papers to "retire". Probably wants to make sure she gets her pension.
BobR on 01/31/2014 19:27:39
Quote by Raine:I was trying to let that slide.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
A counterpoint to yesterday's NYFD story.
Ahem, you mean the MFD.
BEing the newby I am, I think I like calling it the FEMS
... anywhoo -- the captain has been suspended of duty.
Heard on the news that she has filed papers to "retire". Probably wants to make sure she gets her pension.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 19:29:03
I'm sure she was given the option to retire with her pension or be fired without it.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 19:29:03
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:I was trying to let that slide.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
A counterpoint to yesterday's NYFD story.
Ahem, you mean the MFD.
BEing the newby I am, I think I like calling it the FEMS
... anywhoo -- the captain has been suspended of duty.
Heard on the news that she has filed papers to "retire". Probably wants to make sure she gets her pension.
I'm sure she was given the option to retire with her pension or be fired without it.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 19:39:15
Raine on 01/31/2014 19:39:15
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Ahem, you mean the MFD.
Meh, Washington, New York...all I know is this wouldn't happen in MY city.
(Seriously, TriSec regrets the error. I was too lazy to look up yesterday's story.)
By your city do you mean Waltham or Boston? Hmm?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 20:32:01
Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 20:32:01
Hi, everyone!
First, BobR, thank you for a great blog. Instead of a war on poverty, the GOP and their allies seem to be running a war on the poor. If you are a poor person in America, you truly do not matter to the GOP.
TriSec, I also liked your long post. I view what the GOP calls entitlements as part of a social safety net, a floor through which no one should fall.
First, BobR, thank you for a great blog. Instead of a war on poverty, the GOP and their allies seem to be running a war on the poor. If you are a poor person in America, you truly do not matter to the GOP.
TriSec, I also liked your long post. I view what the GOP calls entitlements as part of a social safety net, a floor through which no one should fall.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 20:35:04
Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 20:35:04
In some bad news, my car is likely caput. I was about to get on Interstate 80 when it groaned. I got away from the highway entrance and got stuck on a bridge over the highway. I got help to push the car to a parking lot and waited for a tow. It looks like the transmission is likely shot. So, I have been calling local junkyards.
'
In some good news, a friend who is going to Michigan loaned me his car so I could go to Temple and do somethings tomorrow. So, c'est la vie.
'
In some good news, a friend who is going to Michigan loaned me his car so I could go to Temple and do somethings tomorrow. So, c'est la vie.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 20:51:10
Raine on 01/31/2014 20:51:10
Comment by wickedpam on 01/31/2014 20:52:50
Well, that sucks. Glad you found help.
wickedpam on 01/31/2014 20:52:50
Quote by Will in Chicago:
In some bad news, my car is likely caput. I was about to get on Interstate 80 when it groaned. I got away from the highway entrance and got stuck on a bridge over the highway. I got help to push the car to a parking lot and waited for a tow. It looks like the transmission is likely shot. So, I have been calling local junkyards.
'
In some good news, a friend who is going to Michigan loaned me his car so I could go to Temple and do somethings tomorrow. So, c'est la vie.
Well, that sucks. Glad you found help.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 21:05:11
Thanks. I am glad that I was close to home, not on the highway, and no one was hurt.
Speaking of hurt, I think that Chris Cristie's presidential ambitions have been dealt a serious blow. The New York Times reports Christie Knew About Lane Closings, Ex-Port Authority Official Says.
Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 21:05:11
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:
In some bad news, my car is likely caput. I was about to get on Interstate 80 when it groaned. I got away from the highway entrance and got stuck on a bridge over the highway. I got help to push the car to a parking lot and waited for a tow. It looks like the transmission is likely shot. So, I have been calling local junkyards.
'
In some good news, a friend who is going to Michigan loaned me his car so I could go to Temple and do somethings tomorrow. So, c'est la vie.
Well, that sucks. Glad you found help.
Thanks. I am glad that I was close to home, not on the highway, and no one was hurt.
Speaking of hurt, I think that Chris Cristie's presidential ambitions have been dealt a serious blow. The New York Times reports Christie Knew About Lane Closings, Ex-Port Authority Official Says.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 21:12:53
Singing... I knew that was gonna happen.
Raine on 01/31/2014 21:12:53
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Speaking of hurt, I think that Chris Cristie's presidential ambitions have been dealt a serious blow. The New York Times reports Christie Knew About Lane Closings, Ex-Port Authority Official Says.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 21:38:37
Okay, his not a total dick.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 21:38:37
Quote by Raine:
Ok, since he wont go away... ever.
The Tebow Superbowl commercial
Okay, his not a total dick.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 21:59:47
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 21:59:47
I am dying here. I am working with a guy who, on his website says was born and raised to be a member of the Illuminati. I think he has a whole collection of very stylish tin foil head gear.
I think he has a whole collection of very stylish tin foil head gear.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 22:34:49
I expected it. Expect more rats to desert the ship of the S.S. Christie.
Will in Chicago on 01/31/2014 22:34:49
Quote by Raine:Singing... I knew that was gonna happen.Quote by Will in Chicago:
Speaking of hurt, I think that Chris Cristie's presidential ambitions have been dealt a serious blow. The New York Times reports Christie Knew About Lane Closings, Ex-Port Authority Official Says.
I expected it. Expect more rats to desert the ship of the S.S. Christie.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 22:35:18
Raine, that was in 2005, about a month and half before Mrs. Mondo's stroke. It was the year the Super Bowl was here.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 22:35:18
Quote by Raine:
10 years ago tomorrow.
Raine, that was in 2005, about a month and half before Mrs. Mondo's stroke. It was the year the Super Bowl was here.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2014 22:43:47
Are you sure?
Raine on 01/31/2014 22:43:47
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
10 years ago tomorrow.
Raine, that was in 2005, about a month and half before Mrs. Mondo's stroke. It was the year the Super Bowl was here.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 23:03:19
My bad! D'oh. You are right. I get them confused all the time. The following with the McCartney halftime show was the game that was in J-Ville.
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 23:03:19
Quote by Raine:Are you sure?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
10 years ago tomorrow.
Raine, that was in 2005, about a month and half before Mrs. Mondo's stroke. It was the year the Super Bowl was here.
My bad! D'oh. You are right. I get them confused all the time. The following with the McCartney halftime show was the game that was in J-Ville.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 23:06:23
Mondobubba on 01/31/2014 23:06:23
Raine I've also been distracted by Illuminati-Man's website. It is just everything I can not abide. Occult conspiracy, satanic ritual abuse, what really goes on at the Bohemian Grove and my favorite, False Flag Over Boston! 
Comment by livingonli on 01/31/2014 23:25:05
That was when everything had to start being bland and watered down so the blue-haired old ladies didn't collapse on the fainting couches. Which also led to Howard Stern's decision to leave terrestrial radio for satellite radio especially since his good buddy at CBS Radio was now running the show at Sirius Satellite Radio encouraging him to come over.
livingonli on 01/31/2014 23:25:05
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Are you sure?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
10 years ago tomorrow.
Raine, that was in 2005, about a month and half before Mrs. Mondo's stroke. It was the year the Super Bowl was here.
My bad! D'oh. You are right. I get them confused all the time. The following with the McCartney halftime show was the game that was in J-Ville.
That was when everything had to start being bland and watered down so the blue-haired old ladies didn't collapse on the fainting couches. Which also led to Howard Stern's decision to leave terrestrial radio for satellite radio especially since his good buddy at CBS Radio was now running the show at Sirius Satellite Radio encouraging him to come over.
Comment by Raine on 02/01/2014 00:59:42
You gotta give me a link, man....
Raine on 02/01/2014 00:59:42
Quote by Mondobubba:
Raine I've also been distracted by Illuminati-Man's website. It is just everything I can not abide. Occult conspiracy, satanic ritual abuse, what really goes on at the Bohemian Grove and my favorite, False Flag Over Boston!
Comment by Raine on 02/01/2014 01:02:06
Speaking of Stern....
Guess who was at his Birthday party tonite at the Hammerstein Ballroom?
Raine on 02/01/2014 01:02:06
Quote by livingonli:
That was when everything had to start being bland and watered down so the blue-haired old ladies didn't collapse on the fainting couches. Which also led to Howard Stern's decision to leave terrestrial radio for satellite radio especially since his good buddy at CBS Radio was now running the show at Sirius Satellite Radio encouraging him to come over.
Guess who was at his Birthday party tonite at the Hammerstein Ballroom?