NEW RULE

Equations must include reality.

Clashes with cab drivers… Inappropriate relationships… Nightclub incidents… Athletes must realize their prominence. They are not anyone. For their commissioners and owners, their actions will reverberate.

Worth A Read

What’s Alan Watching

Television critic reviews all.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Plaxico Burress?

Following his incarceration, Burress’ career should resume. Americans for Gun Safety, Ceasefire Incorporated, and the HELP Network have offered him employment.

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) Brett Favre, (2) Yankees at Red Sox, (3) Sharpie 500, (4) Giants at Rockies, (5) Rangers at Rays

From Marquee to Mere Criminal

In Super Bowl XLII, Plaxico Burress snared the penultimate pass. On September 4, he signed a 5-year, $35 million contract. On September 25, he was suspended for two weeks. On December 1, he was charged with criminal weapons possession. This commencement may be repetitive. Unfortunately, the conclusion is also.

On Thursday, Burress conceded. On December 22, he will plead guilty. “This is a sad day, because I think a very good man who is a brilliant athlete is going to unfortunately spend twenty months in prison when he had no intent to violate the law,” said Burress’ Attorney Benjamin Brafman. “I give Plaxico a great deal of credit for accepting responsibility, for recognizing that he had to accept responsibility is a hard decision in a case like this, because as all of you know, the facts in this case have never been in dispute from day one.”

“This is a perfect example in many ways of how bad judgment sometimes has very terrible consequences,” Brafman continued. “Far more than in my view may be justified under the circumstances. Plaxico decided that he wanted to do this, put this behind him as quickly as possible, in the hopes that when he is released, he will be able to resume his stellar professional football career.”

On November 27, Burress entered a nightclub. His concealed weapon was unregistered. Burress’ gun slipped. A bullet pierced his thigh. On December 2, he was suspended again. On April 3, the Giants released him. “He is a friend of mine, a great teammate. We won a championship with him. I am saddened by the news -- two years,” said Eli Manning. “Again, I just wish the best for him and his family and try to support him any way we can.”

Allegedly, Burress will receive 24 months incarceration. Until sentence is pronounced, I will avoid hypotheticals. ESPN can speculate. I will simply state the obvious. According to United States statistics, one per one-hundred thirty-six residents is incarcerated. 10.4% of African-Americans are imprisoned.

Steele Taunts President’s Promise

President Obama: “I guarantee you ... we are going to get health care reform done. And I know that there are a lot of people out there who have been hand-wringing, and folks in the press are following every little twist and turn of the legislative process. You know, passing a big bill like this is always messy.”

RNC Chairman Michael Steele: “Get it to the floor. Up or down, baby. Put it on the table. And if you don't think you've got enough votes to get to 60, you've got the nuclear option. You've got 51. You want it done? Pass the bill. But they know it's poisonous and they know the American people will not tolerate it. They're scrambling now and they're beginning to turn on each other because they've got a big problem, a political one, and they can't solve it.”

Justice Ignored

On January 31, 2001, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi was convicted of murder and murder conspiracy. On Thursday, Scottish Government Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill released him. Baset al-Megrahi’s cancer is irrelevant. He should have remained incarcerated.

Quad Strike

In the men’s two hundred meter world championship, Usain Bolt set another world record. Sprinter’s impermanence is unfortunate. Bolt should be a generational phenomenon.

NEW RULE

Attention must be warranted.

Canoodling, child litters, minor injuries, reality stars, simple vandalism, and superstar squabbling are not news. Cable, magazine, and newspaper reporters must realize this.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be our victories?

From 2007-2008, Memphis will forfeit thirty-eight victories. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s reaction? Can President Obama forfeit his past?

Today’s top five or greatest sprinters (1) Usain Bolt, (2) Jesse Owens, (3) Carl Lewis, (4) Michael Johnson, (5) Valeri Borzov

President Obama & NASCAR: Race, Pluralism, Multicultural

On Wednesday, President Obama hosted NASCAR. President Obama has not epitomized bipartisanship and compromise. He has not projected pragmatism and trust. With that stated, I applaud him. This inspirational statement integrated antithetical cultures.

NASCAR is misread. Drivers are typecast. Fans are stereotyped. The sport is illiterate, redneck, and southern. President Obama is African-American, educated, and liberal. If he can appreciate resemblance, Americans must also.

Fox News: The Factional Politics of Healthcare

For President Obama, striking a deal that satisfies all the parties involved in the health care debate may turn out to be harder than overhauling the health care system itself. The president finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, going round and round in a dizzying cycle of give and take that doesn't seem to be advancing his top domestic priority. As soon as he makes a concession to one group, he loses support from another.

And throughout the process, the stakes remain high: About 50 million Americans currently have no health insurance. The government provides coverage for the poor, the elderly, military veterans and many children, but most Americans rely on private insurance, usually obtained through their employers. But not all employers provide benefits, and not everyone can afford to buy them. And with unemployment high, many Americans are losing their benefits when they lose their jobs.

Three House committees and one Senate committee have voted out health care reform bills. A group of lawmakers on a fifth panel, the Senate Finance Committee, continue to negotiate on a version of the legislation. Here are all the different groups that have a stake in the debate, what they're after and what they're willing to give.

Liberals: They insist that a government-run health insurance plan, or "public option," that will compete with private insurers is essential to health care reform. The Obama administration initially championed this plan, but it is now backing away to win support from conservative Democrats and Republicans, who fiercely oppose it. Administration officials say they can live with nonprofit cooperatives as a substitute for a government-run option. But liberals, including several House Democrats, are refusing to accept a co-op alternative because they say it will not have the bargaining power to negotiate prices and keep private insurers honest.

This week, more than 50 House Democrats issued a letter saying, "Any bill that does not provide, at a minimum, for a public option with reimbursement rates based on Medicare rates -- not negotiated rates- - is unacceptable."

Blue Dogs: These fiscally conservative Democrats are concerned about the costs of overhauling the health care system and the potential harm it could have on small businesses. They don't want sweeping changes to health care to add to the federal deficit over 10 years. Many of them also are not crazy about a "public option," but some are willing to include it as long as it is not mandated.

A group of key Blue Dogs on the House Energy and Commerce Committee negotiated a deal to exempt businesses with payrolls of $500,000 or below from a requirement to provide insurance to employees or pay a penalty. And they required payment rates to doctors and other medical providers to be negotiated with the secretary of Health and Human Services, instead of tied to Medicare rates.

Gang of Six: This group of bipartisan lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee is trying to forge a consensus deal that will appease both political parties and pass a divided Senate. The six, led by the committee's Democratic chairman, Max Baucus, include Democratic Sens. Kent Conrad and Jeff Bingaman and Republican Sens. Charles Grassley, Olympia Snowe and Mike Enzi. Majority Leader Harry Reid has given Baucus a Sept. 15 deadline for an agreement.

The group is looking at creating nonprofit cooperatives that would lack Medicare's power to dictate payment levels and tell providers to take it or leave it. Instead, the co-ops would have to negotiate payment rates with hospitals, doctors and drug makers -- just like private insurance plans do.

Conservatives: All of them are opposed to a "public option," saying it will lead to a government takeover of health care because private insurers will be unable to compete. The reason they don't want a government-run health care system is because they believe it will lead to rationing of care.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fanned the flames by popularizing the term "death panels" to suggest that Obama's plan will allow government bureaucrats to make end-of-life decisions. In fact, the House health care bill requires only that Medicare pay for voluntary end-of-life counseling sessions. But Sen. Chuck Grassley said the provision was stripped from the Senate Finance Committee's version because it was open to misinterpretation.

Some conservatives also say they won't support cooperatives. The Senate's second-ranking Republican, Jon Kyl of Arizona, dismissed co-ops as a "Trojan horse" leading to government control of health care. Some Democrats believe conservatives have made a strategic decision to oppose any type of health care reform plan for political gain. If Obama is unable to pass health care reform, the argument goes, then Republicans can use that failure to win seats in next year's midterm elections.

Health care industry leaders: They want health care reform, because if the government requires everyone to get coverage, it could provide them a jackpot -- a steady stream of customers subsidized by taxpayers.

Pharmaceutical industry leaders, in particular, have agreed to reduce costs for the health care system by $80 billion over 10 years. In return, they want the government to stop negotiating lower prices for prescription drugs used in Medicare and other programs.

Obstinate Smoltz Signs With Cardinals

John Smoltz has aged. His fastball cannot assault. His slider cannot explode. His splitter cannot immobilize. Smoltz’s prominence is past. With that stated, veterans request retirement. Retirement is not mandated.

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox released Smoltz. On Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals signed him. “We feel that this is an opportunity to strengthen our pitching staff,” said Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak. “When you have an opportunity to bring the expertise and experience of a future Hall of Famer to your club, it's easy to see why we are excited about the prospects of what John Smoltz can do to improve our team's chances as we approach the stretch drive.”

During his career, Smoltz has accrued a 213-152 record. He has amassed 154 saves. He has posted a 3.31 earned run average. In 2009, he has racked 2-5 record. He has registered a 8.32 earned run average.

Smoltz is an excellent professional. He is an exemplary individual. He should request retirement. Unfortunately, veterans seldom embrace their career’s conclusion.

Vikings Icon Incinerates Favre

Fran Tarkenton: “I really have no interest in what Brett Favre does. He kind of lost me a few years ago by retiring and unretiring and here and there. I asked a few friends here, maybe 10 or 12 people we were out with last night. I said, 'What do you think about Brett Favre going back to the Vikings?' You know who cared? Nobody. It's good news for you guys. It's good news for television and so forth but the last time I heard ... football was a team sport, isn't it? It's not just about the quarterback.”

“We have responsibilities we're just not athletes that are in it all for ourself, football, is it not a team game? Isn't it all about team ... and here comes Brett Favre riding in on his white horse, doesn't go to training camp, doesn't come to offseason workouts and he's gonna come on his white horse and bond with all these players.”

“I really think the whole Brett Favre saga of retiring, unretiring, three weeks ago [saying] 'I can't play,' the Vikings said, 'We're moving on,' it's a circus. It's an absolute circus, and it takes away from all the other things that are going on with the Vikings, with the NFL. We're getting ready for a football season and this is a circus and I just have no interest in it. Wouldn't you be upset if you're a Packer fan? I think you're going to have Packer fans burning the No. 4 Favre Green Bay jersey. I think the Packer fans have every right to be outraged.”

He Presented Stories

Don Hewitt
(1922-2009)

White Chocolate: Championship Component?

On Wednesday, the Orlando Magic signed Jason Williams. Williams inked a one-year contract. This transaction is intriguing. Williams was a championship contributor. He could be an invaluable investment. He could also be another imprudent alteration.

NEW RULE

Regression should equal rejection.

In four seasons, Greg Paulus registered 8.9 points and 2.6 assists per contest. He commenced as a starter. He regressed into a reserve. He has not received a collegiate snap. Syracuse will regret their decision.

Worth A Read

Vikings Gab

Blogging the Minnesota Vikings.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be retired?

Tumultuous Tuesday. The Minnesota Vikings acquired Brett Favre. The Texas Rangers acquired Ivan Rodriguez. New Jersey adults acquired a curfew.

Today’s top five or Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks (1) Fran Tarkenton, (2) Daunte Culpepper, (3) Tommy Kramer, (4) Warren Moon, (5) Brad Johnson

Minnesota’s Pleas Are Answered

I could convey annoyance. I could register exasperation. Instead, I will state the obvious. Brett Favre’s return was both anticipated and nauseating.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings signed Favre. Favre inked a 2-year, $25 million contract. “I felt from my standpoint that I could offer some experience and leadership, and I have to admit through this whole process after I said no three weeks ago, sometimes I was OK with it, and other times I said I can really help this team,” he said.

On March 4, 2008, Favre retired. On July 12, he reconsidered. For two weeks, CEO Mark Murphy, General Manager Ted Thompson, and Favre sniped. On July 26, the Green Bay Packers chose Aaron Rodgers.

Undaunted, Favre received reinstatement. He reported. He retreated. On August 7, he was traded. On February 11, he retired again. “I felt I did everything I possibly could do to get where I need to be,” said Favre. “You're 39, your arm may not feel like it did at 21. But the pieces are in place that you don't have to do that much and I agree with that. If they were willing to take that chance, I was, too.”

During his career, Favre started 269 contests. He completed 5,720 of 9,280 passes (61%). He amassed 65,127 yards with 464 touchdowns and 310 interceptions.

In 2007, Favre completed 356 of 535 passes for 4,155 yards with 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The Packers went 13.3. In 2008, Favre completed 343 of 522 passes for 3,472 yards with 22 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. The Jets went 9-7.

Favre has garnered three NFL Most Valuable Player Awards. He won Super Bowl XXXI. He has accrued ten playoff appearances. His records include career completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions.

Concerning Favre and Minnesota, they are a perfect pair. Favre craves adulation and pleading. The Vikings insecure mindset accommodated him.

Texas Restoration: Rangers, Rodriguez Reconcile

From 1991-2008, the Texas Rangers endured inimical eras. With Ivan Rodriguez as cornerstone, the Rangers posted a 795-759 record. They scored three division championships. With Alex Rodriguez’s contract and aftermath, the Rangers posted a 618-678 record. They scored zero division championships.

On Tuesday, the Houston Astros traded Ivan Rodriguez to the Rangers. As reciprocation, the Astros received minor league pitcher Matt Nevarez. “It's huge for our fan base,” said Rangers infielder Michael Young. “He might be the best player in the history of our organization and probably the most popular. This is just a great move on all fronts.”

According to Roy Oswalt, the swap is sensible. “At some point in the season, you get too far behind and you have to start looking forward to next year,” he said. “If you don't, you can just throw yourself into another rut at the beginning of next year, trying to find pieces here and there, late in the season.”

Currently, the Rangers are 67-51. In the American League West, they trail the Los Angeles Angels. Texas’ deficit is five and one-half contests.

During his career, Rodriguez has batted .300 with 303 home runs and 1,254 runs batted in. This season, he has rapped .258 with 8 home runs and 37 runs batted in.

Since Texas discarded him, Ivan Rodriguez’s squads have posted a 559-531 record. They have scored two division titles. The Rangers will not replicate this success.

A Real Reporter

Robert Novak
(1931-2009)

NEW RULE

Manufactured news is inappropriate.

On Monday, ESPN published this headline: Bears' Cutler turns heads with Hester criticism.

Jay Cutler did not criticize Devin Hester. Cutler evaluated a wide receiver. Hester acknowledged the evaluation. ESPN may employ reporters. They may report several stories. However, entertainment is their priority. Manufactured conflict and storylines… Overstated observations and opinions… Production over precision… Volume over veracity… Vince McMahon should supplant George Bodenheimer.

Instead of act one, ESPN should present page one.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Duke’s point guard?

In the Philippines, a rat eating plant was discovered. Taco Bell has requested their price.

Today’s top five or collegiate multisport superstars (1) Jackie Robinson, (2) Jim Brown, (3) Deion Sanders, (4) Bo Jackson, (5) Charlie Ward

Armed Assholes Embarrass Our Nation

Recently, President Obama’s protestors included armed civilians. One shouldered an assault rifle. Second amendment advocates should shut up. Those armed are not constitutional exhibitionists. They are assholes who should be arrested. They are assholes who should be shot.

President of the United States merits respect. President Clinton did not encounter this. President Bush did not encounter this. President Obama should not encounter this. These scenes insult our nation. They should never be permitted.

McNabb Buying Vick’s Revival

Donovan McNabb: “He's done a great job. You have to be excited about his work ethic and attitude. I see a guy doing whatever it takes to turn his life around. He's going through the proper channels. I believe in second chances and I have strong faith in God that he forgives our sins. Yes, it was a bad thing and a malicious act, but somewhere in your heart, you have to have forgiveness. I kind of can be a mentor to him, give him an opportunity to get his feet under him, get his life together.”

Tigers Obtain Offensive Reinforcement

On Monday, the Baltimore Orioles traded Aubrey Huff to the Detroit Tigers. As reciprocation, the Orioles received minor league pitcher Brett Jacobson. This season, the Tigers have exceeded expectations. Huff’s acquisition should improve them.

NEW RULE

Selfishness should not prompt compromise.

Recently, Iran proposed an embargo. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nations cannot attack each other’s nuclear instillations. Iran has escalated their nuclear program. Israel could attack them.

If Iran covets compromise, they must renounce their program. They must permit international inspectors. They must apologize and plead. Until each occurs, Iran should not insult the international community.

Worth A Read

The Health Care Blog

Discussing doctors, electronic medical records, health insurers, and Medicare policy.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Tiger Woods?

On Sunday, Y.E. Yang garnered the PGA Championship. On Monday, President Obama issued this statement: If Tiger Woods is mortal… I am toast.

Today’s top five or cable’s finest (1) Entourage, (2) Mad Men, (3) True Blood, (4) The Closer, (5) Weeds

Titanic Triumph

Tiger Woods and selected words are unfamiliar. Disappointment… Frustration… Imperfection… Struggle…

On Sunday, Y.E. Yang garnered the PGA Championship. Yang’s total eight under par bested Woods (-5). Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy (-3) knotted for third. Lucas Glover (-2) finished fifth.

After opening Sunday with a pair of pars, Yang birdied hole three. He logged a par-bogey combination. He then scratched eight consecutive pars. Woods opened Sunday with three pars. He bogeyed hole four. He racked another three pars. He bogeyed hole eight. He scratched two pars. He then logged a birdie-bogey-par triad.

With five obstacles remaining, Yang and Woods were even. Yang chipped an incredible eagle. Woods birdied fourteen. Both pared fifteen and sixteen. Both bogeyed seventeen. Woods exited with another bogey. Yang won with a birdie.

Sports are hyperbolic. Greatness is exaggerated. Upsets are sensationalized. Victories are overvalued. Woods has won fourteen major championships. Yang has two victories. Greater upsets may have occurred. Grander conquests are implausible.

Lightning Strikes Thrice

In the men’s one hundred meter world championship, Usain Bolt set another world record. As previously stated, exemplary sprinters are not unique. Icons emerge. Icons evaporate. Bolt is a supernatural phenomenon.

Idiotic, Injudicious, & Irresponsible

On Sunday, Kurt Angle was charged with protection order violation, harassment, human growth hormone possession, paraphernalia possession, and driving with a suspended license.

In professional wrestling, illicit substances are omnipresent. Angle’s acts are unacceptable and unsurprising.

Big Five & Hot Five (August 2 – 16)

Big Five

Donte Stallworth

Jeremy Tyler

Mel Martinez

Michael Vick

Paula Abdul

Plaxico Burress

President Clinton

Sonia Sotomayer

Hot Five

Donte Stallworth

Hank Aaron

Michael Vick

Paula Abdul

Plaxico Burress

President Clinton

Sonia Sotomayer

Timothy Geithner

Line of the Morning

Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK)

“This debate isn’t about health care. Health care’s the symptom. The debate is an uncontrolled federal government that’s going to run 50 percent of everything we’re spending this year we’re borrowing from the next generation.”