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  • in reply to: Judge nullifies NFL's 4-game suspension against Tom Brady #29789
    waterfield
    Participant

    The court clearly did not exonerate Brady. In fact the court did not address whether or not Brady was responsible for or aware of the deflated balls. The court-as WV wrote-was concerned more with procedural due process. The court relied upon some NLPA disciplinary cases that had been decided before and based on the constitutional requirement of due process found in favor of Brady. The rational for the decision is found on pages 19, 20 of the opinion:

    It is the “law of the shop” to provide professional football players with advanced notice
    as to what is prohibited conduct and potential discipline…Any discipline program requires
    the people understand what results will occur if they breach established rules.

    Apparently because the NFL-different than having a substance abuse policy in place-did not have a policy relating to taking air out of footballs Brady was denied due process because he had no notice of potential consequences (LOL). Of course the NFL’s response on appeal will be “who knew”…And I think they have a good reason to appeal the decision. The court was also concerned over the fact that the arbitrator’s ruling did not specify how much of the suspension was related to deflating balls, destroying evidence, and lack of cooperation. Apparently the NFL was required to designate one game for this, two games for that, and one game for this. (LOL) Finally the court was critical of the NFL for not turning over some evidence and not allowing its staff to be deposed.

    I believe the NFL’s appeal will address the inherent authority the commissioner has in protecting the integrity of the game along with whatever limitations there are pursuant to the CBA. I think they win on the sound reasoning that they cannot be expected to have advance knowledge of all types of conduct (deflating footballs) that constitutes a detriment to the integrity of the game and proscribe a policy dealing with it including notice of possible discipline. Otherwise a Brady could offer the following defense: I had no idea that I could be suspended for taking air out of a football. Maybe being warned but suspended 4 games and losing a bunch of dough-no way!

    in reply to: Noam: "I've never seen anything like this" #29710
    waterfield
    Participant

    Personally, I believe the more unhappy people are the more they become reactionary. So the inquiry is why are we so unhappy? So what causes “happiness”? I don’t think it has anything to do with the gathering of our toys. But were told otherwise by our over commercialization. Our economy is run by the accumulation of “stuff”. Were constantly told by the merchant society that we won’t truly be happy unless we have this and that. So when we get all this “stuff” and our lack of satisfaction remains we look to outside reasons. Immigrants, race differences, politicians, government, media, that’s the cause of why I’m not happy. In short we “react” to issues outside of ourselves instead of looking within. That’s what I mean by reactionary. Anecdotally, I have had clients that live in the ghetto with not much “stuff” that happen to be far more happy than what I suspect in some of my very wealth friends.

    At bottom is the fact that we are all born selfish. The more unhappy we are the more we revert back to our natural selfishness. We are less empathetic as to the disfortune of others. We want answers and we want them to be simple.

    I have no idea what I’m writing here but I’m sticking to it.

    in reply to: Noam: "I've never seen anything like this" #29671
    waterfield
    Participant

    I’m not a Chomsky fan but I have to agree with him here. We are becoming a nation of people who distrust education and won’t take the time and effort to educate themselves. We distrust those that are more intelligent or are perceived to be. We want simplistic answers that satisfy our basic instincts. We distrust those that are different than us and even dislike them. We adore sloganism and shy from independence and find comfort in group think. We are fearful of change. We want and “need” to believe in the divine nature of our nation. We boast because we need someone to hear how good we are.

    A witches brew.

    in reply to: A special opening H.S. football last Friday #29577
    waterfield
    Participant

    In deference to my wife’s concern over privacy I will honor her request not to name the particular school. However, it is in south Orange County (Calif.) His IEP is in fact private and since it would not be difficult at all to know whom I’m referencing she’s right.

    waterfield
    Participant

    I remember watching Warner in his first regular season game. I can’t recall who they were playing but I was impressed with his ability to drive the team and his seemingly deadly accuracy and no mistakes. I saw the game in a sport’s bar in Sacramento and said to fan next to me: Well this guy might not be so bad after all.

    On Bradford: I saw only the highlights last night but wow did he look good. He threw zingers and deadly accurate. 10 for 10 and 3 TDs. I hope he remains healthy.

    in reply to: Cosby #27103
    waterfield
    Participant

    I don’t know-maybe in some weird selective morality thing he genuinely does not believe in lying. As far as I know when this stuff all began coming out instead of denying it he was silent thus highlighting his culpability.

    in reply to: Cosby #27075
    waterfield
    Participant

    The documents, dating back to 2005, stem from a civil lawsuit filed by Andrea Constand — one of the dozens of women who have publicly accused the comedian of sexual assault.

    Yeah-I just read that today in the paper. The only explanation I can come up with is that an intent to sexually assault a victim is not the same as actually assaulting her. So if there was no proof of the actual assault then in his lawyer’s mind why lie about the purchase? Obviously neither the lawyer nor Cosby had any idea of what might be coming 10 years later.

    waterfield
    Participant

    Personally I think people are more cynical about everything. Now why that is might be an interesting discussion. My view is that people are far more unhappy these days than ever before for whatever reason and unhappiness breads cynicism.

    in reply to: Cosby #27041
    waterfield
    Participant

    Depends on the Civil action. His admission may have no relevance at all with the claims so at the time he may have believed his honesty was no harm no foul. However now…

    But to give a decent answer one needs a copy of the deposition so as to view the context.

    in reply to: RIP my sister Carol #26954
    waterfield
    Participant

    In times of loss I’m always reminded of that line by Anthony Hopkins in the movie Shadowlands: ” the pain now is part of the happiness then-and that’s the deal”

    in reply to: just the obvious stuff on the confederate flag #26938
    waterfield
    Participant

    I might be wrong but I’ve always thought the present flag-the one subject to controversy-had little to do with heritage or state rights but was placed in governmental offices (So Carolina State Capitol) in 1962 as a direct response to federal civil rights legislation and anti segregation laws. That’s not heritage-unless one considers race discrimination heritage. There is a lot of good tradition and values that are part of the south but this particular flag does not represent that. It’s about slavery and segregation -period. Indeed when the south seceded from the Union they had several flags none of which was the one we know today.

    I knew that. The flag was Lee’s army flag in northern Virginia. But it was not used in governmental buildings until it was used as a response to the Civil Rights Act-in 1962-at least that’s what I recall.

    • This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by waterfield.
    in reply to: just the obvious stuff on the confederate flag #26937
    waterfield
    Participant

    I might be wrong but I’ve always thought the present flag-the one subject to controversy-had little to do with heritage or state rights but was placed in governmental offices (So Carolina State Capitol) in 1962 as a direct response to federal civil rights legislation and anti segregation laws. That’s not heritage-unless one considers race discrimination heritage. There is a lot of good tradition and values that are part of the south but this particular flag does not represent that. It’s about slavery and segregation -period. Indeed when the south seceded from the Union they had several flags none of which was the one we know today.

    No. The stars and bars has been around since 1861 when it was used as the confederate battle flag. The stars and bars flag popular today is from 1863 and was used as the navy jack at sea.

    I knew that. The flag was Lee’s army flag in northern Virginia. But it was not used in governmental buildings until it was used as a response to the Civil Rights Act-in 1962-at least that’s what I recall.

    in reply to: just the obvious stuff on the confederate flag #26928
    waterfield
    Participant

    I might be wrong but I’ve always thought the present flag-the one subject to controversy-had little to do with heritage or state rights but was placed in governmental offices (So Carolina State Capitol) in 1962 as a direct response to federal civil rights legislation and anti segregation laws. That’s not heritage-unless one considers race discrimination heritage. There is a lot of good tradition and values that are part of the south but this particular flag does not represent that. It’s about slavery and segregation -period. Indeed when the south seceded from the Union they had several flags none of which was the one we know today.

    • This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by waterfield.
    • This reply was modified 8 years, 10 months ago by waterfield.
    in reply to: time for the "how did you become a Rams fan" thread #26861
    waterfield
    Participant

    WV: “You know i wrote a letter to the LA Times way back in the 80’s and it got
    published. You probably read it, many years ago. They titled it “A View from Afar”.
    I was complaining about the LA fans booing the Rams after a playoff loss or somethin.
    I’ve tried to find a copy of that letter but i cant seem to find it.”

    That was probably the Giant/Ram playoff game in Anaheim. I was there with my son and Robinson took out Dickerson to put in Crutchfield with 2d and goal from the 4 yd line. He had done that at least a million times during the season even though Dickerson was having the best rooking running season of any back ever. Anyway, sitting behind us was a family of Giant fans. One of the mothers had a 3 month old baby. When Crutchfield came in the baby-believe it or not-says “watch they’re gonna give it to Crutchfield” Sure enough.

    http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-07-31/sports/8501310740_1_camp-fullback-dwayne-crutchfield

    in reply to: time for the "how did you become a Rams fan" thread #26834
    waterfield
    Participant

    Just so many WV. One that stands out is because it was one of my first memories. 1949 in the rain-Coliseum-Rams playing the Eagles for the NFL Championship. Pouring, pouring rain. Mom was afraid I would die soaking wet. So she kept giving me a flask with bourbon-I think Jim Beam-so I would stay warm. On the Eagle side of the Coliseum. Rams could not do anything in the mud but the Eagles HOF fullback Steve Van Buren could. Eagles 14-Rams 0.

    Another: was at the 51 NFL Championship game against the Browns in the Coliseum. Van Brocklin to Fears -71 yards for winning TD. We (mom and I again) were on the 20 yd line Ram side right where Van Brocklin let the pass go.

    Lucky enough to be at most if not all the significant Ram games at the Coliseum when they were there including the Tony Guillory blocked punt and Gabriel to Casey in the corner!

    Was there when Marchetti tore off Les Richter’s helmet and beat him over the head with it. Directly in front of where I was sitting. Terrible scene.

    Lots more including the initial game played in St. Louis at Edward Jones. The real story there is staying in a bed and breakfast in East St. Louis-that’s right East St. Louis if you catch my drift.

    in reply to: time for the "how did you become a Rams fan" thread #26819
    waterfield
    Participant

    This story has been written before -but here goes: After my father was lost in WW2 my mother had to go to work. One of her bosses somehow became involved with the Rams as their statistician when they arrived here (L.A.) from Cleveland in 1946. Knowing I was fatherless he introduced me to some of the all time greats including Hirsch, Fears, Waterfield (hence my board name), etc. As they say: the rest is history.

    in reply to: RIP my sister Carol #26780
    waterfield
    Participant

    Thinking of you and your family. She must have been surrounded by lots of love.

    in reply to: Why didn't Sandy Hook change anything? #26618
    waterfield
    Participant

    The trouble with “discussing” the issue of gun control is in differentiating between the genuine concerns of some over a purported loss of liberty or right from those using that argument as a pretext to a misguided sense of masculinity (both men and women). While I inherited several shotguns from my mother who was a champion skeet shooter and have hunted birds myself I have never felt threatened that “gun control” would impact my freedom to enjoy the sport. However, I can honestly understand the genuine concerns of those who might feel otherwise. But I part company with the other group and have no sympathy for their insecurities.

    in reply to: Jon Stewart on Charleston #26615
    waterfield
    Participant

    Not sure what you mean by an “impersonal nanny state”-at least in the context of my post.

    in reply to: Jon Stewart on Charleston #26595
    waterfield
    Participant

    I don’t think the country is mentally ill-whatever that means. I do think many, many people have no genuine compassion for others and are interested more in themselves regardless of their political persuasion. I believe that is a direct result of upbringing or lack of. It’s the “I don’t care what’s happening around me I only care how it affects me”. And it gets worse and worse with more people who shouldn’t be having children are and those that should are not. Sadly few actually care enough to make themselves heard. Maybe what I’ve described is mental illness.

    in reply to: Novels vs Scientific Psychology #24356
    waterfield
    Participant

    I think every human being should wright a novel. We would then really learn about human values and “personalities”.

    in reply to: Novels vs Scientific Psychology #24200
    waterfield
    Participant

    Agree to this extent: If one reads a ton of novels-as my wife does-one obtains a pretty good sense of this gathering we call humans. OTOH who reads a ton of scientific psychology books?

    in reply to: great quote by Oriole exec on Baltimore unrest #23294
    waterfield
    Participant

    W/ these kids? Only to the extent the former is an excuse for the latter. I suppose someone might use Lorenz’s “butterfly effect” and connect the two.

    in reply to: great quote by Oriole exec on Baltimore unrest #23272
    waterfield
    Participant

    Two separate conversations:

    1) the historical injustice both socially and economically to african americans.

    2) teens and young adults spurned by outsiders bent on nothing but violence.

    These are not symbiotic.

    in reply to: Grand Budapest Hotel #21233
    waterfield
    Participant

    Nobody told you ? I think this was nominated for several academy awards including Best Picture. I loved the quirkyness of the film. Especially the chase in the snow. One of those old time Hollywood movies where you can go with your family and just have an enjoyable evening.

    waterfield
    Participant

    Here is a quote from an article in the Orange County Register:

    Butts and HPLC officials said folding plans for the 60-acre stadium into plans for initial Hollywood Park redevelopment through voter approval could allow the stadium project to avoid years of costly environmental and fiscal reviews.

    But state environmental law experts told the Register the stadium project would still have to undergo an environmental impact review (EIR) study that could take years and millions of dollars to complete before the matter could even be placed on a ballot. Butts later acknowledged he was uncertain whether passage of a ballot measure would allow the project to avoid undergoing an EIR.

    in reply to: Oscar nominees #18895
    waterfield
    Participant

    I’m assuming “favorite” means which ones I enjoyed the most in terms of ranking:

    The Imitation Game
    The Theory of Everything
    Grand Budapest Hotel (just fun)
    Wild
    American Sniper (although I suppose it’s not an “enjoyable” movie-walked away from it in silence)
    Birdman (another not “enjoyable” movie-dark, lonely, but well done.

    However, keep in mind WV-I actually enjoy movies on the Hallmark channel -so there.

    I haven’t seen Whiplash, Foxcatcher, or Still Alice although I hear they are really great. I’m not into dark movies-I was forced to see Birdman and while it was a great film it’s not my type of movie. But I have a feeling it will garner a whole lot of Oscars. I also saw Sniper only because some friends wanted to see it with us and have dinner. But it was a very well done film-notwithstanding the political debate. Bring back the musicals ala “Chicago”.

    I have to say this: It seems to me that there are more really done well movies out there now than ever before. Of course there are the crashing cars and explosion movies for young adults that make tons of dough for the studios.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by waterfield.
    in reply to: Oscar nominees #18883
    waterfield
    Participant

    Here’s an interesting article on how they pick the best picture which might surprise one.

    http://www.goldderby.com/cms/view/209/

    Apparently the “preference” method of voting does not insure the movie that gets the most 1st place votes wins. If a movie consistently garners a 2d place preference and the 1st place movie is placed below the second place movie on some ballots the 2d place movie wins apparently because it has the highest “value”. At least that’s how I get it.

    waterfield
    Participant

    “What if you put his torment up against the fact that the war had no justification. Looks different doesn;t it. Which is probably why they didn’t tell THAT story”

    They didn’t need to tell THAT story. Everyone I know understands the motives for the invasion was a pretext but still believe THIS discussion is silly.

    waterfield
    Participant
Viewing 30 posts - 601 through 630 (of 663 total)