Thursday, December 4, 2008

Now We're Talking


I have never had an desire to hunt and frankly I find the whole thing a bit absurd. Whenever I have the desire to chase something around the woods (or sit in a tree all day waiting) I just go to the grocery store and buy a steak.

"But Jackson you dont understand, its the sport that makes it great and Venison is delicious"

I dont doubt that Venison is great but give me a break with the sport argument. How sporting is it to sit in a tree in an orange vest and wait for a deer to wander under said tree? How is that sporting at all? Maybe we could change football so that each team just waits on one side of the stadium hoping that the end zone finds its way to them. Or how fun would basketball be if both teams sat on their benches waiting for the basket to wander by? I may never get my head around the obsession with hunting but I can, and will forever, laugh at stories like this one http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28005680/

I think the guy got what he deserved. But hey thats me some dumb guy who doesnt like sitting in the woods waiting to kill stuff!

MSNBC....The New Fox News?


So based upon this picture Keith Olbermann and MSNBC are clearly trying to keep a secret from their viewers. Whats that secret you wonder? Well MSNBC is just waiting for Obama to be inaugurated so they can take Fox News's spot as the President's propaganda machine. Here's a link to the Daily Show exposing this nasty secret http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/20081202_daily_show_is_msnbc_the_new_fox_news/?ln

Now please don't misunderstand me, I voted for Obama (lets hear it all you BYU conservatives who think I'm dumb) but I think all journalistic outlets should be fair and balanced (wait isn't that Fox News's slogan? Kind of Ironic) and since its inception Fox News has done nothing but cling to the right and belittle anything negative aimed at the President. They, for lack of a better description, have been W's own little cheerleader. However, that same sick feeling I get when someone changes the channel to Fox News, which is usually accompanied by some remark about the "liberal media", I am starting to get anytime I watch MSNBC. I think Obama will do a fine job as President but MSNBC treats him like his Monument is soon to be up next to Washington's, Jefferson's and Lincoln's. Give the guy a chance to be sworn in and then please be better then the hacks at Fox News and treat his presidency objectively.

Quick note about my love for the Daily Show. Some of you probably consider the Daily Show a liberal news outlet and I couldn't disagree more. They have demonstrated time and time again that if you (Republican and Democrat alike) do something stupid they are gonna call you on it and then probably invite you onto the show. The Daily Show is great and hilarious and I hope everyone takes a minute to check it out.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Sometimes it Just Wears Me Down...


"You might not know any bigots, you feel like 'I dont hate black people, so Im not a racist' but you benefit from racism just by the merit of the color of your skin...youre privileged in ways you might not even realize"
Dave Chapelle

I want, I need, someone, anyone, to explain to me why it is so easy for upper middle-class white males to completely dismiss the idea that racism exists in any form. Is it because they (I guess WE because I fit in that demographic) feel that by suggesting racism exists we are perpetrators? Maybe. But I suppose its something more along the lines of " I know a Black person and I have never seen him discriminated against so Racism must be dead." or they simply have no experience outside of upper middle-class white suburban utopia. You know exactly what I mean, col de sacs lined with mass produced McMansions right around the corner from everyones favorite neighborhood grill.
Now I am very familiar with this phenomenon, white guys denying racial bias, yet whenever it rears its ugly head I find myself wondering what world these guys are living in. Today it happened again. During a discussion about research topics, it was suggested that researching racial bias in drug sentencing was a worthy endeavor. Oh boy, what a mistake. Without getting into too many ugly details the class ended with an upper middle-class white guy saying "Blacks are always whining about those sorts of things, they always whine." Yikes!! Happy Valley indeed.
With full disclosure in mind, I attended a high school and my parents still reside in a community in which we, an upper middle-class white family, are the minority. So I guess I am somewhat privileged to have some experience outside the realm of homogeneity that is Utah Valley. However, that is no excuse for blanket denials of the existence of racism. Glance at a history book and realize that after years and years of racial divide problems dont just go away. Sure they are the under rug where Utah Valley likes its eye sores (teen pregnancy and Meth addiction come to mind) but they have not gone away. One glaring example of their existence is the fact that it was somehow kosher for "educated" people to laugh at and forward racist text messages about our new president. I dont care if you disagree with and didnt vote for him, you are the same people who, for almost year, screamed bloody murder anytime anyone hinted negatively about Mitt Romney's religion. Which by the way is much more of a choice then someones race.
This just wears me down! I always have to look like the crazy ACLU supporting Californian standing up for people who are not present to defend themselves. I seem to be turning into the defender of all things minority because they are constantly being attacked and I was raised to stand up for equal rights (seriously my mom made me watch EVERY civil rights movie that ever aired between 1987 and 2000.) Why cant we just recognize that there are still problems in our country (which doesnt make it any less majestic) and what makes our country great is our ability to put aside our differences and confront problems head on, together?

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Alive and Ranting


Ok, apologizes get old and Im not sure anyone even knows Im here anymore. However, I want everyone to know Im back and Im annoyed. With what, Im sure youre wondering, (or youve done the math and have figured out Im either annoyed with playlists or Celine Dion ) with these stupid and irritating blog playlists.
Quick story: I have a break in between classes every tuesday and thursday from 11 to 11:30. Not really long enough to go home but too long to go directly to my 11:30 class. So Im in the habit of finding a computer on campus and checking my favorite blogs. This tuesday I find a computer, sit down, and start surfing when I arrive at a friend's blog (the blog and the friend shall remain nameless) I am absolutely BLASTED with music. The music is so loud (in part due to someone who used the computer before me engaging in full out warfare with their ear drums) that I literally almost fall off my chair.
Now why do I share this story with you? Because this needs to stop! People of the blogosphere, if I wanted to explore your taste in music I would have stayed on Myspace. I read blogs to, well, read. Not to discover youve got a thing for JT and you think a little Hansen will get a laugh. If you feel the need to pass on these pearls of wisdom write something about them, dont subject my ears to their unexpected assault. If I want to listen to music I have this convenient thing in front of me called a computer where I can listen to music of my own taste at a reasonable volume.
Moral of the story: Get rid of playlists on your blogs (especially if they are Celine Dion heavy) and once again Im back and hope to keep this up a little better!

Monday, March 31, 2008

My New Favorite Thing

So starting about a week ago Sports Illustrated (si.com) has opened up their Vault. They have created a data base with EVERY Article the magazine has published since 1954. Needless to say I have spent countless hours reading up on some of my favorite sports heroes as well as reading articles written by my favorite writers. If you love sports or just A sport or you enjoy good writing you NEED to check it out. Ive decided to post a link to a favorite story on a daily basis and thought I would start with one about Orlando Cabrera. Today is Opening Day and this year my Angels are gonna be missing one of my favorite players. In the off season OC was traded to the White Sox for Jon Garland and I was devastated. I have come to appreciate why the Angels traded OC but there is still a large hole at SS in my baseball heart. OC plays the game the way I think I would play it if I was in The Bigs. He plays with the passion of a Little Leaguer playing
with his best friends. Ive rarely seen him on the field without a smile and the things he can do with the leather are magical. From the first pitch to the last out, when OC quickly untucks his shirt and gets ready for a finely crafted hand shake with Vlad, it was a pleasure to enjoy a warm summer evening and watch him play. OC you will be missed!!

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1113108/index.htm

I hope you enjoy the short article and I promise I will be posting other gems shortly!

Chalk

Well folks it happened! For the first time since the NCAA has been seeding teams in the tournament all four number 1 seeds are in the Final Four! Memphis secured there spot with what can only be described as a beat down against Texas. Memphis won by a score of 85-67 and the outcome was never in doubt. Kansas has a tougher time punching their ticket to San Antonio but in the end they over came Davidson 59-57. Unfortunately for this years Cinderella the slipper no longer fits and Davidson will be enjoying the Final Four like the rest of us, from their couch. A quick word about Davidson: they are a fine college basketball team who in my opinion was probably under seeded at 10. Stephen Curry is a delight to watch play (I still don't believe he is old enough to be in college) and they are a solid team who really plays the game the right way (in the future I will tell you what that is) So to Davidson I say its been a pleasure enjoy the off season.

So the match ups are in Memphis vs UCLA and UNC vs Kansas. This is going to be a great Final Four and I will give you my expert analysis later this week.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Two Down Two to Go!


Well ladies and gentleman two teams are getting ready to dance in San Antonio after the results of today's games. In the west UCLA beat Xavier in convincing fashion with a final score of 76-57. For most of the first half the game was close but in the second half UCLA tightened the screws defensively and really demonstrated their talent on the offensive end. After wins in the second round and the sweet sixteen that were less then impressive the Bruins finally played like the team I picked to win it all. In the second game of the night and in the East region UNC gutted out an 83-73 win over Louisville. UNC used there depth, the speed of Ty Lawson, and a double-double from Tyler Hansbrough to pull away from the Cardinals in the final minutes. Grant Wahl, as always, has some interesting insight over at Sports Illustrated which can be read here:http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/grant_wahl/03/30/five.thoughts/index.html?eref=T1
With 10th seed and current Cinderella Davidson playing Kansas in the Midwest regional and Memphis and Tennessee, 1 and 2 respectively, facing off in the South Regional tomorrow looks to be another GREAT day of basketball. Is it possible that for the first time in Tournament history all 4 one seeds will go chalk and play in the Final Four? Check out CBS and find out!

Friday, March 28, 2008

A Speech for the Ages!!


I realize I am a little late in posting this but here at WestCoastTilt we pride ourselves in tardiness. Before I go on I want to make it clear that this is in no way an endorsement of Barack Obama. However on March 18, 2008 he gave a speech tha put race relations in this country in an honest and true light. In my opinion it is a speech that will be remembered for a long time by all Americans Republican or Democrat, Black or White, Old or Young. The text and a video of the speech can be fouind here:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html
The following are few highlights and why I feel they are relevant, Obama's words are in italics mine in the standard text.
I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.
This idea that only through unity can our Country continue to better itself is nothing new. However it is an idea that seems to be forgotten lately. We at times get so caught up pointing the finger at the other guy we forget how much we need the other guy. Our differences and our ability to unite despite our differences is what makes America great. No where else in the world have so many people with so many different experiences been able to unite for the common good.
The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we've never really worked through - a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.
We are good at pretending like race is a problem of the past. I strongly agree that for us to overcome all the challenges that confront us at home and abroad we MUST address this issue.
This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted.
For the men and women of Reverend Wright's generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician's own failings.
That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.
This is definitely something that I, as a white american, take for granted. For us to assume that because times have changed attitudes and feelings have changed is silly. The movements that led to change were and are movements that were difficult and hard fought on both sides. Lives were damaged and feelings were hurt and those scars do not go away. However the important issue that Obama raises here is that more often then not that anger takes away from the real problems. We need to recognize and understand that the scars are there but at the same time we need to harness that anger into promoting positive change.
In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don't feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience - as far as they're concerned, no one's handed them anything, they've built it from scratch. They've worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they're told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.
Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze - a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns - this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.
On the same note we can see that people feel as Barack puts it "opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. " When someone is told that the only way to make things fair is to give an advantage to another of course outrage will follow. And along the lines of the "zero sum game" the logical thought must be that if you get an advantage that means I have to lose and since the injustice that is being righted was not done by me it is unfair that I lose.
The profound mistake of Reverend Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country - a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen - is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope - the audacity to hope - for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This really is the key.
It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.
What makes this speech so important is that Obama identifies the underlying issues with race in our country. The past while past has not gone away. The atitudes and feelings have merely gone underground. Now some of these feelings seem justifiable but for our Country to continue to make strides in attaining the ideals laid out by the Founding Fathers of liberty and justice for ALL we must move forward. We must empathize with those who have been scarred and help them recognize the progress we have made. All the while pushing forward together, independent of our personal differences, so that this great country we live in can continue to be a beacon to the world of equality and good will. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard of understanding so that the world can see that our differences strengthen our nation. I believe in America, not because we are fundamentally better, but because we as a people are willing to take stock of our shortcoming and work together to strengthen them.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Fun Fact of the Day

So heres a fun little story from Slate that discusses why suicide bombers shave themselves before committing what they see as the ultimate sacrifice for Allah; http://www.slate.com/id/2187383/
I guess its important to be well groomed when you blow yourself and large groups of unassuming people up. I have a hard enough time remembering to shave before I go to the testing center. I have a feeling if I was strapping explosives to my body my mind might be thinking things other then "Did I remember my Mach3?" But hey maybe thats just me!

Interview with Coach Rose



WestCoastTilt: Coach Rose what are your thoughts on the way this year turned out?

Coach Rose: Well I think we made some steps in the right direction but I'm disappointed that we ended the season with two losses to teams we definitely could've beat.

WCT: If you had to pin point one thing that led to your losing those last 2 games what would they be?

CR: Well clearly our best players, Trent and Lee, were on spring break while the rest of the team was playing.

WCT: Spring Break?

CR: Yea Spring Break! I can't find any other reason they could've disappeared the way they did. I think they left someone in charge of their bodies via remote control and they went to Cabo or Daytona Beach and partied with their wives. Nothing else makes any sense to me.

WCT: Since you brought up Trent and his poor perfromance do you think he will stay for his senior year?

CR: If he has brain in that head of his he will. I mean I can see him declaring without an agent and maybe checking out the camps but for him to leave here after this year is absurd.

WCT: What do you think he needs to work on to get his game NBA ready?

CR: Well for starters a decent post move would be nice. I mean dont get me wrong Im absolutely in love with his turn left jump in the air half hook shot flip (Rolls eyes) but he has to be able to attack guys right or left and go to the rim and finish. I think he also has to learn how to be physical inside on rebounds. He hasnt realized yet that he isnt gonna out jump guys everytime but rather if he puts his body on people and then jumps he can be a double-double guy.

WCT: I couldnt agree more. What can Lee do to improve this team for next year?

CR: Well Lee did a great job this year he really stepped up into a leadership role and also increased his offensive output. However I think he needs to want the ball more in possesions where we need a score. For example in the Texas A&M game he scored his 13th and 14th points with about 9 minutes left in the game and then only took 2 or 3 shots after that. Late in games he has to want the ball. He is one of our few swing men who can create off the bounce and really attack gaps in the defense. Lee is a great passer so if and when the help comes he should be able to find the open guy.

WCT: What about bulking up?

CR: You know Im not sure Lee is ever going to put on mass. That just isnt his body type and despite his better efforts he really has a hard time putting on weight. I think he is fine at the weight he is at and does a good job mixing it up with bigger players.

WCT: What should the Cougar faithful hope for next year?

CR: Nothing less then a repeat as Conference champs and another deep run in the Conference tournament. We lose our starting back court, but to be honest with you I've never been so happy on senior night before. I expect great things out of Jimmer next year he has proven he can be a big time player at this level. Lamont Morgan will bring us quickness at the Point we haven't seen at BYU in a LONG TIME. Chris Miles should be back at the top of his game and he offers great depth up front. Jackson Emery returns from a mission and we lookm to him to help us defensivley. So all and all we should be an improved team. I think the Cougar Faithfull can hope for great things!

WCT: Thanks for the interview coach and good luck!

*This interview only happened in my head and in NO way reflects ANYTHING Coach Rose has said to me at anytime. Come to think of it Coach Rose has never said a word to me!

Monday, March 10, 2008

UPDATE!!

Ok its clear I suck at this but Im not giving up! Big things are on the horizon and I hope youre (whoever you are that might actually see this) excited. Ill give you the rundown of the upcoming events:

To start things off Im headed to Las Vegas starting Wednesday March 12th for the Mountain West Conference Tournament. This will be the 4th year out of the last 5 that I have gone (the only reason Im not 5 for 5 is Mark had to go and get married, GAY!!) and Im really excited. Conference tournaments are always great but I have a special interest in the Mountain West and BYU is having a great year so it should extra awesome. I know what youre thinking but no strip clubs or black jack this time around (or anytime around so far) but Las Vegas is still a great place to escape the ridiculousness that is a Provo Winter (seriously it was 55 degrees today and I got excited! What the Heck is that about?? Yes I said Heck Ive been in Utah WAY too long!)

Second Im hoping to overhaul the site sometime soon. I have a great friend (by "Great" I mean Hot) who is a pro at this blogging nonsense so Im hoping she'll help me out with some changes. Her blog is all kinds of awesome with a countadown and a playlist and all kinds of great pictures and tons of other bells and whistles so we'll see if I cant liven things up a bit. Heres her blog if youre interestedhttp://www.kimmorley.blogspot.com

Third the NCAA basketball tournament is coming up so if anything will inspire me to Blog regularly it is March Madness. Its a great time of year (the greatest really) so look forrwad to some of my more inspired insights into college basketball!

So that is all for the Update I hope you stick around for the good stuff!