Merrrrrry Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly, blah blah blah blah blah blah-blah blaaaaaaah. I know this is about 95% of the people's favorites time of year, but I'm just not feeling Christmas and haven't since I was maybe 7. Call me a Grinch, but the holiday spirit that made the Grinch's heart grow 3 times it's size doesn't exist. The season has very little meaning, and serves the purpose of providing retailers a few months to work out of the black from.

As a secular nation making a Christian holiday a federal holiday is asking for trouble. Even though Christianity dominates the landscape all it takes is several people with big enough mouths to create a problem, and that's exactly what has happened. So we now have "Christmahanakawanzika" a ridiculous combination of traditions to appease everyone. The problem with appeasing everyone is it water down the true meaning of the holiday/season.

I'm not a zealot or extremely devout, but I was raised Catholic and do believe in the true reason for the season-Jesus. It's supposed to be a celebration of his birth that brings family and friends together, but what the season has become is an obsession with bigger and better things. Christmas is now more about big red bows on cars, video game system bundles, or tickle me Elmos than the coming together of loved ones. When people get trampled at Wal-Mart or fist fights break out in aisles because Timmy or Sally HAVE to have 'x' or else Christmas will be ruined for them-guess what? It's already ruined! These kids already value the material more than the season, so sure call me a Grinch for not being excited enlighten the people of America my heart won't do any growing.

Tiger Tiger Tiger Woods Yall!

It's the story that won't die, Tiger Woods has slept with as women as dollars he made last year. Sure he's not the only athlete to do so Derek Jeter, his now former Gillette teammate, is not only famous for banging out hit on the diamond, but also for the lovely ladies banged out. The difference with Jeter and Woods, though, is what creates the story. Jeter has never once been linked to the word marriage, while Tiger is married with two children. Without debating the issue of cheating, I've always wondered one thing: why do athletes bother getting married?

Athletes and marriage go together like oil and water. For most of the year you're working, traveling the country to make coin. What good is an absentee husband and why keep an absentee wife? Doug Christie found one of the only women devoted enough to spend the money and time to travel with her man to ensure a happy relationship. Their story is known only because it's so rare. Long distance relationships suck and are hard enough, so why enter a long distance wedding? Another huge factoring the lifestyle of athletes is the amount of opportunities provided by the air between themselves and their wives. Women flock to these men and as Michael Jordan said, there are way too many women to say no to. Everywhere an athlete goes attention follows, and where ever the spotlight is women will try to find their moment in it. This means doing anything to get into your pants. Knowing this why bother exchanging vows and promising to another that she will be your one and only for eternity in front of the world?

The promises made within a marriage need to be taken more seriously. Marriage isn't just the "next step" in a relationship, it's THE step! Marriage is what you strive for, so before getting down on one knee and telling someone else you will, "love, honor, and obey them 'til death do you part" be sure those words are the truest words you've ever spoken. Sadly for athletes you may have to wait until after you've exited the spotlight to make this promise.

What's In A Word

Alright I got this from a friend and it has to be posted for obvious reasons. Mind you this is a real check, to be cashed for real money.

Happy Thanksgiving

BUSE would like to take a time out and say Happy Thanksgiving to all. this is my (Beans) favorite holiday, so I felt a shout out was in order. Enjoy the day and if there are leftovers let me know.
Love
BUSE

A Little Humor

As far as Tuesdays go here at BUSE it means it's time for a little tutorial, well this tutorial will be brief and to the point. Simply stated Alex Rodriguez has a raw sense of humor, and people should take note. That is of course if his disgruntled ex-girlfriend isn't lying and Kate Hudson's dodging of the question is correctly being read between the lines. ARod having a picture of himself as a centaur is perhaps the newest thing I have heard come from the celebrity world in my life. I hate the guy but can't hate on something so funny and genius. So let's all take a page from ARod's book and add some humor to our lives with our own mythological beast.

Don't Start

After watching the Bears and Eagles game Sunday night I came away shocked. Shocked not because the Bears lost, they're bums, but shocked at what I saw from Michael Vick. After a botched substitution that set the Eagles back 5 yards, Vick was pulled back off the field and his annoyance/disgust with his situation was visible even through a face mask and tinted visor protecting his eyes. Seeing this confirmed a Yahoo! Sports article I read about Vick not being happy with his situation as a wildcat option and not a quarterback. After reading that I said to myself, "No way, that story has to be making a rift up. Mike Vick HAS to be happy making $1 million this year as a 3rd string quarterback." There simply is no other way to see it.

Just a few months ago Vick was finishing his term for killing dogs, while his prosecution may have been very harsh, his luck finding a job wasn't. How many convicted felons do you ever hear of that get out of prison and legitimately make $1 million a year? Oh right, none, because for people who don't run a 4.5 x 40 yard dash or throw a ball 70 yards getting any type of job is almost impossible let alone a job that pays enough to provide yourself with any luxuries.

I understand you want to play football like you always did Vick, but what you need to understand and remember is that you just got out of prison. This year is a year for you to get reps in during practice and refine your passing skills-since you insist on being a quarterback. Keep being the good teammate and hope that at the end of this year Oakland pays you.

In Honor Of.. (lazy BUSE-meant for Wed)

Wednesdays are usually reserved for the whooping of tricks but this Wednesday is a little different. It is Veterans Day and rather than hate I believe BUSE ought to show some love, especially since Kid Grey's dad is a Vet of the Vietnam War. With the country currently engaged in two wars it's important to understand that supporting the war and supporting our troops are two entirely different things. Go ahead and disagree with why our men and women are there, but do not let that stop you from showing support to the men who are merely doing their jobs in the armed forces.

Today I would like to honor two specific soldiers that I personally know who have put their life on the line, Eric Herrera and Dominic Davilla. Both have fought bravely, unfortunately though, they both have not made it through unscathed. The very real consequences of war hit home when the legs of a friend were taken from him. Veterans Day, I want to truly thank the soldiers who fight to preserve the ideals and ideologies we as Americans hold nearest and dearest to our hearts.

Criminal Minds

Being the nice trusting person that I am, I recently allowed a girl to "make a phone call" using my cell phone while I was at school. Well this person completely abused my generosity and trust as she decided to keep the phone, walking off with it. Now I'll take the blame for being 'dumb' enough to believe a stranger would do the right thing and return the phone to its rightful owner, but with the theft if left me wondering why people steal phones?

From my point of view it is one of the most senseless crimes. In the near 5 years I've been a cell phone user I have had two cell phones stolen, neither instance made any sense to me. The first time it happened to me, a man lost his job because he wouldn't return the phone (he was seen on camera taking the phone). And this is all over what? What exactly are you stealing when you steal a phone? How hard up for cash are you if you're stealing phones to being with? Can you even afford the plan needed to make the theft worthwhile?

A stolen phone is nothing more than clutter because the phone is usually rendered useless within an hour of its theft. You can't do anything you would normally do with phones, so leave phones alone. Plus there are pre-paid phones or providers who make owning a phone as cheap as possible, so go get you own! You're not saving much by stealing one. If you're going to become a criminal do so over something that will make it worth it.

House of Hoops cont.

Gray

Even though I broke down the Six championship relevant teams yesterday, I still have to give you my playoff picks and individual award winners. It's all gettin placed on record this year, so at the end of this season, no one can talk noise about who's right and who's wrong. It will be documented.

East Conf Playoff Picture

x=Division Winner

1.Magic(x)Amazing at home, amazing against the West, they'll have the best record in the NBA

2. Cavs(x)They will be slightly worse by adding Shaq, not slightly better.
3. Celtics(x)Better equipped for the long run. W-L record won't be amazing, but will win division.
4. Heat-Outside the division winners, Heat are best team in the East all because of DWade, and because the Sixers and Hawks both got worse.
5. Pacers-They are for real this year, Brandon Rush will start scoring, take pressure off Granger and with hungry kids like Hanborough and McRoberts, the kids will play some D and rebound.
6. Sixers-Igoudala is enough to make the playoffs, but Royal Ivey is now their starting PG.
7. Wizards-Risky, but if Arenas plays 65 games, they will rally behind him and win much of those games, Hibachi!!

8. Hawks-Adding Jamal Crawford never helps your team, they will get in and be swept out.

Big Surprise-Pacers...I'm callin it and believing it, I really think they will be dope because of the intensity Hanborough and McRoberts will bring. Roy Hibbert is there to block shots, and with a longer more athletic team this year, the Pacers will have some D to go with their high powered O. Jim O'Brien is a good coach, and with Granger, Dunleavy and Murphy they have a nucleus of productive veterans to go with young hungry scrapers, this is their year and it will make everyone shut up about Larry Bird drafting white players, it will prove he just drafts good players.

Big Disappointment-Bulls/Pistons I hope I'm wrong but I got a bad feeling about starting the year without Derrick Rose. The kid IS the Bulls identity and with him injured I think Chicago will get off to a trademark bad start. And judging by our recent string of injuries, I feel like the Bulls season will be rife with small nagging ailments that keep our squad from playing at full strength. If I'm right about the Pacers, I'll be right about the Bulls. And it will be a set back for a team that took the defending champs to 7 games last year. As for the Pistons, they will see just how overrated the scoring of Ben Gordon is. The roster is void of any real bball IQ other than Hamilton and Prince, and with Kwame Brown as your starting Center...the Detroit city woes continue in 09.

Western Conf Playoff

1. Lakers(x)-They play 17 of their first 21 games at home, they'll start great and finish great.

2. Nuggets(x)- Say hello to the new-look Pacers of the late 90s. Great pg and leader in Chauncey, a la Mark Jackson. Great scorers at 2 and 3 in JR Smith and Melo, a la Reggie and Jalen. Active big men who also score w Nene and Birdman (brrrddlll!!!) a la Smits, and the Davis bros. But the Nuggets will never reach the NBA finals while Kobe's around, a la Pacers always being runners up behind MJ.
3. Hornets(x)-Will win the division over the Spurs because of youth, and a team reenergized by Emeka Okafur. He will board, block shots, and run the floor, like Tyson Chandler with more touch and less tip dunks. Chris Paul is going to murder the single season assists record this year, Okafor doesn't miss crips.

4. Spurs- will lose their division but have the best record otherwise because the big 3 is back and Timmay has some some big men to give him minutes.

5. Trailblazers-No surprises, the blazers will keep building on a good thing with Andre Miller, and solidfy themselves as a perrenial playoff threat.

6. Jazz- Healthy Deron Williams and a solid nucleus with AK47 and Boozer, plus an increased role for Millsap

7. Rockets-Ariza and Battier will become leaders of this team while Yao and TMac are hurt, Defense, a good coach, and Carl landry and Luis Scola inside will be enough to make postseason.
8. Mavericks-They'll win games, but Shawn Marion will take shots away from Josh Howard, and between the two of them, Dirk, Jason Terry, and Jason Kidd's wild 3-pointers, not enough baskeballs to go higher than the 8 seed.

Big Surprise-Rockets- they will get off to a decent start despite the fact that Yao and TMac will never see the court. Many have picked them to fail after losing Artest and their top 2 scorers being injured, but Adelman will put the pieces where the belong to make it work.

Big Disappointment-Suns- The Suns did little to make themselves better and Steve Nash is one year older. They will depend entirely too much on Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa for offense and will lose any game in which Amare gets into foul trouble. They gave Amare no help down low, and will be sorry for failing to do so as the team that was a bogus call away from being the Finals favorite in 07, will not make the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.

MVP
Lebron-numbers will be too ridiculous, league will want to promote him, esp since he's prolly going to NYC next year. Back to back MVPs forth coming, even with Shaq on his team now.
*Wade, Roy, and D. Howard will be in the discussion.

Scoring Champ
Dwayne Wade-He has the luxury of getting to the foul line anytime he falls down, easy buckets.

Def player of the year
If the world is right-Shane Battier will finally get the credit he deserves for being so lockdown.
If world is f'ed up-Josh Smith will win it for leading the league in weak side blocks.

6th Man
Lamar Odom by default, he'd start on any other team.

Coach of the Year
Jim O'Brien-I say it again because it bears repeating, Pacers are going to be dope this year.

Document your thoughts.

House of Hoops

Buse Blog followers, try not to feel bombarded by picks and predictions...but the NBA season gets under way tonight so I would be remiss to not communicate my preseason predictions for the year in hoops 2009/2010. (even if it does come on the heels of Beans world series)

Basically, this year the Gallacticos strategy reigns supreme. There are a lot of NBA teams that look to improve on seasons from last year, but as far as I'm concerned, only 6 teams are relevant in terms of taking the ship....and all but one of them are in that position solely because of their ability to sign the Galactic free agents.

So let's break em down.....
Spurs Cavs
Nuggets Magic
Lakers Celtics

The Spurs are back....
Plain and simple the big three are all healthy and when you combine that with the best X's and O's tactical head coach in the game, you get the team that has won 4 rings in the last 10 years. George Hill and Roger Mason jr are a year more experienced and will knock down more jumpers, and more importantly, Theo Ratliff and Antonio McDyess will allow the Spurs to actually rest Timmy in the 3rd quarter. This team will be in the Western Conf. finals. The NBA finals are a different story however. The Spurs are not deep enough to be the last ones standing in the West, simply not enough offense, and despite having great team defense, they lack a true lock down defender that would quell the efforts of an opposing superstar during a 7 game series.

Nuggets were on the cusp...
Denver showed how dynamic their team could be last year. All it took was Chauncey Billups to turn an athletic rec league team into the last one in the West standing in front of the Lakers. This year they will be even more established with Chauncey as their leader and Carmello believe it or not played D in the postseason last year, so I'm assuming it is his motive to bring more intensity to his everyday defensive efforts. Though they will be the third best team in the West, they will not contend for the title. The Nuggets have not changed much from last year, same players, same coach, same scheme. Conversely, the competition has gotten better.

Lakers and Phil Jackson don't have enough fingers...
This year, it's going to be a repeat for Los Angeles simply because they are just too good. They already had the deepest team in the league and when they are fully healthy this year, either Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, or Ron Artest will be coming off the BENCH....due to their ridiculous depth. Offensively, defensively they have no matchup problems and they just happen to have the best player on the planet suiting up every night. Many have questioned whether or not Artest will work chemistry wise in LA, but there is nothing to fear. Though his personality may seem quirky, obnoxious and narcissitic, on the court he is a team 1st player all the way. He doesn't care about stats, accolades, or recognition...he cares about winning, which is why outside the media, but in the halls of the NBA, GMs and players jump at the chance to get him on their team.

As for the East, I guess I'm just explaining why there are 3 contenders that still don't have what it takes to contend with the Lakers...so here goes

Cavs, Lebron rules with an Iron fist, not a Velvet glove...
They added Shaq, who sells tickets, tightens the floor defensively, and improves team morale because he's hilarious. They added JaMario Moon, Leon Powe, and Anthony Parker....so they have even more defense and more rebounding. Yea, it sounds promising. But they still have no coach, and that's the problem. Their offense will continue to be everyone stand around and watch Lebron...and that will be their downfall. Sure Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, and Ilgauskas can score...but they don't get the ball in the continuity of an offense, they get it when Lebron decides to pass. For the regular season, this brand of bball is good for the best record in the NBA. But in the playoffs, it simply doesn't work when the best players in the world actually play hard D for 48 minutes.

Magic addition by subtraction and subtraction by addition...
No more Turkoglu. So finally, Dwight Howard will get the ball and the offense will actually run through him. That's all well and good, but Turkoglu was a huge part of why the Magic were so great. More than anything, Hedo was a matchup problem. He did a little of everything, he handled the ball, ran the floor, played a lil D, and rebounded, plus he was 6"10". Though the majority of his game was wild shots, he was the xfactor that put the Magic over the edge. The addition of Vince Carter theoretically gives the magic a perfect inside, outside...Kobe and Shaq-esque offensive threat. But in actuality, it gives them a another gun who shoots too many 3s and doesn't play D or rebound...add him to Rashard Lewis and you now have two starters of that ilk. They will be good, perhaps dominant in the East, but for the Magic to win, Vince would have to be the all around superstar that he could be, not the highlight reel offensive superstar that he is.

Celtics, Boston 3 party is has become the new Fab 5...
Garnett's healthy, he's old, but not really only 33, and will take it easy on the knee in the regular season and peak when he should peak. (even though I hate him and his screams and mean-mugs). Paul Pierce is the king of the 15-20ft step back, couple that with hittin free throws and actually getting to the basket, he's good for a dub every night(even though i don't understand how a slow player beats ppl to the basket) Ray Allen hits every big shot, and open 3s are like layups to him(even though his head is enormous)....but wait...there's two more? Sheed...who will be hyped to be a role player instead of the key guy because he loves taking plays off, so he will be sick on O and D. And forget Chris Paul and Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo is the best point guard in this league. He literally does everything for your team and makes opposing guards want to stop playing. The Celtics will be annoying all year but they will be gritty and win games and will edge any team in the East just by being tougher.

World Series Preview

Wednesday night the first season for the new Yankee Stadium will begin its final act in style, by playing host to the 2009 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. It's the defending champions versus the 26 time world champions. Both cities are apart of America's megalopolis along the northeastern border and both teams are followed by extremely dedicated fan bases. There isn't much hype needed for a match-up between teams of this caliber, so let's just break down the match-up position by position.

Catcher- Jorge Posada v. Carlos Ruiz

While Ruiz has made great strides with the bat this year, from last, the edge still goes to Posada. Posada does stink on defense but within this line-up his bat is a more intricle part.

Firstbase- Mark Texiera v. Ryan Howard

Both are titanic superstars and despite being worse with the leather, I pick the RBI machine, Ryan Howard over TLex.

Secondbase- Robinson Cano v. Chase Utley

I love Cano, but this isn't up for debate, at all. Utley is the best second basemen in baseball.

Shortstop- Derek Jeter v. Jimmy Rollins

This is the most intriguing match-up, the future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter has made his name coming up big in the postseason and he hasn't disappointed thus far. On the other hand Jimmy Rollins is the catalyst atop the Phillies lineup, who does it all. I would say push in the regular season but this is the postseason, so the nod has to go to Jeter.

Thirdbase- Alex Rodriguez v. Pedro Feliz

This postseason, no debate is needed, ARod is being ARod. Feliz is nice but so was Byron Russell and we know what happened in '96.

Leftfield- Johnny Damen v. Raul Ibanez

Intriguing match-up but I have to pick Raul. Damen is nice with a bit more pop but will he be in the game come the 8th or 9th inning?

Centerfield- Melky Cabrera v. Shane Victorino

The 'flying Hawaiian' is the superior player even though Melky is no sloutch. Shane wins because in the two hole he is much more valuable than Melky to his team.

Rightfield- Nick Swisher/Hideki Matsui v. Jason Werth

Matsui DHs a lot but he's included here. This is oging to be the push in all the match-ups because Werth is an extremely solid all around player and better defensively and on the bases than anyone the Yankees have in right. But their edge with the bat creates the push.

Starters

The Yankees aren't as deep but with C.C. it's hard to pick against them, but I will, especially if Pedro Martinez can be the Pedro he was versus the Dodgers.

Bullpen

Mariano Rivera is all I have to say. The game is 8 sometimes 7 innings long with him in the pen.

The Phillies grade out higher but the Yankees don't care. I predict a 27th Yankee championship in 6 extremely entertaining games. So that's what the head says but the heart is pulling for the Phillies because I hope ARod never wins a championship.

Dear Diary #2

Last week I spent an obscene amount of money and absolutely none of it was for recreational purposes. With each and every single cent that left my wallet, I couldn't help but wish I had listened to Jeffrey the Giraffe. He always said, he didn't want to grow up, which was cool, until I realized that meant having your dad walk in on me and my girlfriend or being told my friends couldn't come over. Times like those made me want to grow up, made me wish I wasn't a Toys-R-Us kid, so now, at 24, I'm all grown up, out living on my own and damn it's hard.

The need to grow up has cost me a clean house, groceries, cable, internet, laundry, and most importantly prepared meals. Rather than occasionally helping in providing those amenities and essentials, I decided to solely provide them. Needless to say this first month of "free living", how ironically dubbed, has been anything but. Is this why Jeffrey never wanted to grow up? Because those toys aren't all that cool, so I have to wonder what he knew about growing up when he sand his tune.

While at this point there are no regrets, I do not wish I was still living at home or anything of the sort, but I will admit to how shocked I am at the cost of living. Not living with Robin Leech but living like Cheech, it's handicapping. If you're already out in the world, throw me some tips on surviving this rat race. If you're still at home, pick up every penny you see laying on the street, you'll need them to pay your bills or if you're lucky reestablish your saving account.

Sounds of Our Lives

There are a lot of things graphic designers and video game developers must account for when trying to make a great game, this is especially true in sporting games, where a good story can't carry the game. Graphics are huge, I don't need to see necessarily need to see Kobe Bryant sweat while playing with him but it's damn cool to see him do so. Then there are features, like The Show's Road to the Show, which is great because you get to see yourself make the rounds en route to the big leagues. Next you consider game play which must be superior to last years model, otherwise why spend your money? And now the internet capabilities of a game have become even more important, as gaming takes advantage of all technologies available to the industry.

Usually when all of those are put together the game is going to be awesome and worth the $50-55. However what has been overlooked by many companies is the games soundtrack. With the exception of the NBA Live franchise, they do a phenomenal job, game makers have been letting their kid's band record the game's soundtrack in their garage for too long. The Show, for instance, hasn't had a good soundtrack in years (going back to the MVP days). And the soundtrack for Madden 10 is the worst soundtrack OF ALL TIME. If the actual game wasn't so damn amazing, I would've burned the game just to be sure that my ears are never subject to such a barrage of horribly put together noises again.

I will continue to buy games in the Madden and Show franchises, despite all the ear bleeding. But I did just want to put game developers on notice, we do know when you get lazy. But please get lazy on cover art or marketing, those things we don't care about, but stay on the grind with the soundtrack.

Perception is Reality

Thorough Thursday: Michael Vick

The whole Michael Vick debate has been raging since 2007 when he was arrested and subsequently sent to prison. (for a ridiculously long time) Upon his release, he immediately stated his plans to reenter the NFL and those plans were met with expected resistance. Various animals rights groups did what they always do, protest, and many Americans felt that playing in the NFL is not a right, but a privilege, one that Vick is no longer worthy of. Vick had to engage in the PR strategy of showing sincere contrition for his acts in order to gain readmittance. So weeks pass, he plays for the Eagles now, but the same sentiment still exists because just yesterday, when news came out that Vick will star in a new reality series called the "Michael Vick Project" set to air on BET, everyone was up in arms again, saying that Vick is lucky to even be in the NFL, he doesn't deserve to be promoted on TV.

The idea playing a professional sport in America is a privilege and not a right is proposterous, yet pervasive among American sports fans, and I am bothered by that and continuously wonder why. Why do we hold athletes to such high moral standards? Better yet, why do we punish athletes more harshly when they break the rules? One need look no further than the cases of Plaxico Burress or Michael Vick to see that when prominent athletes get in trouble, especially black ones who seem a little arrogant, we as a society like to rule with an iron fist. Legally, we throw the book at them and socially we demonize them. I simply do not understand why.

For there to be this much opposition to Vick having a reality show, it implies that what he did to those dogs makes him a bad person, unworthy of fame or fortune by any means. But if Michael Vick were torturing rats, raccoons, or opossums, sure PETA would be upset, but he would have never spent 2 years in Leavenworth for it. The masses would not have cared, and I not even sure if he would of been breaking any laws by doing so. If Michael Vick were a plumber, who was arrested and convicted of dog fighting, served a prison sentence, and tried to regain his plumbing license,...no one would stand in his way. But because he earns his living as a quarterback, he shouldn't be allowed to make a living anymore? And his attempts at coming back to the field in which he makes a living are met with protest and vehement hatred?

It all boils down to the whole higher standard idea. The notion that prominence and wealth should be accompanied by greater moral and social responsibility. Well I think that makes no sense when it comes to pro athletes. Politicians, elected officials....yes they should held to a higher standard, because they literally work for the people, represent our issues and dedication to the community they represent is in their job description. Teachers, priests....yes they should be held to a higher standard in the course of doing their job they provide the framework and develop the mindsets of children who are impressionable and are dependent upon authority figures. Athletes...NO, because they do not work for you. They work for themselves to put food on the table for their families, and for the organization to put trophies on the wall and generate a profit. Just because their table is in a mansion does not mean higher moral standards should apply. It's time we stop being so appalled by athletes that don't embody the a Utopian sense of values and responsibility, and simply be impressed by the few athletes that do.

Back the Bid

At 1:30 am, local time, Chicago will be making their final presentation in their bid for the 2016 Summer Games. And come Friday morning an answer of Rio de Janero, Chicago, or Tokyo will be announced. In Chicago there is dissension between those who want the Games and those who don't. Many of those who are opposed to the games would rather see the time, energy, and money put into something that either they're interested or involved in. Screw that, I am a backer of the bid but not because I believe in the economic promise, I back the bid because how cool will it be if come 2016, the world's best athletes all converge on our city for the Games?

I'm no economist, so I'm not going to dabble in the economic promises and such that hosting the games provide, but I am a fan of sport. What the Olympics do is take all sports and shine a bright light upon them. Sports that are otherwise ignored by the masses such as, gymnastics, swimming, and track & field, suddenly produce athletes are lovable and larger than life. All participants are incredible athletes, and with the games being played here you would then have a chance to see them live. You would get the chance to Mr. Bolt run faster than any man ever has or see Michael Phelps try and do the unthinkable once again. Knowing how Chicagoans 'Love it Live', I'd imagine this is an opportunity one can't argue against.

The once in a lifetime chance to get to witness, first-hand, feats comparable to other games is something I can not imagine letting go by the wayside. The Games represent nationalism, athleticism, and competition all at their highest and finest levels. So here's to hoping the International Olympic Committee, IOC, selects the greatest city in the world to host the 2016 Games.

Tragedy

Last week a deadly fight broke out between gang members who are apart of both the school and neighborhood surrounding Chicago's Fenger High School. A grisly video tape of the massive brawl was released to the press and aired on Fox, the video depicts a riot, where dozens of males are furiously running, screaming, and fighting. Although a gun was not used, huge planks were to strike numerous students, resulting in a broken jaw and the first blow to the student who died, as a result of the injuries sustained during the fight. The fight's aftermath has yielded several responses from the public, which have me mulling the fight over. On the news a school representative called the school a war zone, telling the mayor to disregard the 2016 Olympics and worry about providing the school with security comparable to the National Guard. And while listening to the radio the people texted, emailed, and called demanding more of a police presence in these communities.

What all the people I heard failed to say, was that the community needs to be more responsible and held accountable. Take for instance, the kid who video taped the entire fight. He literally saw a boy being beaten to death in front of him, and not once did he say he thought the police needed to be called. Rather you heard him comment on how funny it was to see another kid being beaten and stomped. No action was taken by anyone to try and get the kid out from the bottom of the pile, nor was there any action taken to break the fight up. It was left to escalate as the droves of people who weren't fighting, sat on the sidelines and watched or ran. In an era where everyone has cell phones and the world is literally the press of a button away, do you expect me to believe the police wouldn't be either?

Police make their presence known in neighborhoods where they are welcome. Sadly, in many urban areas police are viewed as the enemy and there are not enough responsible citizens who step up and answer the call when their community needs them. This is evident in the rampant murder rates and ever growing gang problem. Perhaps instead of asking where the police are, why isn't that school representative saying, "We knew this would happen. I've never once seen the kids parent(s) during any conferences or school functions." Parents and communities need to take the responsibility when riots like these occur because it's truly the lack of their presence that create the monster who stomps a 16 year old to death.

Glad God Made an Eve

For the first time this school year a class of mine engaged in a compelling argument/debate. We had read a short story titled, "Girls in their Summer Dresses" and in summary it was about a man who loved looking at women. His love of looking had become so obvious that it created a problem in his marriage, and needless to say his wife wasn't very happy. In a class full of women and led by a women, who is quite the feminist, the general response was; men are pigs or men love to objectify women. I can live with being called a pig because, as a man, I know I love thinking and talking about sex. So if you want to call me dirty because my mind is, then that's kosher. However, when we talk about the objectification of women I can't agree with women and say gawking, cat calling, or any of other ways I call attention to beauty are objectification.

To objectify is to treat as an object. Slavery is objectification; people actually being sold as commodities, raised and treated as property. That's true objectification so when a woman claims looking a little longer than I "should" is objectifying her, it ruffles my feathers. First, I haven't treated you as anything. The only interaction between us has been a look, nothing has been said to dehumanize you. Second, it's human nature to be inquisitive and satiate the senses, so when something that is appeasing to the eye comes into view, looking is what the body is hardwired to do. Lastly, the comments or thoughts that accompany looking are not proof of objectification (as the women in my English class overwhelmingly stated). Men are not stupid, we know women are much more than some nice lips, big breasts long legs and so forth. However, the cover is important to sparking interest in the book, so when acknowledging these 'assets' men very well may be acknowledging that a woman isn't just those things. But also is showing interest and making an attempt to get to know more about the woman with the nice lips. It's a testament to her uniqueness, something he believes sets her apart from other women.

My father, happily married for 24 years, tells my mother, "God gave me eyes to see" whenever he's 'caught' breaking his neck. Women you have eyes too, look for as long and as hard as you want, because I will never stop looking. The day I stop appreciating the beauty of women is the day I will need to be checked into a psych ward. Observation, whether orally expressed or not, does not equal objectification. Lighten up and the next time I honk, slap the side of my car or stare, respond by saying, "Thank you" because all I have done is tell you I think you're special.

Get Some Shut Eye

GRAY

In the spirit of the true meaning of Tuesday Tutorials, I am going to delve into the topic of sleep. The body's great equalizer. On the real sleep is an unbelievably important aspect of our lives. Those who fall asleep easy,..the ones who hit the pillow and it's lights out....f them! Because for the rest of us, it's not always that easy. The natural stress of life just keeps us up sometimes and it's unfortunate when you consider what could happen after enough sleep deprivation. Heath Ledger and Michael jackson developed addictions and eventually lost their lives because of them...all because they just couldnt sleep. So the following is a tutorial on some tips, (personally tested and approved by yours truly) on how to get to sleep if you're struggling.

Stretch- Stretch out vigorously your legs and back muscles. Stretching puts a great deal of stress on a your muscles which is followed by a loose, relaxing sensation. Leg and back tightness are usually the most troubling, so loosen.

Pancakes-If you like em, thinking about pancakes or a food that you want to eat when you wake up will help you to fall asleep. If you're hungry enough, thinking about breakfast food will psych yourself into sleeping.

Watch BAD TV-not just bad, watch the show Comics Unleashed-- If you live in the chi and have ever had insomnia, odds are you've flipped by WCIU and the show Comics Unleashed at midnight and 1 am. This show is a round table discussion of unknown comics that are so unfunny, that they have the adverse effect of laughter, which is sleep, so there u go. Listen to 3 punchlines and you'll be out.

Old Addage--Try to stay awake.....may be an old wive's tale, but it's often repeated as the best way to fall asleep. Keep your eyes open and think about staying awake.....but I think best method of all is

Beat Off--masturbating is easily the best way to counteract insomnia. Just jerk it and you will be physically, and for some reason mentally...drained. I don't know if it works for girls, but cuming makes you sleepy, so yea, girls should do it too...just make sure that by jerking yourself to sleep you aren't waking anybody else from theirs.

If the average person lives to be 74 years old,..and the average person sleeps for about a third of their lives.....you are looking at 194, 821 hours of sleep potentially. SO my advice is to not miss one hour. Use the methods I've layed before you, (especially the last one) to get the rest you deserve.

Blog Emulates Life

The blogs at BUSE have been slow in coming lately.  Like waiting for a CTA bus, after 35 minutes here come 3. With school and work, time is hard to find to get blogs written and posted. Apparently that time is much harder to find for yo boy kid Grey. The guy has not posted anything since his weak argument against reverse racism. The lack of attention/time he is putting into BUSE makes him the trick of the week and as I do in the show and basketball (to name a few), I'm whooping him.

Although his opinions are often misguided and poorly constructed, they're still valuable and entertaining. Kid Grey's posts are vital to the pages of this blog. They just need to start coming! So despite how wrong he may be or idiotic he may sound, I hope he turns off his ridiculously boring stories from Iwo Jima on History and get to the computer.

Picks to Click

GRAY

So yes, it's a week 1 is already over and performances from the first game for each repective team may shape my predictions....but still BUSE has to stay true to its foundation as a reservoir of sports knowledge
NFC Playoff Picture

EAST

I'm picking the Giants to win the East. With the Defensive line healthy with 5 hr energy Umenyora and SoBe lifewater dancin Justin Tuck, the Giants are going to beat up on the teams they are supposed to, and I doubt they will even lose one game at home all year. That should give them the divisional edge over the Eagles with a hurt McNabb and the Cowboys....who always seem to choke of late.

NORTH

Gotta go with AP. It doesn't matter who quaterbacks this team. Unless Peterson hurts himself somehow, (and i do mean hurts himself because no one tackles him) then the Vikings are going to literally run away with the North. The Packers will be impressive in spirts, but will lose games because of a lack of offense. The Bears will do the same, but lose because of a lack of coaching. The Lions will repeat at 0-16.

SOUTH

Now, Offense doesn't usually win champisonships but it will get you to the playoffs. Though Atlanta runs the ball tough, I expect the firepower of the Saints to get the job done in the south.

WEST

Seahawks will go ahead and grab this division as I am a believer that the loser of the Super Bowl does not make the playoffs the next year...so sorry Arizona Cardinals, you will fair no better than the Patriots in 08, the Bears in 07, or the Seahawks in 06. the combination Houshmenzadeh at wideout and the SuperBowl Runner-up curse will place the Seahawks in the driver's seat.

Wildcard--give me the Falcons and the Eagles. I refuse to believe that just because T.O. is gone that the Cowboys will become the focused team that everyone claims they will be this year. They still have a drama queen at wideout in Roy Williams, and I feel another choke coming on for the inagural season to their new stadium. The Eagles always excell down the stretch and when McNabb gets healthy and Vick starts to contribute, they will be too dynamic for the weak NFC.
Don't expect shit from the Bears....though I was optimistic about their chances to make the playoffs before Cutler got cut up Sunday night, they simply lack coaching....no motivators, no leaders, and most importantly....no play-callers worth their salaries.

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AFC Playoff Picture
EAST

No surprise here. Brady is back. Moss is a beast, as well is Maroney. And even though the defense is not as stacked as they once were, you can shoe them in over the Jets with a rookie QB and the Dolphins and their novelty offense.
NORTH

I'm not saying the Steelers aren't excellent. But the Ravens are my surprise squad this year. They are winning this division and it will be because of Joe Flacco. Every year, the NFL has some sappy story about a team over coming adversity to rally and have an incredible season...que Steve McNair's tragic death and Derrick Mason's "fake" retirment. I like the Ravens to beat everyone up at home, and edge the Steelers out for the best record in that division.

SOUTH

Even though they started the season with a loss, the weapons are still there to be the best in the south. Indy is always good to give them a run. But the defense is still stellar, even without Hanyesworth.

WEST

Chargers, taking it easily this year in a perrenial weak division, with Orton at the helm of their closest competition.

Wildcard--I'll take the Steelers and the Colts. The Steelers because I trust the superbowl champs to make the playoffs. And the Colts of course because Peyton Manning is hilarious. Debate away.

9/11 (written on Friday)

On the morning of September 11, 2001 I was awoken to reports of a plane flying into one of the towers in downtown New York. America was under attack and our planes were the ammo. At the end of the day a plane went down in Pennsylvania, another struck the Pentagon and two more had taken down the towers that comprised the World Trade Center. Each target, minus Pennsylvania, had a special symbolic meaning. The Pentagon is the center of our national defense system, hitting this building and having it crumble to the ground was to foresee the demise of our armed forces. The World Trade Center was the center of the world for capitalism and taking down these towers was symbolic of the fall of capitalism.

Sadly thousands upon thousands of American lives were lost on this fateful day. Affecting the lives of millions across the country; from the families of the dead, to the rescue workers and on to the members of our armed forces thrust into war. Eight years later we are still feeling the direct effect from those attacks. Although it seems we have given up on our search for the man responsible for the attacks, our troops remain overseas. Instead they are in Iraq and Afghanistan waging war for the freedoms and liberties that were threatened by the attacks.

Now this post is not serving as a tribute or memorial, nor am I writing this to call into question the decisions made by our administration. Instead I am posting this to say what our national pride forbids us to admit. And what having to be 'politically correct' forces us to keep mum about. And that is that 9/11 was a success. Not because of all the lives lost, to the high-jackers and others responsible there were merely collateral damage. But because of what was attacked, the symbols, and the state of our nation today.

The Pentagon was attacked to foresee our armed forces' demise. Now think about when our nation's defense system has ever been so weak? Already in two wars, with a limited number of soldiers, what is can our nation do if another conflict arises? Would we as a public all suddenly become patriotic enough again to fight? If your answer is yes, then why aren't you overseas? Our troops need people like you now, seeing as thousands of lives have already been lost. The World Trade Center was attacked because of what it meant. Though not for the first time, it was the obviously the most successful attempt. Eight years later and mired in a recession that may as well be a depression and I can't help but think, wow. Wow those terrorists really did it, they shook the foundation of capitalism and helped in causing an economic crash to world's most powerful nation.

I am proud to be an American and after calling us the world's most powerful nation, I clearly believe in America. What I am not proud of nor can I believe is that eight years ago we let terrorists weaken our defenses and send our economy spiraling towards its current state.

NFL

Once Hines Ward fumbled the football within 10 yards of pay dirt, I began to worry about my first pick in my Yahoo! NFL Pick 'Em. But once that kick went through the uprights in overtime I breathed a sigh of relief and decided while on a hot streak to make my picks for the year.

NFC

Philadelphia Eagles- they win the East by going 11-5

New Orleans Saints- it's their turn isn't it?

Minnesota Vikings- Win division despite Brett Favre.

Seattle Seahawks- Didn't have the balls to pick San Francisco.

Chicago Bears- Super Bears, Super Bowl? Playoffs will suffice.

New York Giants- Still can't replace Plax, what an idiot.

AFC

New England Patriots- Yeah I'm sick of them but they're good.

Baltimore Ravens- Joe Flacco threw for 500 yards against me in Madden.

Indianapolis Colts- Same old, same old.

San Diego Chargers- By default.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Not as good of a year as last year but the playoffs are fun.

Miami Dolphins- Wildcatting into the playoffs.

There are my picks, so call Vegas and place your bets. But I am going to steer clear of playoff predictions and a Super Bowl winner for now because my baseball picks were so spot on.

Captain Comeback

Rob Zombie has brought Michael Myers back for the second time and what ninth time total? Now with Myers' reincarnation it got me thinking of other things that may, should and should not have comeback.

Walkmen: Maybe coming back? It's 2009 and my grandma is on facebook. I would like to think almost everyone would have some sort of MP3 player, be it an ipod, zune or whatever else may be on the market. Technological advances make life easier and the ipod does just that. Unlike Walkmen they are pocket sized, they carry your entire music library, rather than whatever may be on a single CD, and their adaptability is great. That being said, why have I seen numerous Walkmen since yesterday? Why are these devices still owned? Pawn them as antiques already.

Reaper: Should come back. Rather than give viewers more vampires or bring back another show that has run its course, why not bring back this original comedy? Sure the effects can be cheesy and some sub-plots were left open ended but the show had numerous great characters. Sock, one of Sam's best friends and sidekicks, was hilarious. His love of living life in the now make you wish he was your friend. Along with Sock there is the Devil himself. How can you hate someone so fun? Here is to hoping local syndicates pick it up for a third season, stupid CW.

Brett Favre: Should not, but are you really surprised he did? There is still some time to reconsider though! Now I'm not hating on the waffling, because if I were him I would've had my Iverson moment eons ago over practice. Plus $25,000,000 will take me just about anywhere . But I still wish he would not have comeback because everything he does and will do will be a story, from throwing an interception to farting in the shower. It's just Favre overload.

Better Than G-Force

Why? I don't know. I just thought what other f'd up things are going to be done to squirrels (since I immediately thought of the waterskiing squirrel). But when you look closely you can see this dude ready for battle, with acorns becoming more scarce I don't blame him.

BUSE sidebar- After 100 post, taking several months to get to, we are STILL waiting for that first guest contributor. Everyone has opinions, share yours!

Dear Diary

After about four years I have finally decided to get my act together and get back to school. I mean the luxurious life of a security guard aside, it was finally time to grow up. So naturally as friends enter law or grad school, I have enrolled into community college to earn myself some sort of degree. With the conclusion of my first week nearing I have realized that I am way out of practice. Like the couch potato who up and decides to join a gym only to find that they are gassed after completing the warm-up portion of their workout on the treadmill. That's essentially me in school.

Truman, the school I attend, is not a large campus, in fact it is just building with three levels. However I am so out of practice that navigating the halls is not only confusing but tiresome. I am physically out of shape as it is, so all of this walking and climbing stairs is taking its toll. Now put the two together, being out of practice and shape, and there you see me a lost panting fool on the wrong side of level 3.

What I have also realized in this short week is that I am more impatient than when I last took orders from a professor. Maybe it is the fact that all of my classes are at least two hours long, but every second seems like a minute and every minute ten. It is truly dreadful but what really boils my blood and slows time down even more, are all of the dumb people. I know you are paying for these classes, so if you don't get it by all means ask questions, but please stop volunteering your wrong answers. And another thing, if you don't get it after asking three times, go see the professor during their office hours!

All things considered though, I am glad to be back in school. I fully intend on hitting the books hard because I'm back and rocking that 45 for my come back tour towards whatever degree I'm earning.

Fun Time

Everyone who has played sports wished a ref would have just admitted this at least once. But since that will never happen, let's thank this fan for taking the initiative to speak on his behalf. Also I can't believe the dude in the red hat was not immediately kicked out or at least had his sign torn up. Thankfully he and/or it wasn't, because it's a nice additional laugh.

BUSE wants to also take a time out to thank all of readers, as we turn the page on the first 100 and begin anew towards 200 and beyond.

Thank you,
Beans & Grey

You MAAADE It... #100!!!

It is said that everybody gets their own 15 minutes of fame. BUSE's very own, Grey, has had a few moments of local celebrity being seen in two commercials; one for the CW and another for his beloved White Sox. Everybody loves the recognition that comes with their chance in the lime light, at least at first. Even Jon Gosselin was okay with his celebrity in the beginning. But what has always shocked me is what people do to get their chance at their 15 minutes of fame. It is as if they have no shame in airing their dirtiest laundry, like the underwear rife with skid marks.

We all know who Maury is and surely we have all seen at least one of his paternity test shows. Several couples come onto national television to debate whether a child is this man's or not, and for what? A free trip to New York and a chance to be on TV? Maury's paternity tests are just one ridiculous example of the lengths people go to for their exposure, but it is not the craziest. In its heyday everybody loved the Jerry Springer Show because it was on his stage where the true depths of desperation for celebrity were put on display. With topics ranging from I slept with my sister to I didn't know she was a he and the legendary on stage fights needing to constantly be broken up.

To be fair to those like Maury and Jerry, there is a market for such "entertainment". Everybody does love watching or looking onto the scene of a wreck, so much so that a cleared accident still causes a traffic jam due to the gawkers. But are these human train wrecks truly must-see entertainment? Is the disconnect of not knowing and essentially not caring about those involved enough of a buffer? In this scenario I only wish these folks would have some decency and self-respect.

While racking the brain for a similar situation, I thought of those in the pornography industry. But even in that case there is a notable difference that justifies their decision, they are getting paid (some quite well). What I am wondering is where do you stand? Is the exposure and chance to become "famous" worth what you reveal? And for those who can't turn away, what is so entertaining and why can't you turn away? Get thorough with me.

#99

It's August 19 and the lead in the National League Central is six games. In Chicago this ought to be good news, based on projections for this current season. However it is not the Chicago Cubs running away with the division, rather the St. Louis Cardinals. The red birds have out done the Cubs all year round, both on and off the field. Due to this it is now time to take this trick, the Cubs, and throw them under the bus.

After the last season ended in Los Angeles with the Dodgers celebrating their sweep, I was one of the few fans proclaiming the season a success. My stance, these guys need to crawl before they can walk. Sure there is a 100 year title drought, but I believed it was important to establish a dynasty. I was hoping for a run similar to that of the Atlanta Braves versus either of the Florida Marlins title seasons. It was the first time in a long time the Cubs made the post-season in back to back years. Now with a few additions to the roster in 2009 the Cubs should/could continue their winning ways.

But there is a reason why we play the games and that is being put on center stage in how these Cubs have played. The additions Milton Bradley and Kevin Gregg have been utter disappointments. Bradley has as many RBI as Ryan Theriot and Gregg can not save a game. Out $100 million man, Alfonso Soriano, is hitting .250 with 20 home runs (7 came in the first 2 weeks). Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly have been good but have missed entirely too many games with injuries.

This post is a declaration of the end, as a fan I am waving the white flag. I will watch a few games from here on out but with zero expectations. This year was/is a year to be forgotten, the players have no performed and the general manager did and has not made the best moves to put the Cubs in the driver seat. So a couple months earlier than normal, here is the Cubs unofficial slogan, 'Wait 'til next year!'