The number thirteen is something that can be viewed as mysterious. Whatever the case is for the Philadelphia Phillies, they are holding on Bryce Harper for a very long time. After seven years with Washington, he got a 13 year deal with the worth being 330 million dollars. He may not be making the most, but to get something long term may be good.
Given his career so far, he has been rather inconsistent. While capable of hitting home runs, he has been having years where he is great and then he slumps a little bit. Last year was a good indicator. Questions were asked on whether he was tanking or not. Comparisons have been made so far about Ryan Howard's contract from 2012 through 2016. While I would have fear if I was a Phillies fan, I think it's different. Howard was at the peak of his career and after 2011. He wasn't the same player like he was in his first three to four full seasons.
Harper still has a lot of prime years left in him to make his name in baseball. Now, he will be playing until he is 38 or 39. It's not like Howard's situation or even Albert Pujols' 10 year deal, which I'd say was a big bust. Teams are very concerned about these kid of deals. There is power to him, but the Phillies need to contain him and control his anger. If they want to be contenders in the next few years, they can't have him lose his cool and get ejected in critical moments of the season. Getting support around him and developing some of their prospects would also be a great help.
The National League East might become the go to division if it isn't the American League equivalency. Harper's deal will go down as the greatest ever or the biggest bust for any free agent when it's all said and done.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Saturday, March 2, 2019
YouTube Advertising Horror
One of my earliest blogs when I first started a couple of years ago was a YouTube blog about advertisers pulling away because their ads being on really hateful material. Let's just say the video sharing site is still pulling off a lot of favors to please advertisers. As I said in that one, I use AdBlock and avoid annoying ads for crap like Liberty Mutual, though they have gotten smarter with not shoving 30 second ones down your throat.
What is happening again? YouTube is going after predatory stuff and going after Momo videos. So what is it? It's a hoax and a challenge for kids. They are to do dangerous things, and that can include committing suicide. That kind of stuff does not fly with the site and they are trying to get rid of any content that might relate to that. That's not the only thing they are going after. Also in the hunt is removing millions upon millions of comments on videos involving minors because of predatory stuff. Regardless of the content being good or bad, add in the numerous channels that may have been deleted and a few other things, it shows something that is both good and bad.
On the one hand, it is good to try and protect kids. After all, this is probably the biggest video sharing site on the planet. I wouldn't be surprised if there is people who hunger for them and act all sexual. That should be an obvious warning sign. Not sure about little kids, but definitely it's teenagers. You can't blame YouTube for doing this. In the last few years since Trump became president, there has been a focus to get rid of inappropriate content and comments of that nature. It's noble.
However, this is a full nuclear panic as no one can comment. Not even content creators. Why not let the content creators review the stuff? This is a case of bending down to major advertisers like soda companies major retail stores. As I said, it's a good thing, but it is a bit of an overreaction in disabling it for everybody. Unfortunately, it's the case of a number of people ruining it for everybody. As probably per usual, Google won't explain anything and if they do, it will be an automated robotic response.
Friday, March 1, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Your Ideal Break Show
I work. My parents work. We all have breaks. And in our break rooms, we have TV sets. On my night shifts, they typically have it on Friends, which is not a bad show, but damn, it's very overrated and it's the same episodes over and over. My parents break includes The Price is Right, which is one of the few game shows I like. I would rather have it on something like Price is Right. What would be your ideal break show?
If A&E wasn't obsessed with The First 48 (which is good, but hear me out) and Storage Wars I would love to see reruns of some of their older shows. Stuff like Dog The Bounty Hunter and Parking Wars. Parking Wars is funny for the reactions from the people who just got ticketed for a parking violation. Add in a little Live PD and that would make my day. TruTV is something I would put on for a lot of their shows. Carbanaro Effect, Impractical Jokers, Hack My Life, and a few others are something that I would put on because of what they are capable of doing. I wouldn't want it on World's Dumbest (washed up people and B-writers suck at commentary and humor) and Adam Ruins Everything (douchebag Collegehumor gimmick should stay on YouTube)
As far as scripted stuff, there's a few that would make my ideal break. I honestly wish Seinfeld had a little more airing time or at least a different time on cable, because it's a much superior show than Friends. I'm a 90s kid, but some shows from the 70s would be delightful in my eyes. Shows like Sanford and Son and M*A*S*H are great. My preference on scripted material is comedies, so very rarely will I talk dramas as something I would want on my break.
What kind of shows would you want on your break? Let me know, because there is a vast world of great shows that someone would enjoy for 30 minutes before getting back to work.
If A&E wasn't obsessed with The First 48 (which is good, but hear me out) and Storage Wars I would love to see reruns of some of their older shows. Stuff like Dog The Bounty Hunter and Parking Wars. Parking Wars is funny for the reactions from the people who just got ticketed for a parking violation. Add in a little Live PD and that would make my day. TruTV is something I would put on for a lot of their shows. Carbanaro Effect, Impractical Jokers, Hack My Life, and a few others are something that I would put on because of what they are capable of doing. I wouldn't want it on World's Dumbest (washed up people and B-writers suck at commentary and humor) and Adam Ruins Everything (douchebag Collegehumor gimmick should stay on YouTube)
As far as scripted stuff, there's a few that would make my ideal break. I honestly wish Seinfeld had a little more airing time or at least a different time on cable, because it's a much superior show than Friends. I'm a 90s kid, but some shows from the 70s would be delightful in my eyes. Shows like Sanford and Son and M*A*S*H are great. My preference on scripted material is comedies, so very rarely will I talk dramas as something I would want on my break.
What kind of shows would you want on your break? Let me know, because there is a vast world of great shows that someone would enjoy for 30 minutes before getting back to work.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Believe or Don't Believe the Hate
Hate crimes are not something new. But I guarantee you reporting on them will be a lot more difficult than it should be. And you can thank that idiot Jussie Smollett for making it that way. Long story short, there was an incident at the end of January where he was attacked in Chicago in the early hours. He told cops it was two guys with Make America Great Again hats making derogatory remarks and a couple other things. Unfortunately for Smollett, the cops actually did their work in figuring out stuff, and as a result, he turned himself in, and more than likely sabotaged his own career.
What I find amazing is how much work the cops did. I've only played a little bit of the game, Watch Dogs, and I thought the camera thing was just for that. I didn't know Chicago had 30,000 plus cameras all around. It helps keep crime from getting rampant. The mere fact that they were able to trace what was going on before and after the attack is rather impressive. Now the story is going on that the two guys were paid to attack Smollett because of his salary on the show, Empire.
This situation is not going to sit well. The Empire crew have decided to write off Smollett's character. He's already the subject of jokes. Instead of taking the higher ground and maybe negotiate, he went for attention. It makes no sense since he's been acting for well over 25 years going back to stuff like The Mighty Ducks. Obviously, he is going to fight this, but I can't see this ending well for him.
For real people, it could be more difficult to report hate crimes. Yes, not everyone is guilty. Look at Brian Banks, a guy I will keep referencing over and over. A false crime hurt him and he was exonerated because of the woman who accused him lied that he committed a crime. However, this type of thing Smollett did could make things be second guessed. Unless he finds ways to redeem himself, his career will never be the same.
What I find amazing is how much work the cops did. I've only played a little bit of the game, Watch Dogs, and I thought the camera thing was just for that. I didn't know Chicago had 30,000 plus cameras all around. It helps keep crime from getting rampant. The mere fact that they were able to trace what was going on before and after the attack is rather impressive. Now the story is going on that the two guys were paid to attack Smollett because of his salary on the show, Empire.
This situation is not going to sit well. The Empire crew have decided to write off Smollett's character. He's already the subject of jokes. Instead of taking the higher ground and maybe negotiate, he went for attention. It makes no sense since he's been acting for well over 25 years going back to stuff like The Mighty Ducks. Obviously, he is going to fight this, but I can't see this ending well for him.
For real people, it could be more difficult to report hate crimes. Yes, not everyone is guilty. Look at Brian Banks, a guy I will keep referencing over and over. A false crime hurt him and he was exonerated because of the woman who accused him lied that he committed a crime. However, this type of thing Smollett did could make things be second guessed. Unless he finds ways to redeem himself, his career will never be the same.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Krafty Solicitation
There is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Some get away with slaps on the wrist. Others might get some jail sentences. Where this lands for Robert Kraft, I don't know. What we should know is that the New England Patriot owner is being charged in Florida with soliciting prostitution. Whether he was involved or not is a question for another day.
If the charges stick, it makes the Patriots look even worse. When you add in all the controversies and scandals since 2000, having situation like this does not help. I would guess varying by state, it's a misdemeanor. Those can carry a little bit of weight. They may not be as strict as a felony, but where you are, it could lead to some issues. If Kraft were to be charged, it could mean one of two things. Either he serves time in jail, which could be up to a year. The second could be a year of probation. More than likely, I see him getting probation and a small fine.
No doubt the NFL will figure out how to deal with Kraft. The thing I don't get is that he has a partner and I believe a child. It probably still hurts that he lost his wife back in 2011, something most people can relate to. Whether these charges stick or not, the league will more than likely discipline him. They gotta set a standard for this. After all, they dealt with Jim Irsay for his DWI. Whether this will be more serious or not of a punishment is a question for another day.
For now, innocent until proven guilty. Maybe Kraft was in at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe he knew what he was doing. Regardless, it's a black eye in the scandals and controversies of New England.
If the charges stick, it makes the Patriots look even worse. When you add in all the controversies and scandals since 2000, having situation like this does not help. I would guess varying by state, it's a misdemeanor. Those can carry a little bit of weight. They may not be as strict as a felony, but where you are, it could lead to some issues. If Kraft were to be charged, it could mean one of two things. Either he serves time in jail, which could be up to a year. The second could be a year of probation. More than likely, I see him getting probation and a small fine.
No doubt the NFL will figure out how to deal with Kraft. The thing I don't get is that he has a partner and I believe a child. It probably still hurts that he lost his wife back in 2011, something most people can relate to. Whether these charges stick or not, the league will more than likely discipline him. They gotta set a standard for this. After all, they dealt with Jim Irsay for his DWI. Whether this will be more serious or not of a punishment is a question for another day.
For now, innocent until proven guilty. Maybe Kraft was in at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe he knew what he was doing. Regardless, it's a black eye in the scandals and controversies of New England.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Google and Losing a Plus
Come April, another feature of Google will be shutting off for good. Throughout the years, they have been hungry for creating competition and trying to be on par with other sites. With Google+, it was their attempt at Facebook. At over seven years, it was one of their more lengthier products.
As far as what I can tell, there are a lot of products that are still being used to this day. One of the only things that they got rid of, at least judging by it, was Google Video. That came out in January 2005, not too long before YouTube was founded. I remember using it quite a bit because there was a number of video game videos and some TV shows. There was a few points where my dad even used that feature and watched a few stand up specials, mainly Dave Chappelle. I'm surprised that it stayed for that long until 2012, roughly six years after Google bought YouTube.
Ultimately, I guess Google didn't see much progress in trying to be a third pillar. Even with all the controversy, Facebook will still be used. Twitter is still a viable platform, especially with all the celebrities. For them to make Plus disappear that quick is surprising. I'm curious to see how much this will affect this blog. Since mid 2017, I have used it to do updates on blogs and all that. Looks like I'll have to find other methods, such as Tumblr or whatever I could link my stuff to.
A shame, but if it didn't have the numbers, then it was obvious Google had a failure.
As far as what I can tell, there are a lot of products that are still being used to this day. One of the only things that they got rid of, at least judging by it, was Google Video. That came out in January 2005, not too long before YouTube was founded. I remember using it quite a bit because there was a number of video game videos and some TV shows. There was a few points where my dad even used that feature and watched a few stand up specials, mainly Dave Chappelle. I'm surprised that it stayed for that long until 2012, roughly six years after Google bought YouTube.
Ultimately, I guess Google didn't see much progress in trying to be a third pillar. Even with all the controversy, Facebook will still be used. Twitter is still a viable platform, especially with all the celebrities. For them to make Plus disappear that quick is surprising. I'm curious to see how much this will affect this blog. Since mid 2017, I have used it to do updates on blogs and all that. Looks like I'll have to find other methods, such as Tumblr or whatever I could link my stuff to.
A shame, but if it didn't have the numbers, then it was obvious Google had a failure.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
1994 Speedweeks: 25 Years Later
To say NASCAR had a rough 1993 was no exaggeration. Losing the 92 champion, Alan Kulwicki, to a plane crash was bad enough. Later on, Davey Allison would succumb to helicopter injuries. Both of these guys, particularly Allison, could have been guys that would have had more success if it weren't for these tragedies. For 1994, it was probably still in those minds heading for the Daytona 500, but to begin with even more tragedies says more about what NASCAR and motor sports would have to deal with for the next seven years.
I think a recent video from nascarman on YouTube does a great job of explaining one of the roughest times of NASCAR than I ever could. Even though it was a first win on the Winston Cup for Sterling Marlin, it was overshadowed by the deaths of Neil Bonnett and Rodney Orr. Bonnett was set to make a small comeback following a 1990 crash that gave him amnesia and had him being a broadcaster on several networks. Orr was a Goody's Dash champion. Both of their cars crashed into walls and the results, obviously, were not pretty.
Though there was investigations, there was no official statement on why those crashes happened. Early on, it was Hoosier tires, which was embroidered in issues at times in certain racing circuits. There was a broken part to Orr's car with the right rear shock absorber, which was said in the investigation. NASCAR did not make any statements, so anyone's guess could be anything. And the mere fact that Rusty Wallace talked about the tragedies at the drivers meeting at that time is one that needed discussion. After all, he took some big hits in 93 at the Daytona and Talladega races, one of the reasons they started implemented roof flaps that same year. The idea to drive smart is something drivers do have in mind. Some hit might be deliberate or accidental, but it is part of racing. However, the last thing anyone wants to see is someone getting injured badly or death.
The rest of 1994 wasn't horrible for the main series, but there was the near fatal crash of Ernie Irvan at Michigan. In May, Formula 1 racing took a huge hit with the death of Ayrton Senna. Some other smaller circuits had some other fatalities. As far as the main series, NASCAR avoided fatalities until 2000 with Kenny Irwin and ramping up safety with the most recent being the 2001 Daytona race with Dale Earnhardt.
For the Cup series to overcome it says a lot. Sure there are disagreements and big bumps and slides, but drivers know the stakes. As long as they aren't doing things on purpose (which some will break), there isn't much to worry about, especially with all the safety features of today's cars. Tragedies inspire some to take initiative and NASCAR knows that. One step ahead can prevent future deaths.
nascarman's video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPEiSJR64-s
I think a recent video from nascarman on YouTube does a great job of explaining one of the roughest times of NASCAR than I ever could. Even though it was a first win on the Winston Cup for Sterling Marlin, it was overshadowed by the deaths of Neil Bonnett and Rodney Orr. Bonnett was set to make a small comeback following a 1990 crash that gave him amnesia and had him being a broadcaster on several networks. Orr was a Goody's Dash champion. Both of their cars crashed into walls and the results, obviously, were not pretty.
Though there was investigations, there was no official statement on why those crashes happened. Early on, it was Hoosier tires, which was embroidered in issues at times in certain racing circuits. There was a broken part to Orr's car with the right rear shock absorber, which was said in the investigation. NASCAR did not make any statements, so anyone's guess could be anything. And the mere fact that Rusty Wallace talked about the tragedies at the drivers meeting at that time is one that needed discussion. After all, he took some big hits in 93 at the Daytona and Talladega races, one of the reasons they started implemented roof flaps that same year. The idea to drive smart is something drivers do have in mind. Some hit might be deliberate or accidental, but it is part of racing. However, the last thing anyone wants to see is someone getting injured badly or death.
The rest of 1994 wasn't horrible for the main series, but there was the near fatal crash of Ernie Irvan at Michigan. In May, Formula 1 racing took a huge hit with the death of Ayrton Senna. Some other smaller circuits had some other fatalities. As far as the main series, NASCAR avoided fatalities until 2000 with Kenny Irwin and ramping up safety with the most recent being the 2001 Daytona race with Dale Earnhardt.
For the Cup series to overcome it says a lot. Sure there are disagreements and big bumps and slides, but drivers know the stakes. As long as they aren't doing things on purpose (which some will break), there isn't much to worry about, especially with all the safety features of today's cars. Tragedies inspire some to take initiative and NASCAR knows that. One step ahead can prevent future deaths.
nascarman's video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPEiSJR64-s
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
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