Originally Posted By Mr X ***An education should be available to all, especially those who have the potential to really achieve scholastically.*** Which is it? All? Or those who are scholastically gifted? What about those who are gifted in other areas (like athletics, music, art, dance, horticulture, etc...)? ***I really wish more people valued knowledge, learning and wisdom.*** Things worth valuing, to be sure. But not the only things, grasshopper.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***How to some, it is more important than family relationships, politics or theology.*** Interesting that you include theology as "important" in your writings, while athletics is not. Personally, I find theology to be the biggest waste of human time and endeavor of all time. Not to mention a GREAT inhibitor (even today) of your vaulted education and wisdom ideals. At least with sports you get some fresh air and physical fitness out of it. ;D
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo theology maybe is the wrong word, perhaps ethics or philosophy would be a better choice. And no, I would like to see an opportunity for anyone to be able to study to Bachelor level without the need for a scholarship. Participating in athletics for health reasons are fine. But I find sports bring out the worst in people, both the participants and the spectators.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo But what is even more disturbing than the sport element of the Superbowl is the preoccupation with the advertisements and the consumerism that is so blatant.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan Some sports fans have great stories, pretty stories that take place at stadiums near lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey You have no idea how the Saints victory Super Bowl has positively impacted this city. Murders and violent crime are down in the past two weeks. Businesses of all kinds are flourishing because of Saints fever. People are paying attention to New Orleans again, and not for the wrong reasons. The city is overflowing with positive spirit and camaraderie. It's an unbelievable sight to see, all because of a football team, and it's an economic shot in the arm that was much needed in this area. And our celebrations have not been the typical riots that often happen in some cities after a major victory. No overturned cars, no arson, no looting: just unbridled excitement and fun. Almost a million people turned out for the Saints victory parade two nights ago. In a city that's world famous for it's parades, it's the largest parade attendance-wise ever held in the city of New Orleans. The New Orleans Saints are bringing people together in ways no one ever imagined.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<But what is even more disturbing than the sport element of the Superbowl is the preoccupation with the advertisements and the consumerism that is so blatant.>> You can say the same thing about Christmas.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Dave, you use the word HATE a lot. You HATE sports, you HATE George W. Bush. Your HATEful attitude is much more damaging to our society, in my opinion, that people enjoying a couple of hours watching football.
Originally Posted By Mr X <---HATES George W. Bush, prejudice, and most kinds of seafood ***<<But what is even more disturbing than the sport element of the Superbowl is the preoccupation with the advertisements and the consumerism that is so blatant.>> You can say the same thing about Christmas.*** Can't argue with that. Which to me is even MORE sad, since sports are just sports but Christmas used to have lots more meaning to me and the commercialization just sucks the family/togetherness/home spirit right out of me.
Originally Posted By DAR <<Some sports fans have great stories, pretty stories that take place at stadiums near lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad.>> For about ten years my dad has had season tickets to Wisconsin Badgers football games. We knew one other person while going to the games but we would tailgate with that person's group. In that time we've struck up many friendships with people where we now get together outside of the games. As for kids being active in sports I think that's a good thing. I played sports throughout grade school and high school. Played soccer, well I didn't start but I did see enough playing time. And ran track(even ran a mile my junior year in 5:15). But when I have kids they will be active in something, whether it be sports or the arts.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>You have no idea how the Saints victory Super Bowl has positively impacted this city. Murders and violent crime are down in the past two weeks. Businesses of all kinds are flourishing because of Saints fever.<<< But isn't that sooooo sad?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I LOVE lots of things too. I am very passionate. But yes, I hate Bush, the dumb bottom matron copulator. And football. But I love museums, learning, nature, children, animals, celebrations, altuism. Perhaps hate is too strong, maybedo not understand and pitty people who love it.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***>>>You have no idea how the Saints victory Super Bowl has positively impacted this city. Murders and violent crime are down in the past two weeks. Businesses of all kinds are flourishing because of Saints fever.<<< But isn't that sooooo sad?*** No. And I'll qualify the first "no" but definitely not the second. The first thing, murder and violent crime being down, is HORRIBLY sad and tragic on SO many levels but I don't equate that to sports. The fact is America is a violent and dangerous country. There are many reasons, but prolific gun abuse and horrible economic inequality are surely two key factors. But if a team winning the Superbowl cuts down on murder...I'm totally okay with that. Your SECOND point isn't sad in the least bit. What's wrong with a city getting a much needed economic boost from the excitement and energy generated by a home team bringing home the gold? How is that any different than a city getting an economic boost because the Rolling Stones came to town or because of a political convention or because of the excitement over a new Theme Park? Enthusiasm and excitement generate revenue, that's just economics 101. Nothing "sad" about it (except that it is "sad" to you because you think football sucks). ***But I love museums, learning, nature, children, animals, celebrations, altuism*** Different strokes. Lots of people think museums and learning are big bores. I can't say as I haven't felt that way from time to time myself. I'd certainly rather go to Disneyland than some museum, but a great many people could call me crass and ignorant for liking something so pedestrian and stupid. Being a Disney fan yourself (how very uncultured of you!), I find it strange that you can't see how football, or sports in general, might just appeal to some people even if it's not your cup of tea. ***maybedo not understand and pitty people who love it*** As some "classier than thou" people might pity you for your strange enjoyment of amusement parks. Pity the ones who have NO passion, who have no capacity for enjoyment and no love in their hearts. The rest of us find our pleasures where we can.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***But I love...celebrations*** Unless they are a million people on the streets celebrating a HUGE victory and sense of relief, best in the nation FINALLY, in a town that had endured forty years of sports related disappointment AND a devastating for-real tragedy just 5 years prior that for one shining moment has been lifted off their shoulders. Sorry, just had to go there. ;D
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Good on them, though it is a shame it took a bunch of huge men pummeling each other for a wierd shaped ball to do it. This is the depressing bit. It pisses me off frankly. It's not like a local putting someone on the moon or creating a lasting legacy.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***though it is a shame it took a bunch of huge men pummeling each other for a wierd shaped ball to do it. This is the depressing bit.*** I still don't get where you're coming from. Do you feel the same about ANY physical endeavor? Here in Japan, lots of people are highly cerebral and care about their heritage, and their families, and their legacy, but still they also love Sumo wrestling...considered to be a national sport but also indicative of the culture and heritage of the country. Is that also depressing to you? Does it piss you off? ***It's not like a local putting someone on the moon or creating a lasting legacy.*** Interestingly the ONLY country to put someone on the moon is the SAME country that considers football an important part of the national heritage. Do you also hate soccer? (just curious)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I despise soccer even more than football. It is soooo stupid. Especially the football hooliganism.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo And you wouldn't get me X, you were a part of the machine in your youth.
Originally Posted By Mr X I gotta say Dave (and this probably isn't the place to do it, but whatever...), you are one of my dearest friends and I love you, man... BUT, you are without a doubt the friend of mine who is the most baffling and challenging as far as parsing my worldview next to yours (and that's so weird since we agree on SO much stuff but just seem to have completely different visions of the world in just a few key areas). I look forward to hearing more from you!
