Tiger Woods Redux

I previous posted about Tiger Woods here. It'll give you a chance to read my mad blogging skills early on!
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The FedEx Cup playoffs have started in the golf world.

This past weekend saw another spectacular and gritty performance by the worlds #1 golfer, Tiger Woods. He didn't win. But his play on Sunday was reminiscent of the 2008 US Open that he won in dramatic fashion on basically one leg...in a 19 hole playoff no less. Taking the rest of the season off after that victory in June of '08, Tiger had knee surgery to repair a damaged ACL and walked around in a cast for some time as the result of stress fractures to the same leg. It was amazing he could walk a golf course for 5 rounds (between 25 and 30 hours of play) and win arguably the hardest golf tournament that is played each year, let alone swing a golf club.

This past week was the top 125 players starting their competitive playoffs for the FedEx Cup championship and the $10 million (you read that right) pay off that goes along with it to the winner.

Tiger came in ranked #1 in the standings as he has done 4 times previous (twice before winning the cup and the cash). After two weeks off from a failed attempt to win the PGA (the years final major tournament) he had to cut his Wednesday practice round short after only nine holes due to a tweaky back he blamed on a poor nights sleep on a bad hotel mattress. (If I had his money I would have my own bed shipped to every tournament. But that's me.)

Thursday's start seemed to be fine and Tiger was in the hunt at the end of the first day...after 11 hours on the course due to 2 rain delays. Friday midway through his second round there were signs of the back tightening up but he commented afterward it was fine and a little physical therapy would have him ready to go on Saturday.

Saturday morning ended the second round and was the worst round for him to this point in the tourney. During Saturday's third round, the back again failed him down the final stretch of holes and he ended up 4 shots off the lead going into Sunday's final round. One of his playing partners actually caught fire and held the lead over night.

As the Sunday round started, Tiger found himself paired with a relative newbie on the tour (at least in terms of being high up on the leaderboard on a Sunday). Tiger and Kevin Chappell teed off in the second to last group right before the leaders.

It was the most intense tournament I have watched in a while as several top players jockeying for the lead...charging...falling back. The third round leader shot himself out of the tournament after one horrendous hole. Tiger tied for the lead and fell back and then charged forward again. Then on the 13th hole, a long par-5, well, watch this short video...




With six holes to go!!! He somehow ended up bogeying this hole to drop a shot and now five holes to play. A par and another bogey and he was three shots back. Every full swing a monumental effort to hit the shot. Then on 16 he hits an amazing shot and birdies the hole...2 back. On 17 another birdie...1 back. Needing a birdie on 18 to tie the leader in the clubhouse (Adam Scott) at 11 under and force at least a 2 man play off. This is one of the hardest holes on the course. Tiger puts his second shot 20 feet past the cup...the crowd is going insane! The 18th hole was surrounded by what looked like every person attending the tournament that day...it was electric. Everyone expected a birdie and a playoff. One inch. The ball stopped 1 inch from going in the hole.



There were probably 6000 to 8000 people following Tiger's group that day. Kevin Chappell, in the end, had no chance. He shot 5 over and went from tied for 2nd to 15th. It is a crush of humanity everywhere when you get paired with Tiger.

I know maybe none of you follow golf or even know much about it. I post this as a way of recognizing the truly and unbelievably talented golfer that is Tiger Woods. He went from being on top of the world in every way to the reality-shattering personal strife and is back on top again. He has won five tournaments this year. No one else has won more than 2. They say he may not win Player of The Year since he did not win a major tournament. They say maybe Adam Scott might win it...since he won the Masters and then this past week. I say ridiculous. Many golfers do not win 5 times in their entire career. Tiger has had that many wins in a SEASON...ten times!!!  He has played 14 tournaments this year and won 5...over 30%. Believe me, it is a difficult thing to do.

I have no comment on his personal fallibility. I hold no grudges. I admire the man for his talent, his ability to focus unlike any other tour player, his grit to fight through injuries and carry on to the end. I do not know of another player on tour who would have continued to play after the shot on 13 on Sunday.  I have tried to play with an achey back and quite frankly I watched in awe as he finished that round. Other players have flamed out and never recovered from various off-course issues.

Another of the playoff tournaments (The Deutsche Bank Championship) where the field is now paired down to the top 100, is starting on Thursday. After that the field will be cut to the top 70. A week off and then the BMW Championship after which the top 30 advance to Atlanta for the final event of the series. Tiger will be teeing it up again in two days.

And he will be there at the end. Don't bet against him.

This Is The Age Of Reflections

It struck me today how many different people address me as "sir". I just realized that I have not been knighted by the Queen Mum and I don't look like Paul McCartney (thank God...that dude looks dead!!) Elton John (again, thankfully) or Nick Faldo...all legitimate Sirs.

No, I mean people at work (superiors and subordinates) and just in general. I certainly don't act like anyone should call me "sir"

The question I am asking myself is how many times in a day can I be called "sir" without actually feeling old?

(For you ladies I suppose the question would be equal for "ma'am")

And does it make me old to ponder such a thing so deeply as to take up valuable posting space with it?

How do you feel about this??

A View To A Kill

There is a real scourge in the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans and it is growing by the day. I am talking about the voracious and unstoppable red lionfish (P.volitans).

Pterois volitans (red lionfish)

This fish, though beautiful to look at and photograph, is rapidly endangering other organisms in the Atlantic and Caribbean. The lionfish has numerous poisonous spines which serve as fins as well as protection. They have no natural enemies and nothing will eat them unless they are dead...and most sea-dwellers like fresh-kill. Large groupers and some eels as well as sharks will eat them with apparently no ill affect. Roatan Marine Park officials have even been attempting to train sharks to eat lionfish.

This fish is native to the Indo-Pacific oceans of the world. It is speculated that during hurricane Andrew a large aquarium in Florida was destroyed releasing the lionfish that were kept there into the ocean. It is also believed that some lionfish were purposefully discarded by unsatisfied aquarium enthusiasts in Florida. Since the early to mid-90's the species has taken hold in the Atlantic.

Because they have no natural predators and the fact they can reproduce monthly (females release about 15,000 eggs each month), their population is growing exponentially. The Florida Keys Marine Park has never issued a hunting license for any animal except the lionfish. In many marine parks in areas I have traveled the last couple years (Fiji, Belize, Roatan) divers can spear lionfish and it is the only reason they are allowed to wear gloves when they dive...or carry a spear.

There are some organizations who arrange lionfish hunting trips for their dive groups in an attempt to help control the population. These fish are like the feral hogs of the sea. Failing to control their growth in some manner will continue to be devastating to the reef and ecosystem. This will have ever-lasting consequences on our sea life balance.

They are however quite tasty and I enjoyed fresh lionfish served on our live-aboard trip two years ago in Belize. I suspect the best way we humans have of eradicating a species is to fish the hell out of it. We are good at that.

So encourage your local seafood restaurant to add lionfish to the menu and support your local dive shop in their efforts to stop the spread of this red menace.

Beautiful and deadly

The Weekend Graphs Redux

In case you thought you might never see these again (and some may wish for that day) sorry to disappoint...your favorite weekly is back this week, with a bang!

The Weekend Graphs!!!

Please be entertained...enjoy>>>

Old Yeller anyone?




Is it safe....yet?




This one time at band camp....




Star light star bright...




Einstein had it all wrong...




And a public service graph to help you cope...



Please drink responsibly...or whatever.

Weekend In Black And White

My photogenic 3-yr old Boston Terrier. She takes such great pictures I had to give her a feature shot. As you can tell she has a wide field of vision!

Cornelia

Linking to the Weekend In Black And White.

On A Lighter Note...

Have you ever found something in your house you have grown comfortable with but periodically talk to your significant other about upgrading? It doesn't have to be something expensive like wood flooring to replace carpet. It could be something very simple and inexpensive like...plastic container ware.

My wife and I talk about several things around the home that we really want to upgrade, alter, or just flat-out replace. And our plastic-ware for food storage is always an easy topic.

1. Because storing it always turns the designated cupboard into a plastic version of a grenade explosion. We never take the time to sort and stack and organize and after a week it is a jumbled mess of lids and containers. I posted on THAT subject before and blamed gremlins or some such for the continual "chaos in the cupboard".

2. Because it is a cheap item and every sales magazine we get, offers the latest in stackable containers for a low price. Sometimes several versions in the same magazine. (Personal Solutions, LTD, Harriet Carter, etc.) You know the type, right?

So a couple years ago I ordered a mega-piece set for a mini-price and we were excited when it came in. Finally we were going to organize the cupboard and have everything MATCH. (Backstory: our plastic wear has historically been a hodge-podge of different types, colors, and sizes. Some were take-home containers from friends dinners that never made it back to their house (don't judge...you've done it too!) and some were containers from grocery store items that were sturdy, and carry-out food places...a true plastic container tower of babble!) Oddly I don't think any of it is Tupperware!

Well after a year of the new set of containers sitting first on the floor in their original box, then on the counter, then shoved into the spare  bedroom next to the kitchen...we had one piece of the set in the cupboard and the rest I gave to a co-worker so we could stop look at it and feeling like mental patients for letting it sit unused.

We then at some point got another set (my wife's choice this time...we take turns in this lunacy). We didn't like it when it came in and the stuff is so cheap it is never worth the hassle to return. We finally ended up giving it all to some friends of ours. (So we do give back to compensate for keeping other friend's containers.) Sort of a plastic ware paying it forward.

This ended up being a annual or semi-annual dance we did. We always do it without the others knowledge until the box shows up and we have managed to never sync a purchase to where we would be buried in plastic ware.

Now to current time. My wife's turn this time. She ordered a set of some fancy looking square fit-inside-each-other-when-stored plastic ware. These also came with a pump that allows you to suck the air out of each container to retard spoilage, marinate meat, or reduce freezer burn if freezing food. She ordered two sets of four. They are like Russian nesting dolls in the cupboard. Each side of each container lid has a locking tab so no more fighting tight fitting corners...just set the lid on and snap down the tabs and the seal is airtight. Downside...two of the lids are tripods now as one tab arrived broken off each one and the exchange policy is bizarre so we use them as is and they seem to work okay.

See they fit nice and square

Then the ones we just can't get rid of

See the side tabs and the airhole

 Now for the other side of the cupboard...

Okay so we need therapy (never mind new cabinets)

By now you have picked up on the fact we are actually using this plastic ware. Square works good in the fridge, freezer and cupboard. The pump works extremely well for removing air from the containers. We do not allow them in the microwave!! We have melted enough plastic in our food over the years to meet our maximum lifetime intake requirement many times over.

Everything is going well with this upgrade...just one small problem.....we cannot let go of many of the old plastic ware items! They are just comfortable sizes for things like hot sauce for dipping chips and storing smaller quantities of leftovers or sauces. They are like old friends. So now we have a Frankencupboard of plastic ware.

This has been about four months now...and just a couple weeks ago another box arrived with...you guessed it...MORE plastic ware. Apparently my wife could not help herself and she had to order these round bowls with lids. And guess where they are...

Tossed unwrapped into the bottom drawer under the kitchen counter!!!



Is it possible that any of you can relate to this fetish/phenomenon? Do you have upgrade syndrome and yet can't let go of the familiar? Have you had your lifetime allowance of microwave-melted plastic? Could some sort of therapy be in order?

Further Down The Rabbit Hole

Yesterday I posted about the travesty of political correctness and lunacy that is smothering the trial of "accused" Ft. Hood mass-murderer/terrorist, Major Nidal Hasan, 4 years after the event. We have gone way too far in the other direction to prove to the world's barbarians and corrupt dictators that we are no where near like them. This is a weak position to take to the extreme.

But today's post is even more sad, tragic, and quite unbelievable...

I am speaking of the way our own military, government, and law makers have treated the victims of the Ft Hood shootings.

The first of many poster boys for this embarrassment is Staff Sgt. Josh Berry, deceased.

Josh served in Afghanistan and had suffered post-traumatic stress while there. He had just returned to Ft Hood and was waiting to file some paperwork before heading home to Ohio. According to his dad, Howard, Josh sounded like he had won the lottery and was anxious to get home.

However, the next day 13 people were killed and dozens injured in the mass shooting at Ft. Hood, including Josh who dove for cover and was wounded in the shoulder. The wounds inside his head were a lot worse. In his fragile PTSD state, the scene of a fellow soldier gunning down unarmed people in a place that was supposed to be safe was too much.

Over the next couple years he was in and out of the VA. His marriage deteriorated. He obsessed over the trial delays and benefits being denied to the victims. As repeated by others from that horrific day, one of Josh's proudest moments was shaking President Obama's hand at a memorial service for the victims of that day. But the governments handling of the victims since the attack left Josh bitter and resentful. Compounded with the preferential treatment that Major Hasan was being afforded...he was never at peace after that.

The culmination of Josh's downward spiral occurred on February 13th of this year when he committed suicide.  His father continues to advocate for his son by writing hundreds of letters to Congress and the President, asking for legislation to give the Ft Hood victims benefits equal to soldiers wounded or killed in attacks overseas.

As of today nothing has been done.

Here is a brief video of the officers who ended the rampage that day by shooting Major Hasan:




Army Secretary McHugh is a coward and spineless individual. His statements attempting to address the victims issues are embarrassing to the entire Administration. He actually said he had no knowledge of the survivors complaints after the attack. During the interview he abruptly got up and stated, "I think I have answered all your questions many times over". When in fact he had answered nothing.

None of the victims are currently eligible for Purple Hearts and any talk of it could jeopardize Hasan's trial. What???

None of the survivors are eligible for any benefits combat veterans are eligible for. Seriously? Many of these soldiers were returning from active duty only to be killed or injured on US soil.

The entire incident is being classified as "workplace violence" instead of combat related or terrorism. Please tell me how someone who decided he was on the "wrong side" and guns down Americans on an Army base in the name of Allah (he shouted Allahu Akbar as he was firing away). Is the difference the fact that he happened to be an American soldier that the Army saw fit to promote many times until he reached the rank of Major?

Classifying this attack that way has cost Shawn Manning over $70,000 in benefits that would have been available to a combat related attack. Shawn was shot six times and still has bullets in his leg and spine. Or how about Alonzo Lunsford who was shot seven times and is now blind in one eye.

Yet while these heros suffer the slight and snub of what should be a grateful nation, Major Hasan lives in a special room that meets his needs due to the injuries he suffered when he was finally shot down. He is still earning his military pay which has amounted to over $278,000. In the interest of his safety he is flown daily in a helicopter the 20 miles to Ft Hood in order to have a facility to prepare his defense...because car travel is deemed unsecure. Oh yeah...there is also a escort chopper for additional security! And he has a private guard for at least 12 hours a day.

And we can't pay for the victims benefits??? This is madness.

Google any of these subjecst and you can read even more detail on this crime against our own.

Lastly...do our leaders believe this dog and pony act makes us look compassionate, humane, and fair to the rest of the world when dealing with heinous crime commission?  What a delusion that is. The extremists who want all Americans dead love seeing us be such fucking pussies...makes their job easier and hey, if they get caught they too could get three squares and a special needs room to live in.

Excuse me, I must go throw up now...

***Write your Congressman and Senator and demand justice for these victims***

Is This Alice In Wonderland Stuff??

Major Nidal Hasan

In one of the most grossly bizarre events in military history, the trial of Major Hasan has started. Who is he you might ask? I would not blame you for not remembering.  However this is a very hot topic here in Dallas as this shooting took place less than two hours from here.

Major Hasan is the lunatic Army psychiatrist who shot up the Ft Hood, TX military base 4 years ago killing 13 unarmed fellow soldiers and wounding more than thirty. His initial defense claim? He said he was angry at the war in Afghanistan and he was justified in the shooting as (and I quote) "acting in the defense of others". Who are these others...why the  "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the leadership of the Taliban, including Mullah Mohammad Omar". He thought by killing innocent fellow soldiers that he would save rebels in Afghanistan??? Yet he has been deemed competent to defend himself in the trail ahead. Injured himself when shot during the attack by military police (you would think they would have been better shots) he is now paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

Now, during the last four years he has been in custody amid numerous delays. He has turned over his defense team several times before deciding to defend himself. One Judge was replaced halfway through the proceedings because there were doubts of his impartiality (really?). Thankfully new Judge Osborn rejected Hasan's defense as baseless. Possibly the only sane thing that has happened so far. A delay in the proceedings for 6 MONTHS over whether he should be allowed to appear in the military court with a beard (due to military grooming standards) came next. (Today in court he wore fatigues and a beard)

The court martial is being conducted by 13 senior officers. Nine guilty votes are required for conviction and all 13 have to agree on the death penalty. Even then Hasan would have years of appeals in front of him.

To me he is clearly an enemy combatant and should possibly be charged with treason or terrorism. This is at best. Here is a quote from a Reuters post: An FBI Director found Hasan had exchanged emails with Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born cleric linked to al Qaeda's Yemen-based wing. Awlaki was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2011.

Now some of the twisted and unbelievable parts of this story. He has been getting a private escort in a helicopter almost daily from the jail where he is held to some more accommodating facility because the jail does not have suitable amenities to allow him to prepare his defense. On the tax-payers dime I might add. And since his real claimed defense has been disallowed what is he going for now?? (In his statement in court today he simply stated, "I am the shooter. I was defending Muslims. I was on the wrong side."

Major Hasan has also been receiving his full military rank pay since the shooting. Amounting to almost $300,000.

Here is a brief video from today's opening day in court:

Major Nidal Hasan - today

NEXT...the update of the tragedy from the surviving victims. This will make you lose faith in something, I assure you.

Z Plan : A Book Review

Courtesy of Amazon

I loved this book. I thought it was pretty cool that an American soldier stationed in Iraq drew some inspiration out of war for a good ol' fashion  Zombie story. It's a story of humanity and survival in the midst of an "infectious outbreak" that is now world wide. The action is non-stop and I was engaged immediately. I read this book in 3 days! Book two should be out soon as the writing is complete. Can't wait!!

Book Description ~

Cale was sent to Iraq with the usual thoughts any Soldier going to war might have; being lonely away from his family, not wanting to take another human's life, and above all, the fear of never returning home. Although well trained, nothing could have prepared him for the horror he was about to face.

Cale never thought the thing that could keep him from ever seeing his wife and daughter again would be a zombie apocalypse. As he and a handful of fellow Soldiers escape their base after a massive zombie attack, becoming deserters in order to survive, he begins the long and unexpected journey home through the harsh terrain of the desert; a barren landscape now swarming with not only undead cannibals, but also the enemy he was originally sent to fight.

The newly formed group plans to travel west, find a boat and maybe, with a bit of luck, make it back to America. Cale is tested beyond his imagination and brought to the brink of insanity as he loses friends while fighting the flesh eating masses. He risks his life for weeks, focused on holding his wife and daughter in his arms again. It seems all hope is lost when he finds himself alone and adrift at sea ... but is hope really lost?
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Harsh critics can surely find what ever flaws they like (say, like the one guy on Amazon did), but this is a zombie story so everything works for me. Never reading fiction with too tight an analytical eye, I really didn't question anything as I read...coz, ya know...it's a book about zombies!!! My view is anything can happen in a post-Apocalyptical world. Don't judge probabilities, again...zombies!!!

For a soldier serving our country I appreciate his service. I recommend this book to all my readers who dig a good and different point of view zombie story.

Well done Mikhail! Can't wait for the second book.

Mikhail Lerma - Author and defender of freedom