I was brainstorming the other day, or rather, just daydreaming, and something occurred to me about the state of art and music. Whenever you hear reference to older generations of music, they're mentioned as if music has moved forward so far since their inception all those years ago. Today's R&B, Rock, Pop, and Hip Hop, pretty much look down on the eras of the 1940's and 50's. To be truthful, a lot of that is flawed and defensive posturing.
Much of today's portrayals will glamorize and exaggerate today's music, amplifying it above the norm, in comparison to yesterday's music, to make it stand out as superior. But aside from the black and white caricatures that you see painted, if you were to take music venue scenes from the 40's and play them side by side with today's music scene, you would see quite a different picture. I have had a blast going through old film of Muhammad Ali interviews in his prime on talk shows like Sammy Davis Jr., and Nikki Giovanni. What it reminds me of is how hip they were back in the 70's and prior. There was such a bustling art movement across the country at that time, as well as very deep conscious thinking. Today's society would like you to forget that. They act as if in those days, people were rigid and today's people are very intellectual and advanced. That couldn't be more wrong. People have never been more rigid than they are today. There has never been such a lack of thought, let alone original thought.
If you take open rhythm in music and free-thinking, scientific conversation that was the norm back when Miles Davis played, or when Jimi Hendrix was rocking, people today would be so out of their element and lost, it would be comical. Rather than admit that it's all been simplified and dumbed down, they'll just say that up is down and down is up, and move on, as if that cures it all.
I was having an artist moment the other day- the only way I can describe it to you laymen, and a rhythm came into my head. It was a hard-bop kind of rhythm. I kept hearing it, even in the shower. As it filled my head, I began to lay a bass line, and eventually a melody that I forgot over it. It was so hip it isn't funny. Before I knew it, I was bopping back and forth, and just imagining how much fun it would be to perform the tune on stage. That's when a sad thought hit me. Music is totally devoid of that today. People have no idea how empty and whack music has become. Not only are the tempos today held below 100, but also the rhythmic structures are retained to simple 4/4's and the occasionally used 3/4. That's become the simple safe zone that everyone tells themselves is Nirvana. The complex and moving rhythms and melodies of the 40's would blow today's music out of the water, if the sound quality was brought up to speed. These clowns don't know a thing about real BOP. I mean nothing about bop- period. They tell themselves that it's some archaic nonsense that their ancestors listened to. They'll swear Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are on the next level. What do these fools know about chamber music for real? Not the negative connotation that's been put on it. What do these idiots know about totally vibing off on a sick Bop-vamp, getting lost in the solo? I'm talking about the music that had you hypnotized and sweating after about 20+ minutes of a sick beat and solo!! Even today's jazz has lost that in large part. And that's due to the modern influence. When I was doing my residency of sorts as a music student around 2007-2008, that's when alot of that scene was beginning to become rare. I remember nights of sick jam sessions with some cats I used to play with. There were solos that went on for 30 minutes, with a rhythm section so energetic, you would never have known. Bop got its name from the motion it produced in the listener, and music today could never match that energy. Predominantly, it used a 2/4 beat pattern with frequent accents. This allowed you to fill out the drum pattern and make even ballad tunes sound high octane when needed.
Look at a well known song like "Take Five," by Paul Desmond. Today, it's used in segues and as background music. If that song were fleshed out and performed for real, these dudes wouldn't know what to do with it. So my idea was to do a track similar to the Bop era, and give it some modernized amplification. It should be interesting when it's done. Another thing that I want to do is a tune that has no repetition. When you think about that, it is much harder than it sounds. I was thinking about an experiment. I wanted to ask a bunch of people to grab a few items and go into a silent room. Then I wanted them to allow me to record them as they play around and make noise for as long as they can without repeating any patterns or melodic fragments. You will be surprised how just about everyone will struggle with that. I want to take that on as a challenge to myself. I've always respected Free Jazz for that. It is so much harder to have no patterns. If you noticed conversation over the last decade or more, most people repeat themselves several times in conversation. Ask yourself when the last time it is that you or someone you spoke to, had a complete conversation without going back over a point, or repeating a statement. It's amazing to think about, but a denser society has gradually, over the years, become reliant on repetition. That's why the crap music today gets over. It super repetitive, and would have been booed out of the studios and clubs decades ago. But like I said, that's back when conversation was more fluid and deep. You will find that people did not repeat themselves nearly as much several decades ago. Investigate that for yourself. Even in the Ali interviews that I watched, even when punch-drunk, he almost never went over a point again and again. His thought were clear and concise. When you see that for yourself, you'll really think about things.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Announcement of the Big Fight- Mayweather vs. Pacquiao - May 2nd
I would be remisced not to discuss the announcement of what is most likely the biggest fight in the history of sports. We have just heard the announcement of the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight finally happening on May 2nd of this year. We have waited over 5 years- close to 6 years for this fight to finally happen. To be honest, if you've read my posts and my comments over the last few years, you know that initially, I didn't really have a lot of interest in this fight from a tactical perspective. I felt that Manny was too reckless for my taste, and undersized as well, for a matchup with Floyd. At the time, I didn't have a lot of respect for Manny. However, over the years, watching his mastery of his style, and his dominance of an array of different opponents, as well as his resurgence following a devastating loss to a juiced Marquez, I began to appreciate Manny as a very special boxer of this generation, who could have held his own in the previous era. I also formed a huge amount of respect for Freddie Roach- the student of Eddie Futch. He has shown himself, through his resume' to be one of, if not the greatest preparer of all time. He knows how to study his fighter's opponent, and get them ready to be competitive and effective against whoever they are facing- even in mismatches. That has impressed me immensely over the years. He is a master tactician.
When it comes to this fight, part of the reason I want to see it is because of Freddie Roach. I know, and Mayweather knows, that he is going to get Manny physically, and mentally prepared for this fight. That has been part of his reservations. Floyd Mayweather does not like to enter into a fight unless he is in control before entering the ring. Whatever he can't determine prior to picking the opponent, he likes to iron out during pre-fight antics. Manny Pacquiao is the first person that Floyd is facing, who will not be rattled whatsoever entering the ring on May 2nd. He will be fully prepared to do his best, and will not be out of the fight at any point, other than being stopped. He will be game, and thanks to Roach, he will adapt. These are things that Floyd doesn't like.
I still feel that this was a fight hyped more than necessary to build interest and money. It's a fight that Floyd can win relatively easy. But there is a level of intrigue there, that Manny can beat Floyd. I told my coworker that this is actually a fight that Floyd has to score a KO on. His usual strategy of having better speed, stamina, and footwork than his opponent, and lacing them with shots all night, outlanding them, is out of the question this time. Manny will definitely not allow himself to land less than Floyd, and Floyd cannot be busier than Manny. If he were to try, he would really open himself up to a bad upset. He has to keep Manny off balance, and on the outside, and hurt him in the process early. Then, he can pick off a wounded Manny with a heavy shot later on and stop him. That's somewhat how he took care of Hatton. However, it will be very difficult to do that, and to silence a busy Manny, who has deceptive defense and footwork that is as good as his, if not better. There is a big difference between teeing off on an opponent and standing on the outside until you go for the kill, and teeing off on an opponent in spurts while taking shots and damage along the way. Mayweather has never had to deal with the latter. In his fight with Manny, if he takes shots and is put on the retreat at any point, the needle will tilt towards Manny heavily. He has to come into the ring as the big man,stylistically, but he can't afford to be the lumbering lunk in this fight though, otherwise he risks Manny circling him and picking him off with clusters of shots. So look for a surprisingly strategic fight.
On that note, I must say that when I think about it, the pressure is really on Mayweather. This is not the last fight of his contract, but it's the biggest. If he should win big and dominantly, many will clamor to see a more competitive opponent, and feel they were duped with this matchup. He may end up in a position similar to Larry Holmes, who was 1 win away from tying Rocky Marciano, before he lost in a controversial and pressure filled match. Don't be surprised if Floyd loses his next fight after winning this one. He may have all kinds of insecurities and pressures surround him, that he picks the wrong opponent for his last fight, and gets knocked out. It may even end up being what people will call Karma. That isn't what it is, but in a way, it's set up. He's spent so much time trying to control every second of his legacy, that his last moment may be a tragedy. Where do you go from an overhyped Pacman fight- if that's what it turns out to be? The answer is that we don't know.
Floyd is turning 38 in a few days. One thing about him is that he has always had the physicality to turn up his training to meet a challenge, if he ever faced one in an opponent. However, I noticed a shift during his little war with Maidana. He was roughed up far more than he expected in the first fight, and then he trained like a madman just to be underwhelming in the rematch, and look pot-bellied, slow, and beatable. He has fooled fans for years, into thinking that he could stop his opponents if he wanted to. I personally knew he had no shot at stopping Guerrero or Canelo, regardless of how the fights looked to people. He cries about his hand constantly, as his excuse for his performances, going back to his LOSS to Castillo in their first fight. At this age, he is having difficulty "getting up" for fights. He knows that for this fight, he has to bring the best Mayweather that he can muster, but the odds are that in all of his efforts, he will produce an underwhelming shell of himself on fight night. Look for a power-hungry, KO seeking Floyd on May 2nd. He knows that is his best chance. His movement is still solid, but it won't be as impressive against Manny. I can't wait to see what happens. Stay tuned.
When it comes to this fight, part of the reason I want to see it is because of Freddie Roach. I know, and Mayweather knows, that he is going to get Manny physically, and mentally prepared for this fight. That has been part of his reservations. Floyd Mayweather does not like to enter into a fight unless he is in control before entering the ring. Whatever he can't determine prior to picking the opponent, he likes to iron out during pre-fight antics. Manny Pacquiao is the first person that Floyd is facing, who will not be rattled whatsoever entering the ring on May 2nd. He will be fully prepared to do his best, and will not be out of the fight at any point, other than being stopped. He will be game, and thanks to Roach, he will adapt. These are things that Floyd doesn't like.
I still feel that this was a fight hyped more than necessary to build interest and money. It's a fight that Floyd can win relatively easy. But there is a level of intrigue there, that Manny can beat Floyd. I told my coworker that this is actually a fight that Floyd has to score a KO on. His usual strategy of having better speed, stamina, and footwork than his opponent, and lacing them with shots all night, outlanding them, is out of the question this time. Manny will definitely not allow himself to land less than Floyd, and Floyd cannot be busier than Manny. If he were to try, he would really open himself up to a bad upset. He has to keep Manny off balance, and on the outside, and hurt him in the process early. Then, he can pick off a wounded Manny with a heavy shot later on and stop him. That's somewhat how he took care of Hatton. However, it will be very difficult to do that, and to silence a busy Manny, who has deceptive defense and footwork that is as good as his, if not better. There is a big difference between teeing off on an opponent and standing on the outside until you go for the kill, and teeing off on an opponent in spurts while taking shots and damage along the way. Mayweather has never had to deal with the latter. In his fight with Manny, if he takes shots and is put on the retreat at any point, the needle will tilt towards Manny heavily. He has to come into the ring as the big man,stylistically, but he can't afford to be the lumbering lunk in this fight though, otherwise he risks Manny circling him and picking him off with clusters of shots. So look for a surprisingly strategic fight.
On that note, I must say that when I think about it, the pressure is really on Mayweather. This is not the last fight of his contract, but it's the biggest. If he should win big and dominantly, many will clamor to see a more competitive opponent, and feel they were duped with this matchup. He may end up in a position similar to Larry Holmes, who was 1 win away from tying Rocky Marciano, before he lost in a controversial and pressure filled match. Don't be surprised if Floyd loses his next fight after winning this one. He may have all kinds of insecurities and pressures surround him, that he picks the wrong opponent for his last fight, and gets knocked out. It may even end up being what people will call Karma. That isn't what it is, but in a way, it's set up. He's spent so much time trying to control every second of his legacy, that his last moment may be a tragedy. Where do you go from an overhyped Pacman fight- if that's what it turns out to be? The answer is that we don't know.
Floyd is turning 38 in a few days. One thing about him is that he has always had the physicality to turn up his training to meet a challenge, if he ever faced one in an opponent. However, I noticed a shift during his little war with Maidana. He was roughed up far more than he expected in the first fight, and then he trained like a madman just to be underwhelming in the rematch, and look pot-bellied, slow, and beatable. He has fooled fans for years, into thinking that he could stop his opponents if he wanted to. I personally knew he had no shot at stopping Guerrero or Canelo, regardless of how the fights looked to people. He cries about his hand constantly, as his excuse for his performances, going back to his LOSS to Castillo in their first fight. At this age, he is having difficulty "getting up" for fights. He knows that for this fight, he has to bring the best Mayweather that he can muster, but the odds are that in all of his efforts, he will produce an underwhelming shell of himself on fight night. Look for a power-hungry, KO seeking Floyd on May 2nd. He knows that is his best chance. His movement is still solid, but it won't be as impressive against Manny. I can't wait to see what happens. Stay tuned.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
The Modern Fool
I've recently dove back into the arts from years gone by and artists who I had forgotten. Lupe Fiasco is one such artist who I owe tribute to . My brother- Wasulu Mohammed Jaco, is a deep dude. His first few albums reek of depth beyond even "Illmatic," and I dare you to go to Rap Genius.com and test that theory out. He talks about everything that matters. At work, a few knuckleheads had a discussion with me about each of our top 5 lyricists. It seems that no matter how much people think of themselves as purists, their opinions and taste are blighted by a modern, biased stupidity.
Another thing that really annoys me is the landscape of video game reception. Games have never been more shallow, or aimed at the common baseless idiot. Yet, still, as accessible as they are in 2015, most of those same idiots still look at video games as childish, and ignorant pastimes that a mature individual should grow out of. The only time they restrain those idiocies is when someone they already deeply respects approves. It's funny to watch. At work, there were 2 different conversations going on- 1 about video game direction today and the diminishing direction in artistic expression, and another about ISIS cells spreading in African countries. I engaged in both, but as the 2 groups that alternated between talking to each other, I got caught in the middle taking a lashing for the video game discussion. The political discussion participants went on a 5 minute rant about how you have to outgrow video games, and they rob you from being a productive and loving husband. I shook my head at the points they made. While balance is needed in anything you do, these same clowns will have no problem gambling, cheating, and smoking with that same time, over playing video games. They don't see at all, and perhaps will never see, how stupid they are and sound.
Video games have been proven though science for many decades, to enhance and sharpen the mind, keeping neurons firing at a high level, and coordination intact. Evidence has shown for quite a while, that the kids who read comic books, and play games, versus the kids who don't are vastly more literate and competent. They also possess far more artistic prowess. And it shows in conversation. When you talk to people who are anti-video games about anything, you notice this reserved, and incompetent nature that you can detect. They are the ones that are afraid to have original thoughts, or dare. And part of that is due to subtle conditioning. I pity these idiots. I like being a gamer, and some of the coolest older people I know, are the ones who held onto that passion. There is no coincidence.
Another thing that really annoys me is the landscape of video game reception. Games have never been more shallow, or aimed at the common baseless idiot. Yet, still, as accessible as they are in 2015, most of those same idiots still look at video games as childish, and ignorant pastimes that a mature individual should grow out of. The only time they restrain those idiocies is when someone they already deeply respects approves. It's funny to watch. At work, there were 2 different conversations going on- 1 about video game direction today and the diminishing direction in artistic expression, and another about ISIS cells spreading in African countries. I engaged in both, but as the 2 groups that alternated between talking to each other, I got caught in the middle taking a lashing for the video game discussion. The political discussion participants went on a 5 minute rant about how you have to outgrow video games, and they rob you from being a productive and loving husband. I shook my head at the points they made. While balance is needed in anything you do, these same clowns will have no problem gambling, cheating, and smoking with that same time, over playing video games. They don't see at all, and perhaps will never see, how stupid they are and sound.
Video games have been proven though science for many decades, to enhance and sharpen the mind, keeping neurons firing at a high level, and coordination intact. Evidence has shown for quite a while, that the kids who read comic books, and play games, versus the kids who don't are vastly more literate and competent. They also possess far more artistic prowess. And it shows in conversation. When you talk to people who are anti-video games about anything, you notice this reserved, and incompetent nature that you can detect. They are the ones that are afraid to have original thoughts, or dare. And part of that is due to subtle conditioning. I pity these idiots. I like being a gamer, and some of the coolest older people I know, are the ones who held onto that passion. There is no coincidence.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
New Poem- Here in this Moment
Here in this moment
I never imagined I'd be here in this moment.
The artist feels,
Yet many assume I'm simple because I remain calm.
Every poem was an adventure.
I travelled so far from where I sat,
Thinking of the world we live in.
You're always handed a tougher trial than you overcome, So at times this makes me afraid to escape.
But I saw and learned.
Look at you wise sages.
They'll see you and call you an old man or a weak woman,
But I see you and I see greatness.
Here in this moment,
I'm not caught up in it's common intrigue.
You know what I'm caught up in?
Life.
I'm so overwhelmed by everything that I am
Through the eyes of the boy that I was.
In visions staring through the third person,
I find myself screaming at a reflection of my father,
"When you were younger, you used to freeze in place. Don't panic! You are a king!"
There's so much promise I'm seeing wrapped up.
Almost exposed, I want to break it open,
But I remember the course of the flower in bloom.
We are naked in the eyes of God, so why are we pressed in the eyes of man?
Why are we squeezed into these small and frozen hopes With little bits of love advanced in tight kept spaces, Reserved for the explorer?
Perhaps they were stumbled upon by the hillside as a child.
Maybe their disappearance is a perception.
Nevertheless, The vast expanse just isn't big enough for our true insides.
A heart could only dance where it truly resides.
In this breached vacuum, those are the laws imposed.
This is what makes me aware.
That is my fear and my intrigue, here in this moment.
I never imagined I'd be here in this moment.
The artist feels,
Yet many assume I'm simple because I remain calm.
Every poem was an adventure.
I travelled so far from where I sat,
Thinking of the world we live in.
You're always handed a tougher trial than you overcome, So at times this makes me afraid to escape.
But I saw and learned.
Look at you wise sages.
They'll see you and call you an old man or a weak woman,
But I see you and I see greatness.
Here in this moment,
I'm not caught up in it's common intrigue.
You know what I'm caught up in?
Life.
I'm so overwhelmed by everything that I am
Through the eyes of the boy that I was.
In visions staring through the third person,
I find myself screaming at a reflection of my father,
"When you were younger, you used to freeze in place. Don't panic! You are a king!"
There's so much promise I'm seeing wrapped up.
Almost exposed, I want to break it open,
But I remember the course of the flower in bloom.
We are naked in the eyes of God, so why are we pressed in the eyes of man?
Why are we squeezed into these small and frozen hopes With little bits of love advanced in tight kept spaces, Reserved for the explorer?
Perhaps they were stumbled upon by the hillside as a child.
Maybe their disappearance is a perception.
Nevertheless, The vast expanse just isn't big enough for our true insides.
A heart could only dance where it truly resides.
In this breached vacuum, those are the laws imposed.
This is what makes me aware.
That is my fear and my intrigue, here in this moment.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Hope for the Playstation Vita
I know. I could have gotten on here and given an update on the Mayweather vs. Pacman negotiations, or the sad fact that Anderson Silva tested positive for 2 steroids prior to his comeback fight with Diaz, which further my arguments of how little of the so-called great we see is actually great, and also, there is a reason that big fights "have to" take place in Vegas. But I won't go there. I just don't feel inspired right now to talk about all of that.
What came to my mind right now, is the power that consumers have for once, and don't realize. Back when the PSP was still alive, developers were in talks about releasing Oblivion for the PSP, and then there was also talk about a Shenmue remake on the portable console, or a carry-over to test the waters for a long awaited sequel. Neither of those happened, for various reasons. However, during those last few years, there was a site known as PSPminis.com, that I frequented along with many huge fans of indie projects, which were thriving at that time on the PSN market. This site, as well as a couple of other sites, were also frequented by the accessible Indie developers.
I remember watching an Indie Developer movie on Netflix, and seeing the passion, and talent that these accessible people have. Some games, such as Meatboy have taken off and become huge franchises, which I'm sure encourages other small companies. At that time, on the Mini site, I asked around about a Shenmue spinoff possibly being made on the PSP by an Indie development group. They said that the idea was something that was somewhat going around, but that due to the limitations that Sony placed on the size and scope of the Indie market games, the games would remain limited, and projects like that wouldn't happen.
Well, since then, the PSP mini website, which I think was huge in advertising and advocating the indie community, has been shut down. But also, in that time, we have seen the rails taken off of the developers. This is a time when the iron is hot. Sony, and it's main developing companies are lazy, and nonchalant about any big-time releases or exclusives for the handheld, and have relegated it to an accessory like the Wii U gamepad. Indie games have their own platform now, and are not restricted. They can be any size, and utilize the system as much as they want. Now is the time to stand up for the gaming community, and for the Indie developers to be the white night of this scenario. Games like Red Dead Redemption, Mass Effect, and Oblivion, are what is missing from the system, and now they can have them. No carry over titles. This is the time for Indie companies to step up and make something exclusive for the Vita. And nothing can block that.
I've seen some games on the marketplace that are free, and have a ton of work put into them. I want to see more of that from these companies. I also want to see them become accessible again. We live in a celebrity society, where people don't want to be accessible and reasonable. They want to cut off fans to a degree, to avoid negativity. However, I think there was more hope when sites like PSP minis.com existed. You could give an idea to a developer directly, and have it considered. I saw a video the other day about the Pier Solar project that some developers embarked on for the Sega Genesis. I think things like that are awesome. I've heard about developers making games for the SNES, Genesis, and Dreamcast down to this day. That is a huge freedom that I think can produce great things once it's properly appreciated.
What came to my mind right now, is the power that consumers have for once, and don't realize. Back when the PSP was still alive, developers were in talks about releasing Oblivion for the PSP, and then there was also talk about a Shenmue remake on the portable console, or a carry-over to test the waters for a long awaited sequel. Neither of those happened, for various reasons. However, during those last few years, there was a site known as PSPminis.com, that I frequented along with many huge fans of indie projects, which were thriving at that time on the PSN market. This site, as well as a couple of other sites, were also frequented by the accessible Indie developers.
I remember watching an Indie Developer movie on Netflix, and seeing the passion, and talent that these accessible people have. Some games, such as Meatboy have taken off and become huge franchises, which I'm sure encourages other small companies. At that time, on the Mini site, I asked around about a Shenmue spinoff possibly being made on the PSP by an Indie development group. They said that the idea was something that was somewhat going around, but that due to the limitations that Sony placed on the size and scope of the Indie market games, the games would remain limited, and projects like that wouldn't happen.
Well, since then, the PSP mini website, which I think was huge in advertising and advocating the indie community, has been shut down. But also, in that time, we have seen the rails taken off of the developers. This is a time when the iron is hot. Sony, and it's main developing companies are lazy, and nonchalant about any big-time releases or exclusives for the handheld, and have relegated it to an accessory like the Wii U gamepad. Indie games have their own platform now, and are not restricted. They can be any size, and utilize the system as much as they want. Now is the time to stand up for the gaming community, and for the Indie developers to be the white night of this scenario. Games like Red Dead Redemption, Mass Effect, and Oblivion, are what is missing from the system, and now they can have them. No carry over titles. This is the time for Indie companies to step up and make something exclusive for the Vita. And nothing can block that.
I've seen some games on the marketplace that are free, and have a ton of work put into them. I want to see more of that from these companies. I also want to see them become accessible again. We live in a celebrity society, where people don't want to be accessible and reasonable. They want to cut off fans to a degree, to avoid negativity. However, I think there was more hope when sites like PSP minis.com existed. You could give an idea to a developer directly, and have it considered. I saw a video the other day about the Pier Solar project that some developers embarked on for the Sega Genesis. I think things like that are awesome. I've heard about developers making games for the SNES, Genesis, and Dreamcast down to this day. That is a huge freedom that I think can produce great things once it's properly appreciated.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Superbowl Prophecy
You're friendly neighborhood Pariah checking in. This is once again, why you should tune into this blog and my other endeavors. Nobody is giving you the raw and true, the low down, and the unpretty like me these days. Let me briefly touch on this Superbowl before I hit the sack.
Weeks ago, you can run back film on me and see me telling several people after the Patriots vs. Colts game, that the Patriots had something filthy up their sleeves, and there was more than just that team behind it. Once again, I was at my conspiracy theories. I wasn't very flagrant about it, but I did have a gut feeling that there was a reason for Deflate-Gate. Let me make this very clear- I suspected and stated that I suspected foul-play the minute I saw the blowout win over the Colts. This was before the deflated balls were discovered. And as usual, everyone looked at me like an idiot. The Patriots liked how they matched up with Seattle, as did I, and figured it would be an easy Championship, as long as they got past the tougher matchup in the Colts. That's where they were willing to cheat to succeed. One thing that I realized was that Tom Brady is now 37, and reaching the end of his career. He has always had a hype to live up to- being greater than Joe Montana, which I always thought was laughable. Until recently, I put Peyton above him by a margin as a quarterback. He has won all of his superbowls by a fieldgoal or less, and I've watched as each one was a borderline gift. Tonight's championship, which the Patriots won, was a flat out gift, but I wasn't surprised.
I said, going into the game, that the Patriots wouldn't deflate footballs just to win 1 lousy game. They did it because they liked the way they matched up with the Seahawks- was my initial assumption. However, then I saw the constant Montana comparisons to Brady throughout the game, and a tight first half that became a see-saw battle. I told countless coworkers that I envisioned the Pats winning, and everyone looked at me baffled and saying that the Seahawks were going to blow the Patriots out. During the 4th quarter, after the Seahawks still had a 10 point lead with little time in the last quarter, Russell Wilson took the field. He only had to move the ball and run the clock. I specifically stated that the game was set up for the Patriots to win, and looked at my father-in-law and some other guests at the house to see their expression. They gave me this little side-eyed grin that made me laugh. And they did it several times, almost like everyone knows that I'm right deep down, but has to keep up appearances. It's no mystery that I predicted the game that far out, even before Superbowl week. It's also no mystery that I kept my prediction, even with the Seahawks were in clear control. In fact, after the Patriots took the lead, and the Seahawks marched down to the goaline with 2nd and goal and 40 seconds on the clock, you know what I said? I said, "Don't be shocked when something crazy happens right now." The room was almost silent when I said that, but no one payed me any attention. All they had to do was punch it in with Marshawn Lynch for a Championship. Yet, I knew that wasn't going to happen. Not because I'm a prophet, but because the script has become all too readable. The Patriots had to win, so that Brady can go out as an icon. They weren't going to let another cheating scam go by unrewarded. They cheated for a reason, and they had the game in the bag.
So once again, like I said, I don't really ache over watching contests these days, because they've become very easy for me to read. However, for amusement, I will occasionally humor myself with watching the show.
Weeks ago, you can run back film on me and see me telling several people after the Patriots vs. Colts game, that the Patriots had something filthy up their sleeves, and there was more than just that team behind it. Once again, I was at my conspiracy theories. I wasn't very flagrant about it, but I did have a gut feeling that there was a reason for Deflate-Gate. Let me make this very clear- I suspected and stated that I suspected foul-play the minute I saw the blowout win over the Colts. This was before the deflated balls were discovered. And as usual, everyone looked at me like an idiot. The Patriots liked how they matched up with Seattle, as did I, and figured it would be an easy Championship, as long as they got past the tougher matchup in the Colts. That's where they were willing to cheat to succeed. One thing that I realized was that Tom Brady is now 37, and reaching the end of his career. He has always had a hype to live up to- being greater than Joe Montana, which I always thought was laughable. Until recently, I put Peyton above him by a margin as a quarterback. He has won all of his superbowls by a fieldgoal or less, and I've watched as each one was a borderline gift. Tonight's championship, which the Patriots won, was a flat out gift, but I wasn't surprised.
I said, going into the game, that the Patriots wouldn't deflate footballs just to win 1 lousy game. They did it because they liked the way they matched up with the Seahawks- was my initial assumption. However, then I saw the constant Montana comparisons to Brady throughout the game, and a tight first half that became a see-saw battle. I told countless coworkers that I envisioned the Pats winning, and everyone looked at me baffled and saying that the Seahawks were going to blow the Patriots out. During the 4th quarter, after the Seahawks still had a 10 point lead with little time in the last quarter, Russell Wilson took the field. He only had to move the ball and run the clock. I specifically stated that the game was set up for the Patriots to win, and looked at my father-in-law and some other guests at the house to see their expression. They gave me this little side-eyed grin that made me laugh. And they did it several times, almost like everyone knows that I'm right deep down, but has to keep up appearances. It's no mystery that I predicted the game that far out, even before Superbowl week. It's also no mystery that I kept my prediction, even with the Seahawks were in clear control. In fact, after the Patriots took the lead, and the Seahawks marched down to the goaline with 2nd and goal and 40 seconds on the clock, you know what I said? I said, "Don't be shocked when something crazy happens right now." The room was almost silent when I said that, but no one payed me any attention. All they had to do was punch it in with Marshawn Lynch for a Championship. Yet, I knew that wasn't going to happen. Not because I'm a prophet, but because the script has become all too readable. The Patriots had to win, so that Brady can go out as an icon. They weren't going to let another cheating scam go by unrewarded. They cheated for a reason, and they had the game in the bag.
So once again, like I said, I don't really ache over watching contests these days, because they've become very easy for me to read. However, for amusement, I will occasionally humor myself with watching the show.
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