Under Global Attack

Jews are under siege all over the world. Those with any awareness are taking precautions, but who thinks a community event in a pluralistic democracy will have hardly any armed security provided by lawful authorities? Who would have come to a Jewish event in Bondi expected to draw more than a thousand attendees, if they knew only four armed police would be standing guard? Who would think an ordinary bus or subway ride would lead to singled out and assaulted in the city with the largest Jewish population? Who would guess a Cypriot vacation might lead to the loss of an eye? We are living in pogrom and Farhud time, just trying to stave off a second Shoah, but my Christian friends, look to Nigeria and Christmas markets closed or turned into fortresses across Europe, and realize Jews are not the sole or last target. 

Depend on Rivers

A decade ago, before his initial retirement from professional football, Philip Rivers was one of the more reliable quarterbacks in the game. He was never much of a threat to run, but in the passing game, he made quick reads and accurate throws. He retired and was back coaching high school football for several years, but was summoned back by Colts in need. Rivers still sees the field well and reads the defense magnificently, but his throws lack the pinpoint accuracy that marked his former career. He is clearly picking out the most open receiver, but the ball is not always where it needs to be and where it likely would have been before he took an extended hiatus from playing the game. I do not accept the joke though that it is now "Depends on Rivers", as in adult diapers. Philip still has a great mind for football, but his body is not quite where it once was. 

Growing the Pie

The DemocRATS want to divvy up everything folks have or earn pretty much evenly, reserving the best and most for themselves and their close cronies of course. The Republicans want to to increase prosperity across the board believing a rising sea lifts all Americans delivering better outcomes for every proverbial boater. The GOP wants to grow the pie that helps us all rather than carve up the little pieces we already have to give to those who have a little less. 

Unmerited Playoff Invitations

Tulane played nobodies except Ole Miss in the regular season, and the Rebels handed them their heads in non-conference play and again in the playoff. Notre Dame would have been a much better match, and I think the Irish may well have prevailed visiting Oxford. James Madison was stomped during the regular season by an average Louisville squad. Vanderbilt would have been a tougher match for Oregon. The powers that be should expand the playoff to sixteen teams or be much more prudent in sending out invites to compete. 

Ludicrous Bowl Season

Two tough six and six teams will be battling it out in the Bologna Bowl, but the top two running backs from Podunk University will be sitting it out as they enter the transfer portal along with the record-setting quarterback who is a legit pro prospect having set records for completion percentage and touchdowns passing this season, but dread not Podunk fans, Tech has all eleven offensive starters out as they have agreed to a package deal to transfer over to A & M. 

Battle of Heavyweights

Seattle and the Rams are both great football teams. Either has the chance to go a long way in the playoffs. I wonder if the Rams considered going for two points after their touchdown in overtime last night. I think they should have, as their offense at that point was overwhelming, and that conversion, if successful, would have likely meant Seattle could have secured a tie at best. These franchises are each capable of winning another Super Bowl this season. 

Poverty of Decency

There are reports circulating on the web of Gazans handing out candy to celebrate the Bondi massacre. If true, these stories do not reflect a dearth of supplies in Gaza but an absence of morality there. They are so starved there that they hoard sweets awaiting news of Jews being slaughtered somewhere to have a celebratory feast when someone stages an atrocity that kills Jews thousands of miles away from the conflict. I guess there ethos is an "unalived Jew" anywhere is a victory for them.