SWITZERLAND FORUM

[Emeritus]

Until I got to checking, I didn't realize that there were so many tie-breakers. If two teams in a division have the same record, the first tie-breaker is the division record. If they have the same record in the division, which would happen if Atlanta beat New Orleans, the next tie-breaker would be margin of victory. If the Falcons beat the Saints by three points - by the same amount that the Saints won the first game - it would go to strength of schedule. Because of the way games are scheduled within the division and all division teams play all four teams in another division, there isn't much difference. Altogether there are twelve tie-breakers, the last being a coin flip.

[cklaurence]

That's so funny, Em. It is so rare that we have to go to tie-breakers at all, much less to go so deep into the tiebreakers. Gawd, I hope someone beats Green Bay. The only hope I can see is if they get too cocky--just the tiniest bit too cocky-and I can't help but feel they might...

[cklaurence]

Getting ready to head over to the stadium. Never know whether it's going to be a good or a bad day there. Season is gone, just playing for pride now--and even that is a long shot; however, somehow even when you know you're out of it, it still hurts to lose, especially to a team you feel is a lesser team than your own.

My new publisher told me they expect DEMONS to be out in February--though it probably won't be DEMONS anymore. My new publisher and I are thinking maybe we should give it a new name to disassociate it from the old publisher and the books that are STILL on sale from which I make no money and have not made money from the first year.

I finally finished all the updates and changes (no, I did not change the villain, just brought it more current)--I changed several of the places, it's such a transitional world that three or four of the restaurants I used are gone, so I brought in the new ones. I also tightened some stuff that had always bothered me and made a few little other nit picky moves that probably no one but me and my new publisher would notice. Em, I can't remember, but I'm thinking not--did you ever read DEMONS? I wish you would. I still have some old copies that I bought from the publisher when it folded (the bastards wouldn't even give the to me), and I'd be happy to send you a copy! Or, perhaps you'd rather wait for the newer, bigger, better, faster product--which I would also be delighted to send you as well, my gift, of course. I seem to remember you prefer to read non-fiction, but I'd really be pleased to have you read my novel. At least you know the places aren't fiction, lol...

[Emeritus]

How 'bout them Dolphins? They really put it on a dangerous Raiders team! The Texans managed to beat a good Falcons team in spite of being down to their third-string rookie quarterback. There were a lot of people in Houston calling for Coach Kubiak to be fired. I haven't heard a lot from them lately.

[cklaurence]

Yep, Em--funny how the boobirds and naysayers go back to where they came from when the level of play suddenly escalates, huh? I just hope that moron Ross doesn't decide to keep Sparano because the Fins have pulled together., They've done it despite (seriously) Sparano and as a kindness to and for him because the team has such heart--not at all because of him. I can't figure wtf is going to happen, I just know that Ross is massively incompetent!

[Emeritus]

The Dolphins proved that they have the talent to beat most teams and they have been playing hard all year. Maybe they have turned a corner.

[cklaurence]

They have definitely turned a corner, but like I said--despite Sparano. He is not calling those plays, clearly. When he calls the plays, they are atrocious. There is a clear difference in the moves the team was making earlier in the season and the decisions they are making now. I know Sparano's work. I know Sparano's though patterns. This offense is different--and Matt Moore is handling it beautifully. I wanted him to start after preseason, as I felt he was clearly the better QB, and I believe he has proven it.

[Emeritus]

ck, I have notice that once you decide that you don't like somebody, nothing that they do is going to change your mind. On a more serious note, Fox News is claiming that the Muppet movie is a Hollywood plot to brainwash children with liberal ideas. They are particularly offended that the villain is an oilman. Apparently depicting the oil industry in a bad light is Un-American.

[cklaurence]

My mom used to say that my best attribute and my worst attribute was the way I loved and the way I hated. When I love, I love to the exclusion of everything. I am tenacious in my support of those I love, I see no faults--even when faults are there, and I take their side when perhaps I should remain mute. My love is blind, and unfortunately, I end up hurt because I never see it coming when the other person no longer feels the same way. In most cases that never happens, because it takes a long, long time before I give my heart completely to a friend, so I know them really well. Once in awhile, apparently, I do give my heart away a bit too quickly though, and like that bullet they talk about--the one that gets you in war, I never see it and thus, it hurts even more. Then there's the other side of it--the hate--or extreme dislike. I dislike to the point of being unable to listen to any reason at all, and because of that, I lose the opportunity to learn if there is, perhaps, something good or a change that makes something good. I'm not proud of it, Em. I get that from my dad. I'm trying now in my twilight years to open myself up (especially politically), to try and learn about the good in the other side, which is a milestone for me. I even joined Ms Bags' political group, which was represented as conservative, but not looking to bash what we have--instead to look for someone new and better that might be able to bring both sides together and move forward. (Did I just describe the Messiah??????) As it happens, I always seem to end up defending Obama over there--a position I don't really want to be in, because I am not really thrilled with what he's done. I don't think McCain would have done much better, but I don't see anyone else on the horizon Dem or Republican that rings my bells. So sad. Here is a time when we really need a Superman/woman, and the future is so bleak.
I know, I'm going on about nothing, but affirmative on your comment about me. My depression hasn't helped, but I remain optimistic (call me a cock-eyed optimist...) about Switzerland's future, and I have the new books coming out, which are keeping me very busy, and oh my! I'm all over the place here this morning, aren't I? You know what I'm saying, though, right?
As for your news about Fox's problem with the new Muppet movie, I was hysterical laughing until for a moment I thought you might be serious, please oh please, dear Em, tell me you are kidding about that!!!!!! Even Faux can't be that ridiculous...CAN IT?????

[Emeritus]

Since the Fox Network was founded with the purpose for being a propaganda organ, I find it unsurprising that they are paranoid about brainwashing. It is a case of transferring their own motives to those that they regard as enemies.

[cklaurence]

I'm certainly not fool enough to believe that the left is all good and the right is all bad, but I can't figure out why the left is so inept at propagandizing the right. Particularly (at this time), I'm amazed at how quickly the right was able to absolutely crush the "OCCUPY" movement, by turning it into a perception of homeless, drunks, and troublemakers, when in fact the majority of the people were veterans, churchgoers, educated, and jobless--not by choice, but by result of the economic downturn. I see it time and again. The Republicans (especially the far right) have a way of destroying through propaganda, and I don't know whether it is because we tend to use humor rather than fire and brimstone or what--but we can't seem to tip the scales the way the Republicans do.
As I said, and I mean it--I know we have our warts, warriors and evil-doers, in this day and age it's impossible not to; in fact, when I was growing up, there wasn't nearly the difference in the parties, and the leveling in congress was truer and far more stable. Our world today is much much angrier, and although WWII (you remember? The BIG one--the war to end all wars?) was to be the change forever after, we now know that too was a lie. For you and me, Em, well, honestly--the point is moot. Either way, chances are we'll be out of here before the big boom. You, however, like I, have grandchildren (well, I have the chance of having grandchildren in that I have children--you have the grandchildren), and our worries are for them. The direction the world is going is terribly frightening and as far as leadership in this country--it has to be strong and fair, because the evil in the rest of the world is closing in quickly, and a lot of it has infiltrated and is right here among us, living as our neighbors and friends.
I'm not paranoid--even if I might be sounding a bit so. I'm just a realist. Do you happen to watch the series on Showtime, "Homeland?" A MUST see! Clare Danes and Mandy Patimkin--great acting for starters, but it's a real brain tease. If you get On Demand, it's the first season and it has only had ten episodes. Try to catch up--have to start from episode one and go in order. Lots of twists and turns.

[Emeritus]

I have never seen political opinion so polarized as it is now, but that is no surprise. Big money is going all out to demonetize liberals, running attacks disguised as news and discussion twenty-four hours per day, using every medium that they can. They hate Hollywood, because the movies are the one medium that they haven't been able to control. The Republican party has sold it soul to them. What I find sad is that so many are so credulous that they accept this propaganda as absolute truth. There are so many Limbaugh dittoheads!

I have an older friend who calls himself the last Eisenhower Republican, which he defines as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. He despises the neoconservatives. He absolutely hates Karl Rove for "transforming the Party of Lincoln into the party of redneck racists, religious zealots and know-nothings." I was raised to understand that liberal meant generous and broad minded. What disturbs me more than anything is that the conservative propagandists use it as a term of opprobrium and too many people accept it as such.

[cklaurence]

Holy cow--I just wrote a long post on how the Limbaughs and Becks of the world have turned "Liberal" into such a dirty word that I actually feel as though I have to look around to see who is near should I decide to describe myself as such for fear of having to defend my life--you know the trip. I wish I could recreate the post that went "POOF"--but it's surely gone forever...
It just seems the polarization is just so final and complete and the gap between our parties so completely huge now, that the possibility of joining together to accomplish the right thing is forever lost... which is the saddest thing of all!

[Emeritus]

I'm a naturally optimistic person. I am careful to avoid falling into cynicism. All the same there are times when I become depressed by the gullibility of the American public. I was unable to sit through the movie "Idiocracy," but sometimes I think that it is an accurate forecast of where we are heading. In my dark times I think that people are abandoning their responsibility to consider the problems that our country faces and simply parrot what some self-confident and self-serving ass spouts on the radio. I have often wondered about the popularity of Rush Limbaugh, since his arguments don't stand up to scrutiny. When I am most pessimistic I think that simple people simply demand simple solutions. Those solutions don't have to be workable, they just have to be easy to understand. They don't consider that if such solutions existed, there would never have been a problem. When a responsible politician (I'm being optimistic in presuming that such exists) proposes real world solutions demanding mutual sacrifices, they turn on him like a pack of feral dogs. No wonder that we are adrift!

[cklaurence]

Oh would I love to have a quick-witted dispute to your last post, Em--but far's I can see, there's no argument at all. My parents always told me that the idea of 'the other side' was to keep the people uneducated and poor, then they would be happy to be told what to do, ask no questions and vote the way they were told by the most persuasive party. Pretty much seems the way it has gone. The Dems, for whatever reason, can't seem to get out of their own way. They sure don't know how to do propaganda right! Oh and what happened to that brilliant speaker we elected--you know, the one that convinced a nation of doubters that he could bring change if he were elected, then upon election, put a 'gone fishin' sign on the White House door, and has been on vacation ever since? I've grown so disillusioned...

[Emeritus]

On a happier note, in spite of a season-long injury epidemic in Houston, if both the Texans and the Saints win on Sunday the Texans will clinch the AFC South.

[cklaurence]

Well, hot damn, Em!!! Congratulations and I'll be rooting for both of them so I can celebrate for you. The Fins, of course, are mathematically out of any and everything unfortunately, but I'm right there behind your fabulous Texans, since my usual second team, Ms Bag's Colts are out of it as well. What a strange season it is.
My dear Mad Dog was vested on the ring of fame (unfortunately one of the few that could not be here to enjoy seeing his name go up there--and who perhaps might not have gone up there had he not passed away so young--one of those really strange Catch 22s in life, because he of all people DOES deserve to be there--not only for his fine play, but for his good works as well, and his passion for the Dolphins above all!) I happened to catch a brief view of Don Shula, though, at the stadium, and was taken aback at how old and frail he has suddenly become. I mean it's so sudden! I just wasn't prepared...

[Emeritus]

How old is Shula? I remember that I was a real young guy, just back from Nam and out of the Veterans Hospital in Houston when he went from the Colts to the Dolphins. It must have been about 1970, when I was 22 years old. I know that he had been head coach of the Colts for a few years and the Dolphins had to give up a draft pick or something for tampering. What I remember best is that he didn't have a lot of losing seasons.

[cklaurence]

He's in his 80s, Em, but he's always looked good--and suddenly--don't know what it is, but suddenly he looks so very, very elderly--like closer to one hundred. He seemed so fragile--looked like they were helping him around.

[Emeritus]

I am frequently surprised and how old people that I've known all of my life look. I'm sure that I look older to them, but I don't feel old. That is why I'm always surprised at how others have aged.

[cklaurence]

Of course you won't show your picture, so I'm at a disadvantage--being so clearly open about who I am (not necessarily because I want to or because I think it's wise in this day and age, but because of the novel(s)--but you note, I don't give away an pertinent info on my kids, who are most precious to me. Anyway, back on topic--my mom always told me that (right up till she passed away) inside she always felt like a young person, and truth is, she never behaved "old." Her sense of humor remained right up through her last words--I'd tell you about them, but I'd have to explain, and it would take the fun out of them. My dad was the same--even through the Alzheimer's believe it or not. When she was my age, though, she told me that when she looked in the mirror, she saw her mom--who looked like an old woman from my earliest memories. I cannot remember her ever looking young--even in her wedding picture, she looks worn. I , however, look in the mirror and still see myself as I did 35 years ago. The only time I see myself old is when someone catches me candid in a picture and I haven't had time to get my "lose the jowls" "raise the eyelid" face on, tee hee. I've never had the surgeries to take care of all that, although I can't say I haven't thought about them a lot. I'm deathly afraid of surgery. The anesthesia from that stupid gall bladder surgery nearly killed me--I'm still suffering the effects of it, and it's clear I always will (thanks to the Arachnoiditis). Looking young isn't worth killing yourself over, that's for damned sure...

[Emeritus]

Sometimes I catch myself looking old - a chance encounter with a mirror or in a photo a friend has taken of a group - and I wonder who that old guy is. I see myself in the mirror shaving every morning, but I don't look old then. Is it because I have a prepared picture of myself in my mind? For whatever reason, I'm still surprised at how old people my own age look. I'm in really good physical condition, so I don't feel old at all.

[cklaurence]

Well Em--I dare you to send me a picture of you (private, to my email, just between you and me, pinky swears and all that--although I know you never take my challenges, Lord knows I've thrown the gauntlet enough, lol!)--and I will give you (in private) my honest opinion about whether or not you look old for your age. I pretty much figure you're in my age range, which I figure as 58-64 (and everyone knows that I am going to have to start a new age range next year, although I don't know that I'll have the strength to do it, as I've gotten quite comfy with it over the past six years, tee hee). You may send the most flattering photo you have (cheater! or whatever you choose (wouldn't it be a hoot if you're some fabulous movie star and thus, the secrecy over the years--but regardless--your secret is safe with me! I await your response...

[Emeritus]

Next March 22, I will be 64 years old. The fact is that I really and truly do not have any recent photos. I have no family to take them or give them to and I'm not so narcissistic that I want a portrait of myself to admire.The reason that I am so jealous of my privacy is that my name is known, at least in some circles. I just want to live the rest of my life in comfortable obscurity.

[cklaurence]

Aw darn. I guess I'm never gonna be one of the circles that your name is ever known in, regardless of how much I promise to keep it to myself, hmmm? That's cool. It has never affected our friendship in the past, so there's no reason it should affect it in the future, save for my curiosity. I've always thought your popularity was more limited to out west somewhere, but I might have misfigured and you could possibly known in more widespread circles. No reason for me to make you uncomfortable after all this time, so I'll drop the subject and just move on with our sports and politics or whatever else we choose to discuss that we can get away without getting ourselves into trouble--easy stuff, like religion and politics and the like .
We play the Iggles tomorrow. At the season's beginning, who'da thunk we'd be facing one another with equal records, lol! I guess our players must be enjoying playing the spoilers, I just hope they can win out the season, at least against our own division--kick some AFC East Butt!!!

[cklaurence]

Fixing to head off to a day of football. The weather is 'iffy,' as it's been rainy on and off all a.m., so we'll be brunching at City Hall - The Restaurant, rather than Tailgating this morning, which I'm looking forward to... Have a wonderful time whoever and wherever you are. Enjoy your games!

[Emeritus]

"O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!" The Texans have won their first division title, in spite of playing with a third-string rookie quarterback and with so many other starters out with injuries. Our coaching staff has done a fantastic job this year to overcome so many setbacks.

[cklaurence]

Yes, congratulations to you Em for a season well done (well practically finished, but you have clinched your title and you must be so very, very proud.
As for my Fins-that OTHER team showed up today, but I was somewhat grateful. I had this nightmare that we won out the season and as a result that dolt Ross got cocky and decided to keep Sparano on as the head coach--Lord help us!!! The did look gawdawful today. When they weren't fumbling, they were dropping balls and when they weren't dropping balls, they were, well, take it from me, they were just completely inept! Depressing stuff. Not another home game until New Year's Day...last of the year. What a way for the year to end...

[Emeritus]

Well ck, you got your wish as far as Sparano was concerned. It will be interesting to see who takes the Miami job. I can remember a time when that would have been a prize job, but I don't know about now, given the ownership and management. Somebody on TV was said that the Dolphins were as much about show business as football.

[cklaurence]

This evil man, Ross, is a terrible, terrible person. I cannot imagine why Sparano, or anyone else would have stayed with the Fins under the horrendous conditions he has put him under over this past--beginning with last summer when he flew in his private jet (which got 'leaked' to the media) to the media) along with that horse's petutie, Jeff Ireland--then comes home to Sparano (who should have be g - o - n - e GONE!--AND gives him that ridiculous bloated contract that everyone knew would never make it to the end of this season! Worse yet, he lets the poor slob go on his regular Monday morning news conference to say he was looking forward to next week's game against the Bills AND THEN fires him...saying he needed the time to openly pursue other coaches AS IF a normal person couldn't do that discreetly, without the entire world knowing the agenda. The whole world knew (although I did have a morbid fear going on that should they win out the season, the moron would keep him on figuring he had turned the team around) Sparano was gone with the season--why did Ross feel he had to let him go yesterday afternoon? What is it, three? four? games left? let him have them at this point. He could have let hi go early in the season to make a statement, but with so few games left and with us being mathematically out of everything--I am just too pissed! Do you get my meaning or am so pissed that I'm too obscure?
[/b]