Comments by an Armchair Coach*

They never should have called them “mop heads.”

*For all of you out there who don’t really follow sports, an armchair coach is someone who has no affiliation with a given team other than for the fact that they call themselves a “fan” and feel that they know a thousand times more about football (or whatever sport it is) than the entire coaching staff combined.

Share

Author: patd

“But I don’t want to go among mad people," Alice remarked. "Oh, you can’t help that," said the Cat: "we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad." "How do you know I’m mad?" said Alice. "You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldn’t have come here.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

28 thoughts on “Comments by an Armchair Coach*”

  3. interesting factoid from CNN article below: “January’s UFO report had a striking finding: The number of UFO sightings significantly increased between March 2021 and August 2022, during which time 247 new sightings were reported, mostly by US Navy and Air Force pilots and personnel. That’s almost double the 144 UFO sightings reported in the 17-year period between 2004 to 2021″

    This could mean China or whomever are behind this phenomenon.

    Opinion: The strange objects in US airspace may be an even bigger problem than we thought

     

  5. other news of the day

    U.S. fighter jet downs ‘unidentified’ 4th object | Fortune

    […]
    Part of the reason for the repeated shootdowns is a “heightened alert” following a spy balloon from China that emerged over U.S. airspace in late January, Gen. Glen VanHerck, head of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, said in a briefing with reporters.
    Since then, fighter jets last week also shot down objects over Canada and Alaska. Pentagon officials said they posed no security threats, but so little was known about them that Pentagon officials were ruling nothing out — not even UFOs.
    “We have been more closely scrutinizing our airspace at these altitudes, including enhancing our radar, which may at least partly explain the increase,” said Melissa Dalton, assistant defense secretary for homeland defense.
    U.S. authorities have made clear that they constantly monitor for unknown radar blips, and it is not unusual to shut down airspace as a precaution to evaluate them. But the unusually assertive response was raising questions about whether such use of force was warranted, particularly as administration officials said the objects were not of great national security concern and the downings were just out of caution.
    VanHerck said the U.S. adjusted its radar so it could track slower objects. “With some adjustments, we’ve been able to get a better categorization of radar tracks now,” he said, “and that’s why I think you’re seeing these, plus there’s a heightened alert to look for this information.”
    He added: “I believe this is the first time within United States or American airspace that NORAD or United States Northern Command has taken kinetic action against an airborne object.”
    Asked if officials have ruled out extraterrestrials, VanHerck said, “I haven’t ruled out anything at this point.”
    [continues]

  6. the most important part of the after game from wapo – the ad critiques 

    The 5 best Super Bowl ads,

    Though the commercials were underwhelming this year, a handful rose to the occasion: Dunkin’ smartly harnessed star power by enlisting Ben Affleck, the chain’s most famous fan. Blue Moon decided to cut through the usual beer-commercial nonsense by calling out its competitors. Workday made corporate culture funny, somehow.

  7. Olbermann says that that last penalty, which made possible the final field goal , was bogus.  While I don’t consider KO to be an oracle or a guru of any sort, i do know him to be a knowledgeable sports freak who intently watches a game and who voices cogent opinions of the play.  I didn’t see le game.

  8. Also he says this:
     
    Breaking Balloon News out of the way: four in eight days IS a lot, but our ability to recognize them grew exponentially after the first one, and experts suggest the Pentagon has been flummoxed by unknown aerial craft for years. Meanwhile, Trump’s newest Classified Documents crime may seem trivial but is extraordinarily important. Giving docs to a campaign staffer to scan into a laptop and a thumb drive is a textbook violation of 18 US Code 798 (a) “DISCLOSURE OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.” And it raises a peck of new questions: why did CNN identify the staffer in a tweet, then delete the tweet without explanation? What do you mean the staffer they named spent time studying in Russia? Was the laptop attached to the internet? Were the classified documents transferred to ANOTHER computer? What was the thumb drive for? And honestly, couldn’t Trump’s newest new newer lawyer come up with a better excuse for Trump having the classified documents folder in his bedroom than “he liked to use it to cover the light on his phone that used to interrupt his sleep?” 

  9. Sturg, I did watch the game and agree with KO. They showed it from a couple or three angles and showed it numerous times. It was bogus. One commentator said he thought he saw a jersey grab -that wasn’t visible in any of the camera angles. 

  10. …a growing call for WH and pentagon transparency over shoot downs. Do not be more transparent – while I’d like to know I don’t need to know – unless they are wholly benign.

  12. obi wan kenobi in a balloon?

    Chinese satellite lasers recorded over Hawaii (thehill.com)

    HONOLULU (KHON) – Astronomers say a Chinese satellite has been caught on video beaming down green lasers over the Hawaiian Islands.

    A National Astronomical Observatory of Japan livestream camera atop the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea recorded the footage in late January.

    The lasers flashed for just a couple of seconds and were initially thought to be from a NASA altimeter satellite. The NAOJ put out a correction note on Monday, Feb. 6 that said NASA scientists “did a simulation of the trajectory of satellites that have a similar instrument and found a most likely candidate as the ACDL instrument by the Chinese Daqi-1/AEMS satellite.”
    “It’s a Chinese satellite that is measuring pollutants, among other things,” said University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy’s Roy Gal. “It has many different instruments on it … Some kind of topographical mapping or they’re also used for measuring stuff in Earth’s atmosphere, and I think that’s what it is, environmental measurement satellite.”
    A former chief of staff of Marine Forces Pacific had a different perspective. “I’m not sure, and this is my opinion, why the Chinese — who are probably some of the most prolific polluters on the planet — would be collecting data on pollutants on this side of the Pacific,” say Ray L’Heureux.
    Both experts said the object is not explicitly a spy satellite. It is cataloged and known by governments around the world.
    “The U.S. has satellites to do the same thing, so, in this case, despite all the flurry, well deserved flurry, about Chinese spy satellites and other devices, this one is just orbiting earth and has a known orbit,” Gal said.
    The footage from Mauna Kea was taken on Saturday, Jan. 28, prior to the recent incident where a Chinese balloon traversed over the mainland U.S. before being shot down off the coast of South Carolina.
    [continues]

  13. Since son goes elsewhere to Super Bowl with friends, I followed the usual practice of tuning in for the last quarter.  It was a great quarter.  Glad the Chiefs won, but would have been almost equally happy with the Eagles as both played really well.

    Also enjoyed the Travolta commerical to the tune of Summer Nights.  He’s lost a lot of weight and still looks good sort of dancing.

     

  14. Hey, Philly is a big market, KO needs the click bait to run up the numbers on his sorry ass show. 
    From what I’ve read this morning the defensive player who got caught admits it was a good call.
    It was a great game and the Chief are a fun team to watch.
    Jack

  15. Hey Jack, I was rooting for the Chiefs… but gotta admit that at halftime it looked like the Eagles were going to take it.  That is… until I remembered that the Chiefs can be an explosive team and score a bunch of points fast…  especially in the 2nd half of a game.
     
    Trying to say that they won on a bullshit penalty is, IMO… well…..  bullshit.  Both teams played well.  Mahomes is definitely something special.  Hurts is no slouch either.

  16. something’s up

    US tells citizens to leave Russia immediately | The Hill

    The U.S. on Monday issued a top-level advisory telling American citizens to leave Russia immediately and cease travel to the country as Russia’s war against neighboring Ukraine continues, citing risks of harassment and wrongful detention for Americans specifically. 
    “Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism,” reads the alert. 
    “U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.”
    The warning marks the highest level, Level 4, of alerts issued by the State Department, which ranges from exercising precaution to ceasing all travel. 
    It comes as the Russia-Ukraine war nears its first anniversary on Feb. 24 and amid concerns that Moscow is amassing troops for an offensive that could coincide with that one-year mark. 
    [continues]

  17. the guardian

    Trump grand jury report will get partial release on 16 February
    A judge in Georgia will allow portions of a special grand jury’s report on Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election win in the state to be released on 16 February, Lawfare reports.
    Robert McBurney, a judge in Fulton county, has approved the release of the report’s introduction and conclusion, as well as a chapter on jurors’ concerns that some witnesses may have lied under oath. He is keeping the rest away from the public:
    [anna bower tweet]
    JUST IN: Fulton County Judge Robert McBurney issues order denying full release of Georgia grand jury report on 2020 election interference, citing due process concerns for named individuals. Parts of the report are set to be released on February 16.

  18. Anyone who says the Chiefs won on the penalty is wrong.  It was a ticky-tacky penalty that came in late and should have not been called – that call can be made on virtually every passing play.  What the call did was give KC the opportunity to take the clock down from 2:00 on 4th down to 8 seconds before kicking the FG.  It didn’t give KC an opportunity they didn’t have when the call was made.  KC won the game on their 2nd half comeback and that FG and probably would have even if the call hadn’t been made.  If I had to call a single play that swung the game it was Hurts’ fumble that led to a scoop and score.  That said – those calls always get criticized – and rightly so when they are made at critical times in games.  You see it in the NBA and the hew and cry goes up when it’s a close game that results in a win off a couple of free throws with time expiring. Congrats to Mahomes and the Chiefs – it was a great game.

  19. NPR on GA grand jury report release:

    Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in an eight-page order released Monday that there are due process concerns for people that the report names as likely violators of state laws, but he found that three sections that do not mention specifics can be released later this week, on Thursday.
    “These three portions include the introduction and conclusion to the final report, as well as Section VIII, in which the special purpose grand jury discusses its concern that some witnesses may have lied under oath during their testimony to the grand jury,” McBurney wrote. “Because the grand jury does not identify those witnesses, that conclusion may be publicly disclosed at this time.”
    The decision Monday comes after a Jan. 24 hearing where District Attorney Fani Willis’ office argued against publishing the report and a consortium of media outlets said it should be published with no redactions.
    McBurney’s order is a slight compromise, writing that certain parts of the report should be shared with the public while others merit secrecy until further action by prosecutors.
    “Having reviewed the final report, the undersigned concludes that the special purpose grand jury did not exceed the scope of its prescribed mission,” the order reads. “Indeed, it provided the District Attorney with exactly what she requested: a roster of who should (or should not) be indicted, and for what, in relation to the conduct (and aftermath) of the 2020 general election in Georgia.”
    [continues]

  20. Craig…
    Tell David that I have 2 words for him regarding a controversial call made during the Super Bowl that affected the outcome of the game….     “tuck rule”.
     
    Wish I could be a fly on the wall to see his face.
     
    ps…  Rick and I have stopped at the Patriots Hall of Fame many times on our way to Cape Cod.  We love to see all those shiny trophies…  that first one shines just as bright…

  21. the hill

    President Biden fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton on Monday, a White House official told The Hill, following outrage over an inspector general report that found Blanton misused a government vehicle and allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer.
    “After doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the President’s direction,” the official said.
    The president’s move comes just hours after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called for Blanton to step down or be removed by Biden.
    House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and ranking member Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.) had also called for the resignation of the Architect of the Capitol, who oversees the Capitol complex’s building maintenance, preservation and development.
    The White House earlier this month was asked about the inspector general report. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the time Biden was “taking this very seriously” and would “take any advice that the members of Congress or any action that they want to take very seriously.”
    Only the president has the authority to fire the Architect of the Capitol. Blanton was nominated by former President Trump to a 10-year term as Architect of the Capitol and was confirmed by the Senate in December 2019.
    […]
    Blanton as Architect of the Capitol is one of three members of the Capitol Police Board, which oversees the U.S. Capitol Police.
    Blanton was grilled last week by the House Administration Committee on the report.

    so is there also any connection on his part to the jan 6 unpreparedness?

  23. https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/politics/architect-of-the-capitol-resignation-calls/index.html

    “Biden “terminated” Blanton amid bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation…”

    “The federal watchdog also accused Blanton, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to “patriots” weeks before the November 2020 election.”

    * Were recon tours actually given to “patriots.”

    “…Blanton defended not being at the Capitol during the insurrection because he claimed he was unable to drive there since there were so many people on the grounds. Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol’s mobile command post.”

    “Blanton is one of three voting members of the United States Capitol Police Board, which oversees the USCP. His responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol’s property management and operations.”

    “In the fall, an inspector general report accused Blanton of abuse of government property and wasting taxpayer dollars by allowing his family to drive a government-owned vehicle and taking the vehicle on out-of-town trips to South Carolina and Florida, according to the report.”

  24. Yeah, mobile command post my ass.  Let’s see the Senate committee investigating 1/6 haul his ass in with his cell phone records.

  25. Wow, i’ll sleep more soundly knowing that a guy who might have misused a company car a few times no longer has that capability 

  26. https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/opinions/desantis-bans-dei-florida-colleges-muhammad-licht/index.html

    DeSantis: “…announcing plans to end initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion — which frequently are grouped under the acronym DEI — in public colleges and universities across Florida.”

    “The move would effectively dismantle the relatively new efforts to address racial inequality in institutions of higher learning in the state, many of which were put in place following protests over the killing of George Floyd by police.”

    “DeSantis’ anti-DEI proposal would prohibit all public universities in the state from creating and funding DEI programs and would even block the use of private non-taxpayer funding for these purposes. The intention, he freely admits, is to dry up resources for existing diversity programs so that they will “wither on the vine.”

    Ron DeSantis is doing an amazing impression of a white supremacist.
    He’s a divider.

    “Tech giants Slack and Intel are among numerous companies that have benefited from workplace DEI programs by focusing on building a more racially diverse staff as well as making structural changes that encourage more inclusive decision-making, hiring and contracting.”

    “It isn’t an accident that the proposed DEI restrictions in Florida come after the ban on AP African American studies. Both are long-standing areas of research committed to equity for all. DeSantis, like Republican leaders in other states, may want to stop progress for political reasons, but social science and data are not on his side.”

  27. I want to know if Blanton actually facilitated any tours of the building by “patriots” doing recon for J6. 

Comments are closed.