Tuesday, October 03, 2006

I'm still alive...I think...

It occurred to me that it's been a whole month since my last post. That isn't good form for a blog, is it? So, I struggled and struggled to figure out what to write today, and to be honest, I haven't the vaguest idea. Thus, I'm going to go to my old standby of writing whatever comes to mind, which could be very dangerous or, at the least, very boring.

SPORTS
I'm not a huge fan of the professional game these days. There is so much free agency that it's tough to keep up with a team. Add to that the drug accusations and the incredible amount of money some of these guys make, and it's enough to make a bookworm out of any fan. That having been said, there are a few things of note lately.

The Oakland A's are in the playoffs. Why is that interesting? Look at the payroll. They get by on less money than just about any team in the league, yet they are always right up there. It's nice to see young guys playing their hearts out and having fun, so go A's!!!

The two Bay Area teams are going to meet this weekend in the Ho-Hum Bowl. Does anyone really care which team wins? Who actually wants bragging rights in this case? San Francisco has one win, and the Raiders have none. Again...who cares?

The Sacramento Bee recently did a poll showing that two ballot measures designed to pay for a new arena for the city is failing miserably. As anyone knows, I'm not political. But I do have to ask what the people of Sacramento are thinking. A sales tax hike of one quarter of one percent? Big deal! Half of that money goes to community services, and the other half goes to building a new arena on some horrible looking railyards to replace an arena that has outlived its useful life. The new arena will not only make downtown look great, but if we don't get it, I don't want to hear any of these yo-yos whining that we never get any concerts or events in town. Where do they want these events held; a local park?? These whiners need to get real and understand that if they want to play, they need to play. It isn't about how much money the Maloofs have. It's about taking care of the city that doesn't want to be called a Cowtown anymore.

SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

Sad. Nothing else to say. Just sad.

CONGRESSMEN

Sick. Nothing else to say. Actually, a lot to say, but I'm not going to say it.

HOUSING BUBBLE

What in the world did people THINK would happen? They overextend themselves, take out interest only loans, pay double what a house is worth and think that they will resell it...did they think it would go on forever???

FINALLY...

I'm still in my Sociology class and I hate it. I'll be glad when this semester is done. It's important to reassess priorities in life, and I think that mine may be to not worry so much about finishing a stupid Associate's degree. I think I'll focus on learning French, studying my Bible, becoming a better minister, and taking care of my family. Far more important than a lousy degree, don't you think?

4 comments:

Asia said...

Ok, at the risk of getting into a debate here, I've got to disagree with you on the arena deal:

First of all, this tax would only be for people in Sacramento County. Are you telling me people from the surrounding areas--a.k.a. Placer--aren't going to benefit?

Second, they would be taxing a group of people who couldn't even afford to go to a game!

Third, the Maloofs can afford it; if you ask me, this is just a ploy to have an excuse for the Kings to leave. Even if they DO go through with the tax, where is the guarantee that the Kings will stay?

And lastly, if the people are paying for it, they should partially own it. The end.

...sorry, I'm sitting here in Painting hours after school ended, waiting to go to rehearsals, so I needed something to go on about... :0)

Adam said...

Fair enough...let me answer one at a time:
First, the people of Placer would be paying taxes whenever they purchase anything in Sacramento. Add to that the fact that businesses in Sacramento would benefit with the new arena and surrounding projects, not the people of Placer. Thus, they are taxed, but they benefit. They also benefit from the fact that the rest of the tax goes to their public fund, not Placer.

Second, the tax isn't just for the arena. And they sure watch it on television, love the Kings, and benefit from the income.

Third, when you look at the Kings as a separate entity, they can't afford to sink 500 million into an arena, at least, not on their own. And if the tax is passed and the arena is built, part of the contract says that the Kings must remain in Sacramento for 30 years, which is a longer contract than any other team has signed with any other city.

Lastly, the city of Sacramento will own the arena. The Maloofs will rent the arena for a certain amount, will pay for the upkeep, but will reap the profits from parking and sales within the arena. Utlimately, though, Sacramento owns the arena.

Keep on going on. I know that we don't get involved in politics or voting, but it is fun to beat the subjects around once in awhile!

Asia said...

Hmm...I would have to research some of your information...It's definitely not what I've read...

Adam said...

Read away! Facts are facts, ya know?