Against Big Oil

Exxon $11billion 1st quarter profit
Shell Oil $8 billion in profits

Sorry that I have been away for awhile , however , I am going to divert my attention from sports and get on my soapbox that is the concern of every American. Gas prices.  Don't know about everyone else but I drove past my local station and saw that regular unleaded is $4.19 a gallon.  Never mind that  Exxon posted an $11 billion first quarter profit , Shell oil had over $8 billion in profits.   I am all about business making money but when companies and  oil producing nations such as OPEC can control the price of gas for us  Americans it high time we pull up our boot straps and tell these profit mongers enough is enough.  We can no longer be sustainable with high gas prices but yet we have to pay or we cannot go to work to pay for gas in our vehicles, let alone other bills and needs.   The big fat cat oil executives need to take a trip in the communities like Sandy Hook, KY whose per capita income as of the 2000 census was only $13,278.00, or take a stroll in Portsmouth, OH whose per capita  income was $15,078.00.  I am sorry big oil but your oil profiteering ways stinks like yesterdays diapers.   Those big time executives are so out of touch with  the real people or in the case of  BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg " We care about the small people" , this after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico , one of the worst ecological disasters caused by man.   That is what big oil thinks about the working man and woman in America that we are the small people that pad their wallets, pay for their company planes, cars, yachts, their lavish parties.  We pay for all of that America.   

would you trust this guy ??
Saudi King Abdullah

While I am at it the Saudis and everyone else in the Middle East that is a major exporter of oil, think about it why you think they got so rich.   They get money from high prices for oil.   Case in point Saudi Arabia's per capita income as of 2007 was $20,700.00.  much higher that most other countries.  


We need to either drill for more of our own oil, and produce our own oil and quit depending on foreign oil.   We also need to bring manufacturing back to this country that is the only way to jump start this economy , we need to boycott  everything made in China people, its made cheap and not held to the high quality of American made things.  We need to support our local farmers cause without them, this country would be in real trouble.   I am sick and tired of the fighting between Republicans and Democrats, damn it Washington we are Americans first do what is right for the country listen to each other quit bickering about who will not do what, or who is grandstanding I do not care.  Just get the job done that you were put in there to do.  Same goes on the State level .  I am going to quote the great Henry Ford here ,"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." , this not only applies in business but in government as well.     OK I will get off my soapbox for now , it just stinks that big oil is not listening.
Make it a great day.

TGIF

Took a day off and spent it with family and went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens yesterday. I think everyone in Cincinnati had the same idea.  It was a nice day, the sun was out , not too hot or cold.   However a lot happened in the sports world yesterday so lets get cracking.


Reds win.......
Mike Leake helps stop the Reds four game losing skid.  He was able to  focus on the game and the Reds bats finally woke up on the get away game to notch out a 7-4 win over the D-Backs . Whether he is guilty or innocent , the kid was dealing.

• Box Score

Phillips Likes being the bad guy...
Brandon Phillips was talking to the media yesterday before catching  the flight to St Louis stating that, "Honestly, (the boos) will make me feel good, because  it let's me further know  that they have dreams about me."  Hopefully the Cardinals will have nightmares about you Brandon.  I just hope you all can back it up with the play on the field.   The Reds and Cards will  be the Fox game of the day on Saturday and will be the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball game.   Happy Easter Reds fans.   


  


How to win an argument..
Saw this on Kentuckysportsradio.com and found  it very interesting

Driver's Start your Engines....

I hate to say this and I am probably get yelled at for this who knows , and I really don't care. People of Cincinnati do not know how to drive.   They honk their horns if your going to slow, (people that inclines me to drive slower)   This is not  NASCAR your not going to win money for being first out of the chute.  I am not saying all drivers in the Cincinnati metro area don't know how to drive , its just a majority that don't know.  I really don't care if your sitting behind me in the drive thru lane in your Prius on your lunch break you don't need to be rude and honk your horn, again that inclines me to just sit there a little longer just to make you madder.   Speaking of Toyota , I know they are the newest manufacture in the NASCAR series but do you find that your rooting against the Toyota drivers more and not caring if its a Ford , Chevy or Dodge winning.  I say cheer for the big three automakers of Detroit and buy American.  

Kentucky Speedway.....

I know it took years and a lawsuit and having the track sold and the lawsuit dropped , but the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup race is finally coming , I know its  old news but what a perfect gift for that race fan to have tickets to the Quaker State 400 .   I am excited to finally have racing in the great state of Kentucky , yes the track has had the Truck series and the Nationwide Series (formerly the Busch series). Finally we get to see the Sunday afternoon  race live and in Sparta, KY the weekend of July 7th thru the 9th.

That all I have now , have a great Easter weekend folks and see you monday

Wednesday news and notes

Well yesterday's news about Mike Leake was not all that surprising in my view according to police when they logged his items he had over $200 cash on him and a couple credit cards.   If dude had the money then why not just pay up, he deserves everything he is getting.  He's an embarrassment to himself, his family and the Reds organization.
Reds Lose Again.......
Sam Lecure started last night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, lets just say he got snake bit a couple times.  What is it with Reds starting pitchers not being able to get out of the first inning at least putting up zeros?  The Reds have dropped 5 of their last 6 games and are 4-8 since starting 5-0 and are now tied with the Brew Crew for first place in the division.

Lamb staying.....
Doron Lamb is staying at the University of Kentucky for next season. Coach Cal was very please with that news, now just waiting to see what Jones and Knight will do.  




Bob Knight apologizes or does he?

ESPN analyst and former Indian and Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight said that his comment should not have been 'personal ' to UK or to Coach Cal.    Yeah right Bob this is not the first time you have made comments about UK.  You should direct your frustrations with the NBA and their stupid rules.  The NBA is the one who fostered the one and done player but who can blame these kids for the chance and millions.  Once again Bob Knight showing everyone why he is a horse's rear.



Other News 

The Phillie Phanatic has overtaken The San Diego Chicken as America's favorite mascot, I mean really WTH , the Chicken is an icon but what do I know.  America voted so something has to be right about it, I mean look at Washington D.C..

Yawn...... the NFL released team schedules for the upcoming season......wait a minute they are in a lockout how is their going to be a next season?? The Bungles by the way have the fourth easiest schedule on the books, maybe Mike Brown can look good on this , that is a BIG maybe..

Breaking News


Liggins, Jones, and Knight all three declare for the NBA draft but have not hired agents making possible for them to return.   I just wanna say I don't blame them for testing the waters.   Good luck to all three.

That all for now make it a great day

Leake gets caught stealing he didn't realize the steal sign was off

Mike Leake's mugshot

Good morning and salutations a lot to get too so we will begin.   Reds pitcher Mike Leake has gotten arrested for allegedly shoplifting  about $60 worth of T-shirts from a downtown Cincinnati Macy's .  Leake who is set to make $425,000.00 this year had a statement released thru the Reds and the Reds also released a statement in regards to their transient pitcher.   I don't know what is going on in Mike Leake's head but what was he thinking??  Leake will get to tell his side today in court when he is arraigned in Hamilton County municiple court. Having  all of that happened yesterday when his team the Reds were getting ready for a game against the Pirates last night.  Pirates pitcher Kevin Correia  arrested the Reds bats allowing only three runs in a complete game win.   One of the highlights of the game was  Aroldis Chapman hitting 106 mph on the gun.  The Cuban lefty was coming off three days rest for a tender elbow.  
I must say Reds starting pitchers have not been real good but people its April.  If you recall last year the Reds hovered around the .500 mark all season last season.   Baseball season is a marathon not a sprint still a lot of games need to be played.


Switching gears to college basketball...... Bobby Knight ..... Bobby Knight,  what kind of loser do you have to be to try and cut down a program that you have no direct knowledge of.?   This is not the first time The General has drawn the ire of BBN  with his comments to a pro-Indiana crowd.  Only this time around Barnhart released a statement contradicting Knight's claims.     When will Bobby learn that if you mess with a Cat long enough it will come out and scratch the hell out you.  


In closing for today I have sad news to report dodgeball has been banned at a Dallastown, PA middle school.   because of a parent complaint.  I guess little Johnny or Susie went home crying after taking a ball hard to the face. They obviously did not follow the 5 D's of dodgeball.   That all I have for today make it great one

Monday morning rambler

Sorry folks that I have not been on the past couple of days.  Been helping do a home improvement project old hardwood floors that you would think it was easy.   Unfortunately no........if anyone has tips on refinishing floors it would be appreciated.    Now onto sports related stuff.

First inning ERA 29.25
thru 4 starts

The Reds open up a  can on the Pirates on Saturday at GABP  but on Sunday not so much.  Edinson Volquez 1st inning troubles have carried over into another game allow back to back homeruns in the first inning and digging a 4 zip hold to begin the game with.   His first inning concerns should be least of his worries.  Volquez is having command issues  and with Cueto and Bailey set to return from the DL,  Dusty Baker and the toothpick  should really consider putting Volquez in the bullpen  so that he can calm his nerves and get his head in the game.  



Switching gears to UK......Jerry Tipton. of the Lexington Herald Leader actually has an interesting article on whether or not the UK athletic department gives enough back to the general fund . (In which it gives over 1 million dollars cue Dr. Evil.)  Seriously however in my view Rupp Arena is a fine venue to watch a college basketball game have you ever been there?   I know a bulk of the championships were won when they were in Memorial Coliseum, but you can fill the electricity in the air in that place when students and fans alike get to cheering for their beloved Wildcats.   You don't need luxury boxes for  a college game.   I am sorry UK but for this one Wildcat fan you do not have my support for a new arena.   I am sure the city of Lexington can find better uses for the $350k that is being used for a feasibility study.

In other basketball news Xavier's Tu Holloway has declared for the NBA draft but did not hire an agent, that leaves the door open for him to return if he chooses to pull out of the draft by May 8.  Personally I think anybody leaving early should strongly consider the lockout and not declare, again just my opinion, but hopefully


That is all I have make it a great day people

Reds lose in a wind blown game and NFL ramblings

The ball was not nearly  flying out of GABP last night as the Reds drop the game to the Pirates 6-1.  The one run being a solo shot off the bat of Jay Bruce.  The Pirates stopped a four game losing skid by bringing the bats they garnered up 14 hits against Bronson and company. Arroyo usually able to go 6 or 7 innings in a game could not reach the 5th inning  in this wind blown game, where according to the weather guys winds were gusting up to 56 mph. Here is Kevin Goheen's from MLB.com report.  Reds play again today at 1:10pm.

Switching gears from baseball to the NFL the lockout is now over one month and counting the players and owners are back at the table with a federal mediator.  Here is my spin on things , the players and owners are a bunch a crybabies.  The owners are like the kid that has the ball and if something does not go his way; he says he is going home and taking the ball too.  So all the kids can't play.   The owners and players are being selfish, they need to consider the fans that have so much time and their hard earned money to go watch men play a sport.  They need to get their act together , I for one really don't , reason being the Bengals will suck it up once again.  

Speaking of the Bengals...............................................Mike Brown needs to get a clue and hire a GM, most of the NFL teams have GMs with the exception of the Cowboys , the Bengals are nowhere on the level of the Cowboys.  Mr. Brown I know your not savvy with what the fans want and could care less what the fans think, maybe attendance will have to drop more because your inferior product on the field is not that great.  I really don't blame Carson Palmer wanting out.

My View

Have to be honest this is my first go around for a blog.  So let's begin........................  

 Mitch Barnhart the AD  for the University of Kentucky states that UK basketball needs to play in a ."gold standard arena".  Really Mitch?? I thought Rupp Arena was the "Gold Standard" for college basketball.   I guess 7 national championships and the most wins in basketball is not enough.  If your trying to keep up with UofL then don't.  Does UK really need to keep up with the red headed step-child  UofL???  I think not.     On a lighter note still no word as of yet from any of the UK freshman if they will declare or not, however the deadline is April 24th stayed  tuned will have a list as soon as its available.