DrDNP18's Couch

Yo, Old People everywhere....that's right AARP members, & all those folks who reap the benefits of lower movie prices, just because you've reached a certain birth year! I've seen enough of you on the roads, causing problems with your improper speeds, poor reflexes, & failing vision. 

It's time to get legislative on your collective derrieres, when it comes to driving!

We are so caught up with drinking & driving, and all its legislation & penalties, that the havoc caused by senior citizens on the road, somehow falls underneath the radar. Statistically, senior citizens and their inability handle automotive machinery properly, is one of the greatest causes of accidents on the roadway, today. Of course, not every senior is a culprit, but there is more than enough evidence to bring this issue to the table. We may no't like to say it because it may not be popular with everyone! Well, I'm saying it.................

It's time to get tested, & re-tested, geezers! I believe that beginning at age 70, every senior with a valid driver's license should submit to mandatory testing every 3 years! The testing should include a physical & mental examination(including eyesight, hearing, reflexes, mental sustainability), as well as a road test.This is not unreasonable. Why seniors have gotten a free pass for so long amazes me. An 80 year old may be far more dangerous on the road than a 16 year old....& its time to find out!

Considering the fact that many families have demonstrated great difficulty in taking away the keys from grandma  or poppy, I believe its time that the government steps in!  This is a safety issue, & if seniors can pass the minmum requirements, drive 'til your heart's content. Go on a Cannonball Run! Have a blast!

I would just like to see the people, who are physically ill-equipped, &/or  petrified to be on the roads, grounded. It's overdue & more than time to do this...problem is...just like with families, there are very few politicians with the balls to do what's right, especially when controversial, or potentially unpopular with part of the voting public.

That's right, folks!

Colt McCoy, Texas QB, was named 2d Team All-Big 12 QB this week. The 1st Team QB was Sam Bradford from Oklahoma. Both players have had excellent statistical seasons, however, playing in a conference where playing "defense" is apparently a dirty word. Big 12 games this season routinely see scores totalling 80, 90 & 100+ points, on a weekly basis.

The interesting twist to this bit of news is that McCoy was actually named conference Offensive Player of the Year, and is a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy(along with Bradford). In fact, a recent amount of groundswell suport for McCoy arose, when it was perceived that Texas was unjustly snubbed for the Big 12 Championship Game, despite having beaten Oklahoma in the regular season.

Can you imagine this type of political payback nonsense, interfering with awarding the most prestigious individual award in college sports?

Has any Heisman winner ever not been a 1st Team All Conference selection? I tend to bet "no"! 

It's time for voters to stop looking, or gawking, at some of the ridiculous offensive numbers put up in the Big 12, and look at the reigning Heisman winner, who happens to be the best(& most important) player on the best team, in the best conference,  in college football. Yes...Tim Tebow still plays & dominates college football, like no other player in recent memory. Without Tebow, Florida may have lost another game or 2. His passing numbers are ridiculous this year(only 2 INT), only paling in comparison to last year's unrealistic standard set. He's the best runner on the team & has already broken the school record for rushing touchdowns in a career set by Emmit Smith, a pretty decent runner, himself. If Tebow stays for his senior year(which he should), this guy may leave with 3 National Championships & 3 Heismans(if the voters wake up form their Big 12 daze)! Let's keep the hardware away from 2d Team All Conference players, & recognize greatness, when its before us!

"Alternative rock" is a name given to the underground music scene that emerged in the wake of the punk rock movement, since about the mid-1980s. Throughout much of its history, alternative rock has been largely defined by its rejection of the commercialism of mainstream culture. Alternative bands are known to have played in small clubs, recorded for indie labels, and spread their popularity through word of mouth.

One of the more noted champions & pioneers of "Alt-rock" is DJ Matt Pinfield, currently the morning DJ on new station, WRXP. Pinfield gained some small degree of fame in the '90's, as some type of underground music guru on MTV. He came across as a hard-core music lover/human music encyclopedia, and certainly developed a niche in the music market. I never much followed him(other than to know he was a Jersey guy), but what I knew of him, I suppose I always thought he was pretty cool.

Was I wrong! Since he took over the morning drive, I listen, as I bounce around the radio dials on a daily basis, in true A.D.D. fashion! Having heard him for several months on a regular basis, let me be the first to say, this guy completely SUCKS!

Pinfield is so impressed with his "fame" & accomplishments(whatever they are), he can't contain himself from telling the audience what rock performer's house he's visited, who he hangs with, what shows he gets VIP treatment at, etc. He is the biggest name dropper on the air, & its sickening. If he's not dropping famous names, he's trying to impress the audience with his extensive rock knowledge, which granted, is legit. The show is supposed to be about music, but its really all about Matt....and Matt, as I perceive, is a complete bore!

However, perhaps his most annoying trait is the way he sucks up to artists in the studio(which many DJ's do, so I can't kill him for that), and his absurd adoration for every band & every song that's played . Enough! This is supposed to be a guy who lives "the alt rock lifestyle", yet he loves every song & every commercial band that's played on his airwaves? What a phony!  And, make no mistake, WRXP, although a bit refreshing in its format, is hardly college radio. His "edge" is about as cutting & sharp as the baby smooth skin head he fashionably sports! This guy is a complete a$$, who clearly caters to management, for a steady paycheck. Makes him just like the rest of us, huh? Maybe we're all alternative rockers, but we just never knew it!

Considering the recent personnel changes, particularly at GDNY, may I suggest an experiment for the consideration of management....

In approximately one week, take a cardboard cut-out of Greg Kelly, & place it in his anchor chair, next to his new partner, Rosanna Scotto, between 7am and 9am. Conduct the GDNY show otherwise, as usual.

At the end of the show, make the following evaluations:

1) was the show more interesting?

2) was the show more fun?

3) did the cardboard cut-out add anything to the show?

4) did anyone notice the cardboard cut-out, was a cardboard cut-out?

5) did anyone care that Greg Kelly was missing?

Who really knows what those "things" are(incidents, meeting, observations), that we come across in our daily lives, that somehow make an impact, or provide some meaning to our lives?

We can all have theories, but the only true and honest answer is that no one knows.

Therefore, why do people promulgate the answers, when they sometimes don't even know the questions? Some risk their lives, or take others' lives, because their belief in something unknown, is that great. Don't get me wrong, religion, faith, belief & spirituality can be a wonderful & empowering thing to one's life. However, today, more than ever, it seems to be dubiously interwined with greed, power & fanaticism, which encroaches & encumbers the peaceful & quiet enjoyment of my own beliefs(which I would never stake my life on).

If people could only keep it to themselves, wouldn't the world be a better & safer place?

A buddy of mine met a woman about a year and a half ago. She's an attractive lady who works as a fitness trainer & is also a body builder. She initially represented to him that she was in her mid-30's. He subsequently learned that she was actually in her mid-40's.

The couple is still together, so this lie, at least in this instance, was not a deal breaker. I don't want to judge anyone on what these types of lies mean, or how they can affect a relationship. Obviously there are too many variables involved.

My query involves simply numbers.....what do women lie(when they do) about more...their age, or their weight?

My inclination is to think that if there is no weight issue to lie about...age becomes the obvious lie to perpetrate, simply because those women who are fit, are generally trying to grasp at that fountain of youth, any way they can. Even if it's not true, maybe people will believe they are younger(if they tell people they are...and feel a high, when they are believed!!).  I'd love to hear from women on this topic, & have you "weigh" in, as to your own(or friend's...."wink"......) personal experiences................  

Was it me, or was Rob Malcolm rockin' some crazy duds, during his reports over the weekend?

He was certainly not "news conservative", in his choice of shirts & ties. I personally loved it! The man can flat out, dress! If Rob's get ups struck anyone who may have seen them over the weekend, feel free to comment.

I was involved in a recent discussion(in a bar, of course) in which some comparisons were being drawn between Keyshia Cole & Rihanna. In my opinion, the only comparison that applies, is that both are young women. It should really end there.

I am a huge, lifelong fan of R & B, & classic soul music, with its incredible history. After the release of her 1st 2 albums, I feel that Keyshia Cole has the potential to rank among the all-time greats. She is a prodigious talent, with a unique, powerful, & soulful voice, that comes around only occassionally, in a generation. She writes & produces much of her own material(which further seprates her from other comtemporary songbird divas), & her heart can be heard bellowing, in so many of her songs. I find myself captivated by her voice, like few others have ever done.

Rihanna on the other hand, is a typical fly-by-night, pop princess, whose best qualities are displayed on the cover of teen magazines. She is known more because she has a "look" that sells, as opposed to any true musical talent. She's nothing more than a young model, with a few connections, who gave her some catchy songs, that have received commercial airplay. 

Keyshia's look is very raw, & hardcore street(although she seems to be working on that). She's certainly not built like a model, & her neck & arm tattoos make her appear somewhat intimidating & unapproachable, for the "average" fan to embrace. She is not the girl next door, & that image(as the music industry places so much emphasis on image) may be currently holding her potential super-stardom back, somewhat. However, she is so young & clearly has a great deal of personal growth ahead. As she will no doubt continue to make amazing music with her astonishing gifts, her star will continue to grow,  & carve a place for her name, among the greats in R &B/soul history.

It's Leap Day everyone.....that special day which comes around but once every 4 years! One of those amazing days to celebrate the wonders of life, as we can all appreciate how long it takes the earth to complete a full circle around the sun! The exact time the Earth takes to complete a full circle around Sun is a little longer than a year, 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds. So, once every four years we need to add that extra day to the calendar!

The oddity of this version of leap year is that it falls on a Friday.....making this a very unusual 5th Friday of February!  February 2008 both started and ends on a Friday. Between 1904 and 2096, leap years with same day of week for each date repeat every 28 years, which means that the last time February had 5 Fridays was in 1980 and next time will be in 2036.

So, when you're at the bar later, make an extra toast, in celebration of this rather unusual calendar occasion!! Who knows if we'll see it again?

In recognition of Valentine's Day, below please find the simple, yet brilliant lyrics of John Lennon, on what I believe is one of his most underrated, & great songs. It surely captures  the essence of what everyone seems to want, & wait for, in their lives. If you've found that person, great... if you haven't, don't give up or despair, as love may be just around the corner. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

All my little plans and schemes
Lost like some forgotten dreams
Seems that all I really was doing
Was waiting for you

Just like little girls and boys,
playing with their little toys.
Seems like all we really were doing
was waitin' for love.

lonely to be alone,
no need to be alone.

It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real.

From this moment on I know,
exactly where my life will go.
Seems that all I really was doing
was waitin' for love.

No need to be afraid,
no need to be afraid.

It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real.

Thought I'd been in love before,
but in my heart I wanted more.
Seems like all I really was doing
was waitin' for you.

lonely to be alone,
No need to be alone.

It's real love, yeah it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes, it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love....

In a speech to the Florida Renewal Project Monday night, which was live streamed, on the American Family Association’s Website, Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee intimated comparisons between America & Nazi Germany. He first implored the audience to renew their “commitment to Christ” and “to our nation, to its heritage, as well as to its future,” adding “do we expect the seculars  to do it? Do we expect the unbelievers to lead us, and if so, how will they lead us and where?” He then engaged in an extended description of his visit to the Israeli Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem with his 11- year-old daughter, who asked, “why didn’t somebody do something?” Huckabee, who has called abortion a “holocaust,” then issued a dire warning:

… "I pray that no father ever stands over the shoulder of his own daughter and after her witnessing the decline and the fall of a great nation, writes, and sees her write these words, “why didn’t somebody do something?” You see, I believe the reason we’re here is because we are the somebodies. And we’re to do the something and if we don’t, who will? And if we don’t act now, when will it happen, and will it be too late? You leave this conference with this haunting question, and pray that no one would ever ask of you or of me, why didn’t somebody do something".

This is a man, running for the President of the United States, who characterizes part of his potential constituency as "seculars" & "unbelievers"(which I don't even believe is proper English). I'm not sure what is more frightening, a governmental leader of some prominence, who thinks & speaks in these terms, or the fact that his candidacy has some legitmacy(although I believe it to be fading, thankfully) with a throng of supporters & financial backers. Wherever this country is headed remains to be seen, however, I know I will feel better, knowing this crackpot has nothing to do with "doing something", by making any Federal administration decisions!!!

I have stated numerous times on these blogs that I am a Jets season ticket holder, and a long suffering, die-hard fan. I will however, say that I am rooting for our Meadowlands co-tenants, to slice some cheese, in the sub zero temps, expected Sunday Night! What is more fun than having an area team(even if its not mine) play for a World Championship? If they do win, the city buzz will be unbelievable, leading up to the Super Bowl.

What I am am about to say may seem blasphemous to some Giant fans, However, in my opinion, football, perhaps more than any other sport, is a game where the whole must be greater than the sum of its parts. In watching the Giants over the last several weeks of the season and into the playoffs, they are clearly a better team WITHOUT Jeremy Shockey!

It is rare that a team can get better when it loses a Pro Bowl player, but that's exactly what’s happened to the Giants. When Shockey was lost for the season with a leg injury, the Giants offense went from inconsistent to highly efficeient, if not a bit explosive. Why?

Much of the credit for the Giants success in the playoffs, and late season, has gone to the sudden maturity of Eli. Is it pure coincidence that this has occurred since Shockey went down? First, he seems to be in complete command of the huddle, for the first time in his career. Shockey, and his brash, overbearing personality which may not work well with Eli’s Lousiana cool, has been absent. Hmmmmm.

Clearly, Eli is no longer forcing the ball, particularly in an effort to keep Shockey happy, and involved in the passing game. I believe Manning feels pressure to get Shockey involved in the game when the All Pro tight end is in the lineup, and that can lead to forced balls down the middle of the field. It seems tha many of Manning’s interceptions this season have come on late throws, down the middle of the field(Shockey’s area). There have been exactly zero turnovers for the Giant offense in their playoff run. Manning is doing a much better job speading the ball around, particularly including the very impressive young receiver, Steve Smith.

There is no questioning Shockey’s remarkable million dollar offensive skills as a tight end, but they are accompanied with a ten cent head! There have also been virtually no offensive penalties during the playoffs, particularly after the play, personal fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct calls. I can think of numerous instances where Shockey was right in the middle of such unnecessary extra curricular activity. Some Giants fans may defend his actions by stating how "competitive" he is. Spare me such commentary, as he is a highly paid professional athlete. There isn’t a practice squad player under contract in the NFL, who is not "competitive"!

The other thing that has been noticeably better without Shockey is the Giants' pass protection. Shockey rarely stayed in to block, but with Kevin Boss being a lesser threat in the passing game, the Giants have been using him in pass protection. Now when the Giants go to their three-receiver package, Boss often stays in to block, which gives Manning that extra time to feel comfortable in the pocket. When Boss does go on routes, he's been pretty productive in his own right.

The Giants have been a well-organized, smart and very reliable offensive unit over the last 4 or 5 games. They are clearly playing their best ball of the year, and have more than a puncher’s chance to pull the upset in Green Bay. It may have been an injury to an over-exposed, undisciplined, and at times, very selfish player, to give this team the jump start it needed!!! Good Luck Giants!