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Category: Seniors
The Death of Steve McNair: A Tragic and Controversial End
Steve McNair was a beloved figure in the world of football. Known for his grit, determination, and leadership on the field, McNair earned the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His career spanned 13 seasons in the NFL, where he became a star quarterback for the Tennessee Titans and led them to Super Bowl XXXIV. However, his life came to a shocking and tragic end in 2009 when he was found dead in what was ruled a murder-suicide, leaving many to wonder whether the full story was ever uncovered. Steve McNair’s NFL Legacy Before diving into the details of his untimely death, it’s essential to understand McNair’s legacy on the football field. Drafted by the Houston Oilers (later the Tennessee Titans) in 1995, McNair quickly established himself as one of the league’s most talented and tough quarterbacks. He was known for playing through injuries, his ability to stay calm under pressure, and his dual-threat capabilities as a passer and runner. McNair’s crowning achievement came during the 1999-2000 NFL season when he led the Titans to the Super Bowl, where they lost in a thrilling finish to the St. Louis Rams. He was named Co-MVP of the NFL in 2003 and left a lasting impact on the sport when he retired in 2007. Sadly, his life off the field would end in tragedy just two years later. The Shocking Events of July 4, 2009 On July 4, 2009, Steve McNair was found dead in a Nashville condominium he shared with his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi. McNair had been shot four times—twice in the head and twice in the chest. Kazemi, who was lying nearby, was found with a single gunshot wound to her head, along with a pistol at her side. Nashville police quickly ruled the case a murder-suicide, concluding that Kazemi had shot McNair before turning the gun on herself. Investigators pointed to Kazemi’s deteriorating emotional state and financial difficulties as potential motives. In the days leading up to the murder, Kazemi had reportedly been distraught over McNair’s unwillingness to leave his wife, and she had been experiencing financial strain due to her car payments and other expenses. Friends and coworkers described her as feeling overwhelmed and increasingly agitated. The Official Investigation and Its Findings The official investigation into McNair’s death concluded that Kazemi acted alone. Text messages between McNair and Kazemi showed that their relationship had been strained in the weeks leading up to the murder. Additionally, Kazemi had purchased the gun two days before the incident, further pointing to premeditation. The investigation revealed that Kazemi had been under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the murder-suicide. Toxicology reports showed that she had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and had traces of marijuana in her system. These factors, combined with her emotional instability, led the police to close the case quickly, ruling it an open-and-shut murder-suicide. Lingering Doubts and Conspiracy Theories Despite the official findings, many questions surrounding McNair’s death remain unanswered. Some of McNair’s friends, family members, and fans have expressed doubts about the murder-suicide narrative. Several alternative theories have been floated over the years, keeping the case alive in the court of public opinion. The Role of Outside Parties One of the most persistent theories is that someone else may have been involved in McNair’s death. Some people speculate that a third party, possibly a jealous lover or even someone with a financial or personal grudge, may have orchestrated the murder. While there is no substantial evidence to support this theory, the idea that Kazemi acted entirely alone has been questioned by those close to McNair. Kazemi’s Mental State Though the official investigation highlighted Kazemi’s emotional and financial struggles, some argue that there wasn’t enough evidence to suggest she would take such drastic action. Those who knew her described her as overwhelmed, but not necessarily violent or suicidal. This has led to speculation that perhaps there was more going on behind the scenes that has yet to be uncovered. The Lack of a Clear Motive While Kazemi’s emotional distress was cited as the primary motive, some believe the reasons given were not strong enough to explain the violent nature of the crime. McNair’s friends have pointed out that he was financially supporting Kazemi, making it less likely that financial issues alone would drive her to commit murder-suicide. Why the Case Remains Controversial The swift closing of the investigation, combined with lingering doubts about the circumstances of the crime, has led some to question whether the case was fully and thoroughly examined. Given McNair’s status as a public figure, the handling of the case has been scrutinized by the media and fans alike. For many, the idea that Kazemi—who was 20 years old at the time and had no history of violence—could have acted alone in such a brutal crime seems difficult to believe. The narrative that McNair was killed in a crime of passion by a young woman in a tumultuous relationship continues to be accepted by law enforcement, but alternative theories about his death have not completely faded from public discourse. Conclusion: A Tragic and Mysterious End Steve McNair’s death shocked the NFL world and left an indelible mark on his fans and loved ones. Though the official investigation concluded that it was a murder-suicide carried out by Sahel Kazemi, doubts about the full truth remain. For those who followed McNair’s storied football career, his sudden and tragic end still feels unresolved. Regardless of the speculation, McNair’s legacy as one of the NFL’s toughest quarterbacks and a revered figure in the Tennessee Titans’ history remains untarnished. His death, while deeply tragic, has opened a broader conversation about the personal struggles many athletes face once the spotlight fades, and the need for mental health awareness both in and outside of sports. Post Views: 46
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 4 09/26-22-23/2024
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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 3 09/19-22-23/2024
Rough week last week!!! For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT). The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game. EXAMPLE: Say this week we have 16 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1. You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score. We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER. The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring described above. Or, the optional method. A negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have 1 pt. 1. HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look; My pick will be in bold Capital letters. you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting. I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday. Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use. Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: NONE TRIVIA TIME: When did the NFL overtake the MLB as America’s favorite sport? Answer below pick sheet All Times EDT (As You all know EDT is really AST [Atlantic Standard Time. ] Politicians just don’t know how to tell the truth. GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE THURSDAY 09/19/24 20:15 1 FOX Patriots (1–1) 3 @ JETS (1–1) 24 12 12/12 SUNDAY 09/22/24 13:00 2 FOX Giants (0–2) 21 @ BROWNS (1–1) 15 3 12/9 3 CBS Bears (1–1) 16 @ COLTS (0–2) 21 13 25/22 4 CBS TEXANS (2–0) 7 @ Vikings (2–0) 34 4 25/18 5 FOX Eagles (1–1) 15 @ SAINTS (2–0) 12 5 25/13 6 CBS Chargers (2-0) 10 @ STEELERS (2–0) 20 2 27/15 7 FOX Broncos (0–2) 26 @ BUCCANEERS (2–0) 7 14 27/1 8 FOX Packers (1–1) 30 @ TITANS (0-2) 14 6 27/5 SUNDAY 09/22/24 16:05 09 CBS Panthers (0–2) 36 @ RAIDERS (1–1) 22 10 27/15 10 CBS Dolphins (1–1) 3 @ SEAHAWKS (2-–0) 24 7 35/6 SUNDAY 09/22/25 16:25 11 FOX LIONS (1–1) 20 @ Cardinals (1–1) 13 7 42/1 12 FOX RAVENS (0-2) 28 @ Cowboys (1–1) 25 1 43/2 13 FOX 49’ERS (1–1) 27 @ Rams (0–2) 27 15 43/13 SUNDAY 09/22/24 20:20 14 NBC CHIEFS (2–0) 22 Falcons (1–1) 17 8 51/5 MONDAY 09/23/24 19:30 15 ESPN Jaguars (0–2) 10 @ BILLS (2–0) 47 11 62/6 MONDAY 09/23/24 20:15 16 ABC Commanders (1–1) 38 @ BENGALS (0–2) 33 16 62/19 GAMES 8/8 50%/50% Points Possible 136 62/10. 56%/ -.04% Tie Break (Total score last game) 39 Total 81 Points off –42 TRIVIA ANSWER In the early 1970s Post Views: 65
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 2 09/12-15-16-09/ 2024
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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 1 09/05-06-08/2024
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Gravity’s Dance: A Tale of Upside-Down Worlds
Memorial Day weekend gave me too much time to think. As evidenced in this post. I, for some reason thought…..I live in the Northern Hemisphere. Which kind of puts me on the top half of the world, explaining why gravity works the way it does. If i were to be suspended in mid air and released I would fall down, Using this logic, I began wondering, “If I was standing on the surface of Antarctica I would actually be standing “upside down”. Gravity would still be holding me on earth, but if suspended in mid air instead of falling down, I would fall up, to space, instead of down to Earth . I understand the gravitational pull would still be enough to Earths surface, even if I were to jump out of a perfectly good plane I would technically fall up to Earth. Leading me to believe that gravity is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere. Now my second thought was why, when standing upside down would I not have that sensation. I would feel the normal feeling of standing upright as I would in the North. In the vast cosmic ballroom, where spacetime waltzes with matter, gravity orchestrates a dance that transcends mere physics. Imagine, if you will, a celestial soirée where the Earth, the grand hostess, extends her arms – the fabric of spacetime – to embrace all who tread upon her. Whether you pirouette in the northern hemisphere or twirl near the icy expanse of Antarctica, gravity’s invisible hand guides your every step. The Curvature of Spacetime: Albert Einstein, the cosmic choreographer, revealed the secret steps of this universal ballet. In 1915, he unveiled his magnum opus: the theory of general relativity. Picture spacetime as a vast, taut canvas, stretched across the cosmic stage. Mass and energy – the prima ballerinas – bend and curve this fabric, creating dips and valleys. Earth herself, with her majestic girth, molds spacetime into a gentle concavity. This curvature, my dear reader, is what we perceive as gravity. The Trampoline of Reality: Imagine a colossal trampoline, its surface flat until you step upon it. Your mass – your very essence – stretches the fabric, creating a gravity well. Like a valley, it cradles you at its center. Objects nearby, like marbles on this cosmic trampoline, roll toward your feet. Earth, too, bows to this gravitational choreography, pulling you ever downward. But here’s the twist: time, too, bends in this cosmic dance. Astronauts, those celestial dancers, age just a tad more slowly as they pirouette through spacetime. The Upside-Down Tango: Now, let us pirouette to Antarctica, where the icy winds whisper secrets of the southern skies. Gravity, unyielding in its devotion, still clasps you to the icy ground. You, my friend, are hanging upside down – a celestial bat suspended from the cosmic rafters. Yet, your senses betray you. Your inner gyroscope insists you stand upright, as if gravity were a steadfast partner leading you through life’s grand promenade. The Visual Illusion: Ah, but here’s the twist: your eyes, those cosmic mirrors, deceive you. When you gaze upon the horizon, the visual gravity vector – the “down” your eyes perceive – aligns with the physical gravity of Earth. Even in Antarctica, your retinas insist on this cosmic agreement. The tilted monitor, the weightlessness of space – these are but variations in the choreography. Your brain, that maestro of perception, harmonizes the vestibular estimates of physical gravity into an internalized waltz of virtual gravity. The Grand Finale: And so, my fellow dancers, whether you pirouette in the north or tango in the south, gravity’s embrace remains unwavering. It whispers, “You are grounded, tethered to this cosmic ballroom.” Spacetime, that ethereal fabric, cradles you – the grand finale of a celestial ballet. So, dance, my friend, with feet firmly planted and eyes to the stars. For gravity, that silent maestro, conducts our eternal pas de deux. And thus concludes our cosmic tale – to unravel the enigma of gravity. As you step back into the mundane, remember: you are both dancer and dance, twirling through spacetime’s grand ballroom. Artie Fischal Post Views: 113
Mothers Day History
Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring motherhood, and it is celebrated in different forms throughout the world. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Anna Jarvis hailed from West Virginia, and her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, was her inspiration for creating the holiday. Ann Reeves Jarvis was a community health advocate who formed clubs known as “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to help local women learn how to properly care for their children. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna sought a way of honoring her mother’s efforts. She conceived Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. Anna wanted it to be an intimate day of celebration between mothers and families. Her version of the day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge and visiting one’s mother or attending church services. The original date selected by Anna was the second Sunday in May because that was close to her own mother’s death anniversary. It has remained so ever since (for U.S.A). By virtue of much lobbying, she finally convinced President Woodrow Wilson to set aside the second Sunday in May as a national holiday – Mother’s day, which she did in 1914. However, over time as commercialization increased around this special day with businesses profiting through sales of cards, gifts and flowers, Anna became disillusioned with what the commemoration had become. She spent much effort later trying to remove the holiday from the national calendar but failed. The average sum a person is expected to spend will be a little over $250. It is expected the total, (for USA), children and grandchildren will spend about $33 billion, ($33,000,000,000.oo), on Mom and Grandma this year. Mother’s Day continues to this day to be one of the major holidays in America where people still continue with tradition such as presenting flowers and other tokens of love to their mothers. In other parts of the world too like UK and parts of Europe ‘Mothering Sunday’ is celebrated which has religious roots associated with it but eventually has also become synonymous with honoring mothers. It’s usually celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. But the essence remains the same across all countries – a special day dedicated to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of mothers. Artie Fischal Post Views: 122
Cinco de Mayo History
🇲🇽 Until a few years ago I had never heard of CINCO de MAYO. I decided it was time I learned more about it and why is it marked as a holiday on my calendar. This is what I found on this subject. Cinco de Mayo, which means the fifth of May in Spanish, is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. It’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico but has evolved into a significant commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. Cinco de Mayo originated in the aftermath of the aforementioned battle. The Mexicans were greatly outnumbered and ill-equipped against one of the world’s most powerful armies, yet they managed to triumph. This unexpected victory against overwhelming odds became a source of pride for Mexico and symbolized resistance against foreign domination. The first Cinco de Mayo was celebrated soon after the battle itself, so its first official date would be May 5, 1862. If we calculate from then to 2024, it will mark the 162nd anniversary of Cinco de Mayo. The holiday was started by Mexicans who wanted to celebrate their country’s unexpected victory over France at Puebla. Over time, Mexican immigrants to the United States began celebrating it as well, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations like California and Texas. Cinco de Mayo celebrations typically involve parades, music, folkloric dancing, and traditional foods like tacos and mole poblano. In many U.S. cities — notably including Los Angeles; Chicago; and Houston — massive festivities are organized every year featuring live music, parades and various events celebrating Mexican culture. However, it is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is often mistakenly thought of as Mexico’s Independence Day by people unfamiliar with its history — that is actually celebrated on September 16. It is also not widely observed across all regions of Mexico but rather primarily recognized in Puebla where the original victory occurred. After learning all this I just had to find out what mole poblano, (doesn’t sound appetizing: come on now MOLES the little creature that burrows underground). From what I can find out “MOLE”, covers many different kind of sauces. Poblano is a thick and savory chile and chocolate sauce from the state of Pueblo. May be delicious, but I don’t think I would try it chile and chocolate just don’t go together in my mind. Happy “Cinco de Mayo’ 🇲🇽 Artie Fischal Post Views: 87
Electoral College: Protector of Small Populous States RIGHT TO VOTE
It has been brought to my attention, some states are taking steps to eliminate the ‘ELECTORAL COLLEGE”. Apparently the people trying to eliminate the Electoral College, either missed that day in school, or was asleep when the subject was being taught. You see the Electoral College was put in the constitution to protect smaller states from being RULED by the whims of the larger populated states. It is a safe stop; which is more necessary now than at the time of its placement in the constitution. Before you begin reading the main body of this post, I ask you to keep in mind these numbers. (Although the Electoral College isn’t perfect please consider these numbers). Then tell me who completely controls the “POPULAR VOTE”. California: 38,889,700 people. Texas: 30,978,754 people. Florida: 22,975,931 people. New York 19,467,232 people. Pennsylvania 12,951275 people. I am using numbers available for April, 2024. The total population of just these 5 states, (according to my calculator), 335,893,238 that is almost 336 MILLION PEOPLE. Now as for the other 45 states (again according to my calculator), 206,982,776 almost 207 MILLION PEOPLE. My point being with 5 states having 129 MILLION MORE PEOPLE THAN THE remaining 45 states. These 5 states have more than enough people to elect whoever they want not necessarily who is best for the entire country. This conundrum (to ME). Do I want a president I do not want or even have a say in? The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the United States Constitution in Article II, Section 1. It was intended as a compromise between those who advocated for the election of the president through a vote in Congress and those who believed it should be decided by a popular vote of qualified citizens. The Electoral College consists of 538 electors in total, which represent the 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and three additional electors from the District of Columbia. To win the presidency, a candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes. This system is not based on equal representation of individuals, but rather on equal representation of states. Now let’s consider your hypothetical scenario where just five most populated states control a presidential election. These states are California (55 Electoral Votes), Texas (38), Florida (29), New York (29), and Pennsylvania (20) as per the 2020 allocations. This adds up to just 171 electoral votes – still far short from the required majority of 270. Therefore, even though these states might have large populations, they alone cannot decide an election through popular vote due to our current electoral college system. However, if we were to shift to a direct democracy model or use only popular vote to determine elections, theoretically these states with high populations could indeed dominate national elections. This could lead to political imbalance and neglecting interests of less populous areas which often have unique socio-economic and environmental issues that require specific policy attention. If this were the case, citizens from less-populated states might feel that their votes don’t carry enough weight or their voice is not heard adequately in deciding national leadership. This could lead to certain degree of voter disillusionment or lower voter turnout among them because they may see their role as insignificant next to larger populace areas. This concern forms one of key arguments behind maintaining our Electoral College – it ensures all parts of country can have recognizable say in choosing our national leader irrespective of their population size. Furthermore, the electoral college system forces presidential candidates to seek support from a wider geographic base, instead of just focusing on densely populated urban areas. It maintains the balance of influence among states and encourages candidates to understand and respond to diverse needs of different states. So despite criticisms, many argue that maintaining the electoral college is an important tool in preserving our federal system and ensuring that all parts of the country have an equitable say in national elections. In conclusion: What am i missing? After all I am sure these lawmakers have a much better education than I do. OR, are they ??? What is their motive for taking away the voters rights, as IT IS possible that the votes cast by these 45 states are just a matter of going through the motions, allowing the residents to feel their votes count. Thank you. Artie Fischal P.S. Please feel free to leave me comments those who agree and those who don’t agree. Maybe I’ll learn something. Post Views: 134
