Cicely Tyson - Always Representin'

Every time one of them passes, I feel a part of my spirit lifted up and away. 

Cicely Tyson, our shining and enduring black actress, whose portrayal of strong black women onscreen was a godsend, has passed on. In a time when movies featuring strong black women were few and far in between, Cicely was the the one who carried the torch for us. Onscreen, she represented my mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and every good black woman in my life. Her pride and strength became our pride and strength in our daily tussle with America.

"Sounder" and "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" are my best memories of Cicely's portrayals. Watching those made for television shows back in the early 1970's was a family affair. We all hunkered down in front of that newly purchased floor model Magnavox television set and got lost in stories about our peoples struggles against inequality. 

Those were some of the best lessons on history of race in America we kids received. School did not teach about slavery or race inequality back then. These movies aired a few years before the 1977 mini-series "Roots," which was shocking in its depiction of atrocities against blacks during the era of slavery. Everyone, black and white, got a lesson from "Roots." And so the struggle against racism and inequality continues. 

What Cicely Tyson represented was so much more than the ugliness of fighting against racism for change. She was so naturally beautiful, with a smile that seemed almost unreal. When her mouth formed into a smile her eyes seemed to twinkle with an unmistakable energy. I didn't know that she started out as a model; its not surprising. 

Thank you Cicely Tyson for the pride and strength you so courageously instilled in roles as leading black women.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" - Ecclesiastes 3.1

Billionaires Losing Billions

 

Freezing access and changing terms of trading fits my perception of a manipulative Wall Street when finding themselves on the "short" end of a Stock Market crisis. Now that professionals are losing billions, they're looking for government regulation to help stop the bleeding. 

An overall Stock Market fix has been needed for quite some time. Too bad it takes billionaires to feel the crunch before calling for fairer and safer trade regulations. Who knew Reddit could be so game-changing. When smaller retail investors lose money due to a market crisis, nobody comes to their rescue.  Keep an eye on the fallout from this folks, you're gonna see Atlas Shrug. 

I'm not versed in stock market manipulations and volatility enough to give an accurate account of exactly what's going on with the "GameStop" pop.  Here's an article from Wall Street Journal that does. 

By 

, 

 and 

Updated Jan. 27, 2021 6:46 pm ET

The power dynamics are shifting on Wall Street. Individual investors are winning big—at least for now—and relishing it.

An eye-popping rally in shares of companies that were once left for dead including GameStop Corp. GME -28.88% , AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. AMC -49.25% and BlackBerry Ltd. has upended the natural order between hedge-fund investors and those trying their hand at trading from their sofas. While the individuals are rejoicing at newfound riches, the pros are reeling from their losses. Cont'd reading...

NBCnews - Redditors took on hedge funds and won

MarketWatch - The GameStop pop

cnet - Reddit Fueled Rollercoaster

Listen to podcast of  How Reddit chat room 'gamed the stock market:

One Night In Miami

 

Malcolm X, Cassius Clay, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke

If the movie looks and feels like a stage production, it's because it was adapted from a play by Kemp Powers, who also wrote the movie screenplay. In this phenomenal movie, directed by Golden Globe,  Academy and Emmy Awards winning actress Regina King, four black icons come together to celebrate one's victory and end up discussing the black struggle against an oppressive white America.

I'll admit, I can watch any movie/television show with Regina King in it simply because she brings that certain real presence you look for on film. However, in "One Night in Miami," Regina is behind the scenes making her directorial debut, and she nails it. If the saying, "behind every good man is a good woman" is true, then the woman behind the scenes getting these four brotha's to put forward such high-powered performances like they did in this movie, makes Regina an Extraordinary woman. 

What Regina must have instilled in the four actors was the pride and courage to succeed in becoming the larger than life icons they portrayed. What she got onscreen was like the reward of a mother, wife or sister who, through encouragement and love, helps a man become a better man. Credit Regina for setting the stage, and the actors for building a strong and trusting, brotherly friendship that came across onscreen.  

In describing the movie I think its writer, Kemp Powers, said it best; "a work of fiction powered by the truth."

The dialogue, with its arguments on race, wealth, power and faith, unapologetically gives viewers a taste of what it was like for a black man to be a successful icon in America in 1964. The choices and consequences which came with that success were something each had to work through. This meeting between the four allows them to share their feelings and views of it all, with each other and us viewers.

The movie is a beautiful snap shot of an era blacks as a whole should reacquaint themselves with today, if for no other reason than to assess and reevaluate the road that led to a much needed Black Lives Matter movement today.  

For me personally, I was drawn into the times, characters and culture of the movie because it's a story about my peoples, written and performed by my peoples and based on real life heroes of my peoples. Peoples of other cultures, whether they know something about the real life characters and times portrayed or not, will take away some enlightening things from this movie I'm sure. But for a black man, along with black women, this movie touches on our long brotherhood and sisterhood struggle to stand together against inequality and oppression in America. 

It is a reflection of us at a time of socioeconomic change and choices. A time not unlike the times we find ourselves in today, where as referred to in the movie, we blacks just wanna be treated as human beings by whites.

I could go on. Instead, catch the movie on television and enjoy time well spent with Malcolm, Cassius, Jim and Sam. Get a lesson in what it means to discuss differences of opinion with those you love and respect.

A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

True Events that Inspired Regina King's One Night In Miami

One Night In Miami, speculative history sings

Brady Hit Tune

B.R.A.D.Y.

To those who love'em, the spoof of Kenny Rogers song "Lady" is a tune best forgotten. For those who detest the cheating, penalty-proof, gameday favored, media darling of football, the song above just gets better and better with age. Hilarious!

QB Tom Brady will face-off against Aaron Rodgers and #1 seeded Green Bay Packers in Sunday's NFC Championship game. Both quarterbacks are seasoned veterans looking to add to their HOF Legacy. 

If Rodgers wins and goes on to secure Superbowl LV, it will be a true highlight in a great career. Should Brady lose after such a successful inaugural year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expect to hear rumblings of the G.O.A.T. Joe Montana, especially if he has a less than stellar game. 

As a Raiders fan (Tuck Rule) I'll be rooting for Aaron Rodgers and the Pack to force Brady and the Bucs to watch Superbowl LV, being played in their home (Raymond James Stadium), from the comfort of their living rooms; just like 30 other less fortunate NFL teams.

Either way, this NFC title game will be a high-stakes competition no football fan will wanna miss. Unless of course a Kenny Rogers concert is streaming online. 

"Lady, For so many years I thought I'd never find you, 

You have come into my life  a n d ........ Made me whole"

Deflated

Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman

 

The Hill We Climb

the new dawn blooms as we free it

for there was always light, if only we're brave enough to see it

If only, we're brave enough, to be it
                                                        from "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman

Twas the Night Before Inauguration ❄❄❄ Feels Like Xmas Eve ❄❄❄

I don't know what makes me more full of promise today, the Warriors comeback win over the Lakers last night, or hearing Trump's goodbye concession speech today. As much as I despise the Los Angeles Lakers and celebrate every time they lose, seeing this Pathetic excuse for a human being finally concede his election loss to our soon-to-be 46th President has to top the list.

Tomorrow, January 20, 2021, Joe Biden will become President of the United States of America. If you haven't been hiding under a rock for the past four years, or past four weeks for that matter, then you understand the significance of this national event. America will have a President that puts the interest of our country first and foremost. A President who brings pride and dignity once again to the office of commander-in-chief. A man who is not scared to tell the truth and can express his thoughts clearly. A man familiar with biblical scripture who looks to the bible for more than a photo-op prop. A man humbled by tragic losses in life. Not just a man, but a Just Man.

Tomorrow, at 12:00pm, EST, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of our Democracy. We know he and his administration have lots of repair work ahead. We as citizens also will have work to do; the task of trusting our government and respecting our differences/disagreements is high on the list of civilian duties. 

The way to combat those who continue to espouse conspiracy theories to divide our government and citizens is to stay active and informed on the issues and policies effecting our nation. And while we're at it we should all try to be more involved in our communities. 

When in doubt, do the opposite of what twice-impeached Donald J. Trump would do. See someone in need, offer help. See a danger to the community, address it or bring it to someone's attention who can address it. Make a mistake or use poor judgement, acknowledge it and immediately work on correcting the wrong. Become a Volunteer. Be accountable for something.

Duty: a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.

What we can all say we've improved at from watching Trump in the spotlight for four agonizing years, is spotting liars by the lies they tell. The bigger the lie the less believable and more exposed the liar. If you never had the unpleasant experience of knowing a chronic liar, Trump has given you an advanced class in "The Art of Fabrication."

Finally!

Harden Joins Nets - Instant Eastern Conf. Contenders

The player Warriors fans love to hate, step-back foul creating James Harden of the Houston Rockets, launched a stunning trade deal today that has the NBA stratosphere collapsing like a black hole. Houston, U Have A Problem!

A four team deal sends the franchise player to Brooklyn to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in what has to be considered a dream team-like pairing of all-stars. 

I say it couldn't have happened to a better bunch of fans, unless of course you're a suffering Knicks fan.  The Brooklyn Nets have definitely thrown their hat into the ring for a chance to at least attend the dance that is the Eastern Conference Finals 2021.

Time to give Vince Carter a call. The 43 years young gold medalist and slam dunk champion of 2000 was on the Atlanta Hawks roster last season. And I'm sure he would cherish the opportunity for one more run with the Nets. Did you know as a freshmen Vince was quarterback for his high school Football team and Volleyball player of the year in his Florida county of Volusia. Who Knew!

A Devonta Smith Monday Night

 Alabama Heisman Trophy recipient, and now CFP MVP, is the sportsmen of the hour. Any young athlete would easily envy waking up this morning in the shoes of Devonta Smith. His record setting show in college football's national championship game was electrifying. He made many of his 12 receptions, 215 yards and 3 touchdowns look like scrimmage; a simulated exhibition game.

Smith's weapon of destruction is speed, something the Ohio State Buckeyes defense simply had no answer for. His deceptive speed gets him quickly to the spot the ball is thrown. Once he has the ball, defenders best pray he goes out of bounds or falls to the ground. He has gripping hands that catch everything, and how he angles his runs creates even more space between he and any defender giving chase. 

And all this from a player of slim build who might excel more on a basketball court than football field. Just proves never to judge a book by its cover; can't measure heart.

It didn't hurt Smith that his Alabama football program is a historical juggernaut, coming off one of its best seasons. The championship title game win was definitely a team win, but without the aid of Devonta Smith, its entertainment flavor may not have been so Heisman tasty. 

Congratulations Alabama Crimson Tide
Roll Tide!

Final Score

Ohio State 24

Alabama 52

Devonta Smith Highlights

The Sim Reaper - SI

Baratunde Thurston - Gives Props to Black American Voters

Baratunde Thurston explains how Black Americans show up for America and implores Republicans and other Americans 'join us because we've been fighting this a long time.'

Nothing but Pride and Applause for Mr. Baratunde Thurston and his eloquent message to all America. His monologue compels me to think of the peril America would be facing had Republicans and the President succeeded in suppressing the Black Vote. 

What if Georgia's senate race runoff went to the two Republicans? Would the Republican controlled Senate become more vengeful and bipartisan? Would they feel emboldened enough to join the Capitol Insurrectionists and somehow return Trump to power? 

We have seen so many unprecedented and questionable decisions and actions by Republicans these past four years that American citizens are numb and desensitized by it all. Seeing a United States President incite a confederate flag toting mob to Bumrush the U.S. Capitol, in an attempt to “take back America” and overturn his re-election loss, isn't all that surprising if you've been paying attention to Trump and his Republican sycophants. 

Sy-co-phant: a servile self-serving flatterer

This most recent crime against our country and constitution is one comparable to a fictional Netflix series.  But this ain’t no "House of Cards" or “Designated Survivor” episode folks, its a live broadcast of America Unwound: Pandemic Survival 2021.

Whatever tomorrow brings for America, just know that those U.S. citizens it has historically fought so hard to disenfranchise and suppress will be there to save it from itself again. "With malice toward none, with charity for all." Don't believe me, just ask Stacey Abrams:

Abrams lost the Georgia governor's race by 55,000 votes in an election marred by allegations of voter suppression. Instead of fading into the background, she climbed into the trenches. She formed an organization to register and empower voters, wrote a book about voter suppression and co-produced an Amazon Prime documentary, "All In: the Fight for Democracy."

Capitol On Lockdown

 

I don't know which was worse to witness today, the assault on our nation's Capitol by Trump supporters or the Trumpublican legislators who were willing to obstruct and delay the electoral college vote count. Both believe the absurd, and both were willing to commit atrocities to please a sick man.

The elephant in the room is why the security detail for the Capitol was unprepared to handle the protesters and why it took so long for backup. I wouldn't be surprised to find out the siege on the Capitol was planned and coordinated by supporters and legislators following the orders of a lame-duck resident. Call it an Inside Job or a Fix!

What people of color rightfully take away from this day of national reckoning is how white privilege gives persons with white skin entitlement to assemble with violent intent and unlawfully attack our nation's governing bodies without repercussions. 

Picture the same attack you saw today, substitute Black Lives Matter or Latino, Arab or even Native American protesters assaulting the Capitol in such a way. Any chance they would've been allowed to walk away peacefully? Heck, they would never have gotten close enough to climb the walls or break-in through a window.

Today it was a lame-duck resident inciting a bunch of disorganized conspiracy theorist to hate on our American government. Tomorrow that same lame-duck could plot organized foreign military attacks on our government. 

Today was a dangerous warning, tomorrow could be a tragic and traitorous atrocity. Our legislators have an obligation and duty to protect us by removing the most dire threat facing our nation today. It's what the 25th Amendment was put in place to do, remove a sick, disabled or unfit President. Invoke it Now and save American lives.

 

Curry Comes Alive!

In  the first week of January 1976, an album titled "Frampton Comes Alive" was released featuring UK rock musician Peter Frampton. By April of that year it was #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was the best selling album of the 1976, with Rolling Stone voting it “Album of the Year.” It has gone on to become one of the best selling live albums of all-time. 

Anyone living back in 1976 with admiration and appreciation for classic rock/electric guitar, if alive today, will attest to Frampton's musical ingenuity and international appeal. After minor commercial success as a solo artist, Peter Frampton had finally Come Alive!

Peter Frampton - Do You Feel Like We Do

In the first week of January 2021, an NBA player named Stephen Curry gave another historic basketball performance by scoring 62 points in a win over the Portland Trailblazers. He had 21pts in the first quarter and 30pts by halftime. It's the most points scored in any NBA game so far this season. With 42 seconds remaining in the game he launched an awkward three-point shot and of course, it swished through the net. 

In the current basketball era of long range shooting, anyone watching Sunday's game was reminded of just who helped pioneer taking and making incredible three-point shots. Steph has changed the game while broadening its viewership both nationally and internationally. 

Unlike Frampton in the music world of January 1976, Curry had already cemented his basketball world legacy before Sunday's 62 point solo act. And yet he continues to add to his legend with extraordinary games like this. 

It wasn't that he scored a career high 62 points, but how he scored them that made this performance so billboard crashing. He made shots with defenders in his face, over 7ft defenders, around and through multiple defenders, left handed, long-mid-short range. Just about every way possible a player can score, Curry scored. On Sunday night, January 3, 2021, Steph Curry Came Alive, and was Unstoppable! 

Final Score

Trailblazers 122

Warriors 137

Raiders Season Ends

Final Score

Raiders 32

Broncos 31

The Good

24/38 for 371 Passing Yards & 2 TDs, 2 Sacks, 1 Two Point Conversion, 2 Blocked FGs (one Secures Win with 22sec remaining)

The Bad

14 Penalties for 111 Yards, 2 Interceptions, 2 Lost Fumbles, 3 Sacks Allowed (3 turnovers in a 5-snap span)

The Ugly 

8-Losses, Fired Def. Coord., 3-5 in Last 8 Games, Allowed 29.8 Pts/Gm, Missed Playoffs....Again.....

Win, Lose or Tie

2020 Season Highlights

Derek Carr  4,103 Passing Yards

Josh Jacobs 1,065 Rushing Yards

Darren Waller 1,196 Receiving Yards

The Broncos honored Hall of Famer Floyd "The Franchise" Little with a moment of silence. Little died Friday after a long battle with cancer.

Fear vs Faith (from The Meaning of Faith)

Fear does not reveal its disastrous consequences to the full until it colors one’s thoughts about the source and destiny of life. Folk work joyfully at a picture-puzzle so long as they believe that the puzzle can be put together, that it was meant, completed, to compose a picture, and that their labor is an effort made in reasonable hope.

Fear hides its damaging consequences until it negatively convinces one’s thoughts about life’s power and purpose. As long as I believe all parts to a puzzle are in the box, I will work with all reasonable hope and joy to completely assemble the puzzle’s picture.

But if they begin to fear that they are being fooled, that the puzzle is a hoax and never can be pieced together anywhere by anyone, how swiftly that suspicion will benumb their work! So joyful living depends on man’s conviction that this life is not a hapless accident, that a good purpose binds it all together, and that our labor for righteousness is not expended on a futile task without a worthy outcome.

But once I fear pieces are missing I feel fooled, like the puzzle is a hoax, so I may swiftly give up all hope and lose interest in completing the puzzle. The joy of being active in life requires a sense one’s purpose in their activity will bring about a worthy outcome. That a good purpose binds conviction to our activities with joyful living. We must not feel our righteous activities in life are worthless or futile tasks that lead nowhere.

But fear blights all such hope; it whispers what one pessimist said aloud: “Life is not a tragedy but a farcical melodrama, which is the worst kind of play.” That fear benumbs worthy living, kills hope, makes cynical disgust with life a reasonable attitude, and with its frost withers all man’s finest aspirations. Only faith in God can save men from such fear.

Fear obstructs all hope; it numbs worthy living, kills hope, implants cynical and disgusted thoughts into one’s life attitude, rotting away man’s noble aspirations. Only God can save men from such fear.

Fear or faith – there is no dilemma so full of consequence. Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable – and, most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while faith rejoices in its God.

Fear or faith – there is no choice so significant to one’s life. Fear imprisons, paralyzes, disheartens, sickens and makes useless. Faith liberates, empowers, encourages, heals and makes serviceable. Most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while faith rejoices in its God.

The Meaning of Faith - Paths and Moods

By Harry Emerson Fosdick

Raiderlegend Interpretation

Locked On Raiders

It happened last Thursday and I'm finally coming to grips with the Raiders throwing this season atop the garbage heap of other seasons of late. "Just wish it into the cornfield son."

As Raiders seasons go, it wasn't all bad. They started strong out the gate and had some big upset victories, none bigger than a takedown of the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Quarterback Derek Carr had an outstanding season and TE Darren Waller is Pro Bowl worthy again. With a running game anchored by Josh Jacobs, the offense could hang with the best of them when healthy, and the defense showed sparks of talent. 

But this is the NFL, not some family carnival where a puff ball thrown into a fishbowl wins you a prize. In the NFL it takes more than luck to win consistently. And the Raiders, after squeezing out a lucky over-time win against the winless New York Jets in week 13, had their luck run out in over-time against the Chargers Thursday night.

They currently sport a 7-7 record with games remaining against the Dolphins and Broncos. I believe I heard they have a 5% chance of making the playoffs; that's ninety-five percent of hopelessness. 

In analyzing what went so wrong this season I found myself coming back to what was obvious on the field; weak defense and poor preparation. Though the linebacking corps were serviceable, the D-line and D-backs failed miserably. 

Perhaps the fault lies with fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. The Raiders have some young talent on defense. But maybe, as I heard my boy Q on Locked On Raiders suggest, it's time to scrap the entire defensive philosophy and start over with new coaching. 

If you've never listened to Your Boy Q's show, you are missing out. This young brotha gives an articulate, straight-up breakdown on all things Raiders, daily throughout the season. It's a Raiders show minus the cursing, pirate growling, over-the-top passion of some shows. His podcast is informative and analytical with selective recordings of fan call-ins. Easy on the ears and a treat to young and old Raiders fans alike.

As far as I know, Q is Bay Area raised and knows his Raiders and football history. He brings professionalism to the show and it amazes me that I've never heard him stumble or stutter while delivering the goods. Also, he's a proud father Raising'em Right as Raiders fans; you gotta show some love for a Raider Nation brotha just trying to make a living doing what he loves. And he's good at his craft!

Here is Q's Podcast breakdown following last Thursday's heartbreaking loss to the Chargers:

Locked On Raiders - Raiders drop a heartbreaker to the Chargers

Raiders Season Record History

Chargers Visit Vegas

 

Thursday Night Football

 --------Chargers vs Raiders --------

The Rivalry began with the birth of the AFL (American Football League) in 1960. The upstart league showcased eight teams in two divisions:

Eastern Division          Western Division

Boston Patriots               Dallas Texans

Buffalo Bills                 Denver Broncos

Houston Oilers                L.A. Chargers

N.Y. Titans                  Oakland Raiders

The Chargers played in five of the first six AFL Championships, winning their only title in 1963. In 1967, the AFL-NFL Championship Game began, pitting league champions against one another for a title.

The Raiders played in the final three AFL title games, winning in 1967, but losing the AFL-NFL Championship Game to the Green Bay Packers. 

In 1970, after playing four Championship Games with each winning two titles from 1966-1969, the leagues merged to form the modern day National Football League. That same year marked the renaming of the Championship Game to the Superbowl and the trophy was named for Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, in honor of his passing. And as they say, the rest is history....

  

The American Football League played ten seasons in all, before merging with the NFL. The Chargers and Raiders are second and third on the all-time AFL team winning list, trailing only the Texans/Chiefs.

 

American Football League win–loss records

Team	Wins	Losses	Ties	Win Pct.	Championships
Dallas Texans (1960–1962)/ Kansas City Chiefs (1963–1969)	87	48	5	.644	1962 Western Division Champions 1962 AFL Champions 1966 Western Division Champions 1966 AFL Champions 1969 AFL Champions 1969 World Champions (won Super Bowl IV)
Los Angeles Chargers (1960)/ San Diego Chargers (1961–1969)	86	48	6	.642	1960 Western Division Champions 1961 Western Division Champions 1963 Western Division Champions 1963 AFL Champions 1964 Western Division Champions 1965 Western Division Champions
Oakland Raiders	77	58	5	.570	1967 Western Division Champions 1967 AFL Champions 1968 Western Division Champions 1969 Western Division Champions
New York Titans (1960–1962)/ New York Jets (1963–1969)	69	65	6	.515	1968 Eastern Division Champions 1968 AFL Champions 1968 World Champions (won Super Bowl III) 1969 Eastern Division Champions
Houston Oilers	70	66	4	.515	1960 Eastern Division Champions 1960 AFL Champions 1961 Eastern Division Champions 1961 AFL Champions 1962 Eastern Division Champions 1967 Eastern Division Champions
Buffalo Bills	65	69	6	.485	1964 Eastern Division Champions 1964 AFL Champions 1965 Eastern Division Champions 1965 AFL Champions 1966 Eastern Division Champions
Boston Patriots	63	68	9	.481	1963 Eastern Division Champions
Denver Broncos	39	97	4	.287
Miami Dolphins	15	39	2	.278
Cincinnati Bengals	7	20	1	.259

"The Raiders-Chargers rivalry is one of the best in the AFC West, and while the intense nature of these two fanbases can sometimes lead to aggression in the stands, we all need to leave the physical contact to the players on the field.

The best part of a rivalry is being able to hate your opponent without laying a finger on them."  - Marcello Villa

Bleacher Report 2013 (A Charger Fan Guide to Hating The Raiders)

Georgia Senate Runoff Election

VOTE To Change Senate Majority 

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Eyes On Georgia

"It's Time To Move On"

This Blog Supports Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff

Early In-Person Voting Begins Today

JUSTICE

 

"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are."

It is long past time for all Americans to condemn republican leaders complicit in attempts to de-legitimize the 2020 Election. Their support of false and baseless Trump conspiracy theories is injurious to Democracy and the American way of life. It’s injurious to those citizens misled by lies as well as those standing up to defend truth.  

So, what's at stake if our national elections and political institutions are no longer legitimate and chaos ensues?  Empires fall, Civilizations die out and/or are wiped out, species mutate and planets go dark. . .

Justice - "The administering of deserved punishment or reward"

5. Government corruption and political instability

If Rome’s sheer size made it difficult to govern, ineffective and inconsistent leadership only served to magnify the problem. Being the Roman emperor had always been a particularly dangerous job, but during the tumultuous second and third centuries it nearly became a death sentence. Civil war thrust the empire into chaos, and more than 20 men took the throne in the span of only 75 years, usually after the murder of their predecessor. The Praetorian Guard—the emperor’s personal bodyguards—assassinated and installed new sovereigns at will, and once even auctioned the spot off to the highest bidder. The political rot also extended to the Roman Senate, which failed to temper the excesses of the emperors due to its own widespread corruption and incompetence. As the situation worsened, civic pride waned and many Roman citizens lost trust in their leadership.

List of 196 House Republican Members attempting to de-legitimize certified U.S. Election results 

Raiders Week 13

 

Final Score

Raiders 31

Jets 28

Let's just call this win an early Christmas gift from "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight." That's right, the old Gang Green New York Jets were finally on the verge of notching their first win of the season, when with twelve seconds left on the game clock the Raiders stole their joy. Yes, the autumn wind is a Pirate, pillaging just for fun. When Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, under a Gang Green overload blitz, completed a perfectly thrown 46-yard bomb to receiver Henry Ruggs III for the winning touchdown, even the commentators were stunned into silent disbelief. 

After hearing the words "No, He, Didn't" from the broadcast booth, there was dead air for several long seconds before anyone could catch their breath and continue commentating. Someone later referenced the "Miracle at the Meadowlands," and the rest is history.

Almost lost in all the excitement was the record game tight-end Darren Waller had. He caught 13 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. If there were going to be an NFL Pro Bowl he'd surely stand at the top of the list for tight-ends.

This Raiders game was one of the hardest wins for me to enjoy because for the second week in a row their defense has proven ineffective. They're bending and breaking at the most crucial times. If they can't stop a winless Jets team, how the heck are they gonna compete against playoff caliber teams like the Colts and Dolphins still on their schedule? Remember, they didn't stop Kansas City three weeks ago. They competed in what was a shootout, but in the end the broken defense made the Chiefs win look easy. 

Congratulations Raiders for staying the course and grinding out a win that could easily have been a loss. Win, Lose or Tie...........

He's Back!

The man who tirelessly kept us updated with breakdowns of the Presidential Election race has brought his craft to the NFL Playoff board on Sunday Night Football. Steve Kornacki, was a welcome surprise on the Sunday Halftime show as he went through the current NFC playoff scenario. Exhibiting all his usual enthusiasm and excitable body language, Kornacki gave a quick, informative breakdown of the top ten NFC teams vying for seven playoff spots. 

To be honest, I was more excited about Kornacki landing the NFL Playoff board job than I was learning team's projected percentage chances to get in. Kornacki was the star of our 2020 Elections news, and didn't miss a beat tonight as he gave us an impatient peek at the season that is the season; the Playoffs. With Kornacki at the helm, you better believe these weekends leading up to the Playoffs will have you on the edge of your seat, watching the board and wondering; what if? Can't Wait! 

Klay Thompson Shelved by Injury

Just as he's readying to return for another Warriors basketball season, Klay Thompson suffers an achilles injury that will keep him off the court for another season. In the 2019 NBA Finals, he tore a ligament in his left knee that shelved him for a full season. This latest injury means he will miss back-to-back seasons due to injury.

It's a blow to us Golden State Warriors fans, but I'm sure a bigger disappointment to Klay as a basketball player. I can't imagine the relentless, physical rehabilitation work he has put in to get himself primed and ready for this season, only to see it neutralized by another injury.  Only professional athletes know the deep regret and depression that comes with an injury that forces you out of the game you've played and loved since childhood.

Keep your head up Klay. You've got family, fans and Rocco all rooting for your recovery. Don't Give Up The Ship Klay! We still appreciate your services here in the Bay.