http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361 Always select Genuine Rant™ Brand. Everything else is just words. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:27:08 -0400 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11894 Larry Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:00:16 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11894 Rant, I take exactly one day off the internet (to fly to the E. Coast USofA), and by the time I return, you've posted TWO blogs? And I'm cited in one of them? ... Seriously, this is way cool. ... OK, on to the content of the first blog I missed. Rant, I agree with everything except your statement that in a process like the Landis arbitration, you'd be willing to sacrifice speed for fairness. Me, I'd sacrifice fairness for speed. This is sport, and the essence of sport is for the sporting result to be decided on the field (or the track or the road). In cycling, the ideal would be for the cyclist to pee right into a machine that would analyze and spit out the results like an old-fashioned fortune telling machine. The rider wins the race at 4:00 p.m., pees into the machine at 4:02 p.m. and accepts his trophy at 4:04 p.m. As a cycling fan, the 4 minute delay about represents the amount of patience I have for the winner to be announced. ... Yes, I know, we don't have a testing machine that can do instant on-the-spot drug testing analyses, or anything remotely resembling such a machine. From all I've read, the drug testing process is enormously complicated; sometimes it seems more an art to me than a science. So I know I'm not going to know who won a grand Tour until some time after the race is run. ... But how long do I have to wait? Do I know for certain at this moment that Alberto Contador won the 2007 Tour de France? I guess not. I figure at this point, the various authorities have announced all of the positive drug tests coming out of the Tour, though I can't know this for certain -- for once, someone might be protecting the confidentiality of the athlete. But even if we know the identity of every rider who failed a drug test in the 2007 Tour, something else could pop up, and presto! Another Tour winner in doubt. For Contador, the most obvious threat is some negative revelation emerging from Operation Puerto. ... As a fan, the current situation is pretty bad. I don't even watch the last day of the Tour any more. It's too depressing. ... I'm on family vacation and must now turn the computer over to the wife and daughter, but more later. …
Seriously, this is way cool.
…
OK, on to the content of the first blog I missed. Rant, I agree with everything except your statement that in a process like the Landis arbitration, you’d be willing to sacrifice speed for fairness. Me, I’d sacrifice fairness for speed. This is sport, and the essence of sport is for the sporting result to be decided on the field (or the track or the road). In cycling, the ideal would be for the cyclist to pee right into a machine that would analyze and spit out the results like an old-fashioned fortune telling machine. The rider wins the race at 4:00 p.m., pees into the machine at 4:02 p.m. and accepts his trophy at 4:04 p.m. As a cycling fan, the 4 minute delay about represents the amount of patience I have for the winner to be announced.
…
Yes, I know, we don’t have a testing machine that can do instant on-the-spot drug testing analyses, or anything remotely resembling such a machine. From all I’ve read, the drug testing process is enormously complicated; sometimes it seems more an art to me than a science. So I know I’m not going to know who won a grand Tour until some time after the race is run.
…
But how long do I have to wait? Do I know for certain at this moment that Alberto Contador won the 2007 Tour de France? I guess not. I figure at this point, the various authorities have announced all of the positive drug tests coming out of the Tour, though I can’t know this for certain — for once, someone might be protecting the confidentiality of the athlete. But even if we know the identity of every rider who failed a drug test in the 2007 Tour, something else could pop up, and presto! Another Tour winner in doubt. For Contador, the most obvious threat is some negative revelation emerging from Operation Puerto.
…
As a fan, the current situation is pretty bad. I don’t even watch the last day of the Tour any more. It’s too depressing.
…
I’m on family vacation and must now turn the computer over to the wife and daughter, but more later.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11870 Morgan Hunter Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:03:06 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11870 So Jbsmp - are you mad at him for showing us that he is an idiot?...Or because he shows that he "projects" his own fears on a "proxy son" (TP) - as you point out - the man is one of those people who see their own shortcomings in every body else - except themselves...? - I did read your post bro - my response was not intended as criticism of you - rather to acknowledge that you are very angry at Lemond. I have no problem with this, or criticizem for your post. - The last line of my post - meant only that it is fascinating how people expose themselves through their words, whether they want to or not, ergo the old saw - "give'm enough rope to hang themselves"... - But what is your take on Rants "Choices, choices?" - pretty good stuff, no? -
I did read your post bro – my response was not intended as criticism of you – rather to acknowledge that you are very angry at Lemond. I have no problem with this, or criticizem for your post.
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The last line of my post – meant only that it is fascinating how people expose themselves through their words, whether they want to or not, ergo the old saw – “give’m enough rope to hang themselves”…
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But what is your take on Rants “Choices, choices?” – pretty good stuff, no?]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11868 just bitch slap me please Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:57:01 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11868 Morgan, where did I say he did not have "the right" to doing anything? Read my post: I said "he has no business opening his pie hole". So what is the difference? Well in the old USA you can say just about anything and with the press obliging it will get ink if you have fame. But there are times that people are better served keeping their opinions to themselves, especially in a public place. * Thus, for example, Floyd would have been better off if he had just shut his pie hole via his fingers in the Daily Peleton site when he took on Lemond man e mano. He accomplished nothing except gave ammunition to the other camp. * In this quote Lemond sounds like an egotistical boob in that HE had the intestinal fortitude to stand up to drug cheaters but his own son (via Taylor Phinney) would not have that ability, and this he would not "allow" him to participate. Like I said, egotistical boob, in my humble opinion. *
Thus, for example, Floyd would have been better off if he had just shut his pie hole via his fingers in the Daily Peleton site when he took on Lemond man e mano. He accomplished nothing except gave ammunition to the other camp.
*
In this quote Lemond sounds like an egotistical boob in that HE had the intestinal fortitude to stand up to drug cheaters but his own son (via Taylor Phinney) would not have that ability, and this he would not “allow” him to participate. Like I said, egotistical boob, in my humble opinion.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11864 Morgan Hunter Sun, 26 Aug 2007 16:08:24 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11864 Sorry Jbsmp - he does have a right to "opening his pie hole"...We all do - you and I don't have to like him or his particular take on life - I don't believe if LeMond read anything we have been generating here, he would think much of us either...But we also have a right to open our pie hole. - Neat, huh? -
Neat, huh?]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11863 just bitch slap me please Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:42:24 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11863 Off topic.... * From cyclingnews: ""Despite claiming that he was "the most optimistic I have been in years" about the state of the sport, he still holds some reservations about seeing youngsters starting their careers in professional cycling. LeMond's contemporary Davis Phinney has a son, Taylor, who just won a gold medal in the Junior World Championships, and LeMond has mixed feelings about his success. "He could be one of our most talented riders coming up," LeMond said. "At first I thought, 'Oh, I'm so happy for him, and then I thought, 'Oh, I'm so sad for him.' Because I don't know if I was the parent, and my son would have won the worlds that I would allow him to pursue it on the professional level," * He would allow it?? If ever there was a glimpse into the tortured mind of Lemond, this must be it. As a parent I can't imagine not 'allowing" a child to not pursue a talent (unless maybe it was pole dancing on the Sapranos) which could put them within the upper levels of world competition. If he has this little faith in humanity (his!) then he has no business opening his pie hole. Greg, shut the f*** up already! *
From cyclingnews:
“”Despite claiming that he was “the most optimistic I have been in years” about the state of the sport, he still holds some reservations about seeing youngsters starting their careers in professional cycling. LeMond’s contemporary Davis Phinney has a son, Taylor, who just won a gold medal in the Junior World Championships, and LeMond has mixed feelings about his success. “He could be one of our most talented riders coming up,” LeMond said.

“At first I thought, ‘Oh, I’m so happy for him, and then I thought, ‘Oh, I’m so sad for him.’ Because I don’t know if I was the parent, and my son would have won the worlds that I would allow him to pursue it on the professional level,”
*
He would allow it?? If ever there was a glimpse into the tortured mind of Lemond, this must be it. As a parent I can’t imagine not ‘allowing” a child to not pursue a talent (unless maybe it was pole dancing on the Sapranos) which could put them within the upper levels of world competition. If he has this little faith in humanity (his!) then he has no business opening his pie hole. Greg, shut the f*** up already!]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11853 Morgan Hunter Sun, 26 Aug 2007 07:34:41 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=361#comment-11853 It can also be said Rant, and this should also be considered, that it is not the fault of Landis and Jello that they are victims of the present system. Unless we are willing to give up on the concept of swift and fair justice, or simply put - "innocent until proven guilty". - When the idea of swift justice is put forth - I do not believe that one is implying that "corners be cut" to get at a fair decision. The philosophy behind "swift justice" is to give the "defendant" a fair trial. And is that not what most of us are really upset about in this present situation? - We the public and naturally, ALL the "defendants", are decrying that there is something not right with how the present system is functioning. We /I respond to the reality of actual time passed, how what information that leaks out, gives the impression that the system is "unfairly" loaded against the defendants. - Shinning a Rant-Light on this fiasco is NOT intended to force the Arbs to make hasty decisions - rather it is to highlight that the system is UNACCEPTABLE and UNFAIR, and in the American system of justice this is considered wrong. - One can only hope that the Arbs are deliberating with speed and to the depth that your words imply Rant. But then, the second big problem raises to the surface. As presented, even the Arbs "neutrality" has been called into question. We the public, EXPECTS that when an "arbitration" hearing occurs - the "judges" presiding at such a hearing are "fair and impartial" - this expectation at this moment in time, cannot be held as true. - Since this whole dang litigation process has been "spun" to get certain results by the parties that have vested interests - the concept of law has been bypassed, and turned into nothing more then who has the better media spinners. I bellieve that THIS point is what leaves us, the cycling public so crazy and confused about the whole situation. Maybe consciously, or unconsciously, we all realize that the system is not fair - and the "pressure" we are trying to exert is to correct this! - I for one would not be willing to sacrifice "equal justice" for Floyd or Jello or anyone who has been "busted" by the present regime that has power in the cycling world. By compromising the chances of the accused to get a "fair" hearing. What I do not intend to sit still for is that the system is unfairly loaded in the favor of the accusers. - It is THIS that I/we would like to keep the spotlight on - and this pressure will not stop, at least not from me - till the situation is corrected. It is "totally unacceptable" that such behavior exists, can exist or can be made to come about to exist. . - I do not believe that it is a good idea to wait patiently, while a suspect system grinds the defendants to dust - no matter what the decision itself turns out to be. This kind of patience is too passive to ensure that the involved parties have it rammed through their consciousness that we are "seeing" them more clearly then whatever spin the parties have been putting out for our consumption. - I submit that "patience" is interpreted by the present parties as a sign that they may continue in the way they have become used to. NO WAY JOSE!!! - They better get the message and realize that we will not accept such behavior, that it is illegal, and we see it as illegal. That if they continue, they will have to pay the penalties for their behavior. NOTHING LESS CAN BE ACCEPTABLE. - We are discussing REAL people, whos' lives are destroyed by the present system. This cannot be allowed to continue!!! - As it is - it is not possible to come to a fair and transparent solution because the deck has been so badly stacked in favor of the accusers. - ANY FURTHER questions concerning the situation has to stop right there. To continue further is nothing less than "accepting" the flawed process as workable. It is not. We had better think deeply on this - it is not fair and it is not justice. What it is is a league of tyranny - that has been allowed to fester because, we have not been allowed to see the whole situation before. - For this alone - we can thank Mr Landis, in allowing us to be able to "see behind" the closed doors that have ALLOWED this festering; THIS MOCKERY OF JUSTICE TO CONTINUALLY EXIST. - For in reality Rant - it is because of getting it our from behind closed doors that tvb, you and the Rant Line, and all the other such groups have sprung up. Otherwise - the powers that be - would continue on their merry way - enjoying the position they hold with no regards for individual rights, fair play, or an honest and unquestionable system based in justice - THAT, Rant cannot be allowed to continue! -
When the idea of swift justice is put forth – I do not believe that one is implying that “corners be cut” to get at a fair decision. The philosophy behind “swift justice” is to give the “defendant” a fair trial. And is that not what most of us are really upset about in this present situation?
-
We the public and naturally, ALL the “defendants”, are decrying that there is something not right with how the present system is functioning. We /I respond to the reality of actual time passed, how what information that leaks out, gives the impression that the system is “unfairly” loaded against the defendants.
-
Shinning a Rant-Light on this fiasco is NOT intended to force the Arbs to make hasty decisions – rather it is to highlight that the system is UNACCEPTABLE and UNFAIR, and in the American system of justice this is considered wrong.
-
One can only hope that the Arbs are deliberating with speed and to the depth that your words imply Rant. But then, the second big problem raises to the surface. As presented, even the Arbs “neutrality” has been called into question. We the public, EXPECTS that when an “arbitration” hearing occurs – the “judges” presiding at such a hearing are “fair and impartial” – this expectation at this moment in time, cannot be held as true.
-
Since this whole dang litigation process has been “spun” to get certain results by the parties that have vested interests – the concept of law has been bypassed, and turned into nothing more then who has the better media spinners. I bellieve that THIS point is what leaves us, the cycling public so crazy and confused about the whole situation. Maybe consciously, or unconsciously, we all realize that the system is not fair – and the “pressure” we are trying to exert is to correct this!
-
I for one would not be willing to sacrifice “equal justice” for Floyd or Jello or anyone who has been “busted” by the present regime that has power in the cycling world. By compromising the chances of the accused to get a “fair” hearing. What I do not intend to sit still for is that the system is unfairly loaded in the favor of the accusers.
-
It is THIS that I/we would like to keep the spotlight on – and this pressure will not stop, at least not from me – till the situation is corrected. It is “totally unacceptable” that such behavior exists, can exist or can be made to come about to exist. .
-
I do not believe that it is a good idea to wait patiently, while a suspect system grinds the defendants to dust – no matter what the decision itself turns out to be. This kind of patience is too passive to ensure that the involved parties have it rammed through their consciousness that we are “seeing” them more clearly then whatever spin the parties have been putting out for our consumption.
-
I submit that “patience” is interpreted by the present parties as a sign that they may continue in the way they have become used to. NO WAY JOSE!!! – They better get the message and realize that we will not accept such behavior, that it is illegal, and we see it as illegal. That if they continue, they will have to pay the penalties for their behavior. NOTHING LESS CAN BE ACCEPTABLE.
-
We are discussing REAL people, whos’ lives are destroyed by the present system. This cannot be allowed to continue!!! – As it is – it is not possible to come to a fair and transparent solution because the deck has been so badly stacked in favor of the accusers.
-
ANY FURTHER questions concerning the situation has to stop right there. To continue further is nothing less than “accepting” the flawed process as workable. It is not. We had better think deeply on this – it is not fair and it is not justice. What it is is a league of tyranny – that has been allowed to fester because, we have not been allowed to see the whole situation before.
-
For this alone – we can thank Mr Landis, in allowing us to be able to “see behind” the closed doors that have ALLOWED this festering; THIS MOCKERY OF JUSTICE TO CONTINUALLY EXIST.
-
For in reality Rant – it is because of getting it our from behind closed doors that tvb, you and the Rant Line, and all the other such groups have sprung up. Otherwise – the powers that be – would continue on their merry way – enjoying the position they hold with no regards for individual rights, fair play, or an honest and unquestionable system based in justice – THAT, Rant cannot be allowed to continue!]]>