THIS WEEK’S RECAP…
Superstar of the
Week: Atlanta Braves
On Sunday afternoon in Chicago, the Atlanta Braves defeated
the Chicago Cubs, 5-2, for their 92nd victory of the 2013 season.
With that win, Atlanta clinched the National League Eastern Division title for
the first time since 2005 and the 12th time overall.
The Atlanta Braves have overachieved greatly during the 2013
season. Throughout the 2013 season, the Braves have been the epitome of the
term “walking wounded.” Twenty-one different players have spent time on the
disabled list, leading all teams in the National League. Those players have
spent a combined 1,355 days on the DL, fourth in the majors. In addition, the
projected Opening Day starting lineup played together only 28 times out of a
possible 155 games through Sunday. Along with the constant injuries plaguing
the team, many of their marque stars have not lived up to their potential or contracts
in 2013. Only two everyday players have batting averages above .300 – Chris
Johnson and Freddie Freeman. Both BJ Upton and Dan Uggla are batting under .200
and, despite their massive contracts, are questionable selections for the 2013
postseason roster. Yet, the Braves have easily won the NL East and are in
contention for home field advantage in the postseason.
I could be the kind of fan I usually am. I could complain
about how Atlanta is destined for another one-and-done postseason appearance. I
could complain about how, even with Bobby Cox gone, nothing changes regarding
the Braves’ playoff chances. I could. However, I am not. I am thrilled the
Braves are heading to the postseason and hope for the best. Frankly, if the
bats can stay hot and the team stays healthy now, I do not see any reason why
Atlanta cannot make a run this postseason. However, if they do not, winning the
division against all the obstacles they have faced is more than enough to
please this Braves fan in 2013.
Jerk of the Week:
Aaron Alexis
Last week, the nation received another indicator of how
dangerously easy the wrong people can obtain firearms with the mass shooting at
the Naval Sea Systems Command building inside the Washington Navy Yard in
Washington DC. Aaron Alexis, a 34-year-old civilian contractor, killed 12 and
wounded three before falling in a hail of gunfire at the hands of responding
Washington police officers.
Two days before the shooting, Alexis legally purchased a
Remington 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun and two boxes of rounds after passing a
state and federal background check. This is mind-blowing considering Alexis’
background. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy in 2011, Alexis had not one
but two arrests on his record for gun violence and eight arrests overall. Alexis
had sought treatment for serious mental issues including insomnia, paranoia,
and hearing voices. A local VA hospital treated Alexis for those mental
disorders a month ago. A MONTH AGO. Thirty days ago, he was getting treatment
because his microwave told him the government was out to get him. This man can
– and did – legally buy a gun and ammunition in this country.
Aaron Alexis is the latest example of how slack, lazy, and
ridiculously dangerous the gun laws are in America. I do not believe every gun should
be locked away forever and ever. I believe everyone has the right to own a
firearm… within reason. A man with eight arrests, including two for gun
violence, has lost that right. A man who received medical treatment for hearing
a microwave talking to him a month earlier has lost that right. Aaron Alexis
murdered 12 individuals and shot three others because of two factors: insanity
and a lackadaisical national process regarding the legal purchasing of
firearms.
Sadly, the American public will forget Aaron Alexis in a
month when a new face appears at the poster child for why change regarding how
guns are purchased in this country is necessary. He or she will be just as
crazy, just as violent, and just as unassuming. The victims will be just as
innocent. The shame we as a nation should feel will be just as great. Moreover,
the cycle of inaction will continue just the same.
Babe of the Week:
Katie Aselton
A Melancholy Happy
Trails to…
- Hiroshi Yamauchi, 85 – Japanese businessman best known as the President of Nintendo (September 19th)
- Ken Norton, 70 – American boxer and actor (September 18th)
- Ray Dolby, 80 – American-born inventor of Dolby and surround sound (September 12th)
- Hiroshi Yamauchi, 85 – Japanese businessman best known as the President of Nintendo (September 19th)
- Ken Norton, 70 – American boxer and actor (September 18th)
- Ray Dolby, 80 – American-born inventor of Dolby and surround sound (September 12th)
A Very Special Acknowledgement
of Spectacular Achievement to… Nick Chipman
Nick Chipman, a Wauwatosa, Wisconsin native and food
blogger, walked into his local McDonald’s 30 minutes before the end of
breakfast service on Wednesday morning and placed an order: everything on the
menu. In all, Chipman purchased 43 sandwiches – every sandwich offered for
breakfast and dinner – and then created the “McEverything.” In all, Chipman’s
culinary creation cost $141.33. However, that $141.33 bought Chipman more than
the greatest McDonald’s sandwich ever; it bought Chipman the achievement of a
lifetime.
Nick Chipman had a dream. Through work, determination, and a
staff willing to fix all of this food, Chipman achieved his dream. I do not
think his purchase and creation were stupid. I believe it was a testament to
the American Dream living inside of us all. He had a dream and he made it come
true. Anyone who scoffs at this is nothing more than a hater. I say more power
to this man! He is more inspirational than any athlete or celebrity and is more
American than any political fat cat ruining things in Washington, DC is.
God bless you, Nick Chipman. You are AMERICA!
God bless you, Nick Chipman. You are AMERICA!
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