Venting

Just because I have to vent on some things.

Over the past year or so, I have (on more than one occasion) attempted to address free speech issues, specifically as they pertain to the Fairfield school system.  

I have tried to speak at Board of Education meetings regarding the subject, only to be shut down when it was evident I wasn't speaking to the agenda.  I have submitted letters to newspapers questioning certain practices, only to have those letters remain unpublished.  I have attempted to discuss the matter with the superintendent of schools, only to have my e-mails on the subject disregarded.  

In addition, rather than address the matter, Superintendent Mike Cummings appears more than happy to run from such (see his recent resignation announcement).  What is he afraid of? (1)

Oh, and here's a part of the story that I almost left out.  

The other day, I became aware that Connecticut Public Television was set to air a PBS "Frontline" episode entitled "Plot To Overturn The Election".  By now you know the usual liberal talking points regarding the 2020 presidential vote ("there's no evidence, attacks on democracy, yada yada yada") (2).  

I contacted CPTV prior to the airing of this show, expressing my concern that only one side of the story was being told.  

Wouldn't you know it, the network's response was....

(...wait for it....WAIT FOR IT!!)

....complete and utter SILENCE.  

It seems that "serving the public interest" is not in CPTV's interest.  

Now, considering all of this, I have to ask an important question.  Why is it so wrong for someone to have a dissenting opinion, or to exercise their God-given right to free speech and free expression? Are we so far removed from the principals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" that any such expression is now punished?

What will it take for Connecticut's "powers that be" to not smackdown free speech, but encourage and protect it (see definition) ?

And I'm tired of being ignored!

Definition - "Smackdown", adjective.  To knock down, bring down, or confront an opponent (3). 

Video Game Review: "WWE 2K22"

I'm happy to report that "finally, the WWE has come back to consoles".  Having just picked up a copy of the game, let me give you the lowdown on "WWE 2K22".  

Upon starting the game, the first thing I noticed is that gameplay is much improved over previous editions.  It's smoother, and a lot less complicated.  The game also advances in the area of presentation; the hits, attacks, and graphics look and feel more real than ever.  

As for the soundtrack, music buffs will like the jams in this game.  WWE 2K22's playlist features major artists like The Weeknd and Wu-Tang Clan, as well as lesser known groups like Asking Alexandria.  

And if you've ever wanted to yourself take the reins of a WWE show, now you can, with "MyGM mode".  Using one of five characters (or a self-made custom character), your goal is to do whatever it takes to get your show to the top of the ratings.  It's a challenge, but one that seasoned players will no doubt enjoy.  

Now, some issues and drawbacks.  

As with any title, this game is not perfect; even after a year of redevelopment, there are still some issues which need to be addressed.  The first of these concerns is regarding control of a wrestler during a match.  It seems to be quite easy to swing for your opponent and miss, or to botch a big move.  I don't know about you, but I find that it's difficult to win a match when I keep missing my intended target.  

Also, the ability to hit someone with the steel steps is gone.  Personally, that has been one of my favorite things to do while in the ring.  So you think you're hardcore? WHAM...not anymore!

Other issues of note:

• While in MyGM mode, it's tough to figure out whether a certain talent is wrestling as a "face" or a "heel".  Are they a hero, or an evil villain? A good booker needs to have this information within easy reach.  

• Previous versions of the game let you go toe-to-toe with an opponent on the microphone.  That functionality apparently no longer exists.  

With all that said, here's "the bottom line" on this year's game, as I see it.  

After the unmitigated disaster that was WWE 2K20, producers at 2K decided that the game needed a refresh and reboot.  It appears that the series has gotten that, and more. WWE 2K22 hits harder, looks better, and overall is much more playable than its immediate predecessor.  There's a lot to like here; it's worthy of a buy, and a prominent place in your gaming lineup. 

 
Note: "WWE 2K22" can be purchased for about sixty dollars at your local game retailer (1).  

"Spring Has Sprung" And Other Random Thoughts

Just writing down some random thoughts.  I may publish them, but I may not; we'll see.  

I'm feeling good this morning.  The sun is out, and the weather appears to be warming up.  Hopefully, we've seen the last gasps of winter until about late October or so.  

I hate cold weather.  And no, I don't mean that I strongly dislike the cold; I HATE it.  

Together with the waning hours of sunlight in winter, cold weather can make me pretty darn miserable.  So the first big signs of spring are quite welcome to me.  Pretty soon, the birds will be chirping, the dogwood trees will be out, and baseball will be back full-time (thank you owners and players).  

Nevertheless, with my aversion to Connecticut's cold weather, one might wonder why I don't leave this God-forsaken state, and take up permanent residence in Florida.  

I have a lot of friends in the South Florida area, including one who happens to be the mayor of a city called Longwood.  Maybe I'd be better off down there; after all, why wouldn't I want to live somewhere I can wear shorts over the majority of the year? I guess it's a family thing, as well as a personal one.  My roots are here, and I know the community well.  

Anywho, I'm just rambling.  

Did you see the "Top Play of the Day" on ESPN's "SportsCenter" Monday night? Fairfield Prep hit a three-pointer, AT THE BUZZER, to knock off Norwich Free Academy, and advance to the CIAC Division I Boys Basketball Semi-Finals.  

 (1)

Unbelievable! As Bill Raftery would say, "ONIONS"!! 

What makes this even better is that my broadcasting friend Rob Adams was on the call.  There are but a few moments in local sports that are no-doubt thrillers; this appears to be one of them.  

Although I never played basketball in high school, I kind of know what hitting a game-winning shot feels like.

Let me set the stage for you.  It's March of 1998, and the Fairfield High School Mustangs are taking on Bristol Eastern in a girls basketball Class LL state tournament game.  Of course, I'm on the sidelines, doing my usual thing.  

Well, crunch time arrives, and my Mustangs find themselves needing a few buckets.  Enter our juniors and seniors, who manage to make the game very close.  Down by two, it looks as if time will run out on us, though.  

That's when senior point guard Jamie Janda takes the ball, and dishes it to junior Kelly Nash, who has an open look beyond the arc.  She sets, shoots...and....

....MAKES THE SHOT, at the buzzer! 

Nothing but net, if I recall correctly.  

As you might imagine, bedlam ensues; the call of "it's insanity in here" would have been quite appropriate for that moment.  Fans storm the court, and everybody's celebrating; everyone, that is, except the players for Bristol Eastern (see note).   

Boom.  Just like that, one team advances, and the other's season is over.  Trust me, you will never experience a bigger feeling of euphoria (if you're on the winning side) in your life.  

That's the reason they call this time of year "March Madness"; anything can happen, and it often does.  Even a number one seed is not safe from a "perfect storm" of a game.  

I'm anxious to see what kind of thrills this edition of the NCAA Basketball Tournament will bring.  Ladies and gentlemen...let the "Madness" begin.  

Note: In a somewhat unhappy ending to this story, the Mustangs would make an appearance in the Class LL State Championship Game that year, but lose to New Britain.