The Idiot File: Woman Denies Kids Halloween Candy If They or Mom or Dad Support Obama?

The apocalypse has come.

This woman must really be the wicked witch of the West, the meanest woman I have seen in a long time, or just a plain old bitch.

I've now seen it all.

From Youtube: A suburban Detroit woman has decided to scare up the vote among neighborhood children by just offering treats to John McCain supporters.

Shirley Nagel of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., handed out candy Friday only to those who shared her support for the Republican presidential candidate and his running mate Sarah Palin. Others were turned away empty-handed.

TV station WJBK says a sign outside Nagel's house warned: "No handouts for Obama supporters, liars, tricksters or kids of supporters."

Nagel calls Democrat Barack Obama "scary." When asked about children who were turned away empty-handed and crying, she said: "Oh well. Everybody has a choice."

The Idiot File: Scott Boras & "A-Rod", Alex Rodriguez

Sorry, America; I find this guy just so distasteful & ornery right now. After the stunt he pulled along with A-Rod, he's now officially moved into Drew Rosenhaus territory.

Yes, his stated goal is to make the most money for his clients and create a market for them; however, the way you have handled the A-Rod negotiations -- boy, Mr. Boras you have sunken to a new low universally with those who follow baseball.

And A-Rod: Buddy, you are now the new T.O.

Congratulations.

We know you have insecurities and have tried too hard over the years to win the affection of fans, but this time, you deserve the hate.

I really wanted to like you, A-Rod, but I can't and probably never will.

The Idiot File: Manny Ramirez: Dumb Ass

I have never inducted someone into the Idiot File twice within a span of an hour; alas, let's welcome another inductee to join Mr. Don Imus.

Manny Ramirez.

Now, if someone was paying me um, roughly 1000 times what the average American makes, I'd sure have damn pride in my job and my employers. Hell, if I played in a city like Boston where the fans are loyal, sell out the park I play conduct business in, I'd be happy, or at least fake it.

Well, Mr. Ramirez has lost complete common sense and I wonder now does he have a mental illness. I harked to my friend Aaron that Manny would be the biggest flake in sports if he didn't rake with his bat, and I stood by it in light of his talent.

Now, I think I am more than right when he asked about possibly being out of the World Series hunt if they lose Thursday night. Folks, if I were a Sox fan, I'd appalled.

Folks, here's the wit and prose of Manny for you:

From MSNBC: On a workout day, Manny Ramirez gave Boston fans a real reason to get worked up.

With the Red Sox just one loss from elimination, the star slugger was asked about Game 5 of the AL championship series against Cleveland.

“Why should we panic?” he said Wednesday in a rare clubhouse interview. “We’ve got a great team.”

And then, this: “It doesn’t happen, so who cares? There’s always next year. It’s not like it’s the end of the world.”

He's so freaking dumb. Do you really think a Red Sox fan would buy that reasoning? Do you think the Red Sox brass after spending $160 million on a team to get into the World Series would find that funny?

Is he high, freaking dumb, or just doesn't care. Man, I'm in bewilderment as to why any professional athlete would open his mouth up and say that.

If I hear from any Red Sox that says it's, "Manny Being Manny", I question whether you're an actual fan and if you care who wear the team's uniform.

The Idiot File: Manny Being Manny: His Stupid Display Last Night...

Admiring your own shot, always lovely. It shows you're great, you're good and living in the moment.

Manny Being Manny; okay, he can look cute and funny at times.

He's probably one of the pre-eminent hitters of out time, but in this instance he's a complete jackass. During last night's game during the back-to-back-to-back homer barrage, he decided he should celebrate his home run.

I swear if I were an Indian pitcher, I'd love to bean him; however, what fool acts like that when his team is down 4 runs in a pivotal game.

It would be like Shaq hanging onto the rim growling to show off his strength and masculinity when the Heat are down 20 to the Spurs...

Sheesh. I guess doing it when you're hitting off a walk-homer is one thing; however, doing it when you're down is another and shows where your head is at.

The Idiot File: The TV Executive Who Decided It Was a Good Idea to Run "FrankTV" Spots Incessantly...

I have been watching the playoffs on and there's one thing that people have universally despised about the coverage on TBS.

The endless promos for 'Frank TV' on TBS.

Well, personally, I have become so annoyed with the spots that I have been turned off by the prospect of ever tuning into it.

I'd like to hear the stupid executive who thought it was a good idea to run Frank TV spots every few minutes. You have now over-exposed and over-promoted a show that has never seen the light of day, and don't surprised if you find more people who have the same mindset as I. Furthermore, you have made Frank Caliendo, a very and talented funny guy, look completely annoying through no fault of his own.

The frequency of the commercials have subsided in the past few days; however, the damage has been done.

Would it not have not been better to run maybe a minute or so teaser spot every hour at the minimum?

Idiocy. Just dumb.

The Idiot File: The Recording Industry Association of America; It Is It All Worth It?

I am a huge music fan, and also a huge advocate of technology. However, as we live in the digital age, it’s only natural that people would use the tools at their disposal to get the entertainment.

That includes downloading music – legal, such as in the case of ITunes, or illegal, such as programs like Kazaa, or Bearshare can facilitate.

I have no problem with the music industry setting controls on a product and making sure consumers pay to artists’ hard work, rights, and creativity; however, when is enough, enough and does the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) step over the line.

In this case, I believe they did (from AOL).

“The recording industry won a key fight Thursday against illegal music downloading when a federal jury found a Minnesota woman liable for damages for sharing copyrighted music online.

Jurors ordered Jammie Thomas, 30, to pay record companies $220,000 — or $9,250 for each of 24 songs for which the companies sought damages. They could have awarded damages as low as $750 per song.

Thomas and her attorney, Brian Toder, declined comment as they left the courthouse.

In the first such lawsuit to go to trial, six record companies accused Thomas, 30, of Brainerd, of offering 1,702 songs online through a Kazaa file-sharing account. Thomas had denied wrongdoing and during the trial testified that she didn't have a Kazaa account.

Record companies have filed some 26,000 lawsuits since 2003 over file-sharing, which has hurt sales because it allows people to get music for free instead of paying for recordings in stores. Many other defendants have settled by paying the companies a few thousand dollars.”

and…

Copyright law sets a damage range of $750 to $30,000 per infringement, or up to $150,000 if the violation was "willful." Jurors ruled that Thomas' infringement was willful, but awarded damages in a middle range.

Before the verdict, an official with an industry trade group said he was surprised it took so long for such a lawsuit to come to trial.

Illegal downloads have "become business as usual, nobody really thinks about it," said Cary Sherman, president of the Recording Industry Association of America, which coordinates the lawsuits. "This case has put it back in the news. Win or lose, people will understand that we are out there trying to protect our rights."

Well, Ms. Thomas may have or not had an account or downloaded music, but my question is what is a value of a song?

Who determines that a song is worth $1,000, $10,000 or $100,000?

The Recording Industry Association of America I know is trying hard to protect the interests of their artists, as well as the record companies and distributors, but when is enough, enough?

Does it really make sense to go after every day people who may be swapping songs, or sharing them?

Is the effort to prosecute worth the reward? Even if you get one person and drain their bank account, has the practice of selectively going after consumers become a witch hunt?

Again, is the reward worth destroying someone’s life just for the enjoyment of music and entertainment?

The Idiot File: Isiah Thomas, Why Does He Still Have a Job With the Knicks?

I followed the New York Knicks when I was younger, and for the past few seasons, they have been unwatchable to me under the tutelage of Isiah Thomas.

After this week, what do the Dolans seei n him and why the hell is he still employed by the team?

He's cost the franchise and MSG $11 million and totally screwed the good name of the Knicks.

I wish I could f**k up and still retain my job. He's got the Dolans maybe under a spell, or he's that good. This is crazy, he's a sh*t coach, and now he's cost you millions.

Could they not have settled this out of court?




he's ever so focused on his team...



should he be fired -- um, yes!

The Idiot File: Marion Jones; Pleads Guilty to Drug Use..

Well, in life, things are never as they seem. It is now the case with Marion Jones.

The one time golden girl of the Olympic Games and one time American-sweetheart-success-perfect physqiue-athletic genius story wrapped into a nice little marketing package has admitted to taking steroids.

Is anyone suprised?

From the Washington Post: "Track star Marion Jones has acknowledged using steroids as she prepared for the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney and plans to plead guilty tomorrow in New York to two counts of lying to federal agents about her drug use and an unrelated financial matter, according to a letter Jones sent to close family and friends.

Jones, who won five medals at the Sydney Olympics, said she took the steroid known as "the clear" for two years beginning in 1999, according to the letter, which was read to The Washington Post by a person who had been given a copy. A person familiar with Jones's legal situation who requested anonymity confirmed the relevant facts that were described in the letter.

Jones said her former coach, Trevor Graham, gave her the substance, telling her it was the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and saying she should take it by putting two drops under her tongue. Graham, contacted by telephone today, said he had no comment.

Jones's admissions could cost her the three gold and two bronze medals she won in Sydney. In December 2004, the International Olympic Committee opened an investigation into allegations surrounding performance-enhancing drug use by Jones, once considered the greatest female athlete in the world."

In the past, Jones has vehemently denied using steroids or any performance-enhancing drugs.

Sigh. She got paid, made millions, earned fortune and fame, plus smiled her face into the hearts of many Americans. She blames her coach, blah, blah, bu**shit.

Ms. Jones knew she did it.

A sham, a shame. She's only one of many, just that she got caught.

***

The Idiot File: O.J. Simpson

O.J, you are a dumb ass; therefore, as most know, crime doesn't pay. One would think after the first time, you'd keep your nose clean and stay on the down low -- permanently.

Too bad, the stupid old man doesn't know any better. Pathetic.

According to the AP, "Las Vegas police arrested O.J. Simpson on Sunday amid an investigation into an alleged armed robbery at a hotel in Las Vegas, a source close to the investigation said.

The charges he faces are unclear. However, Las Vegas Police Capt. James Dillon told The Associated Press that Simpson could face felony charges including robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a firearm."

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The Idiot File: Miss Teen USA Contest South Carolina Flubs a Question - BADLY...

Sometimes it is better to stand and look pretty than it is to pretend to be smart and open your mouth.

Sorry, I had to be harsh, but after watching this video you'll see why I said what I just did.

The Idiot File: Tiger Infielder, Neifi Perez

You have got to be kidding me - baseball has a three time offender of the drug policy!

I figured you would have to have bad luck to be caught twice and just plain dumb to have it happen three times.

Apparently, that does not apply to Neifi Perez.

According to the AP, Tiger infielder Neifi Perez was suspended for 80 games Friday after testing positive for a third time for a banned stimulant, which essentially would have him out for this season and possibly into 2008.

In addition:

Under baseball's labor contract, a player cannot be disciplined multiple times for a positive test stemming from the same use of a banned substance, meaning Perez had to take a prohibited stimulant more than once.

Another positive test would lead to a suspension to be determined at the discretion of commissioner Bud Selig, with Perez having the right to have an arbitrator review the penalty.

His initial suspension cost him $396,175, and the second will cost him $792,350 -- a total of $1,188,525 of his $2.5 million salary. He will miss the final 54 games of the regular season and finish serving the suspension next year, if he is signed.

Because of his initial positive test, Perez is subject to at least six additional tests over the next year.

Interesting. Very interesting.

I have not heard of any other major leaguers test positive as of late, and you would think Mr. Perez would know better.

He's only batting in the .170's -- aren't performance enhancing drugs supposed to help you?

The Idiot File: The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Elijah Dukes; Does Talent Supercede Morality?

Ah, the benefits of being an athlete.

Will someone please tell me why this guy (pictured above) is still offered the privledge of employment with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays?

Oops, let's not forget -- talent supercedes morality in sports....

Read the report here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2959870

from the AP, the block quote I love:

Earlier this summer, Devil Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg defended his decision to deactivate Dukes rather than release him.

"This will pass, hopefully, with a very positive outcome for him," the owner said at the time. "If it doesn't, our reputation will remain intact as an organization that's trying to help somebody or did what they think they could to help somebody."

Now, if he were batting .200, and didn't have a body of throughbred, would the 'Rays be giving us lip service? Of course not!

If I were the Devil Rays, cut ties with him now!

You have a talented team, and he is NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE!

The Idiot File: Michael Vick

* photo from ESPN.com via Getty Images...

Seriously, need I say any more?

Whether or not you get convicted, plead guilty or whatever; Mr. Vick, you are at minimum naive and need to use much better judgment, at worst, you're a sociopath who probably deserves to be locked up.

Folks, one would think a man who has the sporting world at his fingertips had not better get himself into any trouble, and would keep those who are liabilities away from him.

That could be further from the truth. Time and time again, athletes in society are treated with kid gloves and are given chance after chance because of their talent and their ability to make money for their team, endorsers and themselves.

For you all people who love this guy -- do you know him? I mean, I am not trying to pass judgment on anyone (ok, I am in this instance), but hero worship is a dangerous thing and Mr. Vick is exhibit A, B and C.

He got away with alleged sexual assault (how we are more upset over dogs, I have no idea), walking through a TSA security check point with drugs along with flipping the bird in front of Atlanta Falcon fans.

Whether or not he wants to be a role model is fine with me; however, when you are the face of a league, a multi-millionaire and a professional athlete who represents a region, you have to carry yourself with more class than the average person.

Even though most professional athletes are decent, hard-working people who have a gift from God, Michael Vick's alleged behavior has given athletes a black eye.

At the point, it does not matter if he gets locked up or not, he's ruined his career, cost himself millions and the respect of fans all over the world.

If there's a shining light, consider Ray Lewis. Some people still look at him with disdain, but for the most part, he's come back and earned the respect of his peers, those in the media and fans.

Mr. Vick, everyone deserves a second chance, and if you get off the charges against you, perhaps the first thing that needs to happen is to consult Mr. Lewis.

The Idiot File: Gene Upshaw

Well, those in America and in the world in positions of power are held to a higher standard than the rest of us.

Based on their compensation, perks and responsibility, those who are in the rank and file expect a lot more of those in charge. Whether, it is interpersonal relationships, speaking in public or just being in charge, there’s a expectation of professionalism; well, much greater than the guy sitting in a cubicle.

This week, the head of the NFL Players Association, Gene Upshaw crossed a line. Mr. Upshaw is facing a barrage of criticism from ex-football players who want greater compensation from the pension fund to help take care of their life after football, especially in terms of medical care.

NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure took Upshaw to task recently, and has been one of his most ardent critics.

This is what Gene Upshaw said in response to Joe DeLamielleure:

From ESPN: Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure, one of the leading advocates of retired NFL players who are in need of financial assistance, isn't taking what Upshaw said in last week's Philadelphia Daily News lightly. In the interview, Upshaw defended his record for helping retired players and zeroed in on DeLamielleure, who has previously called for Upshaw's ouster.

"A guy like DeLamielleure says the things he said about me, you think I'm going to invite him to dinner? No. I'm going to break his ... damn neck," Upshaw was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

According to the Daily News, Upshaw also said he told a group of Hall of Famers in 2006: "I'm not one to turn the other cheek. You're not going to hit me in the nose and I'm going to sit there and smile."

Now, Mr. Upshaw – tough talk is fine on the field, and is accepted; however, you cannot pull that stunt off in corporate America where such language would get a person in your position fired.

You're an elder statesman of the NFL, learn how to keep your emotions in check. The game ended for you a generation ago.

The NFL is the most popular sport in America, and perhaps has one of the most prominent union in America, and what was said out of his mouth was silly.

In light of everything, Mr. DeLamielleure, I doubt Gene Upshaw would go through with this threat. I think he said it in jest and out of anger, but in the end, it was an idiotic thing to say – especially from a union head.

The Idiot File: I Think, Therefore I Am, The Wit & Prose of Gary Sheffield…

As we are on the cusp of Hank Aaron’s home run record being broken, and with the passing of the 60^th anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing his first game in the majors, it’s been mentioned over and over that the participation of African Americans in the game of baseball is at an all-time low.

Now, Gary Sheffield, the designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers has decided to opine on the situation.

Never shying away from controversy, in an interview with GQ Magazine, he said that African-Americans have been replaced with Latin ballplayers as the prevailing minority in the sport because they are “easier to control”.

He quotes:

"I called it years ago. What I called is that you're going to see more black faces, but there ain't no English going to be coming out. … [It's about] being able to tell [Latin players] what to do -- being able to control them," he told the magazine.

"Where I'm from, you can't control us. You might get a guy to do it that way for a while because he wants to benefit, but in the end, he is going to go back to being who he is. And that's a person that you're going to talk to with respect, you're going to talk to like a man.

"These are the things my race demands. So, if you're equally good as this Latin player, guess who's going to get sent home? I know a lot of players that are home now can outplay a lot of these guys."

Sheffield may have a point, yes, there are fewer blacks, and Latin players do sign for less money than their American counterparts.

That being said, Sheffield sounds completely foolish; therefore, not slights and demeans not only Latino players, but also African-Americans as well.

Nice try at sociology, Gary; however, you are very off base with your statement.

You are paid handsomely at the tune of $13 million plus to play a game. Just keep playing on the field, and keep the history and sociology lectures to others.

* - photo from yahoo.com

The Idiot File: Braves AA Manager, Phil Wellman & Roger Clemens Will Not Start Monday...

The video speaks for itself. Someone is talking their job a little too seriously...

***

On another note, according to FOX Sports via the Yankees/Red Sox game, "The Biggest Mercenary in Sports", Roger Clemens may not start on Monday for the Red Sox.

It looks like he hurt his groin during his minor league starts and may be out 2 weeks or so.

The Yankees may be even more screwed than they are already...

The Idiot File: Lastings Milledge

I am not going to say much on this, but why after the whole Don Imus bit, would anyone do this? Especially an African-American athlete with the profile of Lastings Milledge?

Sure, in the United States, you can do you please and express yourself or whatever you believe in whatever language you care to desire, but people in the public eye should really watch what they say.

Especially someone who has been under as much scrutiny as Milledge?

Mets prospect Lastings Milledge is in trouble with the team once again, this time for making a rap CD that uses foul and offensive language.

The song, "Bend Ya Knees" was on the Web site www.souljaboirecords.com, the record label the 22-year-old outfielder founded. Milledge can be heard using a racist term for blacks and language derogatory to women.

"We don't approve of the lyrics," New York general manager Omar Minaya said Wednesday.

Minaya said he spoke to Milledge -- currently at Triple-A New Orleans and on the disabled list -- and conveyed the team's position. Minaya said no disciplinary action had been taken, but added that could change.

"We're going to review the conversation and we'll go from there," he said. "He's understanding why we feel that way."

While the song was removed from the Web site earlier Wednesday, Minaya said he believed the song was going to be released.

"We can't do anything to prevent its release," he said.

Did he not learn from Allen Iverson and rap and hip-hop mogul, Ron Artest?

I laughed so hard when I heard this, and wondered in my mind -- what a god damned idiot.

The Idiot File: Don't Be Like This Guy...

This fellow got thrown out from last night's game.

In the midst of last night's game while Ty Wigginton was ejected, a fan (maybe drunk, needed to prove his manhood, or needed to make a bet), ran on the field, made a total fool of himself and was promptly arrested.

When it come down to it, the Baltimore City Police was rather gentle with the brain surgeon. Why did he it, I don't know, but he didn't get the smack or beat-down.

The dude got off light. This fool had nothing to do with the outcome, it was funny to see.

It was more even beautiful to see up close and personal.

Usually, I always miss the good stuff -- not last night...