Henry Haynes
Henry L. Haynes is the author of four books. “Army Brats: We Will Never Forget” and “We Don’t Need You Here” are e-books that can be accessed at the www.writewordsinc.com website. For several years I worked as a correspondent for a daily newspaper, covering local governments, school boards, and special events like graduations. I have also worked as a computer programmer. I studied literature in college and enjoy writing poetry, song lyrics and prose. I’m an avid sports fan and also try to keep up with the latest pop music, although I usually slip back to the comfort of oldies and classic rock.
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 121,607
- Content
- 188
- Fans
- 5
- Contributor since
- 3/2/2010
Education/Experience
BA English, magna cum laude, Villanova University, initiated into Phi Alpha Theta history honor societyInterests
Baseball, rock music, soccer, chess, golf, tennis, psychology, history, literature, politics
Fans
Displaying Results 1 - 188 (of 188) for All Content
-
“The Soundtrack of My Life” by Clive Davis, a Music Fan's TakeClive Davis, a trained lawyer, took a detour into the music business and it turned out to be a blessing for both him and the many artists he has helped for over five decades.
-
The Jazz-Rock Group Chicago Belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of FameThe band Chicago, with its successful fusion of jazz and rock, and penchant for hit singles and albums, is a great candidate for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
Tribute to Philadelphia International Records and the Philly Soul SoundIn the early 1970s, a new sound conquered American soul and R&B music. Its main champion was Philadelphia International Records, started by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
-
Philadelphia Flyers, Bad Trades Lead to DeclineSergei Bobrovsky is probably the best goaltender in hockey. The Philadelphia Flyers traded for an older, less talented netminder. That started a chain reaction of moves that severely weakened the club.
-
Hall and Oates Long Overdue for Election to Rock and Roll Hall of FameWhen you are a rock duo and rank as high as number 15 on the “Billboard” list of the 100 greatest artists of all time, chances are you should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
Should Three Dog Night Be Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?Three Dog Night was very big in the U.S. and Canada, but not very popular in Britain and the rest of Europe. This lack of recognition in the UK could be hindering the group’s election to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
The Spinners Should Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of FameThe Spinners were part of the “Philadelphia Sound” that definitely falls under the rock and roll umbrella. The excellence of the group commends them for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
Linda Ronstadt Belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of FameThe success Linda Ronstadt achieved in the 1970s made her an international superstar. She surely belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
Kool and the Gang Should Be Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of FameSimilar bands with fewer credentials are already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Kool and the Gang did more than enough to deserve being voted in.
-
Cher Should Be Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of FameCher has been a superstar for decades and she has worked primarily in the rock and roll field. Her contributions are strong enough to be elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
Derek Jeter Can No Longer Play ShortstopEven before his ankle injury, Derek Jeter was nearing the end of his days as a shortstop. When and if he returns, he’ll have to find another position or become a tremendous liability to the New York Yankees. -
Gun Legislation Must Be Sold as National Defense, Homeland Security and Law EnforcementThe failure of the U.S. Senate to consider even modest gun reform measures means more concerted effort is necessary. Gun legislation must be presented in terms of national defense, homeland security and law enforcement.
-
Interleague Play, is the New Format an Improvement?Taking interleague play out of the special-events category and making it a normal part of the season will improve it. -
Jackie Robinson Opened Doors for Latin Players TooMany feel Jackie Robinson’s legacy is imperiled because there are fewer and fewer African Americans in MLB. But if Latin players who also benefited from his sacrifice are considered, then his legacy still rings loud and clear. -
Skylar Diggins, No Championship but We Still Dig Her SuccessSkylar Diggins may not have won a championship but she perhaps did more to elevate women’s college basketball than anyone else has.
-
“Robosourcing,” Outsourcing and JoblessnessRobots, machines and computers are displacing millions of workers. Along with outsourcing, these things are causing the joblessness that is stalling economic recovery.
-
The Big East, Ending a Great TraditionThe Big East, in its classic form, will be remembered as one of the greatest conferences in college sports. It is a shame that something that was working so well was broken up for all the wrong reasons. -
Brittney Griner as an NBA Player? Ha, Ha!If Baylor's Brittney Griner has a choice between the NBA and the WNBA, she should choose being a big fish in a little pond over being a little fish in a big pond. -
Louisville Cardinals Ware’s Horrific Injury Reveals Basketball’s IntimacyKevin Ware’s injury and the moments that followed captured the close feeling that exists between basketball players, fans and TV viewers.
-
Athletes Who Make Anti-Gay Remarks Are Just Bad for BusinessSports franchises try to be as inclusive as possible, and athletes who insult a segment of the fan base are harmful to a team’s bottom line.
-
Disney's Good Girls Take Edgy Roles to Keep WorkingThe large number of Disney sweethearts who dump their wholesome images for harder-edged ones can only suggest they are benefiting far more in today’s America from playing bad girls than decent ones. -
“Long Shot” by Mike Piazza; A Baseball Fan’s TakeMike Piazza’s stature as one of baseball's all-time greats makes his book “Long Shot” an important work to read. Although an interesting read, it does have its shortcomings. -
U.S. Strikes Out Again at World Baseball ClassicAfter three appearances in the WBC and nothing higher than a fourth-place finish, the U.S. needs to focus on the things it will take to do better and finally win a medal. -
U.S. Open 2013; Is Merion Golf Course Tough Enough for Today’s Top Pros?The Merion East Course is so short in length that many observers fear the golf course will be unable to make par the challenge the USGA likes to see at U.S. Opens. -
Abby Wambach Set to Break Mia Hamm’s Goal-scoring RecordAbby Wambach will soon surpass Mia Hamm’s record of 158 goals in international competition. But which one was the better overall player? -
In U.S.-Mexico Sports Battles, U.S. Team Deserves Support when Playing on Home SoilThe U.S. national soccer and baseball teams are often at a disadvantage when playing at home against Mexico, because the crowds are supporting the Mexicans.
-
The Chicago Blackhawks and the Streak that Wasn’tSomething that is not a winning streak or even an unbeaten streak really isn’t that great a streak after all. -
Sharpay Evans, Barnabas Collins and What Makes a Great VillainThe best villains and antagonists are the ones who are evil only because of an uncontrollable pressing need. They are the ones we not only love to hate but ultimately end up rooting for.
-
Losing Temptations, the Iconic Motown Group Suffers Two LossesWithin days of each other, Damon Harris and Richard Street, key former members of the Temptations, passed away. -
Dr. Ben Carson for President; Will He or Won’t He Enter Politics?Dr. Ben Carson, the world-renowned African-American neurosurgeon, seems just what the doctor ordered for America’s political right. Maybe that’s why so many conservatives are foaming at the mouth over him.
-
Black History Month, Part 2, Names Not as Prominent but Just as ImportantHere are more folks who might seem farther down the food chain but were tremendously important in African-American history.
-
Black History Month, Some Lesser-Known but Very Influential FiguresDuring Black History Month, the emphasis is usually on the obvious big names and huge events. Sometimes it’s nice to reflect on folks who are not as well-known but did much to form the tapestry of African-American achievement.
-
Australia Jolted by Sports Doping Scandal and MLB Has yet Another OneAustralian sports have joined the MLB Biogenesis clinic scandal and Lance Armstrong’s confession as early 2013 markers of where we are with sports doping. It looks like we’re still at square one. -
Essie Mae Washington-Williams, Strom Thurmond and America’s Tangled Racial HistoryEssie Mae Washington-Williams, the African American daughter of the one-time Dixiecrat presidential candidate Strom Thurmond, died recently. Their relationship is a reminder of the complex racial history of America. -
George Harrison at 70, Overshadowed as UsualUnderappreciated, overshadowed and underrated would describe George Harrison, the quiet Beatle. Yet his contributions to pop culture make him a true rock star. -
GOP Seeks to Rig the Electoral College System in Blue Swing StatesEfforts to change the Electoral College vote to go by the winner of each congressional district instead of the traditional winner-take-all system is the most cynical idea the GOP has yet conceived.
-
The World Baseball Classic, Will the U.S. Ever Care?The World Baseball Classic has caught on in Latin America and Asia but still lags in the United States. What will it take to get reluctant Americans to embrace this international event?
-
Enlisted Military Personnel Have the Most Stressful Jobs of AllThe growing problems of suicide and PTSD in the military are largely neglected by the civilian population. This is mainly because the all-volunteer military has resulted in fewer Americans having skin in our wars.
-
Hikaru Nakamura Dominates Chess Events at SportAccord World Mind GamesNakamura, in winning three silver medals in three events, proved to be the most versatile and outstanding player of the 16 super-grandmasters at the Beijing event.
-
NFL Needs NBA-Type Lottery to Stop Temptation of Tanking GamesWith quarterbacks now able to turn teams around in one season, the temptation for NFL teams to tank games to improve their draft positions has never been greater. To combat this suspicion and promote integrity, an NFL draft lottery is needed.
-
Can Aging New York Yankees Stay on Top?New York Yankees are hampered by old age and a depleted farm system. In a rapidly improving AL East, the Yanks will have trouble keeping up.
-
A Right-To-Work Michigan is an OxymoronMichigan is the birthplace of the United Auto Workers and has one of the richest labor union traditions in America. For right-to-work laws to be passed here is an insult to workers and another indication we are in a race to the bottom.
-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2014, a Dream ClassNirvana will join a very strong field of potential candidates that will comprise the 2013 ballot for the 2014 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-
Will David Beckham’s MLS Legacy Exceed Pele’s NASL Legacy?Beckham’s tenure with the L.A. Galaxy was a rousing success. But so was Pele’s time with the N.Y. Cosmos. Pele’s league collapsed after he left. Are there new variables that will prevent Beckham’s league from doing the same?
-
NFL Considering Eliminating the Kickoff, a Bad Move?Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL possibly will replace the kickoff in the name of player safety. For many reasons this is an atrocious idea.
-
Tim Scott May Become Only African American in U.S. SenateThe list of African Americans to serve in the U.S. Senate or as state governors is scandalously small. But, regardless of race, it is always more important to have someone who represents your views and interests.
-
King Magnus Carlsen, Highest Rated Human in Chess HistoryNorwegian chess superstar Magnus Carlsen has achieved the highest rating in history. But is he the greatest chess player of all time?
-
Republican Symbol Becoming a Rogue ElephantThere was no logical reason for the GOP to stand in the way of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities treaty. Yet 38 Senators defeated the treaty.
-
2013 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot is Most Intriguing in HistoryThe 2013 vote will force baseball writers to decide the status of steroid users regarding the Baseball Hall of Fame. Will there be a pathway to the Hall or banishment forever?
-
Thaddeus Stevens Would Not Recognize the Republicans of TodayThaddeus Stevens has gained new attention due to the brilliant portrayal of the GOP congressman by Tommy Lee Jones in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln.” However, today’s GOP is almost 180 degrees removed from where Stevens stood.
-
Who was the Better Baseball Player, Henry Aaron or Willie Mays?Willie Mays is widely regarded as the greatest player of his era and perhaps the greatest all-around player ever. Yet Henry Aaron had better numbers in many of the most significant categories.
-
The U.S. Election System is Broken and Needs ReformFrom long lines at polling places to malfunctioning machines to disorganized poll workers to an antiquated Electoral College system, the 2012 U. S. election again exposed many shortcomings in the system. Reform is desperately needed.
-
Who was the Best Moderator at 2012 Presidential Debates?Moderators at political debates can be as important as referees in sports.
-
Is Dusty Baker a Baseball Hall of Fame Manager?Dusty Baker is in the top 20 in career wins for managers and his regular season record compares favorably with Hall of Famers Tommy Lasorda and Dick Williams. So should Baker make the Baseball Hall of Fame?
-
San Francisco Giants Recent World Series Titles Ironic for SomeThe San Francisco Giants winning World Series titles in 2010 and 2012 must leave many people scratching their heads.
-
Should Venus Williams Retire from Singles Play?Venus Williams’ recent victory at the Luxembourg Open means revisiting the question of whether she is still a top singles player. Should Venus still play singles, limit herself to doubles play or simply retire?
-
Baseball Must Quickly Expand Replay; Here’s How to Do ItAnother umpire has admitted to blowing a key call during a big game. Baseball, it is time to implement a full replay system that will preserve the pace of the game and correct erroneous calls.
-
Ozzie Guillen, Bobby Valentine and Billy Martin, Three of a KindBobby Valentine and Ozzie Guillen, like the late Billy Martin, have character flaws and personality traits that make them temperamentally unsuited to be big league managers. They come with plenty of baggage that makes hiring them a risky business.
-
Fans Can Vote for 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ClassStarting with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2013, fans will finally have a say in who gets into the Cleveland Hall. Here are the most worthy nominees for this year’s class.
-
Miguel Cabrera Wins Batting Triple Crown, Proving it Can Still Be DoneKudos to Miguel Cabrera. Finally there is another MLB batting Triple Crown winner. Hurrah! Can a .400 hitter be far behind?
-
Baseball’s New Wild Card System, More Harm Than Good?Major League Baseball added a second wild card team for each league in 2012. Is this a benefit or a curse for the national pastime?
-
Is the U.S. Arrogant for Hosting Three of Golf's Four Majors?Now that golf talent is spread throughout the world, is it arrogant and impractical for the U.S. to still have three of the four majors in both men’s and women’s golf?
-
U.S. Men’s Tennis: Where is the Next Pete Sampras or Jimmy Connors?With the retirement of Andy Roddick, the field of U.S. male tennis players seems barren. Here are some suggestions to help develop a new generation of American champions.
-
Fish Oil Supplements and Calcium Tablets Don’t Help. Now What?New research shows fish oil supplements don’t protect the heart as has been previously advertised. With so much conflicting information, how do we know what to buy that is healthy and helpful?
-
Should Basketball Hall of Fame Be Split into Separate Pro and College Halls?The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is admitting too many members. One solution would be to establish a separate NBA Hall of Fame.
-
U.S. Poised to Recapture the Ryder CupThe Europeans have won six of the last eight Ryder Cups, including delivering two 18.5-9.5 pastings of the U.S. squad. But with the infusion of great young talent, the U.S. is perhaps now ready to fight back.
-
Older U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Players Should Follow Pia Sundhage's Lead and Step DownNow that Pia Sundhage has resigned as coach, many of the older players on the U. S. Women’s National Soccer Team should step down to allow the new coach a chance to incorporate younger players into the lineup.
-
RejectionThis poem is about a guy who has grown jaded about romantic love. Then he meets someone that again makes him take a hopeful step toward romance. However, he is rejected and quickly returns to being cynical.
-
The FedExCup Golf Playoff System, a Gimmick that Works?The FedExCup playoff system in golf is nothing if not a gimmick. But it seems to work. It sustains interest in golf after the majors have been played and lets fans at late summer events still see the top players.
-
When Will Baseball Again Be an Olympic Sport?There are too many important nations that play baseball for it not to be included in the Olympics. If the IOC has anything close to 20/20 vision, then it will restore baseball for the 2020 Games.
-
In Fundraising, PBS Uses Ed Sullivan Rock Classics to Appeal to Baby BoomersOne pleasant byproduct of PBS’s constant fundraising drives is they help preserve history in our increasing history-challenged society.
-
Why Are Baseball Left-Handed Closers so Rare?MLB teams face a dilemma in how to employ left-handed pitchers. The preference seems to be to use southpaws as starters or non-closing relief specialists. But Aroldis Chapman may demonstrate that the closer role can be a perfect one for a lefty.
-
Prince Harry: Does British Royalty Warrant so Much Attention and Hoopla?The same month marking the 15th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana found her son Harry acting out again. This time he was photographed in the buff at a strip billiards game in a Vegas hotel.
-
Lisa Whelchel Returns to TV as an Unlikely Contestant on “Survivor”Lisa Whelchel was one of the funniest people on TV in the 1980s when she played the character of the snobbish and vain Blair Warner on the sitcom “The Facts of Life.” Now she returns in an entirely different role, that of a castaway on “Survivor.”
-
Augusta National Golf Club Finally Admits WomenThe Augusta National Golf Club has maintained its prestige and status over the decades despite often being run in a backward and antiquated manner.
-
Felix Hernandez and Melky Cabrera, the Sublime and the RidiculousMajor League Baseball continues to be haunted by the Steroid Era and its aftermath. The celebration of the perfect game by Felix Hernandez is overshadowed by All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabrera’s drug suspension.
-
Ohio and Pennsylvania, Leading the Way in the New Voter SuppressionThe closely contested swing states of Ohio and Pennsylvania are leading the way in practicing the 21st century versions of voter suppression.
-
U.S. Men Knocked Out of Olympic Boxing Medals; Is that a Good Thing?For the first time in history, the U.S. men’s boxing team did not win even one medal at the Olympics. Is this a blessing in disguise? Does it mean the U.S. is moving away from this barbaric sport it once valued?
-
Olympic Athletes Can’t Be Ranked by Medal Count AloneMichael Phelps has had enormous success over three Olympic Games. But when it comes to deciding who is the greatest Olympian ever, many more factors need to be taken into account.
-
Tribute to Angharad Rees and Her Greatest Character, Demelza PoldarkAlong with the sadness of hearing of the passing of Angharad Rees, there is great joy in remembering her greatest artistic achievement, that of playing the role of Demelza Poldark
-
Does Hope Solo Harbor Resentment Toward Soccer’s "Dream Team?"Hope Solo has gone on rants against Briana Scurry and Brandi Chastain, both members of the 1999 World Cup winning “dream team.” Does Solo hold a grudge against these players and that team because they set the bar so high?
-
Pennsylvania Voter Photo ID Law, an Affront to DemocracyIf implemented, the Pennsylvania voter photo ID law will cause long lines and great confusion on Election Day. To make matters worse, the law is totally unnecessary as it attacks a problem that doesn’t exist.
-
Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend: Larkin, Santo, McCarverFord C. Frick Award winner Tim McCarver highlights the Baseball Hall of Fame weekend by sounding a rallying cry about the decline of African Americans in baseball. Ted Williams had a similarly courageous moment in 1966.
-
Ross Poldark, a Conventional Hero or an Anti-Hero?Like Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Ross Poldark of the costume drama “Poldark” was a hero and an anti-hero almost simultaneously. And that is what made him such a compelling character.
-
Se Ri Pak, an Unsung Sports PioneerFew can match Se Ri Pak when it comes to having had a long-lasting influence and impact on sports. She is one of the underappreciated sports pioneers and legends.
-
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team; Three Olympic Gold Medals and CountingThe U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team finished second at the 2011 World Cup and third at the 2012 Algarve Cup. The 2012 Olympic Games give them a chance to reestablish themselves as the dominant soccer power.
-
How Do We Know When the "War on Drugs" is Lost?The "War on Drugs" has been an expensive failure. The Global Commission on Drug Policy has a much more reasoned approach to dealing with the drug issue.
-
Brazil's 1970 Football Squad Tops Spain's 2012 Team Any DayVoices are shouting that Spain of 2008-2012 is the best football squad ever assembled. Whoa! Step back and examine this. Clearly the Brazilian teams with Pele’ were better.
-
Venus and Serena Williams, Sport's Greatest Siblings?Who could give Venus and Serena Williams a challenge for the title of Greatest Siblings to Play Sports?
-
Montana Loses Citizens United Challenge; Can the Corporate Party of America Be Stopped?Montana wanted to keep its 100-year-old state law that barred corporations from making unlimited political expenditures. The U.S. Supreme Court said no, and reaffirmed the Citizens United ruling.
-
Do We Need to Throw Away an Old Technology Every Time a New One Comes Along?Americans seem eager to say, “Out with the old and in with the new.” But just because something comes along later doesn’t necessarily mean it is better. When should we keep an older technology when a newer one comes along?
-
Judy Blume, the Best American Author of Young Adult Fiction in the 20th CenturyJudy Blume’s realistic fiction connected her to young readers in a more profound way than today’s authors of fantasy and escapism.
-
Frank Robinson, America’s Most Underrated Sports LegendWhen people discuss baseball’s all-time greatest players, Frank Robinson rarely makes the conversation. But a look at his career shows he’s among the very best who ever played Major League Baseball.
-
Bobby Fischer Won the Chess “Match of the Century” 40 Years AgoIn subsequent years, he was deeply troubled, erratic, and made frequent anti-U.S. and anti-Semitic statements. But in 1972 Bobby Fischer was in all his glory as he won the chess “Match of the Century.”
-
The Next to Win a Triple Crown – a Horse or Baseball Hitter?It is probably easier for a horse to win a Triple Crown than a baseball hitter. But because horses like I’ll Have Another are now being coddled, the baseball hitter has the advantage in winning the next one.
-
Was “Our Gang - the Little Rascals” Ahead of Its Time on Race?Yes, the “Our Gang/Little Rascals” comedies had the racial sensibilities of the 1920s and 1930s. But overall these theatrical shorts were a great asset and served as an advancement for African Americans.
-
Put Donna Summer in the Rock and Roll Hall of FameThe late Donna Summer has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on numerous occasions, but has yet to be elected. Let’s hope that next time the voters wise up and elect her.
-
Would Charles Dickens Have Been a Success Today?Charles Dickens’ novels were often subversive and attacked the social stratification in Victorian England. If he were around today, could he successfully take on the excesses of the Corporate Power?
-
Concussions May Become the Biggest Threat to the Survival of Contact SportsConcussions may replace steroids, crime, games taking too long, and sports betting as the biggest threat to the survival of professional sports. Science is telling us more about post-concussion syndrome.
-
Mike Piazza’s High School Baseball Number RetiredMike Piazza returned to his roots to participate in a ceremony retiring his high school baseball number.
-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Needs Transparency and SunlightMonths after the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class was announced, the Hall handpicked several more acts to be inducted. To stop such shenanigans, the RRHOF voting procedures need to be overhauled to provide greater integrity and transparency.
-
Should Sports Teams Change Their Names when They Relocate?New Orleans Hornets owner would like the name Jazz back. When teams relocate, should they take their names with them or adopt new ones?
-
April is Bliss for the North American Sports FanApril rules when it comes to North American sports, with all major sports having big events.
-
In the Case of Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act, the Name is EverythingWhy are so many Americans opposed to something that would benefit them? Calling the Affordable Care Act “Obamacare” is a concession health-care reformers can ill afford.Also published on:
-
Pro Football Hall of Fame Should Add Kickers and PuntersThe lack of kickers and punters in the Pro Football Hall of Fame may again show that the sport is misnamed. Or maybe football will realize kickers and punters are essential and add some to the Hall.
-
Use Ty Cobb Rule to Admit Pete Rose and Top Steroid Users to Baseball Hall of FameTy Cobb set a pretty low bar in the areas of integrity, sportsmanship and character. It is hypocritical to keep Pete Rose and top players who used steroids out of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
-
Should We Give Up on the Philadelphia Eagles?Vince Young put the bull’s-eye on the Eagles' back for 2011 when he labeled the team a “Dream Team.” Now that they have had a nightmare season, should the Eagles be written off as a team that can’t win a Super Bowl?
-
A Compilation of Hits from the Beatles Solo Years Would Be a Sure Chart TopperSince breaking up, the Beatles and their interests have released many compilations of their music. But one collection we are still waiting for is their best tunes as individual artists placed on one CD. What songs should be on it?
-
Why Should Iowa and New Hampshire Have All the Fun?Why do 48 states give tacit approval to a process that gives two small unrepresentative states almost monopoly control over the start of the presidential nominating season?
-
Ron Santo Should Not Have Been Elected to the Baseball Hall of FameThe Baseball Hall of Fame 16-member Expansion Era Committee, Pre-Integration Era Committee and Golden Era Committee are very vulnerable to cliques and cronyism.
-
Is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Becoming Racist?The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class has no African Americans in the performer category. In recent years fewer and fewer blacks are being elected to the Hall. Why is this? And do we need a quota system to fix this predicament?Also published on:
-
Extramarital Affairs Should Not Disqualify Presidential CandidatesThe harsh and new requirement of marital fidelity is depleting the presidential field of many fine would-be candidates. FDR, Eisenhower and many others would not have survived this new litmus test.
-
C-SPAN’s "The Contenders" Somehow Omits Samuel TildenTo not choose Samuel Tilden as one of the 14 “Contenders” was a terrible omission on the part of C-SPAN. The 1876 Presidential election was the most controversial in U.S. history. Tilden’s acquiescence to the disputed result may have saved the nation.
-
Jackie Robinson, the Trailblazer, Ushered in an Amazing First Generation of African American StarsJackie Robinson’s trailblazing efforts in shattering the color barrier would have been in vain had it not been for the wonderful first generation of African American and Latin players who followed in his footsteps.
-
Sports Off-Field Incidents of Bad Behavior Dwarf On-Field AchievementsThe three biggest threats to the success and integrity of sports are drugs (both illicit and steroids); sports betting and gambling; and crime, with too many people connected with sports finding their way into the criminal justice system.
-
Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commission Among Those Still in DenialThe Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commission refuses to believe Thomas Jefferson fathered Sally Hemings’ children. If 99 percent proof isn’t enough, then you are either in serious denial or are carrying out a partisan agenda.
-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2012 Nominations AnnouncedBased on the nominations, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2012 promises to be very diverse. Maybe too diverse, with some nominees stretching the very boundaries of what rock music is.
-
It Must Be AutumnThe deciduous trees often give the best annual reminder that the fall is here. They literally are what "the fall" means.
-
Fats Domino, a Rock and Roll OriginalAs one of the ten performers inducted into the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class, Fats Domino pioneered piano rock and roll and remains one of the most influential musicians in rock history.
-
Mr. President, Please Do Not Run for Re-ElectionSome other Democratic nominee would have a much easier time attracting the votes of white ethnics, the white working class, and whites from the Appalachians, all of whom are key components to any nationwide Democratic election victory.
-
Chess Draws Are Not the Main Problem with the GameA former FIDE chess champion wants rapid and blitz play to determine winners and losers after classical chess games are drawn. But is he addressing the symptoms and not the disease?
-
A Few Misnamed Things that Should Be RenamedIn the American form of football, the foot is rarely used. The kicker and punter are viewed as exotic anomalies and not as 'Å"real football players.' So why not rename football and give soccer its rightful name?
-
Abraham Lincoln and African AmericansThe years 2011-2015 will mark the 150th anniversary of events of the Civil War. How should African Americans view Abraham Lincoln and his legacy?
-
Baseball's Top 10 Greatest Lefties in MLB HistoryLeft-handers are highly prized in baseball because they are rare and can often dominate left-handed hitters. But who are the Top Ten Left-handed starters in Major League Baseball History?
-
Replace or Modify the Penalty Shootout in SoccerIn the soccer penalty shootout, the goalies are virtual bystanders and the kickers have too big an advantage. Here is a much better system.
-
Who Are the Top 15 Women to Ever Play for the U.S. Women's Soccer Team?The U.S. women's soccer team has had much success over the years, winning three Olympic gold medals and two FIFA World Cups. But who are the Top 15 U.S. women players and in what order do they rank?
-
How Much Are We Willing to Sacrifice at the Altar of Freedom?Mindless appeals to freedom, individual liberty, and the deregulation of society are rapidly destroying America.
-
Can Women's Soccer Halt U.S. Sports Decline?It's becoming ever more noticeable that the U.S. isn't doing well on the world stage in several sports the Americans have traditionally dominated. Will U.S. women's soccer be next to fall, or will the ladies continue to shine?
-
The 10 Most Dominating NBA Centers in HistoryThe NBA's great centers include Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Shaq O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Moses Malone. But who was the very best one and who were the ten most dominating centers?
-
Abolish the Designated HitterJim Leyland has joined the chorus of vocal opponents of interleague play. But the bigger problem is MLB plays under two sets of rules.
-
Motown Magic, the Top 10 Acts of Motown's Golden AgeKnown as "the sound of young America," Motown Records was a great American success story. Who were the top 10 Motown acts during this heyday period between 1960 and 1972?
-
Girl Groups, a Great American TraditionThe girl groups have been a staple in American popular music for decades. As we celebrate some of the popular girl groups in recent years, we should never forget the pioneering groups who paved the way.
-
Uppity, a True Trailblazer Tells His StoryWhen you have been a Major League Baseball player, the first full-time black broadcaster and the first black National League president, you probably have a few interesting stories to tell. Bill White sure does.
-
Was 1969 the Most Important Year in Rock History?From being the end of a tumultuous decade, to being the end of the Beatles, to being the year of Elvis' last number one single, 1969 was in many ways the most monumental year in rock history.
-
Why We Need a College Football Playoff SystemThe BCS is fatally flawed and needs to be replaced with a long overdue college playoff system in order to have the top division football championship legitimately won on the field.
-
The Founding Fathers of HollywoodThe founding fathers of Hollywood created an industry that became the movie factory of the world and provided the U.S. with one of its chief exports.
-
Hikaru Nakamura, a World Chess Champion?Hikaru Nakamura has been quietly moving up the world chess rankings list, all the way into the top ten. His victory at the elite Tata Steel Chess Tournament shows he has what it takes to be a world champion.
-
How to Restore Jobs in America and Reduce UnemploymentHigh unemployment seems an intractable problem in the America emerging from the Great Recession. But are our leaders really trying their best to reemploy American workers?
-
Baseball Steroid Users Need Not Apply for the Hall of FameBaseball writers have slammed the door shut on steroid users. 2013 will be the year of reckoning. To continue in this hypocritical direction will be to render the Hall of Fame meaningless.
-
Expand the Size of the U.S. Congress from 435 to at Least 500The 2010 census revealed the average U.S. Congressional district now contains over 700,000 residents. That is an unacceptably high number. Districts need to be much smaller.
-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Who Should Be in for 2012 and BeyondTo maintain credibility, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame needs to induct the most successful artists working in the rock field.
-
Folk Music and PBS, Perfect TogetherFolk music's golden age has been spotlighted on PBS. The music stands the test of time as some of the best sing-along music in American history.
-
The Superb Extraordinary, Ordinary People: a Memoir of FamilyShe has been called everything from Aunt Jemima to a female Uncle Tom. But in her book Condi Rice comes across as someone who smoothly navigates the white world while never selling out.
-
In Wave Elections, Bad Candidates Can Still Lose Winnable SeatsThe wave election of 2010 could have been even sweeter for the GOP had the party done a better job of vetting and weeding out candidates in their primaries.
-
Second Presidential Terms Are Almost Always UnsuccessfulWith the re-election map shrinking for President Obama, there is another reason he should not run again. Second terms are almost universally bad.
-
George Harrison, the First-Rate SongwriterAlthough overshadowed by the Lennon-McCartney songwriting duo, George Harrison was himself an excellent songwriter.
-
Baseball Players' Union and Commissioner Open to 2012 Playoff ExpansionBaseball would like more playoff teams. But the sport is weather sensitive, and the players union and owners might not be willing to yield regular season salary and revenue to accommodate expansion.
-
Illegal Immigration and the Magnet of EmploymentPoliticians and media types are often caught directly or indirectly employing illegal workers. They seem to want to have it both ways.
-
Obama and Palin Are 10th CousinsPresident Obama is also related to seven U.S. Presidents and to millions of Americans. So why is it so many people see him as "an other" and not as an American whose family has been here for hundreds of years?
-
Illegal Immigration and the Magnet of EmploymentPoliticians and media types are routinely caught directly or indirectly employing illegal workers. They seem to want to have it both ways.
-
The Ryder Cup is No Longer a Fair FightThe U.S. used to trounce the British in the Ryder Cup. So all of Europe was invited to join the Brits, and now the shoe is on the other foot. Let's make it North America against Europe or go back to U.S. against Britain.
-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Lays an Egg for 2011Let the public have a say in who gets nominated and elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And have more transparency in the nomination process.
-
Is the Internet a Blessing or a Curse?Printed newspapers, brick and mortar retail chains and the postal service are among the institutions that have taken a serious hit due to the ascendancy of the Internet.
-
Baseball Commissioner Won't Expand Instant ReplayCommissioner Bud Selig again has stated replay won't be expanded beyond its very limited form. But fans, managers, owners, players and umpires would be better served by the expanded use of replay.
-
The Hoax is on YouIn a rush to beat the competition, the media often rushes to judgment and leaves itself open to being embarrassed by one hoax after another.
-
John Lennon TributeIn October 2010 John Lennon would have turned 70. What would he have been like had he lived? Would he have kept up the good "working class hero" fight? Or would he have ended up as a reactionary, as so many others have done? Sadly, we will never know.Also published on:
-
The Beatles Top Ten, Their Most Controversial LyricsThe Beatles went from writing innocent love songs with monosyllabic words to writing complex and often controversial lyrics. How would their song lyrics be interpreted in this hypersensitive era?
-
Is the Democratic Party Down for the Count?By all accounts the enthusiasm in American politics now rests with the GOP. What are the points the Democrats must address to get their groove back?
-
The Facts of LifeScripted TV shows today are unceremoniously dumped if they don't catch on right away. But a show from the '80s like The Facts of Life proved that being patient and developing a show can pay off.
-
Governing by Opinion Polls is Sheer FollyThe clamor over the proposed mosque near Ground Zero illustrates again why leaders must rise above governing by popular opinion
-
Anatoly Karpov is the Right Choice for FIDE PresidentThe current president of FIDE has made errors running the chess organization and has even claimed to have had contact with aliens. Former World Champion Anatoly Karpov would be a huge improvement.
-
U.S. Tennis in DeclineFor the first time since tennis computer rankings were introduced in 1973, no American men appear in the top 10. The Williams sisters are the only women in the top 20 on that side of the ledger. What can be done to reverse this trend?
-
Leave the 14th Amendment AlonePandering politicians need to keep their hands off the 14th Amendment. Hypocritical politicians are forgetting their party's heritage.
-
Race Matters: Why Discuss Such a Bogus Concept?The recent firestorm surrounding Shirley Sherrod brought calls anew to have a discussion on race. But why discuss something that has so little biological meaning?
-
Baseball Hall of Fame, Andre Dawson's In, Who's Next for 2011The Baseball Hall of Fame overlooked Andre Dawson for too long. Five other candidates who have been passed over need to be elected in 2011.
-
The British InvasionThe British Invasion in rock music from 1964-66 lifted music to new heights, not only in terms of popularity but in terms of creativity and quality.
-
Why is the American League so Dominant?There was a logical reason why the NL dominated the All Star Game from 1950-1982. But why has the AL assumed such a dominant role in recent All Star Games and Interleague Play?
-
The Absurdity of the Birther MovementThe Birther movement has been in circulation since the 2008 Presidential Election. How has such a silly, irrational allegation managed to hang around?
-
American Football and World Cup FootballThe World Cup has shown us again that there is another form of football, one that actually involves the foot. So which is the real football?
-
Wimbledon, 70-68 and Much Out-of-DateIf the Wimbledon Championships wishes to have credibility in the 21st Century, then it needs to keep up with the times.
-
The Six Personality TypesHollywood and the news media are often called too liberal. And Democrats often have trouble winning the votes of the working class, despite appealing to them directly with a pro-worker economic agenda. This can be explained by personality types.
-
Michael Jackson, Gone but Not ForgottenMichael Jackson ranks with Elvis, Sinatra, the Beatles and Rolling Stones as music icons. A year after his death, we should remember him most for his music and not his personal struggles.
-
U.S. Soccer -- Men Vs. WomenAs the U.S. men's soccer team tries to finally win a World Cup, the U.S. women's team sits pretty with two World Cups and three Olympic gold medals. Why have the ladies been so dominant?
-
Libertarianism, a Philosophy Without Enforcement CapabilitiesIf Libertarian ideas took hold, the consequences would lead to devastation for millions of people. Libertarians have no enforcement mechanism when force is sometimes required.
-
Philadelphia Flyers First Stanley Cup Finals Appearance Since 1997On every step of their journey to the Stanley Cup finals, the Philadelphia Flyers received aid and comfort from the Montreal Canadiens.
-
The Waltons as a Rorschach TestWhat made The Waltons TV show so great was it could be anything people wanted it to be. It was so clever and subtle it could be perceived in a hundred different ways.
-
Does the United Kingdom Have a Better Political System Than the United States?Shorter election campaigns, public financing and party tradition seem to give the U.K. the edge over the U.S.
-
Ten Songs that Define Rock and RollThese ten songs define what rock and roll is. We should place them in a time capsule as the best representatives of the genre.
-
Saying Goodbye to the Printed NewspaperPrinted newspapers are sadly becoming obsolete. Even as we lament the fact that printed newspapers are on the way out, we should pay tribute to the value they once provided.
-
Steroid Users and the Baseball Hall of FameBaseball will lose an entire generation of its best players from the Hall of Fame if the total ban on steroid users continues. For many reasons, the ban is unjust.
-
Why We Need a Larger United States CongressStates that have experienced steady population growth over the last decade are still often slated to lose seats in Congress when reapportionment takes place in 2012. We are, in effect, robbing Peter to pay Paul. Let's expand Congress.
-
American Chess Champions and Mental IllnessBoth U.S. chess champions, Paul Morphy and Bobby Fischer, suffered from mental illness during their later years. Had they grown up in a more nurturing chess environment, like is found in Europe, would the outcome have been different?
-
Will Debates Ruin British Politics?The winner of political debates is often not the best or most capable candidate, but the one who is the most telegenic and glib.
-
Why Torii Hunter is Wrong About Latin PlayersTorii Hunter says Latin players are impostors and not really black. He is confusing race, color, ethnicity, culture and nationality in a way that can only lead to problems and contradictions.
-
Should Huckleberry Finn Be Banned from School Reading Lists?Twain has now been gone for a hundred years. His reputation fluctuates. Is Huck Finn a masterful work or an insult to African American sensibilities? Is Huck Finn a classic or a failure?
-
Let's Rename Democratic and Republican PartiesRepublicans are now Democrats and Democrats are now Republicans. So let's just rename these two parties and return states and people to their origins and heritage.
-
2010 Census Preserves Family History for Posterity2010 Census defines who we are and is still needed, Census is valuable for family research, Why the 2010 Census counts, Why protests of 2010 Census is off base and unnecessary
-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Who Should Be in for 2011 and the FutureThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had its 25th annual induction ceremony. However, there are still many quality artists and bands still awaiting their turn. Here are the strongest candidates for induction who have been long overlooked.