Let's Talk

Well, that was the week that was. (Anyone old enough to remember TW3? One of the first political humor programs on television. It made my parents laugh and groan, so it must have been good.)

Let's review the curious week that was.

Petrol Sea (once known as the Gulf of Mexico). Not only is oil still pouring into the Gulf, it now appears that BP's original estimates of the amount of oil befouling the water, the wetlands, the beaches and all life in the massive area was a tad low. To say the least. The actual rate is double what was originally thought.

Let's translate: Oil is flowing into the Gulf at a rate equal to the total amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez every 8 - 10 days. As unfathomable as that may be, let it sink in. The Valdez dumped 10.8 million gallons into Alaska's Prince William Sound. An unparalleled disaster, to be sure. Until now. This is far, far beyond that. An estimated 11 million gallons of oil every 8 - 10 days. The Deepwater Horizon rig exploded on April 20. Monday, June 14 is the 56th day. That's at least 5 Exxon Valdez disasters. And counting.

Two questions:

1. Will the Gulf ever recover?

2. Will we ever learn that deep-water oil drilling has HUGE risks, risks that outweigh the potential economic gains? (And don't be confused. It's not about oil independence. It's about profit.)

Let's also not forget that Halliburton is involved and may be, along with BP, directly responsible for the disaster. They helped cement the well. Curious how that company finds its way dubiously into the news. A topic for another time.

University of Superior Compensation (aka, USC). The NCAA finally acted on what many knew to be the truth: USC paid at least one of its football players. Shocking but true! Reggie Bush and family were long-rumored to have been living in a home 'donated' by a USC backer. Rumors of cash trading hands (up to $300,000) were also prevalent. Both have been substantiated. Finally, years later, the NCAA came down on 'SC in a big way. Many games won during the Reggie Bush years will be forfeited, scholarships will be lost, and post-season play will be prohibited for the next two years.

While some congratulate the NCAA on taking action against a powerhouse -- an 800-pound gorilla of college football, to be sure -- others, including TJOW, think otherwise. Why, you ask? Because those who broke the rules will not be punished. Instead, only the innocent will pay for the crimes: Players who weren't even at 'SC at the time will now be kept from post-season play and many will lose scholarships. Pete Carroll, the head coach at the time and now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks says he knew nothing. USC's athletic director also claims ignorance. Both likely received substantial bonuses following the football team's successes during the Reggie Bush years. And both are untouched by the NCAA's actions.

Way to go, NCAA! It took you too long and you got it wrong. You're 0-2. What a great example you're setting for all of us.

By the way, 'We knew nothing' sounds suspiciously like Bud Selig and those who run Major League Baseball when asked about steroids. Think they and the owners of ball clubs profited handsomely during the years Sammy, Mark and Barry were breaking home run records annually? Of course they did. Handsomely. And of course they 'knew nothing'. How very convenient.

Manning up, beautifully. From error can come humility, even humanity. You've heard the story: Armando Galarraga, of the Detroit Tiger baseball team, was one out away from a perfect game (a game in which no players from the opposing team reach base safely). But it was not to be, as the 1st base umpire, Jim Joyce, ruled wrongly that the 27th and last batter of the perfecto was safe on an infield grounder. A clear mistake, one more significant given that a perfect game is one of the most difficult accomplishments in baseball as evidenced by the fact that only 20 have occurred in the 100+ years of professional baseball.

In many ways, that's when the story begins. And a good story it is. Immediately following the game, Joyce reviewed videotape of the play and realized his mistake. In an act hopefully to be remembered for years, he admitted that he had blown the call. He sought out Galarraga, hugged him, said 'Lo siento' (I'm sorry) and started to cry.

The next day, Galarraga and Joyce met at home plate prior to the game during the exchange of line-up cards. Joyce, with tears in his eyes, shook his hand and patted him on the shoulder.

Imagine that. An error was made, accountability was accepted, a heart-felt apology was issued. In public.

Joyce manned up. Beautifully.

In the midst of this, Galarraga comported himself with grace. He never argued about the call and accepted Joyce's apology. A mensch, to be sure.

Keep this in mind: Mistakes do not define you. What you do immediately afterward does. Credit Oscar Peterson, the brilliant jazz pianist, for this observation.

The Pac-16 or 'So Long, Rose Bowl'. While we're talking sports, the Pac-10 will soon be the Pac-16. Colorado has already committed, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State will likely join the fast-expanding conference. (I know that's only 15 teams, but, never fear, they'll find another. Texas A&M? Hey, Notre Dame?)

Why is this happening? For the same reason anything happens in sports: Money. Yes, even in college sports. In this case, big money from TV.

And the outcome? No way do the California Golden Bears ever get to the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. They couldn't win the conference when there were only 7 other teams (the Pac-8), they couldn't win it when there were only 9 other teams (the current Pac-10), so why believe they'll ever win it when there are 15 other teams -- and one is USC, another is Texas and another is Oklahoma? Clearly, it will take a miracle of astounding proportions.

For this reason, I rekindle my call for the University of California to disband its football program. If you can't be #1 or #2 in the market, get out. It's time, Cal. Do the right thing. Now.

[Note: Since TJOW went to 'press', both Texas and Oklahoma schools declined invitations to join the Pac-10 (or -11, with Colorado). Not to worry. Cal still won't go to the Rose Bowl.]

Happy Birthday, TJOW! This weeks marks the one-year anniversary of The Job of Work. Thanks to all of you who have frequented the site, those who actually read the blog, those who commented, and those who appreciated the humor, the rants, the observations about the workplace and the events of the day. Your enthusiasm is contagious and continues to fuel the writing.

So, yes, in many ways it's all your fault.

Enjoy the week and, maybe, drive a little less, okay? It's the least we can do.