#sailboatstudios

Sometimes the WWE leaves you not totally ashamed to be a wrestling fan. The product, when presented with dignity, leaves you euphoric or curious where we’ll go next. I entered my viewing of the 2020 Royal Rumble with expectations lower than dinosaur bones. I knew Raw’s champion Becky Lynch and challenger Asuka would have the best match of the night. I assumed the Women’s Royal Rumble would be a shit show.

I wrongfully assumed the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, entering the rumble in the number one spot would walk away victorious, or be thrown out by three-time champion Roman Reigns.

Well, Asuka and Becky did me proud. Making me yearn for the days where I briefly thought Asuka would become an indispensable part of the women’s division and not another clown in the circus as she’s sadly become since Charlotte Flair abruptly ended her title run on the eve of WrestleMania. As for Becky, as frustrating as her booking since storming the scene in the Summer of 2018 is, I appreciate she’s mostly been paired up with fantastic in-ring workers. In my mind, Asuka vs Lynch III should be a match for ‘Mania. The history is there between the two characters and the product will exceed expectations every time.

Then came the women’s rumble. Besides Bianca Belair there wasn’t any positive standout performances. Bliss and Cross did alright together as the early entrants (Bliss at #1, Cross at #4). Belair drew number two and eliminated eight contestants before meeting her end versus the almighty Charlotte Flair. What came after Belair’s departure was blast from the past Kelly Kelly who wasn’t good during her initial stint in the WWE a decade ago and hasn’t improved to say the least. And of course, Santino Marella dressed in drag. Poor Santino. Go watch his old matches, he’s quite talented. His only sin is he made Vince McMahon laugh one time.

NXT’s Shayna Baszler drew number 30 and proceeded to make up for missing most of the match. Elimination eight combatants in under five-minutes before, ultimately, meeting her end at the hands of Flair. Yes. Flair is your women’s royal rumble winner and will go on to WrestleMania to challenge for the Raw, Smackdown or even the NXT title.

Oh, boy.

First off, how can WWE expect us to give a shit about Baszler now that Flair’s made her look like a complete dope? Almost more importantly, it is rumored Flair will challenge not long time rivals Becky Lynch or Bayley for their respective titles, but chase NXT champion Rhea Ripley. Why? Because fuck you.

If that is indeed the endgame for Flair then you didn’t have to pencil her in as the rumble winner to make it happen. Baszler needed this win, she needed the steam to kick off her heel run and chase Becky’s title. Instead, she’ll merely be handed a title shot and we’ll be expected to fear her. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Like always, the WWE knows what must be done and blatantly doesn’t do it to screw their fans because simply, they can. They can fuck up Raw after Raw after Raw for the next thirty-years and still be in the black.

If nominated Bernie Sanders would act as a pallet cleanser for the big tent Democratic Party currently made up of poor, middle, working, upper, and professional class. While their Republican counterparts since the 1960’s have relied on disaffected white voters in the south, obvious vitriol for POCs. Regardless of how vile the Southern Strategy is, you can not deny it’s been a winner for the GOP. Sanders, a Democratic Socialist senator from the state of Vermont, doesn’t appeal to the wealthier brackets of voters. His call for raising taxes to facilitate his tentpole policies, like Medicare-For-All, Free College, and the Green New Deal, make the professional class uneasy. For those wishing for moderate reform and not a revolution, they flock to Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren after all of the Joe Biden alternatives faded off into obscurity.

We are beyond the stage of the race where we can say “It’s early.” It is no longer early. Though not a single state has voted you can assume the three names that’ll cling to relevancy until the Democrats convene in Milwaukee in July of 2020 is Biden, Sanders, and Warren. Thought to be hopefuls like California senator Kamala Harris saw her campaign disintegrated after Hawaii’s representative Tulsi Gabbard shined a bright light on Harris’ dark history as attorney general.

"I'm concerned about this record of senator Harris. She put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and laughed about it when she was asked if she ever smoked marijuana," Gabbard said at the debate.

She continues, "She blocked evidence that would have freed an innocent man from death row. She kept people in prison beyond their sentences to use them as cheap labor for the state of California, and she fought to keep cash bail system in place that impacts poor people in the worst kind of way."

The attack came out of nowhere. Neither candidate appeared to have any crossover with one another. Gabbard supporters are few, mostly online. Harris’ base is made up of rich, white liberals left over from the previous election when they unilaterally supported Hillary Clinton. In the previous debate Harris appeared to have launched herself into the top tier of candidates after boldly going after Vice President Biden for his opposition to school integration via bussing. Now most of Harris supporters are in the pocket of Warren. Meanwhile, Gabbard’s campaign failed to qualify for the third debate and looks ready to saunter off and exit stage left. Gabbard is an interesting character, one with many flaws and also great convictions. It is unclear whether the future for her is bright, dark or merely dim like most failed presidential candidates.

Sanders recently enjoyed a quiet post debate bump in the polls currently he is tied for first with Biden in the crucial primary state of California (voting March 3rd) at 26 percent apiece — senator Harris sitting pathetically fourth with 6 percent. While Biden stumbles and speaks incoherently just about everything, Warren dithers on the core tenants of the progressive movement, Sanders stands strong as the flag bearer of the elixirs that might cure this decaying body of an empire we call the United States.

Of course, we’d be naive to believe Sanders merely winning the plurality of the pledged delegates warrants his nomination. If neither candidate crosses the 1,885 delegates voting goes to a second round where a plethora of unpledged delegates, dubbed “Superdelegets” get to play a key, if not the biggest role in naming a nominee. If Sanders manages to wrangle the nomination from the cold, near-dead hands of Neolibalism virtually nobody would want to be anywhere near his campaign either out of not agreeing on political ideology or the common consensus of the party insiders that his campaign his doomed for historic failure. The ghost of George McGovern still looms large inside the psyche of many Democrats while the losers who posed themselves as moderates (Carter, Dukakis, Mondale, Gore, Kerry, H. Clinton) rarely get mentioned.

Usually, a running mate is chosen as a political strategy. Sometimes the candidate is from a swing state. Tim Kaine was from Virginia and didn’t bring much to the table other than he could potentially deliver the state to Clinton. But seeing as political realignment is a certainty in a Sanders vs Trump general election, it’s safe to assume Bernie, given his advanced age, will pick someone who is ready to succeed his movement if tragedy were to befall him.

The question is who? Most Democrats are conservatives on many issues, and shamefully act as Warhawks when they believe it to be politically expedite. Youngsters like Beto O’Rourke and Pete Buttigieg are diametrically opposed to Sanders’ in ideology. So is Harris.

Many believe Sanders’ running mate is likely to be Warren. The 2nd most progressive member of the United States Senate. The problem using this label as a benchmark is it’s pretty low. Warren is a fine, upstanding senator of a state susceptible to turning red when a seat is open. Scott Brown upset Martha Coakley for the vacant Ted Kennedy senate seat in 2010. Governor Charlie Baker trounced challenger Jay Gonzalez in his re-election bid. Right now right-wing Democrat Joe Kennedy owns up to $1.75 million worth of stock in oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron is challenging one of the Green New Deal’s strongest advocates in junior senator Ed Markey. Massachusetts is a relatively liberal state, but unknowingly flirts with neoliberalism daily. Warren needs to remain in the Senate not just to preserve the seat, but as a vote for Sanders’ agenda.

Warren is also problematic for her poor political instincts, her DNA fiasco and pledge to take corporate donor money once the primary is over.

Going down the list though you are hard pressed to find better alternatives.

Jim McGovern, 59 (MA-02, Worcester)

Rashida Tlaib,43 (MI-13, Detroit)

Tulsi Gabbard, 38 (HI-02, Honolulu)

Elizabeth Warren, 70 (MA senator)

Mike Capuano, 67 (MA-7, former)

Ed Markey, 73 (MA - State Senator)

Russ Feingold, 66 (WI - Senate)

Ben Jealous, 46 (Gub. Candidate Maryland)

Jamie Raskin, 56 (MD -8 rep.)

None of these names fuel the lust young people have for the complete upheaval of America’s capitalistic society. But the Democrats of the New Deal generation are either in their seventies or too young to run for President. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is the only self-identifying socialist politician and she legally cannot run until 2028. If elected to serve two terms Sanders would only preside the Oval Office until 2025 leaving a gigantic window of opportunity for neoliberalism to shuffle back into the Democratic Party and retake it.

It is truly a fascinating quandary what the second era of “BernieCrats” would look like, if the first one is legitimized in Sanders ascension to the presidency. Perhaps Gabbard will have molded herself into the complete progressive package people want to see in a potential successor. As of now, Gabbard stands as one of the most dovish voices in a political system overwrought with bloodthirsty ghouls. That’s not to see she is always against military intervention. Gabbard’s language specifically states she is against “regime change war” not total American conquest to facilitate the empire. Her ties to the right-wing leader of India Narendra Modi, while a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly he is thought to be complicit in the killing of nearly 2,000 people (790 Muslims) in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Gabbard’s remained silent on the issue and appears to have tied herself to Modi.

Other issues is her unwillingness to come out in favor of abolishing private insurance. In her defense, every candidate (including Warren) quiver at the idea of cutting the Goliath that is the healthcare industry down to size.

Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern is a lot like Gabbard without the baggage. McGovern is also better on the issue of immigration. Gabbard says we need to have stricter border laws. McGovern voted against various legislative efforts to restrict immigration. A vocal critic of the Iraq War, McGovern was one of the few dissenting votes, and pushed then-president Obama to provide a draw-down plan in Afghanistan.

The issue with Gabbard is it is potentially too soon to anoint her the successor to Sanders’ movement. If fortunate to serve eight-years The reign of Sanders could reshape the image of how conservative Democrats present themselves to survive in the new political climate. Harry S. Truman was a conservative southern Democrats known for union-busting before the reign of Franklin Roosevelt forced him to pivot to a moderate New Dealer to secure re-election. Perhaps after some time has passed Gabbard will join AOC as a fellow crusader for the Green New Deal, legislation Gabbard hasn’t said she supports. On the other hand, Gabbard did propose the “Off Fossil Fuels Act” and stood with Water Protectors at Standing Rock. There’s an activist inside her at war with her inner conservatism.

Noticeable omissions are Massachusetts representative Ayanna Presley, and president of Our Revolution Nina Turner. Pressley, once a Clintonite who dismissed Sanders’ ambitious plans as unrealistic found herself in a primary with entrenched progressive incumbent Mike Capuano winning solely on the fact she was a fresh face in a time when people believed leadership was getting too stagnant. But Pressley is no friend to fellow Justice Democrat Ilhan Omar. Pressley cast her vote in favor of Resolution 246, which condemns the Palestinian call for global solidarity in the form of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS).

Turner is a fire breathing progressive, a wonderful surrogate for Sanders and spokeswoman for his movement. Truly a fantastic organizer I don’t know if Sanders is smart to “promote” Turner to V.P when having her remain leader of Our Revolution or appointing her as his Chief of Staff would more than suffice.

Representative Rashida Tlaib is an under the radar candidate sure to galvanize an already energized base. Talib is an advocate for Medicare-For-All, the minimum wage to be raised to $18 to $20 an hour, and is for the complete abolishment of the Immigration Customs Enforcement agency. She is relatively young and inexperienced. I don’t know how’d she fare on the national stage.

Former president of the NAACP and previous Maryland Gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous is widely known amongst progressive circles online and is highly regarded. As an organizer Jealous helped register over 370,000 voters to the polls for the 2012 presidential election.

In his bid for the governorship many labor and progressive groups issued early endorsements of Jealous, including the American Postal Workers Union (APWU-Maryland), Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Nurses United, the Maryland State Education Association, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), UNITE-HERE, Democracy for America, Friends of the Earth Action, the Maryland Working Families Party, Our Revolution and Progressive Maryland.

Jealous won his party’s nomination running on a platform that included free college tuition, legalized marijuana, universal health care, and a $15 minimum wage. A small caveat is Jealous shrunk when an analyst for Circa News described him as a democratic socialist, referring to himself as a “venture capitalist.” Many progressives are hung up on Warren describing herself as a “capitalist to her bones” is the initial source for many Berners reluctance to switch their support.

The drawback to picking Jealous is he potentially can win the governorship in 2022. Jealous came in a respectable second to popular incumbent Larry Hogan 55 to 43 percent. Hogan is ineligible to run for a third term leaving Jealous in prime position to win the next time. Progressives will need to infect the legislative body with as many antibodies possible to pass a progressive agenda. If the political landscape looks different in 2024 or 2028 then progressives can afford to pluck repression liable to Republicans or Neoliberals.

If Markey is defeated by Kennedy in his primary then Sanders might as well call the 73-year-old and see if he isn’t ready to retire. Markey is more progressive than Warren. Markey is the biggest cheerleader besides Sanders for AOC’s Green New Deal. He is possibly the best candidate to assume the role of president of Sanders is unable to complete his term for whatever reason.

I reverse the outcomes of all the NFL Conference Title Games dating back to 1970 (one at a time) and decipher who would’ve won based off my hunches.

Super Bowl V:

Oakland Raiders vs San Francisco 49ers

What changed?: John Brodie doesn’t miss a wide open Ken Willard in the end zone, and 49ers kicker Bruce Gossett doesn’t miss his field goal to give San Francisco a 20-17 victory over Craig Morton and the Dallas Cowboys.

For Oakland, starting quarterback Daryl Lamonica doesn’t get injured by Baltimore Colts defensive back Bubba Smith and leads the Raiders to a hard fought victory on the road to reach the Super Bowl.

Football in the 1970’s was just a different animal. NFL Films deserves tons of credit for adding the crucial cinematic feel to the game adding needed layers to the dreary colors and slow-pace game of yesteryear. Going down the well for another sport, say basketball, isn’t as fun. Everything looks dull and lifeless. While the game isn’t lacking passion it’s lacking the thrills.

In the 70’s the Raiders and 49ers were the quintessential almost, but not quite franchises. Frequently finding themselves the whipping boys for the dynasties of their era. While the Raiders squeezed a Super Bowl out of the decade, Dick Nolan’s 49ers never got passed Tom Landry’s Cowboys. Losing to the Cowboys three straight years in the playoffs from 1970 to 1972, two of those defeats suffered in front of the hometown crowd. Back in those days, it didn’t matter San Francisco’s John Brodie was twice the quarterback as Dallas’ Craig Morton. Dallas’ “Doomsday Defense” raised Hell and dragged their mediocre signal-caller to Super Bowl V. When Dallas’ offense mustered a poultry 5 points against the Detroit Lions, the defense simply kept their opponents out of the end zone shutting them out entirely.

But in this universe, let’s set the stage for the ultimate Battle of the Bay Area. 35-year-old Brodie is the league’s MVP ranking first in passing yards (2,941) and touchdowns (24). Quite honestly, Brodie’s 1970 campaign is the most illuminating accomplishment considering the era of which it was done. On the other side, Oakland’s “Mad Bomber” between the years 1967 and 1969 dominated the supremely talented American Football League before its merger with the NFL in 1970. Lamonica recorded just 4 losses to go along with 36 victories. 89 touchdowns complimented with 9,775 passing yards. Lamonica was at the top of his game.

In their respective backfields, Gene Washington (1,100) and Ken Willard (1,048) lead San Francisco as duel 1,000 yards from scrimmage rushers. For Oakland, fullback Hewritt Dixon who’s accumulated 1,068 yards from scrimmage. Oakland enjoys the sure hands of veteran Fred Biletnikoff leading the team with 45 receptions. Washington dealt with dual responsibilities well leading his team in receptions (53) as well as rushing.

Football is a delicate game. Not as delicate as basketball, where whether or not you make your three-pointers is the difference between victory and defeat. Conversely, football comes down to multiple facets. You can have Tom Brady as your quarterback, have him light up the scoreboard and someone else can still screw the game up for him. It happens.

Fans like me and you don’t really understand the inner workings of the Patriots. We put too much stock into the eye test and our gut instincts. If we used those miniature computers we all have in our pockets we’d figure out this Patriots team is top-10 not only on offense, despite the loses of key personal from the previous season, but on also defense. Trey Flowers leads the team in QB hits (20), him and Deatrich Wise are the only two Patriots able to apply relative pressure. Luckily, the Patriots compensated by being excellent in other categories. Tying the Rams of Los Angeles with 18 total interceptions. And tying Denver and Miami with a total of 28 takeaways. New England executes with precision that’s been a staple of their defense for the last two-decades.

An off-season spent bemoaning the loss of Malcolm Butler, only for the Super Bowl hero to suffer his worst season of his career, the secondary for his former team improved dramatically. Opposing QBs rating is just 85.4, good for 7th in the entire league. This is thanks in large part to Stephon Gilmore having himself an All-Pro season, giving up just 4 touchdowns and 403 yards on the season. Rookie J.C Jackson and former Tennessee Titan Jason McCourty did their parts combing for 4 interceptions between the two of them and just 880 yards given up. In 2017, New England got by on mostly smoke and mirrors. Working around the weaknesses of personnel such as Jordan Richardson and Jonathon Badimosa. Opposing QBs rate was over 89, ranking 17th.

Even though the Patriots rank at the bottom of the league in sacks, they have formed a brilliant barrier to stifle teams passing games. While stopping the run continues to be worrisome, if the Patriots fall to make it out of the AFC it’ll be most likely the cause their defense allowing 112.7 yards per game on the ground. An inability to stop the run and to constantly pressure the quarterback will be New England’s undoing. Opposing teams third down conversation percentage sits at a comfortable 38.6. I’d hardly worry if I’m strolling into Foxboro needing three or fewer yards to convert a third down. The front-seven is the sole ones to blame for this issue. Allowing 5.3 yards per rush on 3rd downs

Adrian Clayborn, Malcolm Brown and Danny Shelton haven’t done much to inspire confidence. Derek Rivers just recorded his first sack. His season was spent bouncing on and off the injury list, recording his first career sack in the season-final against the Jets. Adam Butler and Lawrence Guy are the most dependable of the New England’s defensive front, along with the aforementioned Flowers.

Linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy haven’t missed a beat. Van Noy improved greatly since joining the Patriots in the middle of 2016. The 27-year-old registered second on the team in solo tackles (55), 5 of them being for a loss of yards. I believed the linebacker position would be a problem after rookie Ja’Whaun Bentley was loss for the year. It’s pleasantly surprising to see that area actually improve after his departure.