Attitude

I'm sure people sometimes wonder (although they don't really ask) about my attitude.

I've got one. I admit it. It comes across differently to different people -- and yeah, there are some who might call it "bad." But not to my face. I think most people who think they know me call it tough.

Basically, it's just attitude. I tell you what I think, when I think it. Occasionally, and unfortunately, my next thought is "I really should keep that to myself."

Hence, the attitude.

For those who wonder where it comes from though, it's in my Michigan roots and this sums it up perfectly: Apparently, WDIV, the NBC affiliate in Detroit that broadcast the Super Bowl, ran a disclaimer across the bottom of the screen EVERY TIME "analyst" Matt Millen appeared on-screen.

And it read thusly: "Matt Millen was president of the Lions for the worst eight-year run in the history of the NFL. Knowing his history with the team, is there a credibility issue as he now serves as an analyst for NBC Sports?"

I have to say that I was a bit, er, taken aback when I saw Millen giving viewers his thoughts during football's biggest game. It's kind of like if George Bush were to be hired by NBC as a stock analyst.

I'm not saying that just because Millen had absolutely no judgment when it came to staffing a football team and selecting talent that he couldn't effectively tell viewers what was happening on the field.

I am saying that you don't reward the guy that drives the bus off the cliff. I am saying that there were at least a handful of former coaches/execs out there that would have been a better, more respectable choice. And I'm saying I turned the volume off whenever Millen's mug showed up on the screen.

Way to go WDIV. Attitude? You betcha. Got a problem with that?

Save Tiger Stadium?

The City of Detroit is not known for making good decisions. Apparently, it has started (via contractor) the demolition of Tiger Stadium. Part of the fallout is a sappy column by Mitch Albom in the Detroit Free Press -- it's so cliche and formulaic that I'm not even giving you the link -- and a rush by a group called savetigerstadium.org to raise nearly $400,000 by Aug. 1.

Should Tiger Stadium be saved? I'm not sure. Detroit is full of vacant, crumbling buildings that are never turned into anything. It's also overrun with vacant, overgrown lots filled with rusty Stroh's cans and discarded tires. One person who not only makes a great case for saving the old park at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull is ladyinblue, but calls out the City Council. It's one of the best posts I've ever read about any subject and shows that there are people in Detroit who are intelligent, logical and care about the city. Refreshing after the headlines and youtube videos about the Roman circus that is Kwame and his council.

I don't know if I'll donate to save Tiger Stadium, but I know this person should run for mayor. Wow.