Diehard Otis

I know I can't wait to see more than 2 series of play from The Starters this week. C'mon Saturday!

Be nice to Baltimore? Maaan, that's against the rules! And yes, sometimes it does take an ass kicking to motivate you. Such is life.

And now for your kool-aid-drinking-unreasonably-optimistic moment: The benefit of that no-show in the landfill known as Baltimore is motivation. What I mean is that this humbling Preseason flop should not only motivate The Players, but most importantly it should motivate The Coaches. Yes, I know they should have been motivated already. But there are times when a good ass whuppin' achieves the best results going forward for all parties concerned. I personally believe that this will be one of those times. Skins'll be alright.

Thank you sir! My sincerest regards, Otis

Those are...interesting thoughts. Yup. The dixie thing is definitely on the money. Anyhooooo.... shouldn't The Team be wrapping up Training Camp, or are they going back to Richmond for another couple'a days? I seem to remember that they end Camp to begin the Preseason schedule.

Uhhh....I dunno about that one dog. Now don't get me wrong here: in my opinion, a case could be made for Burfict being the best Middle Linebacker in The League - but that comes at a cost: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/low-hit-by-vontaze-burfict-leads-to-heated-fight-at-bengals-training-camp/ (2017) http://deadspin.com/vontaze-burfict-shamelessly-flops-gets-steve-smith-in-1789401858 (2016) http://deadspin.com/nfl-will-review-vontaze-burficts-latest-dirty-hit-1787874962 (2016) http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/steelers-move-on-after-winning-field-goal-set-up-by-att-1752062446 (2015 Post Season) https://twitter.com/CharlieBatch16/status/676109712107159552?ref_src=twsrc^tfw (2015) http://deadspin.com/vontaze-burfict-is-back-to-committing-post-play-misdeme-1645592298 (2014) http://deadspin.com/vontaze-burfict-draws-a-penalty-with-a-ball-tap-1367347719 (2013) While I understand the point you're trying to make here @CTskin, I would argue that we're better off not being the type of Organization that constantly brings in problem guys, troublemakers, & malcontents. Would you really want The Redskins Players behaving like the Cincinnattis of The NFL? I wouldn't. Besides...we've got Ballplayers here too. And they don't go out like that (be advised, I'm sure we'd agree that Norman gets singled out but is NOT a troublemaker). I'm glad. I strongly disagree. I wouldn't want to bring in guys that have the potential to bring those kinds of headaches to DC. My regards to Ashburn for steering clear of low character guys.

I stole this from the comments section of a story on The Skins in The Post: I'll take it!

For my money, if we're not gonna go with the Burgundy pants for Away games, then I'd like to see the all White Away uniforms.

Redskins Football is BACK!

I'm coining a new term for this - Redskins Bias. There's no other way to explain it. Taking a step back would be a reasonable call from a national press outfit due to this or that factor. But 5-11??? That's pure nonsense! I expect us to be competitive again this year - but of course we get poormouthed by the Football Press. ...in other news, scientists predict that this summer will continue to be hot & we can expect chilly temperatures this coming winter.

While I do agree with the highlighted portion, there can be no doubt that massive job elimination in any industry can not only cripple certain segments of the society, but also affect specific communities - as well as erode the tax base of an entire state. (examples would be the [former] industrial Midwest & the Appalachian states of Kentucky, West Virginia, & parts of Virginia - after the collapse of the coal economy). Retraining programs typically don't reach the most affected workers, ie those older workers that have developed and honed an obsolete skill set. The younger workers typically move on more easily, since they weren't as heavily invested career wise. In other words, some have the ability and wherewithal to move on, but not everyone can be saved. Previous instances of economic dislocation have proved this. As I have said before, there is a cascading effect. My intent is not to cry gloom & doom, but to illuminate a serious issue that most of us don't know is coming.

It looks as though we disagree on this issue. And that's fine with me - I have my beliefs and you have yours. That is simply the nature of things. However... 1) In your response, you mentioned that the data disagrees with my assumptions. Thing is, those weren't MY assumptions! They are the comments of a poster in the comments section of the link that YOU shared. Here they are again, for your convenience: You are taking issue with HIS remarks, in your post; not mine. 2) As I mentioned earlier, you are free to disagree with me as you see fit. Obviously, you do not need me to tell you this. However, I must ask you respectfully - did you bother to read any of the links I shared in any of my posts? Because speaking honestly, it appears doubtful that you have (based upon your subsequent commentary). The link you provided was an opinion editorial of the author's views on the subject--specifically 'robots'. But of the 11 links in my posts that I have shared to buttress my argument, -1 was to another ES thread on a separate topic, but showed the effects of a local economy that collapsed due to the erosion of jobs from a defunct industry. I personally felt it was relevant to the discussion. -1 was an article that refers to an Op-Ed by Stephen Hawking, whose views on the matter I concur with. -1 was a report from Technology Review, an M.I.T site that...well, discusses technology based (and related) issues. -5 were articles pulled from standard press outlets--that are generally agreed upon to be credible--that have done serious reporting on this issue. -1 is a report from the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation, in partnership with Cisco that details the conclusions from their joint study (in PDF form, although it can be read through your browser - no need to download anything). -1 is a piece by an industry group that quotes Google on this issue. -1 a quote from the Op-Ed that Hawking wrote himself Here are those links again for your perusal: http://es.redskins.com/topic/414355-wp-disabled-and-disdained-plus-all-things-white-rural-america/ http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/21/the-real-reason-for-disappearing-jobs-isnt-trade-its-robots.html https://www.technologyreview.com/s/515926/how-technology-is-destroying-jobs/ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/21/upshot/the-long-term-jobs-killer-is-not-china-its-automation.html http://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-hawking-ai-automation-middle-class-jobs-most-dangerous-moment-humanity-2016-12 https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/upshot/as-robots-grow-smarter-american-workers-struggle-to-keep-up.html https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/01/stephen-hawking-dangerous-time-planet-inequality http://www.businessinsider.com/robots-will-steal-your-job-citi-ai-increase-unemployment-inequality-2016-2?r=UK&IR=T https://www.fowcommunity.com/blog/future-work/5-industries-being-most-affected-artificial-intelligence http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/17/man-vs-machine-ai-could-put-you-out-of-a-job.html http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/industry-solutions/digital-vortex-report.pdf (and this excludes the 3 links referenced in a quote used in one of those prior posts) In summary, my point in this is to prove that there are many well placed & prominent people, organizations, educational institutions, and press outlets that believe this to be a legitimate issue going forward in the modern information-based economy (that means that it will also be an issue in other countries besides ours). I believe this to be the case as well. And here in my post, I have provided some proof to validate my claim(s). So my question to you is, where's your proof?

Going purely by memory here... I believe that Alfred didn't have a "good season" his last year here because he was never allowed to get into a rhythm during ballgames. I remember several times that during that season, The Skins would give him the ball between the Tackles, and he'd get like a 2 Yard Gain, then get pulled to the sidelines for 10 or 15 plays. It was crazy! But I am definitely not bitter about it. ----------------------------------------- I almost forgot- Thank you @Cooleyfan1993 for answering my question.

Quick, dumb question here. Is Matt Jones still on the roster? (and YES, it still bugs me that Alfred Morris was fired for a guy that didn't last an entire season as his replacement)

Thank you for sharing @Elessar78. And I cannot quibble with your views above much, if at all. And as you note yourself, we must be aware of the costs that are associated with the benefits. That's where I am. Again, I am no Luddite! In fact, I believe that the ultimate security is achieved when everyone (that wants to) has equal access to opportunity and prosperity. Given that belief, I wouldn't mind keeping some inefficient processes in place if it meant that my neighbor could keep his job & maintain his standard of living (and his field remained a net contributor towards economic productivity). Yet I know that this will not be the case going forward. ------------------------------------------------------------- I disagree with Dean Baker here (the author of this Op-Ed). In fact, one of the posters in the comments section wrote this: @PeterMP Although I specifically mentioned 'robots' in my earlier post, it was a colorful way of referring to the automation taking place in the modern economy due to technological improvements. Saying robots is just easier. In that light, there are a great many individuals that have expressed varying degrees of reservation, including: Steven Hawking "the automation of factories has already decimated jobs in traditional manufacturing, and the rise of artificial intelligence is likely to extend this job destruction deep into the middle classes, with only the most caring, creative or supervisory roles remaining." https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/01/stephen-hawking-dangerous-time-planet-inequality Erik Brynjolfsson (M.I.T. economist) "This is the biggest challenge of our society for the next decade." & Lawrence H. Summers "This isn’t some hypothetical future possibility. This is something that’s emerging before us right now.” https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/upshot/as-robots-grow-smarter-american-workers-struggle-to-keep-up.html In fact -- A report put out in February 2016 by Citibank in partnership with the University of Oxford predicted that 47% of US jobs are at risk of automation. In the UK, 35% are. In China, it's a whopping 77% — while across the OECD it's an average of 57%. http://www.businessinsider.com/robots-will-steal-your-job-citi-ai-increase-unemployment-inequality-2016-2?r=UK&IR=T -- According to recent research from the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation, executives across 12 industries predict an average time to disruption of 3.1 years. http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/industry-solutions/digital-vortex-report.pdf -- Google estimates robots will reach levels of human intelligence by 2029, and IT research firm Gartner estimates that by 2025, one-third of jobs will be replaced by robots and smart machines. https://www.fowcommunity.com/blog/future-work/5-industries-being-most-affected-artificial-intelligence -- As technology and artificial intelligence (A.I.) advances, jobs in banks and offices are set to be replaced by automation, according to industry experts. http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/17/man-vs-machine-ai-could-put-you-out-of-a-job.html I think you get the idea. With all due respect, we disagree on this issue my friend.

I can get with this to some extent - thank you @gbear. Obviously, my lifestyle involves taking advantage of modern conveniences (I am discussing this issue on the internet in the comfort of my air-conditioned home). Please don't misunderstand me; I like gadgets, and going places and self checkout lines too. But I am mindful of their cost. That is my main point. Go ahead and laugh. But those that have studied this issue know full well what I speak of.

I agree with the highlighted portion of your comment. There is no disputing that, since it is a fact. But I think you're being a little too dismissive here. Automation does have a litany of social benefits. But by the same token, there are some serious societal costs that need to be understood along with it. When jobs get eliminated by technological improvements, they do not come back. To wit, this excerpt from The New York Times article I referenced earlier: What concerns me is that most people don't understand what far reaching effects this will have. What scares me is how the steady erosion of jobs in this economy will affect social cohesion. The question is, what happens to these people after their jobs disappear? Yes, some do find other work. Typically they find worse work (ie, lower wages and inferior benefits). And there is a reliable spike in social welfare benefits recipients in those communities most affected. And that is a big deal. But not to be outdone, automation is an equal opportunity job killer. And since you guys think I'm being too paranoid, consider Stephen Hawking's views on this topic: http://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-hawking-ai-automation-middle-class-jobs-most-dangerous-moment-humanity-2016-12 I submit that if you were to look at the available data, you may see things a bit differently.

This news genuinely frightens me. My sentiment is motivated by by the damaging ripple effect it will have on the domestic economy. If this project does indeed come to fruition and is put online, how many jobs will be permanently eliminated due to a more efficient mode of transportation (here in the most populous corridor of the country)? And we're talking about quality, good paying, living wage jobs. The kinds of jobs that people not only support their families with, but transportation is a field that many individuals build productive careers in. Think about it. (For those of you that live in the Northeast) if you were to travel to New York tomorrow, how would you do it? Would you fly? Take a train? A shuttle bus? Hell...an Uber? Well even if you drive, the very act of you travelling supports commerce and contributes to economic productivity. Someone has been trained to fly that jet, or engineer that train, or drive that bus. And besides, there are support jobs that must be competently filled in order to facilitate your journey. There is a ripple effect. Now say this hyperloop is an option. Sure, not everyone travelling to NY will consider that option, but what happens if 15% of the market does? How many jobs will be eroded by its existence? Will that dip in tax receipts make a noticeable difference to the states and local governments along that route? Or would it be more of a hidden cost? Our shifting economy does have benefits. Of course! But there are tangible costs as well: http://es.redskins.com/topic/414355-wp-disabled-and-disdained-plus-all-things-white-rural-america/ https://www.technologyreview.com/s/515926/how-technology-is-destroying-jobs/ http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/21/the-real-reason-for-disappearing-jobs-isnt-trade-its-robots.html https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/21/upshot/the-long-term-jobs-killer-is-not-china-its-automation.html Technology kills jobs. This development, along with the country's changing demographics, and the structural fragility of the economy are the most critical issues of our lifetimes. Think that's hyperbole? Okay. But how do you envision whole segments of our population behaving when there simply aren't enough jobs in our economy to employ folks at 2017 levels? And to be clear here, I'm talking about people that not only want to work but participate as labor or management in our economy presently. I fear social dislocation. Because the robots are coming. Let me end with this: ever find yourself in the store ready to check out & you gravitate to the self-checkout line - because it's easier? Think about that.

Funny, I'm going to the Preseason Packers game with a bunch of work buddies myself. Heck, enjoy the game! (as always, right?)

....is it Training Camp yet? This waiting around for the 26th is agony!

I have been lurking in this thread for a little over a day now and have decided to get off the sideline. 1) As for the Minneapolis fiasco, as tragic as it is, my hope is that this latest shooting tragedy will spur some serious motivation to tackle police brutality in this country. When I first learned about it, my instinctive reaction was anger. And as the details trickle in, my anger has morphed into apprehension. Speaking plainly, a Black Muslim cop killing a White Woman unjustifiably in America can transform a hot-button issue into a nuclear one. Particularly in that local community. 2) As a result of this latest scenario, I expect that the issue of officer-involved shootings to get far more intense scrutiny going forward. From my vantage point, it seemed that the general consensus (outside of the Black Community) on these types of shootings has been one of uncomfortable indifference, in the manner of "it's terrible how they're treated, but whaddiya gonna do?" Until now. In fact, I agree with what Shaun King of the New York Daily News wrote in his latest Op-Ed. Perhaps now the general public will be in reform minded mood. 3) As for Black Lives Matter, I support them. And I also generally agree with @Llevron, @grego, & @BenningRoadSkin at various points throughout the discussion (wassup Benning Road? Iverson Mall, Silver Hill & all o dat!! ). But frankly speaking, the out-of-control behavior of police departments throughout the country led to the creation of BLM. The phenomenon of (typically) Brothers getting sparked on video over and over again is painful and infuriating. I refuse to watch it. And in addition to those videos, I've had my share of bad dealings with the badges too. That is, I've experienced aggressive police behavior and seen it - several times over the years. In different states. And it's typically done with a ****-you-what're-YOU-gonna-do? brand of arrogance. Before AND after the cellphone camera. And I don't have a criminal record. Furthermore, I've never committed a felonious crime, nor have I even been tried for one. But them boys have sure been on my back. Just like they've hassled neighbors of mine, coworkers, homeboys...you get the idea. So when a group folks stand up & shout Black Lives Matter - I know where they're coming from. And I support 'em. 4) Lastly, I appreciate the dialog taking place in this thread; I really do. For better or worse, it is on the various message boards on the net where the real conversations take place. And we can all agree on this, or disagree on that. But the bottom line is it's largely my demographic that is literally in the crosshairs every day. For instance, have you ever woke up in the morning or gotten off work that evening and thought I could lose the lottery today. I have. And that's the difference.

This seems like the appropriate thread for this: If you can get past the annoying computer generated voice software, this is truly fascinating stuff. This video is in the vein of 'if you want to get the whole picture, include the business angle' - which is mandatory in order to gain any cogent understanding of political affairs.

YES! It is truly ridiculous, but read it for yourself here. And I quote: Truly defies reason & common sense, doesn't it?

I saw this one a few weeks ago. The really interesting part of the story is that the gun in question was a Desert Eagle!!! (for the uninitiated, that's a .50 caliber handgun - that thing has the power to pierce through a refrigerator to destroy its target!!) Yup. This firearm shoots those LARGE rounds. And those kids thought that an encyclopedia could stop that round. It's simultaneously comical and sorrowful.

I don't know if I can handle it! Over the years, I have managed my Football withdrawal pretty well (baseball helps - a lot!) But I'm starting to get that feelin' again...