FULCRUM

Betting on the Big Stage: Six Picks for NFL’s Last Dance and NCAA’s Finale

January 4th, 2024

Alright, folks! Last week, we went 4-3, and honestly, we’ll take any winning week we can get. We did lose on the Raiders, Alabama, and the Chargers, but those were all fiercely competitive games, with the Raiders and Alabama looking like they might pull off wins in the fourth quarter.

On the bright side, we hit the mark with Iowa, and the under in that game paid out even better than expected. As I predicted, Oregon dominated their opponent. Notre Dame also came through for us by putting up points in the second half to clear the over, and Washington secured a solid win.

Washington +4.5 – The fact that Washington is getting points here is insane! They have smoked Oregon twice and just put a beating on undefeated Texas. Take Washington with the point +4.5!!!

Steelers -4 – The Ravens have the bye week locked up, I would be shocked if they played Lamar and their starters. Either way Pittsburgh is a solid team looking for a playoff birth. Take the Steelers -4.

Jets vs. Patriots Over 30.5 – The Jets’ vs. Patriots over is 30.5! Am I missing something, but to me, these teams have put up way more points against way tougher teams. Also, both coaches might be playing for a job. Hammer the over on this game!

Buccaneers -4.5 – The Panthers might be the worst team in the NFL in the last five years. Baker Mayfield is a winner and has hit his stride. Expect the Buccaneers to steamroll this team that the owner is throwing drinks at fans. Take the Bucs -4.5; they’re going to win by two touchdowns.

Raiders -3 – Denver vs. the Raiders: I truly believe in Aiden O’Connor as a QB, I also believe that Aiden and Coach Pierce are playing to take over as the new kids in school next year. Expect the Raiders to blow them out, take the Raiders -3. Let’s not forget that Sean Payton isn’t playing Russell Wilson, and who is his backup?

Chargers -3 – The Chiefs vs. Chargers. The Chiefs have locked in their spot, they’re most likely not getting a bye, and I would be shocked if Mahomes played. The Chargers’ staff and team are playing for new contracts next year, and their QB Stick can put up yards and touchdowns. Their kicker, Dicker, can consistently hit from 55 yards. Take the Chargers -3.

So, there you have it, my six-pack of picks for the week! Let’s aim for another winning week, boys!
Behind the Urban Façade: The Hollow Realities of Liberal Cities

December 30th, 2023

Living in cities can be the ultimate psychological challenge. Allow me to explain: cities are designed to push your human limits, often while providing public transportation, subpar social services, a lack of community, and a sense of grandeur when you snap a photo in front of a restaurant, business, or building that you’ll likely never own. Even if you did, government regulations can stifle any entrepreneurial spirit you may have.

Furthermore, cities offer a plethora of options, not all of them positive. It’s easy to encounter individuals who are single, childless, and lonely, especially in the aftermath of Covid. Waking up to sirens every day, dealing with constant petty and serious crimes, facing homelessness, high taxes, substandard living arrangements, and exorbitant rents is often touted as a form of culture!

If your primary reason for enduring life in a challenging Northeast or West Coast liberal city is the food, here’s a newsflash: you can find sushi in places like Las Vegas.
Tampons for men and allegations of rigged elections

December 30th, 2023

George Orwell’s quote from “1984,” “reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command,” feels remarkably relevant in today’s first world.

Firstly, the idea of men needing tampons is widely considered unnecessary. It’s a sentiment most people share. However, it’s perplexing when the head of a Canadian government publicly declares that men in the military will receive free tampons.

This raises questions about our society and culture. How did we reach a point where such statements not only gain attention but also elevate individuals to leadership positions in first world countries? It’s baffling.

The only plausible explanation is the power of persuasion. If they can convince you of almost anything, even something as scientifically implausible as men menstruating or giving birth, they don’t need traditional weapons or military might to control you. They control your mind.

This brings me to another argument I frequently make. If you believe that the most recent presidential election was rigged, let’s analyze it differently to check if your perception aligns with reality.

Imagine two businesses in the same industry, born in the same area, and selling their products or services in the same cities. One business consistently attracts enough customers to fill a football stadium, while the other struggles to reach a hundred customers, with a thousand being their best day. Which business is more successful?

Clearly, the one filling football stadiums multiple times over is the stronger business. If you truly believe that a man managed to consistently fill football stadiums with tens of thousands of people, while another struggled to gather a few dozen or a hundred at best, then perhaps your perception has been manipulated. It may be as simple as the media repeating the mantra that “this was the safest election in recorded history” for you to believe it.
Affordable Housing Illusions: A Closer Look

December 29th, 2023

Communism has seemingly infiltrated real estate! You might think I’m kidding, but the new Marxist woke ideology has quietly seeped into our culture in ways you can’t even imagine.

The idea of no evictions might sound great – after all, who wouldn’t want to say, “screw landlords,” right? Affordable rent and rent-controlled apartments should be more readily available, shouldn’t they?

But hold on a minute! Let’s start with the concept of affordable housing and rent control. Isn’t it convenient that every city in America with supposedly affordable housing (or a waitlist that’s out of control) also happens to have the least affordable housing? Isn’t it ironic that cities like San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and LA boast affordable housing programs and initiatives, yet their housing remains unaffordable? It can’t be a mere coincidence.

Here’s the simplest explanation: governments tend to use public money inefficiently. When governments manage affordable housing programs, they often become cumbersome and unaffordable for both the city and renters. Forcing landlords to build affordable units against their will leads them to accept tenants they’d rather avoid, which increases costs for market-rate units and landlords alike. That’s why much of the affordable housing ends up in poor condition. Landlords are reluctant to invest in units that bring too many headaches.

It’s amusing that places with the freest real estate markets tend to have more affordable housing options.

What they’re not telling you is that they’ve closed down essential psychological wards and put those individuals into affordable units, which disrupts communities. These people need help, not just free homes.

These policies are creating a class of people caught in an unending cycle, one they may never break free from. It’s important to recognize that this cycle appears to be deliberately perpetuated by their own government. While the idea of affordable housing and eviction bans may sound compassionate on the surface, the unintended consequences can be severe. Instead of empowering individuals and families to achieve financial stability, these policies can inadvertently trap them in a cycle of dependency, making it increasingly challenging to escape the confines of affordable housing programs. This raises questions about the true intentions and long-term effects of government interventions in the housing market.

Lastly, let’s talk about evictions! Marxism might be rooted in jealousy, but communism strives for equality. When you prohibit evictions for years over minor issues, or delay evictions for extended periods in cities like NYC, and allow felons, drug addicts, and the mentally ill to live in affordable units without rehabilitation, you create a hostile environment for real estate. I urge anyone reading this to look into what HRA in NYC is – it will astonish you.

The moral of this story is that communism isn’t just making headlines through news, education, or police reform. It’s creeping into communities through the guise of affordable housing. Let me make this clear: the notion that landlords are inherently bad is misguided. Most landlords are ordinary people trying to cover their mortgages, provide decent homes, and make a living. The majority of landlords are responsible and caring individuals. However, like everything else in the world, a few isolated incidents are used to fuel fear and hatred, misleading the public into thinking that most landlords are villains.

Here’s a newsflash: if you want cheaper rents, you’ll eventually realize that the real problem isn’t the landlord but rather the government.
From Epstein to the World: Unearthing Age of Consent Disparities

December 28th, 2023
For the longest time, I thought the age of consent was 18 across the world in all first-world countries. Perhaps I was young and naive, or maybe the world was indeed a more moral place a decade ago. However, it never really crossed my mind until two things happened: the appalling and heinous acts committed by Jeffrey Epstein throughout his life, from his dubious beginnings at Dalton to his astonishing ownership of an entire island and a townhouse in NYC. It seemed like an unlikely meteoric rise.

More recently, Japan, a first-world country known for its amazing modern technology and some of the longest-living people in its blue zones, had an age of consent that was shockingly low at 12! Yes, you read that right, 12 years old! I couldn’t believe it either. They recently raised it to 16, but the fact that it was 12 until just a few months ago was mind-boggling.

After hearing this news, I turned to ChatGPT to find out the age of consent across the world, and here’s what it came up with:
- United Kingdom: 16 years old (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), 16 years old (Scotland).
- Germany: 14 years old.
- France: 15 years old.
- Spain: 16 years old.
- Italy: 14 years old.
- Sweden: 15 years old.
- Netherlands: 16 years old.
- Belgium: 16 years old.
- Switzerland: 16 years old.
- Austria: 14 years old.
- Greece: 15 years old.
- Portugal: 14 years old.
- Denmark: 15 years old.
- Norway: 16 years old.
- Finland: 16 years old.
- Iceland: 15 years old.
- Ireland: 17 years old.
- Hungary: 14 years old.
- Czech Republic: 15 years old.
- Poland: 15 years old.
- Argentina: 13 years old, but there are additional restrictions for sexual activity with individuals between 13 and 16.
- Brazil: 14 years old.
- Chile: 14 years old.
- Colombia: 14 years old.
- Peru: 14 years old.
- Venezuela: 16 years old.
- Ecuador: 14 years old.
- Bolivia: 14 years old.
- Paraguay: 14 years old.
- Uruguay: 15 years old.
- Guyana: 16 years old.
- Suriname: 14 years old.
- French Guiana (Overseas Department of France): 15 years old (French law applies).
- Mexico: The age of consent in Mexico varies by state but is typically around 12 to 18 years old. Some states set it at 12 or 13 with certain restrictions, while others set it at 16 or 18.
- Guatemala: 18 years old.
- Belize: 16 years old.
- El Salvador: 18 years old.
- Honduras: 18 years old.
- Nicaragua: 18 years old.
- Costa Rica: 15 years old.
- Panama: 18 years old.
These statistics shocked me and made me realize that not only does the United States have one of the highest ages of consent, but more importantly, a majority of these countries have an age of consent under 16. It’s essential to reflect on this issue, especially in light of the appalling crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein. Perhaps the problem isn’t limited to Epstein but reflects a broader issue in our global culture. While I personally believe that the American standard is the right one in this regard, the fact that these countries have such low ages of consent is shocking and, in my opinion, wrong.

Epstein’s ability to exploit young women from around the world at such a young age forces us to confront the harsh reality that child sex trafficking is more prevalent than we realize. It may be worth looking inward and recognizing that our culture plays a significant role in driving these heinous acts. Initiating change starts with us, by fostering a culture that emphasizes values, family, and community, and by promoting the well-being of our children to combat these terrible crimes. Additionally, incorporating God and religion into our efforts to change this culture can be a powerful force for positive change, guiding us toward a more moral and compassionate society.
No More Hero Worship: Reevaluating Our Attitudes Towards Public Servants

December 27th, 2023

https://fulcrumsblog.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/no-more-hero-worship-reevaluating-our-attitudes-towards-public-servants/
December 27th, 2023

New Year, New Bets: 7 Predictions for the Upcoming Sports Action
New Year, New Bets: 7 Predictions for the Upcoming Sports Action

December 27th, 2023

Here are your seven picks for this upcoming weekend and the new year:

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts

Aiden O’Connell is a standout player who adjusts plays on the line and possesses a cannon for an arm. The fact that the Raiders are getting points against the Colts is intriguing. You can consider taking the Raiders straight up over the Colts.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

It’s surprising that the Chargers are getting +3.5 points against the Broncos. With Dicker’s ability to consistently hit 55-yard field goals, Stick’s talent when he avoids turnovers, and the team’s newfound energy after their former head coach was fired, it’s a good choice to go with the Chargers +3.5.

Notre Dame vs. Oregon State

Both of these teams are capable of putting up points, and a total of 41.5 points seems low for this matchup. While the game might start slow, it’s likely to end up going over that total.

Iowa Under 12.5 Points

I’ve consistently bet on Iowa for offensive and defensive unders throughout the year, and I firmly believe this team won’t score more than a touchdown and a field goal, if they’re lucky.

Oregon -16.5

When Oregon wins games, they tend to dominate their opponents. While Liberty had a nice run, the second string of Oregon could likely defeat this team convincingly.

Alabama +1.5

It’s hard to bet against Coach Saban, and giving his team points seems questionable. I’m riding with Alabama all day in this matchup.

Washington +4

Washington consistently wins games, and even though I’ve watched a fair amount of Texas games, I’ve seen Washington beat Bo Nix twice at his own game. Hammer Washington with the points!
No More Hero Worship: Reevaluating Our Attitudes Towards Public Servants

December 27th, 2023

I realize this may be an unpopular opinion, but it’s time we stop pandering to public servants, and in this article, I want to focus on the police. Before I delve into this topic, I want to make it clear that, like many Americans, my family and friends include teachers, cops, military personnel, and contractors. That said, it’s become increasingly apparent that the air has been sucked out of the room for the police, the public has turned against them, and, most importantly, their sense of purpose has eroded.

I firmly believe that before the COVID-19 pandemic, our police forces were exceptional at their jobs. Let’s look at the statistics. According to The Washington Post’s database of fatal police shootings in 2019, there were 14 unarmed Black victims and 25 unarmed white victims. In a country of over 300 million people, with one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, the number of unarmed individuals killed by the police was staggeringly small.

This statistical reality is nothing short of remarkable; it’s akin to a bullet hitting another bullet on a battlefield. The chances of such incidents are incredibly low. However, despite these compelling statistics that demonstrate discipline within the police force, a single isolated incident turned the country upside down.

The Los Angeles Police Department, like many others, has a motto: “To protect and serve.” Unfortunately, in many liberal cities and states, it feels like this motto has become an empty platitude. We frequently hear that the rank-and-file officers are good people. But if they are indeed good people, why have they collectively allowed some of the worst individuals to rise to the top of their forces? Why do they continue not to protect and serve when the laws have not changed? The answer lies in the fact that laws are only enforceable if the culture agrees or if officers are not constantly living in fear of imprisonment or media scrutiny for simply doing their job.

However, it’s crucial to remember that while we didn’t take the oath, they did. The oath they swore means something, honor should mean something, and the fear of losing a job should not outweigh the greater good. Yet, in a culture where oaths hold little value and honor is fading, we find ourselves in a lawless society.

I don’t have all the answers, but one thing is clear: we must stop perpetuating the narrative that there are only a few bad apples in positions of power while the rest are all virtuous. They are not all virtuous; they are often followers who lack the honor to uphold their duty to protect and serve.
December 27th, 2023

Sick of the Whining: Debunking the ‘Unattainable’ Homeownership Narrative