Rockies vs. Catwoman

The Rockies have really been putting a cramp in my style. I would wager that the city of Denver is suffering a serious productivity problem. Do you know how hard it is to get anything done when the ultimate underdog team is in the World Series, and they're from your town? It's definitely Rocktober around here. Here's an example why.

Brian Fuentes was the Rockies' ace closer for the first half of the season. He went to the All-Star game in July. Things were looking great for him. Then he got hurt. He had a strained lateral that caused him to blow four straight saves. He was put on the DL and replaced by Manny Corpas, who now has done equally well as Fuentes. Fuentes healed his injury, but was relegated to set-up man. He could have taken the low road and labeled himself a victim, but he did not. Instead, this is what he said:

"I do it for my teammates. I played with these guys all year. Whining about not closing isn't going to help the situation. You only worry about the things you have control over, and that's not one of the things I had control over...Manny is our closer right now, and I'm going to help get the ball to him. It's not about egos. You've got to check your ego at the door. That's basically what it boils down to."

This attitude well represents all of the Rockies. One of the least-paid teams in the league, these guys are selfless team players who care about each other and working together. How can you not like this team?

Contrast the Rockies with Halle Barry. Barry recently stated that she faces barriers in Hollywood because she is black (For the record, her mother is English, her father African-American):

"It doesn't matter that I have an Oscar, an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Silver (Berlin) Bear...I shouldn't have had to try so hard to be considered. I should have to stop convincing studios I am right for it -- it should be on my acting merit."

I shouldn't have to try so hard to be considered. What a ridiculous thing to say for someone with the following resume:
1. Cheerleader, honor society member, editor of the school newspaper, class president and prom queen at Bedford High School
2. Winner of Miss Ohio USA and Miss Teen All-American (she only placed 6th at Miss World)
3. WInner of the Academy Award for best actress
4. Named the sexiest woman in the world by FHM magazine
5. Has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

I'm guessing she's not short on cash, either. Does she still perceive a measure of discrimination because of her skin color? Perhaps. And maybe some ignorant people do treat her with less respect because she is black. (They ought to treat her with less respect because she starred in "Catwoman". Just kidding.) To complain about it while sitting in your multi-million-dollar home, living a life that few people will ever know? This is the height of the victim mentality. Does she have to figure out how to make ends meet month after month like most people? Does she have to fight tooth-and-nail to land an entry-level job because people she doesn't know and will never see say she's not qualified (like I, a white male, had to do)? How many coupons does she use at the grocery store every week? Does she even go to the grocery store? I am sorry that Halle is discriminated against in Hollywood. Discrimination because of color is wrong, regardless of the circumstances. Perhaps, however, she should look at all of the blessings in her life, fall on her knees and thank God.

But I'd rather hang out with Brian Fuentes, anyway. Go Rockies!