Divided No More

When I visited the Field of Dreams as a teenager, the division of the site crushed my cherished memories of its prestige of an earlier visit in childhood. I made a vow that I would one day buy both properties and return the field and movie site to what it rightfully should be (A Divided Heaven, 8/7/06). It appears now that I may no longer need to pursue that vow. The Des Moines Register reported today that Don and Becky Lansing, owners of "The Field of Dreams Movie Site", have acquired 93 acres from Rita Ameskamp, owner of "Left and Center Field of Dreams". The transaction ends a long, and at times bitter, business feud between the neighbors. I could not be more happy to see that the field is now under single ownership. My last hope is that the now sole owners can move the power lines that stretch through the middle of the field.

America's opinion of Bonds

A recent poll released by ESPN/ABC News apparently shows that, in general, blacks are on Barry Bonds' side, and whites are against him. The first thing to point out is that there is a 3.5% error margin among the total sample and 7% among the overpopulation of blacks sampled. Also, the fact that blacks were oversampled (i.e. polled at a higher frequency than shown in the total population) should also raise some flags about the results. I am not denying the fact that the trends shown in the poll are likely truths among blacks and whites across America, however its important to look at polls such as these with a little more scrutiny. Is 800 Americans (1/4 black) an true representation of baseball fans in this country? Probably not. Also, its a stretch for ESPN to tease the story by saying that "race has a factor" in peoples opinion of Bonds, which implies that your opinion is determined by your race, thats almost laughable scientifically.
That aside, I disagree with the findings of the poll. I find it absurd that Bonds states that he has endured challenges because he is black. "We go through a little bit more". HA! Your godfather is Willie Mays, your father (Bobby) wasn't half bad either. That made gave Bonds more attention from the get go that most. The comparisons between the threats received by Aaron and any negativity towards Bonds aren't founded either. The negativity Bonds receives is because he is a jerk and egotistical (note that death threats and racial slurs are never condoned). It's becoming apparent that Bonds will be breaking the all time record some time this season. I used to dread that moment, but I have now come to terms with that fact. Bonds can be the statistical leader, but I know in my heart that Aaron holds the true record and Ruth (to this point) is the best homerun hitter of all time. I no longer care how many homeruns Bonds has, I hope that Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols can stay healthy throughout the remainder of their respective careers and smash any records Bonds has or will set.