Skip to main content

The IF Factor: Questions Answered #391-400

391. If you were to describe the worst poverty you have ever seen, what would you say?

Easy. It would have to be where my father is from - Byera Hill on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I've been to a few cities and in some pretty rough neighborhoods, but without a shadow of a doubt, Byera was the worst I've ever experienced. All the homes were shacks or broken cinder blocks with makeshift roofing. No indoor plumbing in any of the homes with outside and shared community bathroom areas. Mostly everyone, including children were walking around with very little clothes and no shoes. 

Makes me appreciate the success story of my dad leaving home at the age of sixteen, eventually making it to the United States, and creating the American dream for himself and his family. 

392. If you could impose a heavy tax on any single item, what would it be?

A heavy tax on businesses that outsource over 25% of their positions overseas. I think the United States needs to do more in keeping jobs here at home.
393. If you were to name the most ridiculous lawsuit you have ever heard about, what would it be?

The teenage girl who filed a lawsuit against her parents who cut her off from their money when she refused to listen to them or abide by the house rules. Her lawsuit calls for the remaining tuition of her private high school education to be paid as well as her college education, and complete emancipation from her parents. 

Unbelievable. 

394. If you could spend next New Year's Eve doing anything, what would you do, and with whom?

Absolutely nothing. Sitting at home on the couch, reflecting on the year that was with my wife is perfect. Pretty much what I do every year, and I love it.

395. If you could have been present during the inauguration of any past President, whose would it be?

Easily, President Obama's. A historic inauguration for obvious reasons. 

396. If you could un-tax anything now currently taxed, what would you pick?

I would impose a tax-free rule on bottled water. Why? I'm not sure, but the idea of paying tax on purchasing water just seems very silly and overdone to me. 

397. If you could have season tickets for any team, sitting in an place in the stadium, which team would it be and where would you sit?

The Knicks. Madison Square Garden. Under the left basket, to the right of it. Seated right next to Jim Dolan. 

For the heck of it, my second pick would be Yankee Stadium, right next to the Yankees dugout. 

398. If you were to spend a week anywhere alone without contact with civilization, where would you go?

My answer as usual, the Caribbean. Probably Barbados, as I would like a flat island to travel around if I were by myself. 

399. If you had to choose a television personality to be president of the United States, who would you pick?

This is a tough one. It actually stumped me for a few minutes. After no real candidates come to mind, because after all, there is a reason these people are on TV and not running the country in some capacity,  I'm going with one of the MLB Network personalities. Possibly Harold Reynolds. At least he stands by his convictions and isn't afraid to admit when he is wrong. Although, hearing State of the Union addresses by Matt Vasgersian would be awesome. Sorry, this is by far the hardest question of this series.

I refuse to pick Oprah if that's who you were thinking. In my opinion, she would make such an awful president. 

400. If you had to be stuck for hours in any airport, which would you want it to be in?

Easily, JFK Airport here in New York City, Terminal 5, which is Jet Blue's terminal. A new, very clean, state of the art terminal with comfortable seating, televisions, charging stations, restaurants, bars, and of course, free (working) wifi.

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se