Master of deceit vs. Honoring a Master

The tale of two parallel super-stars, both have mastered the same unforgiving sport, the world of advertising, endorsements, printing money, the art of charity and locking down some pretty envious eye candy. However these two titans have detoured from parallel to blaze paths in clearly opposite directions. One was willing to risk it all and be lured by the carnal thoughts of his subconscious while the other was tested like few can relate. Re-hashing Tiger’s catastrophic and sophomoric plight is beyond redundant at this point. Although more has recently surfaced, to act surprised would be foolish, but to be appalled is totally natural. The latest in an ever growing list of strippers, pancake waitresses, party hosts, D list actresses and struggling (as if there is another kind) porn stars; Tiger now has a neighbors daughter clamoring to be another name on his dubious list. In recent days Raychel Coudriet, the daughter of one of Tiger’s neighbors is claiming to have had relations with Tiger in an office within eye shot of Elin Nordegren’s home. To what extent this has legs is neither here nor there at this point, but the level to which this man felt and acted as if morals, ethics and values did not apply to him has surpassed astonishing. Now to the other super-star and the personal and painful journey he has been enduring over the past 1.5 years. Phil Mickelson was blindsided with the same force he uses to mash his Calloway golf balls 300+ yards down the fairway, when it was revealed that not only his wife but also his mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Hearing catastrophic news at this level would surely bring most to their knees, and truth be told Phil did take an extended leave from golf to handle these affairs. But what makes this so ironic is that one of these men was revered as much amongst his peers and press as he was on the links amongst his fans. While the other has often been called stand offish, unapproachable and even arrogant. While Tiger was living a double life that even Hollywood screenwriters couldn’t create, he was still the people’s champ. He was giving Payton Manning a run on commercial appearances, was sculpting a physique that every man would kill for and was stockpiling money and tournament trophies like a stray dog collects fleas. And then there was Phil battling a very public family crisis. Still wearing shirts that might be considered to tight, speaking with a frankness that could be and was misconstrued as entitled and still getting slammed by the masses. This is where the two paths actually cross, taking on vastly different trajectories than before, ultimately shedding a truer light on the mindset of two golf phenoms. Tiger went into deny, cover-up and ultimately hide mode while Phil stood strong to answer questions asked by strangers on behalf of strangers that were tougher and more personal than any one person should be required to endure. As the Masters Golf Tournament revs up, all eyes will be focused on Tiger and how he will respond to competitive golf, after failing as a father, husband and icon. But Phil’s turmoil is still very real and as it is well known that cancer doesn’t discriminate, all the money, fame and accolades can’t buy one a free pass. The Phil haters will still be around, hopefully with a sense of compassion and the Tiger fans will hope and pray for a memorable Masters from their flawed leader. As far as memorable goes, take a look at this story the next time you wish ill will on Lefty, and remind yourself of it the next time you decide to chastise him for whichever imperfection you find deplorable.

Putting so much stock in another mortal, will most times more often than not, leave one feeling empty and betrayed.

What's in a day or what should be?

To properly give credence to this day that has given ulcers to parents, shock to employees and fear to un-wed high school boyfriends for years, The Levee has put together some real life situations that would have undoubtedly been better explained as Fools Day shenanigans, but as you will see this tomfoolery was not intended to fool anyone.

* Rep. Hank Johnson D-GA – Exerting the fear of island tipping. (Give Rep Johnson his due respect and please watch this in its entirety, 1:20 mark begins the greatness)

* After lying to the NCAA about meetings with Deion Sanders and being suspended for the rest of the season, one would think that Dez Bryant might take his self-thrown Pro Day as serious as anyone would take what is essentially a job interview. Well Dez did show up, but he forgot his cleats. That might not sound all that bone headed, but considering he is a Wide Receiver and football hinges on ones ability to out run or catch up to another man, this is the equivalent of a stripper reporting to work without her G (at a classy joint that is).

* More from the Politico front. Harry Reid D-NV, the worst thing to come out of Nevada since the Superbowl 43 point spread, shows his inability to take a task head on and proceeds to show his uncanny ability to speak out of both sides of his lying mouth.

The following will be offered without comment:

Ryan Leaf
Healthcare reform (Obamacare)
The Segway
Balloon boy incident
Tiger claiming that none of his confidants knew anything
Saved By the Bell, The College Years
Ricky Martin denying… …well never mind

All the humiliation, deceit and pain could have been avoided with one simple phrase… April Fools Day M-fer!!