Sorry folks. I just haven't been able to keep this blog going. It's not that it hasn't been fun or anything. It's that the Chinese censors won't allow me to view my finished product. Which also means I cannot view any comments left by visitors.
So, for now, I'm departing this blog. I have many other spaces online that you can view. You can find me at www.gather.com (I'm on there somewhere). And you can join that site too... it's actually a pretty nice site.
And for some reason, I joined another site that has promised to give me a few dollars for my writing that I don't care to publish in any reputable places... you can see some more stuff there at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/11276/matthew_lubin.html
Anyway, I'm staying in China for another year at least. Sticking with the same school. And perhaps when I obtain Internet access in my apartment, I will find a way to fix all my technical difficulties with the blog (as well as other sites).
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
"A World Without Thieves" Review
“A World Without Thieves” (Chinese title: Tian Xia Wu Zei), a film from writer/director Feng Xiaogang based on the original novel by Zhao Benfu, tells the story of a con couple facing a moral dilemma while traveling by train through the mountains of China. The Wangs’ trouble begins soon after the opening in which they blackmail a businessman in order to extort his BMW. On their way through Tibet, Wang Li (played by Rene Liu) mysteriously calls it quits from her life of crime, claiming that there’s nothing but money between her and Wang Bo (played by Andy Lau). In her journey outside the car, she encounters the young and naïve carpenter, only known as Dumbo (played by Wang Baoqiang). Dumbo has just decided to take the 60,000 Yuan he has earned working in the town back to his unnamed village so that he can buy a house and find a wife. Their encounter is brief and friendly, yet profound. They meet again the following day at the train station along with Wang Bo. In his trusting and naïve manner, Dumbo is speaking loudly about the money he is carrying with him and shouts, “Which one of you is a thief.” The irony of his question is that his entire journey is surrounded by a consortium of thieves led by Uncle Li (played by You Ge).
The film is very entertaining from the beginning. There is humor and drama almost instantly. However, this doesn’t last long enough. The only dynamic characters to exist in this world are Li and Bo—everyone else is a basic two-dimensional character with predictable roles and motives.
This is a far cry from an artistic film. It does manage to have a few beautiful scenic clips of the Tibetan landscape as the train rolls through the vast countryside. Feng tends to over use the slight-of-hand, slow-motion images of thieves dueling with razor blades. It’s a nice touch when watching them steal wallets and small electronics from worshippers at a Buddhist temple, but it gets old after that.
It seems that the premise of the film is simply that there are three kinds of people in the world: the naïve, the thieves, and the cops. It is filled with escapism in all forms—from figurative to literal escapes involving moral and physical dilemmas.
There are quite a few truths to be found in the course of the movie. Dumbo proclaims that “People can’t be worse than wolves.” In his innocence, he believes that if a wolf won’t harm him, why should another human. Another truth to be told is, “This century’s most expensive commodity is talent.” Although it was said in reference to finding good thieves to join Uncle Li’s gang, it hold true for many other aspects of life.
There is nothing wrong with spending nearly two hours with “A World Without Thieves”. It’s a fine piece of entertainment and enjoyable. It even contains a decent amount of humor. Just don’t expect anything more than that.
On a side note: the subtitles are very good (unlike many films I’ve seen on television in China) and the film was nominated for Best Asian Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards 2005.
The film is very entertaining from the beginning. There is humor and drama almost instantly. However, this doesn’t last long enough. The only dynamic characters to exist in this world are Li and Bo—everyone else is a basic two-dimensional character with predictable roles and motives.
This is a far cry from an artistic film. It does manage to have a few beautiful scenic clips of the Tibetan landscape as the train rolls through the vast countryside. Feng tends to over use the slight-of-hand, slow-motion images of thieves dueling with razor blades. It’s a nice touch when watching them steal wallets and small electronics from worshippers at a Buddhist temple, but it gets old after that.
It seems that the premise of the film is simply that there are three kinds of people in the world: the naïve, the thieves, and the cops. It is filled with escapism in all forms—from figurative to literal escapes involving moral and physical dilemmas.
There are quite a few truths to be found in the course of the movie. Dumbo proclaims that “People can’t be worse than wolves.” In his innocence, he believes that if a wolf won’t harm him, why should another human. Another truth to be told is, “This century’s most expensive commodity is talent.” Although it was said in reference to finding good thieves to join Uncle Li’s gang, it hold true for many other aspects of life.
There is nothing wrong with spending nearly two hours with “A World Without Thieves”. It’s a fine piece of entertainment and enjoyable. It even contains a decent amount of humor. Just don’t expect anything more than that.
On a side note: the subtitles are very good (unlike many films I’ve seen on television in China) and the film was nominated for Best Asian Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards 2005.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
The piracy of Hollywood
Today I saw a news blurb that said the American film industry is backing a lawsuit by the WTO against Chinese film piracy. I have two views on this issue.
The first view is that product piracy is rampant in China. There are knock-off products everywhere in this country. They even have forged artwork of Chinese artists. This is nothing new around here. And China has been stepping up efforts to reduce pirated and forged products. However, this is very difficult in such a large country with enormous cities and secluded rural communities. At least the government here is making an effort.
On the issue of movies...
Go ahead an try to find a real copy of a Hollywood film. I dare you. It's almost impossible. And if you do find one, it'll cost a week's pay for an average Chinese citizen. Hollywood needs an economics lesson. First, China could be the world's largest market for films, if the industry understood the country. Second, there isn't a lot of money to go around among the average citizen. There are plenty of menial jobs here that only pay about 1000RMB per month. The minimum wage is about 850RMB/month. The conversion rate is approximately 8RMB to one U.S. dollar. Going to the movies in China costs about the same as going to the movies in the U.S. In Shanghai, the theater costs 80RMB. Now think of the cost of a pirated DVD. It costs on average 10RMB for one DVD. And many of those DVDs are of high quality. Here is the simple economics. $10 to a person in the U.S. isn't that much to spend on a movie. Sure it seems like it, but when you're making $30,000 a year it's not so bad. Think about a person making 30,000RMB a year (which is pretty good by Chinese standards) and paying 80RMB for one movie. That's a big difference percentage-wise. If Hollywood wants to make money in the Chinese market, it must rethink it's economics. You can't charge people the same price in different regions when the standards of living vary so greatly. I can guarantee that if Hollywood charged 15-20RMB for a movie in China, the piracy would lessen significantly and theater attendance would increase. All of this would mean large profits for studios.
And that is today's economics lesson.
The first view is that product piracy is rampant in China. There are knock-off products everywhere in this country. They even have forged artwork of Chinese artists. This is nothing new around here. And China has been stepping up efforts to reduce pirated and forged products. However, this is very difficult in such a large country with enormous cities and secluded rural communities. At least the government here is making an effort.
On the issue of movies...
Go ahead an try to find a real copy of a Hollywood film. I dare you. It's almost impossible. And if you do find one, it'll cost a week's pay for an average Chinese citizen. Hollywood needs an economics lesson. First, China could be the world's largest market for films, if the industry understood the country. Second, there isn't a lot of money to go around among the average citizen. There are plenty of menial jobs here that only pay about 1000RMB per month. The minimum wage is about 850RMB/month. The conversion rate is approximately 8RMB to one U.S. dollar. Going to the movies in China costs about the same as going to the movies in the U.S. In Shanghai, the theater costs 80RMB. Now think of the cost of a pirated DVD. It costs on average 10RMB for one DVD. And many of those DVDs are of high quality. Here is the simple economics. $10 to a person in the U.S. isn't that much to spend on a movie. Sure it seems like it, but when you're making $30,000 a year it's not so bad. Think about a person making 30,000RMB a year (which is pretty good by Chinese standards) and paying 80RMB for one movie. That's a big difference percentage-wise. If Hollywood wants to make money in the Chinese market, it must rethink it's economics. You can't charge people the same price in different regions when the standards of living vary so greatly. I can guarantee that if Hollywood charged 15-20RMB for a movie in China, the piracy would lessen significantly and theater attendance would increase. All of this would mean large profits for studios.
And that is today's economics lesson.
Monday, April 03, 2006
idiots and rants and apologies
First the apologies:
I am very sorry I haven't been keeping up with this blog. I will have some movie reviews soon... I promise. I have been seeing some in China. I will probably try to write a couple short ones of "Good night, and good luck" and "Walk the line". Here's the preview: positive.
Also, if anyone is interested in seeing photos of China (I have been to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, and Zhouzhuang), let me know and I'll send you a link or something.
On the rant end:
I recently received this anonymous e-mail about my blog. I think this refers to my little observance of a performance in Shenzhen catering to foreigners and the terrible translations that we were provided. The person who sent the e-mail must be more of a pompous jackass than I am without a sense of humor. All I have to say is, "the sauce explodes the chicken rabbit." (Credit must be given to the Yangshuo dumpling restaurant for that one.) And I have a few dozen other really funny translations for you... some others weren't even put into English--like the sign that said, in Chinese, something about selling "stupid chicken and duck".
This is unedited from the e-mail.
Re: your blog, Dec. 27 The English program made no sense? Have you ever considered that English is a foreign language in China? You should be thankful that the event organizers even made an attempt to use English. They didn't have to. An attempt was made to communicate with you and you critiized it. You're not in Kansas anymore. Should the world bow down to you and your language. Are you that important?
I am very sorry I haven't been keeping up with this blog. I will have some movie reviews soon... I promise. I have been seeing some in China. I will probably try to write a couple short ones of "Good night, and good luck" and "Walk the line". Here's the preview: positive.
Also, if anyone is interested in seeing photos of China (I have been to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, and Zhouzhuang), let me know and I'll send you a link or something.
On the rant end:
I recently received this anonymous e-mail about my blog. I think this refers to my little observance of a performance in Shenzhen catering to foreigners and the terrible translations that we were provided. The person who sent the e-mail must be more of a pompous jackass than I am without a sense of humor. All I have to say is, "the sauce explodes the chicken rabbit." (Credit must be given to the Yangshuo dumpling restaurant for that one.) And I have a few dozen other really funny translations for you... some others weren't even put into English--like the sign that said, in Chinese, something about selling "stupid chicken and duck".
This is unedited from the e-mail.
Re: your blog, Dec. 27 The English program made no sense? Have you ever considered that English is a foreign language in China? You should be thankful that the event organizers even made an attempt to use English. They didn't have to. An attempt was made to communicate with you and you critiized it. You're not in Kansas anymore. Should the world bow down to you and your language. Are you that important?
Monday, December 26, 2005
something Chinese update
Yeah, I've been slacking off on this for a while....
Last night, I was invited along with some other foreign teachers to attend a concert presented by the Shenzhen department of education. We were told we'd meet the mayor. In fact, we only got to meet the assistant to the assistant of the mayor. On the bright side, the music was good. It was a wide variety. We had Mozart and some traditional Chinese choir music. Granted I had no idea what they were singing about since I don't know that much Chinese. It was still enjoyable.
On another note, the program made no sense in English translation. There was an extremely long, nonsensicle run-on sentence. I'd post something from it, but I left it in my apartment. It really is quite funny.
Last night, I was invited along with some other foreign teachers to attend a concert presented by the Shenzhen department of education. We were told we'd meet the mayor. In fact, we only got to meet the assistant to the assistant of the mayor. On the bright side, the music was good. It was a wide variety. We had Mozart and some traditional Chinese choir music. Granted I had no idea what they were singing about since I don't know that much Chinese. It was still enjoyable.
On another note, the program made no sense in English translation. There was an extremely long, nonsensicle run-on sentence. I'd post something from it, but I left it in my apartment. It really is quite funny.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Chinese Thanksgiving
There aren't many Americans in my neighborhood... only five of us at the school here in Bao'an. We decided to try a "Western"-style restaurant nearby called Milo Coffee. Don't be fooled by the name, it's a very classy joint. The customers seem to be of the higher class. So it was an enjoyable meal of fried eel with peppers and rice.
Along the way, Ed took far too many pictures of people all around us... including other people on the bus. One Chinese girl found this quite amusing and decided to take pictures of her own... of yours truly. Her friend tried to convince her not to, but I waved at her and said, "go ahead."
So we ended up with dinner and theater for Thanksgiving. Let's give thanks it's Friday and I get out at noon for a trip to Guangzhou.
Along the way, Ed took far too many pictures of people all around us... including other people on the bus. One Chinese girl found this quite amusing and decided to take pictures of her own... of yours truly. Her friend tried to convince her not to, but I waved at her and said, "go ahead."
So we ended up with dinner and theater for Thanksgiving. Let's give thanks it's Friday and I get out at noon for a trip to Guangzhou.
Monday, November 21, 2005
More phone issues
So my phone died again. Four times I've had someone come in to fix the damn thing, and it's worked for a total of three days. If they give me any more excuses or try to come back another day, I'm going to shove the phone down their throat. I've had it. I already missed out on my family calling me for my birthday Sunday. And it's almost impossible to make plans when I can't call around and ask what's going on.
I'm now going on the theory that China doesn't understand telephones. Maybe if I tell the repairman that he's incompetent he'll feel embarassed enough to fix the thing.
I'm now going on the theory that China doesn't understand telephones. Maybe if I tell the repairman that he's incompetent he'll feel embarassed enough to fix the thing.
Outrage
FIRE CONGRESS NOW! The U.S. Congress has gone too far with stupidity. Friday, they voted 217-215 to give each member of Congress $3,100/year on top of their already excessive pay. I think they should work for minimum wage. They make approx. $165,000/year each. Anyone else feel the rest of America is getting the short end of the stick?
Here's the kicker: They also voted to cut the budget of food stamps by $700 million.
So in their infinite wisdom, they give themselves more money while taking from the poorest. How about we take their entire salary away and start paying off the national debt? Better yet, let's just get rid of these idiots altogether. I think America could do just fine without a Congress. Make them get REAL jobs.
Here's the kicker: They also voted to cut the budget of food stamps by $700 million.
So in their infinite wisdom, they give themselves more money while taking from the poorest. How about we take their entire salary away and start paying off the national debt? Better yet, let's just get rid of these idiots altogether. I think America could do just fine without a Congress. Make them get REAL jobs.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
I hate the alphabet
The title says it all. I decided I needed to have an alphabet on the bulletin board in my EFL classroom. We have a shared copy on the server--I just had to print and laminate it. It was one letter per page. Unfortunately, the wall I put it up on is not long enough. I am one space short. Maybe I can do without teaching the kids the letter "Z". It's either that or I have to trim each letter down. Whatever I do, I still have to take it all down and re-post it. I give up for the day. I'll go back and do it tomorrow after I interview the new students to see who belongs in which class.
Monday, November 07, 2005
PHONE!
Wow, I actually have a working phone now. It was dead for the first 12 days here in China. They sent someone to fix it three times. Apparently it needed four times to actually get fixed. Of course, now I have to figure out what time I can call family and friends since I'm 13 hours ahead of everyone back home.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
teaching delay
I was told last week that I'd begin teaching this Thursday. I've been preparing flashcards and lesson plans and such. Today, I was told it may be delayed a day or two. Apparently they had the good sense to test the students before they begin class to ensure that they are grouped properly by level rather than just age. At least it's a good reason for delay.
On another note, I've been going to Wal-Mart (aka commie-mart). I'm impressed... just wish it was this nice back home. They even have a catch your own live crab bin.
I've also discovered the DVD store. I purchased two fairly recent movies for 20RMB (about $2.50). I'll look into posting a review of The Devil's Rejects soon.
On another note, I've been going to Wal-Mart (aka commie-mart). I'm impressed... just wish it was this nice back home. They even have a catch your own live crab bin.
I've also discovered the DVD store. I purchased two fairly recent movies for 20RMB (about $2.50). I'll look into posting a review of The Devil's Rejects soon.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
We are experiencing technical difficulties
This may sound strange, but I cannot access my blog. But yet, I can post. The theory is that the Chinese government blocks access to blogs. Still not sure why I'm allowed to post then. We'll deal with it somehow.
Anyway, all's well here in Shenzhen. The city was just named the model city for China for it's economic and health success.
I still have no idea what I'm doing when I go to the grocery store. All I can really recognize are a few packages that written in partial English and the vegetables. I think I need to ask some of the Chinese teachers to accompany me to the store to help me figure out what all these items are. It's either that or I better learn Chinese fast. And that wouldn't be such a bad idea... it might help when I want to order some food at the restaurant downstairs. On that note, the hallway smells like Chinese food. That's not a complaint, just an observation.
Anyway, all's well here in Shenzhen. The city was just named the model city for China for it's economic and health success.
I still have no idea what I'm doing when I go to the grocery store. All I can really recognize are a few packages that written in partial English and the vegetables. I think I need to ask some of the Chinese teachers to accompany me to the store to help me figure out what all these items are. It's either that or I better learn Chinese fast. And that wouldn't be such a bad idea... it might help when I want to order some food at the restaurant downstairs. On that note, the hallway smells like Chinese food. That's not a complaint, just an observation.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The People's Blog
I have arrived in Shenzhen, China to teach English to kids. The flight to Hong Kong was far too long. I think scientists need to develop teleportation. Or maybe airlines just need larger seats.
Anyway, I've been here a day now and I'm lost beyond belief. I can't really talk to anyone other than the teachers since I don't know any Chinese and the Chinese know no English. My apartment is completely empty aside from a rock-hard bed, a wood couch, and a TV... and a telephone that don't work. I better get accustomed to this place quick. Otherwise, I doubt I'll make it through the first month.
As I'm told, I won't get any real training for teaching. However, I was also told it should only take me a week or two to get used to the classroom and grow comfortable in teaching these kids as much English as possible considering the great language barrier.
I think it should go well as long as I don't try to teach Jersey English, Brooklynese, or Pittsburghese. I'm really tempted, but I know I shouldn't resort to that.
Anyway, I've been here a day now and I'm lost beyond belief. I can't really talk to anyone other than the teachers since I don't know any Chinese and the Chinese know no English. My apartment is completely empty aside from a rock-hard bed, a wood couch, and a TV... and a telephone that don't work. I better get accustomed to this place quick. Otherwise, I doubt I'll make it through the first month.
As I'm told, I won't get any real training for teaching. However, I was also told it should only take me a week or two to get used to the classroom and grow comfortable in teaching these kids as much English as possible considering the great language barrier.
I think it should go well as long as I don't try to teach Jersey English, Brooklynese, or Pittsburghese. I'm really tempted, but I know I shouldn't resort to that.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Mugshot
Will someone please tell me why Tom DeLay was smiling in his mugshot? Who the hell poses for a mugshot anyway? The man was arrested and charged and released on bail... AND HE'S SMILING! I would much rather have seen the classic Nick Nolte mugshot pose for DeLay. Guess I can only dream.
Friday, October 14, 2005
More stupid news
False information AND plagarism... this is getting out of hand.
http://www.theomahachannel.com/weather/5096316/detail.html
I think we need to teach a little more journalistic integrity and ethics. As do other countries, according to the article. Haven't these idiots ever heard of intellectual property rights? Please people, do your own work for a change. And do a good job at it.
http://www.theomahachannel.com/weather/5096316/detail.html
I think we need to teach a little more journalistic integrity and ethics. As do other countries, according to the article. Haven't these idiots ever heard of intellectual property rights? Please people, do your own work for a change. And do a good job at it.
Thank you Capt. Obvious
I don't know what to say, but "Well, duh." Just read this, it's funny.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/5098058/detail.html?rss=bos&psp=news
I can't believe they really need to fund a survey to figure this out. Where do I sign up to get paid to do such pointless research?
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/5098058/detail.html?rss=bos&psp=news
I can't believe they really need to fund a survey to figure this out. Where do I sign up to get paid to do such pointless research?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
confused by visas
I went to the Chinese embassy in New York City today to apply for my tourist visa so that I can travel to Shenzhen and acquire a Z (work) visa. I took a number that was quite confusing--it was numbers and letters. From what I could tell, the number had already passed on the boards. I stood with a lost look on my face. I guess the guy at the window in front of me noticed. He waved me over, even though there were others waiting and this was obviously not my number. I was then asked some questions about my application. I didn't know I'd be questioned right there. "What kind of editing do you do?" Huh? "It says here you are an editor, what do you edit?" Oh... mostly law. "OK" Yeah, that should tip them off that I shouldn't be trusted--I work with lawyers. "And why do you need to have this visa in seven days?" Because I'm leaving in less than two weeks. "But why?" That's when I was invited to go to China.
The whole process took ten minutes from walking through security to getting everything filled out.
I had planned to use the whole day for this. I was back on the bus for Jersey by noon. I can pick up my visa Monday. Does this mean I get a visa? And I still want to know what the little Chinese note at the bottom of my receipt means. It probably says, "Stupid American Visa." And it's probably accurate.
The whole process took ten minutes from walking through security to getting everything filled out.
I had planned to use the whole day for this. I was back on the bus for Jersey by noon. I can pick up my visa Monday. Does this mean I get a visa? And I still want to know what the little Chinese note at the bottom of my receipt means. It probably says, "Stupid American Visa." And it's probably accurate.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Welcome to the NHL, Sid
Tonight was the opening night of the new NHL season... 18 months or so in the making. I was out at the Thirsty Moose to watch the Devils-Penguins game. Why didn't I watch at home? Because you have to pay to watch games on Fox Sports. Stupid Cablevision crap.
Anyway, the Devils beat the Penguins 5-1, thanks in large part to the goaltending of Martin Brodeur. This game was the debut of Sidney Crosby--the kid who is supposed to be the next Wayne Gretzky. It was also Mario Lemieux's 40th birthday. Happy birthday, Mario. By the way, your team still looks terrible. Crosby wasn't all bad in his debut; he did have an assist on the poweplay (one of eleven powerplays of the night).
The Devils seem to have the upper hand with rookies this season. Zach Parise, the kid who led the U.S. team to the World Junior Championship, made his debut with a goal and an assist.
Both rookies were outdone by Washington Capital's newest addition Alexander Ovechkin, who had two goals on the night against Columbus.
At least there are three rookies worth watching this season. Let's just hope they continue this through this season and many to come.
Anyway, the Devils beat the Penguins 5-1, thanks in large part to the goaltending of Martin Brodeur. This game was the debut of Sidney Crosby--the kid who is supposed to be the next Wayne Gretzky. It was also Mario Lemieux's 40th birthday. Happy birthday, Mario. By the way, your team still looks terrible. Crosby wasn't all bad in his debut; he did have an assist on the poweplay (one of eleven powerplays of the night).
The Devils seem to have the upper hand with rookies this season. Zach Parise, the kid who led the U.S. team to the World Junior Championship, made his debut with a goal and an assist.
Both rookies were outdone by Washington Capital's newest addition Alexander Ovechkin, who had two goals on the night against Columbus.
At least there are three rookies worth watching this season. Let's just hope they continue this through this season and many to come.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Job Stuff
It appears I have a job. And it's one that pays. OK, so it doesn't pay well, but I'm alright with that. Starting in November I will be teaching English as a foreign language to 7-8 year olds in Shenzhen, China. Yes, I realize it's a communist country (really it's more like an oppressive capitalist country).
I figure the U.S. government is borrowing enough money and resources from China already, so why not cut out the middle-man and get paid directly from the source. Actually, that's not the reason why I'm doing this. I really think it would be a great experience to teach English in another country. And for some reason I enjoy Asian cultures and history.
The only problem I see is that I have to keep my commentary to myself. I enjoy criticizing governments (U.S. and others). I have a lot of problems with the Chinese government and it's recent history of oppression and human rights violations. But since I don't want to wind up in a Chinese prison, I'll have to learn to shut my mouth. Fortunately, I won't have much opportunity to voice my opinions in a class of children.
Let's just hope it all works out.
I figure the U.S. government is borrowing enough money and resources from China already, so why not cut out the middle-man and get paid directly from the source. Actually, that's not the reason why I'm doing this. I really think it would be a great experience to teach English in another country. And for some reason I enjoy Asian cultures and history.
The only problem I see is that I have to keep my commentary to myself. I enjoy criticizing governments (U.S. and others). I have a lot of problems with the Chinese government and it's recent history of oppression and human rights violations. But since I don't want to wind up in a Chinese prison, I'll have to learn to shut my mouth. Fortunately, I won't have much opportunity to voice my opinions in a class of children.
Let's just hope it all works out.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
We Are... Penn State!
Penn State is now 4-0. They won their Big Ten opener against Northwestern. They shouldn't have won the game, however. Michael Robinson accounted for four turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble) in the first half. Fortunately, Northwestern only scored 13 on those turnovers. Oh yeah, Robinson also had two fumbles that PSU recovered. This game was pathetic. PSU did not deserve to win this game. Robinson had many terrible passes. Considering his first completion was to Northwestern should give everyone the hint that he can't throw the ball. Most of his passes were short or long. He couldn't seem to throw anything on target. Even that amazing game-winning touchdown was underthrown. He couldn't catch his receiver in stride. The receiver had to stop in his route to catch the ball and then dodge a tackle for the TD. This team will not compete in the Big Ten for a bowl bid if it keeps playing like this on offense. Joe Paterno needs to consider using Anthony Morelli as a starting quarterback. Obviously Robinson has no idea how to play the position--he's the second leading rusher on the team. If he wants to be a running back, let him. Let a real quarterback have a chance and maybe the offense will finally do something.
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