Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Here today, gone tomorrow
As the 'Mudge returns from vacation, its time for me to skip town. I'll be back next Tuesday -- hope u all enjoy the holiday. Before I go, here are a few thoughts:
- This week, my blog will be as exciting as any political convention;
- The Red Sox are teasing me again this year --- only 4.5 games out of first place. They'll be eight out by the time I return from vacation. I love wildcard baseball;
- Congratulations to Dwyane Wade, Olympic medalist. It ain't gold, but Wade earned major minutes and played well in the finale. Maybe Carmelo Anthony will grow up some day and earn some minutes on a team that does not suck;
- Maybe some day cowards like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Jermaine O'Neill will accept an Olympic invitation
- I'm finally getting around to read 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer. This is one terrific book;
- College football is back - - gotta love it. Mack Brown will again lose to OU; Texas A&M will be lucky to win more than six games; college football in the Northeast can't suck enough; the Pac10 (but not USC) is overrated.
I have not forgotten about the 'movie lines that the 'Mudge missed' blog . . . that'll be a fun one.
As the 'Mudge returns from vacation, its time for me to skip town. I'll be back next Tuesday -- hope u all enjoy the holiday. Before I go, here are a few thoughts:
- This week, my blog will be as exciting as any political convention;
- The Red Sox are teasing me again this year --- only 4.5 games out of first place. They'll be eight out by the time I return from vacation. I love wildcard baseball;
- Congratulations to Dwyane Wade, Olympic medalist. It ain't gold, but Wade earned major minutes and played well in the finale. Maybe Carmelo Anthony will grow up some day and earn some minutes on a team that does not suck;
- Maybe some day cowards like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Jermaine O'Neill will accept an Olympic invitation
- I'm finally getting around to read 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer. This is one terrific book;
- College football is back - - gotta love it. Mack Brown will again lose to OU; Texas A&M will be lucky to win more than six games; college football in the Northeast can't suck enough; the Pac10 (but not USC) is overrated.
I have not forgotten about the 'movie lines that the 'Mudge missed' blog . . . that'll be a fun one.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Dan Quayle Made a Difference, After All
I figured that America had simply lampooned and quickly forgotten Mr. Quayle. As it happens, I was wrong. Quayle's passionate Chicken Little speech about the sanctity of marriage with Murphy Brown at the center of it all actually made a difference.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A judicial panel has charged an Orange County judge with chastising a deputy sheriff who had a child out of wedlock, saying she was a "disgrace to society," "had no morals," and her child was "a bastard."
Dan, your legacy is secure. Even if you are still convinced that "Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child."
I figured that America had simply lampooned and quickly forgotten Mr. Quayle. As it happens, I was wrong. Quayle's passionate Chicken Little speech about the sanctity of marriage with Murphy Brown at the center of it all actually made a difference.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A judicial panel has charged an Orange County judge with chastising a deputy sheriff who had a child out of wedlock, saying she was a "disgrace to society," "had no morals," and her child was "a bastard."
Dan, your legacy is secure. Even if you are still convinced that "Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child."
Thursday, August 26, 2004
George W. Bush, Offender of Freedom
Leave it to Shrub to use the Olympics as a means to offend the rest of the world. From the 'you can't make this stuff up' file, the U.S. Olympic Committe is asking our its own national leader to pull the advertisement that uses Olympic ideals as a political prop. President Bush has taken the goodwill build up by Amanda Beard, Logan Tom and Amy Acuff (naked, Playboy) and squandered it for a few votes.
Leave it to Shrub to use the Olympics as a means to offend the rest of the world. From the 'you can't make this stuff up' file, the U.S. Olympic Committe is asking our its own national leader to pull the advertisement that uses Olympic ideals as a political prop. President Bush has taken the goodwill build up by Amanda Beard, Logan Tom and Amy Acuff (naked, Playboy) and squandered it for a few votes.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Do the Olympics Love New York?
For the last few years, one of the biggest drains on local resources here in New York has been the local Olympic Organizing Committee. Somewhere along the way, some smart people endured a momentarily lapse of sanity and agreed to aggressively pursue a bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Keep in mind, this is a city with a piss-poor public school system, where thousands of kids can't get textbooks for class and are forced to learn in buildings that are literally crumbling around them. Don't forget about the city's general infrastructure maintenance (they do the best they can, but its tough to keep up with nearly nine million people), struggling economy and ballooning deficit.
Meanwhile, the Olympic supporters are lobbying to have a new football stadium built in Manhattan (as if the island needs more congestion) for the 2012 games, along with dozens of other major capital projects.
Unfortunately for New Yorkers, the local Olympic schmos seem to be immune from common sense. Football stadiums over books? Also, note that to secure one building for one week will cost the city $60 million. That's right, $60 million to secure Madison Square Garden for one week.
With this as a baseline, how could New York City afford to secure dozens of Olympic sites around the area for two weeks (not to mention the construction phase)? The cost would be impossible to calculate, and its one the local organizers refuse to address. These folks claim the 2012 games would be a boon to the local economy --- well, if the concerns and costs of securing one building for one event for one week are any indication, NYC should forfeit its Olympic bid now.
With the specter of heightened security, inconvenience and terrorism fears, the Republican National Convention will likely suck more money out of New York than it puts back in. Hotels are not booked, popular restaurants are available, and hundreds if not thousands of stores are likely to suffer losses due to the local population's exodus next week.
And somehow New York City needs to do this on a grander scale in eight years?
For the last few years, one of the biggest drains on local resources here in New York has been the local Olympic Organizing Committee. Somewhere along the way, some smart people endured a momentarily lapse of sanity and agreed to aggressively pursue a bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Keep in mind, this is a city with a piss-poor public school system, where thousands of kids can't get textbooks for class and are forced to learn in buildings that are literally crumbling around them. Don't forget about the city's general infrastructure maintenance (they do the best they can, but its tough to keep up with nearly nine million people), struggling economy and ballooning deficit.
Meanwhile, the Olympic supporters are lobbying to have a new football stadium built in Manhattan (as if the island needs more congestion) for the 2012 games, along with dozens of other major capital projects.
Unfortunately for New Yorkers, the local Olympic schmos seem to be immune from common sense. Football stadiums over books? Also, note that to secure one building for one week will cost the city $60 million. That's right, $60 million to secure Madison Square Garden for one week.
With this as a baseline, how could New York City afford to secure dozens of Olympic sites around the area for two weeks (not to mention the construction phase)? The cost would be impossible to calculate, and its one the local organizers refuse to address. These folks claim the 2012 games would be a boon to the local economy --- well, if the concerns and costs of securing one building for one event for one week are any indication, NYC should forfeit its Olympic bid now.
With the specter of heightened security, inconvenience and terrorism fears, the Republican National Convention will likely suck more money out of New York than it puts back in. Hotels are not booked, popular restaurants are available, and hundreds if not thousands of stores are likely to suffer losses due to the local population's exodus next week.
And somehow New York City needs to do this on a grander scale in eight years?
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
83 Days Until the Season Opener
Here's an early look at Tom Crean's Marquette University Golden Eagles for 2005-2006. MU has the best pair of outside shooters in the country, Travis Diener and Steve Novak. Dameon Mason is a budding star on the wing. The question remains - - will there be any inside presence to help out the backcourt? Gregg Doyel examines the possiblities.
Here's an early look at Tom Crean's Marquette University Golden Eagles for 2005-2006. MU has the best pair of outside shooters in the country, Travis Diener and Steve Novak. Dameon Mason is a budding star on the wing. The question remains - - will there be any inside presence to help out the backcourt? Gregg Doyel examines the possiblities.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Book Review: Ted Williams, The Biography of an American Hero
"A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.' "
After a multi-year hiatus from reading anything substantive, I've been on a bit of run this year. I'll never be the voracious leisure time reader that I should be - - - ESPN, Marquette's basketball discussion board, and Playstation2 tend to get in the way. However, momentum is building in favor of the bookworm. And books like this one by Leigh Montville will help to maintain my interest in reading.
I've been a lifelong fan of Ted Williams. In my early days as a baseball fan, I developed a passion for statistics and comparisons. Inevitably as Red Sox fan, I came across Williams' numbers and dominance. Heck, at age ten I'd realized that from 1939 to 1980 (it stretched to 1986) the Red Sox had only three left fielders of record - - Williams, Yaz and Jim Rice. Wow!
Back to Teddy Ballgame. Though he'd played his final major league game about a decade before I was born, I was hooked. Ted Williams became exactly what he wanted to be: the greatest hitter who ever lived. His career numbers are astonishing despite missing all or parts of five+ seasons due to military service in both World War II and the Korean conflict. Williams retired with a .344 career average, 521 career homers (top five all-time when he retired), 1800+ RBI, career OBP of .482, more than 2600 hits, on and on and on. He won six batting titles (one at age 40), and would have won another if he'd have snared just a few more at bats (lost due to Korea). He won the Triple Crown in 1947 and famously hit .406 in 1941.
The Splendid Splinter was the best at his craft.
Having read other books like The Teammates and The Red Sox Reader, I was treated to familiar tales of Williams' exploits on the diamond and details on his generally bombastic personality. For example, he was known to be a terrific storyteller, and was always quotable. Where this new biography came across more powerfully was in examining Williams' life after he went to Korea for his second tour of duty. Williams' war exploits were fascinating (he was shot down on his first sortie in Korea - - landed the plane in flames and escaped), and his return to baseball was riveting. When he returned to Boston, the Red Sox were rotten and Williams' role with the media, fans and teammates changed. He began to prepare for life after baseball - - when, in effect, his life (and the book) became even more interesting.
The book is consistent in revealing Williams for who he was: a specialist who was also a perfectionist at his chosen crafts -- hitting, fishing and flying (to some degree). Wives? He had plenty of them, but didn't have much of an interest in the give and take of a relationship. Children? He was famously absent father. This only changed when he began failing physically and his only son saw an opportunity to turn his aging father into a money printing machine. Close friends? Williams had plenty of them. And what was most interesting about the book was the random nature of how he befriended folks. Williams met people by chance in restaurants, at baseball camps, on fishing expeditions or at hospitals and inexplicably became close to them. Several of his closest friends had no idea who Ted Williams was initially. Quirks like this all added up to a fascinating post-baseball life, one full of fishing, friends and family feuds, but tempered by his quiet charitable commitment and random acts of kindness.
In these latter aspects, this book was more revealing and interesting than I thought it would be. Williams lived a remarkable life. And as a huge Ted Williams baseball fan, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the tales of his life away from baseball more than those that played out in the sports sections for more than two decades.
"A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.' "
After a multi-year hiatus from reading anything substantive, I've been on a bit of run this year. I'll never be the voracious leisure time reader that I should be - - - ESPN, Marquette's basketball discussion board, and Playstation2 tend to get in the way. However, momentum is building in favor of the bookworm. And books like this one by Leigh Montville will help to maintain my interest in reading.
I've been a lifelong fan of Ted Williams. In my early days as a baseball fan, I developed a passion for statistics and comparisons. Inevitably as Red Sox fan, I came across Williams' numbers and dominance. Heck, at age ten I'd realized that from 1939 to 1980 (it stretched to 1986) the Red Sox had only three left fielders of record - - Williams, Yaz and Jim Rice. Wow!
Back to Teddy Ballgame. Though he'd played his final major league game about a decade before I was born, I was hooked. Ted Williams became exactly what he wanted to be: the greatest hitter who ever lived. His career numbers are astonishing despite missing all or parts of five+ seasons due to military service in both World War II and the Korean conflict. Williams retired with a .344 career average, 521 career homers (top five all-time when he retired), 1800+ RBI, career OBP of .482, more than 2600 hits, on and on and on. He won six batting titles (one at age 40), and would have won another if he'd have snared just a few more at bats (lost due to Korea). He won the Triple Crown in 1947 and famously hit .406 in 1941.
The Splendid Splinter was the best at his craft.
Having read other books like The Teammates and The Red Sox Reader, I was treated to familiar tales of Williams' exploits on the diamond and details on his generally bombastic personality. For example, he was known to be a terrific storyteller, and was always quotable. Where this new biography came across more powerfully was in examining Williams' life after he went to Korea for his second tour of duty. Williams' war exploits were fascinating (he was shot down on his first sortie in Korea - - landed the plane in flames and escaped), and his return to baseball was riveting. When he returned to Boston, the Red Sox were rotten and Williams' role with the media, fans and teammates changed. He began to prepare for life after baseball - - when, in effect, his life (and the book) became even more interesting.
The book is consistent in revealing Williams for who he was: a specialist who was also a perfectionist at his chosen crafts -- hitting, fishing and flying (to some degree). Wives? He had plenty of them, but didn't have much of an interest in the give and take of a relationship. Children? He was famously absent father. This only changed when he began failing physically and his only son saw an opportunity to turn his aging father into a money printing machine. Close friends? Williams had plenty of them. And what was most interesting about the book was the random nature of how he befriended folks. Williams met people by chance in restaurants, at baseball camps, on fishing expeditions or at hospitals and inexplicably became close to them. Several of his closest friends had no idea who Ted Williams was initially. Quirks like this all added up to a fascinating post-baseball life, one full of fishing, friends and family feuds, but tempered by his quiet charitable commitment and random acts of kindness.
In these latter aspects, this book was more revealing and interesting than I thought it would be. Williams lived a remarkable life. And as a huge Ted Williams baseball fan, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the tales of his life away from baseball more than those that played out in the sports sections for more than two decades.
Bob Dole re-emerges as a partisan fool
We are now at day five of the Republican Party being acutely off-message as their money-sucking convention approaches. For some reason (if there is any), Bob Dole is now attacking John Kerry's war records and implying that the Massachusetts senator was not hurt quite enough. After all, Kerry only had 'superficial wounds' from his combat time in Vietnam. He was not hurt enough, Bob? I wonder what old Bobby Dole thinks of George W. Bush's military injuries, or of the current president's Otis Campbell routine for most of the 70's and 80s.
Nevertheless, no war injuries are enough when it comes to the Right. This is the same Republican party that didn't think Max Cleland's war wounds were enough, as they made him out to be an unpatriotic wimp during the last Georgia senatorial campaign. That Mr. Cleland lost both of his legs and one arm in defending this nation did not matter.
As a wounded vet and genuine war hero, Bob Dole should know better. Months ago, fellow war hero John McCain vociferously attacked the Republican election machine for dragging Kerry's war records into question, for turning them into a political issue. The RNC ignored McCain's sage advice and now seem to live by one mantra alone - - when you're in too deep, keep on digging. Despite his withered arm, Dole is doing his best to help out.
Hopefully the Republicans will keep this discussion alive. With Bush's own military heritage, this type of discussion will only hurt the Right. Don't forget - - "Senator Kerry carries shrapnel in his thigh as distinct from President Bush who carries two fillings in his teeth from his service in the Alabama National Guard, which seems to be his only time that he showed up."
We are now at day five of the Republican Party being acutely off-message as their money-sucking convention approaches. For some reason (if there is any), Bob Dole is now attacking John Kerry's war records and implying that the Massachusetts senator was not hurt quite enough. After all, Kerry only had 'superficial wounds' from his combat time in Vietnam. He was not hurt enough, Bob? I wonder what old Bobby Dole thinks of George W. Bush's military injuries, or of the current president's Otis Campbell routine for most of the 70's and 80s.
Nevertheless, no war injuries are enough when it comes to the Right. This is the same Republican party that didn't think Max Cleland's war wounds were enough, as they made him out to be an unpatriotic wimp during the last Georgia senatorial campaign. That Mr. Cleland lost both of his legs and one arm in defending this nation did not matter.
As a wounded vet and genuine war hero, Bob Dole should know better. Months ago, fellow war hero John McCain vociferously attacked the Republican election machine for dragging Kerry's war records into question, for turning them into a political issue. The RNC ignored McCain's sage advice and now seem to live by one mantra alone - - when you're in too deep, keep on digging. Despite his withered arm, Dole is doing his best to help out.
Hopefully the Republicans will keep this discussion alive. With Bush's own military heritage, this type of discussion will only hurt the Right. Don't forget - - "Senator Kerry carries shrapnel in his thigh as distinct from President Bush who carries two fillings in his teeth from his service in the Alabama National Guard, which seems to be his only time that he showed up."
Sunday, August 22, 2004
1,600 media hits on Bush's henchmen lying to defame Kerry
Amazing. Big Lies for Bush
Lets hope there is a significant political price to pay for George W. Bush. Karl Rove - - I think you could have done a better job of scripting the last week before the convention.
1,600 media hits on a smear campaign gone awry.
Amazing. Big Lies for Bush
Lets hope there is a significant political price to pay for George W. Bush. Karl Rove - - I think you could have done a better job of scripting the last week before the convention.
1,600 media hits on a smear campaign gone awry.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Olympic Outrage
Eventhough it took a full week for the ugly American to emerge on the world stage (thanks, Gary Hall, Jr), the story of these Oympics continues to be everything but the competition. Earlier today via Google News - Sports, I reviewed the recent Olympic headlines. It reads more like a primer on sports law than competition. Long ago I'd burned out on the Olympics, but it is genuinely disappointing to see the Games lose their appeal so dramatically.
For your reading pleasure:
Gymnastics Judges May Face Sanctions, Houston Chronicle
Greek weightlifter tests positive for drugs, could lose bronze medal, VOA News
Defiant One, Sandiego.com
Judging error gave Hamm the gold, ABCNews
Eventhough it took a full week for the ugly American to emerge on the world stage (thanks, Gary Hall, Jr), the story of these Oympics continues to be everything but the competition. Earlier today via Google News - Sports, I reviewed the recent Olympic headlines. It reads more like a primer on sports law than competition. Long ago I'd burned out on the Olympics, but it is genuinely disappointing to see the Games lose their appeal so dramatically.
For your reading pleasure:
Gymnastics Judges May Face Sanctions, Houston Chronicle
Greek weightlifter tests positive for drugs, could lose bronze medal, VOA News
Defiant One, Sandiego.com
Judging error gave Hamm the gold, ABCNews
Friday, August 20, 2004
"the team, the team, the team"
Coach Norman Dale understood how to make a team work more effectively on the hardwood. So too did Kelvin Sampson. It's a shame that USA Basketball didn't pay attention to these guys when it constructed the current 'Dream Team' roster. Rather than assembling a team, the powers-that-be were content to construct a squad full of remarkable individual talent with little to no attention paid to the notion of a cohesive, teaming squad. There's no doubt that USA Basketball was a bit hamstrung for this Olympiad - - let's face it, out of the top 10 players in the league, only Tim Duncan and LeBron James bothered to show up. If Shaq, KG, Jermaine and their pals cared to show up, the Olympics would be simply a laughable exhibition.
Nevertheless, the absence of stars is not a surprise. The poorly constituted team is. For the 2008 Olympics, I vote for Kelvin Sampson to serve as head coach. As Andy Katz points out, "the college coaches and the selection committee got it right in selecting their own team last month. They found out who wanted to be there and ensured that they chose the best team, not just the most talented players." Sampson made it crystal clear, "The bench is key and they all have to remember that this is for three weeks, not forever,'' Sampson said. "They've got to buy into it and realize that nothing that happens here will affect their draft status. This isn't about me; this is about USA.''
All Sampson's junior natioanl squad did was claim the gold medal. It seems to me that Sampson was more interested in winning games than in created sponsorship opportunities.
Coach Norman Dale understood how to make a team work more effectively on the hardwood. So too did Kelvin Sampson. It's a shame that USA Basketball didn't pay attention to these guys when it constructed the current 'Dream Team' roster. Rather than assembling a team, the powers-that-be were content to construct a squad full of remarkable individual talent with little to no attention paid to the notion of a cohesive, teaming squad. There's no doubt that USA Basketball was a bit hamstrung for this Olympiad - - let's face it, out of the top 10 players in the league, only Tim Duncan and LeBron James bothered to show up. If Shaq, KG, Jermaine and their pals cared to show up, the Olympics would be simply a laughable exhibition.
Nevertheless, the absence of stars is not a surprise. The poorly constituted team is. For the 2008 Olympics, I vote for Kelvin Sampson to serve as head coach. As Andy Katz points out, "the college coaches and the selection committee got it right in selecting their own team last month. They found out who wanted to be there and ensured that they chose the best team, not just the most talented players." Sampson made it crystal clear, "The bench is key and they all have to remember that this is for three weeks, not forever,'' Sampson said. "They've got to buy into it and realize that nothing that happens here will affect their draft status. This isn't about me; this is about USA.''
All Sampson's junior natioanl squad did was claim the gold medal. It seems to me that Sampson was more interested in winning games than in created sponsorship opportunities.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Kickin' ass, takin' names - and using them for my re-election campaign
Looks like Shrub enjoys putting his foot in his mouth...only he could consistently find new ways to offend the largest fraction of the global population for his own personal domestic political gain. For example, it now appears that Bush the Dauphin liberated Iraq so their soccer team could play a few games at the Olympics -- in exchange for the happy Muslim athletes becoming a convenient campaign prop. In case you missed it, the Bush team is running ads that prominently feature Afghanistan and Iraq symbols noting that "at this Olympics there will be two more free nations -- and two fewer terrorist regimes." Bush is also talking this up on the campaign trail (when he can tear himself away from the new issue of FHM featuring provocative semi-nude photos of Amanda Beard and Logan Tom)
It is too bad the Iraqis are (surprise) offended by Bush's adoption of their glorious rebirth on the international soccer stage. "Iraq as a team does not want Mr. Bush to use us for the presidential campaign," Sadir told SI.com through a translator, speaking calmly and directly. "He can find another way to advertise himself."
Leave it to Mr. Bush to further offend a population he allegedly liberated.
Looks like Shrub enjoys putting his foot in his mouth...only he could consistently find new ways to offend the largest fraction of the global population for his own personal domestic political gain. For example, it now appears that Bush the Dauphin liberated Iraq so their soccer team could play a few games at the Olympics -- in exchange for the happy Muslim athletes becoming a convenient campaign prop. In case you missed it, the Bush team is running ads that prominently feature Afghanistan and Iraq symbols noting that "at this Olympics there will be two more free nations -- and two fewer terrorist regimes." Bush is also talking this up on the campaign trail (when he can tear himself away from the new issue of FHM featuring provocative semi-nude photos of Amanda Beard and Logan Tom)
It is too bad the Iraqis are (surprise) offended by Bush's adoption of their glorious rebirth on the international soccer stage. "Iraq as a team does not want Mr. Bush to use us for the presidential campaign," Sadir told SI.com through a translator, speaking calmly and directly. "He can find another way to advertise himself."
Leave it to Mr. Bush to further offend a population he allegedly liberated.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
St. Louis Beer Disappoints Another Customer
When I first read this story, I was convinced this happened in Wisconsin and was related to the bear's affinity for PBR's. Even without that, this story is exceptional and 'bears' out the truism in the title above.
BEAR GUZZLES 36 BEERS, PASSES OUT AT CAMPGROUND
"A black bear was found passed out at a campground in Washington state recently after guzzling down three dozen cans of a local beer, a campground worker said on Wednesday.....It turns out the bear was a bit of a beer sophisticate. He tried a mass-market Busch beer, but switched to Rainier Beer, a local ale, and stuck with it for his drinking binge."
Even wild animals shy away from St. Louis beer. Hell, I wouldn't water my plants with that stuff.
Nevertheless, this bear is my new idol. This animal knew what it liked -- a small, hand-crafted brew that was unique to the area (and we're not talking about Olympia Beer). Perhaps the bear even bathed in the same streams that feed the local Rainier brewery. There must have been something familiar in those cans of Rainier.
According to a state wildlife official, "He didn't like that (Busch) and consumed, as near as we can tell, about 36 cans of Rainier." THREE DOZEN BEERS!
This bear's impeccable palate and tenacity are to be admired. When faced with capture the following day, this bear upped the ante. He successfully held out for "doughnuts, honey and two cans of Rainier Beer" before succumbing to temptation. Fat, drunk, happy - -all with a discerning palate.
When I first read this story, I was convinced this happened in Wisconsin and was related to the bear's affinity for PBR's. Even without that, this story is exceptional and 'bears' out the truism in the title above.
BEAR GUZZLES 36 BEERS, PASSES OUT AT CAMPGROUND
"A black bear was found passed out at a campground in Washington state recently after guzzling down three dozen cans of a local beer, a campground worker said on Wednesday.....It turns out the bear was a bit of a beer sophisticate. He tried a mass-market Busch beer, but switched to Rainier Beer, a local ale, and stuck with it for his drinking binge."
Even wild animals shy away from St. Louis beer. Hell, I wouldn't water my plants with that stuff.
Nevertheless, this bear is my new idol. This animal knew what it liked -- a small, hand-crafted brew that was unique to the area (and we're not talking about Olympia Beer). Perhaps the bear even bathed in the same streams that feed the local Rainier brewery. There must have been something familiar in those cans of Rainier.
According to a state wildlife official, "He didn't like that (Busch) and consumed, as near as we can tell, about 36 cans of Rainier." THREE DOZEN BEERS!
This bear's impeccable palate and tenacity are to be admired. When faced with capture the following day, this bear upped the ante. He successfully held out for "doughnuts, honey and two cans of Rainier Beer" before succumbing to temptation. Fat, drunk, happy - -all with a discerning palate.
The Lessons of Michael Bilandic
In the days since Hurricane Charley's wrath was unleashed on the unlucky residents of Florida, I'm amazed at the amount of time its taking the local, state and federal government to bring large fractions of the population back to a safe, functional level. This is not a knock against the government -- its an observation on the horror and massive destruction caused by the hurricane. The scope is simply unimaginable. It'll just take time to overcome Mother Nature's wrath.
By most counts, this hurricane will go down as at least the second most expensive natural disaster in US history -- somewhere near $11 billion. Per the AP last night, "Some 2,200 people remained in shelters and 639,000 were without power in the state four days after the storm hit with winds of up to 145 mph." The 2,200 people are only part of the problem. Frustration levels are rising across the state- - - staples like water, milk, bread and juice are difficult to locate. In some towns, the wait for gasoline can reach an hour. Accusations of price gauging are appearing. The Department of Health and Human Services is concerned about the spread of disease because of rotted food, poor sanitation services and other factors. Apparently, unemployment claims will be up because so many businesses can't open now, or ever again.
Also, forget about those $500 insurance deductibles. The new 'Hurricane Andrew Waiver', which states that a hurricane insurance deductible is now 10% of the insured value of the home, ensures that Floridians will see money fly outta their wallets at a pace not seen for any natural disaster in their state's history. Many in Florida were unaware of this change, only adding to the post-storm angst just months before the general election.
As the Republican National Convention approaches, I'm beginning to wonder if there will be a political price to pay for Mother Nature's wrath. Florida is a swing state in the upcoming presidential election, and is led by a sitting Republican governor. History shows us that the weather can throw an election. For instance, in the minds of voters and his challenger, Jane Byrne, Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic failed to keep the city working during the blizzard of 1979. Byrne made this a campaign issue, since ultimately Bilandic was responsible for getting the streets cleaned. And big snowstorms are not exactly a rarity in Chicago.
Maybe I am too idealistic, but I don't see how the Democrats can make Hurricane Charley into a political issue, per se. However, Floridians are increasingly angry and uptight -- perhaps that rage translates into some kind of action. At the very least, the economic disruption caused by Hurricane Charley will present an opportunity to mitigate (or eliminate) the economic plank of the Republican platform for the coming election. The best Bush can hope for is a remarkable rebuilding effort within the Sunshine State that demonstrates the strength of the current leadership. But that won't do anything for the insurance deductibles, lost jobs and shuttered businesses. Regardless, Charley's economic and emotional hangover will dramatically change the dynamic of the campaign in that state. I'm just not sure the election hangs in the balance because of it.
Oh, and there is no truth to the rumor that we have seen Amanda Beard naked.
In the days since Hurricane Charley's wrath was unleashed on the unlucky residents of Florida, I'm amazed at the amount of time its taking the local, state and federal government to bring large fractions of the population back to a safe, functional level. This is not a knock against the government -- its an observation on the horror and massive destruction caused by the hurricane. The scope is simply unimaginable. It'll just take time to overcome Mother Nature's wrath.
By most counts, this hurricane will go down as at least the second most expensive natural disaster in US history -- somewhere near $11 billion. Per the AP last night, "Some 2,200 people remained in shelters and 639,000 were without power in the state four days after the storm hit with winds of up to 145 mph." The 2,200 people are only part of the problem. Frustration levels are rising across the state- - - staples like water, milk, bread and juice are difficult to locate. In some towns, the wait for gasoline can reach an hour. Accusations of price gauging are appearing. The Department of Health and Human Services is concerned about the spread of disease because of rotted food, poor sanitation services and other factors. Apparently, unemployment claims will be up because so many businesses can't open now, or ever again.
Also, forget about those $500 insurance deductibles. The new 'Hurricane Andrew Waiver', which states that a hurricane insurance deductible is now 10% of the insured value of the home, ensures that Floridians will see money fly outta their wallets at a pace not seen for any natural disaster in their state's history. Many in Florida were unaware of this change, only adding to the post-storm angst just months before the general election.
As the Republican National Convention approaches, I'm beginning to wonder if there will be a political price to pay for Mother Nature's wrath. Florida is a swing state in the upcoming presidential election, and is led by a sitting Republican governor. History shows us that the weather can throw an election. For instance, in the minds of voters and his challenger, Jane Byrne, Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic failed to keep the city working during the blizzard of 1979. Byrne made this a campaign issue, since ultimately Bilandic was responsible for getting the streets cleaned. And big snowstorms are not exactly a rarity in Chicago.
Maybe I am too idealistic, but I don't see how the Democrats can make Hurricane Charley into a political issue, per se. However, Floridians are increasingly angry and uptight -- perhaps that rage translates into some kind of action. At the very least, the economic disruption caused by Hurricane Charley will present an opportunity to mitigate (or eliminate) the economic plank of the Republican platform for the coming election. The best Bush can hope for is a remarkable rebuilding effort within the Sunshine State that demonstrates the strength of the current leadership. But that won't do anything for the insurance deductibles, lost jobs and shuttered businesses. Regardless, Charley's economic and emotional hangover will dramatically change the dynamic of the campaign in that state. I'm just not sure the election hangs in the balance because of it.
Oh, and there is no truth to the rumor that we have seen Amanda Beard naked.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Question of the Day
Some guys are just never satisfied, so ponder this.
Jim McGreevey left his wife, Dina McGreevey, for a strapping young Israeli named Golan (as in Heights . . . the marketers at Cialis surely have a promo on the way for this guy). Dina McGreevey seems like a reasonably attractive woman. I don't think that Golan Cipel is nearly as attractive.
Scott Peterson apparently left his (dead) wife for Amber Frey. His deceased ex-wife was lovely as well, however. Ms. Frey seems cute, perhaps hot after a beer or ten. Apparently a naked Playboy spread is a possibilility for Amber Frey. I don't anticipate a Playboy spread for Dina McGreevey, however.
Which pervert did the best job of trading up before getting busted ... Peterson or McGreevey?
Its gotta be Peterson, though his reward for pursuing Ms. Frey could be to assume the role as full time catcher at San Quentin.
Keep the zipper up, boys. You'll always get caught.
(yes, this is a shamless attempt to gain a few gratutious hits --- but just realize that I am following 'Mudge's lead on this)
Some guys are just never satisfied, so ponder this.
Jim McGreevey left his wife, Dina McGreevey, for a strapping young Israeli named Golan (as in Heights . . . the marketers at Cialis surely have a promo on the way for this guy). Dina McGreevey seems like a reasonably attractive woman. I don't think that Golan Cipel is nearly as attractive.
Scott Peterson apparently left his (dead) wife for Amber Frey. His deceased ex-wife was lovely as well, however. Ms. Frey seems cute, perhaps hot after a beer or ten. Apparently a naked Playboy spread is a possibilility for Amber Frey. I don't anticipate a Playboy spread for Dina McGreevey, however.
Which pervert did the best job of trading up before getting busted ... Peterson or McGreevey?
Its gotta be Peterson, though his reward for pursuing Ms. Frey could be to assume the role as full time catcher at San Quentin.
Keep the zipper up, boys. You'll always get caught.
(yes, this is a shamless attempt to gain a few gratutious hits --- but just realize that I am following 'Mudge's lead on this)
'Scuse me while I whip this out
Miller, a brewer that is now owned by a South African-based conglomerate, has decided to commemorate the 50th anniversary of rock-n-roll with a series of eight collectible cans highlighting certain rock artists. Certainly Miller is doing this to sell more beer, which partially explains by Bon Jovi is part of the campaign.
True to form, there are no Black performers on these beer cans. P.W. Botha must be on the advisory committee for Miller's parent company. If nothing else, he surely pushed for Procol Harum's inclusion because of their hit, "Whiter Shade of Pale". There is seemingly no other way to explaing why at least one of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown or Little Richard are not honored with their own recyclable aluminum cylinder.
And the only woman promoted is Blondie's Debbie Harry. Yet somehow Joe Walsh earned a spot? Joe Walsh? Maybe he is running for vice president again, but having Walsh as a rep for rock's first 50 years is akin to promoting Roberto Benigni as one of the AFI's ten best in the last half century.
The brewer insists that the selections were based on artists who'd graced the covers of Rolling Stone, which limlited their options since the magazine didn't launch until 1967. This is just a guess - - - but I'd imagine that at least Hendrix or Brown have been one cover since 1967. But whaddya expect from a South African brewer masquarading as good ol' Miller Brewing Company on Plank Road in Milwaukee?
Moreover, Miller is missing out on a chance to attract younger drinkers by ignoring younger hotties who's boobs, soft-porn photoshoots, hourglass figures and luscious lips would appeal to a younger, hornier audience (you know, the ones who buy most of the beer).
Britney Spears or Beyonce anyone? Both reached the Rolling Stone cover qualification & I'd guess would move more of the desired product than our old buddy Joe Walsh. Methinks the purchasing public Miller craves might actually collect cans adorned with hotties vs. some of the over-the-hill types they settled on. Not to mention being a little more representative of music in the last 50 years.
Miller, a brewer that is now owned by a South African-based conglomerate, has decided to commemorate the 50th anniversary of rock-n-roll with a series of eight collectible cans highlighting certain rock artists. Certainly Miller is doing this to sell more beer, which partially explains by Bon Jovi is part of the campaign.
True to form, there are no Black performers on these beer cans. P.W. Botha must be on the advisory committee for Miller's parent company. If nothing else, he surely pushed for Procol Harum's inclusion because of their hit, "Whiter Shade of Pale". There is seemingly no other way to explaing why at least one of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown or Little Richard are not honored with their own recyclable aluminum cylinder.
And the only woman promoted is Blondie's Debbie Harry. Yet somehow Joe Walsh earned a spot? Joe Walsh? Maybe he is running for vice president again, but having Walsh as a rep for rock's first 50 years is akin to promoting Roberto Benigni as one of the AFI's ten best in the last half century.
The brewer insists that the selections were based on artists who'd graced the covers of Rolling Stone, which limlited their options since the magazine didn't launch until 1967. This is just a guess - - - but I'd imagine that at least Hendrix or Brown have been one cover since 1967. But whaddya expect from a South African brewer masquarading as good ol' Miller Brewing Company on Plank Road in Milwaukee?
Moreover, Miller is missing out on a chance to attract younger drinkers by ignoring younger hotties who's boobs, soft-porn photoshoots, hourglass figures and luscious lips would appeal to a younger, hornier audience (you know, the ones who buy most of the beer).
Britney Spears or Beyonce anyone? Both reached the Rolling Stone cover qualification & I'd guess would move more of the desired product than our old buddy Joe Walsh. Methinks the purchasing public Miller craves might actually collect cans adorned with hotties vs. some of the over-the-hill types they settled on. Not to mention being a little more representative of music in the last 50 years.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
"Your mama sews socks that smell!!"
OK, so we're wathcing The Excorcist tonight rather than the Olympics. The best part about the Web is that we don't have to be slaves to the NBC time table. Frankly, not much went on today in Athens anyway -- though I did notice an incredible amount of empty seats for the women's gymnastics competition. That is not a surprise to me - - gymnastics is always one of the most over-hyped events at the Olympics. Gimme a few good swimming events, some competitive track & field and I've had enough.
Back to the movie. This flick is now 31 years old and remains scary has hell. Linda Blair, rats in the attic, pea soup, a creepy priest questioning his vows, an evil character named Reagan, and a freaky added scene of the possessed child desecending the stairs puking blood with her back arched like a cat- - only backwards. Freaky cool, my friend.
OK, so we're wathcing The Excorcist tonight rather than the Olympics. The best part about the Web is that we don't have to be slaves to the NBC time table. Frankly, not much went on today in Athens anyway -- though I did notice an incredible amount of empty seats for the women's gymnastics competition. That is not a surprise to me - - gymnastics is always one of the most over-hyped events at the Olympics. Gimme a few good swimming events, some competitive track & field and I've had enough.
Back to the movie. This flick is now 31 years old and remains scary has hell. Linda Blair, rats in the attic, pea soup, a creepy priest questioning his vows, an evil character named Reagan, and a freaky added scene of the possessed child desecending the stairs puking blood with her back arched like a cat- - only backwards. Freaky cool, my friend.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
No Time to Blog
I'm out on the road this week for work, spending time in the nation that gave the world Pele. I sure miss those NASL thrillers. Here are a few things to ponder in the interim:
+ At only 10 games over .500 and two back in the wild card standings, the Red Sox suck;
+ The Brewers once again suck. From seven games over .500 on July 1, to six games under .500 on August 11. Sell, Bud, please sell the team;
+ Closing on a positive note, Tom Crean is amazing.
I'm out on the road this week for work, spending time in the nation that gave the world Pele. I sure miss those NASL thrillers. Here are a few things to ponder in the interim:
+ At only 10 games over .500 and two back in the wild card standings, the Red Sox suck;
+ The Brewers once again suck. From seven games over .500 on July 1, to six games under .500 on August 11. Sell, Bud, please sell the team;
+ Closing on a positive note, Tom Crean is amazing.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Where is the Republican Outrage?
These folks now want Maryland resident Alan Keyes to run for Senate in Illinois. This is the same party that lambasted Hillary Clinton for actually moving to New York eleven months before an election, using catch-phrases like 'Go Home Hillary' and 'Not Here, Not Now, Not Ever' to marginality her nefarious candidacy.
But now the Illinois Republicans want Keyes, a veteran of losing Senatorial elections in his home state of Maryland, to run for their senate seat. Keyes would face the increasingly popular Barak Obama, and would only need to establish residency in Illinois sometime between now and election day to satisfy state requirements.
By pursuing Keyes, its clear that the Repubbies want to fracture the African-American vote and shore up the based in Illinois. After all, Keyes is the Last Available Black Republican Candidate, so its a natural fit.
But where is the Republican outrage? This party would have you believe that Hillary Clinton stole her Senate seat. If anything, the rebuffs will make Hillary look like a lifelong resident of New York if Keyes decides to seek this elected office. In a funny way, they've further empowered and legitimized Hillary with this Keyes episode.
I hope Keyes jumps into the mix. Bloggers and pundits will have months of fresh content watching him campaign around a state he's never known. Barak Obama will win going away, but in between we'll have loads of fun watching the Republicans trying justify the campaign (and never getting to any issues). I want one of those small-town coffeeshop moments where a couple of elderly folks ask Keyes if he'd ever been to Illinois before, and what do residents of Maryland have in common with the folks in this neck of the woods. Maybe Alan Keyes visiting the remnants of the Robert Taylor Homes - - here's a guy who's been dreaming of working for you for the past 72 hours!
Please Alan, run for the Illinois Senate seat.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Politics of Fear While Seeking Re-election
For all of those who fail to see the 'fear card' being played by the Bush Administration, maybe today's Drudge Report, NYT and Washington Post will finally shake your cobwebs loose.
Courtesy of that right-wing sleuth almighty, Drudge:
"Much of the information that led authorities to raise the terror alert at several large financial institutions in the NY and D.C. areas was 3 or 4 years old... NYT Tuesday Page One Splash To Claim: Intelligence and law enforcement officials 'had not yet found concrete evidence that a terror plot or preparatory surveillance operations were still under way'... WASH POST Page One: Alerts Stemmed from Pre-9/11 Acts /// 'There is nothing right now that we're hearing that is new,' said one senior law enforcement official who was briefed on the alert. 'Why did we go to this level?... I still don't know that'... POST: 'Most of the information was compiled prior to the Sept. 11 attacks and that there are serious doubts about the age of other, undated files'... "
Hey, Repubbies - - if Drudge reports it, it must be true right?
Lets tale a look at this again: "There is nothing right now that we're hearing that is new," said one senior law enforcement official who was briefed on the alert. "Why did we go to this level? . . . I still don't know that."
Despite nearly three years of work to figure out how to manage the US intelligence engine, George Bush refuses to separate the truth from fiction when it can help him win an election. It certainly is no coincidence that the Calculating Cabal at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue decided to bless the release of this timely information 24-hours in advance of calling for a new Intelligence Director slot on the Cabinet.
Bush and his buddy Dick -- the guy who has spent his adult life fighting against his daughter's civil rights -- realize that national security is their best issue in 2004. Dems are typically soft on defense, giving the Cabal a clear path to owning fear for political purposes. Considering his economic failures, Bush has no other card to play this year - -Bush will become the first president since Hoover to preside over a national net job loss during his term; Ohio is down 300K in jobs since he took office alone.
So, America -- get ready for the autumn of fear and loathing. If this administration sees fit to use three to four year-old intelligence information to suit its election year needs, any dusty dossier is fair game to raise the collective level fear and neuter the country's confidence in a national election.
For all of those who fail to see the 'fear card' being played by the Bush Administration, maybe today's Drudge Report, NYT and Washington Post will finally shake your cobwebs loose.
Courtesy of that right-wing sleuth almighty, Drudge:
"Much of the information that led authorities to raise the terror alert at several large financial institutions in the NY and D.C. areas was 3 or 4 years old... NYT Tuesday Page One Splash To Claim: Intelligence and law enforcement officials 'had not yet found concrete evidence that a terror plot or preparatory surveillance operations were still under way'... WASH POST Page One: Alerts Stemmed from Pre-9/11 Acts /// 'There is nothing right now that we're hearing that is new,' said one senior law enforcement official who was briefed on the alert. 'Why did we go to this level?... I still don't know that'... POST: 'Most of the information was compiled prior to the Sept. 11 attacks and that there are serious doubts about the age of other, undated files'... "
Hey, Repubbies - - if Drudge reports it, it must be true right?
Lets tale a look at this again: "There is nothing right now that we're hearing that is new," said one senior law enforcement official who was briefed on the alert. "Why did we go to this level? . . . I still don't know that."
Despite nearly three years of work to figure out how to manage the US intelligence engine, George Bush refuses to separate the truth from fiction when it can help him win an election. It certainly is no coincidence that the Calculating Cabal at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue decided to bless the release of this timely information 24-hours in advance of calling for a new Intelligence Director slot on the Cabinet.
Bush and his buddy Dick -- the guy who has spent his adult life fighting against his daughter's civil rights -- realize that national security is their best issue in 2004. Dems are typically soft on defense, giving the Cabal a clear path to owning fear for political purposes. Considering his economic failures, Bush has no other card to play this year - -Bush will become the first president since Hoover to preside over a national net job loss during his term; Ohio is down 300K in jobs since he took office alone.
So, America -- get ready for the autumn of fear and loathing. If this administration sees fit to use three to four year-old intelligence information to suit its election year needs, any dusty dossier is fair game to raise the collective level fear and neuter the country's confidence in a national election.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
A Wicked Pisssah! Nomaaaaah's gone!
Baseball is unique in its ability to capture one's attention bit by bit for seven months of the year. The game may be slow, but the statistics, rivalries, history and the splendor of the grass give baseball a timeless appeal. Too bad free agency, greed, the DH and interleague play screwed it all up.
Nomar Garciaparra was allegedly my 'next favorite major league baseball player'. Growing up, Jim Rice was the first to capture my attention, driving me to study box scores at the breakfast table. JimEd was supplanted by Roger Clemens. Nomar was to supplant Rocket, and nearly did from the start of his MLB career - - - - Nomar homered in his first game as a Red Sox (and in his first season on the roster of my fantasy baseball team, the beloved Hazzard County Dukes).
Well, a couple of brutal injuries, a prick of an agent, declining defensive skills and unreasonable contract demands have conspired to send Nomar from one tortured fan base to a drunken fan base who likens their MLB squad to lovable losers.
Garciaparra woulda, should, coulda owned Boston for the better part of fifteen MLB seasons. The Red Sox signed him to a long-term extension after only his rookie year - - employing the same strategy that allowed Cleveland to hang on to Thome, Lofton and Belle for such a long time.
Nomar repaid the Red Sox with five terrific seasons and two injury riddled-washouts. Yet trading him was the only option the Red Sox had in 2004. And what disappoints me was not that he was traded. . . . my deeper disappointment lies in the realization that a) I expected it, and b) I was not upset about it.
I was not upset about my favorite team trading my favorite player because I expected it.
Yuck.
Constant player movement now precludes the emergence of that long-term fan favorite, the cornerstone of the franchise. Baseball remains a grand game, but the lack of player affinity is startling. Fans cheer for the jersey not the player, they cheer for the romance of the game they used to know. From the time Seaver was dealt from the Mets to the Reds in 1977, baseball's slide into a game of transient workers who are annually re-introduced to respective fanbases has only become more acute with each passing July 31 trading deadline.
Sure, I'm whining. But just you wait - - - this is merely the tuneup for the October Collapse of the team Nomar left behind. Bye, bye Nomah. Watchout though - -that Billy Goat will kick you in the ass.
Baseball is unique in its ability to capture one's attention bit by bit for seven months of the year. The game may be slow, but the statistics, rivalries, history and the splendor of the grass give baseball a timeless appeal. Too bad free agency, greed, the DH and interleague play screwed it all up.
Nomar Garciaparra was allegedly my 'next favorite major league baseball player'. Growing up, Jim Rice was the first to capture my attention, driving me to study box scores at the breakfast table. JimEd was supplanted by Roger Clemens. Nomar was to supplant Rocket, and nearly did from the start of his MLB career - - - - Nomar homered in his first game as a Red Sox (and in his first season on the roster of my fantasy baseball team, the beloved Hazzard County Dukes).
Well, a couple of brutal injuries, a prick of an agent, declining defensive skills and unreasonable contract demands have conspired to send Nomar from one tortured fan base to a drunken fan base who likens their MLB squad to lovable losers.
Garciaparra woulda, should, coulda owned Boston for the better part of fifteen MLB seasons. The Red Sox signed him to a long-term extension after only his rookie year - - employing the same strategy that allowed Cleveland to hang on to Thome, Lofton and Belle for such a long time.
Nomar repaid the Red Sox with five terrific seasons and two injury riddled-washouts. Yet trading him was the only option the Red Sox had in 2004. And what disappoints me was not that he was traded. . . . my deeper disappointment lies in the realization that a) I expected it, and b) I was not upset about it.
I was not upset about my favorite team trading my favorite player because I expected it.
Yuck.
Constant player movement now precludes the emergence of that long-term fan favorite, the cornerstone of the franchise. Baseball remains a grand game, but the lack of player affinity is startling. Fans cheer for the jersey not the player, they cheer for the romance of the game they used to know. From the time Seaver was dealt from the Mets to the Reds in 1977, baseball's slide into a game of transient workers who are annually re-introduced to respective fanbases has only become more acute with each passing July 31 trading deadline.
Sure, I'm whining. But just you wait - - - this is merely the tuneup for the October Collapse of the team Nomar left behind. Bye, bye Nomah. Watchout though - -that Billy Goat will kick you in the ass.
