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by williamwallace
ATHENS, GA -Here come the Beckhams! No, we’re not talking about David and Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham. We’re talking about Timothy and Gordon Beckham, a pair of shortstops from the great state of Georgia. And, no, Timothy and Gordon Beckham are not brothers.
Timothy Beckham is a 6’2”, 190 pound high school senior in Griffin, Georgia who has committed to play college baseball for the Trojans of the University of Southern California. Tim, however, will most likely never play for USC. The opinion is almost unanimous that Tim will be drafted with one of the top 5 picks in the upcoming Major League Baseball amateur draft. Many scouts have commented that Tim has the best collection of tools of any positional player in the upcoming draft. Many believe he will most likely be drafted with the first or second overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays or the Pittsburgh Pirates. It is often said that Tim will not escape the grasp of the Rays at the first pick because he fits the athletic profile of many picks in the draft history of the Rays: Josh Hamilton, Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Elijiah Dukes and B.J. Upton.Tim is a former three sport star who is often seen honing his tremendous skills on a baseball diamond or in a batting cage at all hours of the day and night throughout the year. That wasn’t always the case, however. A few years ago, his passion was football and basketball. His father and older brother, however, patiently guided him back to baseball. “I didn’t lose passion for (baseball), but I fell in love with basketball and stopped playing baseball for about three years,” Tim said. “My brother kept telling me how good I could be. He said that’s my meal ticket out of Griffin. So I gotta take it.”
As a player, Tim is widely regarded as a bona fide five tooler and, depending upon which scout is talking, is often compared to Barry Larkin, Derek Jeter, Brandon Phillips, Edgar Renteria and each of the Brothers Upton. Recent scouting reports have said of him:
“He’s got tools galore… he’s got the ability and potential to hit, hit for power, steal bases and stay at shortstop at the big-league level…… the type of athlete that makes everything he does look easy. He glides to balls hit deep in the hole to either side of him, and runs the bases gracefully, stretching singles into doubles and doubles into triples. He has good arm strength, soft hands and good instincts that should allow him to star at shortstop for years to come. While his defense draws more raves that his bat, he has improved at the plate over the last year and is now considered a legitimate threat, as he stings the ball to all parts of the field and has also shown the ability to hit the ball out as his body continues to mature and add strength….. Of the past ultra toolsy high school players selected in the top 5, Beckham has the best chance of remaining at shortstop with a fluid movement and powerful arm. He is blessed with excellent speed that translates to the basepaths as well. His hands are extremely smooth and he’s able to break in on the ball with rapid movement, while bringing the ball from his glove to his throwing hand faster than any shortstop in recent memory…… profiles as a number two hitter with excellent contact skills and extra base power. Easily could become a perennial 30/30 threat. Beckham’s best asset at the plate is his uncanny patience, unafraid to take a walk and allow the player behind him to drive him in.”
His high school coach recently said of him, “He understands you are going to strike out, he understands you are going to make errors, and if that ever happens, he keeps playing right through it. That’s going to help him get to where he wants to go. He is good about keeping his temperament; he never gets way up, he never gets way down.”
Similar praise and expectations have been known to overwhelm many seventeen year olds. Tim, however, seems to have incredible poise. “Griffin, Ga., is a small town where everyone knows everyone and it’s easy to get caught up in the wrong things sometimes. He’s done a good job of keeping his head on the prize and focused on his future. For him to take this route means a great deal,” Clarence Johns, a Houston Astros cross checker recently said of Tim.
Tim’s ability to stay levelheaded seems to have been aided by the great family support network surrounding him. His father is a GM union representative who makes the 90 minute roundtrip trek everyday from Griffin to the Doraville GM plant to provide the financial means for his family and the baseball dreams of his son. “Tim has been kind of expensive,” his father recently told the AJC. “I paid for him to play AAU baseball.” His father estimates that he has had to annually spend $3000 for Tim to chase his baseball dreams. “We’ve paid for him to be comfortable that way,” his father said. The sacrifices made by his father have not been lost on Tim. “I don’t know how much I’m going to get, but if I do get a lot, [I'll] be able to take care of my family. I’d move my dad out of an apartment, and I’d move my mom out of an apartment, too,” Tim recently told the AJC of his divorced parents. Being the recipient of a lucrative contract as a top 5 pick would certainly benefit his family. His father’s Doraville GM plant is scheduled to close in September three years before his father can retire from GM.
Gordon Beckham plays in Athens, Georgia on the collegiate level for the University of Georgia. Gordon is widely regarded as the premier college middle infielder in the upcoming draft. The earliest Gordon is projected to be drafted is with the number 5 pick by the San Francisco Giants. That’s quite a remarkable leap for a player who was not drafted by any MLB team after his senior year of high school. “I could’ve gone and played football at some smaller schools like Air Force, Ohio and Wake Forest and I could’ve played and been a contributor, or gone to some SEC schools and been a low-key player,” said Gordon. “I figured my future was probably in baseball, even though I wasn’t really looked at as a big talent.”Gordon recently explained his growth as a baseball player to ESPN, saying: “It’s just getting older and understanding what it takes to be successful. It’s almost learning to fail, I guess is the best way to say it. This is a game of failure. When you finally understand you’re not going to be perfect, the game gets easier.” David Perno, Gordon’s coach at UGA recently explained Gordon’s progress: “He always had the tools and skills, but he always got off to a bad start. He was trying to do too much too soon. Now, he’s letting the game come to him. He’s not having to carry bad at-bats out to the field. I think that’s all it was — him understanding what kind of talent he has and slowing it down.”
Those who have seen him play say the 6’0”, 185 pound Gordon is a good wiry athlete and a solid all around prospect. His speed, range and arm force many to project him as an All Star caliber second baseman instead of a shortstop. He has been praised for being a line drive hitter who possesses quick wrists and surprising power. Although a home run hitter in college, it is expected that he will be more of a gap power hitter with a wood bat in the pros. “I don’t believe that I am a per se “power hitter.” In my opinion, I hit long line drives that sometimes leave the park. I think it used to be a big deal to me. But, as I have matured as a player I have begun to realize that it’s more important to constantly put pressure on the defense, to fight and claw for every hit to help the team. That is more important to me.”
Many project Gordon to be a Michael Young type. Gordon refuses to compare his skills to current or past major leaguers, saying: “Every player is inherently different, therefore in my opinion it makes no sense to model your game after someone. I believe you need to watch major leaguers, see how they carry themselves, and see how they handle their business. I would love to lead my team the way Derek Jeter does, but other than that, I don’t model my game after anyone.”
Gordon plays the game with a hardnosed passion. He recently explained what caused him to hit a homer against a trashtalking opponent. “It’s very frustrating to play a baseball game when you have guys on the other team constantly just chirping like a softball team. This is not softball it’s baseball. I was very frustrated with it because that’s not the way you play baseball in my opinion. Some people believe that that’s the way you play but I was just very frustrated. When Michael (Demperio) got on that inning I was like if he throws it anywhere near the plate I’m gonna hit it as hard as I can, and that’s what happened. He left a fastball right down the middle and I crushed it. It’s very frustrating playing baseball teams that act like that because it’s Mickey Mouse stuff.”
Because he comes from a great, stable family, Gordon has remained level headed. His mother recently said of him, “Gordon does a good job of keeping things in perspective. He’s always been that way. It’s a win-win situation with the draft. If it’s not the right time, he’ll come back for his final year at Georgia. If it’s time for him to move on, then he will.’’
Timothy and Gordon Beckham will never become as famous as David Beckham because that’s almost impossible to do. Timothy and Gordon Beckham, however, may have the ability to be better in baseball than David Beckham ever was in soccer. It’s too bad these Beckham boys will no longer be around by the time the Braves start picking players.
~williamwallace~
Great lead, ww! Most interesting!! Thank you very much!
Good stuff, WW. They sound like a couple of young men who have their heads on straight. I wish them much success, except against the Braves.
Picking up from the last blog- Haven’t seen any painted buntings, Chris. I certainly would have noticed them. I haven’t gotten close enough to see if there are babies in the bluebird box.
I’ll take some pics, CL. If they turn out OK I’ll have Sis help me send them to you when we get home (she is really the family photographer & all the picture stuff is on her computer. I’m just hoping I don’t mess up her fancy new camera.).
The computer keeps going dormant so I guess that’s my cue to shut it down. Good night y’all.
WW, good stuff. As a minor league baseball geek, I certainly appreciate hearing about the newest prospects.
The transition from aluminum to wood bats is really tough on some guys. There have been plenty of players that were considered “locks” to be mlb stars that could never make the transition. I wish both of these guys good luck as they make their way through the minors. The good news is that they both seem to be well grounded. That is a very good sign.
FBG, if someone were to ask me to describe a male painted bunting, I would say that if you told a four year old to draw a pretty picture of a bird with crayons, that child would pick out the brightest and prettiest crayons from the box and draw a picture of a painted bunting. They are absolutely gorgeous to see in person, even the females, which are not as colorful.
You can go near your bluebird box and if you listen you may hear the sound of chirping coming from it. If they are asleep, you might have to go back a few times. One sure fire way of knowing is if one of the parents is on a high perch very near the box. Their habit is to find a roof top or convenient limb to perch on so that they can watch the box and the young. If you get too close they’ll yell a little but they won’t try to attack you.
WW, great blog! Man, I love hearing how a kid gets “it” and both of them get it. They will fail, but they will keep on, keepin’ on.
And Timothy Beckham will not forget the sacrifices his parents have made, and will make their lives better as well.
Grinch said on the other blog….
I guess I just don’t see what y’all do in Jo-Jo. Every time I’ve watched him, he looks pretty good for 2-4 innings and then falls to pieces. Hell, even Chuck James can go 5. Not sure where this “Future top of the rotation” talk comes from or why. Charlie Morton I can see; he at least has overpowering stuff.
He kind of backed off that comment as the game went on , but you know, I have to say I agree. He can pitch, but sort of like when I see Phil Hughes pitch for the Yankees, I think 92-93 MPH fastballs with little movement, does not equal top of the rotation, usually.
I do like the fact he pitched into the seventh, and he’s miles better than last year…..
Good morning all…. Great lead WW… I am impressed by the talent presented each and every time by contributors to Carolina Lady’s slice of the blogosphere.
It has been a busy week for me as Josie and I are now required to make the trip across town to my Mom’s everyday until we can get her into a nursing home. She requires more care now than we can provide and it is becoming more and more taxing each and every day.
Now baseball…. Man, this team suxs….
Good lead William Wallace. Nice that you broke out some good, young talent to write about and add to the mix of all the pro stuff. Rounds out the game in a nice way. Sounds like they’re off to a good start and have the right character to go far.
WW…well done. Two very level-headed young men; I’m impressed by their grasp that success is the ability to handle failure…that works in all walks of life.
Klobber…I’m jealous…never have had the painted buntings up this way. The Indigos have passed through…not this year…yet. We’ve had Rose-Breated Grosbeaks…that’s a really neat bird.
FBG…Chris is right…get the mealworms up and you will be the Mountain Dalai Momma in your parts, from their perspective. Use a tray-type feeder…and place it where they can get to it, but not the robins (to which they’re related…other side of the tracks type of relationship!).
). The bluebirds will raise a couple of broods per year…and they will stick around if the ‘hunting’s’ good. Chris is also right…they will monitor from on-high. If the female is feeding, the male will be perched a short distance away on the look-out. Thus concludes today’s episode of “As the Bird Turns”.
A 1 1/2 inch overhang should work…I generally mount it under the house-feeder. The robin knows it’s there, but can’t get to it…the wrens do, though. I like to crush leaves over the worms so the bluebirds feel like they’re feeding au naturale (don’t even comment, Paladin!
SG…very nice analysis of the UPS commercial ‘across the street’. I know it’s your life, but still neat to get the perspective. Actually, the only annoying part is the frequency the ad is shown, but the delivery and style are very clean, neat, and concise…and the message is conveyed…and, most important, you know it’s UPS. Many ads are quite entertaining, but I don’t remember who’s product is being touted. That can’t be good!
Not ‘who’s’…whose!
Thanks Salty. So much for thinking outside the UPS box. I can never plan what subject is gonna grab my interest. At some point, parsing baseball and second guessing the game needs a breather… especially when the Braves are struggling so much.
Klobber, we also have bluebirds in residence. The chicks have either just hatched or are about to hatch, so the action is increasing with the male. I’ve never fed them meal worms or anything. Since they’re so close to my vegetable garden they get all the water, bugs and worms they need, plus they do me the favor of providing free, organic pest control. Symbiotic little buddies.
There haven’t been any painted buntings around here yet. Come to think of it, there haven’t been any buntings seen by the Braves either. Must still be looking for a place to settle. Maybe TP can attract a few buntings? Maybe Atlanta buntings are endangered?
Maybe Atlanta buntings are endangered?
No truer words spoken!
“A multiple winner of Georgia Sports Writers Association and Georgia Press Association honors, and part of the staff nominated for a Pulitzer Prize And-the-Winner-Is-Them-Again for coverage of the Group of 8 Summit in 2004…”
Scribe, congratulations! We’re all very proud of you and very impressed… at the same time, not surprised at all. Knew you had it in ya!
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California on Tuesday installed the nation’s first black female legislative leader, swearing in Los Angeles Democrat Karen Bass as speaker of the state Assembly.
The white pointy-headed liberals in CA can’t work hard enough, or fast enough, to give their state away to the minorities. Their descendants will “thank” them just as the descendants of the myopic whites who gave away the city of Atlanta, thank them.
Raisins and Salty, thought you guys might like to check this out. A friend of mine in Atlanta started the event with a few folks.
Fringe Concert and Art Series.
One of our denizens won a pullet(zer)? Wonderful! When are you going to cook it, and are we invited? But seriously folks…Congratulations Scribe. We are proud for you. And, good lead(as usual)nephew.
Since I woke up today, it’s a good day. Now duty calls but good morning, good afternoon and maybe see you guys later on what is sure to be a good evening.
Have a great day.
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) – Sweet sorghum is grown in the U.S. for cooking and livestock feed. But the tall plant also might help at the gas pump.
A sugary sap inside the plant’s stalk, which grow as tall as 12 feet, can be turned into a potent biofuel, and experts and companies are studying its potential with hopes that farmers will want to plant more of it.
Ethanol made from the stalk’s juice has four times the energy yield of the corn-based ethanol, which is already in the marketplace unlike sweet sorghum. Sweet sorghum produces about eight units of energy for every unit of energy used in its production. That’s about the same as sugarcane but four times as much as corn.
Another “plan” to turn food into fuel. So, IF they are successful, fuel costs come down a few cents while food costs go up by dollars. As the guy in the beer commercial would say, BRILLANT!
One of the best songs THE KING ever did.
uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zPApDWA_dKc – 52k
Try again?
uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zPApDWA_dKc – 52k – Cached – Similar pages
It’s Salty’s fault, I know it is!
uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zPApDWA_dKc – 52k
I give up. Find it yourselves.
“I’ll see your Red Painted Bunting and raise you two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. No? Then damn you, sir, for a scoundrel and a rogue.” This must be the “& Stuff” part of the blog.
WW, you said they aren’t brothers, yet judging by the pictures the first one certainly appears to be.
Paladin, just think…CA used to be entirely Mexican in the first place. Zachary Taylor’s probably rolling in his grave.
Grinch; I’m not sure of your point, but the whole country used to “belong” to the native americans but I don’t see Chief Nok-a-Homa on either parties’ ticket.
Speaking of…I hope the “Super delegates” got the message in West Virginia. The “blue collars” of this country are not ready for a “brother” to be President, no matter how well-educated, good-looking and glib he is. And they will turn out in numbers, too.
SG, I haven’t used any chemical pesticides in my yard since we moved here in 2000. We also haven’t had to have a “bug man” come to our house in that time. I keep the feeders full of seed and the birds do the rest. What the birds don’t get, the lizards get. You’re right, it’s a nice symbiotic relationship.
However, it is true that the Atlanta bunting is as extinct as the ivory billed woodpecker and the dodo. From time to time, someone will claim to see one, but it’s always a hoax.
Good one SG!
Sorry it was so long. I know it makes it annoying to scroll down and it will probably bog down the blog later. Just thought it would be fun to write about them. I like tracking players, especially local ones. I think MLB needs to sell young kids like them more. Marketing the player should not begin when the kid is in the majors. Should be done as soon as they are signed or drafted – we’ve seen the success of early marketing with Frenchy and how that helps a team at the gate.
I also think that the biggest probem with African Americans not playing the game more is perfectly exemplified by Tim Beckham. He was naturally more drawn to the other two more glamorous sports but played baseball because baseball is a game taught to boys by fathers and older brothers. Because his father and brother took the time and money to teach him, he’s gonna be drafted. It’s amazing how an involved father and big brother can steer you to playing such a boring sport like baseball.
Also, I think MLB’s problem with less AA participation is that baseball does not buy and sell the talents of young players anywhere near as much as basketball and football. They got this kid hooked because they are going to buy him with millions of dollars and they are gonna sell him by getting people like us and more traditional media outlets to talk about him. College baseball is not competitive enough in buying and selling teens because of the lack of scholarships and kids become too anonymous and underpaid in the minors. In college basketball and football, the buying and selling of the kid starts when the kid is a sophomore in high school. By the time gets to the NFL or NBA, he is a readymade superstar with with a well known brand name that earns him millions in endorsements and contracts.
So, the Tim Beckham story is interesting to me because of how much it shows that black kids will play baseball if their fathers and family are supportive and involved in teaching and guiding them and if they are bought and sold in a manner similar to basketball and football.
Thanks for adding the photos of the two of them CL. A very nice touch. Made it clear they were not brothers.
And, yes, Grinch, clearly one of them is a brother. 
However, it is true that the Atlanta bunting is as extinct as the ivory billed woodpecker and the dodo. From time to time, someone will claim to see one, but it’s always a hoax.
Uh…actually, I don’t think the dodo is extinct…certainly isn’t hard to find. Glance ‘across the street’ and you’ll see what I mean. The ‘and idiots’ birds and dodos are struttin’ their stuff and…there’s some maniacal duck holding court (Quack Quack).
Lastly, the ‘Coach’ has always been bird-brained! 
Salty and Klobber; I think we are on the same page on this. I am disappointed in the Braves and I’m sure you are too. But ripping them to pieces on this or any other blog is not going to help. Yes, we can critique…that’s what fans do. But, there is a world of difference between a well-thought out “critique” and a mindless rant(often obscene). And in many cases it is well to follow the advice of our Mothers and if we can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
Any more judgements against Michael Vick and he will have to borrow cab-fare when he gets out of the slammer. I don’t feel sorrow for him, personally, but it is such a tragedy. Such a waste of God-given talents.
Howdy!
Man, I wish I had time to spend here today, but I have no time for the fun stuff, just the not so fun grown-up responsible kinda stuff.
It sucks…
Nice job on the Beckham boys, WW. I bet they can bunt…
Such a waste of God-given talents.
God also gives us the talent of good sense. Some choose to use it, some do not.
So… Britney Spears rear-ended somebody in Beverly Hills yesterday.
So many possible ways to go with that story… So many possible lines to say… So many ways to get in trouble here on the Colossus.
I’d best just shut up and walk away…
Raisins; I wasn’t giving a sermon(like some on here)I was talking about athletics. That said, I agree with what YOU said.
And, if “Britney Spears rear-ended somebody” gives you a possible story line, you and your sex therapist need to have a talk.
Breaking News:
CNN reports that gas stations will start showing PORN movies on the
screens of the pumps so that you can see someone else get screwed at
the same time you do.: !!
I’m going and get some doggie biscuits to munch on while I do my time in CL’s doghouse. Later.
I really don’t mind at all when people rant against the team. To me, it shows alot of passion. Braves’ fans are not known for that – not because they don’t have it but because they have never before been allowed to demonstrate it. The growing discontent to me shows growth in the fan base. There are some serious changes that need to be made with the Braves. The more fans vent about it, no matter how irrational they sound, the better.
That’s one of the biggest reason changes are made with the Yankees, the Red Sox or any SEC football team. The fan base goes nuts and demands someone’s head be placed in the guillotine. If UGA was like the Braves, Jim Donnan would still be the coach. Braves fans don’t have the ability to directly affect the alumni and booster financial support provided to the program the way college fans do. Without that influential means to effectuate change, it has to come from other directions.
This team is 206-204 in the last 410 games after years of inexplicably falling short with no one being held accountable for it. Something needs to change. There are six factors in a team’s success: the owner, the front office, the manager, the players, the fan and the media. If the fans don’t force the media to hold the owners accountable, the owners will never hold the manager and the front office accountable which means the manager and the front office will not hold the players accountable.
So I don’t mind the irrational idiots at all. They provide good food for fodder with their lamebrained rants. I rather enjoy it and hope that eventually it will cause needed changes. The organization has been arrogant for a very long time and has been sheltered from needed criticism because this is a one newspaper town with bad sports talk radio. The result has been that the voice of the fans have been muted for too long.
For a long time, the Braves have gotten away with painting Atlanta as a bad pro sports town. It’s not true. What I’ve seen is that fans have voted with their pocketbooks. They’re not happy with the product, they’re not happy with falling short time after time after time with no one being held accountable for it. So they stopped showing up for playoff games and regular season attendance dwindled because the fans knew they were having their time wasted. They knew that the outcome would be falling short yet again and that no one would be held accountable for it. I think it left alot of frustrated fans who had no place to vent it because this is a one newspaper town and bad sports talk radio market. Now that there are places to vent it, they’re venting. I think it’s great no matter how stupid, unknowledgable and looney tunes most of them sound about it.
You get tired of hearing over and over and over again why are you giving up so early? This team has a shot. It’s still early. You’re a bad fan. No, I think these people are good fans who are fed up. 206-204 after years of broken promises tends to make people lose their faith.
Wow.
Folks, I can abide the Nationals losing as I know they are building an organization. The Braves on the other hand have the talent to compete with anyone but they lack passion…. They need someone to light a fire under their collective butts. Playing hurt? Playing tired? I don’t know what the reason but this team is being made to look bad by the Marlins… Another worse to first story in the making?
Sometimes people need to be a little less complacent about their jobs…
Good one 008…
I just spent $82 to fill up my SUV… And it wasn’t empty…
The Braves are so lacking in hitting with runners in scoring position they will likely fire the pitching coach…
So nephew, where is this increase in accountability? I haven’t seen it. And is the AJC letting the blog(s) they furnish do their talking for them? I don’t read it from their columnists and beat writers. They continue to be, basically, cheerleaders. And when you point out LA, NY and Boston writers and how rough they can be, people on here call them “jerks”. I stand by my earlier: “Critiques” are good(and you offer some good ones). Mindless babbling BRAVES SUCK BOBBY COX SUCKS is bad manners and worthless. Well-thought out, and factual, criticisms such as are offered by Gil, Salty and you–for instance–MIGHT even reach the right eyes if that other stuff doesn’t drive them off, first.
I think the coaches need a major ……. ’something’! Fanny dusting, tirade, fired – something! I truly have never seen Chino do anything except stand at third and clap his hands. We used to see others, P Corralles in particular, talking, directing, INVOLVED. All I see now is coaches sitting, watching, doing zip. Lord, I wish they’d hire Julio! He was always talking to young players, instructing, demonstrating some technique.
Terry’s time is up; needs to move on – though I think he expects to be the next manager. Wouldn’t expect a lot there.
Gil, question from yesterday: who in the Braves organization is responsible for over-seeing the Minor League players and who decides what is taught there – bunting, working the count, moving runners over, etc.? The conversation was along the lines of who is supposed to teach and instill the fundamentals in the minor leaguers? They don’t seem to know it when they are promoted.
‘Hawk, get your munchies; you know where the key is.
Excellent input and questions, fair Lady, and I agree. Julio on the bench would be a great addition IF he were given something to do. However, I’m afraid that BC is a micro-manager and the basic job of his staff is to stay out of his way.
Woof woof.
Cheapest gas here is $3.729
Well, the oil companies said months ago that the average price per gallon would be $4.00 by summer. They’re just doing it in stages instead of all-at-once. I guess 16 billion profit per quarter for each company isn’t enough. Poor babies.
Even the price is going up on my 3-wheeler. It takes 2 Wonder bars to get to town, and back.
Interesting article – read down to picks #3, #2, #1:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8129828/Class-of-2013-could-be-something-special?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=58
Uncle, the reason there is no increase in accountability is that there is no competition from another newspaper or from competing sports radio stations. I don’t blame the beat writers for that. That’s not their job. The columnists in this town are the ones to blame and so are the sports radio talk show hosts. The 790 guys want to be best friends with every member of the team so they never hold their feet to the fire. Too much guy’s guys crap over there. The 680 guys are a bunch of lamebrained airheads who don’t even know what an opinion is
I think the blogs do work if they are given enough time and people are allowed to vent enough. The Falcons and Dawgs blogs, as despicable as they often are, have, in my opinion, changed things. If there were no blogs, do you think Blank would have tried to make the radical changes he is trying to make with the Falcons? I don’t think so. I think DHALL and Alge and Colemen and all of them would still be here. But I think the voice of the fans was heard loud and clear. The fans were tired of the same ole, same ole selfish gangsta mentality. As a result, the Falcons are trying to make changes in response. Without the bloggers pressing the issue, the media would have rolled over and let the Falcons get away with keeping the same players while putting some b.s. spin on the situation and pinning all the blame on Vick when it was a really an organizational problem.
And if blogs don’t do it, then nothing will. The Braves’ front office types will continue to be allowed to march around as if they are infallible royalty who should never be questioned. It’s been proven this decade that simply not going to games will not reflect poorly on the team – it will just be spun around to incorrectly reflect poorly on the fans. If simply not showing up is not a powerful enough way to let your displeasure be heard, fans need to take their displeasure to the blogs and let it be heard by any means necessary.
As for the harshness of that L.A. Times article, I think that was amateur hour bush league stuff. Very unprofessional for a journalist. That was more like how a blogger would act. Journalists can be nasty as hell, tell the truth and hold people’s feet to the fire without acting like Simers did to Andruw. I like his passion but not his style.
This answers so many questions: Selig was a car salesman…..
It seems he was given a prestigious award for public service, but it never says what he did…..
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080514&content_id=2697343&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb
Paladin, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to jump on you. I’m just very frustrated with the direction of the Braves and I’m tired of people being told to be patient, be patient, be patient. Didn’t we hear that mantra all of last year and the year before? The time for patience is done. Results and passion are needed. Someone needs to demand it.
Andruw was allowed to turn into a fat arrogant waste of talent right before uor eyes. The media didn’t say word about it. But now that he is gone and looking done and the Braves want the media to justify a semi controversial non-signing, the media gets all brave here and starts dumping all over Andruw. Glavine leaves and the media paints him as selfish. Glavine returns and the media paints him as a family man who left because of a little misunderstanding. Chipper shows no leadership abilities for years and didn’t reach out to the fans for years, the media never utters a word. Frenchy is turning into a bust before our eyes every night but not one columnist calls him out. They’ll wait until he is traded next season to get brave enough to trash him on the way out the door and make him look a whole lot worse than he really was.
The best leftfielder and leadoff hitter for this team is Kenny Lofton. But because he violated some Code of Cox over a decade ago, they will not consider signing him at all as if the Code of Cox is more important than having the best team possible. They fall short year after year, no media member ever questions what the problem is. It’s either the owners for not providing the money needed to get the right players, the front office for not providing the players despite having the money, Cox for not using the players right, or Cox for not having the coaches needed to coach the players up. They are never questioned about this. All they get is praise for their minor league developmental system and for fielding a competitive, financially prudent team. We were fed propaganda for years that told us Leo was the god of pitching coaches. Now that he is gone, he was an overrated bum according to the local media.
Just completely puzzling how this is allowed to continue. Alot of fans are fed up. That’s what you are seeing on the blogs. Unfortunately, too many are too dumb or just too frustrated to articulate it in the most effective manner
“Selig recognized for public service” What a bunch of hooey….
I can name 2 dozen people off the top of my head who are more deserving but they are not millionaires so they will never get a sniff at such awards….
I have been a good and loyal fan for many, many years. I have enjoyed the highs and suffered the lows but it is when a team becomes a group of underachievers that I have a problem.
CL.. I don’t know the answer to your question. I do know that fundamentals are worked on daily and many of the problems I see the Atlanta club experience are not evident at the AAA level. How they forget to tie their shoes between Richmond and Atlanta I do not understand.
Scot Thorman continues to improve his batting. Perhaps Criss Chambliss is getting through to him.
Marcus Giles was all smiles and fire and desire. The little engine that could. The guy that kept the team fired up and going. That’s what we were told. Then he leaves and he is painted as a clubhouse cancer who offended the sensitive country club sensibilities of everyone in the clubhouse. All of those rowdy dugout celebrations we saw every night on TBS following home runs that were led by Giles never happened. Our lying eyes deceived us when we saw that happening. They actually despised Giles. Oh, really? Then why were they carrying on like that with him? Are they so weak in leadership that they can’t reign in or ignore the clubhouse cancer everyone on the team despises? Can’t have it both ways. But the media always lets the Braves have it both ways. All I know is that I have not seen the Braves have any fun in that dugout since Giles left. (With that being said, no one would be smiling about the steroids deprived performance of Giles the last two years).
I’m sorry. I’m really ranting now.
The Richmond Braves beat the Indianapolis Indians 7-1 Tuesday at Victory Field. The Braves snapped a three game losing streak with a 12 hit attack, including a season-high three home runs and eight extra-base hits.
The Braves struck for a run in the first inning on an RBI double by Barbaro Canizares. In the sixth the Braves erupted for four runs, an outburst highlighted by their first back to back to back home runs since May of 2004 courtesy of Brandon Jones, Canizares, and Scott Thorman. Diory Hernandez capped the uprising with an RBI double to give the Braves a 5-0 lead. Indianapolis struck back for a run in the home half on an RBI ground out by Matt Kata. Richmond tacked on a run in the seventh on an RBI single by Joe Borchard. Jones doubled a run home in the ninth to close the scoring.
Charlie Morton struck out seven in seven innings to earn the win. Jones had four hits for the Braves.
Here’s something to chew on this am…er, pm! Scroll up if you only see comments…
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/05/maddux-braves-s.html#comments
I peeked at some of the comments on the other blog….People were having fits that Reyes was left in to hit in the 6th with 2 runners on and one out. DOB said same thing…then, later he defended Bobby since Bobby said he needed to give the bullpen some rest….Some of the bullpen has had nothing but rest!
As I mentioned on the older blog, Resop hasn’t pitched since the 3rd! Why keep him, if Bobby won’t use him??? 6 of his last 7 appearances, no runs scored. But, ol’ Bobby, he knows how to get the very best out of every player on the Roster! Just ask Gotay, and his one game in the field after 6 weeks.
The funny thing about that public service award is that the entire article never mentions anything Selig has ever done in public service. Was it donations? Volunteer efforts? Nope. Never utters a word about it.
What’s the point of getting a public service award if it is not trying to promote some charity or cause that needs more attention. It seems like he got a public service award for no reason at all or at least no reason that could be identified in the article other than the glorification of a man trying to get some good p.r. for himself.
They say he saved baseball in Milwaukee. Yeah. he saw an opportunity to make money, so he went and got himself a team. When the economics of the game made it hard to make money, he made himself the commissioner so that he could change the revenue sharing so that his team could get money from the Yankees so that his team could stay profitable. Then he fooled the Wisconsin taxpayers into building him an ugly domed stadium so that he could make alot more money with private boxes. That’s basically the only public service that is cited in the article – saving baseball for Milwaukee. Sounds like all he did was make his family and company a ton of money by getting himself a baseball team.
Once a used car salesman, always a used car salesman.
WW, Selig’s award…sounds like the kind Dictator’s give themselves.
ww; Whether or not you can out think me, or express yourself better(you probably can)you can definitely out type me. So, I’ll have to cry “uncle”. Convenient, huh? But, I want to say this. The Braves are an unknown entity. I don’t know whether they listen to the fans, or not. I think not. The Falcon(Arthur Blank) most certainly do. He has a reputation to rebuild and seats to fill. Same for Tech. They had empty seats. But, you are wrong about the Dawgs. Yes, some of the alumni have a strong voice in things that happen in Athens, but they are not bloggers and if the decisions they come to are “popular”, it is a coincidence. My sister was married to one of them, and I know.
WW, you should really re-post most of what you’ve written here today on the AJC blog. While I have no use for said blog, it does get read by people who have influence. Your analysis is absolutely spot-on.
Wow… deep, insightful, meaningful comments on the ol’ Colossus today.
Allow me to pile on some fluff:
Paladin, I can’t outthink you or out express you. My problem is often that I don’t quite know what I’m trying to say so I type like a madman and say everything in the most incoherent manner possible. What I’ve noticed about you is that your posts are short, sweet and to the point because you have clarity of thought which leads to clarity of expression. I don’t possess those traits, unfortunately.
See, WW? You could have just said “Paladin, you’re a d-bag” and had done with it.
Later, all; got some family problems to deal with.
In a related aside: I don’t get the print edition of the AJC. So, I have to base this on the on-line edition. Of the five “columnists” one has a column on golf; 3 have “columns” on the Falcons; and one has(I’m told)a column on fishing. In the old days the Journal and the Constitution would have been beating each other’s brains out for stories. Inventing them if necessary and at one of them I assure you there would have been a column on the Braves. But, since the merger(and why doesn’t that come under anti-trust[I know. The question is rhetorical])many attempts have been made to create new papers, but all have failed. Wouldn’t it be a kick if the Gwinett Braves gave someone a chance to get a competitive newspaper off the ground? Oh I wish!
ww; I think Grinch’s assessment of me is a little closer than your’s, but thanks for the kind words. I should have said of both of us. You were, spot-on.
“Gwinnett”. Another example of my poor spelling and sometimes refusal to take the spell checker’s word for it.
I never did make that doggie biscuit run, so I will do so now. And CL, you did have the key cleaned after jjs did that despicable thing with it, didn’t you.
???
On the newspaper thing:
From 1965 through 1992, there was a local newspaper in Gwinnett County called the Gwinnett Daily News. It was a family owned local daily paper until 1987 when it was sold to the New York Times Company and began expanding both its news coverage and distribution. It was a very good newspaper that actually had superior Sports coverage to the AJC. It was the only real competition that rag has had since the Journal and Constitution merged staff in 1982. Actually, they have operated under the same parent ownership since 1950 when Cox Enterprises bought the Atlanta Constitution. (James Cox, founder of Cox Enterprises, bought the Journal in 1939.) Anyway, the AJ&C, later AJC, hasn’t had any real competition for MANY years. This brings me the long way back to the Gwinnett Daily News which had expanded in 1987 and suddenly was in direct competition with the AJC. So, how did the AJC deal with the competition? They bought it out in 1992 and promptly shut it down… completely and forever.
Like the old saying: If you can’t lick ‘em, buy ‘em and liquidate ‘em.
Raisins; Yes, I am familiar with the Gwinnett Daily News. I lived in Stone Mountain at the time, and agree that it’s sports coverage(particularly of the Dawgs)was better than the AJC. I didn’t go in to that as I was trying to be more succinct.
As I should have said to ww: He writes and thinks like a lawyer. Beautiful prose and impressive words. I write and think like a pilot. Very cryptic with heavy reliance on jargon. Pilots do often have a lot to say, but relatively little time to say it.
Something just came to mind. Maybe I should change my moniker to Palindrome 58285 “Able was I ere I saw Elba”. That would give that bunch across the street something to chew on, huh?
CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago has repealed a two-year-old ban on foie gras (fwah-GRAH’).
The City Council passed the measure Wednesday to again allow restaurants to serve the delicacy.
The food is made from duck and goose livers. Supporters of the ban complain that birds are force-fed to make their livers bigger.
I drink to make my liver bigger, but to each his own. Quack Quack
Quack Quack
So…truth be known…you’re the new resident IDIOT across the way!
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Nashville 911 operator has been fired after saying during a call that he didn’t “give a s—” about what happened to a woman who reported her ex-boyfriend was threatening her.
Telling it like it is, is not always best.
Paladin, yeah, my writing and argumentative style reminds me of that SNL skit I recently saw of Hillary Clinton. They were mocking the Democratic debates. They asked Hillary why should would get health care and energy policy changed instead of Obama. Amy Poehler, playing Hillary said:
Pretty speeches aren’t gonna get it done. It’s gonna take a fighter, not a talker. Someone aggressive enough, relentless enough, demanding enough, so annoying, so pushy, so grating, so bossy, so shrill, with a personality so unpleasant that the special interests will have no choice but to say alright we give up. Life is too short to deal with this awful woman. Give her whatever she wants if she’ll shut up and leave us in peace. I think the American people will agree that someone is me.
Well, it’s been nice talking to all of you mausoleum dwellers but I have to go fix my meal. I’d tell you–in detail–what I’m having but SG would get peeved and jealous. Later.
NOW you guys show up! But, I am still going and eat. Hope to see both of you and get your take on the game. Later, mates.
Fat boy loves his precious meals
He’s fat?
Is that a fact, or ‘process of deduction’? By the way, do lawyers ‘deduce’? Just wondering.
WW…I can’t stand Coach!
Salty. I can’t stand the Cooch. That guy is the dumbest, lowest piece of life there is. Doesn’t know a darn thing about baseball but swears he does. But he’s good for one thing: everytime I see someone on there tell him that they agree with most of what he says, I know they are as dumb as a brick.
Yeah, Salty, Paladin is one of the few really fat guys who has ever made it past the age of 90. What made him a good pilot was that he knew he could not get shot down because he was too heavy for any parachute to break his fall. Newton was dragging that fat tub of a pilot straight down to the earth like a cannonball. In fact, they never had to waste a parachute on him because a parachute would have indeed been a waste with Twinkie-din.
I don’t know if lawyers deduce but I do know Twinkie-din needs to reduce his weight
WW….:LOL:
Well…WW, so does my dad, but that’s not stopping us to heading out for some BBQ. I guess there comes a time when you just go for the pleasure and wait for the ‘treasure’ on the other side!
So, Skyhawk; does your new moniker imply that you have a Napoleon complex? BTW, I know what you mean about spell check. I literally yell at my screen sometimes about how that damn well IS how you spell such-and-such.
Let’s go Braves!
Salty, I could shed a few layers and mix in a few salads myself. I don’t want to be as heavy as Twinkie-din
Also, when I first started at the other blog and Cooch and I were both still drinking, he and I would fight like cats and dogs all night while everyone else was asleep. MAN I hate that guy. What a waste of a perfectly good computer.
Salty, don’t tell me you went to Clumpson…
Grinch, I’m gonna use that line and tell him he is a waste of a perfectly good computer. I like that one
I just returned to see that ww(worse and worser) have been picking on me. Yes, you could probably say I am fat. But, for years(the improtant years)I was a lean, mean fightin’ machine. Now, I am at a age where vices are few, and eating is one of mine. Deal with it and hope you live long enough to have to make the choice.
I see Twinkie-din just spent an hour and a half eating.
“Coach” is an organism. Hopefully someday he may evolve.
Chip Caray gets on my nerves
Too many years of having to exist on Gravy train, ruined ww’s taste buds.
After last night, particularly, I’m not going to get excited over a 2-0 lead.
I just went across the street to see who was there and who was posting. “Lew”(isn’t that a good name for a houndog?)ww(in his other persona)and Salty, vieing for DOB’s attention. “Here I am, DOB, please scratch my ears!” Yuck.
Same thing goes for 3-0.
“Vying”. But, it means the same thing. Sucking up.
How was din-din? I think I’m gonna go eat something healthy. Yuck. I’ll be glad when I lose some weight myself so I can start drinking again.
I’m going to bed. I suddenly feel nauseous. Our loyal “denizens” that can lay their words on us during the day, but when it is game time, they go across the street to “converse” with those individuals that they acknowledge are “and idiots”. You figure. Also, I can’t stay around for SG to lay his literary-turds on us, but I will help clean up in the morning.
When he was young, Paladin was also a Hitler Youth, ratting on everyone, reporting on their comings and goings.
G’nite Nazi-din
Alright, everyone, you can come out and play now. Benito Paladini is asleep. Twinkie-din goes to bed at 8 every night because he spends an hour and half eating and falls into a diabetic coma.
I must admit I do wonder what y’all see in that blog; I was there once but it was different then than it is now. There isn’t a hell of a lot of “inside information” being given out over there that one can’t glean from watching the games on their own and keeping up with headlines. Although I suppose I can see the allure of spending one’s valuable free time conversing with Shaun and Cooch, and discussing crappy indie bands. Oh, well. Whatever floats your boat.
Bacon and eggs…that’s the ticket. Yes, indeed. It’ll keep my mind off Yunel killing that beautiful 1st-and-third with nobody out. BTW, when did Tommy get fat and out of shape? He was always pretty athletic, I thought. He’s got a bigger gut than Maddux now.
Now that was right tasty. WW, does this mean you wanted to “play,” but just not with me? I see. I’ll just keep my new toys to myself then.
Tommy’s sharp tonight; if he doesn’t get his first win I’d be pretty surprised. But not shocked.
Salty, don’t tell me you went to Clumpson…
Alright, Grinch, I won’t tell you.
D’OH!
I really don’t go to the ‘dark side’ often, and post even less. There are a few folks whose comments I like to read: Lew, ncscoots, KC, TennPaul, etc. By and large, though, there’s little there…which is fine…doesn’t take long. Today, though, ol’ coach pulled my chain and I wasn’t in the mood. WW tossed logic at him, and the rest, but they’re not going to listen to reason. By the way, WW, you can research and pound out info faster than anyone I’ve seen. Forget looking it up myself, I just wait for you, or Raisins, or ssiscribe. Thanks!
I should’ve kept my mouth shut about Tommy.
Pulling your long reliever out of the 7th with nobody out and going to your exhausted bullpen further just to counter a lefty pinch-hitter? I’m sorry, y’all, but if anyone further needs evidence that Bobby’s taken this lefty-righty thing just a wee bit too ^%$#$%& far ought to have their head examined. Good LORD when will this nonsense end?
Does anybody really not understand why half our pitchers are on the DL with elbow problems?
I pitch; two outs. Luck?
I hear ya, Grinch. Doesn’t Bennett throw a sinker? I hate that leftie/rightie crap.
I think I still go there out of habit and because I do find it fun fighting with people. I can’t help it.
You don’t fight, WW…you overpower them with logic!
Heck, even Shaun leaves you alone! 
By August, our relievers are gonna get slaughtered from all the abuse. Jurrjens will miss the entire season next year because Cox is gonna wear that sucker out. Let’s bring back the kid who had arm problems last year on only three day’s rest. Yeah, pure genius.
Bobby is the number one reason for those division titles (and probably the number one reason they only got one World Series title). BUt BObby’s done. I would keep him around in some capacity because I think he still is a great talent evaluator but utilizing his talent and motivating it and teaching it, not so much.
Salty… William Wallace overpower them with logic? Well yes… or research and stats, but if that doesn’t work he’ll resort to water boarding. Or sometimes he’ll just let them wear themselves out pounding him and when they tire from that he’ll bash them relentlessly. WW… the Jake LaMotta of the blog ring.
Grinch, the blog ‘over there’ is different now because you and others here aren’t there. Nothing has changed really. Wonder what folks see over there? I suppose as many reasons as there are bloggers. Some focus on the stupidity and some focus on the baseball, for some it’s the height of their social life and others just a forum to spout whatever is on their mind whenever they are so inclined or have the time… without any care whatsoever about the resulting petty insults, negative commentary or blog host remarks. Compliments and good feedback is good anywhere.
But crappy indie bands? My man, you need some new music… wake up and smell the 21st century, son.What’s up with that?
Not sure why anyone here would care who blogs there or anywhere else. With myself it’s just a change of pace… especially when Braves and Stuff is slow or if I post about ten comments and only crickets can be heard. That’s no problem mind you… I figure Braves and Stuff needs a break from me as much as I from it. Probably more, according to Palskyhawkadin the hall monitor. As much as he hates my literary turds, you’d think he would beg me to blog over at ajc.
Hell, why does anybody blog anywhere? Again… for as many reasons as there are bloggers. For instance, Paladin blogs to insult me and give me a hard time, especially when he sees me over on ajc. That floats his boat. He hates it when I have the audacity to do something like work or go outdoors that keeps me away from him obvious affection. But we have a symbiotic relationship… he needs to insult someone and I allow him to do that because, well… you know, he’s like he is and all. Thing is, he really loves me… and he really hates that.
Braves and stuff as a home base is pretty cool. We’ve got everything.
(even great indy music).
I love watching the ‘closer’ throw breaking ball after breaking ball…in the same spot. Goodness (expressing my true feelings in a ‘G’ manner). 8-0 lead down to 8-6 at the end…and the winning run at the plate. I’m about over the ‘nice and professional’ clubhouse…time for a spit of fire! The game is 9 innings, or more, and the players are paid to play, or be ready, from start to finish. They’re not paid to ease off the gas. Grrrr….grrr!
Salty, the finish was driving me nuts. You’re right, same unsuccessful pitch over and over. I had to go pour a drink. I thought that last punch was a walkoff home run. Whew… heart be still.
You know, SG, part of me wanted it to go out. Such a loss would force strong self-examination of the team, which has talent. The issue, in my feeble mind, is an engine that runs on damp coal. That no one was in the bullpen was even more puzzling. Did Boyer need to figure how to get out of a jam…sure, to a point. But tagging the team with a loss to deliver such a message is unacceptable. Winning is job one…everything else falls in line behind it.
That 9th was fuglyness. Pure fuglyness.
That was not what I’d call slamming the door shut. But as bad as our late innings pitching was tonight, right now we’re not losing games because of pitching ERA or team batting average. Our pitching has been much better than expected and good enough to win most of the games we’ve played. We’re losing games because of a lack of discipline at the plate, a horrid lack of offensive execution and to a lesser degree, misplays in the field (those not technically considered errors). We’ve also had base running blunders that haven’t helped. Fundamental stuff.
Having a manager that doesn’t demand that players report to Spring Training in tip-top shape is not setting the bar high enough. Players are pros but they’re also young men… they need coaching and discipline. Having a manager and coaches that don’t stress the importance of and require players to stick to a healthy diet, year-round physical conditioning, proper stretching before games and relentless practice of individual weaknesses is not successful leadership.
Losing so many one run games and playing 500 ball for the last two years is not just simply bad luck, it’s a direct result of repeatedly not doing all the little things that advance runners, work counts, turn double plays, running down and cutting off outfield hits that turn doubles into singles and so forth.
The problems are systemic and due to leadership failures. Not only are the fundamentals being missed, it’s everything about the team that is dysfunctional. Having so many pitcher injuries may not point to a lack of training or conditioning and may just be incredibly…UNBELIEVABLY bad luck, but it’s certainly not a good sign of proactive off-season management or conditioning.
The game has changed since Bobby Cox played. The athletes we compete with are faster, stronger and more advanced than ever before in their conditioning and capabilities. The equipment, the medicine and the injury surgery, rehab and therapy are better than ever. Our management and team conditioning staff need to do a better job.
Are the Braves being managed and coached to be ahead or behind that modern day athletic curve? I truly think not.
For Bobby’s sake, for the Braves sake, for Braves Nation’s sake and for my sanity, I really hope Cox retires after this season… or moves upstairs to the executive offices.
Speaking of blowing leads: Arroyo goes 7 shutout innings, and leaves with a 6-0 lead. Bullpen promptly blows it…tied at 6 to the bottom of the 9th. Ouch!
part of me wanted it to go out
Salty, I know what you mean. I used to feel that way when the Braves would get pounded so badly they’d be embarrassed into getting it together the next few days. I remember so many of those situations over the years… 18-2 score, then we’d come back and win the next 3 or 5 straight.
SG…it works both ways, and sometimes you can get more from a loss than a win. I don’t recommend it, often, but sometimes…you gotta wonder.
Well sir, I’m gonna call it a night. Have a good’un and don’t let that chubby, crotchety cockpit commander give you a hard time in the morning. If he does, just reach over and press his eject button.
Greetings fellow BSers… I was going to make this comment earlier but was lazy. Anywho… Bobby Cox has modeled his managing style after Ralph Houlk of the Yankees in that he keeps a professional clubhouse… That works great when you have a lot of veteran professional baseball players but not so much when you have a large contingent of rookies and other erstwhile youngsters. The kids need either a manager who will hold them accountable or a couple of seasoned veterans who will do or say what is necessary to keep everyone in line.
I just don’t see that happening… Personally, I would be riding the h**l out of Tex and telling him to get his head out of his a** and play up to his potential. A baseball team cannot wait 2 months for him to “find his stroke” . If he is going to take two months to regain his hitting eye then he needs to start two months earlier with his training.
I fell asleep at the end of the fifth inning tonight and awoke in the bottom of the seventh. SG is right… it was fugly at the end.
Good evening y’all. I came inside, turned on the game… 8-0, Glavine pitching great & then everything went downhill from there. I considered turning the radio back off.
Anybody got any advice for dealing with humongously overgrown forsythias?
And spanning the globe…. A win for common sense. You have to figure that BB&T was pretty arrogant to lose a case in Richmond which is among the most conservative and most pro business in the country.
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-05-14-0227.html
FBG, chainsaw?
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/shrubsbushes/p/forsythia.htm
FBG, chainsaw?
I tried to post this just a moment ago. I’ll try again, but I doubt that it’ll go thru. I seem to have caught something from Salty.
Salty, please refrain from drinking from my glass of bourbon. Get your own!
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/shrubsbushes/p/forsythia.htm
Okay, this is my third attempt to post this.
FBG, chainsaw?
As I have tried to post this twice before I won’t try again. Go to google and type in forsythia. The very first listing that I got was from landscaping.about.com and you might find it helpful.
Apparently, it is my turn to have Salty syndrome!
Gil, the older I get, the less I trust the banks and credit card companies. It seems that they find new and exciting ways to extract money from the common man.
Thanks, Chris. I’m thinking chainsaw might the way to go. We’ve got 3 (we think) & they are monsters.
More ads from the Cornelia radio station: “If you’re considering a career in the poultry industry…” Uh, no.
FBG, please tell me you’re talking about some kind of plant.
SG, You apparently have almost exactly the same taste as DOB when it comes to music, and I thus have exactly the same response. We agree wholeheartedly on blues and classic rock, and couldn’t agree less on anything else. However, since you’re not nearly the d-bag he is about it I’ll tell you I don’t HATE stuff like REM (except 4 a couple of songs), Modest Mouse, two person rock bands and so forth…I just don’t get what the big deal is. It doesn’t BOTHER me like some music does, but try as I may it just sounds like elevator music to me. And yes, that’s just an opinion. I’m not judging it, just telling you what I think. Guess I don’t belong in the 21st century and that’s fine by me. I don’t think Jackson Pollock is an “advancement” over the Dutch Masters either, and a lot of people criticize me for dinosauredness in that regard. So be it. I’ll stick to old cars, old whiskey, old art and old music. I do likes me some young wimmins, though.
The plant with the little yellow bell-shaped flowers, Grinch. Early spring blooming. What were you thinking?
“Anybody got any advice for dealing with humongously overgrown forsythias?” That might mean anything to the layperson; I was hoping if it was body related it was at least something to do with feet.
Re art: I can splatter paint too but I can’t paint a beautiful portrait or still life. So I’ll side with the green T-rex.
%$#$#@^%^$%#^#&^%#&#$&&#&^$*^#$*^#!!!!! %#&^$@#&$%@&^$@&&@&%@!!!!!
C.C. Sabbathia’s been killing my fantasy team all season single-handedly; I FINALLY sit his behind one start and he pitches a 7 inning shutout with 11 strikeouts. &^%$&^$%!
Oh, dear. Sorry to hear that. Deep breath, Grinch, settle the blood pressure.
Maybe quitting drinking wasn’t such a good idea after all. Blah!
Time to snooze. Night, all…
Drinking = pain medicine…. cheaper and works faster.
Still waiting for that link Grinch…
your liver and wallet will thank you Grinch!
ah yes, that phantom link!
My pillow is calling. Good night y’all.
I’d be wary of a talking pillow FLB!!!!!
Good morning ya’ll. Did anything happen in the last 7 hours?
I see that I was picked at after I went to bed, so…
ww is sleeping off a busy night doppling dumpsters for clients. None would hire him but he did sell one a used car so it wasn’t a complete wash.
Salty spent his night at the Institute for the Criminally Insane and Totally Irrational, recruiting for Clumpson. He should have been successful since most of the student body came from there.
SG was whining about me picking on HIM. You know the times that he is actually working(yes, that happens some time)and he sends Lady Chablis over to fill in for him, “he” makes the most sense. Last night was not one of those nights.
Morning, Gil. Well, I slept awhile, got up and used the bathroom, then went back to sleep. Oh, yeah; I got up again. I’m terribly bored. I’ve got two weeks off, no money and I’m on the wagon (albeit temporarily). I guess I’ll have to catch up on my reading again. Books are one thing I’m definitely not short on.
The Institute for the Criminally Insane and Totally Irrational? Do they have a degree program? I’d be curious to study their curriculum and see how many of my credits transfer.
no.
dammit, youse guys messed up my joke!
Grinch in two weeks…”Gee, I’ve lost 15 pounds since I stopped drinking, blood pressure is down, and I have lots of money in my wallet as well! Cool! Bartender, One Bourbon, one Scotch, one Beer!”
Gee, I have picked on the mighty Grinch a lot, for no good reason! He doesn’t pick on me! We both think Booby Cox is not getting enough oxygen to the brain….we both think REM is highly overrated…like heavy metal…man, if you ever have a sex change operation, and it turns out well, let me know!
I’m sure more people in the last 7 hours are telling Hillary to get out. After all, if you win a primary by 41%, clearly, you have no business still being in the race! Wait til she wins Kentucky next Tuesday by a huge margin, that will really show the world Obama is the man to run for the Dems!
Have you seen the the Jew hatin’ rabbit on Hamas TV??? If he wasn’t teaching babies to hate Jews for the rest of their lives, it would almost be funny!
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/29940_Video-_Jew-Eating_Rabbit_Teaches_Revisionist_History_to_Hamas_Kids
You all had your chance to converse with a great mind(Mine of course!) but you blew it!
Berigan, I didn’t think you were much of a drinkin’ man, but I’m never one to judge.
Here ya’ go!/s
Berigan, you are forgiven. Watching the bullpen being massacred shall be your penance.
This whole presidential race is depressing. Wish we could dig up Nixon and Agnew.
Don’t think that last one worked. I’ll try it again.
Berigan, I grew up in a Hassidic neighborhood; they won’t need a rabbit to teach them. Still and all, that was pretty funny.
Grinch; In order to tranfer those credits, you have to take the Clumpson entrance exam. First, you have to break up a cow pattie with your hands and determine what part of the state it was dropped in. Columbia is always a good guess.
Chris, that was a good video and I normally prefer older musicians, but I have to say I like Lonesome George’s version a bit better.
Cows in the Capital? Oh, the Bovinity! (sorry, JJS)
Ha! Fooled you guys!
Don’t worry, I have seen, and will continue to see many a sure fire win go down the drain. Funny, seeing only the highlights, gives you a different perspective, I was just glad we won the game!
Grinch, I slept thru it, believe it or not!
I see Resop wasn’t used…again….what’s that, 12 days now??? Don’t trust him, then trade him! He throws 98 for God’s sake! Trade him to Oakland, they love our castoffs. Did y’all know that Joey Divine has a 0.60 ERA pitching in the big bad AL??? Peter Gammons said last nigh that they may trade Huston Street down the road, and make him their closer. But, he gave up a couple grand slams for the big club a few months out of College, Bobby could never forgive him that sin…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQMP-dxSA2o
Hotter version musically, and more interesting lyrics. IMO.
Gotta go with Lonesome George as well, but ol’ Mr. Hooker, was pretty old for that version it appears….
Off to try to lay down, and not cough my head off….man, thought I had trouble sleeping before!
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday proposed borrowing on future lottery sales to eliminate a massive deficit in the state’s spending plan and avoid unpopular cuts to the school system, state parks and prisons.
Ahhhhnold is sounding more and more like a democrat. Borrow against money you MIGHT make.
Well, I linked to George’s version of that song, but wordpress ate it.
Berigan, trotting Acosta’s weary corpse out night after night while Resop gets fat on the bench makes me sick. He must have pulled a Spooneybarger or something. I swear, Cox manages the bullpen like Woodson manages the Hawks bench. It must be an Atlanta thing.
One of Aesop’s fables was that Resop would get out of Bobby’s S-house and actually pitch. Fable: Something that ain’t likely to happen.
However, since you’re not nearly the d-bag he is
A Grinch compliment? Not sure.
Many people don’t like modern or abstract art. I do, very much… like Kandinsky, Rothko, Scharpf and such. For reasons that are a mystery to me, Jackson Pollock is held up as representative of abstract art by some that don’t like abstract art. That’s like saying all Repubs are like Nixon, or that all Dems are like Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, the Clintons, Obama and all of the current and past liberal House and Senate. Well, maybe that was over the top and unfair… Nixon actually had a few good qualities.
Where was I? Oh, I’ve never cared for Pollack either but I don’t consider him a worthy representative of the art or the abstract movement. Like Lew might say, he’s the dribble master… and we’d agree on that.
I also like realism, the Dutch Masters, the Italian masters, the American masters, just say masters from around the world… in painting, photography, watercolor, illustration, graphic design, etc. All genres, categories and mediums have great examples of work, all have lousy work. Glaringly obvious, I know.
Same with music and yes, I’ve noticed that my music taste runs similar to O’Briens. Actually, his taste runs similar to mine. I was here first. After the age of about 23 I haven’t been able to listen to most heavy metal and bluegrass is only enjoyable to me if it’s live. Other than that, it’s all good.
Eclectic everything works for me. Not sure what came first, the occupational exposure chicken or genetic predilection egg… with my preference of variety in art, music, food and everything else. Even ‘wimmens’… young, old, skinny, fat, tall, short, blonde, brunette, redhead… they’re all beautiful.
So, with me, I think the eclectic egg came first. I’ll go ahead and beat Paladin to the punch… that makes me an egghead.
Skyhawk, as dumb as that sounds (and it is), that’s better than borrowing money that you have no chance of making back, like the three trillion or so (and counting) Bush has essentially borrowed from China to finance the “War on Terror (trademark).” It keeps taxes down, to be sure, but it’s not exactly shrewd or thrifty. BTW, for everyone here (i.e. everyone but me apparently) who loves this man so much, please e-mail me how someone who’s thrown FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS in the crapper with literally absolutely nothing to show for it but the bill is completely beyond your reproach. That way, we can keep it off the blog. That wasn’t a rhetorical question; I’m genuinely curious. If I wasn’t in the process of writing a book already I’d be doing a comprehensive study on denial and the American public. I love and respect you guys, so I’d be completely prepared to hear it without being mean spirited in return. I’m just confused (though I have a theory) and concerned.
Berigan; You gave it up too soon. You could have read SG and Grinch’s latest and gone to sleep like a baby. You wouldn’t have even needed a Boy George lullaby.
SG, I actually thought Nixon was one of the better Presidents of the second half of the 20th century. I’ve got him WAY ahead of Carter and Clinton.
Keep that in mind when y’all here me eviscerate Bush; I don’t technically belong to either party but I’m more conservative Republican than Liberal Democrat.
Good morning. Eggs and bacon.
I tried Dutch Masters but I much prefer Cubans.
Paladin, not everyone has the same relationship with Boy George you do.
SG, well spoken about art. Also keep in mind I wasn’t criticizing your taste in music; I was just explaining that mine differs in relation to pop. I didn’t say Pollock sucked; I just said I don’t get it and preferred other artists.
I hear there is a rumor that Obama may choose John Edwards as his running mate. The two of them will make Slick Willy sound like Billy Graham.
that is the funny thing grinch. the dems are always called the irresponsible ones with the money. however, by almost every economic measure over the last 50 years, democratic presidents get better stock market performance, better gdp growth, poverty rates are reduced significantly, unemployment rates are less, the deficits are nowhere near as much. The list goes on and on about how much the economy is better under Democrat presidents and how much better democrats are at managing the budget.
Grinch; Before you have that sex-change operation for Berigan, you two better get together and double-check y’alls starting and desired “ending” point, if you get my drift.
When Republicans talk about the period of prosperity that the country saw during the Reagan years the dims attribute it to the programs that they put in during the Carter years. However, they(the dims)take full credit for prosperity during the Clinton years while totally ignoring that it was due to programs put in during the Bush I administration. Com’on guys, which way do you want it?
I let Berigan skate on that comment; was hoping it would just float on by without getting noticed.
WW, I love how people are starting to blame high gas prices on the Democratic congress. Don’t get me wrong; both parties are made up of thieves. But to suggest the Dems are in cahoots with big oil is absolutely absurd. I’m so sure that 16 billion profit per oil company per quarter was a nifty trick by the liberals pulled right under Bush’s nose. Bet he wishes HE had something to do with bolstering the special interest groups that bought him the office instead of those meddlesome do-gooders.
Grinch, if Nixon hadn’t been a liar and a paranoid he may have actually been a good President. No, take that back. He would have never been a good President with those traits and habits, but some of his policies would have been more appreciated by more people. When someone flashes two peace signs and says, “trust me, I’m no liar”, I run the other way.
I’m no George Bush fan either… neither Bush. They are/were so wishy-washy, middle of the road in terms of economic policy and expansion of government. That doesn’t mean that I think their evil (I don’t) or always wrong (they’re not), but half measures and ‘country club’ conservatism is damn disruptive and unhelpful to this country.
War is hell and should be a last resort, but when you do go you can’t go half way. I believe we had just cause to go into Iraq, for too many reasons to post here. Yet, like Vietnam and the too PC war we’re waging now, half measures, political weakness, horrid communications and political party fighting have contradicted stated policy, undermined the efforts of our Generals and endangered our brave troops. We seem to be on a better track now, thanks to Petraus and others.
Anyhoo, not sure of the subject of your book, but you may want to check this book out to give yourself a different perspective on the war on terrorism and how history tends to repeat itself. The Gathering Storm.
think their evil. Nice. Self edit… mulligan requested.
Since art has been a topic this morning, here’s a good article:
http://mlb.com/news/article_entertainment.jsp?ymd=20080512&content_id=2686008&vkey=entertainment&fext=.jsp?partnerId=enMLB_INS_051508_entertainment_img
I thought Congress controlled the money. President proposes the budget, Congress controls the purse strings?
And now this UN tax that Obama has proposed. The US already pays multiple times more than the next highest country – and they want more. Recently read an article on what different nations pay into the UN food program: US #1 by billions. Even very poor nations such as Bangladesh sent nearly $1 million. Guess what the filthy-rich Saudis sent last year? $50,000. And they are not even ON the donor list this year. And Obama thinks we should send billions more. Um, how about our OWN poor, our infrastructure, our own needs??? Makes me furious.
Did you know we give billions of ‘foreign aid’ even to EGYPT and Jordan every year?? Saudi Arabia?????????
And every one of these “muslim” countries vote against the US in the UN roughly 70% of the time.
He sympathizes waaaaaay too much with the Muslims to suit me. No wonder Hamas and other terrorist organizations are cheering heartily for him to be elected. Completely erases September 11, 2001. It’s ok.
Good morning.
Please don’t put me in a position of having to defend W. He has been a disaster and the results in years to come may be catastrophic. However, I am not convinced that Gore or Kerry would have been that much better. And Nancy Pelosi is positioning herself for a run in the future. God!
Skyhawk, you’re correct. However, you’re doing exactly what everyone else in denial about Bush does, going back in the past and attacking other bad Presidents. Check it out: I’m not a Democrat and I’m not defending carter or Clinton; never have. I’m asking:
Where did the 5 trillion go (don’t tell me Clinton spent it before Bush got there; he inherited a 2 trillion surplus)? Why? How are we gonna pay for it? And, WHY DO NONE OF YOU CARE?
I already know the answer: “Umm, Clinton got serviced by an intern.”
Last post was posted before I read your 9:27 obviously.
I DON’T GIVE A TINKER’S DAMN WHO CLINTON GOT SERVICED BY, BUT I DO CARE THAT HE WAS A DRAFT-DODGING POS THAT GOT “REWARDED” BY BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! I WOULD HAVE JUST AS SOON VOTED FOR JANE FONDA!
CL, in a perfect world your analysis of how the government’s supposed to work is spot-on. I wish everyone was honest and worked together to make that the case.
Also, I totally agree about foreign aid in principle, but the reason we pay Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia is to keep them from attacking Israel. That was part of a number of agreements in place since the 70’s.
The reason we give money to non-threatening foreign powers is to both:
) pacify the bleeding-heart liberal media/artist community and
) partially distract the rest of the world from our greedy warmongering.
Agreed SG that if this war must be fought it should be fought correctly and it isn’t; disagree about motives.
Grinch; Maybe we both better slow down, or quit. We are getting ahead of ourselves.
Top of the morning, good people. I’ve been away from the computer for a few days, besides the braves.today.com stuff, as I enjoy this transition time that’s going to end sooner than I thought. Signed the new contract this morning and may be jumping into the new position next week, which is fine.
I get bored easily when I’m not working. That explains why I’ve been rediscovering the joys of fishing and the frustrations of golf. All good stuff, though. I know that paid time off is nothing to complain about, and heaven knows I’ve been so blessed in my life. With that said, I’m ready to go back to work!
Actually, we didn’t win the Pulitzer that year (I had the editors of the Web site fix that), but we were nominated and received quite a bit of praise (and some national awards that I don’t remember). For a little paper to be nominated and for it not to be a disaster such as a Hurricane Katrina is pretty rare, so all of us were humbled just to be in the mix. It was cool to cover the summit; you haven’t lived until you ask the prez a question from 20 feet away and have the Secret Service stare at you so hard, their eyes burn a hole right through you. Good times. My best memories of it, though, were the six months I spent researching all the countries. My youngest was just an infant, and he never slept (still doesn’t like bedtime!). So, just about every night for several months, I’d hold him while reading English-speaking newspapers on the Web from the countries that were coming to the summit. Lots of two and three hour sleep nights, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The Super Bowl was a lot more fun for me, though, and a lot more exhausting, to be honest. But again, absolutely awesome to go through it. Don’t think I’d want to do it again, though, which explains why I now sit at home and write business proposals and manage projects every day.
But thanks all for the kind words. All the trophies and plaques and stuff from my career are in a box, somewhere in my closet. I’ve got a couple of press passes hanging in my sports garage, but I’m a fan now, first and foremost. 99 percent of the stuff out there is fan stuff, cups and posters and plaques and signs and pennants, etc. To be recognized in a biz that is so competitive and cut-throat as newspapers always was humbling and meant a lot to me, but I never got upset if we didn’t win something.
To me, the baseball from my son’s T-ball team with everybody’s names on it means a whole bunch more than chasing the president or writing stories at the World Series. Guess I’m all grown up now
Now, baseball (far too much about the Scribe in that first part!): Do you guys realize for all the problems with the Braves, they are only 2 1/2 games out of first place? It’s amazing, and a stroke of good fortune, all at the same time. If this team can start hitting better with runners on base (last night was a good step in the right direction), they are capable of really taking off. I’ll hold my breath for now, though. I DO like moving KJ to seventh in the order and putting Yunel at the top with Kotsay second. I advocated that move throughout spring training. Now, if we could just get Bobby to quit burning out the bullpen.
A win tonight would be a really big boost coming home. But Chuck James is toeing the slab in Philly’s little ballyard, so I’m not too optimistic. Maybe Chuckie will pitch well, keep his two pitches down and the Braves will hit Hamels hard. I hope, at least. Winning a road series would be really big, I think. Need some momentum coming home, with the A’s, Mets and D’Backs swinging through town the next week and a half.
Now, Beckham (more transition): During my little break from work, I’ve tried to get out and watch some ball. Went to the Georgia-Georgia Tech game Tuesday night at Turner Field. Beckham is the real deal. Smooth with the leather, great arm (made a heck of a throw from the hole) and can flat out rake at the plate. He’ll be gone by the middle of the first round, I think.
The Fields kid who pitches for Georgia can really bring it, too. Hitting 96 and 97 with his fastball on the black in the ninth Tuesday night, and then breaking off a breaking ball at 81, 82, with control. Both Tech and UGA have several really good players, and I got to see a kid who I covered in high school get into the game in the late innings. He walked on at UGA and made the team, and he made two plays in the field and got an AB late. Pretty cool stuff. Good kid and good family. I was tickled to see him out there on the big-league field doing his thing.
OK, need to get this room painted, which means I must go get supplies. Later, folks! Take care in the storms rolling this way this afternoon.
The Scribe abides.
–30–
Thanks to the Scribe for another of his good reports. I’m sure all will agree that we are lucky to have him as one of our prized “denizens”.
-74-
True dat, P-din. Good thing we’re not drinking this morning (at least I’m not).
Scribe is always in a good mood. Makes me angry.
That’s right. I’m hating on the behavior of well-adjusted people
I’ve got to get some things done and then it’s off to a lunch “date”. She called, and I said, “Aw shucks, why not?!” Do you think it warrants changing my bath schedule? Or, just more Bay Rum?
WW: Nah, not always in a good mood. The first few days of my time off, I was ill because I really enjoy my job, and I kinda felt lost by not having anything to do. Once I started fishing and golfing and getting stuff done around the house, I brightened up.
When you spend your professional life (which started for me in newspapers while I was still in high school) structured by deadlines, then you have a spell when you don’t have anything really pressing, for me it was an adjustment. Just ask my wife, who had to put me in my place a couple of times last week and who encouraged me to get the heck outta the house and enjoy my time off.
And I always listen to my wife
OK, REALLY need to go get those supplies for painting … after lunch.
–30–
I’ve been rediscovering the joys of fishing and the frustrations of golf.
Combining two sports… fishing golf balls out of fairway ponds?
Now researchers at Marquette University say they have developed a first-of-its kind computer program that can measure bite characteristics. They say their work could lead to a database of bite characteristics that could narrow down suspects and lend more scientific weight to bite-mark testimony.
They are taking an impression of my butt. Grinch, ww, SG and Salty, y’all are in big trouble.
There is no way that a conservative can change a liberal or vice versa with a conversation or a blog post. Life experiences and personal inclinations direct us to different core beliefs, tenets and such. Rarely do those life experiences change to the point of changing core political beliefs. Sometimes I’ve seen it happen when liberal becomes a Christian. I’ve also seen it when a young professional begins to make good money… and is taxed through the nose.
Two of my oldest, best friends that I met in college are liberals today. We’ve been jabbing each other, arguing with each other and trying to change each other’s viewpoint for years… to no avail. Yet we are still best of friends because we don’t cross the line with each other… and the line is so damn close it’s almost in back of them at times.
Liberal: (aka Dem, socialist, progressive). Stands for big government, because they believe America is too stupid to take care of themselves. Income redistribution is good because those pesky ambitious people that work their butts off and make good money don’t deserve to keep it while those that would rather not work require it… all people must be equal. Now, that is unless you’re a Dem… then you get private jets and tax loopholes and you get to dump the bilge of your super-yacht into the river while you blame America for global pollution. You believe the US should be controlled by the UN. You believe that, socially anything that feels good is just fine. You don’t believe in capital punishment, unless it’s abortion… and so forth.
Conservatives: (aka Repubs, squares, capitalists). Although the Repubs have become a spineless bunch of do-nothings that eat their own, they do believe that government should defend the country, fix the roads and build the infrastructure, provide a permanent safety net for the disabled and a temporary net for those down on their luck, without shelter or food and those who have the bad luck to be between jobs.
Conservatives don’t believe that government should indoctrinate school children into a liberal point of view or remove God from our public places. Most conservatives do believe in capital punishment and they don’t believe in abortion. They do believe that we should be able to keep most of what we earn. They do believe that when we earn more, we spend more, more jobs are created and the economy soars. Yup, trickle down. The Conservative movement may just have died with Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan and William F. Buckley…or it’s gone into hibernation until someone else with political clarity and a backbone can move to the front and lead the Repubs, Libertarians or Independents to the good place. It may take a while.
But we all knew all of that, right? We also know that most politicians in both parties only care about grabbing as much power as possible and doing as little as they can for the country while they spend most of their waking hours plotting ways to enrich themselves and get reelected. Current candidates included.
By the way, conservatives far exceed liberals in charitable giving. Just a little interesting factoid.
Oh, no; this means a bunch of old cases might be reopened!
As for your bathing schedule, you could just make this May’s bath.
I’m safe. They don’t have the technology for gum marks, yet.
Sorry, my last post was aimed at Paladin but appeared after war and peace.
SG, I will agree that both parties are full of spineless thieves. I have some conservative beliefs (strong military for defense, capital punishment, defense of 2nd amendment, limits on welfare, limits on immigration, etc.) and some liberal beliefs (universal healthcare, pro-choice, pro-environment, the right not to be Christian). Because I don’t usually trust Democrats to keep me safe, I tend to vote for Republicans despite the effect they usually have on my wallet (the trickles haven’t reached me yet for some reason).
I must ask; so what part of that five trillion’s gone to improving the infastructure? You opened that road (pardon the pun).
bite characteristics that could narrow down suspects and lend more scientific weight to bite-mark
Paladin, sounds like the Adkins diet plan.
“the right not to be Christian).”
In an Obama administration, the right to BE a Christian, might be at question.
I must ask; so what part of that five trillion’s gone to improving the infastructure?
Bear, now go back and read my post again and what I said about Bush. After that, if you’re still thinking that I would justify that massive debt that he and congress have spent (squandered) on pork barrel earmarks, I’ll give you an honest, very short answer that should clear up any “roads I’ve opened”.
I don’t like Obama either, but if you really think he’d have the ability to squash Christian beliefs in this country, you haven’t been paying attention. The whole Christian/Muslim thing will keep him out of office, and if he lucks out and makes it the first anti-Christian thing he said would get him instantly assassinated. Have no fear; Jesus is safe.
Grinch; He’s calling you “Bear”. Maybe he thinks you have already had that operation.
That was me, not Berigan.
My parents call me that, which is what made me make a double-take when I read it. Please don’t associate that name with sex changes; I’ll get all confused.
Fair enough, SG; the first part certainly looks that way but your second to last paragraph indicates otherwise upon second reading. My bad.
Teddy Bear? Kola Bear? Honey Bear?
Oh, uh… sorry Grinch. With all of Berigan’s sex change talk of late and his crush on you, maybe it was a Freudian slip.
“Fair enough, SG; the first part certainly looks that way but your second to last paragraph indicates otherwise upon second reading”
Are you sure you are not drinking?
Just Bear. It was Little Bear when I was young and foolish, now it’s been shortened. Though I’m still foolish.
Just don’t “Bear” me any ill-will after today’s discussion.
Just so you don’t “bare” anything. This is a G-rated blog.
I really do have to tear myself away. And I plead guilty to having filled the blog with a lot of “stuff” this AM. I will be prepared to talk baseball on my return. Y’all have fun.
Actually, I have a thing or two to do myself. As the noted Republican Douglas MacArthur once said:
“I Shall Return.”
Politics is way too complex to resolve without reading a series of books or living a certain life. Sorry I got carried away with it, but I’ll usually take a crack at scattering the seeds of my beliefs on any number of subjects and people I respect enough to care about what they do or think and where a discussion opens up and seems reasonable. Or, as Pal and some others have said, I just dropped another sermon. I don’t like that characterization but I may deserve it.
Take that back… to understand politics and how the history of politics is cyclical throughout man’s time on earth you’d have to read so many books that there would be no time for the other good things in life, like baseball, apple pie, BBQ, fishing, abstract art and indie music.
BTW, my book has nothing to do with politics (a subject I generally despise).
SG; You are into undie music? You are sick!
I’m gone!!!
SG…you don’t write sermons…it’s simply SkyPalaHawkadin’s perception that anything longer than a paragraph must be one.
You crack all the seeds you want…we’ll agree on some, learn on others…the same with Grinch. You fill a room full of people who agree with one another, you get a false sense of right and wrong; progress and failure. I know my beliefs…but equally know I’m less firm in some than others. Listening to the debate helps…a lot. Keep it up, all, please…on, or off-line.
Me, I’m disappointed with gov’t…period. But, I’m more disappointed in ‘US’…we put ‘em there.
Just looking at a comedy site where they have a political ad campaign photoshop contest. One of the photos is a campaign portrait of McCain that says “Black people and women are only good for pornos. Vote McCain ‘08.” I’d link to it so you could see the other entries, but some of them are kind of racy. Check out http://www.Cracked.com. Yes, the same Cracked as the old magazine. Good stuff. Later.
Hear, hear, Salty; that goes back to the earlier supposition that Americans are too stupid to run their own country. The true failure is indeed in the people, though that’s also where the only true hope is. Sigh.
Now I’m really leaving.
Tug of war, Grinch? We keep this up too long, we’ll need some of Skyhawk’s Psychodin (good one, VOR!), or lithium…maybe both!
As for American’s running their own country…how many Americans vote; how many ersatz Americans vote?
Good Ladies and Gents, it’s been fun, but now I must away to go earn a living, make a buck, pay bills and hope that I get to keep some after the government takes my wallet and graciously hands back what they think I need.
So much for history, politics, economics, government intervention, modern art, ‘undie’ and indie music.
Potemkin was socialist propaganda.
I just came by and feel compelled to say this: Salty reminds me of a kid in our old neighborhood that when the fight was going on he would hide in the bushes. Then, when it was over, and everyone was at least a block away, he would come out throw rocks and convince himself that he had run everybody off. Call it “Psychodin” if you will; I call it de truth.
This is an insult and a kick in the
butt to all of us…
Get mad and pass it on – I don’t know how, but maybe some good
will come of this travesty.
If the immigrant is over 65, they can apply for SSI and Medicaid
and get more than a woman on Social Security, who worked from
1944 till 2004, only getting $791 per month because she was born
in 1924 and there is a “catch 22.”
It is interesting that the federal government provides a single
refugee with a monthly allowance of $1,890.00 and each can also
obtain an additional $580 in social assistance for a total of
$2, 470/month.
This compares very well to a single pensioner who, after contributing
to the growth and development of America for 40 to 50 years, can
only receive a monthly maximum of $1, 012.00 in old age pension and
Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Maybe our pensioners should apply as refugees!
Consider sending this to all your American friends, so we can all be
ticked off and maybe get the refugees cut back to $1, 012 and the
Pensioners up to $2, 470 and enjoy some of the money we were
forced to submit to the Government over the last 40 or 50 or 60
years.
Please forward to every American to expose what our elected
politicians (Nancy P.. included) have been doing over the past 11
years – to the Over-taxed American.
SEND THIS TO EVERY AMERICAN TAXPAYER YOU KNOW
I think that’s something we can all agree on. I’m about tired of illegal beaners getting awarded my benefits when they don’t even speak my language. And no, I don’t include honest, hard-working Mexicans who try their best.
Yay for California. Look, Y’all; I don’t give a rip what gay people do behind closed doors or which one wears the dress if they get married. What I’m worried about is the timing of this decision making it a much bigger issue during the upcoming election than it should be. If more troops die or gas goes up more than either would have otherwise because of wrangling over that, I’m gonna be peeved.
I just composed the most highly intelligent and enlightened post relating to politics that has ever been written, and accidently hit the wrong key and closed my browser. Damn!
I’ll summarize as follows:
All politicians bad; Americans screwed.
And now, a little afternoon levity:
How to Give a Cat a Pill
1. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat’s mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.
5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.
6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat’s throat vigorously.
7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse’s forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
10. Retrieve cat from neighbor’s shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard, and close door onto neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss back another shot. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
12. Call fire department to retrieve the damn cat from across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
13. Tie the little bastard’s front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of filet steak. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.
14. Consume remainder of scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.
15. Arrange for SPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.
How To Give A Dog A Pill
1. Wrap it in bacon.
2. Toss it in the air.
As to music, I like Grand Funk Railroad, Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, Phil Keaggy, Allison Krausse, Allman Brothers, Ted Nugent, The David Crowder Band, Van Morrison and Jack Johnson. What does that make me?
As to art, I like my daughter’s.
Voice of Raisins Says:
May 15, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I just composed the most highly intelligent and enlightened post relating to politics that has ever been written, and accidently hit the wrong key and closed my browser. Damn!
The powers that be were not ready for you to spill the beans like that!
Couldn’t sleep this morning(Laying down causing me to cough my Bleeping head off, and my throat is contricted for some reason, had a sore throat for days, and it’s getting worse)
So, went to Doctor again. Of course, couldn’t see my regular doc, saw a P.A., but you know, I like most every one I come across! They might have a bit of of a chip on their shoulder, since some folks look down on them as “pretend” doctors, so they read up on the latest this, that or the other….So, on prednisone(Has worked well in the past, Doc didn’t want to give to me because it raises blood sugar) some really old cough pill she said works very well(cheap, so why push it, right??) and a steroidal inhaler. I don’t like them since they make my heart race, but I’d smoke dog poop if it would help me breathe better than a chain smoker with one lung!
grinch, kinda funny isn’t it that this gay marriage issue always comes up in election years? The gays can’t control themselves from making this an issue no matter how much it hurts the cause of their political party every four years. the conservatives can’t help blowing the matter completely out of proportion for their own political benefit because they know the dems won’t just come right out and abandon the gays because they give too much money and voting support to the dems. the bottomline is that the gays don’t even really want to be married. it’s all about money. they want insurance benefits, tax benefits, blah, blah, blah. that’s really what it is about. companies don’t want to lose money because these people are married. companies don’t want their insurance costs skyrocketing because they happen to have a gay married couple on their hands. it would be too costly for companies. they hide the whole matter under religion and all that but it’s really about money on both sides. i wish gay people could be happy by being married but letting them get married is gonna be too costly. think about how much of a burden it will place on court systems that are underfunded, undermanned and without enough time to take care of the matters already on the docket. the last thing this country needs is an influx of marriages and divorces wasting precious court time. it’s got nothing to do with being gay. it’s about money for both sides
Here’s some interesting info from Factcheck.org on where most of our money goes…. don’t believe those Ben and Jerry bumperstickers!
http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/what_about_ben_jerrys_chart_saying.html
Raisins; That thing on giving the cat/dog a pill is hilarious. I’ll have to send it along to one of my “cat people”.
Now on the gay marriage thing. 4-3 vote in the Land of fruits and nuts? Who would have thought it would be that close? It won’t be that long before someone in that state sues to be allowed to marry his goat. And the CA Supreme Court will allow it, but only if the goat has prenuptial protections.
Berigan; I don’t know if smoking dog poop would help YOU to breathe better, but I bet it would give you more breathing room.
Received from a fellow blogger:
545 People .
By Charlie Reese –
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don’t write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don’t set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don’t control monetary policy, The Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court justices – 545 human beings out of the 300 million – are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress.
In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority.
They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton-picking thing.
I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator’s responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.
No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.
The president can only propose a budget.
He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.
Who is the speaker of the House?
She is the leader of the majority party.
She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want.
If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts – of incompetence and irresponsibility.
I can’t think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red.
If the Marines are in IRAQ, it’s because they want them in IRAQ.
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it’s because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like ‘the economy,’ ‘inflation’ or ‘politics’ that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses – provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
CL; I don’t know who sent you that e-mail or whether he or she know anything, but Mr. Reese is spot-on!
I thought so, too, SkyHawk.
I found the figures on UN voting that I mentioned earlier:
Below are the actual voting records of various Arabic/Islamic States which are recorded in both the US State Department and United Nations records:
Kuwait votes against the United States 67% of the time
Qatar votes against the United States 67% of the time
Morocco votes against the United States 70% of the time
United Arab Emirates votes against the U. S. 70% of the time.
Jordan votes against the United States 71% of the time.
Tunisia votes against the United States 71% of the time.
Saudi Arabia votes against the United States 73% of the time.
Yemen votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Algeria votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Oman votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Sudan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
Pakistan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
Libya votes against the United States 76% of the time.
Egypt votes against the United States 79% of the time.
Lebanon votes against the United States 80% of the time.
India votes against the United States 81% of the time.
Syria votes against the United States 84% of the time.
Mauritania votes against the United States 87% of the time.
U S Foreign Aid to those that hate us:
Egypt, for example, after voting 79% of the time against the United States, still receives $2 billion annually in US Foreign Aid.
Jordan votes 71% against the United States and receives $192,814,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.
Pakistan votes 75% against the United States, receives $6,721,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.
India votes 81% against the United States, receives $143,699,000 annually.
Hey folks. Don’t have much time to catch up on the posts. If this link works, you’ll see why.
http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q70/toddpearson/Family/?noscript=true
ww: It’s ALL about the money, for every issue, from every pandering politician on both sides of the aisle. Special interests win over national interests. That, in a nutshell, is current politics. For every successful politician, the goal is to 1) remove our individuality and force us into voting blocs, then fight over the bloc votes, 2) make us dependent on their entitlements. Now, we no longer of decide which candidate has the best vision for America. We instead have to decide from which [censored] we want to suck. What are the big topics are on the political front? Human rights atrocities in China? Iran’s nuclear buildup? Crumbling infrastructure? No. it’s gas prices (money from our pockets), immigration (money from our pockets), and health care (money from our pockets). Deciding who to vote for in 2008 has come down to making a semi-educated guess and choosing the lesser of the evils. There are no good candidates, just varying degrees of bad.
It’s been a long week. I haven’t slept since Tuesday. I did break him in early, though. We got to watch lastnight’s game at home.
CL’s post “inspires” me to say this. I’m afraid our system is broken, and I’m not sure it can be fixed. It was a good system when it was devised. In those days men(and now it would include women)went to Washington to accomplish specific goals and then returned home, usually to go into private life. Then, and now, they are replaced with professional politicians whose primary goal is to get re-elected. Their second objective is to be “successful” (read: to line their pockets) and then third(at best)to do the work of the people. But in order to do that they must “go along, to get along”. So NOTHING gets done without a huge price tag that shouldn’t be attached. I personally would like to see us with a Brit or Canadian system where one party is voted in, in all branches, and THEY are held accountable for what transpires. They can’t blame the other party for their shortcomings. And when they don’t do the job, you can throw the whole damn bunch out. Is that system without pitfalls! Why hell no! But, it would be better than this blame-game we have going!
PALADIN WROTE A TOME!! So, sue me.
Hillbilly, you had a baby? Congratulations!!! Tell us about your beautiful baby, baby’s name, how Mrs. Hillbilly is doing, how you’re holding up and all.
Cyber-cigars all around.
Hate to hit and run but gotta head out again. Back later. A little Hillbilly boy that has already seen a Braves game… very cool.
CONGRATULATIONS HILLBILLY! ‘Course you had nothing to do with it but the fun part and now you get a baseball and fishing buddy. However, best to the Mrs. and the little hillbilly.
Congratulations, Hillbilly!!!
VOR, I laughed my butt off at the cat/pill thing. Been there, done that.
Isn’t it amazing that y’all are discussing politicians & dog poop at the same time?
SG, I’m typing 1-handed so I’ll keep it short 4 now.
Brady was born Tuesday @ 10:27 a.m. 7 lbs 2 oz. 20 inches long. Head full of wild hair. Mrs. H is doing great. everybody’s healthy and snoozing, now.
Congrtats, Hillbilly! Oh, and most definitely, Mrs. Hillbilly!
“Cyber-cigars all around.”
Don’t get sucked in with that. He is talking Dutch Masters and they are only slightly better than that stuff Berigan was talking about smoking. Me and you will have a Marsh Wheeling and some sippin’ whiskey.
Isn’t it amazing that y’all are discussing politicians & dog poop at the same time?
It’s like uni-sex clothes…not really sure if it’s the guys or gals they look good or bad on, but the comments apply, nonetheless!
How to give medication to a cat: Use a .30cal tranquilizer gun…from 100 paces, if possible.
I may need a tranquilizer after dealing with this computer… or I may need to buy a new laptop after I throw this one off the ridge. See y’all tonight.
I just went over across the street and read some of the “exchanges”. Yes, we have our “disagreements”, but the barbs–for the most part–are tongue in cheek. Those guys are nasty. Not that I’ve turned down that many “fights”, but I think that is the purpose of some of those people. I agree that Scoots, N8, Flange(not to mention our cross-overs)are nice guys with some funny and worthwhile input, but the rest of them! ‘Course the Falcon and Dawg blogs are as bad, if not worse. The Falcon blog is bad because of the race-baiting, and the Dawg blog because of the people from “other” teams that just want to fight. Anyway, I hope when the season comes around that we can start a blog such as this but this blog is made what it is by “Our Lady of Hope” and the people, none of whom are big football fans. Oh well, I can do what I did last season. Primarily lurk and bite my tongue.
Before I get in trouble. Grinch, like me, is a huge football fan. And ww has his moments although he is a NY Giant and Alabama fan. And I think Hillbilly will give a sooie pig, or two. It’s just that the overall rank-n-file are baseball fans. Maybe I saved myself some grief, but then, maybe not.
“…of course, you had nothing to do with it…” Uh, Paladin, if you know why the baby looks like the mailman and not Hillbilly, you might want to keep that to yourself at least ’till the celebration’s over.
Really, though; congrats to you, my man. If I were nearby I’d fall off the wagon and break out the Johnnie Blue I got for Christmas; I’ve just been waiting for the right occasion.
CL, that post was technically spot-on, though it leaves the impression that the president and his cabinet are completely blameless. If the modern equivilent of Roosevelt (either one), Eisenhower, Truman, Wilson, etc. were in office the last 8 years with the same congress I doubt we’d have the same problems. I just don’t see any of them ramming Patriot 2 down our throats, or looking the other way with a smirk on their faces while congress dismantles the constitution and wipes their behinds with it year in and year out.
And for the record, I voted for him the first time…don’t want to hear the “gosh-darn you liberals” stuff. I want to hear something other than who’s worse, like an actual defense of Bush that has a fact or two in it…no, cancel that. I don’t even need a fact. Just someone to step up and say they think he’s done something helpful to the country in any way, and a subjective opinion as to why. That’s easy enough, no?
One must keep in mind that the cabinet is appointed. “Bush” includes Cheney.
I’m not big, but I am a pretty committed football fan…college football. I don’t know what the Falcon’s play, or the NFL, for that matter!
To each his/her own, though. I’m also a soccer fan and referee, which bores many to tears, but it’s a beautiful game for a reason. FBG likes skating, which I admire. One of my son’s was into martial arts for years. I’m open to many sports, although, there are some I simply don’t get. Makes the world go round…or somethin’ like that!
Salty; You are not a football fan, you are a Clumpson fan. That’s a JOKE! Yes, soccer is a beautiful game but not enough “action” for me. I prefer Lacrosse. I wonder why?
Shut up Grinch. You are becoming a liberal bore.
liberal bore. oxymoron. sorry.
Voters in 26 states have approved state constitutional amendments that ban gay marriage:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Notice that minus Florida(not surprisingly)all the states having SEC football are in this group.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MR & MRS HILLBILLY!!!!
In honor of young master Brady joining us in this world, he is now officially declared a Member-in-Good-Standing of Braves & Stuff, with all privileges attendant.
God, please bless that precious baby and his family.
THAT’S WHAT I THOUGHT. End of discussion.
Now, baseball…Chuck James in Philly’s little park? Yikes!
Congrats Hillbilly
Grinch, I do understand that and agree. Wouldn’t I love to see a Harry Truman in office!
Edwards as BHO’s VP? Wouldn’t doubt that snake-in-the-grass would be doing all possible to attain that. He’s the worst of the worst – he’s well known in NC and universally held in disdain and disgust. You thought Clinton was/is a liar?? Can’t hold a candle to Edwards.
I’[m going and put a chicken in my pot…so to speak. Later.
Grinch…I very seriously doubt I can state my position in words that you’ll find agreement with…and certainly not in blogdom. So, I’m not even tempted…though I may offline. Here’s the rub…we agree, per your e-mail on a number of issues…amendment-based, in fact. Those are enough such that my opinion on the current President isn’t worth fracturing our relationship, which has greater value to me. So, silence…here!
Salty, college football is the best (though I love NFL as well). Agreed on martial arts and skating; I even love to watch my little GymDawgs on the floor. I just don’t get soccer, though; sorry.
I learned about soccer while in college, and really got into it via kids. Strange likes occur when the kids come along, that’s all I can say. Now, I even referee the game. Go figure.
Salty my man, despite the way it may appear I’m not in the least trying to start an argument. I’ve just been amazed that I’ve not seen seen or heard a single person in the last couple of years defending him in any other way than attacking someone else or pointing out that America’s still more or less a superpower so quit complaining. Not one single answer to my question, ever. That’s all I want; I genuinely want to know. Feel free to send an e-mail; it won’t fracture our relationship at all (at least on my end). I understand if you don’t want to, though.
That makes sense (about soccer). Everyone I know who plays golf (another sport I can’t stand) all say it bored them to tears until they started playing it; it becomes addictive.
Watching some sports is akin to watching paint dry.
Actually, Grinch, you strike me as the type where we want to disagree, where possible, for what we get out of it. It’s the why, not the fact that we disagree that’s of interest. You know what I mean? Has nothing whatsoever to do with trying to change another’s position.
Absolutely; it was never my intention to change anyone’s beliefs. Trying to change people is the number one cause male/female relationships go bad, and it doesn’t do much better for friends. I was and am simply curious as to what folks think. That doesn’t mean I won’t argue, but my intentions are pure.
CL, drying paint is less annoying than many sports. That’s one of the main reasons I had to quit watching NASCAR. Instead of just letting us listen to the glorious sounds of the cars and only running their yaps when there’s pertinent information to be passed on (like what was the case in those great broadcasts from the 70’s and early 80’s), they now have four or five people in the booth shouting into the microphone at auctioneer speed relentlessly for three hours straight, only interrupted by female reporters squealing and yammering from the pits. I’d rather get stuck in the eye with an ice-pick.
twinkiedin is again taking an hour and a half to eat himself into a coma
You are so right about NASCAR, Grinch! I haven’t watched it in quite a few years now – and I used to watch every race.
You summed it up perfectly!! 
boogity, boogity, boogity, let’s go racing grinch
I have said(check it out)that I am disappointed in Bush and do not want to be placed in the position of defending him. That said, I am very proud of what he said today, in Israel. It was not only an “attack” on the naivete of Obama, it was against Carter, as well. One trying to insure his “legacy” in history and another trying to get elected President.
Golf: I played it and was pretty good. My problem is that I could never grasp what our great Georgian, Bobby Jones did, that the secret is control of yourself. He learned to control his temper; I never did. Still, I have had to laugh at baseball players that come out and completely stink up the course. In their game, anything between the white lines that isn’t caught, is great. Golf is more demanding. And CL, golf is only interesting for those who realize how difficult it is to play.
‘Hawk, I even failed miserably at Putt-Putt!
rocky changed the russian’s beliefs in rocki IV. if i can change, and you can change, everybody can change
rocky ended the cold war – not reagan
It’s not often a 3-up and down inning is good, but the Braves made Hamels throw 19 pitches. Hopefully, that will pay off, if they continue to show patience, and battle.
And then, there she goes, but it’s a solo…I can live with that (like I have a choice!
).
CL; Here I’ll teach you. First, I put my arms around you like this and place your hands on the club…
‘Hawk, you are EVER so kind!
Nuttin’ to it Ma’am. Now, what are you doing for dinner?
CONGRATS HILLBILLY!!!!!!!
You will have to excuse Raisins. He just recently learned that 2YK turned out OK.
Howdy everybody!
Golfers frequesntly put on their golf balls, for marking purposes, things like “mom”. I wonder if Chuckie puts “hit me” on his baseballs?
As did Y2K…
Or maybe it was Y2K. It happened so long ago, I forget.
A day late and a dollar short as usual, VOR.
“…there she goes…” That probably won’t be the only time tonight you say that. Poor Chuckie.
I actually do like putt-putt.
And CL, I think we should cut foreign aid to the entire middle east including Israel and let ‘em all settle it themselves; I think that money could be better spent somewhere else (like here). Israel hasn’t done a damn thing for us, and I’m not so sure they would if it came down to it in a pinch. Same with India and Pakistan; not cool to give them money AND half our jobs…just not cool.
Ha Ha, you young whippersnapper, you thought you had me. On what?
My God, Grinch! Take a drink!
Yeah… been busy…
Now, baseball. Interesting that the announcers are once again using the phrase “blowing out the bullpen”, isn’t it?
How long has it been that Bobby and his “brainthrust” have known that they would need to start Chuckie in the Phillie band box? They couldn’t have saved him for the next series with Arizona, assuming they got the Diamondbacks to play it in the Grand Canyon? ‘Course with our offensive offense, what difference does it make?
A DRINK OF WHAT? THE BUSH KOOL-AID? Just kidding; I’ll quit.
This is why I tried so hard to keep politics from getting brought up in the first place; it’s almost impossible to drop.
Bobby’s “braintrust” is underneath the can of skoal in his back pocket.
Skypalahawkadin: I am a huge football fanatic once August rolls around. Falcons, Dawgs, high school Dragons and whatever rec team my son is on. (Prioritized in reverse order of what was listed.) I also like soccer (which my son used to play), wrestling (which my son does, not the “pro” crap), basketball, hockey and golf. Also, now that my son has achieved a high green belt in taekwondo, I’m learning to like it as well. I no longer golf because it is both time demanding and wallet demanding. I will watch it on TV, though. I’m not a big racing guy, although I’ll usually try to catch some of the Daytona Five-Hunnerd.
I like Joe’s side by side analysis of Hamels and James (sounds like a band…but I digress): how hard can it be to work with Chuck on that ’stiff’ landing? Takes tons of load off the shoulder…and that knee is one strained tendon/ligament from causing a real problem. Mostly, though, he’ll get some natural movement that may, or not, be good. Heck, with the change-up he has, just getting extension on the fastball might create some natural sink.
maddux scouting report from high school:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2008_images/maddux2.jpg
Raisins…I like golf, but when the kids were younger, and so much involved in their activities, I couldn’t justify giving up six hours on the weekend and, moreso, missing their games. I’m just now easing back into it…still working on my club toss!
another maddux scouting report from high school
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2008_images/maddux1.jpg
okay, my posts are starting to feel like muslim terrorist
the last 3 posts are all being detained at gitmo
It’s really hard watching Chuck James pitch. It was easier watching Wickman or Redman. Maybe because they were older and had less to lose. Or maybe it’s because Chuck is so frustrating. Drives me nuts to watch him out there.
What does he do that Cox likes? His mechanics are terrible, his control is terrible, he has two pitches and the worst part… he doesn’t have the, how do I say this without sounding cruel… James does not possess the noggin’ to be a pitcher.
But there he is. When I watch him I hope he;ll do well so the Braves will win and Chuck will attract trade attention. Yikes.
The only thing Chuckie’s attracting is flies.
SG…it’s frustrating because mechanics can be fixed…and aren’t being addressed.
He’s 26…too young to throw under the bus.
Five outs on one pitch.
That’s not being professional…and absent a game plan. Essentially…crap!
I think I agree with some of you, but which ones? This alzheimer’s is a bitch.
It’s not alzheimer’s…unless you don’t remember how you got here!
If that’s the case, we’ll say goodnight for the last time!
Maybe that’d be a good exercise for Chuckie. Throwing under a bus. Might help him keep his pitches down…
Salty? Are you that nice young man I used to know? Nah, couldn’t be.
Nice, yes. Young…that’s all relative!
I have young relatives too…
Salty, Boog and Joe were spot on to a point:
“…look, I know the guy’s throwing strikes, but at SOME point you’ve got to take a pitch or two and make him work, right? Otherwise there’s no game plan.”
“Correct. At some point you’ve got to realize this isn’t working…it’s looking bad…and you maybe go to plan B.”
How the hell do you go to plan B when you just acknowledged there was no Plan A? There’s more wrong with this team than just Chuck being a AAA pitcher, though that doesn’t help.
Scribe brought to our attention this AM that with all the Braves travails, they “were” only 2 1/2 games out of first. But, is there anyone in all of Christendom that thinks that this Braves team could make it out of the division series, much less the league championship? Given what we see now, if you do, you are severely demented!
I will admit it was nice to see bobby leaving a hot reliever in for consecutive innings; that’s a definite departure. And Diaz just made a heluva good throw.
Salty; At my age, anyone younger than Dr. Ruth is a hottie.
Did he just use “Dr. Ruth” and “hottie” in the same thought?
Grinch, cutting off the cash-flow to our enemies – 100% agreed! Actually we agree on a number of points.
Raisins; I try not to puke over your “music” selections. Give me a similar break on my sexual fantasies.
Oh please, CL, don’t give him hope. He will go on and on. Sort of like SG.
Uh-oh. I hear a minor family meltdown downstairs.
I’ll be back… um, sometime.
I guess SG is across the street trying to elbow ww out of the way to kiss DOB’s posterior. I hope they are using lots of lip gloss.
“He will go on and on, sort of like SG.”
Oh HELL no. I KNOW you didn’t just go there (snap snap snap).
Campillo has much better stuff than I thought; he was one of the ones I was least impressed with at Spring Training. Now, if only Bobby would pitch Resop next inning to give them a complete change of pace…nah, makes too much sense in a game that’s probably out of reach anyway. He’ll probably use Boyer and Acosta, with Ring burned on one lefty batter in between.
Francouer could’ve caught that ball last inning; he’s either hurt or exhausted or both. I wish he had sense enough to take himself out; I guarantee if he had an off day every two weeks (besides the normal ones) he’d have a 20% better season altogether.
I don’t think this mess is going to get much, if any, better so I’m going to bed. But, I’ll be here in the AM to answer all posts. And remember, I bite!
Paladin accuses me of going on and on? Have I ever?
And elbowing who to kiss who’s arse? Man, just can’t get a break with the old cuss.
Pal, take your meds. I just wrote a little answer to Grinch’s question, but not sure if I should post it. Could be nuclear. So to speak…
Tex. Worth his weight in… something. Ain’t gold. Maybe when spring training is over he’ll come around.
Evening y’all. That was not fun. What did they say about Chipper? I missed the beginning of the game so I didn’t hear about the strain ’til Pete mentioned it in passing later.
Not much conversation going on… wrote it, may as well post it.
I want to hear something other than who’s worse, like an actual defense of Bush that has a fact or two in it…no, cancel that. I don’t even need a fact. Just someone to step up and say they think he’s done something helpful to the country in any way, and a subjective opinion as to why. That’s easy enough, no?
Yes… that’s easy. Here goes: Bush has contributed to popular culture, by giving Americans several new words, such as “strateegery”, “fuzzy math” and “newcewler weapons”. Like a Democrat, he has expanded government and increased the deficit. He has single-handedly brought Presidential articulation to a new low, such that during an important speech, Republicans hold their collective breath and Democrats cackle throughout.
All in all, he’s failed at convincing the American public to prior to convince and push Congress to drill for our own oil in Anwar and other places in our country so that in the short term, we can leverage with the Saudis and other oil producing countries that we depend on to lower oil prices… and within ten years become independent of buying from terrorist supporting countries or those that hold us economically hostage. He had the right idea but he hasn’t gotten it done. Oh, and he’s never met a spending bill that he didn’t like. Never a veto.
The excuse for many of his policy shortcomings and stagnation is that he’s presided during a Democrat controlled Congress that hates him, votes against him and ridicules him at every turn. No human being could have a great record of legislative achievement against the harsh wind and vitriol he’s endured from liberals in the House, Senate and media.
On the positive side, President Bush has fought abortion and against the harvesting of human stem cells for the purpose of genetic research… when they are not even needed for said research. He’s lowered taxes (not enough but better than nothing), lowered capital gains taxes, which has spurred reinvestment and economic stimulus, led a war against terror that is like no other threat this country has ever faced.
When America and most other countries were voting for sanctions and economic isolation against the Iraqi regime and the tyrant Saddam Hussein, they ALL said that he possessed weapons of mass destruction. Then, as resolution after resolution went unheeded by Saddam, the weasels began to parlay the whole situation into their own selfish, power and resource hungry game. George Bush led America, England, Spain, Australia and other countries who stood against the socialists, Putin and Russia, the then corrupt German leadership and others against the ‘gathering threat’ of biological weapons (which had been used by Saddam against the Kurds), chemical and potentially nuclear and other warheads that were in development.
Many, including myself, believe Saddam did have WMD. Although stockpiles have never been found (French UN inspectors were caught tipping off Saddam prior to inspections), they could have easily been shipped out to Syria and/or Iran. They could still be in Iraq, buried under the vast wasteland of sand. Huge fighter jets have been uncovered in the desert. If Saddam could hide jets for years, a few boxes of biological weapons (enough to kill everyone on the Eastern Seaboard), or a few warheads (enough to wipe Israel off the map) could easily be found.
What does all of this have to do with George Bush? He led and he pressed on, against growing unpopular opinion at home and ridicule throughout the world. The man has courage. He was up against the UN, Germany, France, Syria, Russia, Islamic countries, (and Democrats) at every turn. We have the Sunnis, the Shiites, the Taliban, Hezbollah, Alqaeda, radical Islamo fascists, a little maniac runt in North Korea and Jimmy Carter.
Our President and our military face an enemy like none other we’ve ever fought. Terrorists don’t have uniforms to shoot at or countries to bomb to oblivion. We have a diabolical, evil and cowardly enemy that uses young, mentally or socially challenged men and women to hide behind in battles and to carry out suicide bombings, all in the name of their twisted religion.
George Bush and his administration made mistakes immediately after taking Baghdad and have needed to change strategy several times (which has happened in every war in the history of civilization), all while he (and us) have been crucified in the worldwide socialist, communist and liberal media.
War is hell, mistakes happen, the chess game moves constantly, the enemy thwarts best-laid plans and yet, through all of this and with damn near half of the American people against him, he has endured, stayed the course. We’re now seeing great strides in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Taliban and Osama bin Hidin’ have been reduced to cave dwelling cockroaches. That wasn’t a huge drop from what they were before they got bombed back to the 12th century… flea infested rats.
Lesser men than President Bush would have consoled the press, unwittingly enabled our enemies by vacillating, treated it as a ‘legal’ matter or ‘kicked the can down the road’ for future generations as Dems would have, tucked tail, gone with the ‘popular’ (failed) diplomatic solutions and bailed out for his own political expediency. Instead, he stood firm. Had he blinked, our Country and the free world would soon be subject to greater terror and threats than we could possibly imagine. Our friend and staunch ally, Israel must be defended at all cost or the entire Middle East becomes a terrorist, radical Islamist state. Bush has stood by Israel as a friend and ally. This is a good thing.
President Bush may not speak as well as Winston Churchill, but he’s doing the same thing as Churchill did when England was under siege from Nazi Germany. Instead of the misguided appeasement strategy of Neville Chamberlain, he acted decisively. Hitler would have been defeated earlier if appeasers in England and the US had understood what Churchill saw.
If we allow this hate-filled, evil Islamic scourge that is charading in mosques in the name of religion as Muslims, we will pay dearly for our inaction. Hillbilly’s little boy and your little green Grinch’s would have to pay the consequences of allowing terrorists to achieve their only stated goal… the destruction of all Christians and all non-Muslims.
George Bush He’s not a smooth talker and he’s behaved like an economic liberal. He’s made many mistakes, just like every other President and every other human, but where it really counts… life for the unborn, freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for America and her allies, he’s done a jam up, unwavering good job. Hope my rambling answered at least part of your question about what President Bush has done for our country.
Obviously I didn’t list all of Bush’s accomplishments or include all of his failures, but this is a decent top-line of what he’s done while in office. Also didn’t mean to write another War and Peace, but its hard… make that impossible, to separate the man from the office of President. It’s also hard to separate world events and world war from that office and that man.
Bush will be seen in very positive terms by historians without a predilection for socialism and those liberal chroniclers that write and rewrite history to suit their own biased political viewpoints.
So, has President Bush been helpful to this country? Without a doubt. Historians will forget his inability to speak off the cuff and his awkwardness in social situations, but they will certainly remember his steadfastness against the greatest threat the western world has ever witnessed.
All italics? Now WordPress is after me.
If CL would be so kind… only the first paragraph by Grinch should be italicized.
Woo-hoo! I found college wrestling on ESPN-U!!!
Check that. Not college wrestling, but USA amateur wrestling. My fault. (like anyone cares…)
Women’s college water polo on CBS-C. I have now found another sport that I won’t watch on TV.
They show water polo on TV?! Why the heck can’t I get decent skating coverage? A lot more people watch that.
I think I have found the post-game, pre-night shift gap.
‘Tween domination. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel (which, if you’ve seen Mythbusters, is actually not very easy)
Hi, FBG. You can catch the USA Wrestling Freestyle national championships. Channel 148 on Dish Network.
You have found it, VOR. It’s the time of night when I’m usually here hitting refresh, hoping someone will show up to talk.
Uh, thanks. But I don’t have TV up here yet.
Anything’s better than the fake stuff, Raisins, but I personally prefer MMA.
SG, I violently disagree with everything but about two sentences past the second paragraph, but you’re the first person who’s ever answered my question (and even articulately, which I appreciate) and I admire you for your courage in doing so. And it takes tremendous courage to compare Bush to Churchill. I’d genuinely love to sit down with a few brews and discuss this with you point by point; you’re obviously well spoken and well educated and I’ve honestly never heard someone of your caliber take those viewpoints. No, I’m not being a smartass; that’s what I’ve been waiting for for years. An opportunity to learn from a different kind of person. Let’s continue this at your leisure via e-mail; I’m sure folks don’t want to see us having a summit meeting here.
“…why the heck can’t I get decent skating coverage?”
“…um, thanks, but I don’t have TV up here yet.”
FBG, I think I’ve figured out your problem.
Raisins, Women’s Water Polo sounds like just the ticket if they wear white shirts and no bra. I’m not sure there’s much I’d rather watch.
Scribe could cover it!
Evening all… Well said SG. Now, from a dumb old redneck like me, I can only say that from my prospective, I can sum up W’s presidency in one word…
DISAPPOINTING…
I fear he gave far too much authority and power to incompetent people who surrounded him.
Much good discussion on the B&S blog today. Congratulations to Hillbilly and his lovely wife for their blessed event. Way to go kid….
And baseball…. AUGGHHHHH…. Oh well, Bergman pitched a nice game against the Mets today.
Let me clarify… Scribe could cover the Grinch/SG summit, not women’s water polo.
Now you know what I mean, Grinch. It’s the offseason now.
I follow wrestling because my son wrestles. Jefferson is a huge wrestling town, with our high school having won the last 8 state championships in single-A. (We move up to AA next season.) He started when he was 8, and was already way behind. The competition up here is fierce.
I’m gonna do something weird and talk about the Braves.
Is there any possibility that Cox/Wren have finally realized that we cannot win with ChuckieJ starting? I started groaning about this one 4 days ago when I realized that CJ would have to make a start in that mini-park. More balls leave that place than Britney Spears’ apartment. No successful pitcher can get by with just 2 pitches, unless they bring some 97+mph heat.
What is the potential for Campillo to start? Has he started in his career? He throws nice and smoothe, and has that devastating changeup. How long would it take to get “stretched out”?
Am I the only one who is absolutely sick of watching Tex not come close to matching his monumental reputation? Why are pitchers even throwing Chipper anything near the plate with Tex’s extended April struggles?
Well, on the bright side, Resop was released from witness protection tonight. I maintain he’s been hurt, but who knows…
We now return to our regularly scheduled programming of me hitting refresh to no avail.
And with that, I hear my pillow calling.
I’m handing off to Berigan 8, the Whole Thing, who will probably make his appearance shortly. (Not to imply that you’re short, Brogan.)
G’night all.
And VOR comes through. Extra brownie for him.
I am rather underwhelmed by Tex. He started off well after the trade of course but we seem to do a lot of waiting around for him to get going.
And then he leaves. Hmphh. I’m revoking the brownie.
Didn’t know you were still hangin’ out, FBG. Can’t keep my eyes open any longer… G’night.
Hey, folks have come back out into the streets of Stuffville. Thanks CL for ’straightening out’ my words. Hate it when they lean too far to the right… wait, no, that’s not really a problem.
Grinch, I’m glad you appreciated the effort my friend… and I’ll take you up on the beers. You buy the first round and we’ll take it from there. I’m not sure I understand the “took courage” part in answering your question though. Courage is something far different than giving an opinion. But thanks.
Going in to our coming conversation though, don’t mistake me on the Bush-Churchill comparison. No slight to Bush intended but Churchill has few peers. There… that’ll save us about 5 minutes right there and we can get right into the more interesting, substantive moral, spiritual, political stuff. And the ice cold brewskies. And baseball. And why the heck Chuck James is playing outside of AAA or Lowes. And stuff. I look forward to it.
Brownie? Hmmm… maybe toothpicks will keep the eyes open.
The Braves offensive rollercoaster is seemingly a mystery. So much inconsistency. Tex’s struggles, however, have been consistent. Frenchy’s struggles have been consistent. My considerable patience is wearing thin with both.
Brownies topped with vanilla glaze & chocolate chips.
I guess it wouldn’t work to tell them all to do what Chipper does (except for the strains, etc.).
I, for one, have seen enough of Chuckie. I’d rather find a grizzled veteran somewhere. How about Julian Tavarez from Boston? He was stuck in their bullpen this season before being DFA’d 3 days ago. He is on record as saying he wants to go somewhere and start, and he’d bring a little fire to the clubhouse. And he’d certainly be no worse than Chuckie has been.
I know this didn’t hold true last year in Boston but Tavarez usually seems to be the guy crying in the dugout when his team is knocked out of the postseason.
I wanted to root for Chuckie. I kept thinking “he’s young, he’ll learn”. But he doesn’t seem to have learned anything. He comes across as…well, not too bright.
Maybe we could pry John Lieber from the Cubbies’ bullpen. Again, gotta be better than the current band-aid.
Of course, as I now recall, the Cubs did recently put Lieber back in their rotation. Just throwing stuff out there…
Oh, and he’s the pitcher that gave up 4 homers in the 2nd inning of their game Wednesday… ouch.
I wonder why the Braves can’t seem to develop any good young starters? We always get guys who look like they might be good but don’t live up to expectations. Why is there never some young flamethrower? Is the organization looking for another Glavine or Maddux so hard that we’re losing out on other types of pitchers? Nobody’s going to live up to those 2 anyway.
OK, the toothpicks have kept the eyelids open a bit longer, but man oh man are my contacts dry. Time to hit the proverbial sack. And the mattress.
Later………………………………………………………………………………….
Sorry for the gaps in posting. This computer runs on a time delay sometimes.
Raisins, this link from baseball cube shows Campillo’s stats from 05 on. He started 22 games for Tacoma last year and started one game for Richmond earlier this year.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/C/Jorge-Campillo.shtml
I, too, am tired of the Chuck James experiment. Yes, he’s won plenty of games for us the past few years. The Braves tend to win in games that he pitches, but frankly, I don’t think it can last. He’s got two mediocre pitches. He doesn’t read scouting reports. He rarely lasts six innings, thereby taxing the crap out of the bullpen. His success at the major league level can’t last. BC and/or RM need to have a “come to Jesus” meeting with that boy and tell him that unless he makes some serious improvements he’s going to be shipped off to play for the Nippon Ham Fighters or the Guerreros de Oaxaca for a couple of bats and a bag of balls to be named later. And if they did that, I’d be fine with it.
OK, I can’t take anymore of this #@%$&* computer tonight. Good night y’all.
morpheus45 Says:
May 15, 2008 at 8:05 pm
…..
And CL, I think we should cut foreign aid to the entire middle east including Israel and let ‘em all settle it themselves; I think that money could be better spent somewhere else (like here). Israel hasn’t done a damn thing for us, and I’m not so sure they would if it came down to it in a pinch. Same with India and Pakistan; not cool to give them money AND half our jobs…just not cool.
I’m all for spending more money at home on job training, new Technology, etc, etc, etc…
As for cutting aid to Israel, and not sure if they would come thru in a pinch???
Well, they did destroy Iraq’s WMD program in the mid 80’s that made it possible to have a first Gulf war. Otherwise, we’d be seeing Saddam in control of Kuwait, The UAE, AND Saudi Arabia. And not being able to do a damn thing about it! We’d be giving him Billions of dollars a year for oil he controlled. Saddam who be giving Nukes to every crazy Muslim despot there is….and what could we do able it, with them being Nuclear and all?
They took it where the sun don’t shine during Gulf War 1, remember??? Remember how Saddam was firing SCUD missiles into Israel, a country that had NOTHING to do with us going to war with him after invading Kuwait. And we kept telling Israel, be cool man, be cool, if you get involved in a war, just because someone is attacking you, for no reason at all, the Arab and Muslim street will get upset! Our “Coalition of the Willing will splinter!
Can you imagine in some wacked out world, Russia invading Canada(Well, they do have a lot of oil) and Russia shooting some rockets into the U.S, and Canada telling us to back down, China is not going to join Russia unless we are brought into the war??? I know, a crazy analogy, but If I was an Israeli citizen, I would have been beside myself watching an attack on our country and doing nothing about it….
Israel would be on our side, trust me. They will have to do something about the Country that says they will wipe Israel off the map…and is working on Nukes…and of course, as always Israel will be the bad guy in the world’s eyes….
Hillbilly, great news! How’s his arm??? Is he a lefty or a rightie???
And this from the “What were you thinking” dept….
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24656169/
But he doesn’t seem to have learned anything.
To learn…one must be
taughtcoached. Get up off your arses, quit spittin’ sunflower seeds, and coach, dadgumit!SG, I violently disagree with everything but about two sentences
And…this is to be discussed over beer?
“METS CLOSER CALLS OUT TEAMMATES IN PRESS”
Well, at least we haven’t gotten to that point, yet. ‘Course the fact that we don’t have a closer may help.
Overnights: Ask SG, “Think it will rain” and he will start with Noah’s Ark.
Billy Wagner is and idiot. Of course, his comments were correct, but the time and place were wrong.
Oh… g’morning.
Ask SG, “Think it will rain” and he will start with Noah’s Ark.
When I just read that I came so close to choking to death on my coffee laughing… if I had died right there it would have been your fault Pal.
Salty, when the Grinch used the words “violent disagreement”, he exaggerates. And just this week I’ve told him 50 million times not to exaggerate.
Hopefully he’ll calm down by the time we meet for beers… hope so anyway. Don’t want Grinch goin’ all Rev. Wright on me.
From Bowman’s game story: When asked if he expected to be removed from the starting rotation, James simply said, “They about have to, I guess.”
Yep, that’s the kind of confidence that I want to hear from a major league starting pitcher.
I’ve told him 50 million times not to exaggerate.
50 million times…don’t exaggerate?
Maybe just 49 million…
Raisins, Chuck James needs to go. Some will argue his stats and wins and youth and so on as reasons for keeping him and developing him, but the young fella’ just ain’t got a chance in the bigs, in my opinion. Certainly not as a starter.
I’ve already posted this, but several weeks back I remember listening to Joe and Boog talk about his lack of knowledge about opposing batters, and he couldn’t remember Borchard hitting a over 400 foot ST homer off of him just a week or two earlier. Either he’s limited in memory or he’s not motivated to study hitters or something… I don’t see a future for a pitcher that has bad mechanics, bad memory, low motivation and no confidence.
Maybe Lowe’s has a softball team.
As I said earlier:
Voice of Raisins Says:
May 15, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Is there any possibility that Cox/Wren have finally realized that we cannot win with ChuckieJ starting? I started groaning about this one 4 days ago when I realized that CJ would have to make a start in that mini-park. More balls leave that place than Britney Spears’ apartment. No successful pitcher can get by with just 2 pitches, unless they bring some 97+mph heat.
I wonder if Dr. Andrews has ever performed a pec transplant? You know, Chuckie’s pec to Hampton’s… pec area. Of course, Mike would probably roll off the table under anesthesia…
Maybe a talent transplant…
I don’t know that the Braves can change Chuck James enough that he will be a dependable pitcher in the major leagues. He, like Mike Gonzalas has some really bad mechanics to overcome. Morton is ready physically to start in the majors. Mentally, well, I guess we will soon find out.
Aside from that, I don’t see any cheap fixes for the Bravos. A top line starter is going to be expensive. It appears the Braves are going to be in the market for one to replace (Glavin, Smoltz and Hampton) but unless they are willing to shell out for a stud, this team is going to become very ordinary very soon…
By the way, is it just me or does anyone else see the collation between the dust up with the reporter in Philly and Charlie Manual and the gelling of the Phillies as a ball club last year?
Chuckie needs to be traded. Perhaps another coach or management style will get through to him and make him understand what he needs to do/learn at the mlb level to get hitters out and win ball games without leaving a wake of destruction through the bullpen.
It wouldn’t surprise me if they sent him off somewhere in exchange for someone else’s problem child. Might be time for a change of scenery for ol’ Chuckie.
Now I’m just repeating myself:
Voice of Raisins Says:
May 15, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I, for one, have seen enough of Chuckie. I’d rather find a grizzled veteran somewhere. How about Julian Tavarez from Boston? He was stuck in their bullpen this season before being DFA’d 3 days ago. He is on record as saying he wants to go somewhere and start, and he’d bring a little fire to the clubhouse. And he’d certainly be no worse than Chuckie has been.
Anybody else think Tavarez would be a positive addition (note: not great, just positive) or am I off my meds again?
Pec transplant fro James to Hampton… yes. That might work.
But then Chuck will fall out of favor with Cox real quick. Must have two good pecs to put elbow grease into that weekly wax job and auto detail for Bobby.
Chuckie is this year’s Kyle Davies.
Hmmm… Seems I did notice all new windows at the Cox ranch.
Gil, as I recall, it was about the time of that incident that they started playing well. Put a little fire under their backsides.
Of course, when Brett Myers had his dustup in an interview, it didn’t seem to help him as much. In case you missed it, here’s a link. It’s from last August but it’s still good for a laugh.
http://podcast.kyw1060.com/kyw/628299.mp3
CAUTION: NSFW language!!
Yep, Brett Myers is and idiot but we knew that already.
Raisins, I’m with FBG on that one. I just can’t get out of my head his miserable losses in post season. Some against us.
Hey, men that cry is not a non-macho sign of weakness and not a problem…
but Taverez is a gushing fire hydrant.
I don’t care if the dude has to carry a Sam’s Club-sized Kleenex box to the mound. If the dude can pitch better than Chuckie then they need to ask about him.
Yes, a gushing fire-hydrant perhaps. But it might be nice to see some evidence of caring in the dugout. I get the whole “professional” thing, but a little emotion from time to time couldn’t hurt. I would have liked to have seen Chuckie get mad and throw something in the dugout last night. Of course, some Phillie woulda hit it over the fence…
Oh, and remember, Tavarez has been DFA’d since the 12th. He could be had for very little.
The article below talks about MLB ratifying the new drug agreement but it looks as though they are going to take a look at the maple bats that have been gaining increasing popularity but have been shattering in dramatic style.
I have to say that I am surprised that they are even considering talking about it. No one has been killed or seriously injured yet (thank God).
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/05/15/owners.meetings.ap/index.html
see the collation between the dust up with the reporter in Philly and Charlie Manual and the gelling of the Phillies as a ball club last year?
Gil, I didn’t catch that incident you refer to but sometimes that fire and passion from a manager can pick a team up. We have to remember that, even though these players are pros, most are kids. They look to managers for coaching and such, but they also look to them to lead in an inspirational way.
Remember Lou Piniella’s tirade last year when we played them. Cubs were underachieving and in the dumpster… until Lou came out of the dugout on a bad call, lifted the third base bag and tossed it after he had been tossed? That one incident seemed to completely turn their season around.
Wonder if we could find some of that stuff for Mr. Cox?
MLB ratifying the new drug agreement but it looks as though they are going to take a look at the maple bats
Klobber, maybe they’ll kill two birds with one stone. Use all the abandoned steroids and HGH and rub it all over the maple trees.
OK, kiddies. Time for me to fly.
The kids’ last day of school is today, and they have programs all morning.
Later!
Raisins… well OK then. You’ve talked me into it. We get Tavares and Schilling and they get James and Hampton. Think they’ll go for it?
A talent transplant from Chuck James to Mike Hampton? You think Hampton would be more effective if he had two of his four pitches removed, 4 mph and all the movement taken off his fastball and change? Somehow I think that would be self-defeating. I wish we could trade Chuck to Oakland and get Devine back; he’s 3-0 with a 0.55 ERA and 20K’s in 16 innings. They’re talking about trading their closer and moving him up.
When I saw that Wagner interview last night I was amazed that nobody offered to beat his $#@, he being the most overrated player on the team besides David wright (I’ve seen him convert exactly two save opportunities against the Braves out of many; he might as well be the 67-year old Flash Gordon). Then I heard Jose Reyes tried to go from 1st to third on a sacrifice…yikes.
Tavarez has been DFA’d since the 12th.
Similar to James when he shows up at the ballpark on his day to pitch. Only one letter difference. James has been DOA’d. He’s always on life support until the fifth inning, but there was never really a chance. He’s been convicted of a capital crime. Dead arm walking.
OK then, it’s settled. Chuck James goes. Get Tavares, heck, get Kyle Davies back… whatever. Now, who’s gonna go tell Cox?
Grinch, that was just a pec transplant, not talent. Hampton would be on the stinky end of the stick if it were a talent transplant with Chuck.
You guys know more about baseball than I do, but I know something about leadership. The Braves lack it now. The only player than can provide it is Chipper. I don’t see that happening. The only “coach” that can provide it is Bobby. No one else will take a chance of crossing him. Bobby is not a rah rah sis boom bah guy, but that is exactly, IMO, what they need. It’s like trying to provide directions to that little place down in the country: “Frankly, I don’t think you can get there from here”.
Pal, I agree. You may not know as much detail as some about baseball, but you know about the game, and sports and leadership and coaching and such. The calm country club approach works… when you have Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz in their prime. Now, not so much.
I’m done talking about Chuck James and Cox. Too aggravating, plus I gotta go slay some dragons. Before I strap on the shield and grab my sword, just read in a Savannah News article yesterday that the Traveling Wilburys called Fred Gretsch (in Savannah) to fly out to visit the group of superstars before they recorded so they could order and all play all Gretsch guitars. Fred took his wife and flew out to the studio, supplied the instruments and the rest is history.
Gretsch does have a nice, hollow, tinny sound that is distinctive on the Wilbury albums. Here’s a taste.
End of the line.
VOR, 8:30 AM:
“Maybe a talent transplant…” Came right on the heels of the pec transplant post.
Agreed, Paladin. Time for someone with decision making skills to be strategically placed next to Bobby in the dugout, and have Bobby promoted to “the guy who blows a freakin’ fuse every single slow moment.”
I miss Pat Corrales.
I can stand corrected, and probably will be, but the only other manager with Bobby’s managerial style that achieved long-term success was Walter Alston. And he, like Bobby, had talent-laden teams. But, when the talent began to wane, so did his record, and he was replaced with Lasorda. Say what you will about Lasorda, but he was no shrinking violet on the bench. And he brought the Dodgers back to contenders and winners.
Yeah, I think I’ll fly the entire crew from the Jackson Custom Shop out to my pad to design a guitar for me. Must be nice.
The Traveling Grinchburys… I can see it now. But wouldn’t all that heavy metal cost a fortune in air freight?
One more just for Roy.
Now I’m really going. Mean it. Really.
Man, you guys have been postin’ fools this AM! Good stuff though!
I slept thru the game, again….I really haven’t missed much, have I???
I give Smoltz much more credit for knowing what’s best for his body….but, if there was a chance starting and going 5-6 strong innings, and his arm holding up, do you think he would at least consider starting if the braves can’t trade for anyone, and/or no one from the minors can help?? Between Chucky and Jo-Jo, we don’t seem to have help in the system(I know, Morton, but I keep hearing it’s too early to bring him up-wasn’t it too early with Jo-Jo last year as well?)
No one ever seems to trade starting pitchers this early either, do they??? Heck, the teams that folks usually try to get a soon to be expensive SP for prospects, Pirates, KC, Rays are playing very, very well! Are the Padres, The Rockies, the Tigers, really 2nd tier teams???
Morning, folks. Grinch, you’ve got mail coming your way, I think.
CL, you asked how big sister was handling the new arrival: She’s the enforcer. Nobody gets near the little man without her permission. She’ll tell you she knows everything there is to know about taking care of a baby, because she’s played with hundreds of baby dolls in her five years.
Pirates are 20-21, we are 20-20, Mets are 20-19. Pirates look better than the other teams!
Did you all see Willie Harris’ amazing, game saving catch???? Too bad he can’t figure out how to hit….Hit clip on left, catch shows up about 30 seconds into it.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was
Billy Wagner is an fill in the blank, but you know, he may have a point this time! He’s apparently one of the few guys that talks with the media. Met’s GM loves all those Latin players, but when it comes Q&A time, yo no hablo Ingles, senor!
In case folks missed it, he was being asked questions by the press and said(More or less) Why is everyone asking me questions, when I didn’t even pitch tonight??? Why don’t you ask the guys that played??? Oh that’s right, they aren’t here, are they! &%@*
The Mets looked terrible left 13 runners on, in a 1-0 loss. Something we sure don’t know anything about
But, on top of that, ESPN showed 3-4 running blunders, half-arsed plays that if someone had only been watching the 3rd base coach, and running full speed, they would have scored…all sorts of crap….good for us, but can we take advantage??It may be the Phils and Marlins this year! 