ALL MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY NOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.
by Gil
MECHANICSVILLE, VA – The great thing about sports is it acts as a catalyst to have people from all walks of life to gather together to discuss an area of common interest. As we root for our favorite team year after year, we discover some are just fair weather fans. Those who like to jump on the bandwagon of a front running team. Other are true diehards, sticking it out each season rooting for their favorite nine, sometimes long after they have been eliminated from the chase after the first month of play.
The type of baseball fan someone is reflects I think as to the type of friend one could expect another to be. There are those who are fiercely loyal, perhaps to a fault, willing to defend a friend even though that loyalty is misplaced. Or they might just be a passing associate, friendly when it benefits only them.
We all form opinions of people based on our personal experiences. Some of those are good and some bad but we all have our reasons. Blogs have become gathering places for persons with a like interest. Some of the really good ones make them must more than that. A place where everyone feels comfortable to be accepted for who they are. Where people can say what they mean and feel and not fear it will be taken out of context or misinterpreted as a personal attack.
I do not know if many realize how special a place like this can be. Humor, politics and religion as well as sports are all taken in stride. We all know that our gentle chiding is without malice. A wise man once told me that a friend is someone who can tell you what you need to know, not always what you want to hear. We are fortunate that we have found such a place.
It is my wish that our little corner of the blogosphere will continue to grow and prosper. A place where both the meaningful and the inane can be posted and folks will know the difference. No apologies needed, we can all come as we are. Each in their own unique way adding much to the conversation.
Gil of Mechanicsville
Blog email: bravesandstuff@hotmail.com
Braves & Stuff 
Very thoughtful, Gil! Excellent points. Many thanks! 🙂
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This was interesting:
McNamee’s attorney warns Clemens
New York Daily News
Brian McNamee’s attorney says that if Roger Clemens’ legal team decides to throw a high, hard one in the form of a lawsuit at the Rocket’s former trainer, it would amount to “frivolous” litigation. In the wake of the announcement this week by Rusty Hardin, Clemens’ attorney, that he would form an investigative team to challenge the credibility of McNamee’s testimony in the Mitchell Report, Earl Ward said he is not concerned with the legal heat coming from the seven-time Cy Young winner’s circle. “In the event there’s a lawsuit, we’ve planned for that,” Ward, who represents McNamee, told the Daily News.
They’ve PLANNED for a lawsuit??? whoa
Think this could get real ugly before it’s over??
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If (when?) lawsuits start flying, at least one party on each side will have to keep track of the lies, and another in charge of spinning those lies. That’s a lot of work, and a lot of $$. Me thinks (Bob, J-ism) ’tis cheaper to come clean and work towards removing tarnish from the reputation!
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oh, the humanity! that was beautiful! and now, tiger walls . . . how tall should a tiger wall be? and jumping tigers . . . and tiger attack! all these topics will be revisited later. and are there tigers on the double dime? and would tiger hunting be considered cultural activity? and who needs a gun at a tiger hunt? and putting a tiger in the tank . . . perhaps at the aquarium? and tony the tiger . . . and tiger woods. and now, a tiger joke . . .
a beat writer was working on a puzzle but it was going slow and he was very discouraged. his aging girlfriend asked him what he was doing and he replied, “i’m working on a puzzle but i can’t make it work.” she asked, “what’s it a puzzle of?” and he replied, “according to the picture on the box it’s a tiger.” the girlfriend picked up the box and said, “pour yourself some milk and eat that puzzle darlin’ because this is a box of Frosted Flakes!” get it? frosted flakes. tony the tiger on front. oh, the tiger humor that is possible here. that is exactly what gil meant in gil’s blog lead. now, chop seal posted a response to the bloggers only 3 minutes before carolina lady posted this new blog from gil. chop seal’s wisdom is left to the other blog. that was stuff – this is baseball: detroit tigers baseball team could be implicated in the tiger jumping scandal and will there be a mitchell report? and how do they jump so high?
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Salty, did you get the message on the previous page??
jjs, copy/paste Chop Seal’s post on this page. 😆
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He went out tiger-hunting with his elephants and gun.
In case of accidents he always took his mom.
The all-American bullet-headed, Saxon mother’s son.
Deep in the jungle where the mighty tiger lies.
Bill and his elephants were taken by surprise.
So Captain Marvel zapped him right between the eyes-ah.
The children asked him if to kill was not a sin?
“Not when he looked so fierce,” his mommy butted in.
“If looks could kill it would’ve been us instead of him.”
All the children sing, “Hey Bungalow Bill, what did you kill? Bungalow Bill?” –Beatles, White Album
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I do my own pasting, Carulina Ladye, here goes.
😕
😆 😕
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Well done, Chop Seal! 😆
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Just a quick visit between errands to see what condition our condition was in.
Back later. In the meantime…New Blog!
Gil, very nice blog lead, sir. Hear, hear! I second that emotion.
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this morning, a very fearsome tiger leaped over a high wall and growled fiercely at jimmy smith. jimmy smith calmly raised jimmy smith’s new cookie gun and fired a couple nougats right into the eye of the tiger! that’s right, right into the eye of the tiger. journalist knows no fear.
now, more tiger news . . . it is rumored that famous tiger jermaine dye will be removed from right field in tiger stadium and moved a location with a deeper moat and a higher wall. more later.
now, little known baseball news. braves brayan pena and yunel escobar grew up together in havana, playing on the same teams, and at first even sharing the same glove much like chad paronto and wicky shared the same pants. and more, escobar did not get along with then manager jeff blauser. blauser did not like the whistling escobar (something blauser could not do due to no lips). farm news, tigers, and more.
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Salty hasn’t responded. CL is in the doghouse. CL doesn’t have a fur coat and it’s c-c-c-cold. Bruno wants his house back. S-S-Salty??? 😥
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Gil, see……you worried for naught! 🙂
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Hey, Berigan! Hope you had a great Christmas!
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Yes, it is tough working under the gun, like Wheel of Fortune.
Next blog lead will be baseball related if we can just stretch it out until spring training.
Once attended a game at old tiger stadium. (Ex wife was from Detroit) … If ever a place needed to be imploded, that was it. Too bad they didn’t take the rest of the town down at the same time. Well, that really is a bit unfair, some nice folks in Detroit somewhere, I just didn’t meet any.
Now baseball, Greg Maddux is da man….. But has a very foul mouth…. Too bad, seems a great role model otherwise. We will just have to make sure that his Hall of Fame plaque does not emit sound.
Planning my summer vacation and it appears I may have saved enough of my retirement check to garner two weeks this summer instead of one. One might ask why a retiree would need a vacation? Simple, to get away from all the work around the house I once could avoid by going to the plant. Now there is no excuses and cannot afford to pay someone else. Thank goodness I don’t have snow like Lew. Then again, have no reason to plow the drive as there is no need to go anywhere.
It is a cruel world we live in. Before when I was working, I always ran out of time before I ran out of money. Now I run out of money before I run out of time….. 🙂
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The great thing about sports is it acts as a catalyst to have people from all walks of life to gather together to discuss an area of common interest.
Gil, it’s a lot like the sports of hunting, fishing and camping (camping a sport?) in that regard. For the most part, the diverse demo of folks that do those things are easy going, fun loving and have a pretty nice demeanor. Never met a stranger in a campground. Though most are straight up folks, best to be a little wary of people that hunt. They have big guns.
’tis cheaper to come clean and work towards removing tarnish from the reputation!
Nacly, depending on the amount of tarnish, a big city PR team and publicist could wind up costing as much as lawyers. Then again, if Selig, the owners and congress is involved nothing productive will ever happen. Just lip service, posturing and maybe a few “examples” made of the most prominent player perps.
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when I was working, I always ran out of time before I ran out of money. Now I run out of money before I run out of time
Gil, on time and money…at the end of the first year after started my business, I went to a CPA at tax time with my pile-a-file of receipts, scribbled illegible ledger and all such manner of mess. He told me to return a few days later to discuss after he had a chance to decipher it all. I was about 25 years old and completely naive, particularly in business matters.
After a few days I returned to his office as instructed. Sitting across from him and his desk he started with, “do you enjoy what you do”? “Oh, yes”, I answered and went on to describe how great it was, how much I enjoyed it, how hard I worked, long hours and so forth. He listened patiently. When I finished, he leaned across the desk, looked at me with a half smile and said, “that’s good you love it, because you sure ain’t making any money”. He was correct.
Then he went on to give me a bit of good business advice. “It’s OK to not have much money. It’s OK to work long hours. It’s not OK to do both at the same time”.
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SG…my point, actually. Call it what it was/is…and move on. There’s too much emphasis on trying to sway the court of public opinion…that’s ‘no-win’ proposition. Baseball has been a bubbling caldron of hypocrisy the past 15-20 years…everyone involved made lots of $$, thus no urgency to fix the problem.
You’re right as well….keep Congress out of it. Goodness, it’s just another photo op and time away from doing what they were elected to do…not that any of them can recall that reason!
CL…stay warm! I saw it! 🙂
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savannahguy, I use to say the same thing about golf. Is golf a sport or the continual pursuit of frustration? A most humbling hobby none the less. My goal has always been to shoot my age, my only hope is to live to be 100.
Camping could be considered a sport, although I am not sure the endless pursuit of a can of beer could be called sporting. (Just a little joke there for you serious campers, but you know it is true…. 🙂
Perhaps the fact we all come to the table as equals allows for all to let their hair down so to speak, that is except Chop Seal who may be a bit skittish when eyed for his silky tresses.
Deny, deny , deny…. Words taken to heart by every guilty party not caught in the act on film. One can always hope one member of the jury will have doubts.
I wonder if Pete Rose is having second thoughts about that policy before confessing 10 years after the fact? Has O.J. found who he is looking for yet?
Now stimulating baseball discussion, Duhh, think Washington is having second thoughts about signing LoDuca? No wonder his Dodger teammates were so angry to see him traded, tough when you lose your supplier.
I still think Javy is going to be a good signing for the Braves. He should be well rested. Can hardly wait until spring training. I’m ready for spring and we are only 7 days into winter. Lew, I don’t know how you stand it….
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Gil-I draw pictures.
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Salty, you are the epitome of kindness and your generosity knows no bounds, a true prince among princes!
(I am so glad to be out of that dog house. Bruno sheds.)
😆
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I am the victim of several disparaging remarks from bloggers. chopped seel, silky tresses, and such. I understant this comes from being abeet writer and being in the limelight and being envied by all. I can take the heet. Soon, I will be tlaking with Hoss and with Smoltz and with Glaving and you will bewaiting with baited breath for my reports. Yes, baited breath.
Jimmy Smith got an e-mail from a famous blogger on the other blog and that blogger is coming here to blpog with us. I cannot say who it is but it is somebody with 2 initials instead of a name. Very familiar to all here when he gets here.
Now, I must eat some cheese, smoke some cigars, amd call Frank to see if Hampton is feeling better. Back later with a reeport.
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Nay nay I say, never a disparaging word for our seal. Was meant as a compliment. I understand how tough it must be to have to endure life as a babe magnet. Please take my advice and go easy on the bait….. All that mercury could be bad for your health, especially if run over by one while playing in traffic.
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Will KC be able to keep his identity or will he become CK to travel incognito?
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the emerald nut bowl is coming on soon! baseball will have to wait! and carrot top is playing for michigan state in the champ’s sports bowl. jimmy smith just saw carrot top on t.v. and now, more tiger news from chop seal. some will remember when montegore tiger attacked the nice tiger trainer roy of siegfried and roy. montegore won. tiger attack is not to be trifled with. and how did this blog get on tigers when this is a braves town? it is as if the mets fans had infiltrated this blog – only tigers, not mets. too much tiger talk in a town where hoss plays. and who would win – a hoss or a tiger? and seals . . . the most intelligent pinnipeds. beat writer smart.
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oh, the humanity! it is kc. spilled the beans. cooked the goose. kc must show up soon. and carolina lady must have an appropriate welcome prepared. perhaps a cake? send to jimmy smith for safe delivery. and the oregon state beavers are on t.v. against the maryland terrapins. and ralph friedgen, the next coach to turn down the falcons (hard to buy pants for ralph friedgen, much like chino cadahia who already turned down the job). and has arthur blank thought of ray goff? coach goff. falcons coach goff. desperate times call for desparate measures.
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Camping could be considered a sport, although I am not sure the endless pursuit of a can of beer could be called sporting.
Talk about beer drinking with sports, that’s gotta be fishing. Some boats won’t even crank without a 12-pack on board. But like a wise old fisherman once said, “you can buy a man a fish dinner and he’ll have but one meal, but If you teach that man how to fish…he’ll drink beer the rest of his life”.
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Good one SG… So many pearls on this blog, we could string a necklace for Carolina Lady. 🙂
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The Emerald Nut Boll is very entertaining 🙄 And Ralph Friedgen appears to be eating something on the sidelines. Nuts, in all likelihood. Wonder if the beet writers get nuts in the press box? Nuts and cheese. Fish would be nice, too. Nuts, cheese, fish, cookies. Beign a beet writer is going to suit me fine. Soon, Chop Seel will be one of the guys in the press box with the old journalist and the cheese.
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Falcons do need a new coach and they may be getting desperate. Need someone with big league experience, someone that Atlanta fans and Blank can get behind, someone with integrity, common sense, loyalty and someone that won’t stray, but the field of candidates is so small. Maybe Steve Spurrier? Terrence Moore? Bill Campbell? Prinz von Anhalt?
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Howdy, all! Glad to see so much banter; what a pleasant place. I sure do miss Head Coach and others of his ilk, but you can’t have everything. Went to the Thraqshers last night with Scribe; they loafed for the first half or so then poured it on at the end. Alas, it was too late. Fun was had by all, though. Well, got three more parties the next three days and then I must attempt to reform myself into a productive Grinch again. Blah! I promise to be on more often as my social calender winds down here soon. Behave and enjoy the time off!
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HOUSTON — The Houston Astros signed right-hander Oscar Villarreal to a two-year, $2.85 million contract Friday.
The deal, worth $1 million in 2008 and $1.6 million in 2009, includes a $250,000 signing bonus and a $2 million club option for 2010.
The 26-year-old Villarreal was traded by Atlanta for outfielder Josh Anderson last month. He was 2-2 with a save and a 4.24 ERA for the Braves last season.
Villarreal is 23-12 with a 3.71 ERA in a five-year career that started in Arizona. He set an NL rookie record with 86 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2003, when he was 10-7 with a 2.57 ERA.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3171254&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
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CL…please!! You’re making me blush! 😳
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Baseball Bat:
http://www.funnyjunk.com/movies/1077/Magic+Baseball+Bat/
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Go tell dirty jokes somewhere else, Stinky. Wasn’t funny, wasn’t interesting. You are welcome to talk baseball as long as you behave, and we both know you can. I expect better of you because you are better than that.
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Stinky, you’re on a real short leash. Much more and you will not be posting here at all. I meant what I said. Keep it clean.
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Alas, where is Bob???? New computer does not have our address? And what of SJA…. and didn’t the Terps play woefully tonight? So much whoa… 🙂
And now more baseball news: The season is still scheduled to start on March 31st with ESPN predicting Chipper getting his 1300 RBI that night. Another milestone for our old Hoss…. Okay to say Hoss and whoa in the same post?
I just hope his new slippers fit comfortably and protect the toes. And can one drive nails with hammer toes?
And how many days into spring training before another pitcher strains an oblique?
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Glad to see Oscar get a little job security with a two year deal. When not over used he did a good job for the Braves.
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Carolina Lady is slowly building a fan base Grinch…. Hard to build a blog in a day.
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oh, the humanity! too much football – but none tomorrow. at least none from the falcons! oh, the sad plight of the falcons. bad everything. time to change the name, change the uniforms, change the players. need tommy nobis involved. could still bust some chops. and now, baseball . . . journalist has been researching the news from back in 2002 and tom glavine was singing a different tune. that tune was classical, not country. patron of the arts. and chipper jones was regarded in the n.y. press as a john rocker type redneck. oh, the humanity! not hoss! uh, pass the wings, honey. no, not the honey, the wings. lest we forget. a hoss by any other name.
and carolina lady will tolerate no foolishness here. she is carefully molding a prize winning blog and will tolerate no stinky moulding here. stinky stick to baseball – seems to know baseball, just socially inept. and it is good that grinch has so many parties to attend. young chop seal is still devastated by being left out of the hockey game plans of scribe and grinch. perhaps a new year’s eve party invitation for chop seal? cheap date. mostly fish. will attract lovely girls, though.
and a hard-hiting expose is being worked on by chop seal. chop seal is not afraid to ask the tough questions or step on the toes of players or management. how many toes? not sure. could be a rumor.
and a huntin’ we will go. and what is the meaning of hi, ho, the dairy-o?
and soon it will be 2008. even year. 8 divided by 4 = 2. even year. and we all know what happens to these braves in an even year. and jairo, let’s hope jairo makes the team along with jair and jo jo. then it will be jair, jo, the jair-o. hidden meanings everywhere. unusual blog.
and one last thought . . . remember to pay estimated state taxes this year for deduction on federal tax return. chop seal dabbles in accounting, too.
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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3171167
check this out.
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Really interesting story, jimmy. You’d just have to think that amphetamine use was rampant. It’s a wonder a lot of them just didn’t keel over.
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Jimmy
Interesting story…I wondered what happened to Monahan…ex-Tiger (Clemson). He had a bright future ahead of him; part of the team that had Chris Benson and Billy Koch.
Three things strike me:
1. Experiment – quoting Aaron, for example. What value is there in naming those who experimented. Also, how many named in the Mitchell report were really ‘experimenters’? Once or twice doesn’t an addict make.
2. Conviction – there will always be the Dan Wilson’s who will never succomb to temptations…and they will likely remain far in the minority. That’s fine with them; they have no need to be poster boys for doing things the right way…they’re living example. Kudos to him and others.
3. Culture – this, more than anything else gives rise to more of #1, and challenges those possessing #2. And, of course, it certainly led to more users.
I’m a stuck record on this one, so be it. How many Monahans are out there? 10%, 20%…even far more? Had baseball had any conviction, the culture could have been dashed before it ever took root. $$$…it’s a drug, too, in the hands of those who can’t manage its’ benefits, and enticing those who ‘have not’ to do whatever is ‘condoned’ to pursue for themselves. The culture ‘condoned’.
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Ma’am-When I had lunch with a certain ML pitcher whose brother experienced health problems, I was informed that the use of amphetamines was, indeed, rampant and widespread. Can’t name names, though to protect the innocent-think Dragnet introduction. Just the facts, Ma’am..
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Salty-Let us not forget the fourteen or so passes received by Steve Howe for continued cocaine use. This whole thing went back a long way and wasn’t just limited to steroids or HGH.
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Now Stinky-You can have a rhinestone collar if you’d like-or maybe one with spikes, if you’re more inclined in that direction.
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I think the schedule influences it also. Think of how changing 1 hour twice a year to/from DST throws us off. Now think of playing a night game, flying across several time zones and playing an afternoon game when the temp on the field in close to 110. Normal humans can’t do that regularly and perform up to par.
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Can’t name names, though to protect the innocent-think Dragnet introduction. Just the facts, Ma’am..
How’s that Lew? (that was my typical officer Joe Friday response).
Steroids, speed, professional sports has become more than a drug culture, it’s become a culture of shortcuts, abnormal stats and greed. I’ll continue to believe that attempts at turning this into a big criminal and legal mess will only stall the inevitable and sully the game of baseball in the process. Congress and MLB is not going to do more than make a few examples to spin their self-righteous, politically expedient story.
Shane Monahan came out of nowhere to confess, unsolicited, his past misdeeds. Well, that’s just peachy and I’ll assume he has the best, most honorable intentions. Wonder if a potential HOF player would do the same thing? I seriously doubt it. Who among us could really blame them? Who among us is without sin? Who could throw stones at a kid for grabbing at the golden ring and not confessing to past misdeeds that would threaten his livelihood and bankrupt his family? Shane had nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain by telling his story. If nothing else, perhaps he feels like he has a clean conscience. That’s fine.
For a player to compete, these kids felt they had to either do drugs or wash out. Plenty of winks, nods and turning a blind eye came from the owners, managers and club physicians in this. Where was Selig five years ago? Who could blame a 20 something year old for making this mistake when it was so roundly accepted by almost everyone?
We can be high and mighty purists and advocates of righteous behavior and we can look through the lens of maturity and wisdom while we sit high in the bleachers if that makes us feel warm, fuzzy and self-righteous, but remember, almost everyone was doing it. That does not condone or excuse it…but it just explains the difficulty in trying to prosecute all of the offenders. That will not happen. It’s impossible. It’s a naïve joke to even think it will happen.
There is a solution, but only a fresh new start will work. Only the most blatantly guilty, easily provable athletes and as many dealers as possible should be punished. The “New MLB Deal” process has to start immediately. Every…EVERY single player should submit blood every quarter, with the understanding that blood will tested but also saved and retested at future dates when technology catches up or gets ahead of new currently undetectable enhancers, HGH or designer drugs of the day. All of that and zero tolerance is a must. One strike, you’re out. Period.
This is the only way to clean this game up and go forward without shutting down the whole works. Put a big fat page in the record book that discusses the steroid era and let it go at that. Those that look at unbelievable or superhuman accomplishments in the future will have an asterisk in their own mind from the knowledge of the sullied era. Innocent players in this era can come forward and submit to tests, take lie detector tests or swear under oath if they don’t want the suspicion to taint their career.
Sad but true. Hard but fair. Off soapbox now.
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SG…nice.
You’re right, the process moving forward is key. The most blatantly guilty…hmmm…I suspect that’s a pandora’s box. Who ‘goes down quietly’…thus, who defines ‘blatantly guilty’. It has to stop somewhere…more specifically, at some point. That point may as well be nowl.
Lew…maybe Howe is why this mess ramped up so quickly. What could possibly be as bad as alcohol and cocaine?
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Nowl? What is ‘nowl’? Somebody help me…please? 😦
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Perhaps as part of an equitable “fix”, the HOF curve might be bent a bit to allow for borderline guys like Murphy. Players stats may be more realistic if they were compared to players before 1995. I’m not suggesting lowing the bar for a personality contest, just evening the playing field of stats and such. Just a thought.
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Thanks, Darth!
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Enough about steroids. Here’s something a bit lighter. Can’t remember who sent it:
The population of this country is 300 million.
160 million are retired.
That leaves 140 million to do the work.
There are 85 million in school.
Which leaves 55 million to do the work.
Of this there are 35 million employed by the federal government.
Leaving 15 million to do the work.
2.8 million are in the armed forces fighting the war on terror.
Which leaves 12.2 million to do the work.
Take from that total the 10.8 million people who work for state and City Governments.
And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.
At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals.
Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.
Now, there are 1,211,996 people in prisons.
That leaves four people to do the work.
Grinch is out partying and Bob, J is setting up his new computer.
We’re left with just two people to do the work.
You and me.
And there you are, sitting on your butt, at your computer, reading jokes.
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MLB is nothing but a microcosm of society in general. Is there drug use in society? Are substances not abused in all areas of life? Why should we expect it to be any different in baseball? Because the “dumb jocks” are so much more intelligent that all other segments in the outside world-that they should know better? Hell, I know College professors and high school teachers, law professors and medical personnel who do illegal substances recreationally. How about the medical profession, where doctors, forced to work 48 hour shifts, use amphetamines to stay awake and functional? Are not doctors among the largest categories of society to become drug addicted? Are they not smarter than the jocks who only see Dollar Signs?
As I’ve been saying all along-do what you can to legislate and test so that the situation does not repeat itself. Finding fault and assigning blame is counterproductive and absurd in the extreme. All that will come of it is a witch hunt similar to the McCarthy hearings-damned by word of mouth with damn few facts to back up the assertions. Sorry, folks, it may be a typical American reaction, but then again, so were the witch trials in Salem 300 years ago. I would like to think we had progressed socially since then, but I constantly see signs that such is not the case.
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As far as Dale Murphy’s deserving the HOF-The only thing that needs to be taken into account are his two MVP awards and the fact that he led ALL OF MLB in HOme Runs for an entire decade. He hit more than Schmidt, Reggie and anyone else who played the game in the 80’s. THAT should qualify him-he dominated the entire game for a ten year period. If that doesn’t do it, then all the milk he has advertised will do him no good.
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Unsolicited confessions? I cannot tell a lie, I didn’t inhale….:-) Of course all the crap I was exposed to will likely kill me anyway. Turning the blind eye? Yep, been there and seen that. It was why whenever I was presented with a case, I never wanted to know who, only what. I did not want personal feelings or precept ions to blur my sense of justice.
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Stinky-You’re points are well taken. However….Any player who leads all of MLB in a major category for an entire decade, needs to be highly considered. Wasn’t that how Ryne Sandberg got in? Wasn’t he supposedly “the best at his position” for a decade? I think that it’s also significant that Murph played with some absolutely terrible teams. For most of his career (until Chris Chambliss showed up), he had zero protection behind him in the lineup. Even the team’s most effective starter (Phil Niekro) lost almost as many games as he won. I also, for that matter, only remember one WS win for Schmidt, too, though he did play with some great teams. I realize Murph is on the cusp, but I sure think his character should help, as well. If they can ban players for bad behavior, they should give Murph extra credit for being a shining example of citizenship-especially during a time when so many were doing some pretty detrimental things (look at the Pirates and the drug mess-as well as the beginnings of the juicers). Many have said “If only he had hit 400 HR, he would probably be a lock.” I certainly would not hold a player out who hit well in an era that was still pretty well pitching dominant and who played for lousy teams just for missing the mark by two HR’s.
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Lew, is there little wonder so many players want to play on a winner? The Hall of Fame even impresses upon the young players that not having a Championship on your resume hurts your chances of being inducted into the Hall.
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Lew…with you on Murph. For crying out loud…Rose is being banned for his lack of character. If so, Murphy’s character should count for something…two homers, perhaps.
Also, Murphy played for some lousy teams…he was lucky to get half the good pitches he saw. Failing to recognize who a player was surrounded by diminishes his accomplishments, in my humble and uninformed view! An example, however…though in basketball. How good was Scottie Pippen? Take Jordan out of the equation…maybe not so. Flip side, Pippen didn’t make Jordan what he was.
Hmm…and the debate will go on.
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Horner batted behind Murph and was a feered hitter. Murph hit ’em out with that long stroke and Horner hit ’em out with his wrists. Murph was the best thing going here for a long time but there wasn’t much going here. I will do some beet writer research and have more on this later. Murph wore number 3. Who knows what number Horner wore? And what number did Horner have in the minor leagues? And what Japanese team did Horner play for and what was Horner’s nickname there? Many questions to be answered by this Seal shortly.
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The problem with the Hall of Fame is the numbers fixation. Compare Dale Murphy to Rafael Palmeiro. Assume Palmeiro was not a roidhead. Hard to do, I know. Palmeiro has all those Hall of Fame numbers. But who was the better player? Murphy by far. Palmeiro was never even the best player on his team. Murphy was the best player in the entire National League, if not the major leagues for several seasons. Palmeiro was never the face of the franchise. He never had to carry that weight.
Murphy was the face of the franchise for an entire decade. How could a guy who was never the best player at his position, never the best player in his league, never the face of a franchise make it and Murphy can’t? Because Murphy didn’t roid himself up, DH, and compile a bunch of bogus stats? It’s awfully easy to compile those stats when you DH and are surrounded and protected by other HOF types like Cal Ripken, Juan Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, and so on. Palmeiro also had the benefit of playing with guys, although not HOF worthy, who were still All Star caliber. Murphy had to do his thing for large portions of his career with, as Lew said, zero protection. Hard as hell to be as good as he was when he was the only legit threat anyone was scared of.
Another thing people don’t consider is that Murphy was a catcher early in his career. Those 5 or 6 seasons playing catcher take a toll. It probably hastened his demise by a year or two or three. Look at the history of catchers. They all seem to hit a wall in their early thirties. Piazza did at 33. Bench did at 33. Yogi somewhat declined at 32 and started playing left and first more. Just look up the history of catchers at the age Dale’s body quit helping him produce the same way.
But Murphy did not catch enough for most HOF voters to cut him some slack. But they should not forget to combine all that catching with all of those innings playing centerfield on a hard turf in his home park and in all of the other turf fields around the National League at the time. Playing catcher for 5 or 6 seasons and then spending 10 years running around on turf fields could not have been easy on his body. Most likely shortened his career big time and is why he just suddenly hit a wall.
And then you think about the absurdity of a team from Atlanta playing in a division where he had to fly to San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco quite frequently in the days when team travel was not yet quite as luxurious as it has become.
These are all the reasons Dale’s body quit on him at 32 years old. It should be taken into consideration when people wonder why he was not good during the last 5 years of his career and why he stalled out at 398.
But when he was at his best. everyone thought of Dale as the best player in the league, as the face of the franchise, and as a future Hall of Famer. No one ever thought that of Palmeiro. It’s like we woke up one day and the fella had 500 homers and we said huh? How did that complimentary piece end up with 500 homers?
Sorry for the long winded intrusion.
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Did Bob Horner ever play in the minors?
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Gil:
No…he went straight to the Braves…it was one of his ‘draft’ conditions, as I recall.
Darth:
He didn’t show he was serious enough about making the HOF? That’s the problem with too many players now…gave rise to ‘roids, in fact. Too much ‘me’…too little team. Murph was selfless…for that he should pay? Please!
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Braveheart:
Long-winded is when a point is never made. I can’t recall a single time your facts didn’t support your words. Of course…when I’m short of time, I don’t always read your posts! 🙂
Frankly, I’m impressed with your facts gathering and writing abilities. Don’t know if that and a buck will get you a cup of coffee, but you have my respect.
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Aye that……
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everyone posts like crazy, then 2:22 comes along and everyone leaves???? “Hey, Berigan is soon to catch up on the thread, lets all leave! 😦
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Stinky-I have no doubt that those two Home Runs don’t mean anything-To YOu-however, they DO mean a lot to many of the voters. Yes, Murph could have gone Free Agent on the Braves, but that wouldn’t have been Murphy, would it? It just wasn’t the way he did things. As for not being serious about making the HOF-Damn-there’s something wrong with that? That doesn’t say even more about his character? Just think if ARod was not so consumed with himself-maybe then some of those teams that paid him over $25 million per year might just have made the series-ONCE. As for not making the series-does that mean Rodriguez should not see enshrinement? Seems he has just as many WS Titles as Murphy.
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JJS, that was very interesting! I have often wondered if I would have risked my health if I was in the minors and say, got a cup of tea one September…..and saw the big stadiums, big crowds, big money, and the chance to play the best game in the world….would I stick a needle in my behind with man made steroids from who knows where???
That last point would be the kicker. Like the guy in that article bringing home boxes of “greenies”. Who the heck knows what was in them???? I don’t think I’d do it in the end, but…..I am sure I would be tempted.
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from the semi-legit Wikipedia—a good argument for Murph….
Murphy is regarded by many as one of the premier players during the 1980s. His best years were with the Atlanta Braves, appearing in the All-Star Game seven times, and leading the National League in home runs and RBI twice; he also led the major leagues in home runs and runs batted in over the 10-year span from 1981 to 1990. He led the National League in games, at bats, runs, hits, extra base hits, RBI, runs created, total bases, and plate appearances in the 1980s. He also accomplished a 30-30 season in 1983, at the time only the 6th player since 1922 to do so. His 1983 MVP year is the only time in major-league history a player has compiled a .300 batting average, 30 home runs, 120 runs batted in, 130 runs scored, 90 bases on balls, and 30 stolen bases with fewer than 10 times caught stealing.
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Ted Simmons drove in more RBI’s than Murph as well! 😉
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Berigan…do you like Ted Simmons? Inquiring minds wanna know! 🙂
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Just dropped in to see what condition our condition was in…
Seems Braveheart keeps making appearances when I’ve checked out. How do he know? WW, very good and compelling post on Murph. By no means are you an intrusion here…quite the opposite, so spend a little more time here when you can. Long-winded? Yes you are but I can certainly relate to that. It’s all good.
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Stopped by before taking this new computer back to the shop … they have to install a server operating operat6ing system and some supporting software … get it back Monday or Wednesday.
Any player in a team sport that has making the sport’s HOF as their objective should be viewed … while the sincerity of Andruw’s remarks might be questioned, methinks the notion that the player’s objective should be to help the team in any way possible is the correct one … AND, if in so doing, a player is found to be hall induction worthy, then so be it.
Using a player’s numbers as a selection criterion seems rather inane … it seems to me that either players distinguished themselves during their careers or they did not … regardless of the numbers … nor do I see any real need for the continuation of the Veterans Committee.
I always thought that the HOF was there for us to honor and remember those who distinguished themselves … for what they brought to the game and what they left on the field … sort of a holistic thing.
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berigan, On your 3:35 post… I can relate to the kid referred to by JJS in a way. The last year I worked, I was taking so much dope just to survive for 8 hours it is a wonder I didn’t keel over. For what? One more year of denying I could no longer do my job? Big difference in what a player makes at AAA and even the major league minimum. I think when I had to use a cane to walk into the plant everyday, it became apparent to everyone concerned it was time to call it quits.
So yeah, the “Well, everybody else is doing it so why can’t I” defense is pretty plausible. Does not make it right but to quote from “The Godfather”, “A fish rots from the head.”
There is a lot of “don’t ask, don’t tell” in professional sports. Man, I bought into the whole “Run Faster, Jump Higher” hype with my first and last pair of P.F. Flyers. Discovered there is no truth in advertising. I was still the same old slow ass with a vertical leap of about six inches.
Perhaps it is time that we, the masses to unite and flood the e-mail boxes of those who actually vote for the Hall of Fame with a copy of Braveheart’s post. It would be proof that “nice guys” don’t have to finish last in the case of Murphy.
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Bob, So good to see you again, we were getting worried about you. Sir, I concur with your opine.
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Holistically speaking, Murphy should be in the HOF.
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Yes. It wuz a trick question. Bob Horner did not play in the minor leagues. He was a 1st round pick out of Arizona State and he refused to report to a minor league club. He was 1978 Rookie of the Year and he hit a homerun in his 1st game. He wore number 5 according to some and later played for the Cardinals, then the Yakult Swallows. He beat out Ozzie Smith for R-O-Y. That’s baseball, now stuff.
Murph stayed just a little too long. The inability to hit the ball pitched down and away took its tole on Murph and now hurts him in the poles.
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Chop Seal … can anybody really hit that down and away pitch? That is a pitcher’s pitch designed to make the likes of Andruw Jones look foolish. Hummm. Come to think of it, all pitches who did not hit Andruw’s bat last year made him look foolish. As well as Bobby Cox for continuing to defy what his eyes were telling him by believing Andruw should be batting clean up.
Also, very hard to walk away from the money. Murphy knew he was done long before the timer dinged. Nature of the beast. Would be like you leaving the table before the last fish was fried……
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Evenin’ my fellow Braves and Stuff denizens.
Gotta’ go with what I believe to be Bob’s intent on the HOF acceptance. Perhaps I misinterpret and I certainly don’t mean to (or need to) speak for the esteemed one, but it seems the HOF is over-weighting stats in the modern day selection process. Yes, numbers and broken records are very very important. They are and should be a primary measuring stick and criteria. But at the end of the day, it’s not called a Hall of Broken Records and Above Average Stats.
Add resume (numbers) to other playing attributes (like Cal’s consecutive games played for instance), time period comparisons (like Murph) then add a strong factor for outstanding leadership, character, unique baseball achievement and other such contributions to the game and to humanity ON TOP of the numbers.
Still, the HOF needs to be weighted toward performance, just not as heavily as it seems now.
What about Julio Franco? Should he be considered? What if you add his numbers in Japan and length of years played? Would Japan stats not be the same as the Negro League stars that are and should be in the HOF? I think so…
When it comes to numbers, comparing historical achievements with modern benchmarks is deceiving. In Babe’s day, no one could knock the cover off of the ball like that man. No one was even close. Can you imagine what he might have done with harder baseballs, closer fences, modern medicine, exercise and training techniques, video clips of opposing pitchers, proper nutrition and airline instead of bus travel? I don’t even want to think about what steroids or HGH might have caused. Add all that to Aaron’s numbers and see what you get. Another monster. They did it clean.
Hank did it with determination, talent and true grit. Babe did it the good old-fashioned way…talent, strength, beer, whiskey and hot dogs.
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In today’s game, the Babe would never hit all those homeruns, he would have be a HOF pitcher…..
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(have be)??…. oh my, another error off the glove 8)
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Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.
That pretty much spells Dale Murphy.
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“Stinky rulez the universe”…. ?? Pahleaze…… Look out Darth, you could end up with a missile up the old exhaust vent.
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However, upon further review, a pretty good joke…
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now, blog hall of fame. hmm……
and hello to all bloggers tonight. chop seal has a date and this journalist is home on a saturday night to watch football games and eat chips and dip. a very potent ugandan dip made from the root of the citropsis tree is somewhat bitter but always perks this journalist up. and jimmy smith will listen to the songs of a rare speckled tinkerbird as diane lane prepares another pudding for sunday. life is good. so far, the bowls are not.
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Michelle Pfeiffer can make a mean bowl of banana pudding, if anyone’s interested.
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Avatar for Nacly?
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I’m workin’ on it, actually! Lew already has the blizzard effect, so can’t intrude on his turf…plus, doesn’t work so well down South! Don’t worry, it’ll reflect my ‘roots’!
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Carolina Lady, if all is forgiven, I’d like to come to North Carolina for a visit. Call me Hoss.
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Harvey, you’re always welcome here. But this time, no USPS and no UPS, OK?
Miss Martha is doing so much better now – and David will actually deliver packages to me again. (They never did get all the dents out of his truck!)
No stamps on the nose this time!
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nacly, come to think of it, you and Lew look a lot alike. Could be twins. Johnny and Edgar Winter with shaved heads. If you decide on a table salt shaker avatar, I’ll shoot it to you. When it rains it pours.
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In local news…. 4 people were bitten by a fox. It is said that the authorities are not sure if the fox was rabid. DUH!!!! The fox was shot by a Henrico police officer after the fox attacked and bit him.
There have been reports of several rabid skunks in our area. Personally, I think I would rather take my chances with the fox. We have an albino skunk that passes thru on occasion. Not sure if it is rabid but I do know better than to sneak up on it. Skunks do not like being surprised.
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Hey, Gil! Those people have something like24-36 hours to start the rabies series. I had to do that about 9 years ago. Not a lot of fun. After the 2nd shot my arm swelled up to the point that blisters formed on the skin from fluid being squeezed out of the tissue. Hurt like blazes! And there’s a whole series of them that have to be given at specified intervals.
😆 Yep, I think it would be wise to give wide berth to the skunks!
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When Savannahguy mentioned Johnny and Edgar Winter somehow I just made that connection. I would imagine it would not be a good idea to sneak up on old men Winters either… 🙂
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That was awful CL… Rabid hartebeest no doubt….
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The wife and I had a terrier mix that died last summer. He was fearless and had no sense of smell I think because he was always coming home after a bout with a skunk. I don’t know how many times we had to give him a bath with tomato juice following one of his misadventures.
That my lady was one “stinky” dog…. 🙂
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Moss just dropped a long throw to the 15 yd line and dropped it. Next play a repeat in full run…caught it for a TD. Pat’s lead 29-28. Love to see’em win this historic game.
2 pt. conversion success. 31-28. YES!!!
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SG, what’s up my man? Are you a Patriots fan or are you just ecited about the possibility of a perfect season?
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Gil and CL, do y’all live out in the country? We live in an area that is very developed towards the city but the other side is nothing but woods and marshlands. Plenty of wildlife. No skunks, thankfully, but I did see a coyote not long ago.
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CL, I started working on my blog last night. Finally got my mind cleared (the Knob helped, believe it or not) and got a good bit out of my head. I don’t recall the rotation but you can probably pencil me in for a spot start sometime next week. I need to finish it and then want it to ferment a couple of days. I find my writing is better (relatively speaking, of course) when I can step away from it for a little while and then come back.
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Chris, I once was very much in the country, however I am rapidly being encroached upon. I am still zoned agricultural and threaten the developers with putting a pig sty on my back boundary if they get too close.
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Okay, game over. No stopping the Pats now. The Giants have stopped playing.
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Gil, that tomato juice just doesn’t work! 🙂 That’s one critter that I don’t have here on the property, and I’m glad of it!
Hey, Chris! I’m so far out in the country they have to pipe in sunshine! 😆
I inherited a pretty big chunk of land and have a lot of wildlife, most who know me on a first-name basis! 🙂 The land has been in my family since the late 1700s-early1800s and has been added to through the years. The one condition of inheritance is that it will not be sold. It’s more like a trust or caretaker while it is in one’s possession.
Though this area is my home, as well as my ancestral home, my own little house is on the Outer Banks. Had to leave there when I accepted this inheritance. As much as I love this place, I do miss the Banks – but I don’t know that I’ll ever get back there to live.
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And I’m delighted you are writing, Chris! I know it will be enjoyable for us all! Lew’s will be posted around New Year’s, followed by Salty, then yours. (I don’t have the line-up card in front of me but I think that’s right…I think…)
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Klobber, howdy do. Both…I’ve been a Pat’s fan since they stunk and it’s been a nice ride lately. Tonight was history. The playoffs are going to be tough. If they take it all they’re right there…a notch above Shula’s Dolphins.
16-0…how sweet it is.
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CL, the OB is one of the most beautiful, clean places I’ve ever been. Spent some time there off and on, camping and surfing in the old days, fishing more recently. Love that place. Your country property sounds great too. What a combo! I’ll bet there are some big bucks on that property of yours, right? ; )
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Okay, game over. No stopping the Pats now. The Giants have stopped playing.
Gil, don’t know if you saw it but after Manning threw that interception they showed him on the sidelines. He knew he was whipped and that’s when I knew it was over. Got to give them credit, as they did make it interesting.
SG, congratulations to your Pats. It must be very exciting for you. I’ve been a Cowboys fan since around 1970 or so. Like you, I’ve seen some pretty lean times. Have a feeling that they might meet in February and it won’t be pretty for my ‘boys.
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He was fearless and had no sense of smell I think because he was always coming home after a bout with a skunk.
Gil’s friend
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Klobber, I think Arthur Blank is trying to follow in Jerry Jones’ footsteps…all over the sidelines. He’s going to have to pull his wallet out a few times to match Jones.
I enjoyed watching Neon play on the Cowboys. The guy was incredible until turf toe got him. Uh oh…toes. Emmit Smith was a stud.
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Pardon…let me try this %#@$*& link again, the old fashioned way:
He was fearless and had no sense of smell I think because he was always coming home after a bout with a skunk.
Gil, for you:
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Blog Rule Number 1224:
When the last 5 out of 6 posts are yours, best make like a tree and leaf.
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Blog Rule Number 1225:
When the wife has gone to bed, the husband can use her computer …
Sir Guy, are you a supporter of the team what cheated; should be declared playoff ineligible and have its coach banned from the game?
Yes Dear!
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Skunks are one of the many wild creatures that live in Vermont (besides artists and old hippies). I have a great skunk treatment that has nothing to do with tomato juice and works greqat. I know-my dog has been skunked on several occasions. use a pint of hydrogen peroxide in a gallon of water and add Dawn dishwashing liquid-about a tablespoon. Rinse with a cup of bleach in a gallon of water and hose the pup down. Be careful around their eyes. This really works and my black dog is still black. More efrfecdtive and much less messy than tomato juice.
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Blood pressure med must have kicked in cause I can’t type worth a damn anymore. Good night.
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Good morning all, Thanks SG…. cute link. And yes, I will attest that tomato juice was pretty ineffective. “Wiggie” was rescued from the pound so I did not get him as a puppy like my other dog, we just hit it off so well I could not leave him to an unknown fate. He was a great little watch dog.
On day the FedEx driver showed up to deliver a package and Wiggie starting barking aggressively. The driver would not get out of the truck so, being the impatient rascal he was, Wiggie climbed into the truck. When I showed up, the dog had the FedEx guy trapped in the back of his own truck. Now, this dog only weighed about 15 lbs on a good day. Had two lower teeth missing but it never stopped him.
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chris, I became a Redskins fan after the Colts sneaked out of town in the dark of night and moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis. So, I salute all those great Cowboy teams that have broken my heart over the years but today Joe Gibbs can make up for it. I am hoping Jessica Simpson shows up for the game.
SG.. Yes I remember all those bad Patriot teams, Proof that there is hope for the many Falcon fans who populate the blog.
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Chris:
Do you write in an ‘altered state’? 🙂
Lew:
Quite the de-skunking concoction! Does it change the dog’s color, too?
CL:
Sounds like the line-up card is correct; however, I don’t mind the Klobber being moved up in the order should I get delayed. You haven’t presented the lineup to the ump yet, have you?
SG:
Avatar…Winters…cute! Wouldn’t be able to tell Lew and me apart…save for the eyes, depending on who’s who. Morton’s an obvious; however, growing up on the Coast and being a Clempsun dude…hmm…choices to make.
Enjoying the rain, all? Feels wonderful!
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Salty-No. He’s a Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix-looks like a black qand white Golden. He is still black and white despite numerous treatments. No sun up here to fade him, I guess. The mixture really works, though. Got it from my Vet.
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Morning, all!!
Salty, ump does not have the line-up card, so adjustments can be made! 🙂
(And thanks for letting me out of Bruno’s house!) 😆
Lew, I never did get those snow pictures. Resend?
We’re not getting much rain; it’s moving SW to NE and it’s more west of us. 😥 Several of my 30-yr-old-+ azalea bushes have died from this drought. And one enormous ligustrum has some dead limbs. Been doing a lot of praying!
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Ma’am-I’ll try. We had trouble downloading them, so it will depend on the computer’s temperment.
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Thanks, Lew!
Where is JasoninMaine? He’s MIA.
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Ma’am-I just went to send them again and they have completely disappeared. The entire folder is no longer in existence. Sorry. Don’t know where Jason is. It tried emailing him and received no answer. I may try to call him later.
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Lew, I’m so sorry they vanished! I had that happen before.
I sure hope Jason’s father-in-law is OK and is not the reason for Jason’s absence.
Here’s an SI article by Jon Heyman on HOF selections and reflects a lot of the discussion here.
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I had a run-in with a skunk in skool. A Canadiam striped skunk named Musty Mustelidae. He was a weasel and we did not get along well. If you get skunk juice on yo u it is best to let the journalist deal with it, since jimmy smith has some ugandan Poultice that when applied you can no longer smell the skunk. If a ligustrom bush is dying check to see if a hartebeeest has bein using the bathroom nearby. If not, could be the drrought. So many things to blog about and Arthur Blank calling evry few minutes. Ham, Jimmy Smith says we must eat ham Toosday, and blackeyed peas, and cornbread. Wonder if Chipper will be eating peas down in Texas? Fork? Spoon? And why are we talking Skunks here? Stinkee?
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Ever Esteemed and Venerable Bob, Journalist This morning I must respond to a rhetorical question that you posed, lest I ignore something that may reflect negatively upon my character judgment and thereby be found guilty of negligence. I’m sure you weren’t intending that but I’m compelled to address the issue and hopefully add some clarity and context. CL’s lineup card will retain the same order but the schedule may need to move up a day because of my rampant verbosity. Sorry. On to your question:
Sir Guy, are you a supporter of the team what cheated; should be declared playoff ineligible and have its coach banned from the game?
Your question was actually much larger than the small space it required, yet requires a longer post to adequately answer it, sort of like a lawsuit. Lawsuits and Moltof cocktails are easy to file and throw, yet time consuming and tedious to defend against and douse. My purpose here is to clarify and add context to this philosophical/moral question you advanced.
If, by support you ask whether I’m pulling for the Patriots’ to go 16-0 (they did) and win the Super Bowl, then yes…absolutely. I’m a fan. Have been for years. I’m also a fan of Bill Belichick. He’s a tough as nails competitor, has won more games and Super Bowls in six years than any other coach ever and I believe him to be a moral, upright individual. That’s the quick and honest answer but I fear it may cause some to misjudge my philosophy on the issue or my own values.
On the other hand, if you are asking if I support a team that was caught videotaping defensive hand signals from the opposing team even when that practice is against NFL rules, then the answer is…still, absolutely yes and without reservation.
I don’t profess to be an expert in what goes on behind the scenes in football or any other sport, but the “cheating” by stealing signals with a video camera is not uncommon. Perhaps Belichick just perfected the process by using equipment other than eyeballs and lip readers.
Was Belichick just too darn good at play-stealing and get caught doing something that many if not all teams do? Is there a double standard with Jets coach Eric Mangini? Is there a bit of “Boston as Evil Empire going on in the media? Questions. Not sure how it happened, but I’m also a big fan of the Bosox and the Celtics and have been a long time. Just worked out that way. Oh, the Larry Byrd days.
Anyway, to add context, New York Jet’s coach Eric Mangini was an assistant under Bill Belichick. Belichick was assistant head coach of the Jets, There’s a lot of history between Belichick, Parcels, Mangini, Jets and Patriots. Not much love lost in that triangle. Musical chairs, brass knuckles and bazookas there.
The game that was supposedly “stolen” from the Jets due to the videotape apparently was of no advantage to Belichick or his coaches since it was confiscated at halftime. Pat’s went on to win without it, while NFL, Pat’s and Jets security people “met” in the tunnel at halftime. The NFL official kept the tape. Brady went something like 10 for 11 pass completions in the second half and won the game. In light of the halftime confiscation, seems the Pat’s won that game without the help of the tape.
That doesn’t nullify the fine they imposed or justify the matter in the eyes of the NFL that slapped Belichick. It also doesn’t mean that reasonable people should applaud or condone the tactic, but in my humble opinion it just doesn’t rise to the level of high crimes, banishment, game forfeiture or moral condemnation. It was not admirable, but it’s sports and it’s done.
Do we abandon a team because of a technical infraction by the coach? Do we throw out a great coach because he does what everyone else does, only better? Should we admire a great quarterback for his solid political stance, ethical values and support of our President yet condemn him for making a mistake of fathering a child out of wedlock? Will we cast stones at him too?
Should we not listen to or “support” by purchasing a CD by a rock band because the lead singer speaks out against something we support or were known to imbibe in illegal drugs? Should we go see a movie when the lead actor campaigns for a candidate in the opposing political party? Should we have any fiends that have slipped up a time or two?
Would we be able to watch any sport or listen to any music or patronize any retail establishment that hires cheap labor from overseas and spies on their competitor in price wars every chance they get? Should we place our moral bar so high that no sports team, artist, corporation or mortal can scale it?
Further, should sign stealing be allowed in any sport? How about the runner at second base tipping off the batter? Is that just good, competitive playing or cheating and bad sportsmanship? Should the opposing manager do everything in his power to figure out the contortions of the third base coach as he signals the batter to lay down a bunt? Should the MBA coach hide his instructions to a player with his play card? Would someone have the audacity to steal his signals?
So, it seems we’re actually disturbed at Belichick for using a video camera and not stealing the good old-fashioned way, with eyeballs. In sports there are rules, laws and ethical standards that are laid out for teams to adhere to. There’s tons of grey area that can only be interpreted by those that are in the game and close to the action, not the media or the casual fan. There are many major accusations concerning relatively minor infractions that are blown way out of proportion by those that stand to gain by it.
So why am I going on and on about this? I’m blabbering on because the question of supporting a cheater strikes a chord with me and requires clarification and context. Philosophically and morally, I don’t support cheaters nor do I condone it in any way (I think you know that but not sure about everyone that might hop in one day and read the blog). But I also make distinctions as alluded to earlier.
The world is not black and white. If one believes in videotaping team signals, can we then deduce that the same person condones steroids since they both could be seen as “enhancements”? Could we then expand that to mean one might condone cheating on taxes, cheating on spouse, cheating on anything? So many questions, rhetorical as they are.
There are many shades and hues in the grey areas, especially in something like sports where, in the grand scheme of life, plays but a small and insignificant role. You might not consider sports insignificant if you are a sports fan as we all obviously as we spend an inordinate amount of time watching it and discussing it as we do. Oh, the humanity!
One day, if we live right and we meet our maker, perhaps there will be no need for sign stealing, video cameras or pitchers talking to catchers through their glove. Third base coaches will just stand there and enjoy the at bat. All athletes will have wings and be called Angels on and off the field. Let’s assume (hope) this place will not be anywhere near California.
Bottom line last thought and I’ll shut’er down: Belichick “cheating” is much ado about not much. Not sure, but he evidently perfected signal stealing. My suggestion to the Jets and every other team that competes in every sport is to be smarter on the sidelines and more cautious about disguising hand signals and hiding play calls because you know that your opponent is looking. Perhaps the players on the field might also become more strategic and aware of the game, thus become less dependant on as many signals from the sidelines. Well, maybe that’s a stretch.
So, Bob, Journalist, what say you my dear friend? Did I say anything to change your mind? Have I cleared my name of supporting “real” cheaters? Will you now root for the Pat’s to win it all, even if you have to wince a bit at Belichick, the NFL, MBA and MLB?
Go Pat’s!
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Who is Pat? American League, right?
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Just emailed three new Braves’ drawings to y’all. Don’t have Chop Seal’s email address, though. He’ll have to get them from the Journalist.
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Great post SG, Bottom line, I think one’s perspective depends upon whether one is the cheater or the cheated……
And of course the severity and intent. It is why the punishment should fit the crime. Hate the sin, love the sinner…..
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jimmy smith was thinking about that other blog and jimmy smith realized what we may be doing wrong here . . . no sucking up. carolina lady your the best! nothing wrong about that, carolina lady! your the best and journalist agrees with everything. carolina lady, what do you think about world peace? nice, job, carolina lady. now, baseball . . . whatever frank says. frank, frank, frank, hoss, frank, frank, frank, hoss, frank, frank, frank. journalist bought chop seal some cigars for Christmas but did not give them to chop seal yet. may stunt chop seal’s growth. already tall for a beat writer but could be at top of the class with a few more inches. no cigars for now.
and who will be the backup beat writer here? applications now being accepted. doesn’t have to be a girl, but precedent is set. must work well with others and clean up the mess of beat writer.
and something about that blue football field makes jimmy smith think ga tech should have stayed at home. oh, the humanity bowl. bobby dodd would not have liked firing chan gailey. blue football field, green sky? green sky, stinky take warning.
now, falcons. playing before a few close friends and former cellmates. arthur blank prowling the sidelines looking for a coach. or a pro-bowler. none to be found. and shy not let alge crumpler take a few snaps? nothing to it. falcons should be playing on the blue football field. something is not right.
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For the rest of the day perhaps I’ll stay in the long-wind penalty box and write posts no longer than three words. I’ll try now:
Who is Pat? American League, right?
Paulsen. Ask Lew…
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Great post SG, Bottom line, I think one’s perspective depends upon whether one is the cheater or the cheated
Thanks. It’s relative.
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american league is not so bad if no national league teams are playing. braves are not prototypical national league but that’s because of bobby ball. what would happen if fast players were taught to run and steal? hmm….
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Run, steal and bunt!
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Seems to me that having players with those abilities would add more arrows to your arsenal. More options, more ways to win. But what do I know? 😐
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Yes…small ball.
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Salty, are you accusing me of BUI (blogging under the influence)?
You HAVE seen my avatar, haven’t you?
Savannah Guy, interesting post with some valid points. Believe it or not, I do NOT attend movies with actors/directors/whomever with political ideals that I personally do not support IF that individual uses their celebrity as a platform to advance those ideals. Consequently, I don’t see many movies which drives my wife nuts that I won’t go to the theater with her. However, in my simple little mind, attending such a movie is telling that individual that I agree with those ideals.
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that may be the key – using a small ball when pitching to power hitters like the dodgers’ andruw jones. with the adjustments (was standing 4″ too far apart) andruw will surely make in the spring, throwing andruw a small ball next season may be just what the braves need to do. and will this work with other batters? good idea, savannah. now, it is not cheating – since all teams make adjustments along the way to enhance performance – oh, the humanity! not enhance performance! rub it on to come back from injury! oh, the humanity! not with exercise and training, with performance enhancing drugs to come back sooner – not an edge. oh, where is this going? can justify just about anything or any behavior. cannot justify a blue football field, though. and will arthur blank call a few plays today? maybe take a snap? go home with alge crumpler? and did anyone go to the game? raining. team sucks. organization sucks. and how about a hoover? coach named hoover. eureka! that is it! and has arthur blank gone to prison yet for a visit? any prospects there? team has gone to the dogs. and lew has some new drawings out and they are quite good. flbravesgirl may bake something in exchange for the mccann drawing. lew must make lew’s best deal. would ask for a cookie gun, too.
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falcons update –
still suck
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Klobber > We seem to do the same thing, perhaps to differing degrees. Like you, I also don’t go to certain films that are starring certain actors that have gone beyond my own personal line of acceptability or good taste in their political activities.
If they are with a different political party or candidate, I don’t care at all. If they use their stardom as a political platform or pulpit…fine, they should. I would. If they disagree with our war in a reasonable way. Fine. If they put our troops in harm’s way or give comfort to our enemies, they are immediately off of my list. If they use a film or CD itself as a political platform, I’ll usually stay away…unless I happen to agree with the platform or even if I disagree but believe that it is within the bounds of reasonable and respectable content.
If the actor, musician or director goes beyond the pale and spews vile accusations against God, my country, my party or against those people or things I hold dear…I’ll personally boycott them. For instance, I won’t be seeing any Michael Moore, Charlie Sheen, Tim Robbins, Rosie O’Donnell or Shaun Penn films for instance. But that’s just me.
I’ll avoid the Golden Compass film even though it looks like an entertaining and beautifully produced fantasy tale. The film is derived from a trilogy written by a devout atheist. I’ll not support Mark Cuban or Brian De Palma in anything they ever do. They have all been “redacted” from my world of entertainment.
Whatever happened to having good guys in film, that supported our country? Guys like Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne.
Oops…more than three words. No more politics. Back in penalty box for me.
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this just in: chop seal has been nominated for a leading lady award. much like best of cox, only leading lady. chop seal would prefer another name for the award but chop seal is comfortable in chop seal’s masculinity. the leading lady is presented to the top beat writer blogging in the carolina lady blog empire. chop seal, as the only qualified nominee, is optimistic that chop seal will be named a winner. now, best of cox winner gets $1,000. chop seal is interested in knowing if chop seal will receive $1,000 for winning a leading lady award. and can a carolinaladytzer be far behind? stardom at a young age (seal not lady, though lady is at a young age, too). and will winning the award go to the young seal’s head? will the seal become bigger than the blog? only time will tell. and carolina lady. carolina lady will tell chop seal if chop seal gets too big for chino cadahia’s britches. and falcons report: who cares? and surely the bowl games will improve. and what brave will make news first in the new year? and bobbyt cox, looking better all the time.
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Sorry-Baked goods will not do it. The McCann drawing will be signed and will go on my Museum’s wall. Maybe a hand colored print of it may be worth trading for a chocolate cherry cake.
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The question has been asked: what will we call our award?
from our Resident Artist:
“Ma’am-Not sure why it can’t be the Wurlitzer. Seems to me that everyone significant that has been associated with the award since it’s inception-including the person who coined the name, is now associated with the other blog. The award is offered only at our discretion and totally through our own efforts. It belongs to us and we bestow it on those we choose. The only problem is that all the winners are at the new blog. Almost everyone there already has one.”
Some good points. Your ideas?
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Canseco writing ‘Juiced’ sequel
Posted: Sunday December 30, 2007 07:44AM ET
“According to his attorney, Jose Canseco has finalized a deal to publish the sequel to his 2005 best-seller “Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big,” and is targeting the new book’s release date to coincide with the start of next season. Happy New Year, Bud.”
New York Daily News
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from lew: “The only problem is that all the winners are at the new blog. Almost everyone there already has one.”
dilemma. no one smart enough to win a wurlitzer left over there. all the good writers have come over here. so, only writers with wurlitzer worthy writing will wrangle wurlitzers.
further dilemma: not going to find manny winners over their unless your willing to overlook a few things.
and the beat writer seems pretty pleased with the current cast of characters. kind of jimbo jones-esque. and how is the chop chick blog faring? has that blogger demeaned that blogger’s self enough yet to be a designated blogger there? what if chop chick never comes back to check? yes, carolina lady is building a colossus here. and soon, the bravesandstuff beat writer will ascend to the pressbox and open all the windows. gotcha.
even more disturbing:
is that envy? blog envy? sort of like that other envy, only blog envy? 
and a new beat writer is in town and a new blog is getting how many hits? how many, carolina lady? hmmm…
and carolina lady is soon to have a theme song for this blog. never before done on a braves baseball blog. songs, yes, but not a theme song. good theme song for that other blog? maybe, pinky lee or something. pee wee herman. this blog’s theme song? eye of the tiger? seal serenade. symphony of seals? baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and jimmy smith? put carolina lady in coach, she’s ready to play? something baseball . . . what can it be? take me out to the bravesandstuff blog? will need help from savannah guy and others to develop this idea further. and a poem, our own poem. should rhyme with aaron giraffe. not sure just yet. and now baseball . . . who on the braves staff can teach the bunt?
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Yes, being associated with the Carolina Lady Braves and Stuff is a bit like being on the All Star team. National League 🙂
Watching Redskins trying to give away their lead with a fumble. 😦
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Well-There are still Wurlitzer Winners like Tennessee Paul and Adirondack Dave over on the other blog, but many of those here HAVE won Wurlitzers. I’ll have to figure out how many have been awarded up til now. Maybe they are becoming too prevalent. Perhaps awarding fewer would make them more desired.
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oh, the humanity, gil! not the national league all-star team. say it ain’t so. of course that american league may have been juiced all the while. and the carolina lady blog will be famous for what carolina lady is going to offer next. tee shirts. that’s right , tee shirts. says kroger on them now but soon will say kroger carolina lady bravesandstuff blog. magic marker. mailed to all bloggers here, first class. postage, not shirt. and did the falcons win? 3 wins or 4?
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certainly not more desired – already much desired. maybe more exclusive. should count off for spelling and stupid. can have a contest between blogs to see who can win the most wurlitzers. frankster is up 2 on chop seal but chop seal is smarter and will catch up. better looking girlfriend, too. no hair on toes.
and now, cowboys. wade phillips on sideline. used to coach here. and where will atlanta’s next coach come from? canadian league? stretch the field – longer for the other team to score? eh, what? maybe babe parilli? babe the blue ox? lost on a blue football field?
and will the hawaii football team have a ukelele player? and shouldn’t grinch fire up the ol’ martin and head to new orleans for the bulldogs?
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Don’t want folks to get too cocky, always should strive to be the best you can be….. Then become enhanced 🙂 What would be considered a performance enhancer for bloggers? Coffee, Knob Creek, Red Velvet Cake?
An do we need to get the “seal of approval” ?
Redskins playing good football…. Too bad we have to play the second half.
CL.. Are you a Panthers’ fan?
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“should count off for spelling and stupid” Well, I have been known to hang a breaking ball on occasion… 🙂
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Will have to break out my adventure one night with an electrified fence to bid for another Wurlitzer…
Not to give away the ending but there are other things not to do besides tugging on superman’s cape.
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jimmy smith has mail from journalist bob. may be awhile.
oh, the humanity! journalist bob can really turn a phrase. but jimmy smith has no idea what journalist bob said! just kidding, journalist bob. jimmy smith followed every word, every one, and there were a lot of them.
can be summarized. don’t blog with a jerk.
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Blog theme song, hmm…maybe something by singer Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel? Not Ugandan but Nigerian (goes by Seal). Did a great song, “Crazy”. “If we’re ever gonna survive, we gotta get a little…crazy”. Like us…crazy.
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Okay, Cowboys have thrown in the towel, now have ex Redskin playing quarterback.
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SG, I’m with you on just about all those names. Sounds like we’re of pretty much the same mind.
Gil, Redskins need to win this game. Cowboys don’t. That’s why the ‘boys look so bad today.
And, oh my, Knob Creek is now considered a performance enhancer? This is a huge problem! I knew that I had to have something to give me an edge. Without KC, I’m afraid that I’ll be sent down to “the other blog”. You can’t prosecute retroactively, can you?
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gil has some wurlitzer worthy posts here already. memorable one about the little braves fan who wanted to meet a certain braves player and gil flew that little fan to texas to meet her hero. that was a beautiful post. certainly worthy of recognition. the trauma should not come into play. had nothing to do with gil and the little fan at least got to meet a baseball player before the trauma of witnessing the autographing of bambi’s carcass. a beautiful post. may nominate it, who knows?
now, gil . . . u.a.w., right? just guessing. may not be right.
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chris, You will notice I did not include Jameson….. Deny, Deny, Deny 🙂
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Gil, that’s not fair!
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Wow, great story, however, must be the other Gil from New Jersey…
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If called by a Panther, don’t anther. Panther no panths, I’m goin’ thwimmin’.
Gil, a little shock therapy? Hurts just thinking about it. Electric fences and, uh…body parts are not to be trifled with.
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Klobber, you should be safe from prosecution. Knob Creek is an officially sanctioned beverage of the blog. That and Rooskies. And whatever else works.
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no, sure it was this gil. a little forgetful, perhaps? and remember, we are in a contest for the most wurlitzers. gil can be a winner. right, gil? and savannah, that was a most thoughtful post about seal. chop seal is unfamiliar with the nigerian seal. what tribe?
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Yes, I guess you could call the story shocking, t’was truly and electrifying experience. You could say, I know where they got the idea for tasers from.
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Okay, it is official, alcohol is not an enhancement agent. Must put my beer goggles away.
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Y’all are a hoot to read! THANKS!!!
❗ Blog Stats = 7,132 hits
jjs, your summary was 😆 !
Blog song – I’m working on it. Honestly.
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Ok, here it is. A lovely baseball song by Zamfir!
fffffffffff, FFFFFFFFFffffffffffFFFFFFFFFFFFfffff.
Phhhhhhhffffffffffhhhhhhhhh
FFFFphhhhhhhhfffff…..fffffff…..ffffff
Thhhhhhhhffffffffff, phhhhhhhFFFFFFFFFfthhhhhh
PhhhhhhhthhhhhhhFFFFFFFFFFFffffffffffffthhhhhh
hhhhhhhh
Now, is that perfect of what?? What lyrics! Only a genius…..
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Gil – Oh, yes! I like panthers, deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, coyotes, birds – all kinds of critters! 🙂
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yes, it is fitting. zamfir. no cowboy hat, right? no greasy food, right? no cigars, right? good manners, right? zamfir it is. and who on the braves plays the pan flute? someone from another land, perhaps. gorkys? jair? jairo? jo jo? jo jo, the organ grinder? and what if chino cadahia plays the pan flute? puck look-alike? and how did puck get puck’s name? and was puck a fairy? can do that on a baseball team?
and now, journalist bob. now we know where journalist bob has been. hopefully, journalist bob will post here soon.
and someone who s-p-e-l-l-s some of the words in his/her posts may be here soon to blog with us. not sure. still has tender feelings but is getting better.
and now, falcons report: 44 to 41.
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Nigerian Seal’s tribe is unknown. He was born in London. Nigerian daddy, Brazilian mom. Was orphaned a few years. Very good singer songwriter. Married to German supermodel. No longer homeless.
CL, that is without a doubt the best pan flute lyrics I’ve ever seen. Honest. Perfect for baseball blog. ; )
Whither Bob? Tired? Wrote out? That computer works well, Bob Journalist. Still reading. Now, Nigerian London Seal Lyrics:
Crazy(can do on this blog?)
In a church, by the face,
He talks about the people going under.
Only child know…
A man decides after seventy years,
That what he goes there for, is to unlock the door.
While those around him criticize and sleep…
And through a fractal on a breaking wall,
I see you my friend, and touch your face again.
Miracles will happen as we trip.
But we’re never gonna survive, unless…
We get a little crazy
No we’re never gonna survive, unless…
We are a little…
Crazy yellow people walking through my head.
One of them’s got a gun, to shoot the other one.
And yet together they were friends at school
Ohh, get it, get it, get it, get it no no!
If all were there when we first took the pill,
Then maybe, then maybe, then maybe, then maybe…
Miracles will happen as we speak.
But we’re never gonna survive unless…
We get a little crazy.
Amanda decides to go along after seventeen years…
Oh darlin…
In a sky full of people, only some want to fly,
Isn’t that crazy?
In a world full of people, only some want to fly,
Isn’t that crazy?
Crazy…
In a heaven of people there’s only some want to fly,
Ain’t that crazy?
Oh babe… Oh darlin…
In a world full of people there’s only some want to fly,
Isn’t that crazy?
Isn’t that crazy… Isn’t that crazy… Isn’t that crazy…
Ohh…
But we’re never gonna survive unless, we get a little crazy.. crazy..
No we’re never gonna to survive unless we are a little… crazy..
But we’re never gonna survive unless, we get a little crazy.. crazy..
No we’re never gonna to survive unless, we are a little.. crazy..
No no, never survive unless, we get a little bit…
And then you see things
The size
Of which you’ve never known before
They’ll break it
Someday…
Only child know….
Them things
The size
Of which you’ve never known before
Someday…
Someway…
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Amidst sound but sometimes conflicting input from many sources, I prepared what I considered to be my final response/explanation/comments relative to my Braves Beat Blog post of 28 October; David’s response, and the ensuing events … occasionally revising the rhetoric and updating it throughout November.
Gil’s excellent lead topic post has caused me to revisit, revise and complete that effort. I have no agenda other than to bring personal closure and to provide my explanation for any so interested.
It has been distributed to David O’Brien and to the following group for whom I have both respect and email addresses. The list includes SJA, Jimmy Smith, Carolina Lady, Lew, Grinch, Savannah Guy, HK, ChrisKlob, Salty, 10Paul, Matthew(Walter’s Dad), Jason in Maine, Gil, HillBilly, KC, SSIScribe, and others.
It is not my intent to reopen the dialog and certainly those on the distribution list are sensitive to the risks associated with imprudently so doing … however, they may do with it as they will … share it with others, in all or in part, as deemed appropriate … for it was also not my intent that anyone with an interest be denied access to the provided explanation.
Our New Year’s Eve will be spent at Vanderbilt … so Happy New Year!!
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and people would be rude over a whopper? “let me see your manager.” over a whopper? what is this world coming to? over a whopper? now, a b.l.t. that is different. a b.l.t. is quite a sandwich. and dare we talk sandwiches here?
and are their no idiots here? and idiots? and why are they not challenged by the other bloggers? and if and idiot shows up, will carolina lady let that and idiot blog here?
and surely bob is resting. but hopefully, bob will post here soon.
and heidi klum . . . not sure. saw the movie once – instead of a ballgame.
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that jounalist bob is a crafty one . . . posted just before jimmy smith could hit the submit comment button. and the petrosun independence bowl is on right now. and this question needs to be considered: is there a calabash restaurant bowl and shouldn’t there be? and where might this bowl be played? and should it be buffet style? sec football being played at the petrosun tonight. alabama is up 20-0. who coaches that team? falcons interested?
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is it safe to bet that a certain beet writer might be rude and demand to see the manager if the sandwich in question were in fact a fish sandwich? would said beet writer be inclined to play the ‘your and idiot’ card with said manager? and would that same beet writer be angered if he did not get the red velvet cake that was promised MONTHS AGO? And whither flbravesgirl and her veritable factory of baked goods?
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Happy New Year Bob…. 🙂
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CL
Cute song…though the key note seems a bit…flat? Oh, well.
Klobber….BUI…works for me. You can be the blog’s Timothy Leary! 😆 With SG’s entry about ‘panther thwimming’ it appears you spilt a bit of KC on the blog. Not everyone can ‘man up’ to the bar like you can. Please be careful! 😛
SG…Crazy…my kind of Seal…aside from one ‘Chop’, of course! 😀
On the earlier topic of entertainers/celebs…don’t like it when they take advantage of their fame. Singers sing, actor act, athletes…uh…uhm…get sweaty? ❓ When they step outside their realm, they lose me. Plenty of choices on where I spend my pennies…and I don’t need bonus commentary!
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Salty, I can’t be Timothy Leary as I have never done LSD, nor do I have any immediate plans to try it. Although, I guess it would be much more interesting and mysterious to be known as Leary rather than the resident blog drunk!
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Don’t worry chris, you don’t have to drink alone….. 8)
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Gil, which Jameson do you drink?
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The 12 year old rye.
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Timothy Leary tune in, turned on…but now he’s dropped out for good. Unless he’s still floating around in the cosmos waiting for a Moody Blues concert tour.
Klobber…careful talking fish sammiches and cakes. A certain journalist could get all bowed up and try to seal the deal with fbg. Man, it’s raining buckets here…storms and all sorts of high wind. Like summer! I s’pose you have it too?
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Gil…no, he doesn’t…we’ll keep him company on a cold, rainy night. Well, cold here…you guys have the rain now! Cheers!
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It is a very smooth Irish whiskey
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SAO PAULO, Brazil — Swarms of jellyfish stung nearly 300 swimmers looking to cool off from a heat wave in a southeastern beach city, Brazilian media reported Sunday.
The jellyfish were Portuguese thong-attracted man-of-war, which have long tentacles but are not too dangerous unless the victim has an allergic reaction. The jellyfish typically prey on nubile young women wearing thongs.
Many of the injured arrived at medical centers Friday and Saturday crying from the pain of the stings.
Authorities blamed an extreme heat wave over the southeastern region for the swarm in the shallow waters off Praia Grande.
and now, jellyfish – this is a tasty sounding name, but not a tasty fish at all. there is no fish to jellyfish and there is no jelly. this is a badly named creature, the jellyfish. once, jimmy smith stepped on a jellyfish (no, journalist was not wearing a thong) and it was most painful and embarrassing. jimmy smith cried like a little girl. jimmy smith cried and cried and cried. then, jimmy smith stopped crying altogether and began to beat that jellyfish senseless. soon there was jellyfish mess all over the beach and jimmy smith felt vindicated. of course, that’s when the really, really big jellyfish appeared only a few feet away in shallow water . . . more later.
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I’m not highly versed on the Irish whiskies but have tried all three Jameson’s, Powers, Red Breast, Knappogue Castle, Midleton and perhaps another one or two along the way. One of the benefits of my business……
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Oh my…it’s Timothy Leary in the flesh. Back from the cosmos and has taken over Klobbers brain. Quick Klobber…slug down some KC antidote.
Getting scary. Who’s next. Will Ken Kesey return? Morris? Joplin? Jerry Garcia? Oh, the humanity!
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SG, nah, relax man. I was just trying it on for size. Kind of like how Kornheiser has those paper masks on his show on ESPN. Leary doesn’t fit me so I’ll have to go back to the one that better describes me.
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It has been raining here for two days, I think our dry spell has ended. Glad it isn’t snow. I cannot draw a lick……
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Are their no idiots here? Surely bob is resting.
If and idiot shows up, will carolina lady let that and idiot blog here? Bob will post here soon.
Better late the never … Suppertime!
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Gil, it’s been raining here off and on for a couple of days. Saw on the news last night where we’re still a foot short for the year. Hopefully we don’t try to make it all up tomorrow!
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Y’all are lucky to get the rain; we’ve had almost none! Was really hoping to at least get some showers from this system. Not even enough to wet the whole porch.
Great quote:
Former manager Alvin Dark was asked to compare teams he managed over the years.
“With the A’s we depended upon pitching and speed to win.
With the Giants we depended upon pitching and power to win.
With the Indians we depended upon an act of God.”
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When we came out of the last drought a few years back, the weathermen (and women) droned on about how ‘we are still six inches down for the past two years’. That was all well and good;however, at that point, we were up 18 inches year to date and flooding everywhere!
Chris, as you know well enough, in Charleston, it’s not just the rain, but the moon/tides as well. It always seemed Lockwood was flooding down near the marina…of course, that was many years ago! Maybe better now? They don’t call it the Low Country for nothing.
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Another one:
Told to get a statement from the Giants’ Dominican players after Generalissmo Trujillo was assassinated in the Dominican Republic, a reporter came back from the clubhouse and approached his editor.
“They said they didn’t do it.”
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Salty, your memory is correct. Downtown can be quite hazardous when the rain is heavy and the tides are high. I’ve seen as much as four feet of water on Market Street and actually saw idiots swimming down the street! They must not have realized how unsanitary that is.
Hurricane Hugo hit at high tide in September 1989. Parts of downtown were flooded with nine feet of water. This was not from the storm surge but from rain and wind-driven tides.
Lockwood still floods pretty heavily although it’s higher than it used to be. You may recall that the entire side of the peninsula is filled in marshlands so it’s going to flood at the drop of a hat. The intersection of Calhoun and East Bay is also still bad although they’ve installed some sort of underground system with pumps that is supposed to move flood waters out at a very fast rate. Of course, it doesn’t matter if the pumps are strong. If they tide is very high, the pump has no where to pump the water!
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This area is still 24″ below normal. The retaining ponds are either dry or have a couple of inches of dirty water remaining – they are normally 8′ or better.
Most lakes and ponds are dry or will be very shortly, and there’s only about 4″ of water crossing the top of the dam on the Cape Fear River.
All these weather systems have dropped all the rain to the west of us. Can’t seem to catch a break.
The pond on this property normally covers about 6 acres and is down a little but the spring which feeds it seems to be holding up pretty well. I don’t know what the animals would do without it.
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“They said they didn’t do it.”
That is too funny. Priceless.
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CL… Are you down near Lumberton or Wilminton??
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Near Wilmington, Gil.
another one:
The other day was take your daughter to work day. The Cubs had a fun time, played a little scrimmage against their daughters.
Cubs lost, 15-3.
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New Hanover CL ?
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Top of the evening, denizens, as the crew has returned from three days and two nights in the beautiful mountains north of Atlanta (about four hours north, actually, in the Eastern part of the fine state of Tennessee). Been a great trip, but I’m glad to be home.
No place like home. No place, indeed.
Interesting topics on here while I’ve been gone. Good blog from Gil; I’ve wrote columns throughout my career on how sports pulls people together. It’s a common denominator that links us regardless of the color of our skin, our gender, our bank account status or our age. If you pull for my team, you’re on my side, irregardless of all the other stuff.
Ah, if we only could carry that mindset into everyday life, to look at all people as being on our side, one team together, united as one. Imagine all we could do in this world if all of us would just work together …
But enough getting deep on subjects of such importance on this night. I’m so tired, I’m not even going to transition. Here goes, in rapid-fire fashion (pay attention, Chop Seal; new trick of journalism being taught by the Scribe):
Lack of rain: Can’t complain about no rain of late here on the southern rim of the capital city, but I’m sure glad it cleared up in time for our trip home this afternoon.
Braves drawings: Lew, awesome work as always!
K.C. sighting?: Where is K.C.? And how about those Hawks, K.C.?
Thrashers rebound: Grinch, we picked the wrong game, bro. Looks like Le Thrash came to play last night.
Blog success: Look how many hits this place has gotten so far. Wow!
Bob’s final word: Bob, Happy New Year to you and yours, and continued prayers and best wishes. I’ll have to read through your submission later, but I sincerely appreciate you including me in the list of folks to whom you sent it.
That’s all I got. Remember, toes are not to be trifled with and all that good stuff.
Selah.
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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I keep hearing about these Braves drawings. Is there a place to view these drawings? Can I sign up for your newsletter?
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SG:
Your musical trip down memory lane…very nice. The Winter boys (They Only Come Out at Night…Frankenstein), Kenny Rogers/First Edition, Moody Blues (album), Jim Morrison, Seal (album…er, CD’s)…pretty eclectic group. Yeah, yeah, oh yeah!
And ‘panther thwimmin’…Klobber, fork over the Leary avatar…I think SG’s feelin’ it!
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Chris:
You have mail.
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Chris, here is a link to Lew’s website:
http://www.lewhartman.com/
Sent him your email, too.
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Esteemed Journalist-Do you mean to imply that were said nubile young ladies NOT to wear thongs that they would then be safe from the jellyfish? Works for me.
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savannah, journalist does not own a pink bathing suit. and journalist hopes that savannah does not either. and journalist bob, those words were cut and pasted to very bad advantage. it is good that bob is here as the blog has turned to horny turtle talk. maybe bob can discuss chipper or something. horny turtle talk could be a good blog for mark davis, though. all the turtles all the time. and wendy’s now has a baconater sandwich with 6 strips of bacon and 2 all-beef patties. chest hurts just writing about it. and there is unfinished blog business! must have a second verse to the theme song. and will this blog be picked up by cox enterprises when you-know-who sees all her bloggers moving over here? and could a canned ham cause her to blog here with us? and whatever happened to bob hope? dead. but remember there are other patriotic actors out there. carrot top. and that brings up carrot cake. has not been discussed here but is a favorite of many. and who would think a carrot could be so tasty? and is there a carrot cake gun? what caliber? and flbravesgirl should be joining us soon. chop seal needs some brownies.
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Okay folks, time to call it a night. Have a good one all…..
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Chris-Actually, they’re not on the website. I just forgot to add your email to the list. I’ll send them now.
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Horny turtle talk! Well, it is bravesandstuff! On that note, though, I’ll make like Gil and call it a night. Cheers, all
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Salty, thank you for the heads up about the mail. About the time that I was looking at Lew’s latest masterpieces on his website, my daughter came downstairs to get a drink of milk. She saw the sketch of Skip and the Bream slide and asked about it. I was compelled to find it on youtube (what an awesome resource) and show it to her and explain who Skip Caray is as well as Sid Bream and the significance of that slide.
Here’s a video that many, most or all may have seen before. It warmed my heart to watch it (of course that could have just been a little indigestion) but nonetheless made me happy to see a highlight reel of the Braves in 1991 and 1992, especially in late December.. I know if you watch it you’ll enjoy it.
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MIAMI (AP) – A 55-year-old Sumatran orangutan, believed to be the world’s oldest, has died, a Miami zoo spokesman said.
Nonja, who was born on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and lived in Miami since 1983, was found dead Saturday morning, said Ron Magill, spokesman for the Miami Metro Zoo.
“Everybody’s very sad, especially with an animal like an orangutan,” Magill said. “You see a lot of yourself in these animals. The great apes are our closest relatives.”
and who is this ron magill? sees himself in an orangutan? scratches a lot? swats flies? could be a blogger on that other blog. hmmm…..
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Isn’t that a great video, Chris? Have watched it many times. And will many more times again! 🙂
‘Night, y’all!
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“Glory Days” … best of the best!! “They said they didn’t do it” … wonderful, simply wonderful!
Goodnight all!
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Greetings from Tiger, GA! (Yes, my future hometown really is named Tiger. Fits in with an earlier discussion here.)
Gil, nice work. As usual, it appears I’m too late for most of y’all. Sorry, been a busy girl. jimmy, no brownies today but I made a Red Velvet cake for our family New Year’s get-together.
Now what’s this about trading baked goods to Lew for a McCann picture? I’ll do a trial run on the choc. cherry cake as soon as I get home. 🙂
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Scribe, I see from the last blog that you hope to make it down for spring training. Hope we get a chance to say hi since I greatly look forward to your posts (and anybody who hangs out with Grinch must be fun). I’ll be the one hauling the portable dessert buffet around.
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Man, it’s getting to be like “another” blog here, in that you miss a day, and it’s almost impossible to catch up!!!! Thank goodness for SG’s short posts! 😉
CL I read Jon Heyman’s SI column on HOF’ers. interesting, but did you notice he gave the fewest words to Murph????
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Klobber. Thanks for the heads up on the different verities of Jameson. As I live in a state where the ABC Board controls all thing alcohol, I was only aware of the the 8 and 12 year old rye whiskeys. I was not aware of their other “Premium” labels. My next trip north of the Mason Dixon line I will be on the lookout for their other labels. I went to the Jameson web site and discovered their are so many things in this world I have yet to experience.
The internet is a wonderful thing, so much information, so little time.
Actually, Berigan this blog has more post. 🙂
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Ah, it is New Years Eve, gosh…. where has another year gone? I can remember as a tyke, time moving ever so slowly, now it seems I am hanging onto the express. Still so many things to do and places to see. Not to mention new people to meet. And seals, must mention seals……
Happy New Year everyone, I hope all have a safe and prosperous 2008 and each of you enjoy good health.
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And by the way Darth, I like your new avatar….
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tiger, ga sounds fearsome. flbravesgirl will need a new handle. tigergirl? hmm… and a trial run on the choc cherry cake? a trial run will not be necessary for flbravesgirl. would like for journalist to handle negotiations with lew? maybe get a signed baseball thrown in? lew likes this cake very much. cherries and chocolate, breakfast of artists. and in looking over the drawings again this journalist sees frank in the background – only a faint image, but frank. and what will carolina lady find in these drawings? n.y. yankees, perhaps? american league?
and, yes, berigan, this blog is a veritable plethora. find that on the other blog. and it is the last day of the year and if you haven’t killed anything yet, the double dime is open until 6:00. and no answer from savannah yet on the pink bathing suit. jimmy smith thinks probably “no” on the matter.
and chop seal must have some journalistic supplies so off to office depot.
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Yes, the pink bathing suit is off my wardrobe list for sure…… No longer shall I don the pink leotards either. You just never know when a wayward turtle might show up.
Now, more stimulating baseball talk…… I am rooting for Javy to make the team this year. Could be good for the sale of pink Braves jerseys with the number 8 on them and thus increase the profits for the organization enough to sign Tex to a long term deal. I just don’t see Bryan Pena generating that much of an increase.
Clint Sammons needs another year in the minors. Send him to Richmond and I will gladly keep all informed on his progress.
Whats in a name?
I have been thinking and I believe Darth Stinky should change his moniker to “Da Stink”…. would be hip and with it and allow him to become a babe magnet. Darth Stinky is a bit dated and announces to the world, “I am a nerd”…. 8)
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The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, A perpetual series of occasions for hope. -John Buchan-
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jimmy smith…. How could you have missed this???
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22408571/
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yes, there is wisdom in that, gil. this is no place for nerds. and brayan pena is escobar’s best friend. may need brayan pena here to keep escobar happy. already took whistling away. no need to take brayan pena, too. plus, escobar came over from cuba in a chevrolet nova and brayan pena is restoring that nova in brayan pena’s garage. float a nova so to speak. and will bobby cox learn spanish to be able to speak with all the new ballplayers, or will chino remain as the primary translator? useful for takeout orders, too. and how does bobby say, “c’mon kid” in spanish? and aren’t there more old braves who should be given consideration in 2008? gant? jordan? lockhart? oh, the humanity! pop-up.
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arkansashillbilly… Alas, some of us have more hope than others. It is why I tend to like saltwater fishing as I am less inclined to have to be smarter than a fish.
Salt water is more like catching than fishing. 🙂 Hope springs eternal.
True story…. I found it easier to get the day off if I told my boss I wanted to go play a round of golf than if I told him I wanted to go fishing….. Go figure…
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oh, the smuggled monkey caper! thanks, gil, for sharing that. monkey smuggling was once very popular but has become a social faux pas. if smuggling a monkey, should smuggle a big monkey rather than a small monkey if penalty is the same for either monkey. like having a tiny beat writer when could have a big beat writer.
and chop seal is excited about being paid to be a beat writer. chop seal plans to get an apartment soon. not a lot of money in beat writing but okay if you are a seal.
suspenders. chop seal wants some suspenders. saw homeboy and thinks it looks distinguished (see nerd comments above). would be the only beat writer with suspenders. not sure if chop seal will go with the idea but under consideration.
and now, back to monkey smuggling: is it coincidence only that this monkey crawled onto a ponytail? a pony on the plane, too? what airline was this with monkeys and ponies?
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More stimulating baseball talk….. Yes, Bryan Pena would be a better utility player than Woodward or Pete Orr. Did not say to send Bryan back to minors, he has nothing left to prove here. Much will depend on whether or not Javy can still hit. Maybe better arm than McCann…. Beside, Braves have much time invested in Javy, Have learned that two Braves coaches have been involved in his workouts. I wonder if Frank knows the company his minions keep?
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Berigan, I did notice how little space Heyman gave to Murphy. Just a few paragraphs later he called for criteria on someone else that made the case for Murphy’s induction! Apparently he doesn’t have all his facts together. Needs to do some homework before he casts his ballot.
Gil, yes. NE part.
jjs, Baby Seal has shoulders for suspenders??
Javy is working with 2 Braves coaches? I really hope he does well.
Can hardly wait for ST!!
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“suspenders”…… Going for the Larry King look…. Also “Uncle Joe” of Petticoat Junction fame…. Hummm.
It possible someone got tired of monkeying around and did not care properly for the creature. Maybe bad air on airplane could have led to its demise. We likely will never know the full story. I suspect that authorities will keep the whole caper under their hat.
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Brayan Pena has no options left. He can’t be sent back to the minors. I’m mystified why he’s never gotten his chance. He can hit and play the corner infield positions, outfield and catch. Not sure what else a bench player should be able to do.
Six more inches of snow last night with “significant” snowfall for tonight and tomorrow. The roads are open, ut I can’t get out of my driveways and don’t want to rack up another $30 with a phone call. Plenty of food, water , illustration board and pencils-why bother going out? Working on a Bobby Cox. CL sent me a good picture and this one looks like him. No fingers in the drawing.
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Good morning my fellow pranksters, poets, painters, pressmen, pie pondering practitioners of a plethora of palatable pleasantries, philosophical pontificators, player prospect pursuers, palliative partakers, proud patriots, practical perusers and posters of pithy posits…
Oh, my…it’s way to early such palaver. It’s a beautiful sunny day here on the coast, the last day of the year. As 2007 exits like a wet lamb, 2008 will enter like a lion with a cold blast. Today will include covering plants and such.
Journalist Jimmy, no pink bathing suits here. Thongs either. Wouldn’t, uh…fit. Not that there’s anything wrong with pink mind you. Used to have nice a pink izod shirt. Remember those? Now, ladies and girls are always pretty in pink.
As far as turtle madness and such, the incidents I eluded to last night have been documented. Divers and swimmers are warned in certain areas during certain seasons. Your jellyfish story reminded me of it. That said, as I reconsider the subject now, I regret posting it. Jaques Cousteau would have surely edited this from his program. The National Geographic nature of the topic was my intention. The graphic nature of the unpleasant thought that it conjured was not. My apologies go to the denizens for my unwise posting of such a regrettable and disturbing tidbit of nautical trivia.
Therefore, as I am contrite on this matter, I’ll kindly ask our Lady host to remove the post. Although it was of true sea turtle nature and may not seem offensive or worthy of erasure, it’s not in my own nature to have anyone consider such. It was an innocent but regrettable post. The rain made me do it. Negative ions? Anyhoo, should have stuck to thongs and jellyfish innocence on the beach and not strayed into deeper water.
Editor’s Note: post deleted at SG’s request. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to delete all the things in our lives that we later have second thoughts about? I sure wish I could! 🙂
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Thanks CL. You’re so right…if we all had an eraser and a delete button we would be much closer to “A Wonderful Life”. Consider that a mulligan. On that note, I have a quote for this New Years eve I’d like to share (I’ll let you guys replace “man” with “people” if so inclined):
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.”
Benjamin Franklin
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Well, it appears I dislocated my thumb, while trying to pull off my socks Saturday Night. Unbelievable. Not diving for a line drive. Not sliding into home plate with the winning run. Not fending off a burgular. Not trying to save a damsel in distress. Trying to remove a dang sock. Again, Unbelievable. Hammock Bone? Good thing I married a nurse. Everything is back in place and I can still draw my bow back. Happy New Year, everybody.
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Hey, Hillbilly! A blessed Happy New Year to you and your bride! When does the little Hillbilly makes his/her appearance? And please tell me that my memory has not failed me! 😆
Oh, man! I know that hurt! Have you considered maybe getting socks in a larger size?? They may be a little easier to get on……maybe…..
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Errands to run. Back later!
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pulling off that second pair of socks can be harmful, as hillbilly has discovered. and it was never acknowledged on that other blog than “hammock bone” trouble was exactly what was reported by the ajc. that was conveniently changed later. as carolina lady says, the delete button can be very forgiving.
and this note to savannah . . . pink turtle bottoms are not so offensive if measured by some of the stuff bandied about on that other blog for many months. and with tonight being new year’s eve there may be a few bloggers seeing turtle bottoms and eagle ears at midnight. remember, turtles, seals, tigers, all animals are okay for blogging on a sports blog. all are mascots. tigers, american league.
and the ga tech yellow jackets are playing in the truckstop bowl. that’s right, truckstop humanitarian bowl. should be quite entertaining. ramblin’ wreck oil change and filter at halftime.
happy new year to everyone! blackedyed peas and cornbread, too. and carolina lady makes a good point about beat writers having no shoulders. can still wear suspenders, though. velcro.
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CL, jimmy was correct. Two pairs of socks–it got down all the way to an unbearably frigid 29 here this weekend–{sarcasm for Lew}. The little one is due around May 31st. It is still yet to be determined whether I’ll be stepping on Ninja Turtle weapons or more Barbie shoes in my house in the near future. Both have been known to draw blood to the bare feet on occasion.
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-commentary- journalist jimmy smith wants to know, what is with all this hair hanging out the backs of football helmets? what would bobby dodd have to say about such a thing with ga tech players? and when will this happen at turner field? will we see smoltz with long hair (comb over from the ears) streaming from the back of smoltz’s baseball cap? will we see mccann with long tresses down the back? imagine the long hair flowing behind as a runner streaks down the line. does no one remember rick mahler? zane smith? mullets? it is time to put a stop to this now, before long hair returns to this team.
and lew has begun a new drawing of bobby cox – and lew reports no fingers evident. still, smears on the cheeks and chin will add realistic appearance, much like chicken adds integrity to pot pie. and will bobby cox handle this drawing perhaps to autograph it? then, there will be no need to draw the smears. will happen naturally. and lew, don’t let bobby use lew’s pen. sharpie. throwaway.
and ga tech cheerleaders are now on t.v. there was a time that the ga tech cheerleader was not always an attractive cheerleader. no way to say that nicely. like bill curry in a dress, only worse.
and last day of the year . . . can get a new start tomorrow.
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New Year’s day menu is set. Hoppin’ John will be served for good luck. That’s right, a lowcountry tradition it is. Brings happiness, health and wealth. The first two would be just fine but why skip the greens when they are so good. Cook greens the old fashioned southern way with ham hocks and/or fatback and dash with lots of pepper vinegar.
So it’s country ham, redeye gravy, black-eyed peas and rice, collard greens, cornbread, sweet tea and banana pudding for dessert. Thank God I’m a country boy…at heart anyway. Best part is the kids will all be here.
Big personal and baseball news! My niece (like daughter) recently got engaged to a fine young fellow! Very happy uncle-dad I am. Seems like just yesterday she was a little girl…they grow up so fast. What am I talking about…she’s still a little girl. Twenty-four is a little girl, right? Now baseball news: Fiancés dad is an MLB pitching coach…not for Braves though. Was Roger McDowell’s son not available? Just kidding.
Here’s my dilemma: Will a certain guy be invited to dust off his old pitcher’s glove and teach his patented side-armed savannah slider? Hold your arms out in front of you, stretch’em out and spread’em real wide apart, palms facing each other…well, it breaks like that! Yep, sure does. Would I exaggerate?
Trouble is, this coach is on a competing NL team. Should the savannah slider be taught to a competitor? Since I’m a Brave’s fan, would that not be a conflict of interest? Would that pitch make other Braves swing like Andruw? Should there be two venues in spring training? Marriage poses so many difficult baseball questions…
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Don’t teach him the slider. Teaching the slider to Chuck James would be a good thing. See if opposing pitching coach would sign a ball for the museum. That would be acceptable-unless it is the Mets’ pitching Coach.
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Savannah Guy,
This is an interesting dilemma. Did your savannah slider get you sent to the major leagues? Did your savannah slider get you sent to the showers? If the latter is true, I say teach it. I’d assume, and I know how dangerous that can be, that since we’re both blogging about baseball instead of playing it, that your slider was about as deadly as my opposite field gap power. (I’m only hacking on you because I know you can handle it.)
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SG, congrats to you and your daughter-niece. I say definitely teach it to him for the reasons that Hillbilly mentions. Be kind of like my warning track power……..
Happy New Year to everyone!
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jimmy smith threw a red eared slider in a game back in uganda. a most effective pitch. the red eared slider is not a hard slider like that of john smoltz. the red eared slider is more hard shell and slithery. makes a batter think. a good out pitch. and savannah, it is funny how topics come and go and how some topics just won’t let go. turtles seem to be in vogue here now. and who can forget turtle wax? and what would chuck james do with anothe pitch? hang it, perhaps? and why not the sinker from roger mcdowell, mr. sinker. look what the sinker did for chad paronto.
and country ham and red eye gravy . . . question: biscuits, too? or gravy poured over the cornbread? and no intention to discuss red eye gravy and red eared sliders in the same post. just happened.
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Lew, will do. A ball for the museum it is. No, she’s not going to be a Met fortunately. That would truly be a dilemma. Wouldn’t allow the marriage!
Besides, I’m close enough to Met’s as it is right here with the Savannah Sand Gnats. They’re the Sally League affiliate of the Met’s franchise. Sleuth Fly will do some spying there this summer.
Hillbilly, sent to the showers? Are you saying that I would actually help the Braves by teaching an opponent the savannah slider? That hurts. Oh, ye of little gullibili…uh, faith. Did you hold your arms way out like I instructed? Breaks like that! Could’a been a contender. If it weren’t for a few pesky little minor details like pitch control and velocity I would’a been a shoe-in for pitcher in the MLB! Thought about first base too. Could have made it there, but for foot speed, fielding, batting and throwing. Funny how just a few little parts of your game can make a difference.
Klobber, warning track power ain’t bad. Think Colorado.
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And now one more true story from the little league files. (No “ping” this time, JJS):
Every day at practice, Coach Hillbilly would get the same question from the same player. “Coach, when are you going to let me come swim in your pool?” As we lived out in the country, my dad found it baffling that this young man new we had a pool. How did he even know where we lived? Day in and day out, the boy would ask about the pool, and every time Dad would put him off.
One day, after practice, Dad stopped by his co-worker buddy’s house, as he did after almost every practice, to sit around “shooting-the-bull” as they say. From the living room window he noticed the curious little-leaguer walking down the street by the co-workers house on his way home from practice. Right then it dawned on him. His co-worker had a pool as well and the boy saw his truck parked there everyday after practice. Hmmmmm?
The next day the boy asked my Dad again if he could come swim in his pool. “Sure, my dad said. Just stop by there any time. My wife is always home. Bring your friends and jump on in.”
The next Saturday, the co-worker’s wife (fiery temper, and sort of a snotty attitude from time to time, but a good sense of humor…perfect target for a prank) heard a noise outside her house. When she walked to the patio door, she found a pool full of kids that she didn’t know. How priceless it would have been to have her “who-are-you?/what-are-you-doing-here?” reaction on video.
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SG,
Ain’t it the truth? About 20-25 mph more on my fastball and 20-30 more inches of break on my curve and I would’ve been a showstopper. I hate it that your first base skills didn’t agree with the scouts. I’m sure any major league catcher would love recieving your side-armed relay throws to the plate that break this much {arms extended}. Base runners, beware! 🙂
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still, smears on the cheeks and chin will add realistic appearance,
JIMMY! Ugh! I’ll take horny turtles and pink thongs, thank you very much!!! 🙂
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NEW BLOG IS UP!!
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