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by Berigan
Ah, spring is in the air! Winter doth protesteth a bit, but soon, she will make way for the rebirth of….oh who am I kidding, I can’t write that kind of stuff! But, I can write of the eternal hope that spring and spring training bring! And I bet I will be the very first one here to do it!
Hard to believe at one time (back in the day to be precise) teams used to play spring training in south Georgia! Now, teams barely make it north of Orlando. At least, that is what I think is true, but I am far too much of a brick wall to look into it and make sure! Something else this baseball history proves to me is that global cooling is a fact, and anyone that doesn’t recognize that we are in the beginning of a new ice age and that its an indisputable fact, is worse than a Nazi who kicks puppies! Either that, or people were just tougher in olden times. Either way, it’s all good.
As you may know (you may not care, but may know) I grew up a Cardinal fan. That sort of thing happens being born 5 miles south of St. Louis. Missed the glory days of 3 World series in the 60’s, but as a boy in the mid to late 70’s, I got to see Lou Brock Steal 893 (well, a replay on TV the next day – I did hear it though) and other fair to pretty good players like Bob Forsch (2 no hitters in his career), Kenny Reitz AKA the Zamboni machine (great 3rd baseman, hence the nickname, but the slowest runner in the history of the game, and he wasn’t even fat!) and Gary Templeton, who was the most exciting player in the game…for a few years. Honest he was!!! A Coke habit and bad knees don’t go well together. Also on the team of my youth was Keith Hernandez and Silent George Hendrick (he didn’t talk to the media). And of course, batting cleanup, the swellest catcher not in the HOF, Simba, Ted Simmons!!!
Anyway, the team seemed to have more than enough talent to compete; in 1980 the team had 6 guys hit .300 or higher. But, apparently, you also need pitching to complement the hitting! So, one year we’d be a bit above .500, next year below it. And no wildcard back then. Wish there had been, when you know the team is out of it in June, sad to watch the rest of the way. Then I became a Braves fan in the mid 80’s! 😦
But, the real prize was David Green! He was the reason why you trade the best hitting catcher in the game and the guys that would win the Cy Young in 1981 and 1982 (Fingers, then Vuckovich) David Green, we Cardinal fans were told, was not merely the best prospect in the game, he was the best prospect scouts had seen in 15 years! That meant, he was better than Al Oliver, Dave Parker, even Reggie Jackson! You name it, he was better! 5+ tools, fastest guy around, power, just an uber stud. His best year was 1983, when he hit .284 with 8 HR’s drove in 69, and had 34 steals. Whoopty-freakin’-do. He was out of the majors at the age of 26.
So, what happened to these two teams??? The Brewers won their division in 1981 and 1982, going all the way to the World Series in 1982.
And somehow, the Cardinals, doing the new math of addition by subtraction, won the division in 1981 (even though they were in 2nd place in both halves of the strike plagued season) and won it all in 1982 against the Brewers!
So, Lil’ Berigan was a happy camper…right???? Nope!!! I HATED Whitey Herzog! He traded all the players I had grown up with! This wasn’t my team, this was some team calling themselves the Cardinals. He replaced Ted Simmons with Darryl Porter, he of the very thick glasses, and supposedly much better catching skills….and a batting average of around .230 while in St. Louis.
What we had was Whitey ball. It bored me to tears. Take an extra base, pound the ball off the hard astroturf, and beat out an infield hit. Steal a base. Make an out to move the runner to 3rd. Watch the runner score on a fly ball to right. Watching paint dry was more fun, IMHO.
There was no power at all on this team. In 1982, his Porters 12 homers were the second highest next to Hendricks 19! 3rd highest was 7 Homers. Mark McGuire and Bonds both out homered this team’s total of 67. Tommy Herr, the 2nd baseman didn’t even hit a homer til his 4th year with the team!
I became a traitor. My hatred was so complete, I wished, prayed, the Cards would lose, and that Whitey would soon be out of a job. That didn’t happen, but at least when the Harvey Wallbangers of Milwaukee met up with the Cards in the WS, they would show which way of playing was best….I was not happy to see my former team win the WS in 1982. I know, a traitor I was. I was a hurt 14 year old.
Funny, to look back on those teams so many years later. The teams I loved were not championship caliber teams. The teams that did make it to the playoffs and the WS in 1982 and 1985 didn’t look like one of the best teams in baseball (even the baseball pundits of the time said that) but they were. As much as I didn’t like it, Whitey ball DID work, it was winning baseball. As Braves fans, we all know how very important it is to be able to move runners over, then drive them in. If a few Braves teams had a few more guys who could do that we might have had more than one WS ring since 1991.
It also showed me something I love about the game now more than ever. You just never know what will happen! When Spring training rolled around in 1977, ’78, ’79 and ’80, I was sure the Cards would win it all. In ’81 and ’82, clearly those teams were weak hitting teams and ol’ Whitey made trades that looked terrible on the surface and below it as well. Still look like trades made at gunpoint. Yet, somehow, they worked for both teams. Some sort of math that I still don’t begin to get.
The good news for the baseball fan in me was since I was moving out of St. Louis in 1983, I wouldn’t been seeing Cardinal games much anymore, and I got to see the Cubbies, and the team that would become my team, the Braves, via cable.
In 2008, we all hope the trades and signings the Braves made work and we will get back to our rightful place, the playoffs. But, who knows?? Perhaps the weakest looking team in the East, the Marlins will make a run at it. Every team and it’s fans will feel some optimism during spring training. The worst teams will beat the best teams. And, as the season unfolds, teams no experts, no fans can imagine right now will become the Diamondbacks and Rockies of ’07. Reason # 459 baseball is the best sport in the world!!! 🙂
by Berigan
Way to go, Berigan!! Excellent! 😀
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Thanks CL!!!! Drat, you always beat me to the frist post!!! :X
I bet no one can tell I wrote this off and on over several days! 😆
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Wonderful job! Most excellent! What’s your name again? Oh yes, Berigan … “A Coke habit and bad knees don’t go well together” … now you tell me!
However it turns out, it should be fun … when I see Beltran make a fuss … I’m reminded of the Bull … when he lowers his head and paws the dirt … makes for quite a show … casual fans think it’s designed to intimidate his opponent … maybe, but it’s really a sign of fear!
Santana pitches every five days, if he’s healthy and will certainly win his share if he’s okay above the neck, but he’s shown that he can be had … and it’s our job to help him out in that regard.
We’ll be okay and if things fall into place for us, it won’t even be close, or so methinks.
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Names Berigan*, Bob!!!
.
.
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*Not actual name of blogger,nickname he uses on the world wide web. Any Resemblance to Persons Living or Dead is purely coincidental.
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Well, methinks Rowdy done did reel good directing “Letters from Iwo Jima” … humanized the war better than I’ve ever seen and from a different perspective too … made you hate war, at least it did me … superb, albeit the subtitles were often difficult, if not impossible, for me to read … mostly because of the lack of contract.
They’re all pretty good, but Methinks Rowdy is probably better than Meathead and Opie too!
Big mistake waiting for the later showing … the first one was commercial interruption free … the second one wasn’t!
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Great lead Berigan, Very well done. Yes, Whitey was an aberration that personified what was National League style of play. I can empathize with you as I feel I am losing a whole team too.
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Berigan, good post. Very nicely done. There are worse things than growing up a Cardinal fan! I understand the Red Birds have had great, passionate fans for many generations. In you, they lost a good one.
Somewhere in the middle of your post it occurred to me that you experienced quite a transition between BH and AH (before Herzog, after Herzog). Three major events coincided that must have felt like a tectonic shift.
What a collision it must have seemed to simultaneously experience Major League Baseball crossing the modern threshold of mostly traditional roster stability with many career one-team core players and entering the stepped up tactic trading of familiar, fan favorite long-time club players. Like they sang in Cabaret… money, money, money.
If that weren’t enough, the transient, revolving-door era was coupled with your own youthful perspective of the game itself, with Herzog’s “small ball” being instituted, totally against your wishes. Combine those things with the innocence and naiveté of a youthful fan and there you have it… an earthquake… a paradigm shift… a rebellion!
The Cards lost a great fan. Their loss would eventually become the Braves gain. Fascinating how baseball is woven into all of our lives and intersects so many of our own memories and our own personal transitions.
Good stuff, Berigan.
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SG-No, Kathy will be here next month for a business trip. Spring Training is my deal. We’ll go to Toronto together this summer to see the Braves play the Blue Jays.
Berigan-If I were not a wise man, I would not have been married for over three decades. My Mama taught me an important lesson all Men should remember-Always give cards for every occasion. Always. I’ve never forgotten her birthday or Valentine’s Day. Sometimes cards just for the sake of giving cards is a good move, as well. Best lesson Mom ever taught me.
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Berigan; Even if they are Bicycle. Telling her she is your Queen of Hearts…well, there are worse things you could say.
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Lew, my momma never taught me about card giving, but at some point I gave it a try on my own. Trouble was, never could get the hang of it. Old habits die hard… or maybe Hallmark just wasn’t writing words I could relate to or read without a a gag reflex. Guess I’m a phone call or flower kinda guy. Maybe I could try Hallmark again… besides, today is the first day of the rest of my life… urp! See? There it goes again!!!
Speaking of tectonic shifts, the rumbles of aftershocks are still being heard and felt in Richmond. The epicenter has been pinpointed at The Diamond Stadium. Cracks and fissures have been spotted all the way to Mechanicsville. Brave baseball fans in Virginia are rattled by the shakeup. The Mayor has called in the National Guard (or was that the PR team?).
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Very good job Berigan. Some day I will tell the story of how I became a Braves fan ……. the reasons are named Clemens, Giambi, Sheffield, Randy Johnson, Bobby Abreu, Mike Mussina, Arod, Johnny Damon, Kevin Brown, and so on. I could no longer pretend I was rooting for the Yankees. I was rooting for other team’s superstars pimping themselves out to the Yankees. Not any fun. They say the dynasty died in Arizona in November 2001 ….. my love for the Yankees has been dying a slow death since then as well.
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Thing is Paladin, women naturally make the very best poker players. They always know if you’re dealing that Queen of Hearts from the top or bottom of the deck.
If it’s pulled from the bottom, then a King becomes a Joker real quick.
How do they do that?
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SG: I’ll let you in on a little trick that Bret Maverick taught me: Make sure your deck is ALL Queens of Hearts. CAUTION: Do this trick only in the privacy of your home. When done in a saloon, all hell breaks loose.
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Excellent, Berigan! (I have never met a Cardinals fan who wasn’t a nice person. So, good roots, even if they did break your heart.)
SG, flowers are good too.
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Yep, Paladin… I suppose it’d be worth buying 52 decks to set that up and pull that off. I’ll bet Bart and Burt knew the Queen of Hearts trick too. Those boys knew their share of ladies and they knew their saloons, riverboats and card tricks, but then, none of those brothers ever got hitched, did they?
Still, they lived the high life (one of my favorite old serial TV westerns). Married or single, multiple Queens or not… a better life than drawing a King and 4.
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You mean Bart and Brett?
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Well, let’s see here… I remember Bert, Bart and Brett Maverick.
Maybe I mis-rogered?
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OK… resorted to Wikipedia. Here’s the dope:
1 James Garner as Bret Maverick
2 Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick
3 Roger Moore as Beau Maverick
4 Robert Colbert as Brent Maverick
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Lew, any standouts or surprises yet with players?
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Hello, Everbudy! WeLL, I am hear. I caUght a riDe with a niCe coupLe in a MotOr HOme. I am Going to Eat at the thE KrYstal and thEn go PResent My CRedeNtials and Go inSide. This pLace Is BIg! And there muSt be 200,000 Peeple here today! HOpe I Can Find LEw. I did noT knoW so Many PeopLe come TO Spring Games. That SURe is a Big StadIUm. Who IS FIREball? Righty or LEFty?
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Is Chop Seal in Daytona instead of Orlando?
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Chop Seal, and his alter ego, is/are waaaay out in left field—as usual. 🙂
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SG-Gonzo is looking good and strong, but is still doing long toss. Hampton looked to be throwing quite free and easy. He was all smiles after his turn on the mound. Kotsay looks healthy, in no pain and is stinging the ball to the gaps. Brayan Pena has smoked (Don’t get any ideas,Berigan) every ball he’s hit. HE is the biggest surprise to me. He looks motivated. Jason caught one of his HR balls yesterday.
All the new guys seem like they will be good clubhouse fits. Talked to Wil Ohman, Kotsay and Mike Gonzalez. All extremely nice people and Kotsay will be a fan favorite, I’m certain. Talked to Buddy Carlyle, too. He is also a good guy and is highly motivated to prove himself better than last year.
None of the position players who have reported are allowed to hit on the field without an injury dispensation, so I haven’t seen Frenchy, Brandon JOnes, Matt Diaz or Chipper hit yet. Don’t think Tex is even there yet.
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Chop Seal-I didn’t go there today. I’ll be down by the dugout tomorrow about 9-10 o’clock. Look at the photo section here on the blog soyou can see what I look like-Old, Fat, with portfolio and pony tail. I don’t carry fish or cheese with me though and the concession stands are not open yet. Bring your own snacks.
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Morning, all. Time for a nap. Fixing to storm; blogging tonight may be intermittent at best.
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Grinch, greetings! So….storms and Comcast = no internet then?? or interruptions off and on at least????
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SOmething is Verry WRong. Very, very wrong. Jimmy Smith, call me on mY CeLL.
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journalist just received the message above from beet writer chop seal. chop seal may be in the wrong place. will let bloggers know soon.
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Thanks for the kind words everyone! I have healed a bit thru the years. Sad about McGuire using steroids, cuz I just LOVED finally seeing a true power hitter in old Busch stadium. Of course, he would have needed ‘roids to hit 50 if they hadn’t moved the fences in! 😉
And….when they beat the Tigers in 2006, my Dad’s best friend was in town, and he was a Cards fan of course….so I was rooting for the Cards…that time. But, not to worry, I am totally a Braves fan, I’ll never even look at another team again!!! 😆
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And Folks, the mighty Grinch ain’t kiddin’ about the weather! Just saw on the Weather channel(They often have weather updates between commericals)
that there are several tornadoes on the ground in Alabama, and bad weather will make it into the Carolinas later in the day….
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Um, ask Chop Seal if he sees anyone wearing Mickey ears?
Lew, hope you could understand that voicemail. I was having a major allergy attack & it probably all sounded like one big sniffle.
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FLBravesGirl-No,I can’t understand any of the voice mails I’ve received. I’m new to this cell phone thing (they just put cell towers in VT) and I likely inadvertently deleted it.
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What a perfect day for snow in Nashville … 68 and sunny … light fluffy clouds … absolutely perfect … now I could really enjoy snow on a day like today! Unfortunately, it isn’t in the forecast until tomorrow and then it won’t be nearly as nice of a day for it.
Fireball … seems like just a short time ago that Daddy took me to a garage in East Point I think, where I met the legendary Fireball Roberts … but that was before he was really famous, 1949 as memory serves … Chopper is a reel good beet righter with a nose for news … anyone named Fireball is likely a pitcher. Roberts was no exception and he was called fireball because of his good fastball … I asked and that’s what he told me … he and another driver named Lee Petty, Daddy’s friend, helped me redesign my soapbox racer … which was a total disaster.
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Oh, the HUmanitY! I aM at a raCe. ThiS is nOt OrlAndo. I thougHt That CoUple In the MOtor Home was On the Way to See some BAseball. THis is preTTy good, tHough and it is Close to the beech.
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Chop Seal, you need to head toward the center of the state. If you pass the power pole shaped like Mickey’s head next to I-4 you’ve gone a little too far. Where has jimmy reserved your room at? One of the Disney resorts or Gaylord Palms?
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I’ve been doing legal research this afternoon. Interesting, but time consuming. But, still…. I know I am stating the obvious to some of you, but the changes that the internet has brought about in our society, and world, is awesome. A neophyte like me can sit in my home-office cubicle and do more extensive research in an afternoon than a whole firm of Harvard-educated lawyers could have done in a week, 30 years ago. And to heck with notes, cites, ids, etc., I can print the thing out, highlite the applicable sections and attach it to my memo to my supervising Attorney. Anyway, thanks for letting me share that with you, for what it’s worth.
Back to work. C ya later.
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If ya’ll get up a search-party, or posse, to go after Chop Seal count me in. We won’t need blood hounds. I’ll bring my polar bear dog. He’s good at finding seals.
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37 posts in 18 hours????? 😯 After 600+ in 4 days??? People don’t like my tales of St. Louis????
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Berigan-It’s not you. FL Braves Girl is painting the house, Chop Seal is chasing cars and JJS s trying to stop him. I’m at the site whose name may no longer be uttered here and we probably don’t need to know what Grinch is doing. OK. Maybe it is you.
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paladin it really is amazing what the internet has changed, even for shmoes like me….just in the last few days, I checked out Mexican restaurants in Fayetteville to see which one was the one you never can get into, and see if they have takeout(Can’t remember their names, they all are greek to me! 😉 )
2 minutes googling got me the answer.
Dad was wondering when the New car show was, talked about calling dealerships, 30 seconds later, I have the link to the show saying when the show runs(April 19-27) And on and on. Wonder how many triples Ty Cobb had??? You will know in a minute, unlike 20 years ago.
Of course, a guy with the right books doesn’t save that much time, but you can’t have a book on every subject.
Wish the internet existed (Well more than between colleges and government intuitions ) back in the 80’s and early 90s. When I lived in Jacksonville, NO ONE gave a damn about baseball, it was not on the radar of folks there. College Football first, Pro second, everything else was a distant 3rd….
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Sorry about being absent, I had to drive across town to take care of my Mom today and then there was the race.
It is going to be too bad for all the shows on TV coming back in April, that will conflict with my baseball watching time. I hope they are not dependent on me for their ratings or I will be watching reruns on cable.
I really wish I could make it to spring training this year but it appears with a bit of luck Josie and I will make it as far as Myrtle Beach for a few days but even that can be a stretch for us right now with my Mother’s situation. I am trying not to be resentful of my brother who actually lives closer than I do to Mom but that is another story for another time…..
I will pass along anything on the baseball front from this area as it comes available. So far though, it looks like Richmond is going to have a heck of a pitching staff.
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Temporary let up in the rain. Sorry I didn’t respond earlier, Berigan; I sometimes tend to do drive-by posts. I get easily distracted.
How ’bout them Hawks? The dumbest GM on the planet actually just made one of the shrewdest trades in a season of shrewd trades. I expect the Apocalypse soon.
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Me and my bunny feet are off to bed. C y’all tomorrow.
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Well, I’m not actually painting yet. That’s next weekend after it gets pressure-washed. Unfortunately that will prevent me from meeting Lew & Grinch in Clearwater Sat. (you can tell I was not consulted on when to paint). 😡
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….crickets….
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Berigan, don’t despair! 😆 I’ve been engaged in a research project, Chris has been out of town over the weekend, Lew is in FL, not sure where Chopper is, others are MIA but don’t know why.
Off for some sleep. Oh, how I hate that clock!
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Hi & good night, CL! See you tomorrow.
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Berigan, nice blog lead! It’s funny how we look at our sports teams with such idealistic notions when we are kids and have no clue about sports being a business.
Been outta town for a since Friday visiting a sick friend in Florida. I’m in Jacksonville, just about two hours or so from Disney and it frustrates me silly to know how close I am, yet so far. Aside from Lew being there, there are at least three other friends down there this weekend. But not me! Oh well, this is a bigger priority.
Lew, I hope you’re having fun and using your sun block!
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CL, I read Berigan’s lead and all of the ensuing posts but haven’t read since Friday afternoon. Don’t know if anyone pointed this out but you’ve hit (and well surpassed) the 20k posts mark! Congratulations!
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Fear not Berigan…many bloggers are out enjoying the relatively warm weather today…big race…and college basketball…before you know it the blog will be buzzing again(including reports from our resident beet righter, wherever he may be), and your lead will be responsible for 500+ posts…speaking of your lead, it was very well written, from the heart, and refreshingly real…a down-to-earth story…the Cardinals have always been an outstanding organization and their fans are among the greatest…keep up the excellent work…
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Yes, congratulations to CL for her selfless work on Bravesandstuff…and for hitting the 20k…
TheJackAss has noticed that Bravesandstuff has taken on a life of it’s own as of late…there is no stopping her now…
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Hey, SJA. Are you pimpin’ for Target now?
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Hi, Chris & SJA! Chris, hope your friend is better soon. I hear that Lew is a little pink.
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Hey there flbravesgirl…caught me on the way out…have a good night…
No chris…it’s just that TheJackAss is oft the target of so much ‘stuff’ that TheJackAss figured he would put up a shiny, bright target and make it a bit easier for all those narrow-sighted A$cClowns to hit their mark…besides, I think my target has one more red circle than Target’s target…
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…(Can occasionally say ‘A$sClown’…right?)…
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Only when it’s deserved, SJA.
Time for me to shut down. ‘Night y’all.
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Dadburn and doggone, I missed out on the fun … I wonder what kind of research MyLady has been doing … I too have been so doing … methinks it’s easier to watch and enjoy their songs than to analyze their migration patterns and mating habits … of course, it depends on the channel and the birds you’re watching.
Actually, I’ve been revisiting my ‘expended energy’ performance projection formulae in considering the Pick Six carryover at Emerald Downs … 1.2 Million … not a bad return on $2 … far better odds than the lottery … even for those who are just guessing.
Anyone want to invest in the development of a good system?
Giving thought to that … methinks maybe we should carry fewer pitchers and replace them with super utility position players. Even with the scheduled days off … effectively resting position players, regardless of iron men adoration, is an underrated, underused strategic weapon.
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Dadburn and doggone, I missed out on the fun …
Set your clocks on Pacific time…you’ll never be late…although you’ll occasionally be very early…but you’re often that already! 😆
Klobber…two hours away? Take a six hour break from your day…go bottle some sunshine and the ‘smell of baseball’; pluck a blade of grass, a bit of dirt, and get a baseball signed, meet Lew, and get some photos! Take them back for your friend to see. It will do you and your friend wonders! Better than chicken soup!
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Berigan; A belated atta-boy on your excellent lead. I didn’t know you had it in yer. I have always been an admirer of the Cardinals, as well. What with their red caps, vestments and all. Their chanting is almost incessant, but nothing like the tomahawk variety. But, what I admire about them most is their unswerving devotion to the “manager”. And his deportment is infinitely better than BC’s. For instance, I have never seen him with his finger even close to his nose; nor have I ever seen him get tossed. No drugs scandals on that team!
BTW, your and ideologue. 🙂
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“drug”.
Happy “day” to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln et al; all of whom deserve their own day. Maybe someday, after a minority member has served, this will be corrected.
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On This Day In History
1564 – The artist Michelanglelo died in Rome.
1735 – The first opera performed in America. The work was “Flora” (or “Hob in the Well”) was presented in Charleston, SC.
1861 – Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as President of the Confederate States.
1885 – Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was published in the U.S. for the first time.
1900 – A San Francisco man claimed that X-rays had cured his cancer.
1930 – Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly in an airplane.
1953 – Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz signed a contract worth $8,000,000 to continue the “I Love Lucy” TV show through 1955.
1970 – The Chicago Seven defendants were found innocent of conspiring to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic national convention.
1977 – The space shuttle Enterprise went on its maiden “flight” sitting on top of a Boeing 747.
1984 – Reed Larson (Detroit Red Wings) got two assists to become the highest scoring, American-born player in the history of the National Hockey League. Larson broke the record by scoring his 432nd point.
2000 – The U.S. Commerce Department reported a deficit in trade goods and services of $271.3 billion for 1999. It was the largest calender-year trade gap in U.S. history.
2001 – NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Sr., was killed in a crash during the Daytona 500 race.
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“2000 – The U.S. Commerce Department reported a deficit in trade goods and services of $271.3 billion for 1999. It was the largest calender-year trade gap in U.S. history.”
And when did George Bush’s “watch” begin?
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you got that right.
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OH, Sheesh! 😦
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Hello all… It’s a 3 day weekend here in J-town what with President’s Day and all. We’ve had out of town family in all weekend, hence my having zero blog time. I gotta work, though, so I’ll be in and out today.
Excellent lead, Berigan. My compliments to the chef.
Back in a bit –>
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I SpeNt thE night iN the INfield with soME giRls froM TEnneSSee. It WaS Fun. NOw I am in ORlaNdo. NOw, I wilL be doIng some BAseBalL JoUrnAlism. WhiCh onE is LeW? JimmY SmIth said, “FInd LEw.” I tHinK I saW CHipper awHile ago TAlking to a tiNy JourNalist like Me, only no flippers. AnD all this Talk about KotsaY. I am GoinG to CHeck hIm out thiS afteRnoon. JAvy is Getting All the PRess but PenA is hittINg the ball HArd. AnD PEna Is much YoungeR and Can Play othEr PosiTions. I tHInk I See LEw . . .
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Chop Seal: Ask Chipper to point Lew out to you. Chipper reportedly just borrowed a pen from a beat writer to get Lew’s address, then introduced our esteemed artist from Vermont to Bobby Cox.
How’d you enjoy the race? Great move by Newman with help from Kurt Busch on that last lap. Guess Hendrick isn’t going to go 36-for-36 this season.
The move has started, as has work. Selah!
–30–
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Good morning all, very balmy day here today so much consideration is being given to spending my day outdoors. You have to make use of the chances given whenever possible. Also taking the day off from mom…. Catch up with everyone later.
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berigan, a fine lead. journalist joins others in wishing the presidents a happy birthday. wait . . . dead, right? go figure.
and now, jimmy smith was reprimanded by carolina lady for talking stuff the other day. not baseball. stuff. akin to stuffy. stuffy nose. bloggers get the picture without journalist painting a deer.
jimmy smith is resolved not to talk stuff(y) here anymore. if any blogger catches jimmy smith doing so please know that the booger post was unintentional. all future jimmy smith posts will be in good taste (oh, the humanity! where journalist could go with that thought . . .).
will jelly beans be a topic for future posts? not sure.
dugout railings? not sure.
shirt sleeves? not sure.
close to being banned. have to improve behavior.
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I also have work to do…no holiday here. I’ll check you on the flip(per) side.
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HelLo ScRibe, tHat waS a ClaSSic moVe. TonY STewArt toOk the WHite flaG and FInisheD tHirD! ThaT mEanS the DOdgEs HOOked uP anD diD sOme RAcin’ . . . it all WaS verY exCiTing.
SCribe, DiD LeW ShaKe haNds with BoBBy Cox? IS LeW PainTing tOday?
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Boogurs banned, “Assclowns” allowed? Where is the justice/ 8-0
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Try that again. ? 80
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I’m shocked. OK!
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😯
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Oh, the rocket irony!
’twas a very bad week for one “Rocket”… yesterday made it a great weekend for another Rocket. Now, all we need is a toxic satellite to be shot down as it tumbles back to earth… for a triple-rocket play. Maybe a rocket song could make it four. So many rockets in the news.
Here’s yet another version for Lew and the Klingons friends to enjoy. Only a Klingon could love that one.
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Chipper reportedly just borrowed a pen from a beat writer to get Lew’s address, then introduced our esteemed artist from Vermont to Bobby Cox.
Art collector tip of the week: Order your original Lew art soon or write your best “Kelly” worthy post quickly… the price just went up and the big backlog is coming ’cause our boy’s about to receive portrait commissions from a whole bunch o’ baseball players and Braves fans. Hope so anyway. It’ll help offset the Wurl’s.
Congrats Lew.
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Corrected link from earlier rocket post:
Here’s yet another version for Lew and the Klingons friends to enjoy. Only a Klingon could love that one.
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NAcLy; Show-off 🙂
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STANDING ATOP THE DUGOUT – I Have NoT toLd anYone this yeT but I aM goIng to seE iF LEw will PaInt my poRtrait wHile wE are hanGing out ToGEther in FloRida. It apPears LEw tooK the deeR PortRait to ChIppEr and ChiPper is HavIng LEw maiL the POrtrait to CHippeR’s House or RaNch or SomEthing. AnYhow, ShOulD be gooD for SOMe tICkets for LEw. LEw will Bee sittIng in the faMily sectIOn for suRe. I pLan to go ovER and talK with CHino CAdahia in a FeW miNutes. IF KotsaY has such goOd bat coNtrol theN he may bat 2nD. I aM goinG to asK ChIno.
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Just tryin’ to help, Pal(adin)!
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Chop Seal, Don’t let Lew get too close to any of the players….At least out of breathing distance. You know, with all the talk about drug testing among Major Leaguers, we don’t need any suspensions or bad publicity. 🙂
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Oh yeah, Chop Seal, how about a one-on-one interview with Kotsay’s old lady? Advice…Don’t let Grinch attend. Maybe Lew could draw a portrait of her and get her to sign it?
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President’s Day … is it the artifice of those who wish to glorify the Office rather than the men themselves … of those who fear holidays for each of our Presidents would be a bit too much, even for the Government … or of those who just wanted another holiday and couldn’t think of anything else?
Whatever it is, I don’t think we adequately applaud the efforts of those who have carried the burden of such awesome responsibility … enjoy it, whatever it means to you!
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If you really want to help, Sal(ty), show ME how to do it; not that YOU can do it. 🙂
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EATING CHEESE IN THE PRESSBOX – ThIs is eaSy. BeeT WrIting is no biG deal. PauL NEwberry rePorts thIS aboUt ChippeR JoNEs:
“Jones stood up and jiggled his stomach. He admitted spending a little too much time at McDonald’s during the offseason, putting on about 5 pounds he could do without. Then again, it gave him a chance to take a good-natured shot at a former teammate who struggled to keep his weight down.”
“This is bordering on Andruw Jones ,” he quipped, looking down at his stomach.
NOw, OnlY from PaUl NEwBerry a finE JouRnalist. TelLing it LiKE iT is abOut ChiPPer’s waste. SOUnds liKE HoSS maY haVE beeN puttinG on the old FEEd baG whatEver that Meens.
PaUL NEwBerry also repoRts thAt GonZo will begin to ThRow the curve Ball next Week. Only fAstbaLLs so far.
ANd quOting ChippeR about rEporting for camp along with the pitchers and catchers:
“It’s good to be seen down. It sets a good example,” the 35-year-old third baseman said Sunday . . .
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Not a typo. “It’s good to be seen down.”
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Paladin, it’s 8 and zero, not the letter O took me awhile to figure it out…
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morpheus45 Says:
February 17, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Temporary let up in the rain. Sorry I didn’t respond earlier, Berigan; I sometimes tend to do drive-by posts. I get easily distracted.
How ’bout them Hawks? The dumbest GM on the planet actually just made one of the shrewdest trades in a season of shrewd trades. I expect the Apocalypse soon.
Say, thanks Grinch!!!! The question I asked about, you didn’t answer, but the question I didn’t have, about the Hawks GM, was! 😆
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“eight””capital O” = 😯
“eight””zero” = 80
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Bret Boone has come out of retirement to sign with the Nationals. Aaron Boone signed with the Nat’s in December. Bob Boone is the Asst. GM of the Nat’s. Who’s next, Pat Boone? Dan’l Boone? Debbie Boone? Moving their training facility to Boone, NC?
Oh, the Boonanity!
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Funny stuff Raisins. Boone…
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VOR, I got it right…in reverse!!! 😳
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Boonzannah! 😯
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Looks like the view from the other end of a protologist’s scope.
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That is correct paladin…A$sClowns allowed…otherwise you might have to leave…
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speaking of who/what you see from the proper end of the proctologist’s scope…
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Well-I get home to post the days events only to find that Chop Seal Beet Righter has scooped my story. He must have been in disguise, since I never saw him (though I did get to meet the Lovely Carroll Rogers). I suppose the Seal Reporter must have been there, though, because things happened much as he reported them. Chipper did have Bobby Cox come talk to me and sign his portrait and Chipper did give me his address so I could mail the painting to Atlanta. I will also be doing some charity work for Chipper’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (that’s where the $$$ he charges for autographs on his website goes). He signed at least 150 autographs (free) for fans today, despite being somewhat under the weather with the ever infamous flu like symptoms.
Was,perhaps JJS lurking in the shadows afraid The Artist was still upset? He need not worry. I will return on Wednesday. He may introduce himself then, should he desire. The sunshine has mellowed me out in my old age.
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Lew, that’s wonderful! Guess you’ll have to be on the lookout for a smallish, handsome, whiskered beet writer. Wish I was there.
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The sunshine has mellowed me out in my old age.
Orange sunshine? Oh, the hallucinanity!
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“The sunshine has mellowed me out in my old age.”
It is what I drink when I am in the sunshine that mellows me out. Those little umbrellas do not provide enough shade.
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Pal(adin):
You have (instructional) mail. 😆
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Instructional mail, like letters of reprimand, are better than no mail at all. 😯 🙂
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If you haven’t seen it go to u tube and see the video of the prank they pulled on one of the young pitchers. It is a classic!!
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Wow…shock, awe, and a smiley face! Aren’t we the talented emoter?
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nacly; you are the only male who has ever witnessed me emote.
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SG-. The Orange Sunshine was 40 years ago. These days it’s SPF 50 SunBlock.
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Are you guys promoting emoting?
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Lew: Congrats on the events. Well, deserved, I might add.
Ahh… sunshine and Braves baseball. If only I were a raisin in the sun… 😀
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Lew… be careful. Heard there was some bad antacid going around down there.
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I share in Sir Guy’s hope that Lew receives that which he deserves … but, hopefully the “The Kelly” never becomes a “Wurlitzer” or its imitation of another name. Hopefully too, it will never become a competition or an award for outstanding posts …. but neither was the Wurlizer initially so intended, methinks.
Were “The Kelly” to be an award for outstanding posts, then surely most everyone here would have more than one … there would be so many that we couldn’t keep track and some recipients would have to build special rooms just to hold them!
I would hope that “The Kelly” would not be identified with Lew or his fine artwork … nor with any of us, save possibly one … methinks it should be identified solely with that very special and truly wonderful creature … and the collective spirit of the Blog which her untiring efforts have brought to life.
To otherwise so do would be to demean “The Kelly” … for it is not the Lew, the Bob, the Jimmy, the Guy or the Gil … it’s The Kelly! Methinks to identify it with fine Lew’s artwork is to identify the Nobel Prize with the “prize money” is brings.
It is perhaps my singular opinion but I would sincerely hope that it would be MyLady” herself who would decide upon that which will symbolize the spirit of the award being conferred as “The Kelly”.
No, the Nobel Prize is not the prize money it brings … but, that’s real nice to receive too! Indeed, those who are deemed worthy of “The Kelly”, deserve no less … perhaps the prize package could include standard things like personalized congratulations from us all, orchids, T-shirts and candy … and extra things too, depending on the occasion … maybe a special poetic salute from one of the so gifted among us; a special drawing from Lew; some fine baked goods from that nice girl’s kitchen; and/or tickets for a game.
Yes, the price of “The Kelly” is and will indeed be high … but, hopefully it’s never for sale!
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We had joy
We had fun
We were raisins in the sun
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time!
We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song
Grapes have options: shrivel, or go mush! 😆
Like the seasons have all gone
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Just as long as you don’t give it to Al Gore.
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VOR
Just helpin’ Paladin express himself emotically. He has the ‘words’ part down very well!
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😀 😯 😎
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I actually found a html string that would display a full band of emoticons complete with instruments. I tried it here yesterday and it resulted in a completely blank post. While I’m sure that many here would argue that my posts are often of a blank nature, this one was literally empty. I’m sure it is a WordPress thing. I’m working on it… 😉
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Nice post Bob, Journalist. Agreed on all and the spirit in which I believe it was written… methinks.
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Dried grapes; I personally love your blank posts.
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Blanks alot, pal(adin). 8)
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Arthur posts…
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Raisins; 🙂 back at ya.
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You can call me Ray; You can call me Jay; you can call me Pal(adin). Or you can call me a cab. Choices Choices Choices.
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Excessive blogviating…bad.
Emotical maturation…good!
🙄
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but you doesn’t have to call me Johnson….Perhaps over the youngster Paladin’s head, since said head is so young????
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Emotical maturation….sounds kinda dirty…and not in a good way.
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Where’s the ‘Lady of the House…er, Blog’? 😕
You’re missed!
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Berigan…lift thyself from the gutter! 🙂
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gutter….sounds kinda dirty….
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“Agreed on all and the spirit in which I believe it was written… methinks” … I’m glad … though it wasn’t meant to be esoteric or buried deep within the onion’s layers … and do ponder the reason for your choice of words, Sir Guy.
Beauty is most certainly in the eye of the beholder, but let there be no question … I truly appreciate Lew’s generosity and the beauty of his art; both of which Carol and I are privileged to enjoy … and that art would truly compliment any prize package!
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Apologies for the excessive italics … oops … just spilled bacon grease all over me and the keyboard … unscheduled break and hot tub.
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Anyone have a new keyboard to send Bob? Greasy keys wreak havoc with spelling…not to mention slippin’, slidin’, and sprainin’ the fingers!
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Having trouble posting for some technical reason.
I am fine with honoring Kelly. I intend to get her a Javy autograph and am fairly certain I will be able to so do. CL will have her autographed Smoltz-a Done Deal. It is already signed.
It does not matter to me whether the award is named for her, or for The Journalists’ whimsical Wurlitzer. My job is to draw the best drawings I am capable of for as long as I can (the eye is acting up again). That has been my one and only concern-that they be of good quality and that the recipients enjoy them.
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LEw, I waS standinG rite next to yoU and I was HoldiNg a new BLackbeRRy and fiLing my Storie with JimmY Smith and you diDn’t say HellO to me. I aM a sMall seal – That maY havE throwN yoU off. I thOUght you wEre pRObabLy soRe at JimmY Smith so I leFt to talk wiTh Chubby, I mean ChiPPEr.
He is very uh, niCe but I COuld not gET a quOtE i Could usE for my StoriE. So, I aM goinG to usE onE ChiPPer gaVe JouRnaliSt PaUl NeWberRy: “It’s good to be seen down. It sets a good example.”
ToO many seEds and toO much gUm.
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Chop Seal…maybe you could get lew’s autograph while you’re down there?…
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That has been my one and only concern-that they be of good quality and that the recipients enjoy them … Lew, that’s two concerns not one … but rest assured that we all think they are and they what gets them do!
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SJA-Like I told someone on the site which shall remain nameless, The only reason I could see someone wanting my autograph is if it is attached to one of my drawings.I’m no celebrity-I’m only up to 7 minutes of my 15 of Fame.Long way to go.
I’ll make sure to look down on Wednesday to see if I can detect flippers holding high tech devices. It’s hard seeing past my belly.
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Bob-Blog math-remember 35? Wonder whatever happened to him?
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“but rest assured that we all think they are and they what gets them do!” That ranks right up there, or down there, with “it’s good to be seen down”. Typo?
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“It’s good to be seen down” I thought Chipper was a hoss, not some kind of goose. Whatever he is “If the young guys come in and see me here, they’ll want to be here, too” is heavy!
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lew…anon you may be famously known as ‘that artist’…and your autograph could be worth a fortune…to a Seal like Chopper…
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Sakes alive, I do remember 35 … have often wondered that myself … similar ponderings about others too. Time to cook the pork tenderloin … also got some beef … sell it cheap, too.
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Now, now Jack … “That ranks right up there, or down there, with “it’s good to be seen down” … Mull it over, you’ll get it!
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Bob, Journalist has spilled the bacon! Oh, the hamanity!
What will we learn now? Bob ‘fessed up or dropped the dime… let the cat out of the bag as it were. What? Real bacon? Sandwich? Uh, nevermind.
Ponder not, esteemed sir. Like you, there was nothing deep intended with my earlier comments either, just a nod and tip of the cap to your Kelly post. In agreeing with your apparent (typical) kind and generous spirit there, I did not venture to assume that I was privvy to everything in which you referred, nor was I able to contemplate the onion so much at that time… therefore the added non-contemplated qualifier was apparently unnecessary methinks.
Could’a just said, “nice post Bob”… but that’s no fun.
Besides, in the poetry contest started on the Chop Chick I’ve moved back up to first place. Yes!!! I’m so excited. Been holding first for months now. Journalist Jimmy Smith currently holds third. Still waiting for a second and fourth place. Who knows… could be a Kelly in it for me.
You know I’m just in this blogging business for the special prizes. That, and since I don’t eat Cracker Jacks…
(smiley face here)
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Esteemed Bob…I’m afraid that if I mull it over too hard…I’ll just end up with a mullet……have you ever seen a JackAss with a mullet?…
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The only reason I could see someone wanting my autograph is if it is attached to one of my drawings.
Maybe one on a blank check would be good too?
It’s good to be seen down
Depression is no laughing matter. Better to be seen up. Probably was misquoted.
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Maybe TheJackAss could break into the blogging business too…hell, to think I’ve been sayin’ all this crap for quite some time now…for free…
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Howdy, folks! Haven’t abandoned the blog – just been really occupied.
35 was one of my favorites! Loved his Drunky Clint stories! Sure wish we could locate him. He left ‘that other place’ a long time ago; just disgusted with it, I think.
Y’all are just plain entertaining to read! I understand why so many come daily to see what you’re up to! 😆
InCREDible thunderstorms roared through during the wee hours of the night/morning. Thunder absolutely shook the house, heavy rain (YEA!!!), but little sleep. 😦 Will probably be among the missing this evening! zzzzzzzzzz 😀
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Mr. Fly, sleuth reporter just called in. There is no controversy. He says Chipper was misquoted… sort of.
Chipper actually said, “it’s good to be seen down…(here)”. Now, in all fairness to the rookie reporter who does not understand baseball parlance yet, words that begin with “H” are not attempted when holding 321 sunflower seeds in the mouth.
The missing words are considered expendable and less important than seeds.
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Another I’d love to find is Scalp’em. Remember him? Super guy!
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“in the poetry contest started on the Chop Chick I’ve moved back up to first place. Yes!!! … good luck!! I always thought you’d do well … can’t believe you’re besting Jimmy though … who’s doing the voting?
It hard to decide fourth place with only three entries … participating in an AJC poetry contrivance … my oh my … I wondered where you guys were!
I try not to cross Jackasses, even the most honorable ones … and I’ve learned that it’s best not to enter dark places without a flashlight … I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen a mullet with a jack but I’ll mull it over, mon ami … just as soon as I clean the keyboard and season the pork.
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I’ve been trying what “H” means for some time now … are you telling me it’s “Here”?
How about our good brave fan in “Nam”?
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Apologies … just a slip of the pen … make that … I’ve been mulling over what “H” means for some time now … are you telling me it’s “Here”?
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I once entered a dark room…fumbled around until I located a light switch…flipped on the light…there directly across the room from me stood the biggest…meanest…ugliest looking creature that I had ever seen…just as I was about to gather my senses and run back out that door…I suddenly came to the realization that TheJackAss had been looking at a mirror…
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Horatio Hornblower…
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NO, nO, EverBudy, ChiPper said: “It’s good to be seen down. It sets a good example.” This iS Like, “CHippEr JOnes, Come oN doWn.” ComIng doWn to FLorida. CoMing doWn to camP. ComiNg dowN to the PaRK. CoMing dowN on the fIEld.
“It’s goOD to be sEEn dOwn.” HAve to be ReAlly, ReAlly sMart to undERstand ChiPper sometImes.
And CaRulina LaDy: “InCREDible thunderstorms” – CHoP SeaL is veRY FlatTered. CaN Jimmy Smith bloG Some more if he doesN’t talk bOOgers?
ANd, noW thaT LeW has ChippEr’s addRess maYbe Lew Can SenD ChippEr Some MaPle SYrup. EaSy oPEning JaR.
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Bobj, mon ami, my point is if you want to be the blog’s oracle–the Bard of Brentwood–that is fine. But, if you want to come amongst us plebeians and say whatever comes to mind, that’s also fine. However, you can’t have it both ways. If you chose the latter, then you have to handle the snipie(ing). That’s the way it works. Jack
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snipe(ing).
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have you ever seen a JackAss with a mullet?…
That’s a vision! 😆
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SJa; Horatio Hornblower? I love it and when will your avatar reflect that?
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Speaking of avatars: Does anyone have an avatar-ready photo of a chess knight? Sam has basically run his course and I want to return to my “roots”.
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…a JackAss with a mullet?…that would definitely have to be a ‘Southern’ JackAss…
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Thanks, I needed that … but, it is never seemly or good practice to toot one’s own, mon ami … and besides, that’s Double H.
Chopper, my Mama told me to never talk to Boogers lest the Booger get you … of course, back then, a Booger was a boogeyman or evil monster … but now folks have turned it into something else that it’snot.
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paladin…TheJackAss thought his avatar already resembles the Captain…
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“something else that it’snot.” Bobj made a funny! I like it!! You’re gettin’ there, Bro.
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MOre from mY JoUrnalist bUDDy:
By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP Sports Writer
KISSIMMEE, Fla. | Four days into spring training, Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox already has spotted a possible surprise.
Matt DeSalvo, a right-hander who started six games for the New York Yankees last season without much success, caught Cox’s eye with an impressive array of pitches during his early sessions on the mound.
DeSalvo’s smallish stature (generously listed as 6 feet and 180 pounds) and a rather odd windup, which begins with him raising his hands high above his head, only adds to the intrigue.
“You should see his change-up,” Cox raved. “And he averages like 92 mph with his splitter and fastball. He’s got all kinds of pitches.”
What will his nickname be? Well, I am thinking something like, Salvy.
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SJA also made a funny. Me thinks.
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can’t believe you’re besting Jimmy though … who’s doing the voting?
As amazing and incredible as it may seem, unbelievable things can happen, even to mere mortals and neophyte poets. Besides, it doesn’t matter who does the voting… only matters who counts the votes.
This is serious business right…uh, on this blog. Can you… uh, me now? You can’t… uh, the truth. Mmmm… sorry… sunflower seeds. urp…
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SG; Huh?
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Paladin…did your clock stop? You’re up late! Waiting on Klobber to stop by for a nightcap, first? 😕
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Can’t pronounce words that start with “H” with a mouthful of sunflower seeds. From an earlier…uh, fuggetaboutit.
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I’m going to bed; never have I been so insulted. Salty called me “wordy”. SJA called me a beehiney clown. Bobj called me “Jack”.
Now to sleep, Sir Knight, to dream the impssible dream…
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SOmebudy wAs pIcking up the suNflowEr seeDs oN the GrouNd arOund ChiPPer. SoMEbudy elSe was tRying to bUy tHem. ThE whOle tHing maDe me SicK.
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“if you want to be the blog’s oracle, that’s fine … if you want to come amongst us plebeians that’s also fine … however, you can’t have it both ways. That’s the way it works. Jack” … well, I guess I’ve been told!
First it was how to think and act and now it’s how to write.
What is this “us pelicans” stuff anyway? I’m not sure you have a point but methinks your most certainly in a singular class. The writer’s strike is over, you don’t have to write your own stuff anymore … been using scabs?
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Chop Seal you must be kidding. Please tell me you are making a joke about the sunflower seeds.
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…is that what is known as The Pelican Brief?…
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Sleepily: Bobj, don’t you mean YOU’RE most certainly in a singular class? English 101, but probably 401 at GT. Get a scab. Nite nite.
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Apologies for the missing space … just a typo … probably the grease … “SJA also made a funny. Me thinks” … methinks Paladin made one two … “Me thinks“.
Time to check the tenderloin!
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Bottle conditioned ale is a good thing…
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On blog, sometimes best to just say nothing?
French onion soup is ready…
Grinch is back.. yes, ale conditioning is a very good thing, ‘specially when it gets hot and clammy outside.
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I’m still thinking Journalist Jimmy has a punch line about fans picking up sunflower seeds. One would have to stoop pretty low. Not like chewing gum.
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Yes, Paladin, your right I did mean that.
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I doN’t ThinK theY were gOing to CheW the SEEds, juSt CoLLect them. BeiNg SmaLL is noT gOOd on A baSeball fiEld bEcause everbUdy is sPittIng.
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“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”…
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“On blog, sometimes best to just say nothing?” … a practice followed by many.
goodbye all!
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Chop Seal…I guess you give new meaning to having a ‘bird’s eye view’…
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AlL the OLd gUys are goIng to bEd. NIce aRticle On Bobby CoX todaY. SoUNds liKe a boY SCout witH baD Hygiene.
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…
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zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…..
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More about nothing
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Sometimes nuthin’ is a real cool hand.
– Luke
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Now people post like crazy…crazy man! I guess one never knows when the muse will strike….
35, hmmm, rings no bells. Scalp ’em does though. How long were you all on the other blog, anyway?? Did anyone pay to be on the ajc??? I joined up in 2006 I think before the great swoon. I wouldn’t have joined up, except I saw it was finally free!!! I swore I would never pay for baseball news…then I broke down and joined espn last year. 😦
Berigan <——loser
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Uh…what happened? 😕
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Berigan, 35 was actually 10-7-4, but we called him 35. Three guesses who dubbed him that!
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Eyes burning, yawning. Time to zzzzzzzzzzzz. At last!! Been dragging all day! 🙂
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g’night!
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Evening, y’all. I talked to Scalp ’em a bit when I first joined the other place. Good guy. Hadn’t seen him for awhile before our exodus.
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…and everyone leaves. Was it something I said? Is it because I have to leave Lew & Grinch dessert-less in Clearwater?
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“He signed at least 150 autographs (free) for fans today, despite being somewhat under the weather with the ever infamous flu like symptoms” … methinks it is kinda sad when one’s reputation is such that it had to be pointed out that he gave kids autographs for free … and didn’t go on the DL to avoid having to so do.
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Flb, nah….can’t quite figure this place out! People post like crazy for 60-90 minutes, then everyone is gone. Perhaps significant others pull them away from the computer against their will! 😛
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Bob, one thing in Chipper’s favor is doing it in the heat with the flu. If I was sick, I’d want nothing to do with anything, or anyone.
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Evening all, Missed everyone today but I needed to get my taxes finished and filed so Uncle Sam could send me some of my own money. Nice fellow Uncle is. 🙂 The way I have it figured is it is best to spend every dime because inflation is getting the jump on us all.
I am caught up on the Braves info, well as much as there is to know right now. Read the Washington Post section on the Nationals too. Looks like Brett Boone is going to try another comeback. I can’t help but hum the theme to “Cops” every time I read about another Nationals’ signee…
Bad boys, bad Boys, what you gonna do? 🙂
I still like Manny Acta…. he is a good fit for that club. I am not sure if he is going to be the manager or ring master but it should be fun… Ryan Zimmerman says he is tired of losing and the Nationals have a good enough team to win. I don’t think he means making the playoffs but you have to play over .500 ball to be a winner.
The reports coming out of Disney sound like there are some young Braves on a mission. Good for them. I like it when you have more good players than you have spots to play them. That is a lot like the Dodgers use to be.
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Berigan*, at first, the AJC actually paid us … like wordpress is paying Me, MyLady and Jimmy now … only Jimmy gets paid double because of Chopper … I’m not sure but Lew might still get paid by the AJC.
Then they stopped when others found out and complained … HK was one … you might remember when I quit blogging for a while in protest … that was the reason … I do know that they did charge some folks for a while to cover the cost of what they were paying us … but then we became so popular that the advertising covered that cost and David’s too … in fact, he was able to take trips and cover the team when they were on the road in most of 2006 and 2007.
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berigan… I think the weather has something to do with it 🙂 It was bad enough for me to get my taxes done, the rest of my free time was spent out doors today. It was in the mid 60s here and breezy. I spent as much time as I could get away with outside today as bad weather is suppose to move in Wednesday.
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Berigan, sometimes it’s just stuff that takes the blog up and down and around. Not necessarily wives, husbands, girl or boyfriends, not dinners, not reasons… just stuff. I’m gonna go do some stuff now. Actually I’m gonna go do nothing now. Doing nothing lying down with eyes closed is something.
G’nite folks. It’s been real. Slow but, well, interesting. Nothing can be just fine on a blog, as long as communications don’t break down . Then again, sometimes nothing is really cool.
On that note, I’ll leave you good denizens of Braves and Stuff with a gift. Nothing can be something. After all… like Rosanna Rosanna Danna said, “if it ain’t something, it’s something else”.
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It was pretty warm today, I’ve got the A/C on. Not fun when you’re sick. Kudos to Chipper for not just staying in the clubhouse today. When I had the opportunity to see the Braves in Dunedin several years back, Chipper signed more than anyone else so this was not an unusual event.
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Bob….. 🙂
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How did all that turn bold? Ahhh, probably nothing.
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Okay folks… put a fork in me cause I’m done… Catch y’all in the morning…
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Berigan*, even though it’s late, this is still a family Blog … Chipper is doing it in the heat with the flu … hot tub awaits.
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“Nothing can be just fine on a blog, as long as communications don’t break down. Then again, sometimes nothing is really cool” … now that is something else … wish I though of it … of course nothing is better than something sometimes … and then sometimes it’s not!
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Grinch, you’re not supposed to drink conditioner. I’m sure it says so on the bottle.
Scalp ‘Em, 35, and Tomahawkin’. Now that cat had some entertaining posts.
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Like it’s the first time he drank something he shouldn’t have, Hillbilly?
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Well, I’ll shut down & go read since no one’s feeling chatty tonight. “Night, y’all.
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I was feeling chatty, I was on the phone talkin’ to a friend. 😆 That’s something, as well! I almost put the air on last night. Like my late Mother, the humidity gets to me. It was almost 80 here before the rains came. In fact, I am often heard saying, Oh the humidity! 😉
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“I almost put the air on last night” … don’t yield to temptation Berigan … leave the putting on of airs to those who have a need.
Sir Hillbilly of the Arkansas, that Tommy Hawk knew how to use the pen!
Gil, I have a rule agin using smilies to express my emotion … but, I’ll make an exception just for you! 🙂
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Good morning y’all…. Rough night for me, I awoke this morning thinking I had to go to work and how much I dreaded it and how bad I felt. Then I realized I was retired….. Well, the cats were happy I decided to get up. They have not figured out how to use the can opener on their own yet.
Bob… I use the smiles because some folk cannot always tell when I am kidding. Sometimes it’s a bit like saying “bless their hearts” if you know what I mean.
I also have learned it is most difficult for dry wit and humor to translate across the blog as someone always takes it as an insult. Come to think of it, sometimes people can’t always tell when I’m joking when meeting face to face either. Something I have to be careful about because I have angered more than a few people without intent. Oh well, such is life…
Now, having said all that, sometimes all I need to say can be said with a smile ….
On the baseball front, one of the local (Richmond) news stations had a crew at the Atlanta training camp yesterday. I suspect they will also send back a report on the Nationals too this week. If you are going to send a reporter to cover NASCAR during Daytona, you might as well get your money’s worth.
Anyway, they did an interview with Brian McCann, he looks the same to me. Bryan Pena however does look leaner….
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G’morning everyone here in this Brave new world.
It’s beautiful in Jefferson this morning, but a bit on the chilly side. It’ll warm up nicely by the PM. I don’t know what I dreamed last night, but I woke with a considerable amount of knee pain. Very odd, because I can’t think of any lateral sleeping movement that may have torqued it. Strange indeed… 😕
Oh, and I like the smilies. Don’t know why, I just do… 😀
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Some put on airs; some put out air, and some gasp for air. Such are the laws of the urban jungle.
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HEllO EverbUdy, ChIppEr GaVe somE flU geRms awAy yesteRday. DiDn’t ChiPPer repoRt with The flU last Year, to? ChiPPEr has BrillO pad-looking chiN hAir this YEar. MaKes him lOOk sMart. That, aND spiTTing seeds and bloWing bUbbles and wEaring hIs caP baCkwards. Phi Cappa BackWards.
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Gil-I know what you mean. I told Kathy last night I thought I’d take today off-that I was tired. I said “You know, I’m just not 20 anymore.” She laughed and said “Honey, you’re not even 50 anymore.” OH! The Humanity. The truth hurts (but not as much as my hip). At least I don’t need hot tub time yet-but I think I see it around the corner.
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I want to thank the fair Lady for my new avatar AND the perfumed hankie to keep in my armor whilst I am out tilting with windmills. Blush.
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😳
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😳 Thanks to my emotions coach. 🙂
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Paladin-What’s up with the Glen Hubbard icon?
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Lew: 😆
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I tHink I sEE LEw! Hear I go . . .
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IT wAs nOt LEw aftEr aLL it wAs a DiznEy cHaraCter. NiCe, thoUgh.
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Look down, Lew!!!
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I SeE sOme beet WRiters cRowDing aRounD JeFF BeNNett.
AccoRdian to Paul NeWberry:
The Braves insist Bennett is a legitimate contender for a starting spot.
“That kid,” manager Bobby Cox said, “he can get you out.”
TAlks likE a SeAl, hUh?
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I aM gOing ovEr to tHE buLLpin tO talK with soME pITchers. BeeT wRiTing is pRettY fuN dOwN hear. I aM gLad I hAve a pAL who bEEt writEs liKe mE. I aM lOOking for Jair JURjEnS aNd jO jO. CaRUlinA Lady, Pleaze SeNd me SomE moRe ChEEze.
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Unless Chop SEal found my house, he didn’t see me. I’m staying home today. Gas has gone up 20 cents a gallon since Thursday and I live all the way across town from Disney. My son has a ten year old Ford SUV that cost $50 to fill and then it costs $12 to get into Wide World of Sports. I can’t afford to go every day. Plus I’m not even 50 anymore. The hips can’t take the daily trek from the parking lot-where they really need a shuttle service to get to the stadium.
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To all of you who are or will be down at Disney for the 2008 Braves spring training, I will truthfully admit:
I am envious!
I heve never had the opportunity to attend ST, but I am hopeful that I will one day. Until then, I will simply live it through your colorful descriptions. So, please report often. I can almost feel the Fla. sunshine and smell the freshly cut infield grass… 😐
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REmEmber tHe nAme JoE BoRchard.
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ATOP THE DUGOUT AGAIN – tHey thinK I aM witH DizNEy. HeY, I hOpe U KnoE whO doEsN’t tEll tHem anYthinG dIFferent. EsCobAr mAy wHiStle tHis yeaR sinCe hE is now tHe STarTer. I hOpe sO. ReMinDs me Of WhIStling SaMMy SeAl. AmerICan LeaGUe. Uh, Oh, hear cOMes SeKurity.
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Joseph Edward Borchard (born November 25, 1978, in Panorama City, California) is a Major League Baseball player with the Atlanta Braves. Borchard was the 12th pick of the first round in the 2000 MLB amateur draft out of Stanford University by the Chicago White Sox. He also played quarterback for Stanford and took a $5.3 million signing bonus to play for the White Sox. The signing bonus was the highest ever given to a player for a minor league contract until Justin Upton received $6.1 million to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005. Drafted for his blend of talent and baseball intellect, Borchard posted extremely impressive numbers while at Stanford, both as an outfielder and a quarterback.
Joe Borchard’s career with the White Sox was less than impressive, as he struggled to make consistent contact, which has continued to plague him throughout his career. Borchard’s most significant big league playing time came in the 2004 season, where he received 201 at-bats. He hit .174 that year with 9 home runs and 20 RBI. Borchard’s most notable feat was setting the US Cellular Field home run distance record, yet to be eclipsed at 504 feet off of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers. Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams believes that Borchard still has a great professional baseball career ahead of him if he can “get the football mentality out of him.”
Borchard was traded to the Seattle Mariners on March 20, 2006, for Matt Thornton, a journeyman left-handed relief pitcher. On May 3, 2006, the Florida Marlins claimed Borchard off waivers.
The Atlanta Braves signed Borchard to a minor league contract during the 2007 MLB winter meetings in Nashville, TN.
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THat’s rite. REmEmber tHe nAme JoE BoRchard.
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MUCh lIke MaRk DeROsa, oNly dIFFereNt.
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Paladin-Didn’t mean to imply you should take Glen away. The Knight is appropriate, though. You don’t live in San Francisco, do you?
Raisins-Don’t forget the smell of the SPF 50 sunblock, either. The sun is much more intense in Orlando than Vermont. Got to be careful.
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504 Foot HR. I bet Myer’s still has nightmares from that one.
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Raisins can tell you more about ANYTHING than you EVER wanted to know. Must be the concentration of fructose that occurs during the drying process. He, like wine, will improve with age.
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Ah, yes, the smell of SPF 50. You will either smell SPF 50 or green gel with aloe. The SPF 50 requires less pain…
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Sun in Vermont? Really? SPF5 works? 🙂
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Pal(adin): My chosen profession is research based. Sometimes I will find and forward information and don’t even realize I have done it. It just comes naturally… occupational hazard, I suppose. 🙄
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chop seal, please check on thorman and see if thorman still swings like thorman is chopping down a tree. is terry working with thorman or is thorman still coached by pete orr? and how many canadians can chop seal count today? and does chino interpret for the canadians, too, eh?
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Yo… Chopper…. A bit of advise, don’t go to Sea World while in Orlando… I’m not saying you wouldn’t be the toast of the park but likely to end up as an appetizer for Shamo… “Beet riters” must not hang out with the wrong crowd. 🙂
Joe Borchard… not to be confused with Joe Bower…
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Lew; I must have slept on my head last night and it’s numb this morning. I don’t get the Glen Hubbard thing. Sorry.
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advise…advice… same to a beet righter… yes? 🙂
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Does anybody besides me predict Chuck James to be on the DL by mid-May?
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beet writing is pretty hard according to chop seal. some of the players like to throw the beet writers around a little. chop seal says one beet writer got tossed into the shower yesterday with hoss. chop seal hasn’t told them he is a beet writer yet. they think he is with disney.
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Sounds like it Hillbilly, I don’t think he will make it out of spring training….
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Raisins; Just pulling your chain, Bud. 🙂 Keep it up!
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Yes jimmy, players have been known to do some strange things in the shower, out of respect for the Lady of Carolina, I won’t say too much but I bet for some, certain beat writers would not be required to be in the shower before a player peed on their leg….
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Thrown in the shower with Hoss? I think I would prefer to be told I had been traded to the Yamamoto Giants.
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It was fortunate that those paintings by Monet and van Gogh were not found in an abandoned car here in Tenn. They would already be on sale in a flea market.
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Hillbilly: I’m with you on the Chuckie thing. I like Chuckie alot, but his funky delivery is gonna continue to put alot of strain on that already weakened shoulder. I hate it, but at least there are options this year.
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It was fortunate that those paintings by Monet and van Gogh were not found in an abandoned car here in Tenn. They would already be on sale in a flea market.
True enough, but know this: they still wouldn’t sell before the velvet Elvis and Johnny Cash paintings! 😆 Gardens and ‘Starry Nights’? Puhleaze…doesn’t go with the ‘decor’!
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Salty-No,In Vermont, you take much Vitamin D. SPF minus 150 might help. That or solar panels on your shirt.
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Paladin-Back when Hub played for the Braves, his nickname was Yosemite Sam.
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Salty; Double-wides require a delicate balance of art and furnishings to achieve the proper decor. Only the best that Big Lots has to offer.
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Lew, your avatar is looking a bit pale. Maybe notch it down to SPF 25? 🙂
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Hey! What happened? I didn’t change that to “Voice of Wikipedia”! Lemme check on that… 😕
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Wierd stuff happening here on WordPress… 😯
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VOR…it’s a ‘cache’ thing, I guess. Similar to my schizo avatar…at least it is on my end! I’ve gotten used to it!
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Lew; Oh, I see. But you, sir, are a day late and an avatar short. But, Sam will return sometime when I am feeling feisty.
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Now, stuff.
Wierd news about a wierd dude.
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Raisins; Your reputation, or lack of, procedith you. 🙂
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😀
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Solar panels on your shirt! Contemporary Icarus, huh? No fear of melting at least! 🙂
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I agree that strange things are going on here on WordPress this morning. Extremely sloooow. Too many sticky fingers? It may even inspire me to quit blogging and do some work. Then, maybe not.
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Paladin…when are you not feisty? 😕
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nacly; 🙂
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What? Quit blogging and work? 😯 Why, if I tried something like that, I might get caught up with my work. Then what? Time on my hands, or something? Pshaw! (And I don’t even know what that means!) Long live multi-tasking!!!
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nacly; I intended to add: Fork, you?
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“Pshaw! (And I don’t even know what that means!)” VOR; Careful about using words that you do not know what they mean. You may offend someone that swears by that word.
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pshaw – Interjection. Indicating disapproval, irritation, impatience or disbelief. ex. “Pshaw! I can’t believe it!”
1992 – Wayne Campbell, Wayne’s World
“Pshaw! And monkeys might fly out of my butt.”
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Wiki-I want my artwork to stand out-not my avatar. Besides, I am who I am and that’s all that I am (Isn’t that as Popeye quote?). I don’t NEED an avatar. I’m perfectly comfortable being who I am.
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Salty-The only thing melting in Vermont right now is the snow. It was minus five on Sunday morning and was 53 yesterday (from what Kathy tells me).Now it will be going back to single digits-just in time to turn the state into an ice rink. Hockey anyone?
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Popeye: “I yam what I yam, and that’s all that I yam.”
Olive Oyl: “Oh, Popeye!”
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I think I understand; Lew doesn’t like avatars. Am I close?
“Pshaw! And monkeys might fly out of my butt.” Would that make them a$$clowns? I’ve always wondered about that.
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Now I’m totally up-to-date. What is the date, btw?
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I, myself, have developed this very bad habit of rotating avatars. Dunno why…
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Paladin-Depends on whether or not said monkeys used face paint and wore Big Yellow shoes. Might want to ask Grinch if all his shoes are accounted for. No telling whose bed he might have left them under.
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Paladin-When I attain Hindu Godhood, I will have avatars. Until then, I am just the Bionic Artist.
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Raisins; When they asked Hillary(no, not that one)why he climbed Everest he said, “Because it was there.” If that has any connection with you frequently changing avatars, I guess it is intentional.
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Received in an email this morning –
Red Skelton was a movie star and comedian on television back in the 1950s and 60s. He created a number of characters and his show was watched by millions. He did this clip on his show one evening–back in 1969 when shows were live.
Some may remember him but he passed away maybe before some of you were born. Red Skelton was a good & funny man. He also ended
every show by saying, ‘GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS’. Listen to the end of this. It is something he said 38 years ago.
HOW DID HE KNOW? Listen to the very end!!
http://patriotfiles.org/Pledge.htm
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I have started down a slippery slope. I need professional help…
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Amen, CL, amen…
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CL; That Skelton clip was wonderful. I may have heard him when he said it, but I don’t remember. But, I do point with pride to the several background pictures featuring Marines and the role we have played in keeping this great country of ours free. By all means, God Bless.
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Hey, Raisins!
It’s back to work for me! 🙂
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After several threats to do so, I’m going to work, also. Bye for now.
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Hey, Paladin! Red Skelton was always one of my favorites – for his talent and the wonderful characters he created – and for his down-to-earth, honest personage. Had the guts to say what he believed and said it without offense, name-calling or profanity.
He was also a very accomplished artist. He could have been rich from his artwork alone! A very special person.
And, yes! God bless our military! They stand between us and the evil that others wish to do to us for merely being Americans.
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NOW I’m going back to work! 😆
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Name a contemporary who will stand and speak as Red once did? And he wasn’t alone. There may well be some, but sadly, none come to mind straight away.
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Salty: None will. Political Correctness has put an end to free expression without fear of label. I’m sure this post would offend someone, somewhere. I feel so dirty… 😳
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Condolences to Pam and Bobby Cox; her mother passed away last night after a long illness…and a long life!
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Raisins…so now it’s American to be a coward…to not have conviction…to call evil what it is? No wonder our kids are so confused!
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Uh…to not call evil out! Sheesh…see, I can’t type my thoughts when I get riled up! 😡
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Lew, I know it’s early and you haven’t seen most of the position players, yet, but, based on what you’ve seen out of Lopez and Pena so far, tell me why this would or wouldn’t work for the 5 bench spots:
Lopez – C
Thorman – 1B, OF
Infante -2B, SS, OF
B. Jones – OF
Pena – 1B, 3B, C
Realize some of these positions are merely “possible” but not likely. (i.e. – Infante in the OF)
Granted Pena will not cover 3B for an extended time, but Maybe a game or two here and there. If Chipper is out for more than a couple of days, Escobar shifts over, and Infante/Lillibridge covers SS.
Lopez can be utilized as a pinch hitter without fear of running out of catchers.
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Salty: We are raising a whole genereation of wusses. It is sad, but true. 😥
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And a whole generation, too…
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Hillbilly: I think if the Braves could get a long-term deal done with Tex, Thorman gets traded. If Javy has a great spring, he could get traded to start somewhere else. I think they like BPena enough to try to keep him on the roster somehow.
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Multiple avatars??? works for me…
Most likely some of the guys out of options will be traded by the end of spring training. What does Kansas City have to offer? 🙂
When trying to sneak guys through waivers you always have the Marlins, Pirates and Royals of the league to contend with as what the Braves cast off are better than what other teams already have. Does anyone else remember when the Braves use to operate that way? They always waited until the final cut was made by other teams so they could fill outfield positions.
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Hillbilly-Thorman will be gone. He’s about as coachable as Andruw with much less abiliity. Add Lillibridge and you have your team (with Prado there until Infante returns). Flange and I were discussing the same thing ion the site which shall remain nameless.
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Gil: 😐 Don’t remind me!
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See why it is so easy for me to root for the Nationals… I have been conditioned by forty years of rooting for the Braves and cheering for every crappy team they could throw out there….
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Lew…. They have not asked my opinion but you may have a good solution. I think a lot depends on whether or not the Braves think they can sign Tex to a long term contract. Nick Johnson is going to be on the block at the end of the spring and he is only 29 and a decent player who will be lots cheaper than Tex. Not saying I would rather have him vs Tex but you need to plan long term.
Let’s see…. Thorman is a left handed bat with power who can play first a little bit, not great but fair and about the same as left fielder. Javy could likely play first about as well as Thorman but is a righty. You could possible move Kelly Johnson over to first and plug in Lillibridge at 2nd. Brent is a righty. Pena is a switch hitter with some power, the most telling thing was him dropping 15 pounds this winter and stealing 6 of 7 bases in the Dominican winter league. That is a very telling stat….
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Gil, Nick Johnson has long been one of my favorites. He is Larry Bowa’s nephew I believe. He is one of the reasons I have become less and less of a Yankees fan. If Nick Johnson and Alfonso Soriano were still playing for the Yankees instead of Giambi and Arod, I would not have become as much of a Braves fan as I have become. The Nats would be crazy if they get rid of Nick. Young is the guy who needs to go.
The Yankees are supposedly trying to get Nick – which would make me very happy and make me root more for the Yankees again. I am very happy the Yankees did not get Santana. I would rather see what the Yankees do with Hughes, Chamberlain, and Kennedy.
Nick as a Brave would make me very happy as well. If I am the Braves and Nick is healthy, the Braves would be a better team with $20 mil spent on Nick and two other players rather than all that money spent on Tex.
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The thing about Nick is that boken leg. He missed all last season and from what I understand, it was a nasty break. Can he come back? Can he return to earlier form? Time will tell.
However-I think Dmitri Young had a career year and I do not think he has his diabetes under control. I see him missing much time this year, or just being replaced by Nick when his performance tanks. We may see if Johnson is ready. If he is,I seethe Nats signing him to an extension.
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If Nick Johnson and Alfonso Soriano were still playing for the Yankees instead of Giambi and Arod, I would not have become as much of a Braves fan as I have become.
WW, you are truly blessed…in mysterious ways! 🙂
The Yankees are supposedly trying to get Nick – which would make me very happy and make me root more for the Yankees again.
Still, temptation lurks…the devil sits ‘pon your shoulder, luring you to the dark side. Resist! Resist! Cast out the demons!!!
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More Braves than Stuff this afternoon. We who are about to go back to work, salute you!
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Just a little insight to my speculation…. Dmitri is part of the support group for Dukes and the Nationals have a hot shot young first baseman coming up through the minors.
I agree the Nationals are a better team with a healthy Nick Johnson but they are building for the future, not this season.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/17/AR2008021702138.html
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It also looks as if the Marlins are going to get their long awaited stadium approved this week. Does this mean no team for Vegas?
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I’ll be surprised if the Braves honchos will pony up the $20M ransom Boras will demand for Tex. I just don’t see ’em tying up that much payroll on one guy. One terrific player, yes, but still… not gonna happen.
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Gil, I sure hope the Marlins finally get their stadium. Not that I’m a fan of them, but they have come so close to getting it done so many times, only to be shot down. A ballpark, not a football stadium, with a retractable roof for our unpredictable Florida weather would give them a huge boost. I think the potential fan base is there, they just got burned so badly by that weasel Huizenga & all the rumors of the team moving that they were afraid to get too attached. I hope their proposed park is better than that thing the Rays want to build.
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Gil-I hadn’t thought it out that far and hadn’t checked into the Nats’ farm system. It doesn’t surprise me you would know, though, as you are up on the minors more than anyone I know. Under those circumstances, you could well be right about Nick Johnson. I’ve always liked him as a player. I was just concerned about his leg. Have you heard any reports on his health? If he has regained his mobility, he would be a good stopgap measure until Heyward was ready.
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VOR, 20 Million???? Andruw will get 36 million the next two years, and he hit .222 last year. If Tex is healthy this year(and those in front of him as well) he will likely drive in 130-140 RBI’s has anyone hit the market(Short of A-Rod) with those kind of numbers??? Start at 25 Million and 7-8 years, and work your way up with the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets more than willing to pay that next year, especially any team that doesn’t make it to the playoffs, or past the first round.
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That last sentence was a pip! I thought it would never end! :p
Other thoughts that I had and forgot after reading MANY new posts today.
Gil, watch out if the cats learn to open cans by themselves! 😯
Hillbilly, I bet you are right about Chucky, wish we could have traded him to the Rays for something…something more than Rocco.
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Lew, check the link I posted above. Manny Acta and Jim Bowden both seem to think he is back. Nick has worked very hard this winter trying to rehabilitate his leg. The Nationals have a problem in having two guys who can only play first base. I am sure Bowden is thinking he can get more for Johnson than he can for Dmitri.
The Braves feel with Thorman that he can play left field if necessary but I think it is going to be a make or break year for him.
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Oh confound it!!!! 😡 😛 Large O for this one to work———-> 😯 Capitalization of the D for this one to work——-> 😀
It’s too much I tells ya!!!! 😡
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Berigan-The Mets talk big about all of that money, but they just committed $152 million to Johan Santana. I just do not see them committing that much $$$$ to Tex as well-not with all the holes they will HAVE to fill next year.
You can pretty much guarantee that in addition to DelGado, that Alou is gone, El Duque is gone and Pedro may be as well. Oliver Perez is also a free agent. If he does well he will command another $75-100 mil, if he doesn’t they will have to replace him, too. I wouldn’t count on the Mets making that big a splash. Maine will be arbitration eligible. Wagner will also be gone,I believe (if not just plain ineffective).
If they really had all that money,then their smartest move would have been to sign Lohse and Livan instead of Tony Armas, Jr. With Lohse and Livan, I would have conceded the NL East tothem. Then THEY would have the depth.
Not to mention that they just signed Wright and Reyes long term to what now looks much like low ball deals. The signing of Santana and a potential signing of Tex at those prices is bound to stir up the outhouse stench in their clubhouse, as well.
Now all of this is NOT to say we have a lock on Tex. We don’t-not with the Yankees, Red Sox (though I don’t think they really need him), the Angels and the Dodgers in the running.
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A-ha! I caught wordpress with it’s pants down…or something. I just happened to copy what I was going to post, since it was taking awhile to post, and didn’t want to start all over…. it put 2 smilie faces together, when I didn’t want them, and it left this line out!!!! Lets see if spacing things further out helps….
Large P for this one———-> 😛
Oh confound it!!!! 😡 😛
Large O for this one to work———-> 😯 Capitalization of the D for this one to work——-> 😀
It’s too much I tells ya!!!! 😡
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Gil-I would enjoy watching Nick play healthy again. I watch MANY games on Extra Innings-over 300 per year, so I do see him a lot, cause I like listening to Sutton. I also listen to the Dodgers a lot cause I love listening to Vin Scully-the best MLB has to offer in the booth.
I agree that Dmitri, mentor or not, would likely be the odd man out.
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Gil-No way THorman ever wins out over Brandon Jones in the outfield. It will not happen. I think he will be gone before the season starts.
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I jUSt sAw HOmeboy UPstAirs and he hAs lOst a lOt of wait. He lOOKs sKinnie noW. And I saw OMar RaFael InFante and he Has a hAmmock Bone cast on his hanD. He looks a LittLe like the otHer guys Named RaFael thAt haVe Played hear. HOw maNy RaFAels can YOu naMe?
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nope…. 😦 someone ‘splain that to me!!!!
Lew, you could be right, but you also mention all the players gone as well…with DelGado, Alou , El Duque and possibly Wagner off the books, they will have more money to play with and won’t they have to make a splash, especially if they come in 2nd or 3rd this year?
Also, I am sure “they” whomever they be, love the fact that they are front page news now, at least the sports page. And like the Yankees, they get ungodly amounts of money from the local cable packages…
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“Good night and God bless” … what a wonderful, compassionate man with fantastic insights … a truly renown artist in multiple venues …
“The greatest disease in the world today is procrastination” … and while his “procrastination” and my “apathy” aren’t exactly identical twins, I’m sure that he would agree that they’re close, kissing kin. I like to think that we are of kindred spirit. Methinks he’s like a good friend of mine who left school at an early age in order to get a good education … I err not when I speak of him in the current tense for he indeed lives in the many, many hearts and minds that he touched … mehopes he will never die.
Of his friend Freddie, he said …
“He doesn’t ask anybody to provide for him, because it would be taken away from you. He doesn’t ask for equal rights if it’s going to give up some of yours … and he knows one thing … patriotism is more powerful than guns” … methinks me and Freddie would be friends too.
No, he wasn’t on my published list of invited dinner guests … but I would hope he would accept my belated invitation to provide the opening entertainment before taking his seat of honor at our table, … cause that’s where he belongs.
“Good night and God bless“
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I’m back after taking a short leave to pick up the littlest raisinette.
You’re right, Berigan*, that $20M for Tex is a lowball figure. (I can’t believe the context in which $20m is lowball… 😯 ) That only goes to further make my point that the Braves brass won’t plunk that much down for one dude. Especially one non-pitching dude. I’m not so sure that Thorman is gone after spring, either. If Tex is in his last year, and Kala Ka’aihue isn’t close, what else do they have? Barbaro Canizeas? No. Mark Jurich? No. Bring in another retread? Doubt it. Of course, Thor has to use this camp to show he’s not a complete bust, in which case I’m just babbling like complete idiot anyway. BPena played a good bit at 1B in AAA, but he spent all winter catching. I believe he’ll break camp as our backup catcher. I still believe that Javy is in camp auditioning for a starting gig somewhere else. Just my gut feeling, but I believe it.
* name changed to protect the innocent.
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Berigan-Yes, there will bemoney off of the Mets’ books, but they will nedd to replace three and maybe four pitchers from their starting rotation and their closer. Looking at the cost of replacement at TODAY’S prices it will cost an absolute fortune which will only climb in the offseason. Add another $25 million a year for Tex? No way. Their only option will be to sign more Tony Armas Juniors.
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Berigan-I guarantee that the Braves are getting the TV revenue,too. All of their broadcasts are on XM and MLB Extra Innings package. You don’t think they make money on Joe and Boog’s broadcasts? You don’t think they will get money from Peachtree Network? They make $$$ from Fox SportsSouth. EVERYONE makes TV money. Do NOT let them kid you about that.
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You guys want to know what’s really scary? Realizing that everything around you is going up and you are sitting still. Even for folks like me who had things planned out pretty well ahead of time, you know your nest egg is going to be an omelet before you know it. I have been pretty lucky so far and not had to touch my retirement fund but the way things are going who knows?
Folks talking about paying someone 25 million a year to play baseball, the same amount it would cost to replace the Richmond ballpark. At what point does this madness stop? When folks have to make $200,000 a year just to be in the demographic that can afford to attend games?
I know baseball is in the business of making money and I have no problem with that. What I get upset about is when companies like Exxon/Mobile complain that they only made $40 billion in profit last quarter.
It is greed like that which leads to the masses overthrowing their governments. I am not saying that is right, I am just saying that is what happens.
Hummmm… Got off topic a little bit but you get the idea….
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Yes, MLB saw that the Cubs and the Braves were making a ton on cable. Not the clubs directly but the club ownership. The infamous “two sets of books”.
The Marlins have been laughing all the way to the bank by spending ziltch on the team but drawing equal revenue from the Direct TV package…
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The AJC(i know. Dirty word)has a poll going asking the “fans” who they think should be the Bravo’s backup catcher. Javy is running away with it presumably because of the female vote. Here is how I see it Pena wins the position. Javy is traded, released, or whatever. Sammons goes to Richmond. I like Javy and I wish it could be different, but it makes baseball sense.
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Lew and I disagree … about lots of things … but like Red, he’s an artist … and we agree about lots of things too.
Methinks Thorman may be one of those cases where we do both!
Unlike Coach, who for reasons remembered by but a few, I truly respect and enjoy … methinks Scott has been out of options for quite a while.
Logically, I don’t think Scott will survive Spring Training … but logically, I wouldn’t have thought he would still be donning an Atlanta leotard … and since he is, the is why. For that, I have no good answer.
The comparison with Andruw is the natural and obvious one … and one which I have long shared. However, I’m no longer sure that it’s a select group of but two … perhaps Terry’s book has but one page, and maybe Bobby’s too few. I don’t know … that’s the omnipresent “outside looking in” problem … but it could explain why some may have trouble finding it in theirs. In trying to solve problems, it sometimes is best to properly identify them before effecting solutions.
I share too with Gil, the fear that our young Mr. James will not survive Spring Training … indeed I hope he doesn’t if his physical condition so warrants … that is, I hope that, unlike with others, proper diagnosis is quickly effected so that timely and proper action can be taken before the problem is exacerbated and perhaps further damage is done.
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I think it is safe to say that Mrgil is not a free-range capitalist. 🙂
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Gil, you are right of course. Could you even imagine being a Red Sox fan….a fan that would like to see a game???? Even IF you could find a ticket, somehow, someway….what’s it cost???? Double 😯 !!!
As for the profits Exxon, etc make, even this Republican is disgusted by it…Hillary and Obama will somehow try to take some of their profits, and I can’t quite figure out how they can do that, legally.
If you take money from them, why not Microsoft, or Google???? Google makes insane profits, they just don’t get any money from me…yet.
And how do you take the profits away from BP (British petroleum , Not beyond petroleum as their ads want us to believe) or Dutch Shell??? Are we going to now take profits from foreign companies doing business in the U.S.???? And what of the stockholders in these companies? Oh, it’s enough to make berigan’s*
head spin.
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.
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* umm, I forget…something important, I am sure….
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Polonius said, “The is not why … maybe thee, but not the … the is the answer which in this case is the question” … methinks.
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“We have seen the enemy and he is us”. Pogo’s take. But, it is true and the problem exists at all levels. We want things fixed so long as our ox is not gored, in the process. I’ll bet that any owner you talk to would say that things have gotten out of hand. But, it’s the OTHER owners that are at fault. As Raisins said earlier, we are on a slippery slide. And I don’t see any handholds to grab aholt to.
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I had a slippery slide after my ox was gored. I just used a little ointment and it cleared up.
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Lew, it would be nice wouldn’t it, if the teams had to show how much they make in every way, shape and form???? It seems players nowadays HAVE to have their contracts made public. Don’t know if that’s an agent thing, a union thing, or a team thing(Look how much we had to pay X to stay here!)
All I know is the Yankees make a ____load of money off of the YES network, and assume the Mets make a lot of their deal, though not the same. And you have to do something to keep the interest up in NYC. If the Mets hadn’t gotten Santana, it would have surely meant lower ratings on their system. They simply wouldn’t be competing without him. If he gets injured(Elbow issues???) their season is pretty much over. Then again, I didn’t think they could compete last year with the rag tag pitchers they ran out there, but they did somehow….
I don’t understand why braves baseball is becoming regional again(Unless you pay a lot of $$$$ for MLB Extra Innings ) but I guess the dopes running TBS know what they are doing by running Friends instead of baseball, and gaining new fans for the team… Oh wait, that’s right, they don’t own the team anymore, who cares??? 😡
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Now, other stuff.
Is anybody else gonna stay up and watch the new look Hawks in LA with Bibby running the point?
I know, I know, the Hawks aren’t even close to my beloved Bravos, but I am interested… 😀
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The ointment must have helped you to extract your head from your nether regions; that being your most obvious problem. 🙂
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I wish I had that kinda flexibility!
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“Here is how I see it Pena wins the position. Javy is traded, released, or whatever. Sammons goes to Richmond. I like Javy and I wish it could be different, but it makes baseball sense” … as I said sometime back, Javy may indeed win the position but if he does not, it will mean that someone better did, at least in the mind’s eye of them what make the decision.
I like Javy too but I don’t wish it could be different … I will still like Javy, regardless of the outcome … and that’s the way it should be, methinks. That said, I do hope and think that he will make the team.
This isn’t a response triggered by Paladin’s current remarks … though his triggered my recollection of the one triggered earlier by another post.
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It has more to do with the impediment in seeing things around you. Inflexibility is more of an issue.
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No impediment. I speak quite well, thank you.
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Bobj makes me sound more like Roy Roger’s horse than like Have gun will Travel.
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I issue a retraction, Raisins. This is starting to sound too serious and serious is not my shtick.
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Yo, pal(adin), when did you grow from 24 to 2008?
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I also had a serious shtick at one time. Yep, ointment again… 😀
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Milli-millimeters to be sure. No, I did it shortly after remodeling my avatar.
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I keep getting distracted, but I can’t see anyway Thorman makes the roster. Unless he is injured, Tex plays EVERY day. So, thorman is only a PH then. Put him in late for his defense???? 😯 I love the way he runs the bases, but he can’t catch, and we really don’t need a 3rd left fielder…..
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now my handle is a play on my real name…CL and Bob, might get it. Grinch might as well….I need to get out more….
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Thorman in for his defense? You like the way he runs the bases? When did you ever see him on base? Berigan it is too early to be on the Mary Jane.
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“I love the way he runs the bases…”
That phrase triggered the visual… 😀
Man he gets after it, doesn’t he?
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Bob-I understand what you’re saying about TP-not too sure I think he’s all bad, but then again, I really have no idea since I’m not privy to the player’s thoughts.
However, that being said, I like yourself,has watched and paid attention to baseball for decades. I think I understand the fundamentals pretty well and due mainly to my good hand eye coordination, I could hit a baseball-not far,but I could make contact with mostly everything on a quite consistent basis.
Watching Andruw the past couple of years and Thorman last season was quite painful at times-it was almost always frustrating-I KNEW exactly what their problems were. I pretty much guarantee that TP did, too, and that he passed that knowledge on to Scott and Andruw. Sometimes it is up to the [players to listen to the counsel they are given and act upon it. In those two cases, I doubt they did. They certainly held fast to the wrong way.
I’m not inclined to place them blame on Terry. There was way too much success with Francoeur learning some patience and goingto the opposite field. Chipper had an excellent offensive season. Kelly Johnson made significant strides offensively and Yunel far outshone anything he did in the minors. Should we not give much credit for their success to TP, as well?
When most of your team has success utilizing a coach’s methods, I think one must place at least a goodly portion of the blame on the players who refused to listen to good advice-Don’t overswing and try to hit the ball 600 feet on every at bat.
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“now my handle is a play on my real name”
Now Mr Phelps your assignment should you accept it, is to guess Berigan’s real name. Hint: wrath is intended to confuse. Con is the clue.
Let’s see. Constipated? Confused? Congruent? Con Edison? Consanquineous? Contrarian? Come on people, let’s brainstorm this.
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Gotta run and feed the raisinettes…
Later, all –>
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journalist can think of only one visual . . . thorman running hard to first base and being thrown out. jimmy smith cannot recall thorman running between first and second, second and third, or third and home. sad.
and jimmy smith sat right behind thorman when thorman played left field and jimmy smith could get to balls thorman could not. and jimmy smith was holding a hot dog at the time.
thorman may be brad komminsk or barry bonnell or andy marte or somebody like that. and if somebody else was to talk hitting with these players it would be between mccann’s daddy and julio. not sure which one jimmy smith would pick.
and what is polonius doing on this blog? boogering it up, right?
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BTW, consanquineous has got to be a first. 🙄
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Paladin…it’s first on many levels! I’ve never even heard the word before! 😕
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Looks to me to be another word I will never learn to spell… 😦
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Soon we will learn the names of at least another half dozen players whom no one has ever heard of before. Don’t you just love spring training…. 🙂
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Both Lew and Jimmy are right … at least Laertes so thinks!
Lew and I seem to be on the same page, though I’m not totally sure that Jeff’s rather belated penchant for making adjustments can be attributed to Terry’s deftness and acumen … and the progress made by our bench players may also otherwise attest. I do wonder about the role played by Terry when it comes the influence he has on Chipper’s approach to hitting and on others … especially those who may well have or rely more heavily on personal sources for such influence.
To so wonder is not to question his ability or suitability … and it’s not my intent to suggest that blame is to be thrust upon Terry’s shoulders … only that I agree with him that they must be on the same page the player and he … and that there are player specific pages, one for each.
Terry is one of my three keys to this team’s success … it’s his job to see that he and the players are on those same pages … and it has been for the past six years … the player’s talent potential is one thing but methinks it’s inappropriate to blame the player for his stubbornness, personality, or dedication … it’s Terry’s job to find the keys that fit those locks so that the player’s full potential can be reached. Six years with Andruw … and time with some other disappointments that have elsewhere found success … but that’s not to say that he’s not doing an adequate or even fine job … certainly, were those who make such decisions to so feel, he wouldn’t be so doing for yet another year.
Certainly, I directionally agree with Lew … but, I also continue to wonder.
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“Consanguineous” … NaCly, that can’t possibly apply to Paladin … he’s in a class by himself, one of a kind … though it might possibly be the result.
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Heck, I wouldn’t know if it did apply to him! I don’t even know what it means…and haven’t referenced the F&W, yet, to find out! It’s unlike any word ‘Hooked on Phonics” ever covered! Speaking of Phonics…it violated it’s own rule in the title! Where’s the ‘F’? 🙂
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BRaking NEws: I am At diNNer and the DineR seatED acroSS frOm me looKs like ToM GLavinE. He is EatIng a plAte full of ChiLi Pups aNd iS readIng a cULtural maGazine sO I think it’s him. OnE finGer is sTickinG in a Cup of hot WatEr so I tHink it’s him. He is Waring a BrAves caP so I think it’s him. I am not suRe it is hiM, thouGh. I am gOing over now . . .
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I know that you learned ones are joshing me but consanguineous means “having the same ancestor”. And, according to recent anthropology, we all do.
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Alright y’all, I give, I give!!! I should have said I liked the way Thorman ran….to first base! 😡 Don’t know if I ever saw him round first quickly. If he ever got a hit, it was hit about 450 feet…..
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Three things I have learned in relation to my many years as an educator.
1. There are some students who really don’t need you other than to verify they have completed the required course work.
2. There are some whom no matter what you do, will fail.
3. There are a precious few who would not be successful without your help and guidance. To me the greatest attribute any teacher can have is to recognize those with whom they can really make a difference.
4. I never could accept the accolades for having exceptional student without accepting the responsibility for those who failed. I strove instead to make a difference to the rest.
I believe that to be true in sports as well. You cannot teach talent but you can hone skills. I will be most interested in watching Chris Chambliss and the approach he takes in Richmond this year.
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I realize that is four but I wanted to make sure everyone was paying attention…. 🙂
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anthropology???? Quit making up words!!!
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Mrgil; 3 and giving 4 is better than 4 and giving only 3. The suspense kills you.
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Berigan; If you want mono-syllables and 3 or 4 letter words you will have to go across the hall to the D(UM)B blog. Hurry back. BTW, hope you like song lyrics.
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text message from chop seal . . . “jimmy smith, does tom glavine drive a ’93 ford pickup?”
no, chop seal, that is not tom glavine. tom glavine rides in taxi cabs.
now, will jeff francouer remain a spokesperson for delta airlines or will the new spokesperson be joe nathan? and will the new delta serve georgia peanuts or minnesota dry beans?
“sir, care for a bag of minnesota dry beans?”
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JJS at 5:39p.m. = Solid gold
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aw, shucks, hillbilly. journalist thanks hillbilly very much. a bag of dry beans for everybody!
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berigan*, I’m surprised at you … anthropology is an old Greek word meaning describing how antelopes say they’re sorry.
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A blogger’s best friend: Google define: unknown word/s
😆
Tuesday TV night with daughter is about to commence! Later! 😀
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Uh oh… Must be time for Idol….
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ALas, it wAs not TOm GLaVine afTer aLL. SomEboDy homELess.
SoMEthing Is wRong with HaNK AARon. He IS lImPing arounD Camp and it LookS liKE his kNee huRts. I wILL asK somE QuesTions toMorrOw.
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Bob, I was trying to make a funny…this is what I was as far as I got…
IF anthropology was a real word, it would have something to do with apologizing to ants for using anthro
Then, I tried to find the ant killer Anthro…couldn’t find it. I swear there is a product called this, but could only find Ortho….am I crazy??? Wait, don’t answer that! 😡
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“He is Waring a BrAves caP so I think it’s him” … careful Chopper, I’m wearing one too!
Gil, one thing I learned in my few years as an educatee … 1+1+1.
To me the greatest attribute any student can have is to recognize those teachers who can really make a difference … having found none that I could so recognize was indeed a problem … it’s the primary reason I left.
Seriously, it’s indeed unfortunate that classes can’t be better segregated, based on learning capacity and acumen. Everyone deserves the opportunity to become all that they can … and receive proper and necessary encouragement for so becoming. But dumbing down the classroom so that average or inferior student is reached while the superior one is ignored or neglected … has long been politically correct in some circles. Methinks it’s an answer attached to the wrong question.
I believe that to be true in sports as well … you cannot teach talent but you can teach and hone skills, regardless of the player’s capacity and acumen.
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Much is being made of the fact that the US deaths in Iraq are now 3963. This may, or may not, put it in prospective:
american Revolution — 4435 deaths
War of 1812 — 2260 deaths
Indian Wars — 1000(+) deaths
Mexican War — 1733 deaths
Civil War — 212928 deaths(Union & Confederate)
Spanish-American War — 365
WW I — 53402
WW II — 291557
Korean War — 33741
Vietnam War — 47424
All generations have paid their price…Why not this one?
I’m going to bed. C yah tomorrow.
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Description of “Anthro”:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthro_(comics)
Behold the power of wikipedia!
mrgil, your 7.11 post sounds like triage to me!
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apologies, as is frequently the case … perhaps because of being ignored by my teachers, I botched another construct … it should have been something like this: “But though dumbing down the classroom … so that the average or inferior student is reached while the superior one is ignored or neglected … has long been politically correct in some circles, methinks it’s an answer attached to the wrong question.
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Bob, as the son of a teacher (mom – 30 yrs) and college professor (dad -25 yrs), grandson of two teachers (grandmother — 35 years, grandfather — 52 years) and husband of a teacher (17 years), I feel compelled to comment on your 8.22 post.
My wife (and many of her peers) HATES the No Child Left Behind program for that very reason. One slow learner will impede the progress of 25 more advanced. Doesn’t seem fair to those brighter children.
Further, you may be surprised to learn of all the parents that absolutely refuse to have their child placed in “special” classes (i.e. special education, resource, etc) or even treat their ADD or ADHD (whatever they call it these days) because they don’t want their child to get the label of being “slow” or “stupid” with the other kids. Problem is, the other kids know who the dummies are and ridicule them anyway. So these kids further slow down the education process for the more advanced.
And we wonder why so many other countries are kicking our arse in education!
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Berigan*, never apologize for attempting to be what you were … folks will think you think you weren’t and may decide to agree with you, just to be nice and polite.
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Work, sleep, sleep, work…sigh.
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Chris, it’s a complex situation and as per usual, you express yourself much better than I … but, just as per usual … I find yet another point on which we do agree … and it has long been a problem.
“And we wonder why so many other countries are kicking our arse in education!” … I can attest to the fact that the same comment was the subject of conversation is some circles 50 years ago and 40 and 30 and 20 and 10 … which leads me to … “And we wonder why so many other countries are kicking our arse in education!“.
It may also explain why conventional wisdom rules baseball and why there are so many Mets fans.
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ChoP Seal’s BaSeball TalK: pirates mlb.com
Wearing his camouflaged ball cap, LaRoche arrived in camp fresh off another offseason of deer hunting in Kansas, Missouri and even Texas over the winter.
Even there, however, LaRoche couldn’t escape the cameras. While in Texas, the Pirates first baseman spent time at the Texas ranch of Braves third baseman and former teammate Chipper Jones, where the two joined Nationals outfielder Ryan Langerhans and Willie Robertson in filming a hunting video.
That footage is being made into a “Buck Commander” DVD which is expected to be released in June. The group has also been approached about filming a TV series next winter. It would consist of approximately 15 hunting episodes.
“uh, hi.”
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Yes Bob, you are correct in your observation that 1+1+1 equals 3…
You are the perfect example on which I can base my hypothesis. My point however was not to promote mediocrity but recognize the truly gifted for who they are. Too many people take credit for accomplishments for which they had little responsibility.
So the question is, if this is true, then would those who would claim glory from the success of others wear the mantle of failure for those who are not capable of greatness?
Generally, I could pick out those who fit into all three categories pretty quickly. Those who showed the most promise received the most encouragement to strive for the next level. I did not ever slow a class down to make sure all passed, I would however, offer extra help to those who ask for it. I hated feeling it was necessary for everyone to pass so it looked like I was a great teacher. I simply gaged my success by those who I truly made a difference.
Despite what our founding fathers said in the Declaration of Independence, all men are not created equal. There are greater and lessor in all of us. To me the measure of success is getting the most out of the talent that was God given. Something I like to remind folks of is the words “good intentions” is always synonymous with failure.
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All God’s children are playing well together here this evening…so far…
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One thing that should be made, and hopefully is, clear … my comments on the educational system and teachers should not be viewed as being in opposition to those of Gil … as an educator, I’m comfortable that he was concerned with making the greatest contribution … to the greatest number … that he possibly could, and he should be applauded for so doing!
My concern, albeit possibly misguided or misdirected, is that the burden of broad triage is placed upon the teacher throughout … instead of the system … at virtually every level … with what I consider to rather mediocre results, results we can not well afford.
Concerning “graduation” … methinks kids should be continually graduated and regraduated throughout the process … so that their potential is better realized and educators can do a better to help ensure they each receive the best possible “education” … unfortunately, folks don’t seem to realize that the best possible “education” is different for each and every student.
Whether it be Harvard College, Hillsboro High, or Henry Elementary … it matters not.
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I love it! Hi, my most honorable friend!
Gil, I see my slow typing allowed you to once again beat me to the punch! I’ll look at it in a few minutes … Hot Tub time!
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…maybe even the school of ‘Hardknocks’…
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Damn!…I must stink or something…
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SJA, good to see you bloggin’ again!
Bob, one of the problems with the system is that it places ALL the responsibility on the teachers and the schools and NONE of it on the parents.
For many years my wife taught at an inner-city school. The children there were almost exclusively from lower-income homes and most received free lunch and many also received breakfast. There were so many days that Karen would come home crying. She knew that some of those children only had two meals a day and nothing to speak of on the weekends. It broke her (and my) heart.
I don’t remember the exact proportions now but very, very few of her students lived with both parents. More often, they lived with their mother, an older sibling, cousin or, very frequently, grandparents. Few received the love, affection, and attention that they desperately needed. No positive role models for these kids. Many did not know who their father was or he was in prison or dead. It was very, very sad.
PTA meetings would be held and few parents would attend. Open House was offered with the same results. Telephone calls to the parents of failing students would go unanswered.
Being cursed at was a near-daily occurence. Numerous female students became pregnant. Several times she found drugs in her classroom. She took away knives and saw loaded guns taken away from students. One girl, in fact, was on her way to shoot the band teacher when she was apprehended. How can teaching/learning occur with so many distractions?
Did I mention that this happened in a middle school (ages 11-14)? We’re not even talking about high school kids here!
So the parents or guardians allow this behavior to take place yet the teachers and school system are held accountable when the children fail! The system is broken. Parents MUST be held accountable for their children’s educations. It is absolutely imperative that they are part of the process.
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Damn!…I must stink or something…
Check your hooves, you might have the decaying remains of some arse clown that you stomped at the other place stuck in one of them!
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SJA: I love the Hitchcock avatar. Interestingly, I went through a wierd phase this morning where I changed my avatar about 5-6 times, eventually landing back on what I started with. In the midst of that, though, I came within an eyelash of uploading the Hitchcock profile, only to go in another direction instead. Great minds, huh?
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New blog game? Guess Berigan’s name? Connor?
Who’d you like on Idol, CL?
I often was bored in school & didn’t like it, even though I did well in most subjects. My mom has often said that she wished there had been all the private & charter schools back then that are available now. She thinks I would have fit better in a smaller & more personalized program. 35-40 kids per class isn’t good for anyone, IMO.
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Berigan*’s name is… Constantinople… ConAgra… Conundrum… Congo… Condominium… Congolium…
Am I even close?
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Could be Constantine.
Gotta go check Disney hotel rates. I’m on a cake-delivery mission.
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Yes Chris, you are spot on with your observations. The point I always tried to make with my children was education was not a guarantee of success but it gave you so many more options.
A career should be one of your own choosing, not something for which you have to settle for.
Honestly, most companies view a college degree as proof that you are trainable plus you can learn seemingly worthless information in a short amount of time.
The folks who really excel become academics, the D performers start their own companies and hire the B and C guys…. The folks who fail fight with the others in the “unskilled” labor pool for a job that allows them to survive.
Berigan* I vote for Conyer or Cordell…
SJA… Didn’t mean to leave you alone….
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It’s obviously wrong Chris … kids that age should obviously know better than to take things to school what don’t belong to them. Teachers themselves need to take bigger guns than the kids, ones with huge clips.
That’s unfair … we were no better … we occasionally took water pistols and balloons to school, threw spit balls and looked out the window when we should have been paying attention. we even sassed the teacher some … not me, but some … but we didn’t tell the teacher what to teach.
So I can understand some of that … it’s like the post that caused me to write the one what got me in all that trouble said “times have changed and this version is different than the one with which Bob grew up” … my words, not his … what got me in trouble was when he suggested I it would be best to accept it and get over it.
You can’t blame today’s parents or teachers too much … it’s been going in this direction for so long that it’s the only way some of them know.
The thing that really troubles me most is that when such outrages occur … the politically correct thing to do seems to be to accept it and ignore it … so as to avoid a worsening of the situation … and those who choose to challenge that conventional wisdom, so do at their peril.
I’m not degreed but I did have the privilege of teaching a group of inner-city six graders during the early 1990s … the conditions were similar … but the kids, once they got used to me, seemed to have fun and did quite well. Of course, the pizzas helped a lot … and while it was supposed to be a math class, I just told stories about the amazing Mister “X” and designed little logic problems for them to solve, using their names in the problems, whenever possible … finishing the course with a variation of the problem I included in my lead post a while back. maybe that helped too.
No, I didn’t teach what the school had expected me to … and I didn’t conduct triage … two dropped out early, one later returned … but, they seemed to enjoy having no books to read or take home … only a few tricky little word problems, usually involving math … but more about English and Logic than the Math, methinks … but I’ll bet they haven’t forgotten me or it … and I’ll bet dollars to KKs most, if not all, did well in their later math courses and turned out rather well.
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Hey, Lew, whenever you see this try to give me an idea what your schedule’s going to be next week. I’m trying work out a way to get you that cheesecake.
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Oops, it’s been a long day … I meant to say … “and those who choose to challenge that conventional wisdom, place the system in further danger endanger from retaliation and so do at their peril”
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FBG, i’ll arrange my schedule for some cheesecake or some good brunswick stew.
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It was different when I went to school … girls who weren’t virgins when the were graduated were are rare then as those who are, are today.
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Unfortunately, you’re not in Florida, Sir Bob.
Not sure I can afford the Disney hotels but I’d feel a lot safer there than some place outside WDW.
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I miss Bonaner, I’m not sure why.
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Bob, journalist: I’ve wondered if you had one of those $5000 hot tubs, or if you just take a hot bath. Perhaps you would clarify. I always enjoyed a hot tub (the hotel, rich friend, rich neighbor, $5000 variety), but have seen articles suggesting that soaking in a warm bath is somewhat unhygienic. I realize this is personal, but would like to know what a learned man such as yourself feels about this.
Obviously a meaning of life type question. Maybe this is why I miss Bonaner. If nothing else, maybe this will give jjs some new material.
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No, FBG, but I’m somehow reminded of Mohammed and the Mountain … or maybe it was something Laertes told Ophelia, who was a nice girl too.
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VOR…great minds indeed…
mrgil…just kiddin’…
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…but VOR…that ain’t Hitchcock…that really be me…
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atmsteve … a bit of both … I always enjoy a hot bath … and a hot tub!
$5,000 … annual salary right/
The only Learned I remember is Learned Hand and have forgotten about all I ever knew!
Got to run … later
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Cool. A response from Bob, and I may have understood part of it.
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Your understanding part of it makes one of us!
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Or, you’re not understanding it makes you and idiot.
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Hi stinky…
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It dawns on me, after the fact, that your line could just as easily have meant that I’m the one who didn’t understand, at least in full. Damn, you’re good.
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My bad…couldn’t have been stinky…hell!…he was one of only a handful or so that could understand Journalist Bob…
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I wish I knew the history on ol’ Stinky. I’ve only been on the blog since start of last season, and I think he/she/it was gone by then. I suspect the one that has shown up from time to time since then is an imposter. Although, I suspect everybody is an imposter with jjs around.
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Very nice, honorable southern. There is no doubt that I am not one of the handful.
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ol’ stinky was rude and shrewd indeed…
sja out…
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Don’t be too sure most honorable, mon ami … I too suspect everybody is an imposter with jjs around … the question is, is he?
Either or both have ways of letting me know, and I may have a special mission for the one who does.
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Steve, while the message may have intentionally left the interpretation to the reader, the fact that it was so discerned leads me to think you’re really Gunga Gin.
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Note to self: google Gunga Gin
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Google, Wikipedia not helpful. Several Robert Hardman references, but no further information. Bob, I politely request that, in the future, you speak to me as though my IQ is no greater than 110 and I was born in 1977. Thank you, Sir.
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Email me, bitte
Gute Nacht!
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Note to self: German Google?
Scandinavian Google?
Oh, my stupidity.
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Sorry Steve, I can’t dumb down that far … well, I could and I really would like to … but, it would just upset Paladin.
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Paladin disappears for months at a time. Priorities, man. Can’t dumb down to 110….I have no chance. If this were run like the schools you and Chris were referring to, you’d be required to dumb down to my level, at the expense of, well…………everybody else. Sounds good to me, proceed.
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Take a pain pill and get some sleep!
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Bob, if you’re not in bed yet. Perhaps you could describe the circumstances where you aquired your journalist title. I seem to recall jjs stating that he knew you before such time; I’d love to know the story. (In addition to the Gunga Gin explanation)
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And jjs, if you read the overnight nonsense (hopefully CL will allow me to be the overnight nonsense), I miss the website plugs. Was it journalistjamessmith.com, journalistjimsmith.com, juRnalIstBeetJim.com, or what? I can’t get the site to come up. I need help…maybe Bonaner?
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I’m the the one who’s taken the pain pill with the sleep additive … it’s all in the AJC archives, unless things have been deleted … well not everything … just the stuff about jjs and me being called a journalist … I think it was really just a joke, having me own about my obliqueness and verboseness but fine gentleman that he is, he’d have none of that … his way of being nice, I suppose … so considered it an honor to be so titled and I became Bob, journalist jg … nothing about Rudyard or Kim … unless it was me talking about Miss Novak dancing on tables in the Spaghetti Warehouse in Monterey back in the early 60’s … or maybe something about the playing cards, bit them’s Kem if memory serves.
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Just realized I spelled acquired as I did. Stereotypes are funny because they’re true. Also just realized that I can dominate this blog overnight. All you eastern time zoners don’t stand a chance (if Cl will allow). Did I mention I miss Bonaner? I’m still not sure why. Although, in my Canadian Club induced state, I think it’s that ChoP sEEl is played out. I need some variety, jjs. I truly like the miniature beat writer, but I miss Rosalynn, and….., well, who knows who else.
Anywho….that’s somewhere near half of the last several posts. At least a .400 obp and .600 slugging. If that’s not VORP, I don’t know what is (keeping in mind the 110 and 1977).
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Note to self: Google Gunga Gin (Scribe like alliteration), AJC archives, Rudyard, Kim, Miss Novak, Spaghetti Warehouse, and Kem.
OK, I think it’s time to mention the depths of my laziness. Bob, in the future, please assume my IQ is no greater than 70, and I was born in 1977. Thank you.
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No, Steve, I was just a sayin that if you out figured that there were multiple interpretations to that post at this time of night, then you were a better man than I … but I did know that had no chance of dumbing down to 110 … that was obvious.
Good night and God Bless!
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77 IQ and born in 1910 … now that sounds more reasonable … you need to join the day shift.
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You too, Bob. I’ve enjoyed your posts this last year. I wish you and Carol the same.
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Wow, if I didn’t know better, I would think that was an extreme knock against the day shift. Paladin may have an issue. Insert emoticon here.
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TheJackAss would like to welcome ‘BayAreaSteve’ to the blog…well, I mean ‘atmsteve’…one in the same…right?…and who do we have to thank for the referral?…
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Well done, SJA. I will change my name here so there is no confusion. No bad intentions here. I’ve been reading the other blog since the start of last season, and have been reading this blog since its inception, per CL’s invite. I hope that is ok. In my reading, it seems to be acceptable. Maybe not preferred, but acceptable.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank CL for her efforts. In all honesty, I would have liked to see everybody where they started. But, I understand the reason for the change, and this blog stands on its own. I commend you all.
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OK, I lied. I am not going to change my name here. It seems I would have to create a new account. I am very lazy (I believe I admitted this earlier), and will not do so.
SJA, thank you for the welcome, and please accept that I have no ill feelings for anyone here, and I readily admit to posting as Bay Area Steve on the “blog that shall remain nameless” as Lew described it.
Also, sorry for all this nonsense for those who don’t care.
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And, why not add a line, as my stated intention is to dominate the overnights: if not wanted, just say so.
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Honorable Southern: while I’m alone in this space, let me say that I’ve enjoyed your posts over the year I’ve been around. I do miss the occasional 17EEE post. I checked the blog you had set up, but it seemed out of character, with the sunset pictures (or whatever they were). But, I hope you continue posting here, and frequently, as I think you contribute much to the discussion.
For purposes of full disclosure, I once thought you and jjs to be the same (he has that effect). I’ve now decided otherwise, but in my limited mind, realize that I could be mistaken yet again.
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Random last thought, as if anybody is still reading my stuff at this point: the naming of the Kelly seemed perfect for this blog. I can’t think of a better tribute to the person who created this space. Based on my limited understanding of CL (her public posts over the last year), I don’t believe there is anything she would appreciate more, or better suited for this blog.
I also hope Lew will continue his efforts. I think CL has already received a Kelly; if not, she certainly has earned one. The next person I would nominate is Lew. I realize I’m not a member of the nomination committee, but Lew, you ought to take the time to paint a picture of your own choosing; you deserve it.
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Goodness, Lew, I just knew it was you all the time … knew you by your avatar!
As an aside, you can easily change your name at anytime without a new account, and change it back … as best I can determine, all posts, old and new, … associated with a given account reflect its current avatar … but the name on a post is that given at the time you make it.
I’m up posting again ’cause I fell asleep in the tub … not as in hot tub … and, as the Southern Equus Asinus, most honorable said, welcome Steve … regardless of the mask … we’re delighted you’re here, just as we’re delighted to here be!
“Wow, if I didn’t know better, I would think that was an extreme knock against the day shift” … I say with emotion that truth is truth and methinks that Paladin probably has more than one issue … they just don’t want folks to know it and have changed their names … sorta like you!
Indeed MyLady has her Kelly, and maybe one of Lew’s paintings too!
No, there’s no intended knock on anyone, especially not about IQs, … IQ’s are like like our natural parents … best as I can tell, we had no say in the matter and we’re stuck with them … just thank the Lord for giving what he did and try do our best with what we got!
It’s a good group … it truly is … welcome aboard!
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In reading the overnights I see where some small snips were taken at me but I’m going to consider the source, and the content, and let them go. I have MUCH work to do today so I’ll be in infrequently. Have fun, and c ya later.
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Good morning all, Welcome Steve…. Always good to have a new perspective on the blog. There are others whom I would like to see join CL’s blog but I know where they are if I need to get in touch with them.
At least the Lady of Carolina does not appear to be subject to wild mood swings and forgetfulness as some of the other blog host I have met.
Now baseball…. A local (Richmond) news station aired an interview with John Smoltz last night. I cannot quote him directly but basically he stated that he felt the Atlanta pitching staff as a whole was as good as anyone in the National League. He was being inclusive of the relievers as well as the starters but held the number to be eleven.
I know Bobby Cox carried 12 and sometimes 13 pitchers for most of the season last year which severely restricted the team’s ability to make substitutions in late innings. I mean, having Chuck James and Jo Jo pinch hit isn’t my idea of having the capability to come up with the big hit when needed.
Having starters who can pitch deep into games can have a profound impact. I have stated this before, most games are lost in the middle innings. It is why I think the role of the middle reliever is going to be so important and will make the difference in the NL East between the Braves, Phillies and the Mets.
The game has changed in that respect. It will be interesting to see what affect the reduction of “chemicals” has on players this season. Will pitchers learn how to bunt again? I cannot remember the player’s name but the quote was “Do you think it was just the hitters who were doing steroids”?
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paladin… Consider it a badge of honor that others are aware of your existence. So many folks are forgettable. As they say in Hollywood, “Only no publicity is bad publicity” …
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I think I’ll search my files for a new avatar. Too much rooster in this one… 🙂
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Where The Human Race Comes From (And now you know the rest of the story)
A little girl asked her mother: “How did the human race appear?”
The mother answered: “God made Adam and Eve and they had children and so was all mankind made.”
Two days later she asks her father the same question.
The father answered: “Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race was developed.”
The confused girl returns to her mother and says: “Mom, how is it possible that you told me that the human race was created by God and Papa says they were developed from monkeys?”
The mother answers: “Well dear, it is very simple. I told you about the origin of my side of the family and your father told you about his side.”
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G’morning to all in this Brave new world. Another beautiful morning here in J-town, but I’d still rather be at Champion Field hearing the pop of leather and the crack of white ash. (Hmmm… I think that could be foreshadowing to my pinch-hitting effort…)
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Salty: 😆
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Women always have an answer! 😐
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Top of the morning, everyone, as the coffee tastes really good after a four-hour night of sleep … how is it when you’re slammed with work and trying to pack up your belongings and move down the road, your kids know it and decide to wake up every two hours?
Ah, the joys of parenthood …
BayAreaSteve, good to see you and welcome to the neighborhood. Glad you are here (although, I suspect, you are sleeping as I write this … wish I was sleeping) …
Our out-of-town trip for this weekend has been postponed. A friend of mine who was going is dealing with a family emergency, so if you wouldn’t mind sending one up for them in this time of need, I’d appreciate it greatly.
I asked the wife if I could drive to Orlando this weekend, since we’re not breaking north … I don’t think the glare she shot back at me has faded since last night. Alas, I’ll have to rely on Lew and Grinch and Chop Seal to file their stellar reports. BUT, she did tell me she’s really excited about the season and can’t wait to start going to games. She loves baseball; she does not love her husband being gone, which I guess is a good thing (guess getting outta the scribin’ game and actually being home is spoilin’ her).
OK, off to write business stuff and something for http://www.bigleagueblog.net and there’s tons of laundry to do and a bookshelf begging to be packed and I’m sure I’ll be both “here” and “over there” at some point later today. Geez. Somebody take a nap for me, will ya?
And for those of you who care — which I don’t know if any of you do, so pardon me if you don’t — Idol was horrible last night. Maybe the sounds of those dudes ruining Moon River or Jailhouse Rock is why I couldn’t sleep 🙂
Selah, good people!
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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and a new blogger has joined the braves and stuff blog. welcome, atmsteve. and who is this bonaner? an early braves and stuff blogger, perhaps? bonaner may return after the ides of march. and speaking of ides, the most feared ides for this journalist is the ides of april. never a favorite day of jimmy smith.
and is this blog pithy? well, thank you! compliment, right?
and journalist bob was named a journalist by this journalist in appreciation for outstanding and informative posts. there were many, many journalists on the other blog. journalist jimmy smith, journalist bob, scribe, journalist penn, and statistician/journalist hk. probably more. can’t remember all the players without a scorecard.
and remember that not all bloggers would make the transition here because that blog does have resources this blog cannot match. but that blog cannot match carolina lady. and the beet writer hear is taller and smarter. and what has become of the endearment, “frank”? still calling frank, frank? still text messaging ol’ frank?
let journalist be frank . . . frankly speaking frank is loading somebody’s wagon. and whither celebrity blogger, mr clean? mr clean will post at 10:00. just drop by and post – nothing contrived. big fan of the blog. reads with comprehension.
looks like ol’ frank may have withheld a little information or offered a little mis-direction in weeks past. oh, yeah, jersey gil is also a journalist. scooped a beet writer on (1) the hampton injury and (2) javy working out with chino.
and avatars are unnecessary. ask lew. still, journalist thinks a maple syrup bottle would pretty much suit lew. vermont. maple syrup. get it?
and chop seal is still in florida and should be heard from soon. jimmy smith has worked with chop seal overnight on spelling and capitalization. bloggers should see some improvement in future posts. next, will work with lew and berigan 😆 😆
and berigan is to be commended. fears of killing the blog were unfounded as many posts are coming in and more are anticipated.
and it is good to see the jackass blogging again. can rr be far behind? still sore at jimmy smith?
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JIMMY Smith workeD with me On CapiTaliZation but jimmy smith may nOt be the BEst teaCher therE. I am eaGEr to see whO is in CharGe todAy with Bobby Cox goNe. I bouGht some cOrn pups and some KriSpy KrEmes in Case Chino is In CharGe. ThAt sHoulD get ChinO’s attEntion and geT me an InterView. I mAde fRiends with SeKuritee hear and nOw i can Get on toP of the Dugout anYtime. TheRe go Some more seed CollecTors wiTh baGGies and tWEEzers. I am woRried abouT HanK Aaron. He is LimPing arouND. TheRe waS an aftErnooN shoWer and the Cheeze got wEt in the PrEssbox. I Will RePort baCk lateR.
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mark davis has a way with words . . . and now this about the zoo’s vern and shirley warthog:
“Vern and Shirley are long in the snout, short on looks. But they seem to have the hots for each other, homeliness notwithstanding. Crane thinks they might bring forth a few little warthogs — warthoglets? — of their own.”
and of the lemurs:
“With their shock of white and black fur and bug eyes, lemurs Neva and Ian resemble stunned skunks. If they are stunned, it’s apparently with each other. “We’ve seen sexual activity,” said Crane.”
and now, the kangaroos:
“The zoo also is keeping an eye on a female kangaroo Uluru, who has a little hopper jumping about in her pouch. A sharp-eyed employee discerned the infant two months ago, and zoo officials expect the joey to slide its little nose out and sniff the air sometime this spring. The dad is a springy fellow named Charlie.”
that was stuff. baseball later.
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‘Morning, everyone! Hope all is well!
Steve, welcome! Glad you decided to jump in!
jjs, love the Mark Davis clips. Thanks!
Lew, your reports are much appreciated!
Gil, you’ll be kept busy with info from RIC before you know it!
Chop Seal, super job!! Um, we might want to think about a tutor; jimmy smith will take care of it. But you’re doing well for a seal! 🙂
American Idol. Oh, the things we endure for our children! 😆 Pretty poor showing last night overall. There are only 3 I would put through to the Top 12. And they need mentors. (Kelly enjoys it, looks forward to it, and decided that Mom would, too. She designated Tuesday as “our” TV night. And Wednesday while that part lasts….. sigh…..) Did I ever mention that I just don’t enjoy TV??? 😀 And when Nashville Star (or whatever it is) starts, my presence before the TV is mandatory,as well.
I’m working on a genealogy project for someone but I’ll be in and out here. Sometimes a post will get caught in the Spam filter so I try to keep a pretty close check on that. Once in a while it will catch a post that seems completely acceptable – don’t know what triggers it in those cases. Anyhow, if a post doesn’t show up, that’s where it is and I’ll be along shortly to fish it out! 🙂
Friends, we are rapidly approaching 21,000 hits on our little blog!!! Congratulations!! 😆
Who’s up next in the Lineup?? Lew’s already done his so he’ll be skipped this rotation.
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Total Views: 20,949
😆
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JJS, 5-year-olds have a way with words too. True story from yesterday afternoon:
I will never, EVER ridicule Mark Kotsay or any other player that has a back injury.
Yesterday I bent (bended?) over to pick up a limb in the yard, and I think lightning struck me in the left kidney area. Unable to move, I was entertained by my 5-year-old’s comedy for about 20 minutes while I stood in the driveway waiting for someone to come along and help me up the steps and into the house.
I said to Little Hillbilly: “Somebody’s going to have to help me get in the house.”
Her: “Why?”
Me: “Because I’m locked up.”
Her: “Yeah, I know. Mommy’s knocked up, too.” 😯 OH THE HUMANITY!!!
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Hmmm… Mommy’s knocked up and Hillbilly’s locked up. I think I saw that movie! 😀
Seriously, I hope your back is OK, Hillbilly. I, like Gil, have back issues. No fun. I start every day with a cup of coffee and 3 Advil. Take care of it…
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Oh.. and congratulations? 😕
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CL: I sent you somethin’
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” . . . a little hopper jumping about in her pouch”
thought sure to be banned – but, no. can talk hoppers in pouches but cannot talk b–gers here. and what is a hopper in a pouch? and what blogger will come forward and slide its little nose out and sniff the air this spring? nose talk that is acceptable. but not b–gers. oh, the humanity! 😆
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YEAAAA!!!! Raisins has joined the Lineup Card!!! A terrific blog lead which will follow MrGil’s!
SJA, Paladin, y’all like to give it a go??
Got a long list of errands waiting; be back later! 🙂
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Taking a break and stopped by for a minute. I see where SJA and I have been invited by CL to try our hand at real “journalism”. But, I got second-billing to SJA?! I’m going to pout. OK, it’s over. Yeah, CL, I would be honored to participate but it is going to have to wait until I make some progress on emptying my “in” basket and, more importantly, “ATTEND TO IMMEDIATELY” basket. I’m hopeful that will occur during this millenium. 😉
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pal(adin). it’s all about multi-tasking. I work, I fax, I email, I blog, I drink coffee, I eat my Corn Pops, I think baseball, I listen to the radio.
Suddenly, I’m tired… 😯
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oh, the humanity! chop paladin.
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BraKing News: Chino appeaRs to be in ChaRge. GOing for morE douGhnuts. Back SooN.
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Now, baseball.
I heard a portion of an interview with RogerMc this morning. He had some interesting things to say. He absolutely gushes over JJ… says he has a great arm, great stuff and is easily adjusting to his new club. He says he can certainly be a #1 one day. On Hampton, he says that his arm looks 100%, no problems at all, right where everyone else is. He did mention that the hamstring is still “tight”, though. He pretty much dodged the question of the 4th and 5th spots, but did later mention that “our 1-4 have all been #1 guys in their careers.” The only other thing of note: it’s obvious that he loves Moylan. He talked about his “nasty stuff” and how he is equally tough on lefties as well as righties. I took from his comments that Moylan is a lock for the 8th inning.
Now, stuff.
Is there anything better than Thin Mint girlscout cookies right out of the freezer? 😀
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Raisins…Corn Pops? Can you mix cereals…no genetic effects (per se!)? 😕
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Salty: Corn Pops today, maybe Apple Jacks tomorrow… who knows? I kinda mix it up. I mostly prefer Honey-Nut Cheerios, though. I’m out of those so I raided the kids’ boxes. TMI?
By the way, no raisins in the Corn Pops. And definitely no Raisin Bran. Not a “cannible” thing, more of a digestive volcano thing. Again, TMI?
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Greetings all! Sorry about the back hillbilly!!! As yet another that lives with bace “issues”, take this to heart, when it gets better, don’t forget about it! Find ways to strengthen the back and abs….
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and some baseball news… I am rooting for Dan Meyers….still nly 25, and put up good numbers in AAA
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/dan-meyer-1.shtml
Meyer saddled with 4th option
Coming into the spring, it appeared the A’s would have to make a decision on left-hander Dan Meyer one way or another.
As it turns out, they don’t. Meyer said he found out earlier this week that he’s one of those handful of players who winds up with four option years, rather than three, and that means he could be sent down again this season.
The A’s have optioned Meyer three times, in 2005, 2006 and 2007, but in 2006, Meyer didn’t play enough at Triple-A Sacramento for that season to qualify – 90 days is needed, and a shoulder injury forced Meyer out of action in late May. He had surgery in July, ending his year, and the timing of that procedure robbed him of an option year, according to Meyer.
“It was three days before the cutoff point,” Meyer said. “But what are you going to do? I’m going to go out there with the idea that there have been a lot of changes here, they’re saying that fifth spot is open and I mean to make that decision for them. I’m not even going to worry about them using that option – instead of competing for that job, I’m going to take it. You’ve got to be aggressive. … I do have a fourth option, but let’s not make that an option.”
Meyer threw a bullpen session with a batter standing in the box, but not swinging the bat, and his velocity looked good, though his breaking ball was a little erratic.
“I’ve gotten a couple of compliments that my arm strength looks good and the ball is coming out of my hand well,” he said. “But I have to locate better; I can’t fall behind batters.”
There’s some sentiment around camp that Dana Eveland – who also has another option left – might have the inside track on the fifth-starter spot because he was part of such a visible offseason deal, in which Dan Haren went to Arizona.
“Three years ago, that was me,” said Meyer, who was the centerpiece of the Tim Hudson trade with Atlanta. “(Eveland) might have a step up right now, but that’s not going to make me work any less. … I can help this team. I’ve got a lot of wins (waiting) in these white shoes.”
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/20/SPC7V50HV.DTL&feed=rss.athletics
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still only 25…he may nly be 25 as well, but don’t know that for sure…
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I see where some whipper-snapper has attempted to offer advice to an old pilot about “multi-tasking”. Should I go on? Anyway, my problem is that all my “multi-tasks” are in those two boxes I mentioned, and the mail ain’t run yet.
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Raisins… Be careful with the Advil… The amount you are taking to kick start you every morning is not too bad but I can tell you from personal experience that when you get to the point when you need more, There are better things to take via prescription. The last couple of years I worked, I was taking Advil like candy just to get by and did not realize what a detrimental affect they had on my vascular system. When you start to notice a lot of bruising on you legs you are toast….
For short term relief I really would recommend coated aspirin as need for the discomfort. It also does not make you drowsy and cause weird dreams like the Advil does.
Hillbilly, I don’t know how to break this to you but sounds like you may have a ruptured disc. Done play around with it. See a good orthopedic doctor about it. You are still young, don’t be a dummy like me and put it off thinking it is going to get better on it’s own. It doesn’t…..
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Yes CL… Idol was a bit of a dud last night. Certainly no one to write home about. I think they jumped the shark in season five…
When folks start talking about seeing the colors of the music, maybe they need to stop taking the Paxil…
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MrGil, It’s more toward the side than it is to the spine. I’ve had this problem about once every 3 or 4 months for 7 years now, but never with the magnitude of yesterday’s episode.
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And, when I become chop paladin, I’ll leave that ST assignment to the rooks and wanna-bees. I’ll take the WS where the Bravos will have so many aces they won’t know who to give the ball to.
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Back to work. I’ll take the heat, and my meds, later.
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When folks start talking about seeing the colors of the music, maybe they need to stop taking the Paxil…
… or too much Advil!
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Raisins…TMI? Actually…no. However…based on your reactions to said cereals, it does support that ‘quin’-whatever multi-syllabic word Paladin smeared the blog with yesterday; i.e., we’re all related…digestive volcano thing! 😆 No bran, uh uh! And, honey-nut cheerios…good!
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Hooray! Paladin joins the Lineup Card!!
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OK, folks… got errands to run, things to do, people to see, etc…
C-ya later –>
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Funny about what they don’t tell you…. Paxil is of the same class of drugs as LSD….
Hillbilly, that is good news and bad news. Sounds like you torqued it while picking up the limb. At least you can treat it with aspirin, heat and rest….
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Afternoon denizens!
What a wonderful day! Spring training is here and we have BASEBALL with us again.
I am looking forward to a great year from the 2008 Braves. From reading all the Braves info I can find, our young guys are ready and looking forward to playing some ball.
Gil, I think Richmond is going to have a heck of a team this year!
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Hillbilly, sounds like you pulled a muscle rather doing some sort of structural damage. I’ve done it a few times too. A doctor will probably prescribe heat and muscle relaxers and rest. It took a few weeks for me to recover but with any luck you won’t have any long-term effects.
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Ta-Daaaaahhhhh!
Total Views: 21,038
😆
Free Diet Coke (Caffeine Free) for everyone!!
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flange1 …. I think you are right about the Richmond club this year. Of course, a big trade can undo a minor league club pretty quick. I doubt Pena or Boyer will clear waivers so if they don’t stay with Atlanta, I do not expect to see them back in the Rivah City….
I am glad to hear that the Braves’ brass sees the same high upside to Brent Lillibridge that I saw last year. I am telling you folks, he is the second coming of Craig Biggio.
He may get stashed in Richmond for one more year but some how some way, he will be playing for a major league club by 2009. He is like having an extra $1000 bill stashed in your wallet in case of an emergency. So many options with him to make the team better.
Salmons will start in Richmond this year so he can get about 500 at bats he would not get in Atlanta. Anderson in the outfield, we will have to wait and see about Blanco. I don’t know if he will clear waivers or not.
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Gil,
I thought Blanco was out of options too, but folks in other places (!) seem to disagree. We are right aren’t we?
flange1 out
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Thorman holds the key to his own future, options or no, he will have to show marked improvement this spring to stay in Atlanta. I just don’t think the Braves can afford to have an albatross hanging around their neck for a whole season. Again, someone who does not have to win could make a trade of some off the chart minor leaguer. We saw it happen with McBride last year when the Braves basically gave him away.
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Well, we were told Bennett was out of options too… Let’s just say it is my understanding that Blanco is out of options. Now, I cannot swear that it is the case. I am sure someone will let us know for sure by the end of spring training.
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Gil,
You are correct about Bennett..
What does everyone think about the composition of the Braves bench? I have thought about this a lot and see many different options, but my favorite right now is : Lillibridge (2B, SS,3B, OF) Pena (1B, 3B, C, OF) Diaz/B Jones, Javy (C), J Anderson (RF,CF,LF)
This group would give the team 3 catchers so both could be used to pinch hit, speed (Anderson) to pinch run, power (Javy), righties (Diaz, Lilibridge, Javy) lefties (Anderson) and switch hitter (B Pena).
When Infante is ready, we can either send Lillibridge or Anderson down.
Thoughts?
Flange1 out
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Thank you folks for the welcome; hopefully it will encourage a few of the lurkers to jump in.
Also, Bob, thanks for the aside about the name change. When I looked the second time, I noticed the nickname can be changed; it’s the username that cannot.
CL, as a diet coke aficionado (first) myself, I am curious to hear your take on the Coke Zero, Diet Coke Plus, Diet Coke with Splenda, etc. varieties.
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I know you are high on Anderson, Flange, perhaps rightfully so, but I don’t see any scenario where he makes the team out of spring training. I think the same could be said for Lillibridge, who, in my opinion, is the far greater talent. Infante’s possible DL stint complicates this.
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TheSouthernJackAss is not the doorman here…
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…nor the doormat…
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Nor a potted plant I would suspect… 🙂
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Maybe some of you kids might enjoy some of these http://moreoldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm
Walter’s Dad says hi … “will be back once I get past finals”
Time to go to Publix … old folks day, you know
Later
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Bay Area Steve,
You may be right about Anderson! I really love his speed and can BC using him to pinch run a lot.
With Infante hurt, Lillibridge HAS to make the team because there is no other SS backup right?
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Yes! No more chemistry! 🙂
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Gil, you make a very good point about the problems from Advil/Ibuprofen!!! They can be bad enough on their own on your organs, nevermind with pain meds.
When I really messed my back up good in 2005,(To the point of using a walker for a week or so since my left leg didn’t really move much) I was taking them with my late Mother’s Hydrocodone (Sp?) Not a good combo….4 advils + Pain med=very ill feeling all over. What many of us don’t realize is for some strange reason, they put Tylenol in with prescription meds. You see some number like 500/10 or 500/5. I think the 500 is actually the Tylenol number, but someone correct me if I’m wrong. Is the Tylenol to coat the stomach????
Oh, no one has mentioned them, but I LOVE gel packs! You used to be able to get them at Wal-mart, or like we did some big ones at a chiropractor . You freeze them, and they really help me when my backs acting up. Like today….guess I need to get one out of the freezer….well, the pain’s not too bad….I can be so lazy! 😳
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Hey Bob, top that!!! Italics for every one, and every word!!!!
And hello there BAS, and hello again Flange! 🙂
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Thanks Berigan! Nice lead in blog as well
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Flange…speaking of leads…CL will be coming after you! Can’t just sit on the bench…gotta get in the game! 😆
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Steve, haven’t even tried all the variations! My theory is ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t ‘fix’ it!’ The plain ol’ Diet Coke minus the caffeine suits me perfectly. 😆
Flange, it’s really good to see you back!
I really hope Lillibridge lives up to the expectations everyone has for him! Would LOVE to have our own “Biggio”!
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from mlb.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Since arriving in his native Florida earlier this week for his latest Spring Training experience, Chipper Jones has been battling heavy nasal congestion. It’s an ailment he’s come to expect every time he ventures south in February.
But as he prepares for the 2008 season, Jones is hoping this will finally be the year in which he’s able to avoid one of those disabled-list stints that have become far too common over the past couple of years.
disabled because of a stuffy nose? oh, the humanity!
can talk stuffy nose here? can talk stuff? stuff. stuffy. stuffy nose. disabled list. and will chipper require a cast? and must keep the fingers away from the stuffy nose and leave the stuffing in the bird so to speak.
and journalist is avoiding use of the “b” word. carolina lady will be proud.
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Thanks for the reminder, Salty! Flange, you up to going on the Lineup Card?? (Blame Salty!) 😆
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Berigan; Don’t know about your “theory” i. e., Tylenol coating the stomach; but I do know that people, like me, with bad stomachs are told to take Tylenol instead of aspirin because “it doesn’t harm the lining of the stomach like aspirin”. But, when we develop heart/stroke problems they put us on an aspirin-a-day to protect our hearts. Go figure.
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jjs is doing well – as I knew he would! His posts no longer turn stomachs!! 😆
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Paladin, it’s my understanding that aspirin can irritate the stomach lining. And the aspirin is recommended for hearts/strokes because it thins the blood. I stand to be corrected.
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Re: Escobar being “ripped” this year. Last year they said his line drives could take an infielders glove off. This year it might take a hand with it.
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Thanks Flange! And BAS, if I can call you that….there are some nights when either Bob or I are up late, so hopefully we can get a bit of a night shift goin’ here!
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paladin, I guess since Aspirin comes in what, 350 MG and 500 MG doses for pain, and the daily regimen is only 81 MG, it’s a safe amount for folks with bad stomachs…..
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and how many players have succumbed to heavy nasal congestion? inner ear maybe – who was that first baseman with the equilibrium problems? name that player for a prize from braves and stuff blog. and of course, george brett had a rather famous indignation/malady . . . but never a stuffy nose. this may be serious. will ask chop seal to investigate.
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I hope none of the “ripped’ fellers in camp (Bob perhaps?) trained this offseason with Clemens!!!! 😯
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CL; Does it also thin blue blood? Hope so, in case Bobj needs it. 🙂
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Nick Esasky????????
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Nick Esasky
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Do I get a senior-citizen time allowance?
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Bollards….ever heard of them??? No, not birds, or British curse words…but I imagine the Brits cuss after they run into one of these. Very 1984ish, if you ask me. Reason 912 why the U.S. of A. is the best country in the world!
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cannot talk noses but can talk stomach linings? journalist is becoming queasy reading about stomach linings. oh, the humanity! 😆
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I love bollards but they sure do smell up the house during cooking.
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jjs; If I were to talk of some of my other maladies, I would ruin everybodies appetite.
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and berigan wins the prize from carolina lady’s braves and stuff blog for naming nick esasky. berigan should contact carolina lady and provide shipping instructions. blackberry cobbler may be a possibility – a favorite of carolina lady.
of course, all this talk of stomach linings may deter berigan from wanting anything to eat. journalist sure has become queasy in the past few posts. 😆
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Now, jimmy smith. It isn’t noses, per se, but it’s the stuff that, ummm, it’s what Bobby and the queen d…. uh, it’s ……. it’s the b-word, especially when it involves public displays and jelly beans.
I don’t feel well……. 😦
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I’m not getting any work done!
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I want to protest. That young whipper-snapper bumped me at the 3/4 pole. Check the tapes.
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I’m not either, CL. But, I’m going to get back at it. It’s been fun, as usual.
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Oh, bollards!
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Ha, I win, I win!!! In your face paladin2008 !!! I also have a bad back today, and I only slept 4 hours! In fact, I couldn’t even spell his name right, so had to look it up as well!!!
What is the point of being a good sport, anyways??? 😕
Oh, and JJS, CL will just put herself in a crate, and mail herself to my house??? I think her Mom and Daughter would miss her…..though we could use help cleaning the gutters, getting the oil changed, and other women’s work that needs to be done around the old homestead!
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yes, berigan nosed out paladin. whoa, can’t say nosed out, right?
chop seal called this journalist and said mark kotsay is working out with the pitchers rather than the position players. is it because mark kotsay’s back is sore???? let’s hope not. sore backs. heavy nasal congestion and stomach linings. something for everybody on the carolina lady braves and stuff blog.
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Maybe it’s Berigan who smells, when cooking. 🙂 And, as Leo the Lip said:”Show me a good sport and I’ll show you a loser!”
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stomach linings?
oh, the humanity! some good baseball bloggers hear today. should see some good baseball talk tonight.
ups no longers offers crate service to or from carolina lady’s house.
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😆 jjs
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“Women’s work?” Oh dear. berigan, it’s been nice knowing you!
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Berigan. May I have a word with you, please?
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Greetings from the Land Of Mice, Ducks and Sunscreen-Today was the first day the full squad reported. Not much in autographs, but Tex signed a drawing. I made him the offer of a painting of his choice in addition to what the Braves offer him if he signs with Atlanta. He said he’d tell Scott Boras. Well, one can only try. The Mets won’t offer him that kind of deal-the Yankees, either.
Got to talk with Kelly Johnson. He admitted he was a bit tired at the end of last season “Yeah, it was a long year with all the work I did with Glen Hubbard over the winter”, was his response. He also was a nice guy. He says he will bat anywhere in the order and it won’t bother him at all.
Now Journalist Bob and Bobby Dews- Dewsie confirms that Bob did indeed live down the hall in 1957. Said to say hello and I had him sign a baseball which I will send to Bob when I return from the land of Gas having gone up 25 cents a gallon since Thursday and warm weather.
Bobby Dews also has commissioned me to draw a portrait of William Faulkner and he is also opening an art gallery and wants to commiission me to do more art. He must be serious as he gave me his phone number and address and took my card. All in all a fun day. Wish y’all were here.
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Sounds like a very productive day, Lew!
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Lew, sounds like you’re having a good time. I’m jealous.
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I’m having a blast. I just wish I had some more stamina (and cash-gas has gone up a quarter per gallon since Thursday-though I guess it has everywhere), but at least I’m in better shape than two years ago.
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Lew…multi-tasking Dude! Weatherman, journalist (watch for Chopper’s toes…er, flippers!), artist, and salesman. How do you do it!
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One would almost think Lew likes the warm sunny weather, but deep down…you know he misses the snow! 😆
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Salty-Not too sure how. I guess I do what I did when I had ten eye operations in four years-keep on keeping on. Just look towards the finish line and hope you’ve got enough gas in the tank to get you where you’re going. In my experience we all have a little extra we can give.
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Now Ma’am, I did put a emoticon in there, mr green means its all in fun! Right?????
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I wiLL be plaYing the uKulele on the fiEld on Opening day. Frank liKes me. ChIno liKes me, to. And ChiNo likEs spRinkleS on his DonougHts.
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FranK sayS i need a parTner to plaY the Ukulele with me. I thougHt abouT GrincH but I wanT the micRopHone to woRk. I musT calL GrinCh abouT this. And, KotsaY is acTing tenDEr dowN hear and hanGing with the pitcHErs.
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Ukulele Ike was pretty good, but he’s been dead awhile, is that a problem CS???
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Lew: That’s awesome news about doing some work for Dews. I got to meet him three years ago at a book signing I covered down on the coast. I sat there and talked baseball with him for more than an hour. He was absolutely awesome, such a great gentleman and such a wealth of baseball knowledge.
It was two days after covering the Super Bowl in Jacksonville. I had worked for two weeks straight and honestly, I was tired of football, and tired in general. Talking with Bobby really was awesome; got me energized for baseball season. I think I wrote a pretty good story, but just sitting there talking about his years in baseball and with the Braves, all the great kids he helped coach, was just too cool.
And he’s a helluva writer, too. His stories are really good stuff. I got to see him at spring training a few weeks later and told him how much I loved his book. I think I read it three times that year. Some of those stories really grab hold of you. I sat out on the beach and read that book … couldn’t put it down.
And this is the type of guy he is: A year later, back at spring training, I was standing by the cage on my first day there and heard somebody say hey to me and address me by name. I turned, and it was Dewsie, holding a bat and wearing that warm smile of his. Made my day, for sure!
Man, Lew, you’re early favorite for spring MVP. Wishin’ I was there to see it all with ya!
The Scribe abides.
–30–
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Lew; can i have your autograph; preferably on the bottom of one of your paintings? 🙂
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The buttercups are in bloom. Some of the trees are budding. And the Blue Bird of Happiness squirted on my windshield. Spring is upon us.
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Great news Lew, be careful making offers like that to ball players, He might ask for a Monet….
And yes, gas went up everywhere. Nothing to do but grumble and pay the asking price.
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LeW is heLping coveR ST so LeW shoUld geT some gAs allOwance from CarulIna Lady. WhO knEw Bobby DeWs has the FamouS BR-549 phone Number? 😆 FaulKner – AmeRican League? I hoPe LEw Will take me For Some Pie tomoRRow or Maybe some WheLk.
And Berrygan, GriNch has a Ukelele, to. ProbabLy loudeR thaN a dead guY. HaS to be Loud with no MicropHone.
I am Leeving toMorrow nigHt. I miSS jimmy smitH.
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Chop Seal-I’m taking tomorrow off, but I understand how you miss JJS. If you show up on Friday, I’ll buy you some pie. Not too sure about the whelk,though. Say hello to the hartebeest for me.
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Hi All,
CL, I will be glad to help! (Thanks Salty) When do you need a new blog center piece?
Lew, sounds like you had a great day! I hope you get to meet the Chop Seal, Beet Journalist on Friday. Just don’t talk about noses….
Flange1 out!
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Flange…uh… 😳 Just tryin’ to help…you know, proper welcome and all? 🙂
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Berigan…how’s that doghouse CL has you in? 😆
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Berigan*, i would never try to top you, mon ami! Methinks that either a Tylenol 500 or 500 Tylenol would probably mask any pain but I would suggest neither … probably wouldn’t wake up … my guess is that the generic name for Tylenol 500 would be Pure Codeine on the planet Mars. I don’t know what the naming convention is these days but back in the day, Tylenol “X” indicated the codeine component, where “X” was the power of “2” … that is, Tylenol 1 contained 1 unit of Codine, Tylenol 2 contained 4 units, 3 contained 8, ect.
Tylenol doesn’t attack the stomach lining or trigger the las vegas nerves like aspirin is apt, but it can do a job on the liver.
Pain is good … careful how you mask it, for you may mask something else.
I remember one Sunday in Dallas, back in the mid 70’s … Carol and I worked all day at the office on a special project … drinking coffee and eating donuts … I had a headache … took several Anacin and it did the trick! Took Carol home … started feeling bad … told her I was going for a ride … thought I was having a heart attack and drove to Parkland Hospital Emergency. They wheelchaired and rushed me into the trauma center … attached a bunch of wires all over me … IVs and two monitors … I thought I was going to die with nobody knowing where I was.
Then, everyone left me alone … for over 3 hours … and there I was all hooked up and nowhere to go … couldn’t have moved if I had. I tried repeatedly to get the attention of nurses so that I could find out what was going on … but without success.
About midnight, shift change I guess, a old maid, though I really don’t think she was, came in to clean the room … I asked her to get the doctor.
she asked why I was there what was wrong … so I told quickly gave her an overview. “Had any coffee today?” she asked … “Lot’s of it” … “You smoke?” … “Yes” … “Take any Anacin today?” … ‘Yes, several.” She laughed, “relax, son, you ain’t had no heart attack … it happens all the time … you’ve just had a little anxiety attack, that’s all. Don’t mix Anacin and Coffee, especially if you smoke!”
She got the doctor for me … he had been waiting for confirmation from my GP that my “T Curve” showed no difference from those on file … and being Sunday, had been unable to so do. I got home about 1:30 a.m. … Carol was having an anxiety attack of her own!
I have had a “nervous stomach” for over 50 years … not supposed to take aspirin … but, when I’m in pain or feel poisons in my system, I sometimes take two aspirin, one inside each cheek, and let them dissolve in my mouth … tastes bad … it does the trick!
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Actually I did try … just failed … guess it didn’t like the underlining or my emotions.
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Can’t put Berigan in the doghouse; jjs took the key with him. 😆
Great, flange! I’ve added your name to the rotation.
The Lineup Card is here:
https://bravesandstuff.wordpress.com/the-lineup-card/
It’s always at the end of every blog lead so you can keep check on when your turn is coming up.
Remember that Lew is skipping his scheduled spot ’cause he pinch-hit earlier and is reporting from ST.
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Bobj; I really appreciated and identify with your account of the anxiety attack. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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Re: SJA not wanting to be a “door man”. I remember that I was once interviewed as an aide candidate and I told the Col. that “there has never been a butler in my family, and I don’t want to be the first”. I didn’t get the job nor was my career promoted.
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“augmented” would probably be a better word since I was promoted. Not to General, though.
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OK, I’m going to bed. Nobody will talk to me and I’m sleepy. See you tomorrow.
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The mention of Little Bobby wanting a pitcher of Peter Falk, triggered the thought that it might have been his cousin William who first brought Miss Kim down to the Spaghetti Warehouse … but, he died about that time … so methinks it was John Steinbeck, who liked spaghetti too … the memory isn’t that clear … it was a long, long time ago and I wasn’t paying much attention to him, whichever one it was, good spaghetti will do that to you … and it truly was.
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Journalist Bob-I’ll need to get your address again when I get home so I can send you the ball Bobby Dews signed for you. Might even find some more maple syrup to send.
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Well, Hillary having a VERY close relationship with a female, would of course be beneath the New York Times. But, linking McCain to a female lobbyist??? that of course was fair game….
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Man, even the crickets are resting their legs right now!
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Berigan, I was reading that article that you posted. The NY Times will stoop to whatever level necessary to further their agenda.
I broke a vow that I’d made to myself many years ago. I was visiting a very sick friend over the weekend. He’s an avowed liberal. I bought him the Times on Saturday because I knew that he would really appreciate the gesture. I told him that there were only two circumstances that I would ever buy that rag. One was because it was for him and even then only because of the circumstance. The other would be because the store had run out of Charmin!
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Chris, I used to have such respect for that newspaper! And it’s no joke, there were several stories late last year that Hillary is involved with a VERY attractive woman….I guess I need to say I am a 60 year old lesbian to get the hotties today! 😛 🙄
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You know…I’d be glad to talk baseball instead of Politics(I Don’t need to get any further into the doghouse with the kind lady!) but…no one is here, ‘cept for a quick check in by Chris….and no baseball news!
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Behold the power of the media! It’s unfortunate that the media uses its power to influence people, regardless of fact, or perhaps more accurately, regardless of ALL the facts.
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And now baseball…….. Uh, I got nothing!
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chris The NY Times is not a good substitute for Charmin, maybe the bottom of the bird cage but would have to underlay the AJC….
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Now Now Boys-Y’all know how y’all get so worked up about politics. You don’t want CL deleting you now, do you?
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Lew, my comments are not about politics. Only the very slanted way that the paper reports. I have no problem with any media outlet and its political leanings. I just want the facts reported to me. I has a coledge edubacation and can make my own decisions. Problem is, they ALL have an agenda they want to extend.
Sounds like you’re having fun down there. Did Chipper get his painting? I was away for several days and don’t recall if you said anything about giving it to him.
Gil, you’re right. My bad.
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I have had more than one run in with the press myself Chris and I don’t mean the cleaners… 🙂 It is very difficult to oppose the fourth estate. They have the power to shape what people think. So many people believe what is printed to be the absolute truth. I don’t want people’s opinion expressed as facts. Just give me the facts and I will form my own opinion.
Unfortunately we live in the world of Jerry Springer or “In your face” reporting that is about as phony as WWF wrestling and people seem to lap it up. Likely these are the same folks that would pay to see a dog fight.
I don’t mind reporters asking tough questions but do make out like someone is guilty when they know doggone well people cannot answer their questions.
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Thank goodness another episode of Idol is over…. I can’t wait for baseball to start so I will have something I can watch…..
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Bob, My wife was prone to panic attacks too. They won’t kill you but you never can take the chance that it isn’t the real thing.
John Steinbeck was/is one of my favorite authors, were you saying you met him? Now I am impressed….
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Berigan, you aren’t in the doghouse. 😀
Gil, ain’t it the truth!! Felt like I was watching the Miss Cattle Calling contest. Mercy! Only for Kelly……. 😆
Good night, all!
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Thanks Lew, I’m glad Bobby validated me … wouldn’t want you to think I would lie about something like that. I always try to tell the truth when I name names, especially if they are alive and could call me out!
Life is strange … when I think of Bobby, I think of basketball … helped carry him on my shoulders once but he wouldn’t remember. He became a fine author … I became an actuary, and Sam Nunn became a politician for whom my niece worked until his retirement … I wonder if any of Cloudman’s 3rd floor became engineers … a fun time and a fun group … there weren’t many of us. Bobby and I have changed a bit but Sam still looks like Sam.
Just remind me when you get back and if you happen to see some molasses puff candy, I’ll send you some extra gold … what I got when I ordered on-line was good puff candy, but it tweren’t molasses; just cane syrup … but it didn’t long.
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berigan* Is it politics or ideology??? 🙂
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Another good day, Lew! I’m jealous. I’m trying to figure out how to get over there for a day or two, no luck yet though.
Chop Seal, not sure about the ukelele but I know Grinch believes in playing his guitar very loud.
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Bob-Never doubted you-Just mentioned it to Bobby so he would know who he was signing the ball for.
Chris-Yes, it has been quite the week. Chipper gave me his address so I could ship the painting to him. I’m going to do some charity work for him-he works with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He also introduced Bobby Cox to me and got him to sign a painting.
Today Bobby Dews commissioned me to do some art work for him, too. Like I said-quite the week. I go to see the Phillies Asst. GM on Saturday with the Grinch,who should arrive at the Hartman abode Friday evening. That should be momentous.
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If you followed the earlier travails of the Clintons and Hillary’s involvement over time … and her relationships, including those with whom she selected to surround herself, chances are that you would reach better conclusions than just reading that politically presented … that is, the picture presented by Hillary’s Camp and that presented by the opposition.
Indeed, I would imagine that the Democratic power brokers will, if they aren’t already so doing, attempt to soften the pictures being painted of both probable nominees by the opposing camp … for the truth, when looking in depth at either, from a unbiased perspective, appears most disturbing.
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Well Denizens-‘Tis time, as Paladin says, to take off the bunny slippers and hop into bed for the evening. I may not be quite as old as Bob, but I’m getting there. Nighty Night.
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I didn’t really know John Steinbeck, other than to recognize and say hello … I was just a young man enjoying Carmel and Monterey while trying to learn German well enough to break East German code … nice place to do it.
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Well Bob, you are now officially my hero… 🙂
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mrgil Says:
February 20, 2008 at 10:13 pm
berigan* Is it politics or ideology??? 🙂
Good points Gil! I know plenty of Dems that hate the war in Iraq…but, dig beyond that(I.E. Immigration, Taxes, job going overseas) then we agree. Does that mean they are really right wing wackos?? Or just that we all have some common sense??? Wish there could truly be a independent candidate most of America could get behind…oh well…back to baseball…I hope! 😆
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The fact he was an avowed communist aside, Steinbeck’s works are still relevant today. Almost like Shakespeare in that respect.
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Well Lew told us he was commissioned but didn’t mention the rank … time for a late supper, maybe spaghetti!
Gil, we also tried to learn German well enough to pretend we were German, should war broke out, … and, of course, were we to be caught out after curfew … and I did, at least for the latter.
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Was Shakespeare a communist? I didn’t realize that … Polonius wasn’t, best I could tell.
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Ok, some sorta interesting news. The Reds may sign Josh Fogg. Not a great pitcher by any stretch, but his ERA was slightly below 5.00 in Colorado. He beat the Diamondbacks in a playoff game last year. Only a million as base salary….Reds might be an interesting team if they can get Blanton from the A’s as well…
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berigan* What disappoints me is when incompetence seeps into our government. I can abide just about anything but stupidity and ineptitude. Our political parties always come to the middle anyway so Republican or Democrat make little difference to me. I am just looking for someone who will put competent people in place and not hand out plum jobs to people as rewards. (Fat chance of that, right?)
Anyway, lets hope that all the fools don’t vote for the same guy/gal….
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The Iraq war is a very good example of what can happen when the inmates are allowed to run the asylum. Poor planning leads to poor performance…. That deal should have been over and done with 3 years ago.
Bob, I am not sure of Shakespeare’s political leanings but if he ran true to form, I am sure he would be campaigning for the good looking one….
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Okay, time for me to hit the rack too, catch up with you all tomorrow..
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I am not sure of Shakespeare’s political leanings but if he ran true to form, I am sure he would be campaigning for the good looking one … which one is that?
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Ah ha…. 🙂
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Two hours between posts. Unacceptable. Wake up. Now.
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journalistjimmysmith.com
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In hindsight, that’s rather selfish. Sleep well, I hope all wake rested and without back pain.
Also, I’ve spent several seconds considering it, and have come to the conclusion that an article titled “101 things you didn’t know about Ted Simmons!” should have a few things I didn’t know about Ted Simmons.
This statement is provided to give Berigan an excuse to tout our former catcher, who I suspect he likes a bit.
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I forgot to mention: journalistjimmysmith.com
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This WordPress filter is tough…I thought Savannah was exaggerating. But I shall not be denied; I will dominate the overnights. Five straight. This feels like cheating at solitaire. Domination. SJA, where are you? Keep me in line.
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Streve, I haven’t been able to log on until just now … had to go to http://baseballsmagicmoments.wordpress.com my site, just to log on … why not post a personal magic moment of your own.
Nobody does … but I figured that if Lew and Bud could, why not?
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Well done, Bob. Solid plug. I’m awful lazy; Posting in this space takes a lot out of me. Not to mention, I don’t really have a magical moment. I just love the game.
Fort Ord, huh? I’m about 80 miles north, as the squirting blue bird flies (for Paladin). Didya like CA? How long were you around? Ever put the German to good use?
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BAS, whad’ya mean no factoids about Simmons??? I told you his nickname was simba, since he had long hair…way back when…
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One factoid < One hundred and one factoids
How’s the back?
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And: journalistjimmysmith.com
baseballsmagicmoments.wordpress.com
bayareasteveakaatmsteve.com
pluggingyourblogonanotherrepeatedlycouldbeconsideredpooretiquette.com
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For the record, Bob, if you’re still working on your site, when you plug, baseball is not plural in your web address. Your link led me to a page tempting me to create my own blog.
Hence, bayareasteveakaatmsteve.com, and
pluggingyourblogonanotherREPEATEDLYcouldbeconsideredpooretiquette.com
For the sake of equal time: journalistjimmysmith.com
baseballmagicmoments.wordpress.com
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Ten of twelve, domination. I cannot be stopped, except for CL, of course.
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Maybe a booger reference will help you folks get rid of me. Anybody? I need booger help. Bonaner?
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I’ve decided that I miss Bonaner because Mr. Clean was terrible. He might have been, uh, the worst celebrity blogger ever. Diane Lane would certainly be better. Selma too, I think. You may have to dip into the CL blog fund. I think if you cut back on ChoP sEeL’s expense account, you could afford Diane, overcooked pudding and all.
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Oh you can be stopped, and by a blogger several time zones ahead as well!!! NO ONE can hang with me!!!! 😈
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too bad, my ol’ blog was filled up so very quickly….BAS another factoid (or 3)about Ted Simmons. Between 1972 and 1978, Simmons played in at least 150 games every year…and he was a catcher!!!! 😯 I am sure he just pinch hit some games but still….crazy. And on the Astro turf at ol’ Busch stadium when it would be over 115 degrees In 1973, at the age of 23, he was in 161 games. Lazy dude should have found a way to get in that one game. Oh, and he was a smoker back then as well. For more facts every bit as scintillating as these, check out my first blog here….back in December.
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Oh, I found this link just tonight…too bad most won’t see it since there will have to be a new blog…
http://www.gethuman.com/ Phone numbers for just about any business you can think of!!!
BAS, thanks for asking. My back is fine, except for the pain going down my right hip 😕
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Ok one more thing about Simmons. This guy sounds like me that is sponsoring his page on baseball-reference.com….really, it isn’t me, but great minds think alike!
The Mighty Simba! More RBIs than Bench, more runs than Carter, more hits than Berra or Fisk. When will the Hall call THIS catcher?!
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Oh my goodness …
“I don’t really have a magical moment. I just love the game” … that’s what they all say … you can make one up like I did … who’s Earl Mann?
I made that all up … read about those guys though in the paper … some preacher named Bishop, I think and another named Outlaw … just a couple of beet righters … I remember that preacher always prayed over what he wrote … ended most every story with Selah which I thought was a girl’s name but Daddy said it meant “amen” … I was young but i still knew daddy was kidding me … because men is plural and he probably meant a man … which is where I came up with Earl Mann since my best friend in school was named Earl but I never knew his last name.
Daddy never took me to no games neither … that was all a lie … said baseball was for sissies … made me work on the farm in Temple during the summer but that’s a town … we’re not Jewish … I learned to pitch throwing rocks at other kids and was pretty good too but I was afraid to post that for fear somebody might remember and make the connection.
I did have some magic moments but ain’t no way I’m gonna tell … not after keeping them secret all this time.
Not Fort Ord … The Presidio of Monterey … but, boy did I like that country … too much afternoon fog … dense fog, every afternoon it seemed beautiful country … all the way up into Washington … man did I love those big red pine trees … reminded me of North Georgia … I don’t guess y’all call ’em pines … I asked folks what they were … but they didn’t know … told me they were red wood … I guess they thought I was a dummy, being from the South and all, but I kenw the color, just didn’t know the name … biggest pines I ever saw!
I was in the area for only about 10 months that time … been back to California many times … nice to know where you’re from too. Did I ever put the german to good use? That’s a good question, a matter of perspective, and depends on you who ask … but I did some translation and decryption work and helped “decode” the East German Master Code Book … later translated insurance regulations from German to English … took Carol to Berlin for a week while we were in Spain, in 2002 methinks … because of my work, I wasn’t allowed in Berlin back in the 60’s … spending most of my time in the Nürnberg – Fürth – Herzogenaurach – München – Innsbruck/Salzburg area. It was fun and I tried to use my German after 35 years of rust … Carol was amazed … well, actually in total disbelief … she couldn’t believe that I had been telling her the truth … when I said I could no longer speak or understand Deutsch.
Actually, you really never forget, or so methinks … you just can’t remember. No, but there’s a real difference between the language spoken in Bayern (Bavaria) where I was, the military radio voice and transcribed messages in “East German” with which I worked, and that spoken today in Berlin … that coupled with 35 years of rust … I was truly at a loss … good thing they spoke English.
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Berigan*, you mean I wasted all that effort and ain’t nobody gonna read it? i would make me feel a little better if you would please read it over and over and again … to yourself and your dog … it ain’t much good, but it did take a little time to write, having to check the spelling and all … and I do it for the applause since I’m just an NCO … don’t get paid no money and ain’t got no expense account neither.
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Apologies, e.e. I ain’t … the shift key on this keyboard isn’t working properly … and I’m tired … but, since nobody’s going to read it, who cares!
God Night and good Bless!
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Where’s that Bay fella that was going to dominate … I hired a fellow once, promised to work hard … side by side, step by step, no matter how hard I worked … that lasted two days … when I reminded him of his promise, he said …”I know, but when I said it, I didn’t think that you were going to work so hard.”
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Good morning all, pleasant dreams last night… 🙂 Bob was being unusually witty last night… Bob, you don’t forget things, you simply misremember them. 🙂
Berigan. I gave my wife a hug yesterday and torqued my lower back in the process. I thought both of use were going to end up on the floor as the pain shot through my lower back and my knees buckled. It startled the heck out of both of us. We could laugh about it afterwards but it was very scary for a moment. I really should have paid attention to what my body was telling me 40 years ago when the symptoms first started to appear.
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And a story that will bring sadness to all who love birds. Just goes to show how the words “good intentions” ring so true….
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-02-21-0174.html
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Gil, what an awful story. How does that old expression go? The road to hell is paved with good intentions, or something like that.
What is bothersome to me is the effect that this product would have on its intended target. Wouldn’t it be the same? Granted, the original target was “just” pigeons but this hardly seems a humane way to treat any bird.
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HellO EveRbudy, I am PacKing to go homE. I likEd SprIng TraIning pretty good but I Got lonEly beeing a beet wRiter. I fEEl like a looser. I aM goIng hoMe to FiniSh mY deGRee and I hOpe to beCome a Collumist.
But, sinCe LEw is taKing the daY off, hear is my RepOrt: I taLKed with Jair Jurjens and he speeks four languages. WE talKed in aLL foUR. Try tHat witH thE otHer beet WriTer.
AnD my frieND ChiNO ran a niCe pracTice yesterDay. This iS what PauL had to Say about ChinO:
“Cadahia shrugged off any suggestion that he was leading the team, even for a day.”
anD what CHino had to say:
“It was a team effort by the whole staff,” he said. “Everyone was very professional in their efforts. We had great weather, and we got it done.”
He waS busY eating DoughnUTs.
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CONgratULationS to Berrygan foR a recORd seTTing bloG.
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Chop Seal,
Have a great flight (?) home..You will be flying right? We appreciate your efforts for the blog. You are the best beet writer that I know!!!
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Okay folks, I have to go to preview a sale this morning. On line bidding is okay but I have learned the hard way that pictures do lie. Catch up with you all this afternoon.
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Too Bad I missed meeting the Seal Reporter. Oh well-at least I didn’t inadvertently step on a flipper.
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Good morning, everyone! Hope all the backs are better!! (It’s birthday cake that does it. Oughta be outlawed!)
Berigan, ya done good!!
MRGIL’s NEW BLOG IS UP!! Everybody shift! 🙂
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