Monday, July 31, 2006
Help me choose.
Ok, so it's a real slow day and I was just all over ESPN.com. Apparently, since he enjoyed the World Cup so much, The Sports Guy (TSG) has decided to become a soccer fan (as if it's a decision) and wants to have a Premiership team to call his very own.
There's pages on this, where he lists some of the emails he received in favor of certain teams, where he ranks the teams and finally chooses his new team: the Spurs.
Here's the thing, I'm no newbie to soccer of the EPL, but I too have no specific team to root for. I watch FSC all the time, but I'm not rooting for any one team, I'm just watching some good footie.
But I wonder if it's time for me to pick sides?
TSG has all kinds of criteria and his lackeys all mailed in emails comparing their various teams to the Celtics and the Red Sox in order to get him to like them.
I have no specific criteria, other than I'm not picking Man U, on principle. I like Liverpool because Steven Gerrard is an absolute beast and I dig the loyalty aspect. I like Arsenal for the Green Bay Packers-esque fans-own-the team thing they've got going. And, you know, Thierry Henry doesn't suck either. Since TSG picked them, you'll really have to convince me to pick the Spurs.
I don't buy the bandwagon argument, because frankly it can be made for any team. When your choices are basically 6, it's hard to find one that isn't an "easy pick". I'm undecided on this English vs. non-English player debate. It seems you have to be one side or the other, and yet I can't see why it's so bad for a team to not have tons of English-born players. What that should show is that this is the top league and it draws the top talent.
I like Steven Gerrard, but I kind of hate Peter Crouch. I love saying Fabregas' name. Micheal Owen is rather pretty.
As we can see, there's no clear cut frontrunner here.
The final consideration is that I'm seeing Chelsea next weekend at the MLS All-Star game.
So at the risk of being a SG clone, I wonder what your opinions are. What team should I choose?
There's pages on this, where he lists some of the emails he received in favor of certain teams, where he ranks the teams and finally chooses his new team: the Spurs.
Here's the thing, I'm no newbie to soccer of the EPL, but I too have no specific team to root for. I watch FSC all the time, but I'm not rooting for any one team, I'm just watching some good footie.
But I wonder if it's time for me to pick sides?
TSG has all kinds of criteria and his lackeys all mailed in emails comparing their various teams to the Celtics and the Red Sox in order to get him to like them.
I have no specific criteria, other than I'm not picking Man U, on principle. I like Liverpool because Steven Gerrard is an absolute beast and I dig the loyalty aspect. I like Arsenal for the Green Bay Packers-esque fans-own-the team thing they've got going. And, you know, Thierry Henry doesn't suck either. Since TSG picked them, you'll really have to convince me to pick the Spurs.
I don't buy the bandwagon argument, because frankly it can be made for any team. When your choices are basically 6, it's hard to find one that isn't an "easy pick". I'm undecided on this English vs. non-English player debate. It seems you have to be one side or the other, and yet I can't see why it's so bad for a team to not have tons of English-born players. What that should show is that this is the top league and it draws the top talent.
I like Steven Gerrard, but I kind of hate Peter Crouch. I love saying Fabregas' name. Micheal Owen is rather pretty.
As we can see, there's no clear cut frontrunner here.
The final consideration is that I'm seeing Chelsea next weekend at the MLS All-Star game.
So at the risk of being a SG clone, I wonder what your opinions are. What team should I choose?
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Possible pause
I'm temping for 10 days and as of yet, our internet has been down.
I've also been crazy stressed-out for no reason and every reason all at once, so don't be surprised if posting is light (as it has been all weekend). If the internet's up at work, I'll try and find some stuff, but if not, I wouldn't expect too much. A few days rest and relaxation our needed around Cute Sportsville.
I've also been crazy stressed-out for no reason and every reason all at once, so don't be surprised if posting is light (as it has been all weekend). If the internet's up at work, I'll try and find some stuff, but if not, I wouldn't expect too much. A few days rest and relaxation our needed around Cute Sportsville.
Don't call it a comeback...
In true Brewers fashion, we tried to blow it, but a win this afternoon means we take the season series with the Reds 10-9, as well as the all-time series 73-72. We took 2 of 3 this time. We nearly had the third, on Friday night, as we were down by one, had men on second and third and one out. Then we grounded into a double play.
Of course, we had a 4-0 lead going into the 9th tonight, our starter was well on his way to a complete game, and then we gave up back to back homeruns (off different pitchers) and suddenly 4-3. At least this team finds new and unusual ways to keep us on our toes.
It was said this 3 game series was do or die for us. I know that 2 of 3 is better than not, but I don't know if it's enough at this point.
On the plus side, our new guys are rolling on. New pitcher Francisco Cordero got us out of a jam in the 9th tonight and worked well as a set-up man Friday and Saturday. My particular favorite new guy is Kevin Mench, who frankly just looks like he's having a good time. I appreciate that he seems genuinely happy to be here and he seems to really have rolled with the punches. On Friday night his plane landed after 9 pm. He was at Miller Park by 9:45 and in uniform before 10:00, despite is being the 9th inning. He's hitting well and he's already making a presence in the bullpen.
So it's a 2 game win streak (hey, we take what we can get!) as we head to Colorado. Then it's to St. Louis (who were absolutely OWNED by the Cubs again this weekend) and back here for a midweek series with the Cubs. I'm working on tickets for a Thursday day game. Other than that, my next trip to the ballpark is scheduled for 8/19, and then again on 9/2.
Of course, we had a 4-0 lead going into the 9th tonight, our starter was well on his way to a complete game, and then we gave up back to back homeruns (off different pitchers) and suddenly 4-3. At least this team finds new and unusual ways to keep us on our toes.
It was said this 3 game series was do or die for us. I know that 2 of 3 is better than not, but I don't know if it's enough at this point.
On the plus side, our new guys are rolling on. New pitcher Francisco Cordero got us out of a jam in the 9th tonight and worked well as a set-up man Friday and Saturday. My particular favorite new guy is Kevin Mench, who frankly just looks like he's having a good time. I appreciate that he seems genuinely happy to be here and he seems to really have rolled with the punches. On Friday night his plane landed after 9 pm. He was at Miller Park by 9:45 and in uniform before 10:00, despite is being the 9th inning. He's hitting well and he's already making a presence in the bullpen.
So it's a 2 game win streak (hey, we take what we can get!) as we head to Colorado. Then it's to St. Louis (who were absolutely OWNED by the Cubs again this weekend) and back here for a midweek series with the Cubs. I'm working on tickets for a Thursday day game. Other than that, my next trip to the ballpark is scheduled for 8/19, and then again on 9/2.
Friday, July 28, 2006
It is in fact truth...
David Bell is officially a Milwaukee Brewer.
(thus far nothing written on this, but they announced it on the Brewers broadcast)
EDIT: ESPN.com story here
(thus far nothing written on this, but they announced it on the Brewers broadcast)
EDIT: ESPN.com story here
Truth or rumor?
Lots and lots of trade rumors swirling up here in Brewtown. With more than half the infield on the disabled list, it looks like the Brewers could be searching for a mini-fix.
The newest rumor is that last night we were thisclose to signing Phillie's 3rd baseman David Bell, who is in the final year of a contract and would basically be "rented" to get us through the season.
However, Bell did start for his team in this evening's game. Of course, shortly after the rumor came to light during our game's broadcast and the announcers said that the trade likely isn't on, since Bell is playing, he was out of the game.
And while I like this idea, as Rickie Weeks is headed for the DL and Corey Koskie looks like he may be a permanent resident, it makes me wonder. I mean, we could get a lot of infielders. To get a big bat and a big name like Bell would seem to me like another playoff push. But as we just traded the franchise player, that seems like a contradictory move.
There's crazy times a'Brewin' (pun intended) up here. Stay tuned. It's likely we'll know more by morning.
The newest rumor is that last night we were thisclose to signing Phillie's 3rd baseman David Bell, who is in the final year of a contract and would basically be "rented" to get us through the season.
However, Bell did start for his team in this evening's game. Of course, shortly after the rumor came to light during our game's broadcast and the announcers said that the trade likely isn't on, since Bell is playing, he was out of the game.
And while I like this idea, as Rickie Weeks is headed for the DL and Corey Koskie looks like he may be a permanent resident, it makes me wonder. I mean, we could get a lot of infielders. To get a big bat and a big name like Bell would seem to me like another playoff push. But as we just traded the franchise player, that seems like a contradictory move.
There's crazy times a'Brewin' (pun intended) up here. Stay tuned. It's likely we'll know more by morning.
Doping? Or just a bunch of dopes?
Ok, I admit, I'm not a cycling fan. I can say the same about watching the Tour de France as people do about watching soccer.
But that's not to say that I don't recognize the absolutely amazing athletic acheivement even finishing that race is.
I also admit that at first I couldn't have cared less about all this doping talk, but the more it goes on the more I've read and I have to say that, if nothing else, all of these accusations are incredibly premature and fairly unfounded.
Now I understand that officials are on their toes because of all that's gone on recently, but the current situation has proven to make them seem more clueless and not so with it.
The best breakdown I've read is here. What I like is that there are no real opinions on here. The writer doesn't seem to care whether or not Landis did it. What we're searching for here is truth, and in this case, that truth search needs to extend into the media.
I highly suggest reading the piece, which raises a lot of questions about the statistical accuracy of the testing, but also as to whether or not we even have enough information to be making the judgements that have been levied.
My favorite paragraph:
"Two things boggle my mind on this. One is that the admittedly tainted sport of cycling has led to the media immediately leaping to the conclusion that Landis behaved illegally, when the correct inference to make from the data does not necessarily support that conclusion. At this point we cannot reject that conclusion, but it doesn't sell stories to be statistically literate, does it? The other is that the UCI has publicized the results of the A test (although it was Landis' team that identified him by name) before they have run the B test. That is unprofessional, and raises the criticism of the anti-American bias of French cycling. It would be better for the sport if riders did not attempt to enhance their performance illegally, and it would also be better for the sport if its organizers behaved with more professionalism and respect for statistical evidence."
Basically, the lab has behaved extremely unprofessionally, first by leaking the story on fairly flimsy reasoning (and likely to protect the fact that they have a connection with a newspaper) and also by even considering these results as proof of anything before even doing test B, much less having those results.
But that's not to say that I don't recognize the absolutely amazing athletic acheivement even finishing that race is.
I also admit that at first I couldn't have cared less about all this doping talk, but the more it goes on the more I've read and I have to say that, if nothing else, all of these accusations are incredibly premature and fairly unfounded.
Now I understand that officials are on their toes because of all that's gone on recently, but the current situation has proven to make them seem more clueless and not so with it.
The best breakdown I've read is here. What I like is that there are no real opinions on here. The writer doesn't seem to care whether or not Landis did it. What we're searching for here is truth, and in this case, that truth search needs to extend into the media.
I highly suggest reading the piece, which raises a lot of questions about the statistical accuracy of the testing, but also as to whether or not we even have enough information to be making the judgements that have been levied.
My favorite paragraph:
"Two things boggle my mind on this. One is that the admittedly tainted sport of cycling has led to the media immediately leaping to the conclusion that Landis behaved illegally, when the correct inference to make from the data does not necessarily support that conclusion. At this point we cannot reject that conclusion, but it doesn't sell stories to be statistically literate, does it? The other is that the UCI has publicized the results of the A test (although it was Landis' team that identified him by name) before they have run the B test. That is unprofessional, and raises the criticism of the anti-American bias of French cycling. It would be better for the sport if riders did not attempt to enhance their performance illegally, and it would also be better for the sport if its organizers behaved with more professionalism and respect for statistical evidence."
Basically, the lab has behaved extremely unprofessionally, first by leaking the story on fairly flimsy reasoning (and likely to protect the fact that they have a connection with a newspaper) and also by even considering these results as proof of anything before even doing test B, much less having those results.
Adios Caballo
Carlos Lee traded to Texas.
Read the story. I'll add my two cents later, aside from this:
You'll notice it was said he wanted a deal similar to the 5-year, $65 million Derrek Lee got. Do that math, that's $13 million a year. A 4-year $48 million contract is $12 million a year. And apparently that's not good enough.
Read the story. I'll add my two cents later, aside from this:
You'll notice it was said he wanted a deal similar to the 5-year, $65 million Derrek Lee got. Do that math, that's $13 million a year. A 4-year $48 million contract is $12 million a year. And apparently that's not good enough.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Packer notes...
The Green Bay Packers released veteran safety Mark Roman. He's been on the team since 2004, but hasn't done much. Apparently Ted Thompson likes what he sees with some of the newbies.
Man, we're going to have a young, young team this year.
Also, The J-S has audio from coach McCarthy's latest press conference here.
Man, we're going to have a young, young team this year.
Also, The J-S has audio from coach McCarthy's latest press conference here.
Bucky's a Hall of Famer
I earlier posted imploring you all to vote for Bucky Badger to be in the second class of inductees to the Mascot Hall of Fame. I don't know if any of you did your homework, but it doesn't matter!
Bucky received almost 500,000 votes, 125,00 votes more than that crappy Sparty thing Michigan State has going....
And now he will be among the first college mascots inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame
Jack Skille will return to Badger hockey team for at least one more season
Finally, some positive news about Badger hockey...
from Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Right winger Jack Skille says he's decided to return to the University of Wisconsin hockey team for his sophomore season.
Skille was chosen by Chicago in the first round of the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft, but said he decided after discussions with his family it would be best to continue his development with the Badgers.
"I decided there was just too much of a gray area," Skille said. "I want to go (to the pros) when it's 100 percent, when I feel like I'm absolutely ready to make the jump."
Skille had 13 goals and eight assists in 41 games as a freshman.
Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves said he believed Skille "made a wise, mature decision."
from Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Right winger Jack Skille says he's decided to return to the University of Wisconsin hockey team for his sophomore season.
Skille was chosen by Chicago in the first round of the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft, but said he decided after discussions with his family it would be best to continue his development with the Badgers.
"I decided there was just too much of a gray area," Skille said. "I want to go (to the pros) when it's 100 percent, when I feel like I'm absolutely ready to make the jump."
Skille had 13 goals and eight assists in 41 games as a freshman.
Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves said he believed Skille "made a wise, mature decision."
Likely my only NBA coverage all season...
Hometown boy makes good as Brown Deer's own Steve Novak signed a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets yesterday.
No details were found on a quick internet search. Mostly, the articles quote his shooting stats from last season.
But there you go, never say I don't give you any NBA!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
A Lovable Loser
As much as it pains me to say it, Juan Pierre may be my favorite player in all of baseball (I'm so going to get in trouble for this!) But seriously, this guy is a throwback. Let's move to the visual evidence:
Not just socks, but actual stirrups people!
The close-up
And he's the only player in the majors to wear his cap under his batting helmet.
(Info courtesy of UniWatch)
Plus, did I mention he's from Birmingham? You didn't see that coming did you.
I mean, a guy named Juan Pierre is a man of the world, no?
But see, the name fun doesn't stop there. His full name is Juan D'Vaughn Pierre.
It rhymes!
And, you know, he's got 37 stolen bases...
Not just socks, but actual stirrups people!
The close-up
And he's the only player in the majors to wear his cap under his batting helmet.
(Info courtesy of UniWatch)
Plus, did I mention he's from Birmingham? You didn't see that coming did you.
I mean, a guy named Juan Pierre is a man of the world, no?
But see, the name fun doesn't stop there. His full name is Juan D'Vaughn Pierre.
It rhymes!
And, you know, he's got 37 stolen bases...
Brew Crew recap
As expected, my mere presence was enough to send the Brewers floundering, as they lost 6-1 last night. Inexplicably, starting pitcher Ben Sheets, who only gave up one run (a home run by BOOOJeromy Burnitz) was pulled and replaced for one inning by a starter - Dave Bush. And while I LOVE Bush's sock action, he really kind of sucked it up, gave up a 5 run inning and we lost!
There is good news here, though, as the Brewers traded lefty Jorge de la Rosa to KC for infield journeyman Tony Graffanino. Now we can send the completely useless Chris Barnwell back to the minors where he belongs. Three errors in the past two games and a batting average ON THE SEASON of .064 meant that this kid got booed almost as much as Burnitz last night.
One more good news tidbit:With his home run last night, Prince Fielder broke the Brewers record for home runs by a rookie. Congratulations Prince!
(and just imagine, it's only two weeks past the All-Star Break)
And by the way, I'm seeing Rookie of the Year in his future! He's batting .475 since the break.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Dowell named new captain
From UWBadgers.com
Dowell Named Assistant Captain
MADISON, Wis. - Senior Jake Dowell (Eau Claire, Wis.) has been named a Wisconsin men's hockey assistant captain, filling the role vacated by departing forward Joe Pavelski (Plover, Wis.). Pavelski signed an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks.
Dowell, the fifth-round pick, 140th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, returns to the Badgers after a solid prospects camp for Chicago. Dowell shared for the camp lead in scoring with seven points. Through 118 games played at Wisconsin, he has 23 goals and 65 points after a five-goal, 20-point season in 2005-06.
Dowell joins senior captain Andrew Joudrey (Bedford, Nova Scotia) and senior assistant captain Jeff Likens (Barrington, Ill.) as part of the team's elected leadership.
Dowell Named Assistant Captain
MADISON, Wis. - Senior Jake Dowell (Eau Claire, Wis.) has been named a Wisconsin men's hockey assistant captain, filling the role vacated by departing forward Joe Pavelski (Plover, Wis.). Pavelski signed an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks.
Dowell, the fifth-round pick, 140th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, returns to the Badgers after a solid prospects camp for Chicago. Dowell shared for the camp lead in scoring with seven points. Through 118 games played at Wisconsin, he has 23 goals and 65 points after a five-goal, 20-point season in 2005-06.
Dowell joins senior captain Andrew Joudrey (Bedford, Nova Scotia) and senior assistant captain Jeff Likens (Barrington, Ill.) as part of the team's elected leadership.
Newest Racing Sausage
In a not-exactly-subtle move, Miller Park and the Brewers announced today (though earlier reports said such a thing was to be announced Thursday) that there will be a new Racing Sausage added to the mix.
So who's the newbie? Chorizo of course!
Ok, most of the people at Miller Park can't pronounce Chorizo. (by the way, it's a spicy Mexican/Latino sausagte)
But, as Don Walker puts it over on the Journal-Sentinel website:
"We think the Brewers and Klement's are going to go with Chorizo, the Mexican sausage. Why? Well, we have a growing and vibrant Latino community in Milwaukee, and, perhaps not coincidentally, the Brewers are celebrating Cerveceros Day on Saturday at Miller Park. "
Walker also reports (obviously straight from a press release):
Chorizo is the new Racing Sausage
Chorizo, a tasty Mexican sausage, will join fellow meaty friends Hot Dog, Bratwurst, Polish and Italian as the newest member of the Klement's Famous Racing Sausages team at Miller Park.
Chorizo, who will be adorned with a sombrero and decked out in red, green and white, will be formally introduced on Thursday at a press conference at Miller Park. Latino community leaders had lobbied the Brewers and Klement's to add a Mexican mascot. The unveiling is in conjunction with Cerveceros Day, set for Saturday night at Miller Park.
The addition of a 5th Klement's Racing Sausage should provide Klement's and the Brewers with new marketing and promotional opportunities, especially in the growing Latino community.
Read that after Walker's mildly snarky comments earlier, and it's easy to see these words aren't straight from his mouth.
_______________
And finally, not that they aren't necessarily right, but don't the Latino community leaders of Milwaukee have better things to do than lobby the Brewers for their very own horrifically stereotypical running cased meat?
So who's the newbie? Chorizo of course!
Ok, most of the people at Miller Park can't pronounce Chorizo. (by the way, it's a spicy Mexican/Latino sausagte)
But, as Don Walker puts it over on the Journal-Sentinel website:
"We think the Brewers and Klement's are going to go with Chorizo, the Mexican sausage. Why? Well, we have a growing and vibrant Latino community in Milwaukee, and, perhaps not coincidentally, the Brewers are celebrating Cerveceros Day on Saturday at Miller Park. "
Walker also reports (obviously straight from a press release):
Chorizo is the new Racing Sausage
Chorizo, a tasty Mexican sausage, will join fellow meaty friends Hot Dog, Bratwurst, Polish and Italian as the newest member of the Klement's Famous Racing Sausages team at Miller Park.
Chorizo, who will be adorned with a sombrero and decked out in red, green and white, will be formally introduced on Thursday at a press conference at Miller Park. Latino community leaders had lobbied the Brewers and Klement's to add a Mexican mascot. The unveiling is in conjunction with Cerveceros Day, set for Saturday night at Miller Park.
The addition of a 5th Klement's Racing Sausage should provide Klement's and the Brewers with new marketing and promotional opportunities, especially in the growing Latino community.
Read that after Walker's mildly snarky comments earlier, and it's easy to see these words aren't straight from his mouth.
_______________
And finally, not that they aren't necessarily right, but don't the Latino community leaders of Milwaukee have better things to do than lobby the Brewers for their very own horrifically stereotypical running cased meat?
Hawk/Quinn Merger completed
Apparently A.J. Hawk couldn't wait for the big wedding Laura Quinn's family was planning.
Instead they got married in a lawyer's office in Green Bay!
Every girl's dream wedding, to be sure.
According to this jsonline.com article, "A source close to the situation said it was neither a family member nor friend who stood up for the couple."
Instead they got married in a lawyer's office in Green Bay!
Every girl's dream wedding, to be sure.
According to this jsonline.com article, "A source close to the situation said it was neither a family member nor friend who stood up for the couple."
Another field trip...
I'm off to Miller Park once again tonight. This time it's to see the return of Ben Sheets from the disabled list. Sheets has been out of commission since May with, really, unspecified injuries. He's been out as long as Tomo Okha, and Ohka had a torn rotator cuff. Mostly, we heard Sheets had tendinitis.
It's probably a good thing Ohka came back. Word around the water cooler is that Sheets had to come back or risk looking even more like a wuss. This guy returns from a torn rotator cuff and you're STILL out? Suck it up Benjy, it's time to show your stuff.
The return of Sheets should be a good omen for the Brewers, who finally have a solid starting five to work with and now our bullpen woes shouldn't be so varied and prolific.
No one thinks the return of these two is an automatic fix, but we did win two straight now (thank god for small pleasures) We scored 12 runs last night.
And the latest buzz is that Carlos is staying right back where he belongs. He has looked more svelte in the past few weeks and word was he was trying to shape up and look good on the trade block, but the talking heads have changed their tune from last week and as of last night, Baseball Tonight was saying Mr. Lee is going to continue to prowl the outfield at Miller Park.
Good thing, because he was a triple away from hitting for the cycle after the third inning! He was pulled from the game shortly thereafter, thus not being able to try for that feat, but man did our bats look good last night.
In true Brewers fashion, we let a 12-2 lead slip to 12-8, but we held on (despite Barnwell's attempt at a one man-one game blooper reel)
Reports on the game, possibly some more pictures, and likely my bemoaning the loss, as I don't think I've seen them win when I've attended. I'm the bad luck omen.
It's probably a good thing Ohka came back. Word around the water cooler is that Sheets had to come back or risk looking even more like a wuss. This guy returns from a torn rotator cuff and you're STILL out? Suck it up Benjy, it's time to show your stuff.
The return of Sheets should be a good omen for the Brewers, who finally have a solid starting five to work with and now our bullpen woes shouldn't be so varied and prolific.
No one thinks the return of these two is an automatic fix, but we did win two straight now (thank god for small pleasures) We scored 12 runs last night.
And the latest buzz is that Carlos is staying right back where he belongs. He has looked more svelte in the past few weeks and word was he was trying to shape up and look good on the trade block, but the talking heads have changed their tune from last week and as of last night, Baseball Tonight was saying Mr. Lee is going to continue to prowl the outfield at Miller Park.
Good thing, because he was a triple away from hitting for the cycle after the third inning! He was pulled from the game shortly thereafter, thus not being able to try for that feat, but man did our bats look good last night.
In true Brewers fashion, we let a 12-2 lead slip to 12-8, but we held on (despite Barnwell's attempt at a one man-one game blooper reel)
Reports on the game, possibly some more pictures, and likely my bemoaning the loss, as I don't think I've seen them win when I've attended. I'm the bad luck omen.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Hot button issues
So last week on Deadspin, they posted a bit about a column by Scoop Jackson on ESPN.com that was then rebutted in his own paper by Jason Whitlock.
The topic was diversity in sports journalism.
Here's Scoop's column.
Here's Whitlock's.
Please, please, please read them both.
I did, and then I sent an email to Jason Whitlock. Some highlights:
"I find diversity such a difficult topic to discuss precisely because it's such a hot-button issue. I often find that those I discuss it with aren't willing to be open or frank about the topic. And I find I have to choose my words carefully in order to make sure I don't step on any toes.
A question I've always wanted answered, but have always been badgered when I've asked is this:
Do you want to be hired based purely on the fact that you're black?
Because I don't think I would be happy with a sports writing job where I knew I was hired because they thought they should have a woman around.
Is that too idealistic? Possibly. But I also don't believe that I'm the only one out there with some pride.
At what point does one swallow their pride if it means getting their dream job?
We all know this isn't an easy industry. It's run by a bunch of ornery, old, white men who had to pay their dues and expect us all to do the same. And most people who want to be journalists aren't ready or willing to put in the long time and effort required. They're not willing to work for peanuts and spend two years in Idaho putting their time in at some podunk paper so that someone in an actual town or city might hire them. Regardless of their race.
I mean, what other profession requires you to have a college degree but doesn't pay you enough money right out of school to even pay off your student loans.
The closest crappily paid position is a teacher. At least they get three months off every summer and can pursue other money-making opportunities.
(And can I go on a minor tanget here? Could there be two more prevelant professions that are as grossly underpaid? Teachers are self-explanatory in terms of how underpaid they are for the service they provide. But doesn't the American public rely on newspapers/radio/and TV on an almost hourly basis? Doesn't that render a good journalist absolutely invaluable? Does the American public encounter any other profession with as much frequency as journalism? Acting may be above that, but look at what kind of money they make. It baffles me how journalists can be so grossly underpaid. Same as teachers.) "
I'm not sure I want to say more on this topic. I could post for days about diversity in journalism. I guess I just wanted to put these two columns out there and get more eyes to see them.
The topic was diversity in sports journalism.
Here's Scoop's column.
Here's Whitlock's.
Please, please, please read them both.
I did, and then I sent an email to Jason Whitlock. Some highlights:
"I find diversity such a difficult topic to discuss precisely because it's such a hot-button issue. I often find that those I discuss it with aren't willing to be open or frank about the topic. And I find I have to choose my words carefully in order to make sure I don't step on any toes.
A question I've always wanted answered, but have always been badgered when I've asked is this:
Do you want to be hired based purely on the fact that you're black?
Because I don't think I would be happy with a sports writing job where I knew I was hired because they thought they should have a woman around.
Is that too idealistic? Possibly. But I also don't believe that I'm the only one out there with some pride.
At what point does one swallow their pride if it means getting their dream job?
We all know this isn't an easy industry. It's run by a bunch of ornery, old, white men who had to pay their dues and expect us all to do the same. And most people who want to be journalists aren't ready or willing to put in the long time and effort required. They're not willing to work for peanuts and spend two years in Idaho putting their time in at some podunk paper so that someone in an actual town or city might hire them. Regardless of their race.
I mean, what other profession requires you to have a college degree but doesn't pay you enough money right out of school to even pay off your student loans.
The closest crappily paid position is a teacher. At least they get three months off every summer and can pursue other money-making opportunities.
(And can I go on a minor tanget here? Could there be two more prevelant professions that are as grossly underpaid? Teachers are self-explanatory in terms of how underpaid they are for the service they provide. But doesn't the American public rely on newspapers/radio/and TV on an almost hourly basis? Doesn't that render a good journalist absolutely invaluable? Does the American public encounter any other profession with as much frequency as journalism? Acting may be above that, but look at what kind of money they make. It baffles me how journalists can be so grossly underpaid. Same as teachers.) "
I'm not sure I want to say more on this topic. I could post for days about diversity in journalism. I guess I just wanted to put these two columns out there and get more eyes to see them.
And you thought we had a long time til football season...
In Badger Basketball news, this from Dickie V himself, via ESPN.com:
Badgers could contend
Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM
It is the time of the year where those who love college basketball have some idle moments. Down here strolling the beach at Siesta Key, and everyone should come down and check it out, I recently saw Kenny Chesney on tour at Raymond James Stadium, and he had the place rocking big time. It was a frenzy, baby!
As I am strolling the beach, I am thinking about the Big Ten and the reports that Greg Oden will miss the start of the season. Some say he will be out till December or January, but the bottom line is he will be back and that means trouble for Buckeye opponents.
I think Ohio State is the favorite to win the conference in 2006-07. Several coaches I've spoken with said "wait a minute". Keep an eye on what happens in Madison.
I'm not talking pigskins but rather about the Badgers' hoops future. Look for big things from Alando Tucker, an All-Big Ten performer who has over 1500 career points. Wisconsin also returns talented guard Kammron Taylor and Joe Krabbenhoft, one of the league's top diaper dandies last season.
The frontline is getting better and better and the Badgers expect even more from Brian Butch, who averaged just under 10 ppg. last season. Jason Chappell is another big man to keep an eye on, and Wisconsin needs Greg Stiemsma to contribute as well.
It should be another big season for Bo Ryan, whose club won 19 contests a year ago. Ryan knows a lot about winning the Big Ten, and his team should be right in the hunt. Ryan is one of the most underrated coaches in America.
If I went around and asked basketball fans who the coach of the Badgers was, I would probably get a lot of blank stares. This guy is a solid winner and his peers know who he is. Don't lock the Buckeyes in yet for the Big Ten title because Wisconsin will have something to say about it.
Badgers could contend
Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM
It is the time of the year where those who love college basketball have some idle moments. Down here strolling the beach at Siesta Key, and everyone should come down and check it out, I recently saw Kenny Chesney on tour at Raymond James Stadium, and he had the place rocking big time. It was a frenzy, baby!
As I am strolling the beach, I am thinking about the Big Ten and the reports that Greg Oden will miss the start of the season. Some say he will be out till December or January, but the bottom line is he will be back and that means trouble for Buckeye opponents.
I think Ohio State is the favorite to win the conference in 2006-07. Several coaches I've spoken with said "wait a minute". Keep an eye on what happens in Madison.
I'm not talking pigskins but rather about the Badgers' hoops future. Look for big things from Alando Tucker, an All-Big Ten performer who has over 1500 career points. Wisconsin also returns talented guard Kammron Taylor and Joe Krabbenhoft, one of the league's top diaper dandies last season.
The frontline is getting better and better and the Badgers expect even more from Brian Butch, who averaged just under 10 ppg. last season. Jason Chappell is another big man to keep an eye on, and Wisconsin needs Greg Stiemsma to contribute as well.
It should be another big season for Bo Ryan, whose club won 19 contests a year ago. Ryan knows a lot about winning the Big Ten, and his team should be right in the hunt. Ryan is one of the most underrated coaches in America.
If I went around and asked basketball fans who the coach of the Badgers was, I would probably get a lot of blank stares. This guy is a solid winner and his peers know who he is. Don't lock the Buckeyes in yet for the Big Ten title because Wisconsin will have something to say about it.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Derrick Turnbow needs a shorter leash
Our Star-Closer is just walked the bases full on his way to blowing his fifth straight save. Ok, maybe he won't bite it, but I'm not holding out hope.
In the month of July, Turnbow's ERA IS 29.70.
29.70
3.1 innings pitched. 11 Earned Runs. 7 Games.
In the month of July, Turnbow's ERA IS 29.70.
29.70
3.1 innings pitched. 11 Earned Runs. 7 Games.
Friday, July 21, 2006
U.S. Soccer
So yesterday's post and comments got me to thinking a bit about the state of soccer in America.
Pippa wonders if we should abandon the practice of going straight to college and I think that I have to say that I think the path through college is necessary here - and not just because I'm a proponent of a good education.
What the college system serves as here in the U.S. is a very large extended network of scouts. The country's too big and U.S. Soccer is too small. Basically, we allow the college coaches to scout and recruit talent that U.S. Soccer doesn't have the time or manpower to find.
We're not necessarily talking about the guys that play for Indiana. Everyone knows who they are and that they're good. We're talking about the guys that fly below the radar and that may not even play D1. No one may ever have heard of them, but if they shine at thier level, this network allows us to see new talent.
I'm not saying that this is the ideal situation, but I do feel like it's better than anything U.S. Soccer could come up with themselves. U.S. Soccer doesn't seem to want to put the time, effort or manpower it would take to truly scour this country to find and develop the best natural talent we possess. The Olympic Development Program is spotty at best.
Plus, we're a society more obsessed with high school than club. Club is what you do "in the off-season" You play club in order to stay in shape for high school.
That's backwards and it's keeping us from truly developing the talent we have.
Club teams are select and draw from a huge base. They can, and should be, the elite. They should allow the best players to get the best training from the best coaches and play against others that are at a similar level. High schools are drawing from limited numbers and suffer from having to be fair and balanced. They usually can't afford the best coaches and soccer definitely doesn't take a priority - in scheduling, in fields, in allocation of funds.
Until we rectify this thought process, we will never reach a point where we are developing our pre-teen and teenage players into internationally viable players.
Pippa wonders if we should abandon the practice of going straight to college and I think that I have to say that I think the path through college is necessary here - and not just because I'm a proponent of a good education.
What the college system serves as here in the U.S. is a very large extended network of scouts. The country's too big and U.S. Soccer is too small. Basically, we allow the college coaches to scout and recruit talent that U.S. Soccer doesn't have the time or manpower to find.
We're not necessarily talking about the guys that play for Indiana. Everyone knows who they are and that they're good. We're talking about the guys that fly below the radar and that may not even play D1. No one may ever have heard of them, but if they shine at thier level, this network allows us to see new talent.
I'm not saying that this is the ideal situation, but I do feel like it's better than anything U.S. Soccer could come up with themselves. U.S. Soccer doesn't seem to want to put the time, effort or manpower it would take to truly scour this country to find and develop the best natural talent we possess. The Olympic Development Program is spotty at best.
Plus, we're a society more obsessed with high school than club. Club is what you do "in the off-season" You play club in order to stay in shape for high school.
That's backwards and it's keeping us from truly developing the talent we have.
Club teams are select and draw from a huge base. They can, and should be, the elite. They should allow the best players to get the best training from the best coaches and play against others that are at a similar level. High schools are drawing from limited numbers and suffer from having to be fair and balanced. They usually can't afford the best coaches and soccer definitely doesn't take a priority - in scheduling, in fields, in allocation of funds.
Until we rectify this thought process, we will never reach a point where we are developing our pre-teen and teenage players into internationally viable players.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Minor MLS shakeup
Gansler out as coach of K.C. Wizards.
* as I've said before, the soccer community is really quite small. I actually know Bob Gansler. His son and my brother were on the same team for probably a decade. We're all a part of the same soccer club.
Basically, 10-15 years ago, the soccer community was even smaller. Before MLS, before really even the A-League was on anyone's radar, you had the AISA/NPSL/MSL/whatever other acronyms they used. We've had a team here in Milwaukee since the inception of that league. And my dad worked for the Wave for a decade or so. We also had an A-League team from the beginning.
We're talking, the Milwaukee Rampage is where Brian McBride got his semi-pro debut out of college. Tony Sanneh of the Chicago Fire, part of my club - the Bavarian Club, who are always players on the National Amateur scene. Sanneh also played for the Wave, our indoor team, and for the Rampage. Tony Meola played in the NPSL. One of the former Wave players' wives was on the Women's World Cup winning teams. (I'm blanking on names right now)
Ok, I sound like I'm bragging, and that's not at all my point. I was trying to point out what a small community, really, that soccer in the U.S. is. And sometimes I'm convinced that's not a good thing. If we're going to be taken seriously, it can't be good for someone with my meager experience and connections to be able to pick out as many pros as I can and say "I know/have met him" Until this community grows, we're in trouble, I think.
* as I've said before, the soccer community is really quite small. I actually know Bob Gansler. His son and my brother were on the same team for probably a decade. We're all a part of the same soccer club.
Basically, 10-15 years ago, the soccer community was even smaller. Before MLS, before really even the A-League was on anyone's radar, you had the AISA/NPSL/MSL/whatever other acronyms they used. We've had a team here in Milwaukee since the inception of that league. And my dad worked for the Wave for a decade or so. We also had an A-League team from the beginning.
We're talking, the Milwaukee Rampage is where Brian McBride got his semi-pro debut out of college. Tony Sanneh of the Chicago Fire, part of my club - the Bavarian Club, who are always players on the National Amateur scene. Sanneh also played for the Wave, our indoor team, and for the Rampage. Tony Meola played in the NPSL. One of the former Wave players' wives was on the Women's World Cup winning teams. (I'm blanking on names right now)
Ok, I sound like I'm bragging, and that's not at all my point. I was trying to point out what a small community, really, that soccer in the U.S. is. And sometimes I'm convinced that's not a good thing. If we're going to be taken seriously, it can't be good for someone with my meager experience and connections to be able to pick out as many pros as I can and say "I know/have met him" Until this community grows, we're in trouble, I think.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Cool fact of the day
Brewers' newest call-up Tony Gwynn Jr. recorded his first major league hit today, a double in the 9th inning against San Francisco's Brian WilsonThe cool fact is that the hit came exactly 24 years after his dad's first major league hit. Gwynn Sr. hit is first major league hit on July 19, 1982 against Philadelphia.
Not that the late inning hit did any good, as Derrick Turnbow blew his fourth straight save and the Brewers lost 7-6 in San Fran, despite home runs from Carlos Lee, Gabe Gross and Bill Hall in the first three innings.
Oooooohhhhhh, Turnboooooow!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Follow-up: Reds pitcher Shackelford won't face charges
Reds pitcher won't face sex charge
By DERRICK NUNNALLYdnunnally@journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 18, 2006
Cincinnati Reds minor-league pitcher Brian Shackelford won't be facing criminal charges in Milwaukee County over the sexual assault allegations earlier this month that led to his arrest.
Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Berg said Tuesday that "the evidence did not support criminal prosecution" against Shackelford, who had been arrested on suspicion of third-degree sexual assault after an encounter with a woman he met through Match.com.
At the time of his arrest July 6, police sources familiar with the case said Shackelford, who was in town playing for the Reds at the time, met the woman online and the two went to a hotel room and took off their clothes. The woman told police her understanding was there would be just touching but there was sex, the sources said.
After his arrest, Shackelford was sent down to the minor-league Louisville Bats of the Class AAA International League. His attorney, Michael F. Hart, said the District Attorney's investigation found "compelling evidence" of Shackelford's innocence but did not know what specific finding cleared Shackelford.
"He can now get back to the business of his baseball career," Hart said.
In a statement released by the Reds organization, Shackelford said he was relieved and grateful.
"I want to apologize to the Cincinnati Reds organization for any negative publicity this may have caused," he said. "I hope that any damage to my reputation from this unfortunate incident will not be long-lasting, and that I can continue to work hard to help the Cincinnati Reds long into the future."
Jonathan C. Smith, an attorney for Shackelford's accuser, said the woman was "quite devastated" when she learned the pitcher would not be criminally charged.
"The District Attorney makes that decision, and there's not a lot we can do about that," Smith said.
Football season inches closer...
From jsonline.com:
TUESDAY, July 18, 2006, 5:23 p.m.
Packers sign fifth-round draft pick
The Green Bay Packers today signed tackle/guard Tony Moll, the team's second of two selections in the fifth round of April's NFL draft.The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Moll played collegiately at Nevada, spending his first four years at tight end, including his '01 redshirt year, before moving to offensive tackle for his senior season.
TUESDAY, July 18, 2006, 5:23 p.m.
Packers sign fifth-round draft pick
The Green Bay Packers today signed tackle/guard Tony Moll, the team's second of two selections in the fifth round of April's NFL draft.The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Moll played collegiately at Nevada, spending his first four years at tight end, including his '01 redshirt year, before moving to offensive tackle for his senior season.
More Brewers Good News Bad News
The Bad first: J.J. Hardy likely out for the year.
Apparently he has a very stretched out and loose tendon in his foot that isn't going to be fixable by strength training alone. So season-ending surgery is the answer.
My friend Jackie actually had to have this surgery after too many ankle sprains while playing collegiate soccer. Basically, they go in and cut out a part of the tendon, then sew it back together, effectively making it shorter and tighter. It's not quick, easy or painless.
Good luck, J.J.
The "leaves you feeling better" Good News: Tomo Ohka returns to the rotation tonight.
And in order to make room on the roster for Tomo, and Ben Sheets, we optioned Zack Jackson back to AAA Nashville. Jackson started last night's game, so that didn't take long.
Lots of Brewers notes, including the Ohka start and Jackson being sent down, here.
So Ben Sheets has been gone as long as Ohka has. Tomo tore his rotator cuff. Ben has tendonitis. I guess when the guy comes back from a torn muscle, you realize you have to stop whining about your arm not feeling right and get back to work, huh Ben?
I'll reserve judgement for now, but it does seem mighty convenient. Suck it up already, Benjy.
Apparently he has a very stretched out and loose tendon in his foot that isn't going to be fixable by strength training alone. So season-ending surgery is the answer.
My friend Jackie actually had to have this surgery after too many ankle sprains while playing collegiate soccer. Basically, they go in and cut out a part of the tendon, then sew it back together, effectively making it shorter and tighter. It's not quick, easy or painless.
Good luck, J.J.
The "leaves you feeling better" Good News: Tomo Ohka returns to the rotation tonight.
And in order to make room on the roster for Tomo, and Ben Sheets, we optioned Zack Jackson back to AAA Nashville. Jackson started last night's game, so that didn't take long.
Lots of Brewers notes, including the Ohka start and Jackson being sent down, here.
So Ben Sheets has been gone as long as Ohka has. Tomo tore his rotator cuff. Ben has tendonitis. I guess when the guy comes back from a torn muscle, you realize you have to stop whining about your arm not feeling right and get back to work, huh Ben?
I'll reserve judgement for now, but it does seem mighty convenient. Suck it up already, Benjy.
Monday, July 17, 2006
One last Brewers note..
Tony Gwynn, Jr was called up by the Brewers on Saturday night and got his first major league at-bat. Apparently he got the call at 8 am in Nashville and hopped a plane out to Arizona immediately. Luckily, despite the short notice, Dad Tony Gwynn was able to make it to the game.
Jr. hit a line drive straight up the first base line and marked an out, but hey, the kid made contact, with some zing on it, in his first at-bat. Not a bad start.
Also, we've apparently become the club where legacies come to roost.
Jr. hit a line drive straight up the first base line and marked an out, but hey, the kid made contact, with some zing on it, in his first at-bat. Not a bad start.
Also, we've apparently become the club where legacies come to roost.
Brewers Rotation
The Brewers could be back to their projected starting five pitcher rotation as early as next week.
Tomo Okha has completed his rehab and has been announced as the starting pitcher for tomorrow's game in San Francisco.
Ben Sheets will do one more start in the minors, for Nashville, before likely being named as a starter for next week Monday or Tuesday against the Pirates.
As I posted before, we've been struggling to fill these two spots in the rotation. I don't expect two guys just back from the DL to be superheroes or anything, but frankly, at this point, they can't be any worse than what we've had in there. Everyone of those guys have given valiant efforts and I do think it's great that we've been able to give so many guys a chance. We were really able to see where we stand. And after being sent back down, some of these guys, Carlos Villanueva especially, have proved that they're good prospects. They're just young.
Tomo Okha has completed his rehab and has been announced as the starting pitcher for tomorrow's game in San Francisco.
Ben Sheets will do one more start in the minors, for Nashville, before likely being named as a starter for next week Monday or Tuesday against the Pirates.
As I posted before, we've been struggling to fill these two spots in the rotation. I don't expect two guys just back from the DL to be superheroes or anything, but frankly, at this point, they can't be any worse than what we've had in there. Everyone of those guys have given valiant efforts and I do think it's great that we've been able to give so many guys a chance. We were really able to see where we stand. And after being sent back down, some of these guys, Carlos Villanueva especially, have proved that they're good prospects. They're just young.
Big Ten TV
I also missed the boat on this, but the Big Ten inked a big TV deal recently.
According to the Press Release, "The conference has signed a new 10-year national rights contract with ABC/ESPN and has reached a landmark deal with Fox Cable Networks to create the Big Ten Channel, a national network devoted to Big Ten athletic and academic programs. The ABC/ESPN contract takes effect, and the Big Ten Channel is expected to launch, in August 2007."
The details of the ABC/ESPN contract include:
*Up to 41 Big Ten football games will be televised – up to 17 on ABC and up to 25 on ESPN or ESPN2;
*All regional afternoon football games aired on ABC will be aired by ESPN/ESPN2 in outer-markets, making these games nationally available;
*Approximately 60 men’s basketball games will air on an ESPN network (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN360), including games on each Tuesday and Thursday of the nine-week conference season, plus up to eight Saturday games during conference play;
*A total of 100 women’s basketball and volleyball events on an ESPN network, including the championship games of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, over the course of the agreement;
The Big Ten channel will include:
*35-plus football games, with each school having at least two games aired (at least one of which will be a conference game);
*At least 105 regular-season men’s basketball games;
*At least 55 regular-season women’s basketball games;
*Big Ten championships and tournaments;
*170 Olympic sporting events; and,
*Coverage from the conference’s vast library of historic sporting events, including bowl games.
In addition, each school will have the right to provide 60 hours of its own content annually
The full press release is here.
According to the Press Release, "The conference has signed a new 10-year national rights contract with ABC/ESPN and has reached a landmark deal with Fox Cable Networks to create the Big Ten Channel, a national network devoted to Big Ten athletic and academic programs. The ABC/ESPN contract takes effect, and the Big Ten Channel is expected to launch, in August 2007."
The details of the ABC/ESPN contract include:
*Up to 41 Big Ten football games will be televised – up to 17 on ABC and up to 25 on ESPN or ESPN2;
*All regional afternoon football games aired on ABC will be aired by ESPN/ESPN2 in outer-markets, making these games nationally available;
*Approximately 60 men’s basketball games will air on an ESPN network (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN360), including games on each Tuesday and Thursday of the nine-week conference season, plus up to eight Saturday games during conference play;
*A total of 100 women’s basketball and volleyball events on an ESPN network, including the championship games of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, over the course of the agreement;
The Big Ten channel will include:
*35-plus football games, with each school having at least two games aired (at least one of which will be a conference game);
*At least 105 regular-season men’s basketball games;
*At least 55 regular-season women’s basketball games;
*Big Ten championships and tournaments;
*170 Olympic sporting events; and,
*Coverage from the conference’s vast library of historic sporting events, including bowl games.
In addition, each school will have the right to provide 60 hours of its own content annually
The full press release is here.
I'm a bit late on posting this, but Joe Pavelski did sign with the San Jose Sharks last week.
Pavelski is foregoing his final two years of eligibility. He was drafted 205th overall in the 2003 entry draft, so he's taking what is likely the best contract he'll be offered and running. Good for him. Bad for the Badgers.
Pavelski led the Badgers in scoring in both of his seasons. Last year he had 23 goals and 33 assists and was a Second Team All-American.
ESPYs
Ok, say what you will about the ESPY's, but I think they got two things right this year.
The Special ESPY for Teamwork went to New Orleans' John Ehret High School's boys basketball team.
(Ok, technically the school is in Marrero, on the city's Westbank)
The team was made up of 10 players from five teams that had nowhere to go and wanted nothing more than to play basketball, same as always. They started off slow, but got their stuff together and eventually won the boys 5A Championship against a powerhouse from Baton Rouge.
I've been to Ehret, and I would bet that for most of you out there, you would have been less than impressed with this school before it was wrecked by a hurricane.
Yes, it's sappy, but it's also a damn good story. And it's something that personally gives me hope that one day my city will be back to how it was. It will never be the same, but I hear these stories of the citizens themselves not being ready to give up, I know there's yet hope.
The people of New Orleans are a fiercely proud lot and it's things like this that show me that New Orleans hasn't given up. I think people have given up on them, but the people aren't going to let this go without a fight.
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage went to two young women from Afghanistan who are doing something so groundbreaking - they are playing soccer. They're laughing, and learning, and breaking some rules and giving hope and opportunity to thousands of little girls all over their country. They practice behind walls with a miliray presence because many citizens would not approve. They are risking their lives - for the simple freedom of playing soccer.
That's what sports is about.
The Special ESPY for Teamwork went to New Orleans' John Ehret High School's boys basketball team.
(Ok, technically the school is in Marrero, on the city's Westbank)
The team was made up of 10 players from five teams that had nowhere to go and wanted nothing more than to play basketball, same as always. They started off slow, but got their stuff together and eventually won the boys 5A Championship against a powerhouse from Baton Rouge.
I've been to Ehret, and I would bet that for most of you out there, you would have been less than impressed with this school before it was wrecked by a hurricane.
Yes, it's sappy, but it's also a damn good story. And it's something that personally gives me hope that one day my city will be back to how it was. It will never be the same, but I hear these stories of the citizens themselves not being ready to give up, I know there's yet hope.
The people of New Orleans are a fiercely proud lot and it's things like this that show me that New Orleans hasn't given up. I think people have given up on them, but the people aren't going to let this go without a fight.
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage went to two young women from Afghanistan who are doing something so groundbreaking - they are playing soccer. They're laughing, and learning, and breaking some rules and giving hope and opportunity to thousands of little girls all over their country. They practice behind walls with a miliray presence because many citizens would not approve. They are risking their lives - for the simple freedom of playing soccer.
That's what sports is about.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Wanted this written down somewhere
"Then they ask me where I went to college, and I say New Orleans, and their excited expression turns to shame and all they can manage to get out is "oh", because instantly they know no story they can tell can top what I have done. I do not need to say a thing, they just understand. They know that their wildest night of college is just a regular Wednesday night for us Uptown. Their craziest Saturday night is business as usual for us on Bourbon. We New Orleans student are a special breed and trust me, everyone else is jealous."
(Ok, so this is entirely to boastful for my tastes, but the basic sentiment is there. Usually the basic "where did you go to school" question is a throw away and people barely listen to what you answer. But they all perk up their ears when they hear New Orleans and people get this sort of knowing tone and say "I bet that was interesting." Or something equally as vague but insinuating. Then I get Katrina questions. But the booze questions come first.)
(Ok, so this is entirely to boastful for my tastes, but the basic sentiment is there. Usually the basic "where did you go to school" question is a throw away and people barely listen to what you answer. But they all perk up their ears when they hear New Orleans and people get this sort of knowing tone and say "I bet that was interesting." Or something equally as vague but insinuating. Then I get Katrina questions. But the booze questions come first.)
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Fabulous Birthday Present
The wonderful boyfriend got me tickets for the MLS All-Star Game in Chicago. MLS All-Stars vs. Chelsea at the brand new Bridgeview Stadium, a nice shiny soccer specific stadium. I'll be in Section 119, just to the side of one of the goals.
SO excited!
SO excited!
Mahna Mahna
You know those Dr. Pepper commericials where the guy sings Mahna Mahna (sound it out)? This is the original Muppet Show with that song in it. I love that the little green guy "skat" Mahna Mahna's. Seriously, this never get old.
There's a version out there somewhere that I've seen that has the two old men at the end critiquing the show. They start with "That was great" and slowly get meaner until they say "It sucked" and start booing. Classic.
Oh yeah, and go over here Todd's birthday version of this for me.
You know those Dr. Pepper commericials where the guy sings Mahna Mahna (sound it out)? This is the original Muppet Show with that song in it. I love that the little green guy "skat" Mahna Mahna's. Seriously, this never get old.
There's a version out there somewhere that I've seen that has the two old men at the end critiquing the show. They start with "That was great" and slowly get meaner until they say "It sucked" and start booing. Classic.
Oh yeah, and go over here Todd's birthday version of this for me.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Oh Brewers
Found this little tidbigt on Cheesehead Sports:
Striking fact of the day? The Brewers have tried six pitchers in place of Sheets and TO and the team is 5-17 in those games. Had the fill-ins gone 11-11, the Brewers would be 50-40 and in first place.
Striking fact of the day? The Brewers have tried six pitchers in place of Sheets and TO and the team is 5-17 in those games. Had the fill-ins gone 11-11, the Brewers would be 50-40 and in first place.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
New kid on the blog...
Looks like I've been joined in the fray. Good thing, because Wisconsin blogs seem to be few and far between.
Check out http://badgersportsfan.blogspot.com/ for more Badger sports needs.
Check out http://badgersportsfan.blogspot.com/ for more Badger sports needs.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Support
So a few of these conglomerations are popping up, but I'd like to point you to
Sports Blog Daily - a compilation of sports bloggers broken down by what they cover.
Plus, I really like what he has to say about the importance of blogs:
Sports Blogs Daily is maintained by a sports fan who was looking for an alternative to the big-name writers that everyone reads every day. Those big-name writers are typically on assignment and don't have a feeling for the story about which they're writing. Here at SBD, I direct you to some of the best sports bloggers out there, all of whom are writing about the day's biggest sports stories. They have feeling, knowledge, and opinion, and can change the way we look at sports. If you want the same old, boring articles then go to ESPN.com. If you want insightful, relevent, opinionated writing without needing a subscription, you've come to the write place. I'll send you to the best of the bloggers. If you think your sports blog or website is good enough to be linked regularly, give it a try.
Sports Blog Daily - a compilation of sports bloggers broken down by what they cover.
Plus, I really like what he has to say about the importance of blogs:
Sports Blogs Daily is maintained by a sports fan who was looking for an alternative to the big-name writers that everyone reads every day. Those big-name writers are typically on assignment and don't have a feeling for the story about which they're writing. Here at SBD, I direct you to some of the best sports bloggers out there, all of whom are writing about the day's biggest sports stories. They have feeling, knowledge, and opinion, and can change the way we look at sports. If you want the same old, boring articles then go to ESPN.com. If you want insightful, relevent, opinionated writing without needing a subscription, you've come to the write place. I'll send you to the best of the bloggers. If you think your sports blog or website is good enough to be linked regularly, give it a try.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Not good hockey news
This article contains both good and bad news for the National Champion Badger Hockey Team.
Good news: Hobey Baker finalist goalkeeper Brian Elliot said he's coming back for next season.
Bad news: The Badgers' leading scorer of the past two seasons, Joe Pavelski, is apparently mere moments from signing a pro contract.
More bad news: Jack Skille is participating in Chicago Blackhawks summer camp. A good performance there could get him a contract offer he can't pass up.
If these two bad things happen, the Badgers will have lost their top 5 scorers from last season.
Ouch.
full story here
Good news: Hobey Baker finalist goalkeeper Brian Elliot said he's coming back for next season.
Bad news: The Badgers' leading scorer of the past two seasons, Joe Pavelski, is apparently mere moments from signing a pro contract.
More bad news: Jack Skille is participating in Chicago Blackhawks summer camp. A good performance there could get him a contract offer he can't pass up.
If these two bad things happen, the Badgers will have lost their top 5 scorers from last season.
Ouch.
full story here
Carlos Lee wants to stay in Milwaukee
Big time slugger Carlos Lee's contract is up at the end of the season and speculation has been that he won't be here after that. The most likely story thus far is that for such a big-time player he's never been courted and wined and dined and that he was going to take advantage of that this free agent period. It's likely, if that happens, that Milwaukee just won't be able to compete. Plus, Carlos had said recently that he wouldn't mind returning to Chicago, this time likely to the Cubbies. He considers Chicago home.
Plus, we can't afford him
But this article, from today's paper, says different about wanting to leave, but agrees we probably can't afford him.
"We've got a great team," said Lee, one of three Brewers on the National League all-star team. "If I have to choose where I'm going, I'll stay with the Brewers."
Plus, we can't afford him
But this article, from today's paper, says different about wanting to leave, but agrees we probably can't afford him.
"We've got a great team," said Lee, one of three Brewers on the National League all-star team. "If I have to choose where I'm going, I'll stay with the Brewers."
Monday, July 10, 2006
Apparently the World Cup media don't mind goons
Zinedine awarded Golden Ball as World Cup's best player
---
Because it sets a wonderful example for the youth of the world...
---
Because it sets a wonderful example for the youth of the world...
As promised, pics from Miller Park
Our seats were in the Loge Bleachers, which means 200 level, right outfield. We were section 205, if anyone is that interested. Happily, through the miracle of Ebay, I got the tickets for a total of $21, including shipping. This is about half face, for a sold out game! Can you tell I'm proud? The seats were in the absolutely last row of the section, which was a little weird because you felt a bit like you were in the walkway. However, we were totally out of the sun. There was a nice breeze. And we could hear the radio broadcast and Bob Uecker that they pipe into the walkways, so that was nice.
A view of the whole stadium from our seats.
There's a break between right and left field bleachers. This picture is from as far left as the right field bleachers go. Here we have the left field, where there's a Friday's restaurant with filed views, which is open 364 days a year. Also, that yellow slide is the home of Bernie Brewer. He slides down with every home run.
This is a pic of the field from the same point as the above.
Before the game little leaguers run out to every position, then as our lineup is introduced and runs out, they meet the kids, give them a ball and an autograph and the kid stands with them during the National Anthem.
A view of the whole stadium from our seats.
There's a break between right and left field bleachers. This picture is from as far left as the right field bleachers go. Here we have the left field, where there's a Friday's restaurant with filed views, which is open 364 days a year. Also, that yellow slide is the home of Bernie Brewer. He slides down with every home run.
This is a pic of the field from the same point as the above.
Before the game little leaguers run out to every position, then as our lineup is introduced and runs out, they meet the kids, give them a ball and an autograph and the kid stands with them during the National Anthem.
And of course, the famous Sausage Races
This time featuring a relay, with the regular Sausages racing first, then kid sized sausages finishing the race.
It's false hope like this that will just let me down in the future...
From a mid-season report card of sorts on ESPN.com.
"Milwaukee Brewers (44-46)
Buy or sell? The Brewers face a tough, but happy dilemma as they project the rest of the season. A hot streak (before losing three straight over the weekend) propelled them into the thick of the NL Central and wild-card chases. Everyone and their dog wants Carlos Lee. Does the Brew Crew sell him, hold him, or get some drapes and end tables and try to spruce up the place? Either way, building blocks like Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks aren't going anywhere, a good sign for the team's future, as well as its present. If the Brewers don't knock off the Cardinals this season, there's a good chance it happens in '07. "
"Milwaukee Brewers (44-46)
Buy or sell? The Brewers face a tough, but happy dilemma as they project the rest of the season. A hot streak (before losing three straight over the weekend) propelled them into the thick of the NL Central and wild-card chases. Everyone and their dog wants Carlos Lee. Does the Brew Crew sell him, hold him, or get some drapes and end tables and try to spruce up the place? Either way, building blocks like Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks aren't going anywhere, a good sign for the team's future, as well as its present. If the Brewers don't knock off the Cardinals this season, there's a good chance it happens in '07. "
Sunday, July 09, 2006
World Cup Final
Opinions desired.
On the Italy goal that was called back, were the Italians offsides?
I say yes, though the ever brilliant Marcelo Balboa said he didn't see it.
I had the game Tivo-ed and and went back through it a few times. It looks to me as though the French all took a step forward, leaving every one of the Italians offiside. Balboa doesn't comment on whether it's offside until someone touches the ball directly in front of the net. As we're all much more intelligent and knowledgable than him, we know that offsides is from when the ball is kicked.
You'll notice that the linesman's flag isn't up immediately, but I think he's waiting to see who touches the ball. Not that it matters, as the entire offensive front there is in offside position.
Anyway, what do you all think?
On the Italy goal that was called back, were the Italians offsides?
I say yes, though the ever brilliant Marcelo Balboa said he didn't see it.
I had the game Tivo-ed and and went back through it a few times. It looks to me as though the French all took a step forward, leaving every one of the Italians offiside. Balboa doesn't comment on whether it's offside until someone touches the ball directly in front of the net. As we're all much more intelligent and knowledgable than him, we know that offsides is from when the ball is kicked.
You'll notice that the linesman's flag isn't up immediately, but I think he's waiting to see who touches the ball. Not that it matters, as the entire offensive front there is in offside position.
Anyway, what do you all think?
Friday, July 07, 2006
One more reason we say good riddance to the Seligs
So first the Brewers were owned by Bud Selig. When he became commissioner, there was some uproar over the conflict of interest, so Bud handed the reins to his daughter, Wendy Selig-Prieb. There have long been question as to how much of an actual owner Wendy was and whether or not she was a convenient figurehead. These were dark times in Milwaukee.
And then finally, we stepped into the light. A very fabulous man named Mark Attanasio bought the team. Labeled a Los Angeles entrepeneur, we don't know a whole lot about him except that he's very obviously a fan of the game and we are very very happy to have him.
He's attends games (both here and on the road) in business casual and a team cap or jacket. He strolls the lower level boxes at Miller Park - the big spenders- and shakes hands and thanks people for coming. He's charisma and caring and character and everything that Bud never really understood that he needed to be. Attanasio seems personable and down to earth.
Today comes another story of why we're really happy to have him. On Mother's Day many players in the MLB used pink bats. Milwaukee's Bill Hall was one such player. He hit a game winning home run with said bat. Beforehand, the players had agreed to use the bats, sign them, and donate them to be auctioned off for charity.
Owner Mark Attanasio bid on the bat, eventually winning and paying over $25,000 for it. He then brought Bill Hall's mom into town and presented it to her as a surprise gift.
Can we honestly see Bud doing that?
And then finally, we stepped into the light. A very fabulous man named Mark Attanasio bought the team. Labeled a Los Angeles entrepeneur, we don't know a whole lot about him except that he's very obviously a fan of the game and we are very very happy to have him.
He's attends games (both here and on the road) in business casual and a team cap or jacket. He strolls the lower level boxes at Miller Park - the big spenders- and shakes hands and thanks people for coming. He's charisma and caring and character and everything that Bud never really understood that he needed to be. Attanasio seems personable and down to earth.
Today comes another story of why we're really happy to have him. On Mother's Day many players in the MLB used pink bats. Milwaukee's Bill Hall was one such player. He hit a game winning home run with said bat. Beforehand, the players had agreed to use the bats, sign them, and donate them to be auctioned off for charity.
Owner Mark Attanasio bid on the bat, eventually winning and paying over $25,000 for it. He then brought Bill Hall's mom into town and presented it to her as a surprise gift.
Can we honestly see Bud doing that?
ESPN Poll
"What's Best about College Sports"
quite a few Wisconsin opportunities on there, so vote away (link via Roll Bama Roll/Nico)
quite a few Wisconsin opportunities on there, so vote away (link via Roll Bama Roll/Nico)
Women and the World Cup
Found this article via Dodgy at Best. While it makes some good points about women and soccer, I ( in my rosy glasses sort of way) hate that we even need to point out that HEY! women like soccer, too! Maybe it's a strange concept to me because the reaction here in America is more "you like soccer? why?" and never so much goes into my gender.
The women of the World Cup
Increasing female participation in football culture is good for the game and good for the world.
June 15, 2006 03:55 PM Printable version
Enthralling though it is, especially for we who derive pleasure from the free-spending habits of Wayne The Wondertoe's girlfriend Colleen, there are other tales of females at the World Cup than those concerning the wardrobe selections and socialising of the WAGS (Wives And Girlfriends of the England players). More, too, than images of lady Brazilians with whistles in their mouths and physiques somewhat more lissom than that of their team's troubled striker Ronaldo. What the World Cup so far confirms is that women's participation in many aspects of the game continues to grow and, to my mind, serves as a metaphor (yes, Altrui, I have more!) for the ways that football culture has improved and demonstrates its potential for spreading goodness (as well as evil and lunacy) round the globe. Here are a few examples.
One: Female fans of Iran in Germany.
After Iran's opening World Cup game against Mexico Five Live carried a piece about their female supporters, who had been out in the streets enjoying the pre-match atmosphere, many without their heads or faces covered other than with face paints, which, thanks to the similarity of the two teams' colours, made them hard to distinguish from their Mexican counterparts. I don't know how many of these women have travelled from Iran itself, how many may be living abroad, or anything else about them. But their visibility and seeming autonomy has to be perceived as a blow against Iranian sexual apartheid, especially in view of football's recent importance as a vehicle for female liberation in that land. For more on this look here and here and here.
Two: Gabby Logan.
Now well-established as an ITV studio anchor, the daughter of former Leeds and Wales roughie-toughie Terry Yorath continues to prove that women are capable of holding a place in any media football line-up on merit. You may snort that being long, blonde and glossy had something to do with her landing the job in the first place. You may be right. But being merely decorative would not have been enough. Were that the case Gabby would not command the respect shown to her by the gentleman pundits she presides over so professionally. The nearest I've seen to any of the lads she's shared studio space with flirting with her was Ally McCoist calling her a Diego Forlan look-a-like. Which may have indicated something else entirely.
Three: Football women of England.
These days there's a bit more to female involvement in footie than simply washing the kit after a game. Increasing numbers consume and play, administer and watch the game at various levels, confounding gender purists everywhere. Indeed, as spectators, they have always been there to some degree and they are well-represented in England colours in Germany. They are unlikely to be among the few idiots wearing stormtrooper helmets or chanting "seig heil".
Four: Delia Smith. Legendary chair of Norwich City and, of course, The Guardian's World Cup grub correspondent. Read her recipes for today and I guarantee you'll be joining me at 5.45 in throwing together an Omelette Savoyard or two, assuming I can scare up a few bacon lardons in the meantime. Knocks spots of that Gordon Ramsay, too.
Five: My friend Jaime.
She's 20-something years old and makes a living as a carpenter and as a steward at big sporting events. She's also an Arsenal fan who fulfilled a great ambition after their final match at Highbury by getting kissed by Thierry Henry. But Jaime is no giggly swooner. While stewarding a match two seasons ago some hooligan smacked her in the mouth. What did Jaime do? She smacked him back, of course. Not exactly in the job description but deserves a winner's medal anyway.
So there's five good reasons for welcoming women's presence in football. Any advance?
The women of the World Cup
Increasing female participation in football culture is good for the game and good for the world.
June 15, 2006 03:55 PM Printable version
Enthralling though it is, especially for we who derive pleasure from the free-spending habits of Wayne The Wondertoe's girlfriend Colleen, there are other tales of females at the World Cup than those concerning the wardrobe selections and socialising of the WAGS (Wives And Girlfriends of the England players). More, too, than images of lady Brazilians with whistles in their mouths and physiques somewhat more lissom than that of their team's troubled striker Ronaldo. What the World Cup so far confirms is that women's participation in many aspects of the game continues to grow and, to my mind, serves as a metaphor (yes, Altrui, I have more!) for the ways that football culture has improved and demonstrates its potential for spreading goodness (as well as evil and lunacy) round the globe. Here are a few examples.
One: Female fans of Iran in Germany.
After Iran's opening World Cup game against Mexico Five Live carried a piece about their female supporters, who had been out in the streets enjoying the pre-match atmosphere, many without their heads or faces covered other than with face paints, which, thanks to the similarity of the two teams' colours, made them hard to distinguish from their Mexican counterparts. I don't know how many of these women have travelled from Iran itself, how many may be living abroad, or anything else about them. But their visibility and seeming autonomy has to be perceived as a blow against Iranian sexual apartheid, especially in view of football's recent importance as a vehicle for female liberation in that land. For more on this look here and here and here.
Two: Gabby Logan.
Now well-established as an ITV studio anchor, the daughter of former Leeds and Wales roughie-toughie Terry Yorath continues to prove that women are capable of holding a place in any media football line-up on merit. You may snort that being long, blonde and glossy had something to do with her landing the job in the first place. You may be right. But being merely decorative would not have been enough. Were that the case Gabby would not command the respect shown to her by the gentleman pundits she presides over so professionally. The nearest I've seen to any of the lads she's shared studio space with flirting with her was Ally McCoist calling her a Diego Forlan look-a-like. Which may have indicated something else entirely.
Three: Football women of England.
These days there's a bit more to female involvement in footie than simply washing the kit after a game. Increasing numbers consume and play, administer and watch the game at various levels, confounding gender purists everywhere. Indeed, as spectators, they have always been there to some degree and they are well-represented in England colours in Germany. They are unlikely to be among the few idiots wearing stormtrooper helmets or chanting "seig heil".
Four: Delia Smith. Legendary chair of Norwich City and, of course, The Guardian's World Cup grub correspondent. Read her recipes for today and I guarantee you'll be joining me at 5.45 in throwing together an Omelette Savoyard or two, assuming I can scare up a few bacon lardons in the meantime. Knocks spots of that Gordon Ramsay, too.
Five: My friend Jaime.
She's 20-something years old and makes a living as a carpenter and as a steward at big sporting events. She's also an Arsenal fan who fulfilled a great ambition after their final match at Highbury by getting kissed by Thierry Henry. But Jaime is no giggly swooner. While stewarding a match two seasons ago some hooligan smacked her in the mouth. What did Jaime do? She smacked him back, of course. Not exactly in the job description but deserves a winner's medal anyway.
So there's five good reasons for welcoming women's presence in football. Any advance?
Depression, thy name is Nicole
I've done a fairly good job of late of keeping personal stuff off of here. I'm fighting an inner battle here about whether or not to be sports only on this blog. I kind of feel its a lose-lose. I mean, the only reason to go sports only is to maximize exposure. But the thing about blog exposure for a journalist (or a wannabe, like myself) is that blogs don't get the respect that we would like professionally. And frankly, I think I'd feel pressure to post and cover and as this blog has been a good outlet for me, I don't really want to feel pressured into doing it. Plus, I feel like we've got a nice little blog circle going here and you all don't only want to read about Wisconsin sports.
Incidentally, I have wanted to post on here a lot lately about more personal life stuff, but I'm ever afraid of becoming too self-indulgent and frankly I'm certain I'm not that interesting.
It's been a rough few weeks already and we're heading into the home stretch. My big 2-5 is coming up a week from today. Normally, I'm one of the obnoxious birthday junkies. I'll admit, I'm that girl you all hate who wants everyone to make a big deal out of me.
The thing is, I'm fairly certain my birthday is jinxed. Nothing but bad things happen around my birthday. My grandpa died the week of my birthday and they were all set to have the funeral on my 16th birthday until I walked in the room and (in a very small voice) said maybe that wouldn't be so nice. Then my dad had his stroke a few days before my 19th birthday. Finally, my dad died 3 days after my birthday last year.
So frankly, this week is a crapload of bad memories. And I absolutely am not doing a very good job of coming to terms with the fact that my dad has been gone a year. Surreal isn't even the word.
On the upside, being preoccupied with that is helping to distract me from the rather alarming fact that I'm turning 25. And that I'm turning 25 while still living at home.
Finally, as if false hope were somehow the only thing needed to make this rather heady self-pity cocktail complete, Florida called this week. They wanted to know if I was sure that I couldn't move down there and take the job.
So, you know, invites going out this week for a rather spectacular pity party. I'll be the one in the pointy hat.
Incidentally, I have wanted to post on here a lot lately about more personal life stuff, but I'm ever afraid of becoming too self-indulgent and frankly I'm certain I'm not that interesting.
It's been a rough few weeks already and we're heading into the home stretch. My big 2-5 is coming up a week from today. Normally, I'm one of the obnoxious birthday junkies. I'll admit, I'm that girl you all hate who wants everyone to make a big deal out of me.
The thing is, I'm fairly certain my birthday is jinxed. Nothing but bad things happen around my birthday. My grandpa died the week of my birthday and they were all set to have the funeral on my 16th birthday until I walked in the room and (in a very small voice) said maybe that wouldn't be so nice. Then my dad had his stroke a few days before my 19th birthday. Finally, my dad died 3 days after my birthday last year.
So frankly, this week is a crapload of bad memories. And I absolutely am not doing a very good job of coming to terms with the fact that my dad has been gone a year. Surreal isn't even the word.
On the upside, being preoccupied with that is helping to distract me from the rather alarming fact that I'm turning 25. And that I'm turning 25 while still living at home.
Finally, as if false hope were somehow the only thing needed to make this rather heady self-pity cocktail complete, Florida called this week. They wanted to know if I was sure that I couldn't move down there and take the job.
So, you know, invites going out this week for a rather spectacular pity party. I'll be the one in the pointy hat.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Capuano to All-Star voting: Bite me!
Just hours after voting ended for the last spot on this year's All-Star rosters and he came in second, Chris Capuano pitched a complete game shut out.
Ok, Bud Selig, put me on the All-Star roster or I'll fist you
Reappropriated
Pippa's friend had this before her post in response to the below asininity. I've seen it before and thought I'd appropriate it for myself in light of resent posts.
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. ~Voltaire
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. ~Voltaire
Oy vey (or why my ovaries prevent me from talking about anything but them)
So this douche-y lady journalist over in England wrote the following column:
Mary Dejevsky: There's a good reason why women don't write blogs
Men seem to take it for granted that they've something to say and that the rest of us want to hear it
Published: 29 June 2006
Iain Dale is a Conservative pro-Cameron MP. I do not know him, and I am just as certain that he does not know me. He does, though, put himself about. He writes one of the more prolific blogs (www.iaindale.blogspot.com**) to come out of this Parliament, purveying commentary, analysis, gossip and the like via his website, with what seems like hour-to-hour, if not minute-by-minute, frequency.
Iain - as I am sure he would like me (and you) - to call him, recently made an observation that simply leapt out of his stream of consciousness. "It doesn't matter whether you're talking about Conservative, Labour or Lib Dem bloggers," he wrote, "you won't find many written by women." He went on to observe, admitting the sexist stereotype, that women, "being much better gossips than men ought to be ideally suited to the world of blogging". I curtail his prolixity, but he concludes: "There must be some reason why women don't blog as much as men in the political sector."
Well, Iain, I venture to correct you on one point. It is not just in the political sector, as you call it, that fewer women blog. Except in areas such as childcare and gynaecology, it is across the board that women bloggers are few and far between. And it does not take a huge of the imagination to suggest at least two reasons why.
The first is that, for all the efforts to educate men and women equally, to encourage them to compete for honours, even to feminise the examination system by introducing coursework, women (still) tend to be more bashful than men about what they think. It is not that, as veteran male gender-warriors might growl, we have much to be bashful about. It is rather that we tend to be less confident than men that the rest of the world wants the benefit of our opinion.
Men seem to take it for granted not only that they have something to say, but that the rest of us should find it worth hearing - or, in the case of the blogosphere, reading. Iain Dale is not the only verbal incontinent who ploughs on, apparently regardless of who might be listening or reading. Alas, his confidence is repaid by the dozens who seem to respond to every post. The cacophony of so many (mostly male) opinions is deafening.
Our female bashfulness, I submit, may be gradually being drummed out of us by a combination of good teaching, co-ed schools and colleges, and the example of opinionated women expressing forthright views in other parts of politics and the media. The second reason why women don't blog, however, is more serious, because it is more intractable: women simply do not have the time.
Earlier this week, I heard Finland's minister for foreign trade and development, speaking in London to celebrate the centenary of women's suffrage in Finland. They were the first women in Europe to gain the vote. And the record of women's participation in Finnish life is as laudable as one would expect from Scandinavia.
Yet, as Ms Paula Lehtomaki noted, without the diffidence that might attend the same observation in this country, the next frontier had to be the home. Women had come a long way: safeguards against discrimination, for equal pay and opportunities were all in place and largely observed. But the fact was that in joining the workforce on equal terms, women were all too often tied to two jobs: equality, even in enlightened Scandinavia, all too often stops at the front door.
How many homes are there - here, or in tech-savvy Finland - where the man will think it quite excusable to shuffle in late for dinner because he has been reading or writing his online diary, but would greet with ridicule or fury the prospect of dinner being late (or non-existent) because his partner had been delayed in the blogosphere?
And for dinner, we can substitute baby's bathtime, the children's high-tea, the regular taxi-service families run between sports and after-school clubs, the elderly parents that need looking after. It is this old-fashioned, and persistent, division of responsibilities that frees men to indulge in the time-consuming fashion of the day; and the gadgetry and self-aggrandisement involved in blogging only make it that much more attractive.
Iain Dale calls his blog "Iain Dale's diary". Those of us of a certain age - I can faintly recall the signature tune - know this to be an allusion to the fictitious radio diary of a GP's wife and receptionist which was broadcast on weekday afternoons. It was a soap opera for its day, very BBC Home Service. More tied to the Fifties way of life than The Archers, it did not survive into this more hurried, less homely age.
But there is a point here. In the days of Fifties-style, essentially segregated working, Mrs Dale had the time to keep a diary. Today's Mrs Dale would be the doctor herself, rushing in to the surgery from the school run and organised enough to assemble dinner at the end of the day. She would be too tired at the end of it all, or have more pressing things to do, to advertise her thoughts in the blogosphere. Diary-keeping, unlike family responsibility, has entered the public sphere and crossed the gender-divide.
_______
Ok, numero uno, according to some Britons, the first sentence alone contains two factual innaccuracies. This Iain chap ran for office, but didn't win.
And numero dos, let's talk about the irony of a woman, in her nationally published opinion column, saying how women are too bashful to express their opinions. (I stole this observation from one of the commentors here)
I don't need to comment on the asininity of this column, as it's self-evident.
I just want to know why this woman has a job and I don't!
This tidbit brough to our attention by Pippa
Mary Dejevsky: There's a good reason why women don't write blogs
Men seem to take it for granted that they've something to say and that the rest of us want to hear it
Published: 29 June 2006
Iain Dale is a Conservative pro-Cameron MP. I do not know him, and I am just as certain that he does not know me. He does, though, put himself about. He writes one of the more prolific blogs (www.iaindale.blogspot.com**) to come out of this Parliament, purveying commentary, analysis, gossip and the like via his website, with what seems like hour-to-hour, if not minute-by-minute, frequency.
Iain - as I am sure he would like me (and you) - to call him, recently made an observation that simply leapt out of his stream of consciousness. "It doesn't matter whether you're talking about Conservative, Labour or Lib Dem bloggers," he wrote, "you won't find many written by women." He went on to observe, admitting the sexist stereotype, that women, "being much better gossips than men ought to be ideally suited to the world of blogging". I curtail his prolixity, but he concludes: "There must be some reason why women don't blog as much as men in the political sector."
Well, Iain, I venture to correct you on one point. It is not just in the political sector, as you call it, that fewer women blog. Except in areas such as childcare and gynaecology, it is across the board that women bloggers are few and far between. And it does not take a huge of the imagination to suggest at least two reasons why.
The first is that, for all the efforts to educate men and women equally, to encourage them to compete for honours, even to feminise the examination system by introducing coursework, women (still) tend to be more bashful than men about what they think. It is not that, as veteran male gender-warriors might growl, we have much to be bashful about. It is rather that we tend to be less confident than men that the rest of the world wants the benefit of our opinion.
Men seem to take it for granted not only that they have something to say, but that the rest of us should find it worth hearing - or, in the case of the blogosphere, reading. Iain Dale is not the only verbal incontinent who ploughs on, apparently regardless of who might be listening or reading. Alas, his confidence is repaid by the dozens who seem to respond to every post. The cacophony of so many (mostly male) opinions is deafening.
Our female bashfulness, I submit, may be gradually being drummed out of us by a combination of good teaching, co-ed schools and colleges, and the example of opinionated women expressing forthright views in other parts of politics and the media. The second reason why women don't blog, however, is more serious, because it is more intractable: women simply do not have the time.
Earlier this week, I heard Finland's minister for foreign trade and development, speaking in London to celebrate the centenary of women's suffrage in Finland. They were the first women in Europe to gain the vote. And the record of women's participation in Finnish life is as laudable as one would expect from Scandinavia.
Yet, as Ms Paula Lehtomaki noted, without the diffidence that might attend the same observation in this country, the next frontier had to be the home. Women had come a long way: safeguards against discrimination, for equal pay and opportunities were all in place and largely observed. But the fact was that in joining the workforce on equal terms, women were all too often tied to two jobs: equality, even in enlightened Scandinavia, all too often stops at the front door.
How many homes are there - here, or in tech-savvy Finland - where the man will think it quite excusable to shuffle in late for dinner because he has been reading or writing his online diary, but would greet with ridicule or fury the prospect of dinner being late (or non-existent) because his partner had been delayed in the blogosphere?
And for dinner, we can substitute baby's bathtime, the children's high-tea, the regular taxi-service families run between sports and after-school clubs, the elderly parents that need looking after. It is this old-fashioned, and persistent, division of responsibilities that frees men to indulge in the time-consuming fashion of the day; and the gadgetry and self-aggrandisement involved in blogging only make it that much more attractive.
Iain Dale calls his blog "Iain Dale's diary". Those of us of a certain age - I can faintly recall the signature tune - know this to be an allusion to the fictitious radio diary of a GP's wife and receptionist which was broadcast on weekday afternoons. It was a soap opera for its day, very BBC Home Service. More tied to the Fifties way of life than The Archers, it did not survive into this more hurried, less homely age.
But there is a point here. In the days of Fifties-style, essentially segregated working, Mrs Dale had the time to keep a diary. Today's Mrs Dale would be the doctor herself, rushing in to the surgery from the school run and organised enough to assemble dinner at the end of the day. She would be too tired at the end of it all, or have more pressing things to do, to advertise her thoughts in the blogosphere. Diary-keeping, unlike family responsibility, has entered the public sphere and crossed the gender-divide.
_______
Ok, numero uno, according to some Britons, the first sentence alone contains two factual innaccuracies. This Iain chap ran for office, but didn't win.
And numero dos, let's talk about the irony of a woman, in her nationally published opinion column, saying how women are too bashful to express their opinions. (I stole this observation from one of the commentors here)
I don't need to comment on the asininity of this column, as it's self-evident.
I just want to know why this woman has a job and I don't!
This tidbit brough to our attention by Pippa
Reds pitcher Brian Shackelford arrested in Milwaukee on allegations of 3rd degree sexual assault
Police arrested Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brian Shackelford this morning based on allegations stemming from an incident with a woman at a downtown Milwaukee hotel on Monday, police said.
Shackelford, 29, was arrested shortly after midnight after a game with the Brewers at Miller Park on suspicion of third-degree sexual assault, police records show. Shackelford was moved at 9:40 a.m. from the jail at police headquarters to the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility, where he remains. He is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Friday.
The complainant is an adult woman, said Anne E. Schwartz, department spokeswoman, who declined to give further comment because it is an on-going investigation.
Shackelford and the Reds had been in town since Monday for a three-game series. Police sources familiar with the case said Shackelford met the woman online and the two went to a hotel room, and took off their clothes. The woman told police her understanding was there would be just touching but there was sex, the sources said.
Shackelford was recalled from AAA just last Friday. The trip to Milwaukee was the team's first road trip since he was recalled.
In a statement, the Reds said, "The Cincinnati Reds are aware of the situation involving pitcher Brian Shackelford. We are not able to address this matter publicly because of the pending legal proceedings. We recognize the seriousness of the matter and do not condone behavior of the type alleged."
Assistant District Attorney Ken Berg said the investigation will continue between now and Aug. 21. No charges have been issued. Shackelford was released on his own recognizance without posting bail, Berg said.
from JSOnline.com
Shackelford, 29, was arrested shortly after midnight after a game with the Brewers at Miller Park on suspicion of third-degree sexual assault, police records show. Shackelford was moved at 9:40 a.m. from the jail at police headquarters to the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility, where he remains. He is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Friday.
The complainant is an adult woman, said Anne E. Schwartz, department spokeswoman, who declined to give further comment because it is an on-going investigation.
Shackelford and the Reds had been in town since Monday for a three-game series. Police sources familiar with the case said Shackelford met the woman online and the two went to a hotel room, and took off their clothes. The woman told police her understanding was there would be just touching but there was sex, the sources said.
Shackelford was recalled from AAA just last Friday. The trip to Milwaukee was the team's first road trip since he was recalled.
In a statement, the Reds said, "The Cincinnati Reds are aware of the situation involving pitcher Brian Shackelford. We are not able to address this matter publicly because of the pending legal proceedings. We recognize the seriousness of the matter and do not condone behavior of the type alleged."
Assistant District Attorney Ken Berg said the investigation will continue between now and Aug. 21. No charges have been issued. Shackelford was released on his own recognizance without posting bail, Berg said.
from JSOnline.com
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Rickie Weeks and the Brewers back to .500
Most of the time I'm mentioning Rickie Weeks because I often have to utter his name in a loan groan, shortly after he commits an error. He leads the NL in errors. Also in Hit By Pitches. We've actually gone over and over why this kid should be on the roster, but he's our lead off, had a good on base percentage and quite a few stolen bases. If not him, we have no leadoff hitter.
Well tonight he had 3 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 singles, 2 walks, a triple and the game winning ground rule double that was marked a single because he never touched second, as the winning run scored.
The Brewers, in 13 innings, beat the Cincinnati Reds. Swept them actually (take that Mutton Chops!) In the top of the inning we gave up a run on a bunt gone awry, as Aurelia scored from second. So we needed to come from behind again - with the bottom of the order due up. Two well placed singles and a walk later and we've got bases loaded, no outs and the top of the order on the way. Which is where Rickie Weeks gave me a reason to not shake my head and cover my eyes.
We went through basically the entire bullpen, 8 pitchers. The Reds used 7. We had only the backup catcher left in the dugout for any sort of pinch possibilities. It took 4 hours and 19 minutes. But we're back at .500 baby and the Cubs in town for 4 games. I dare not jinx it, but I'll be at the game on Sunday, so I'll report back on the series then. Hopefully I'll remember the camera (though that's not bloody likely, I forget it all the time)
Once again, it's a comeback win for the Brewers. Seriously, they drive me nuts, they're constantly just flirting with .500, but I love this team.
Well tonight he had 3 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 singles, 2 walks, a triple and the game winning ground rule double that was marked a single because he never touched second, as the winning run scored.
The Brewers, in 13 innings, beat the Cincinnati Reds. Swept them actually (take that Mutton Chops!) In the top of the inning we gave up a run on a bunt gone awry, as Aurelia scored from second. So we needed to come from behind again - with the bottom of the order due up. Two well placed singles and a walk later and we've got bases loaded, no outs and the top of the order on the way. Which is where Rickie Weeks gave me a reason to not shake my head and cover my eyes.
We went through basically the entire bullpen, 8 pitchers. The Reds used 7. We had only the backup catcher left in the dugout for any sort of pinch possibilities. It took 4 hours and 19 minutes. But we're back at .500 baby and the Cubs in town for 4 games. I dare not jinx it, but I'll be at the game on Sunday, so I'll report back on the series then. Hopefully I'll remember the camera (though that's not bloody likely, I forget it all the time)
Once again, it's a comeback win for the Brewers. Seriously, they drive me nuts, they're constantly just flirting with .500, but I love this team.
Vote for Cappy!
Ok, so I'm fairly certain none of my reading public is baseball fans, so there should be no conflict of interest here.
For the All-Star game, they name the team and then let the fans vote in the final player, as chosen from 4 candidates.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chris Capuano is up for the final spot in the NL and I implore you all to vote for him. You can reach the vote from here.
Pretty please to all my tens of readers!
For the All-Star game, they name the team and then let the fans vote in the final player, as chosen from 4 candidates.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chris Capuano is up for the final spot in the NL and I implore you all to vote for him. You can reach the vote from here.
Pretty please to all my tens of readers!
Ignorance...
So this blogger's friend was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty by a man who it turns out was wanted for murder in Louisiana. This is her response:
And Katrina takes another….
When will the good people of this country stand up and be heard, and tell the Katrina parasites from Louisiana to go home? Mr. Nagin, you owe the rest of the country more than you can ever repay. You’ve got what you wanted, a subservient welfare culture, and you had them all bussed back to vote your dumbass back into office. Now, why don’t you send those busses back to where your voters now live, and make them come back home? You and your state’s Democratic policies are what have fostered this welfare, “gimme” mentality, and the rest of us are paying a very dear price for it.
When all is said and done, Louisiana will have paid a far lesser price for the damages done by Katrina. A year after the hurricane left, the parasites from New Orleans and the surrounding parishes continue to pollute society as long as they stay away from home. They demand their “rights” to free government housing, food, money, breast implants, jewelry, designer bags, etc. The time is now to get off your damn lazy asses and get your shit together. If you don’t like it here in Georgia, or in Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or any of the other places you’ve infested, then go the hell back home. We’re THROUGH with you here! I know our crime rate has risen immeasurably, and I for one am sick of it.
Mayor Nagin, and Governor Blanco… TAKE BACK YOUR CHOCOLATE CITY, so the rest of the world can get on with their LIVES! Too many Katrina evacuees are wreaking havoc in this country. Rapes, robberies, murders, fraud, theft, and the list just goes on and on. Enough is enough. Take it back, Mr. Chocolate City. No more free rides. It’s time to take responsibility for your actions and INactions. And don’t blame the federal government. Mississippi and Alabama have been on their feet for a long time now. Take your shit and go home.
Look, I can understand anger and hurt. But this is one of the most asinine ignorant things I've ever read. What kind of human being refers to another as a PARASITE? It seems to me the last time I head that terminology was Germany circa 1940.
I don't even deny some of this blogger's assertions. A lot of things are wrong with Ray Nagin, New Orleans, and Louisiana politics and that was the case long before anyone ever uttered the word "Katrina." There are some people, some evacuees, who have taken advantage of this entire situation. They ARE lazy and conniving and they have broken the law. And I'm sorry that this blogger has encountered one of them. But it's blanket accusations and assertions like this that just further these stereotypes and ignorant ideas.
Again, I'm assuming that much of the above is written out of emotion, but this blogger is not the only one to express ideas like this. And none of it comes from any more facts or education than a bit of heresay and personal experience. And that's worrisome to me.
I actually find what this blogger wrote personally offensive, but that's not really even my issue with it. It's the total lack of educated opinion and dirth of gross generalizations that really make me angry.
I wish this blogger could go to New Orleans and see what havoc was wraught. To say that since Mississippi and Alabama have gotten things together, New Orleans should to, is ignorant of the facts. Mississippi and Alabama aren't under sealevel. They weren't under 10, 15, 20 feet of water. They weren't unihabitable for months. I want this blogger to have seen what I've seen. I want this blogger to have seen what a crazy, backwards but vibrant city New Orleans was, and then go see it now. I want this blogger to meet New Orleanians who would give anything to be able to "take their shit and go home" as the blogger so flippantly suggests. Then I want the blogger to offer to de-mold their home. Or pay to have the home completely rebuilt. Or help do the rebuilding theirself. I want the blogger to lose absolutely everything they have ever owned. To have lost family members and friends and every single possession. And until the blogger has at least educated themselves a little bit to understand what happened to the people of New Orleans, I really don't respect what is being said.
I also enjoy the smear of Democrats, as if it were unclear that this blogger is a Republican. "You and your state’s Democratic policies are what have fostered this welfare, “gimme” mentality, and the rest of us are paying a very dear price for it." Because clearly Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco are "at fault" for Welfare. And they are also the first to advocate such a program, either nationally or in Louisiana. This clearly new concept is one that Ray Nagin himself concocted.
And finally, "you had them all bussed back to vote your dumbass back into office" as though the citizens of New Orleans, who's homes and lives were destroyed, were no longer granted the Democratic right to vote. Regardless of your opinion of their choice, these people are still Americans and last I checked, were granted the right to vote.
---- I know that I shouldn't let things like this get to me, but ignorance - of any form- really angers me. I absolutely respect everyone's right to an opinion, but I cannot stand people who spew random thoughts garnered from friends, the internet, TV and newspapers as fact. Even if I feel your opinions are uneducated, I still think you have the right to them. I just respect them and am more willing to listen and have discourse if the opinions have some sort of intelligent thought to back them up.
And Katrina takes another….
When will the good people of this country stand up and be heard, and tell the Katrina parasites from Louisiana to go home? Mr. Nagin, you owe the rest of the country more than you can ever repay. You’ve got what you wanted, a subservient welfare culture, and you had them all bussed back to vote your dumbass back into office. Now, why don’t you send those busses back to where your voters now live, and make them come back home? You and your state’s Democratic policies are what have fostered this welfare, “gimme” mentality, and the rest of us are paying a very dear price for it.
When all is said and done, Louisiana will have paid a far lesser price for the damages done by Katrina. A year after the hurricane left, the parasites from New Orleans and the surrounding parishes continue to pollute society as long as they stay away from home. They demand their “rights” to free government housing, food, money, breast implants, jewelry, designer bags, etc. The time is now to get off your damn lazy asses and get your shit together. If you don’t like it here in Georgia, or in Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or any of the other places you’ve infested, then go the hell back home. We’re THROUGH with you here! I know our crime rate has risen immeasurably, and I for one am sick of it.
Mayor Nagin, and Governor Blanco… TAKE BACK YOUR CHOCOLATE CITY, so the rest of the world can get on with their LIVES! Too many Katrina evacuees are wreaking havoc in this country. Rapes, robberies, murders, fraud, theft, and the list just goes on and on. Enough is enough. Take it back, Mr. Chocolate City. No more free rides. It’s time to take responsibility for your actions and INactions. And don’t blame the federal government. Mississippi and Alabama have been on their feet for a long time now. Take your shit and go home.
Look, I can understand anger and hurt. But this is one of the most asinine ignorant things I've ever read. What kind of human being refers to another as a PARASITE? It seems to me the last time I head that terminology was Germany circa 1940.
I don't even deny some of this blogger's assertions. A lot of things are wrong with Ray Nagin, New Orleans, and Louisiana politics and that was the case long before anyone ever uttered the word "Katrina." There are some people, some evacuees, who have taken advantage of this entire situation. They ARE lazy and conniving and they have broken the law. And I'm sorry that this blogger has encountered one of them. But it's blanket accusations and assertions like this that just further these stereotypes and ignorant ideas.
Again, I'm assuming that much of the above is written out of emotion, but this blogger is not the only one to express ideas like this. And none of it comes from any more facts or education than a bit of heresay and personal experience. And that's worrisome to me.
I actually find what this blogger wrote personally offensive, but that's not really even my issue with it. It's the total lack of educated opinion and dirth of gross generalizations that really make me angry.
I wish this blogger could go to New Orleans and see what havoc was wraught. To say that since Mississippi and Alabama have gotten things together, New Orleans should to, is ignorant of the facts. Mississippi and Alabama aren't under sealevel. They weren't under 10, 15, 20 feet of water. They weren't unihabitable for months. I want this blogger to have seen what I've seen. I want this blogger to have seen what a crazy, backwards but vibrant city New Orleans was, and then go see it now. I want this blogger to meet New Orleanians who would give anything to be able to "take their shit and go home" as the blogger so flippantly suggests. Then I want the blogger to offer to de-mold their home. Or pay to have the home completely rebuilt. Or help do the rebuilding theirself. I want the blogger to lose absolutely everything they have ever owned. To have lost family members and friends and every single possession. And until the blogger has at least educated themselves a little bit to understand what happened to the people of New Orleans, I really don't respect what is being said.
I also enjoy the smear of Democrats, as if it were unclear that this blogger is a Republican. "You and your state’s Democratic policies are what have fostered this welfare, “gimme” mentality, and the rest of us are paying a very dear price for it." Because clearly Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco are "at fault" for Welfare. And they are also the first to advocate such a program, either nationally or in Louisiana. This clearly new concept is one that Ray Nagin himself concocted.
And finally, "you had them all bussed back to vote your dumbass back into office" as though the citizens of New Orleans, who's homes and lives were destroyed, were no longer granted the Democratic right to vote. Regardless of your opinion of their choice, these people are still Americans and last I checked, were granted the right to vote.
---- I know that I shouldn't let things like this get to me, but ignorance - of any form- really angers me. I absolutely respect everyone's right to an opinion, but I cannot stand people who spew random thoughts garnered from friends, the internet, TV and newspapers as fact. Even if I feel your opinions are uneducated, I still think you have the right to them. I just respect them and am more willing to listen and have discourse if the opinions have some sort of intelligent thought to back them up.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Italy-Germany
HOLY SHIT! I cannot believe that just happened.
Can someone explain to me how that play happened in the first place? How did that play develop through FIVE, count them, FIVE German defenders who were all standing flatfooted, IN THE BOX? Not to mention, how was he given absolutely the entire field in which to create that situation in the play before, that the keeper punched out and led to the corner kick that led to this goal. Amazing. Simply the most ridiculous, laid back defense.
Look, I know Italy hadn't known they're much noted, but rarely used "new attack" offense. But everyone knew about it. There's less than 2 minutes left in the overtime of the semi final and Italy knows they won't win in PKs. If ever there was a time they were going to break it out, don't you think this was it?
Can someone explain to me how that play happened in the first place? How did that play develop through FIVE, count them, FIVE German defenders who were all standing flatfooted, IN THE BOX? Not to mention, how was he given absolutely the entire field in which to create that situation in the play before, that the keeper punched out and led to the corner kick that led to this goal. Amazing. Simply the most ridiculous, laid back defense.
Look, I know Italy hadn't known they're much noted, but rarely used "new attack" offense. But everyone knew about it. There's less than 2 minutes left in the overtime of the semi final and Italy knows they won't win in PKs. If ever there was a time they were going to break it out, don't you think this was it?
Monday, July 03, 2006
Summerfest
Here in Milwaukee, we have a little thing called Summerfest. They bill themselves as the World's Largest Music Festival and are in Guiness for it. How one determines such things, I don't know.
But the point is, here in our little Wisconsin hamlet we have an 11 day outdoor music festival. It's rather fabulous. Check out the website here.
For $15 dollars you gain admission to a permanent festival grounds (none of this wide open field with some stages thrown up and some police lines for fences crap) that houses 9 stages. Each stage tends to stray to one type of genre, though that isn't always the case.
I could go on and on about Summerfest, but the point is that it's wonderful and all music lovers should check it out at some point. You can't get better money for your dollar.
There's also a main act every night at our Amphitheater, for which a seperate admission is charged. This year's headliners include Paul Simon, String Cheese & Rat Dog & Keller Williams (together), Pearl Jam and Tom Petty (together), NIN & Bauhaus, Alan Jackson & Carrie Underwood, and Counting Crows & Goo Goo Dolls, and Mary J. Blige. They try to cover every genre and audience with at least one headliner over the 11 days.
AND the people watching is the best I've ever encountered!
Anyway, the lineup isn't as prime as I would have liked this year. They're very much trying to attract an older, more affluent crowd and the side stage lineups reflected it, with bands like The Bangles, Styx, Lynard Skynard, and the like.
So I went Friday night to see Cowboy Mouth with my friend Jackie.
I feel like I should be a little embarassed to be a fan of CM, but frankly, I've never seen a better live show, they're from New Orleans and the make me nostalgic for my city.
Besides, I think it's funny that Jackie and I discovered CM in high school, at Summerfest, when we went early to get good seats for some other show, and CM happened to be on before them. We don't even remember the other show anymore, as it was utter crap and CM blew them out of the water. Living in New Orleans offered me many many opportunities to see CM and now I check them out whenever I can.
The show Friday was good times. They have a fairly new album that they ammended post-Katrina and added some songs about home. They are haunting and beautiful and gave me goosebumps (I'm SUCH a cheeseball!) and made me a little homesick.
But if you can't see CM live, don't even bother with the CDs. They pale in comparison and you just don't get the same feel for the band. And if you've never been, prepare for a lot energy, but also a lot of talking from Fred, the lead singer. Sometimes, I'll admit, you just want him to shut up and play, but mostly you're totally into what he's saying and you can feel his passion.
Besides, how can you not like a band who's lead singer is the drummer. And said drummer wears no sleeves, no shoes, and is sweat through by the 2nd song.
But the point is, here in our little Wisconsin hamlet we have an 11 day outdoor music festival. It's rather fabulous. Check out the website here.
For $15 dollars you gain admission to a permanent festival grounds (none of this wide open field with some stages thrown up and some police lines for fences crap) that houses 9 stages. Each stage tends to stray to one type of genre, though that isn't always the case.
I could go on and on about Summerfest, but the point is that it's wonderful and all music lovers should check it out at some point. You can't get better money for your dollar.
There's also a main act every night at our Amphitheater, for which a seperate admission is charged. This year's headliners include Paul Simon, String Cheese & Rat Dog & Keller Williams (together), Pearl Jam and Tom Petty (together), NIN & Bauhaus, Alan Jackson & Carrie Underwood, and Counting Crows & Goo Goo Dolls, and Mary J. Blige. They try to cover every genre and audience with at least one headliner over the 11 days.
AND the people watching is the best I've ever encountered!
Anyway, the lineup isn't as prime as I would have liked this year. They're very much trying to attract an older, more affluent crowd and the side stage lineups reflected it, with bands like The Bangles, Styx, Lynard Skynard, and the like.
So I went Friday night to see Cowboy Mouth with my friend Jackie.
I feel like I should be a little embarassed to be a fan of CM, but frankly, I've never seen a better live show, they're from New Orleans and the make me nostalgic for my city.
Besides, I think it's funny that Jackie and I discovered CM in high school, at Summerfest, when we went early to get good seats for some other show, and CM happened to be on before them. We don't even remember the other show anymore, as it was utter crap and CM blew them out of the water. Living in New Orleans offered me many many opportunities to see CM and now I check them out whenever I can.
The show Friday was good times. They have a fairly new album that they ammended post-Katrina and added some songs about home. They are haunting and beautiful and gave me goosebumps (I'm SUCH a cheeseball!) and made me a little homesick.
But if you can't see CM live, don't even bother with the CDs. They pale in comparison and you just don't get the same feel for the band. And if you've never been, prepare for a lot energy, but also a lot of talking from Fred, the lead singer. Sometimes, I'll admit, you just want him to shut up and play, but mostly you're totally into what he's saying and you can feel his passion.
Besides, how can you not like a band who's lead singer is the drummer. And said drummer wears no sleeves, no shoes, and is sweat through by the 2nd song.
More reasons Nike is the devil...
Oh, UniWatch hates Nike and there ever pushing to overbrand today's athletes. Also, he really really really hates asymmetrical colored sleeves and those silly dot matrices. But now he thinks Nike's gone too far!
Nike sleeves (preemptively) blamed for Mets not making 2006 postseason
Nike sleeves (preemptively) blamed for Mets not making 2006 postseason
Baseball on the radio
I actually listened to all of today's game on the radio. Plans were to go to the game, but we decided to save the money and hang out here. Turns out we missed a great game, but it was good times listening to Uecker on the radio.
This was an interesting game. Brewers "all-star" Derrick Turnbow, our closer, had his 6th blown save in almost 30 attempts. He walked 2 in the 9th and allowed the Reds to tie the game after the Brewers had come from behind to take a 6-4 lead.
Turnbow is one of those guy's that's crazy to believe when he's on, but absolutely painful to watch when he's off. And there is no middle ground. Whenever I'm at a game and he goes in, there's a general groan from the boyfriend and I, as in "Oh no, Tuuuurrrrrnnnnbowwwwwww" all gravelly like.
We pulled Turnbow and put in Matt Wise (he of the salad tong injury), who promptly walked two guys to fill the bases, but managed to get out of the inning.
Then Ricky Weeks, Bill Hall, Geoff Jenkins and Carlos Lee all hit singles to win the game.
Bill Hall had an incredible game, with four hits and a home run. Two more of his hits were off the upper part of the wall, making him mere inches from a three homer game. Hall had been in a slump of sorts, but clearly broke out of it today.
I tease my boyfriend about Bill Hall being my favorite Brewer, as he's "sexy" on and off the field. Then we talk about how his play is decidedly unsexy, really. That he just gets the job done well and that's all there is to it. He's not particularly flashy. Then my boyfriend points out how Bill chews, and as that's also rather unsexy, my attempts to "make him jealous" aren't all that successful.
However, the Crew pulled it back together in the
This was an interesting game. Brewers "all-star" Derrick Turnbow, our closer, had his 6th blown save in almost 30 attempts. He walked 2 in the 9th and allowed the Reds to tie the game after the Brewers had come from behind to take a 6-4 lead.
Turnbow is one of those guy's that's crazy to believe when he's on, but absolutely painful to watch when he's off. And there is no middle ground. Whenever I'm at a game and he goes in, there's a general groan from the boyfriend and I, as in "Oh no, Tuuuurrrrrnnnnbowwwwwww" all gravelly like.
We pulled Turnbow and put in Matt Wise (he of the salad tong injury), who promptly walked two guys to fill the bases, but managed to get out of the inning.
Then Ricky Weeks, Bill Hall, Geoff Jenkins and Carlos Lee all hit singles to win the game.
Bill Hall had an incredible game, with four hits and a home run. Two more of his hits were off the upper part of the wall, making him mere inches from a three homer game. Hall had been in a slump of sorts, but clearly broke out of it today.
I tease my boyfriend about Bill Hall being my favorite Brewer, as he's "sexy" on and off the field. Then we talk about how his play is decidedly unsexy, really. That he just gets the job done well and that's all there is to it. He's not particularly flashy. Then my boyfriend points out how Bill chews, and as that's also rather unsexy, my attempts to "make him jealous" aren't all that successful.
However, the Crew pulled it back together in the
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Totally bored...
and completely uninspired.
The temp job I had this week was at a convention, so I was offline all day long and every day I'd think of a few things I'd want to post, but by the time I got home, I absolutely couldn't remember.
And since I spent the better part of the evening cruising for ideas and come up empty, this is a post free vone for a bit, until I either find some enthusiasm or read something to link to.
The temp job I had this week was at a convention, so I was offline all day long and every day I'd think of a few things I'd want to post, but by the time I got home, I absolutely couldn't remember.
And since I spent the better part of the evening cruising for ideas and come up empty, this is a post free vone for a bit, until I either find some enthusiasm or read something to link to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
