The Court of Arbitration For Sport has ruled that Oscar Pistorius can run in the Beijing Olympics in August. They over turned the IAAF, the ruling body of International Track and Field. The South African can now participate in the 2008 Games providing he is able to post a time at least equal to the Olympic standard of 45.00 in the 400 meters, (Oscar's best time so far this year is 46.56), or be chosen by the South African's for their Olympic team.
Why is this such a big deal? And trust me, this is a big deal.
Oscar is known as "the fastest man on no legs." He was born, 21 years ago without fibulas - the long, thin outer bone between the knee and the ankle -and was 11 months old when his legs were amputated below the knee. Oscar runs on "blades," Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs.
A true athlete, in high school he played tennis, water polo, wrestling, and rugby. In fact "Oz" was introduced to running, four years ago, while recovering from a rugby injury, and "he never looked back." In the 2006 Paralympic World Championships, he won gold in the 100, 200, and 400 meter events. Now he wants to run against the "World's Best," in the 2008 Olympics.
His personal motto is, "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have." Sounds a lot like the Olympic Motto.
p.s. We received our first comment. A very nice one on our blog titled MEMORIAL DAY. Many thanks to Anonymous.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
"IT'S OUT OF HERE"
Sometimes "it's out of here." Sometimes "it's out of here, but not really out of here". Sometimes "it's not out of here, but it really is out of here." Sometimes "it's fan interference," or no, but it looked like "fan interference". Other times it's either "fair" or "foul," take your choice. It's all up to the men in blue and it's politically correct to say the umpires are right 99% of the time. (Or 85%, or 77%, or maybe it's a 50-50 proposition.)
Recently the four umpires working all Major League Games are having serious trouble with the home run. Does it hit the yellow line on top of the fence, does it hit below the yellow line, or does it clear the fence?Sometimes, your guess is as good as theirs. But, the replay doesn't have that problem. TV time after time makes the right call. But the umpires can't use the television replay.
Baseball is "the grand old game", because it is "grand" and it is "old". With few, very few, exceptions baseball has not changed since the turn of the century. Not the more recent century, the one 108 years ago. So don't hold your breath.
Think back, way back when the NFL finally decided to allow just a few calls on the field to be overturned be the replay. Then each year they modified it, added to it, took away, until they have almost got it right. The officials are now a part of the process and if their call is overturned it doesn't effect them. They pride themselves on making sure it's the right call.
Major League Baseball can start with the replay of the Home Run. Then next spring check out calls at home plate. Hey that works. On to first base. Why not include the fans at home. What replay do they want to see?
Onward, and upward, "It's out of here." It just might work.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Recently the four umpires working all Major League Games are having serious trouble with the home run. Does it hit the yellow line on top of the fence, does it hit below the yellow line, or does it clear the fence?Sometimes, your guess is as good as theirs. But, the replay doesn't have that problem. TV time after time makes the right call. But the umpires can't use the television replay.
Baseball is "the grand old game", because it is "grand" and it is "old". With few, very few, exceptions baseball has not changed since the turn of the century. Not the more recent century, the one 108 years ago. So don't hold your breath.
Think back, way back when the NFL finally decided to allow just a few calls on the field to be overturned be the replay. Then each year they modified it, added to it, took away, until they have almost got it right. The officials are now a part of the process and if their call is overturned it doesn't effect them. They pride themselves on making sure it's the right call.
Major League Baseball can start with the replay of the Home Run. Then next spring check out calls at home plate. Hey that works. On to first base. Why not include the fans at home. What replay do they want to see?
Onward, and upward, "It's out of here." It just might work.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Monday, May 26, 2008
MEMORIAL DAY
It seems that each year we grow further away
from the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is the
one day of the year that is set aside to remember
and be thankful for all of the men and women who
have fought and died to preserve our freedom.
My memory always returns to 1942 when Camp
Chaffee was in full operation outside my hometown
of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Camp Chaffee was the
home of the 5th Armored Division. Later to be the
main tank division of the famous Battle of the Bulge,
on the drive to Berlin.
That was a time when every Sunday morning after
church, almost everybody in town would drive down
Garrison Avenue in the heart of Fort Smith and stop
at any street corner and ask two or three soldiers to
join them at their home for Sunday Dinner.
For many soldiers this was their first time to be
away from home. For us, in addition to 25 cent stamps
we saved up, to buy $25 War Bonds, gas stamps, gas
rationing, and weekly alarm drills, this was about all
we could do for the war effort. Naturally at 12 years old I hoped the war would last
long enough for me to join up. Until then, we practiced
marching in Kelly Draper's backyard. After all his dad
had graduated from the Naval Academy.
As we got to know some of the soldiers from Camp
Chaffee, they became part of the family. Mom and Dad
set up six canvas cots in the upstairs hallway with plenty
of sheets and blankets, so that when they got a weekend
off they had a place to go. And then slowly they left for
the war in Europe and the house became very empty.
Mother stayed in contact with all of them by v-mail,
but as the fighting got heavier and causalities multiplied
their letters became further and further apart.
Then one day a beat up package arrived for me from
Staff Sgt. Stanley LeLauren, from an APO address with
all kinds of postage all over it. Inside was a shining, brand
new, Bowie Knife, just like the one he carried that I had
so admired. There was no note but I didn't need one. This knife
was part of the special bond that existed between a
12 year old boy and a tall Texan Army Sergeant who
commanded a tank.
Every Memorial Day I take out that knife and make sure
it shines. Then I close my eyes and I see Stanley, Billy, Phil, Bobby, Dan, and Frank. And I remember what Memorial Day really means and I remember those special weekends, oh, so long ago.
from the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is the
one day of the year that is set aside to remember
and be thankful for all of the men and women who
have fought and died to preserve our freedom.
My memory always returns to 1942 when Camp
Chaffee was in full operation outside my hometown
of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Camp Chaffee was the
home of the 5th Armored Division. Later to be the
main tank division of the famous Battle of the Bulge,
on the drive to Berlin.
That was a time when every Sunday morning after
church, almost everybody in town would drive down
Garrison Avenue in the heart of Fort Smith and stop
at any street corner and ask two or three soldiers to
join them at their home for Sunday Dinner.
For many soldiers this was their first time to be
away from home. For us, in addition to 25 cent stamps
we saved up, to buy $25 War Bonds, gas stamps, gas
rationing, and weekly alarm drills, this was about all
we could do for the war effort. Naturally at 12 years old I hoped the war would last
long enough for me to join up. Until then, we practiced
marching in Kelly Draper's backyard. After all his dad
had graduated from the Naval Academy.
As we got to know some of the soldiers from Camp
Chaffee, they became part of the family. Mom and Dad
set up six canvas cots in the upstairs hallway with plenty
of sheets and blankets, so that when they got a weekend
off they had a place to go. And then slowly they left for
the war in Europe and the house became very empty.
Mother stayed in contact with all of them by v-mail,
but as the fighting got heavier and causalities multiplied
their letters became further and further apart.
Then one day a beat up package arrived for me from
Staff Sgt. Stanley LeLauren, from an APO address with
all kinds of postage all over it. Inside was a shining, brand
new, Bowie Knife, just like the one he carried that I had
so admired. There was no note but I didn't need one. This knife
was part of the special bond that existed between a
12 year old boy and a tall Texan Army Sergeant who
commanded a tank.
Every Memorial Day I take out that knife and make sure
it shines. Then I close my eyes and I see Stanley, Billy, Phil, Bobby, Dan, and Frank. And I remember what Memorial Day really means and I remember those special weekends, oh, so long ago.
Friday, May 23, 2008
MIAMI DOLPHINS - STAY TUNED
If you watched the recently completed 2008 edition of "Dancing With the Stars" (like I did), then you are aware of the outstanding athletic ability of the top two finishers. Kirsti Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medalist in figure skating, and her professional dance partner, won the title over Miami Dolphins, six time Pro Bowl defensive end, Jason Taylor and his dance partner.
If you have followed any portion of the ten week long contest, you have to be amazed at the sheer physical ability that ballroom dancing calls for. This being one of the on going themes of the contestants over the two plus months of six hours of daily practice plus the live competition. With Kirsti and Jason now finishing in the best physical condition of their lives.
This brings me to the Miami Dolphins, with a 1-15 record last year, (That's right only one win all season long) and Jason Taylor, their only Pro Bowl player. This was his sixth Pro Bowl, the last four years in a row. In addition at 6'6", 255 lbs., with 117 lifetime sacks, third among active players, he is the proto-type defensive end in the NFL.
However, because of his commitment to "Dancing With the Stars," Jason has missed all the voluntary mini-camps of the Dolphins as they try to right the ship (see above 1-15) under taskmaster Bill Parcells and coach Tony Sparano. In addition Jason is also visiting with Warner Brothers and NBC Universal studios about a show-business future.
So here we are at the cross-roads. Parcells and Sparano are very unhappy with the fact that Jason has missed so many voluntary camps and may miss a part of training camp. They have threatened to trade him, after all they can finish 1-15 with or without him.
Jason's an eleven year veteran. How long do you really think it will take him to get ready for the season? My guess, three weeks practice and the last two pre-season games. But, that's not the real dividing line. This is all about control. Who's in control? "My way or the highway." But the bottom line still is, the Dolphins can win more games with Jason than they can with out Jason.
Stay tuned.
Comments welcomed, please click on the link below and send me your thoughts.
If you have followed any portion of the ten week long contest, you have to be amazed at the sheer physical ability that ballroom dancing calls for. This being one of the on going themes of the contestants over the two plus months of six hours of daily practice plus the live competition. With Kirsti and Jason now finishing in the best physical condition of their lives.
This brings me to the Miami Dolphins, with a 1-15 record last year, (That's right only one win all season long) and Jason Taylor, their only Pro Bowl player. This was his sixth Pro Bowl, the last four years in a row. In addition at 6'6", 255 lbs., with 117 lifetime sacks, third among active players, he is the proto-type defensive end in the NFL.
However, because of his commitment to "Dancing With the Stars," Jason has missed all the voluntary mini-camps of the Dolphins as they try to right the ship (see above 1-15) under taskmaster Bill Parcells and coach Tony Sparano. In addition Jason is also visiting with Warner Brothers and NBC Universal studios about a show-business future.
So here we are at the cross-roads. Parcells and Sparano are very unhappy with the fact that Jason has missed so many voluntary camps and may miss a part of training camp. They have threatened to trade him, after all they can finish 1-15 with or without him.
Jason's an eleven year veteran. How long do you really think it will take him to get ready for the season? My guess, three weeks practice and the last two pre-season games. But, that's not the real dividing line. This is all about control. Who's in control? "My way or the highway." But the bottom line still is, the Dolphins can win more games with Jason than they can with out Jason.
Stay tuned.
Comments welcomed, please click on the link below and send me your thoughts.
Monday, May 19, 2008
IMPEACHMENT? NO!
A great diplomat once said, "Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer." That diplomat was not George W. Bush. George W. would have said, "Keep your friends close and keep your enemies as far away as possible."
This is what he was inferring, while addressing Israeli's Knesset (Parliament) when honoring that nation's 60th birthday.
Here's what he said:
President Bush suggested that Sen. Barack Obama and other Democrats are in favor of "appeasement" of terrorists in the same way U.S. leaders appeased Nazis in the run-up to World War II. "Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish decision before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1938, an American Senator (William Borah, Republican, from Idaho)declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is - the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."
What Bush did in Israel goes well beyond the accepted confines of American political debate. Whether we like it or not President Bush is the leader of all of us, (no longer the leader of the free world, just the leader of us), and to use a diplomatic setting on foreign soil to score a cheap political point at home is way beneath his office, his country, and the people he purports to serve.
Recently Chris Matthews hosting MSNBC's "Hardball" was quizzing Kevin James, a right wing radio host, about Bush's Israel Speech. James adamantly replied that Senator Obama wanted to do the same thing that Neville Chamberlain did with the Nazi's in 1938. Appeasement. Chris Matthews then asked James, what exactly did Chamberlain do?
James: Appeasement.
Matthews: No, what did Chamberlain do?
James: Appeasement.
Matthews: Again, what did Chamberlain do?
Same answer: Appeasement.
Chris Matthews asked the same question 12 times over the next five minutes. Kevin James, speaking for the republicans, had no idea what Neville Chamberlain did in 1938, he only knew his name. As Matthews then commented, "Kevin, you are a blank slate." There is a difference between appeasement and diplomacy.
As a follow up to Bush's speech, we again heard the cry of "Impeachment." There's no chance. "Impeachment" must start in the House of Representatives, followed by a fact finding hearing. The House must then vote a majority to impeach. This is called the adoption of the Articles of Impeachment. Then the case is sent to the Senate. The Senate is transformed into a Quasi-Judicial body (a 100 member jury) to hear the case, with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding.
TO CONVICT A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY OF THE SENATE IS NEEDED.
There is no way the Senate would ever get a two-thirds majority. Just look at how the Republican Senators line up to follow their leader (Bush) voting for anything he wants and against everything he doesn't want. Eight months, eight more months, and Bush will be back cutting weeds on his ranch in Crawford, Texas. We will just have to wait.
For the record: Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister, three times in 1938 went to Germany in efforts to prevent the outbreak of a general European war over Hitler's demand that Czechoslovakia cede the Sudetenland to Germany. By the Munich Agreement of September 30, 1938, he and Premier Edouard Daladier of France granted almost all of Hitler's demands and left Czechoslovakia defenseless. Chamberlain returned to England speaking of, "peace with honour." When Hitler seized the rest of Czechoslovakia in March of 1939, Chamberlain repudiated appeasement, and then immediately guaranteed armed support for Poland, Romania, and Greece. The next month, peacetime military conscription was instituted for the first time in British history.
Webster's Dictionary Definitions (In case you were wondering):
Appeasement = To Pacify. To buy off an aggressor.
Diplomacy = Skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility.
This is what he was inferring, while addressing Israeli's Knesset (Parliament) when honoring that nation's 60th birthday.
Here's what he said:
President Bush suggested that Sen. Barack Obama and other Democrats are in favor of "appeasement" of terrorists in the same way U.S. leaders appeased Nazis in the run-up to World War II. "Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish decision before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1938, an American Senator (William Borah, Republican, from Idaho)declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is - the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."
What Bush did in Israel goes well beyond the accepted confines of American political debate. Whether we like it or not President Bush is the leader of all of us, (no longer the leader of the free world, just the leader of us), and to use a diplomatic setting on foreign soil to score a cheap political point at home is way beneath his office, his country, and the people he purports to serve.
Recently Chris Matthews hosting MSNBC's "Hardball" was quizzing Kevin James, a right wing radio host, about Bush's Israel Speech. James adamantly replied that Senator Obama wanted to do the same thing that Neville Chamberlain did with the Nazi's in 1938. Appeasement. Chris Matthews then asked James, what exactly did Chamberlain do?
James: Appeasement.
Matthews: No, what did Chamberlain do?
James: Appeasement.
Matthews: Again, what did Chamberlain do?
Same answer: Appeasement.
Chris Matthews asked the same question 12 times over the next five minutes. Kevin James, speaking for the republicans, had no idea what Neville Chamberlain did in 1938, he only knew his name. As Matthews then commented, "Kevin, you are a blank slate." There is a difference between appeasement and diplomacy.
As a follow up to Bush's speech, we again heard the cry of "Impeachment." There's no chance. "Impeachment" must start in the House of Representatives, followed by a fact finding hearing. The House must then vote a majority to impeach. This is called the adoption of the Articles of Impeachment. Then the case is sent to the Senate. The Senate is transformed into a Quasi-Judicial body (a 100 member jury) to hear the case, with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding.
TO CONVICT A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY OF THE SENATE IS NEEDED.
There is no way the Senate would ever get a two-thirds majority. Just look at how the Republican Senators line up to follow their leader (Bush) voting for anything he wants and against everything he doesn't want. Eight months, eight more months, and Bush will be back cutting weeds on his ranch in Crawford, Texas. We will just have to wait.
For the record: Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister, three times in 1938 went to Germany in efforts to prevent the outbreak of a general European war over Hitler's demand that Czechoslovakia cede the Sudetenland to Germany. By the Munich Agreement of September 30, 1938, he and Premier Edouard Daladier of France granted almost all of Hitler's demands and left Czechoslovakia defenseless. Chamberlain returned to England speaking of, "peace with honour." When Hitler seized the rest of Czechoslovakia in March of 1939, Chamberlain repudiated appeasement, and then immediately guaranteed armed support for Poland, Romania, and Greece. The next month, peacetime military conscription was instituted for the first time in British history.
Webster's Dictionary Definitions (In case you were wondering):
Appeasement = To Pacify. To buy off an aggressor.
Diplomacy = Skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
O.J. MAYO
I'm going to blame the NBA for any violations of NCAA Rules, by freshmen, who are planning to only play for "Their School" for only one year before going off to the NBA draft.
It use to be that once you were out of high school you could sign up for the NBA draft. Now you have to wait one year. So why not wait at a high powered college, perhaps in a major market. You'll get a full ride, but you really don't have an affiliation to that school. You're just passing the time.
Where does this lead us? Right now to USC and O.J. Mayo. O.J. reportedly took gifts that violate NCAA rules. Why not? There's no loyalty. USC is just a way station to the NBA. It is thought that a pseudo agent provided, a flat screen television, a cell phone, cash, meals, clothes, and other benefits. If proven to be true, USC will be nailed for their victories plus more serious sanctions.
If O.J. is caught for violations by the NCAA, I believe, many of the major Division 1 schools will disdain from signing outstanding high school basketball players, on their way to the NBA. Guess what? The NBA will then change their rule back to the way it was.
If O.J. is guilty, only USC will face the fines. O.J. is already on his way to the NBA.
Comments welcomed. Please click on the Comment Link below.
It use to be that once you were out of high school you could sign up for the NBA draft. Now you have to wait one year. So why not wait at a high powered college, perhaps in a major market. You'll get a full ride, but you really don't have an affiliation to that school. You're just passing the time.
Where does this lead us? Right now to USC and O.J. Mayo. O.J. reportedly took gifts that violate NCAA rules. Why not? There's no loyalty. USC is just a way station to the NBA. It is thought that a pseudo agent provided, a flat screen television, a cell phone, cash, meals, clothes, and other benefits. If proven to be true, USC will be nailed for their victories plus more serious sanctions.
If O.J. is caught for violations by the NCAA, I believe, many of the major Division 1 schools will disdain from signing outstanding high school basketball players, on their way to the NBA. Guess what? The NBA will then change their rule back to the way it was.
If O.J. is guilty, only USC will face the fines. O.J. is already on his way to the NBA.
Comments welcomed. Please click on the Comment Link below.
Monday, May 12, 2008
PLAYERS MEMORIES
I had the opportunity to be part of the NBC announcing crew at the PLAYERS several times in the 1990s. It was always then commissioner Deane Beman's goal for the PLAYERS to become the fifth major championship. It's not there yet, because Tiger has only won one time and is not playing this year as he's recovering from knee surgery.
They've tried and tried. Even the name, PLAYERS, not The Players, is to remind you of the MASTERS. The winner gets a check for almost $2 MILLION dollars and an exemption for a zillion years. The PLAYERS now has a better date, between the MASTERS and the U.S. Open. Still it is not a major. But, usually with the best field of the year, it is fun to watch and it was fun to broadcast.
NBC took over the telecast right after the PLAYERS moved across the highway to the new TPC course, with the signature par 3, 17th hole. Which was my first assignment. At that time the tournament was telecast only on the weekend, so on Friday we all saddled up for a full rehearsal. I was enjoying chronicling the number of tee shots the dropped, rolled, fell, missed, and sunk in the water surrounding the 17th green.
Then after a four hour rehearsal we all gathered in the production trailer for a critique. I drew first blood. It seems commissioner Deane Beman who watched his own special feed of the rehearsal, did not approve of the description and the account of the shots that found Davy Jones, locker at the 17th. As Deane explained, these were the greatest golfers in the world and I should not point out their mistakes. Thank goodness, the next day, Johnny Miller pointed out on the 18th fairway a golfer who had a shot that he could "choke" on. His statement meant that the next year I could count the misses on the 17th.
A few years later I was hosting the PLAYERS on the 18th tower. By this time I was getting up in age and faced nature's call during our four hour telecast. The closest bathroom was in the clubhouse, which in turn was perched on a small mountain that looked to me like Mount Kilimanjaro. There was no way I could get there and back during one of our commercial breaks. I just mentioned my problem to one of the PGA suits and gave it no more thought.
The next morning when I arrived at the bottom of the 18th tower the stairway was surrounded by PGA officials. They stepped away, like a curtain opening on Broadway, and there it was. Protected by a green tarp was my own, personal, private, Port-O-John. I knew it was mine, as on the door was an NBC Peacock just above my name.
One thing we always looked forward to was our own tournament on Monday after the PLAYERS. Naturally we hit from the forward tees, but everything was just like Sunday with the same pin placements. In addition there were scorers at each hole with all of our scores posted on the many electronic scoreboards around the course.
The 13th is a par 3, 130 yards, with water on the left and a back left pin placement. A perfect 8 iron for me. I put a pretty good swing on the ball with just a touch of a hook. And it hooked, right into the water. Following great laughter from my four-some, I teed it up again. Same spot. Same swing without the hook. Three bounces and short roll. Into the cup. Cheers all around for my first and only hole-in-one, for a three, and with my handicap a two.
At the 17th I hit it into the water.
Comments are welcomed, please click on the "Comment" link below.
They've tried and tried. Even the name, PLAYERS, not The Players, is to remind you of the MASTERS. The winner gets a check for almost $2 MILLION dollars and an exemption for a zillion years. The PLAYERS now has a better date, between the MASTERS and the U.S. Open. Still it is not a major. But, usually with the best field of the year, it is fun to watch and it was fun to broadcast.
NBC took over the telecast right after the PLAYERS moved across the highway to the new TPC course, with the signature par 3, 17th hole. Which was my first assignment. At that time the tournament was telecast only on the weekend, so on Friday we all saddled up for a full rehearsal. I was enjoying chronicling the number of tee shots the dropped, rolled, fell, missed, and sunk in the water surrounding the 17th green.
Then after a four hour rehearsal we all gathered in the production trailer for a critique. I drew first blood. It seems commissioner Deane Beman who watched his own special feed of the rehearsal, did not approve of the description and the account of the shots that found Davy Jones, locker at the 17th. As Deane explained, these were the greatest golfers in the world and I should not point out their mistakes. Thank goodness, the next day, Johnny Miller pointed out on the 18th fairway a golfer who had a shot that he could "choke" on. His statement meant that the next year I could count the misses on the 17th.
A few years later I was hosting the PLAYERS on the 18th tower. By this time I was getting up in age and faced nature's call during our four hour telecast. The closest bathroom was in the clubhouse, which in turn was perched on a small mountain that looked to me like Mount Kilimanjaro. There was no way I could get there and back during one of our commercial breaks. I just mentioned my problem to one of the PGA suits and gave it no more thought.
The next morning when I arrived at the bottom of the 18th tower the stairway was surrounded by PGA officials. They stepped away, like a curtain opening on Broadway, and there it was. Protected by a green tarp was my own, personal, private, Port-O-John. I knew it was mine, as on the door was an NBC Peacock just above my name.
One thing we always looked forward to was our own tournament on Monday after the PLAYERS. Naturally we hit from the forward tees, but everything was just like Sunday with the same pin placements. In addition there were scorers at each hole with all of our scores posted on the many electronic scoreboards around the course.
The 13th is a par 3, 130 yards, with water on the left and a back left pin placement. A perfect 8 iron for me. I put a pretty good swing on the ball with just a touch of a hook. And it hooked, right into the water. Following great laughter from my four-some, I teed it up again. Same spot. Same swing without the hook. Three bounces and short roll. Into the cup. Cheers all around for my first and only hole-in-one, for a three, and with my handicap a two.
At the 17th I hit it into the water.
Comments are welcomed, please click on the "Comment" link below.
Friday, May 9, 2008
INDIANA POLL TAX
The Republican's have done it again, this time with the help of their Supreme Court. To vote in the Indiana nominating primary you had to have an Indiana or federal issue photo-identification card.
I blogged this last week when the "Supremes"made their decision. In a year when thousands of young voters were showing interest for the first time and, of course, to make it more difficult for the minority voters to qualify, it worked.
Not only were voters turned away at several polling places, but a dozen nuns were not allowed to vote. The nuns, in their 80s and 90s and all residents of a retirement home near Notre Dame University, were turned away because of the stringent voter ID law upheld by the "Supremes."
Sister Julie McGuire, who was working at the polling place, had to explain to the nuns that they couldn't vote because they didn't have the proper ID card. She said, "Some of them really didn't understand why."
In addition an unknown number of college students, many voting for the first time, were turned away. You see, this new law does not recognize out of state drivers license, thus causing problems for 18 year old and above students. Also, the local DMVs would not allow students to use their out of state photo-identification drivers license to qualify for an Indiana drivers license so they could vote.
It reminded one student of a family story about her aunt, who years ago went to vote in the south side of Chicago and was told, "Your mother voted this morning." Her aunt replied, "That's strange, my mother is dead."
Let's hear it for Indiana and for the United States Supreme Court. It's the "American Way."
Comments are welcomed...please click on the comment link below!
I blogged this last week when the "Supremes"made their decision. In a year when thousands of young voters were showing interest for the first time and, of course, to make it more difficult for the minority voters to qualify, it worked.
Not only were voters turned away at several polling places, but a dozen nuns were not allowed to vote. The nuns, in their 80s and 90s and all residents of a retirement home near Notre Dame University, were turned away because of the stringent voter ID law upheld by the "Supremes."
Sister Julie McGuire, who was working at the polling place, had to explain to the nuns that they couldn't vote because they didn't have the proper ID card. She said, "Some of them really didn't understand why."
In addition an unknown number of college students, many voting for the first time, were turned away. You see, this new law does not recognize out of state drivers license, thus causing problems for 18 year old and above students. Also, the local DMVs would not allow students to use their out of state photo-identification drivers license to qualify for an Indiana drivers license so they could vote.
It reminded one student of a family story about her aunt, who years ago went to vote in the south side of Chicago and was told, "Your mother voted this morning." Her aunt replied, "That's strange, my mother is dead."
Let's hear it for Indiana and for the United States Supreme Court. It's the "American Way."
Comments are welcomed...please click on the comment link below!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
HORSE RACING IS UNDER SEIGE
With the tragedy in the aftermath of the Kentucky Derby, and the loss of another thoroughbred (Eight Belles),"The Sport of Kings," is suddenly being compared with "The Squared, Circle," boxing. (God, I love cliches.)Except, there's one big exception, the boxer has a choice, the horse doesn't.
Let's see, the breeding and cross-breeding of name studs has weakened the current line of thoroughbreds. It seems like every race horse (Including all starters in this years Derby) can trace their lineage back to Native Dancer. Either directly to him, or to his son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandson, grand daughter, great-great-great and on-and-on-and-on.
Remember, Native Dancer? A bundle of a 1,000 pounds of muscle held up by four tender legs. And this weakness in his legs may just have been passed on-and-on-and-on.
The modern day trainers can really train. However, they are better trainers with a variety of drugs and a multitude of pain-killers at hand. Faster horses, through better chemistry. There has to be a line in the sand of racetracks cutting down the use of drugs. And, don't forget to check out the racing surfaces now in use. There might just be a better track to run on.
But, the best answer? Save the thoroughbreds one more year. Let them grow up, put on a little more weight, become more mature. Even create a series of exercises to build up the muscle and strength in their legs. Don't let them race until they are four years old. One year can make a world of difference.
This may just save some of the fastest horses in the world for a long and happy life. And we may never have to again face the tragedy of this years Derby.
Comments Welcomed...Click Below on the Comment Link!
Let's see, the breeding and cross-breeding of name studs has weakened the current line of thoroughbreds. It seems like every race horse (Including all starters in this years Derby) can trace their lineage back to Native Dancer. Either directly to him, or to his son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandson, grand daughter, great-great-great and on-and-on-and-on.
Remember, Native Dancer? A bundle of a 1,000 pounds of muscle held up by four tender legs. And this weakness in his legs may just have been passed on-and-on-and-on.
The modern day trainers can really train. However, they are better trainers with a variety of drugs and a multitude of pain-killers at hand. Faster horses, through better chemistry. There has to be a line in the sand of racetracks cutting down the use of drugs. And, don't forget to check out the racing surfaces now in use. There might just be a better track to run on.
But, the best answer? Save the thoroughbreds one more year. Let them grow up, put on a little more weight, become more mature. Even create a series of exercises to build up the muscle and strength in their legs. Don't let them race until they are four years old. One year can make a world of difference.
This may just save some of the fastest horses in the world for a long and happy life. And we may never have to again face the tragedy of this years Derby.
Comments Welcomed...Click Below on the Comment Link!
Monday, May 5, 2008
THE DISAPPEARING TV CRITIC
NBC's coverage of the Kentucky Derby was "clean." That's the term often used by TV sports departments when you get on and off on time, your opening and closing both work, you cover the entire story, and you get all the commercials in.
I think "almost clean" is a better description of this year's coverage. But don't forget that the Kentucky Derby, with replays, can only be stretched to five, maybe six minutes of sports excitement. The rest is simply to sell enough commercials to pay for the production cost, plus, and that's a BIG PLUS, the rights fee for the event, and maybe a little profit. NBC did very well in this department, even selling the sponsorship of The Best Hat Contest.
What was missing were taped replays of the fatal injury to Eight Belles the only filly in the race. Following her gallant second place finish, Eight Belles' tragedy came a quarter mile past the finish line, when she suddenly fell forward on her knee. She suffered simultaneous, compound fractures of her front ankles.
NBC said the injury, the horse going down, and then writhing in pain is simply not a picture to show families watching at home. And with this we agree.
The key mistake was made on Friday night in the production meeting where the decision was made to pick the horses to isolate on during the race. NBC said they decided not to use one of their cameras to isolate on Eight Belles.
Normally a good decision. But perhaps NBC was not aware that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made Eight Belles a main part of her stump speeches last week, as the filly she would bet on and that she was sending Chelsea to Louisville with instructions to place her bet. An interesting part of the coverage that was missed. With an isolated camera, NBC would have had much better tape of the injury to show, without upsetting the viewing audience.
The "Disappearing TV Critic" awards a bronze medal.
I think "almost clean" is a better description of this year's coverage. But don't forget that the Kentucky Derby, with replays, can only be stretched to five, maybe six minutes of sports excitement. The rest is simply to sell enough commercials to pay for the production cost, plus, and that's a BIG PLUS, the rights fee for the event, and maybe a little profit. NBC did very well in this department, even selling the sponsorship of The Best Hat Contest.
What was missing were taped replays of the fatal injury to Eight Belles the only filly in the race. Following her gallant second place finish, Eight Belles' tragedy came a quarter mile past the finish line, when she suddenly fell forward on her knee. She suffered simultaneous, compound fractures of her front ankles.
NBC said the injury, the horse going down, and then writhing in pain is simply not a picture to show families watching at home. And with this we agree.
The key mistake was made on Friday night in the production meeting where the decision was made to pick the horses to isolate on during the race. NBC said they decided not to use one of their cameras to isolate on Eight Belles.
Normally a good decision. But perhaps NBC was not aware that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made Eight Belles a main part of her stump speeches last week, as the filly she would bet on and that she was sending Chelsea to Louisville with instructions to place her bet. An interesting part of the coverage that was missed. With an isolated camera, NBC would have had much better tape of the injury to show, without upsetting the viewing audience.
The "Disappearing TV Critic" awards a bronze medal.
Friday, May 2, 2008
THE RETURN OF THE COMIC BOOK
I remember, oh so long ago, making the statement, "I don't care what anybody says. When I grow up, I'll still read comic books." I was so sure. I was so wrong.
But, it came to pass, the motion picture industry did it for me. They continue to read comic books and they continue to bring the super-heros of my youth, to life on the big-screen. Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man
continue to fight for the American way.
The current Governor of California, once answered a journalists question, "How do you pick your next picture?" Arnold said, "If you can tell what the picture is all about, from only a movie poster, then it's my kind of picture."
So here we go again. "Iron Man," is the Governors type of picture, but he's busy right now fighting the recession, so Robert Downey, Jr. makes a bigger comeback, as Tony Stark, than anyone ever thought possible.
This is the same comics story-line, billionaire/womanizing/playboy/
weapons manufacture/ makes-over into "Iron Man," who saves the world and this weekend's Box Office.
Signed: The Disappearing Movie critic
But, it came to pass, the motion picture industry did it for me. They continue to read comic books and they continue to bring the super-heros of my youth, to life on the big-screen. Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man
continue to fight for the American way.
The current Governor of California, once answered a journalists question, "How do you pick your next picture?" Arnold said, "If you can tell what the picture is all about, from only a movie poster, then it's my kind of picture."
So here we go again. "Iron Man," is the Governors type of picture, but he's busy right now fighting the recession, so Robert Downey, Jr. makes a bigger comeback, as Tony Stark, than anyone ever thought possible.
This is the same comics story-line, billionaire/womanizing/playboy/
weapons manufacture/ makes-over into "Iron Man," who saves the world and this weekend's Box Office.
Signed: The Disappearing Movie critic
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