July 03, 2008
Having been a sportswriter for nearly 20 years and a sports fan since what seems like birth, I've accumulated my share of sports items over the years.
Among those items are books related to sports. While going through my collection recently in a “spring cleaning” mode, I came across a book co-authored by Kim Doren and Charlie Jones. I paged through some of it to refresh my memory on its contents, then put the book back on the shelf with my other collectibles. While looking through the book, I had wondered what Charlie had been up to in recent years. I had the pleasure of meeting him in his La Jolla office a number of years back to do a story on his book writing and a look back at a stellar sportscasting career.
As you can imagine, it came as a great shock a few days later when I saw on the newswires that Charlie had passed away at 77 of a heart attack in La Jolla. Once the shock wore off, I realized how lucky I was to have met this man. I don’t want to date myself — or Charlie, for that matter — but I remember as a kid tuning in NBC on Sunday afternoons for NFL games and hearing that voice. Much like Keith Jackson doing college football, Charlie had a very recognizable voice. What’s more, he not only knew the game but made it fun to listen to. Just as when I met another La Jollan years ago, veteran sportscaster Dick Enberg, Charlie was an institution as far as I’m concerned when it came to calling games. Charlie, who called the very first Super Bowl, did much more than just Sunday afternoons or the Fiesta Bowl from Tempe. His career saw him cover more than two dozen sports nationwide and around the globe.
I spoke to Kim via e-mail last weekend and asked her to share some thoughts on her friendship with Charlie. To say that the two had a bond would be an understatement. “Charlie had been more than my business partner — we had been best friends for the past 17 years,” Kim said. “I loved the man. Even though his health has been deteriorating the past couple years, I was shocked at his death.”
Kim, like myself, remembered watching Charlie as a youngster on television calling sporting events. “I always dreamed that one day I would be an athlete being interviewed by him (our families were also acquainted),” Kim went on to say. “Of course, that type of interview never happened, but we did meet in the context of sports. I was a marketing executive with Cobra Golf and we first met (as two adults) in Lake Tahoe at the 1991 Celebrity Golf tournament. Charlie was NBC’s golf host in ‘91 and ‘92 (with Johnny Miller) and we became instant friends. After I left Cobra in ‘96, I helped (p.r./edit) his first book, ‘What Makes Winners Win,’ which made it onto the New York Times business best-seller list. We shared an office in La Jolla Shores, and when NBC lost NFL football we started work on numerous projects.”
“Our first book together was ‘You Go Girl,’ and it happened in a pretty serendipitous fashion,” she continued. “I had been a volunteer girls softball coach and had been lamenting to Charlie that all the sports books focused on men and wouldn’t it be nice to have a book to inspire girls. I came up with WOW (women on winning) and he immediately picked up the phone, called Chris Evert and said, ‘My partner and I are writing a book — can we interview you?’ We didn't have an agent, publisher or anything, but that is pure Charlie. He would take off on an idea (he had millions of them — plays, TV and radio shows, books, et cetera) and go for it. Naysayers, rejections, et cetera didn’t faze him. He was incredibly positive and resilient. A year and a half later, our book was published and it was followed by several others, including ‘Be the Ball: A Golf Instructional Book for the Mind,’ ‘That’s Outside My Boat: Letting Go of What You Can't Control’ and ‘Heaven Can Wait: Surviving Cancer.’” Charlie had prostate cancer and Kim said he loved giving out the book and talking to those with cancer to encourage them. Battling cancer is no easy matter, but even Charlie found a humorous way to deal with it. “As a funny aside, when Charlie was going through radiation at Scripps, he loved joking with the nurses,” Kim noted. “On Valentine’s Day he drew a big heart around where his radiation was targeted. He had a great sense of humor. I think he really enjoyed leaving a legacy, whether it was his broadcasts or his books — these will live on.”
Not only will Charlie’s written word in books live on, but his voice will live on in endless sports broadcasts. “Charlie loved broadcasting,” Kim commented. “He knew that’s what he wanted to be as soon as he took his first radio job as a kid. The adrenaline rush he would have after doing a game would keep him up for hours. He fed off people and this energy would help him overcome any physical pain he was having. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his craft with up-and-coming broadcasters.
“Bill Walton is probably the best known example. He spent hours reviewing tapes with Bill and helping him develop skills. Of course, NBC recognized Charlie’s ability to develop talent; he had a multitude of various partners over the years because of this. Charlie was selfless on the air. He pulled his partners in, set them up and let them shine, unlike others who let their egos get in the way. He was a terrific mentor. He was mine for public speaking.”
Kim said that as for Charlie’s legacy, he was extremely proud of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “He took pride in being old school — setting up the story, letting the game be the star and making the whole experience a joy to viewers,” Kim noted. “The real test, he said, was to hold viewers when the game was a blowout. That’s where his story-telling ability could really shine.
Of course, he did tons of different sports, but he loved his Olympic experiences (track and field in Seoul, swimming and diving in Barcelona, and canoeing, kayaking, rowing in Atlanta). I remember hearing many stories from people who met him and felt like they were being interviewed, even when they went to interview him.”
Another thing that made Charlie special was his love for his community. Many notable people just use a town for what it has to offer and do not give back. That was not Charlie. “Charlie loved La Jolla,” Kim pointed out. “He first came to town when he was in the Air Force, but when he returned for good he found a house he loved with a view of the Cove and never left. He enjoyed his tennis games at the Beach and Tennis Club in earlier times, and later loved to lunch on the patio there. He could watch the Fourth of July fireworks from his driveway.
“I think he especially enjoyed La Jolla’s village atmosphere. One of Charlie’s best traits was that he was so friendly and approachable. He put on no airs. He talked with everyone and was a charmer. He loved kidding with the workers at Burns Drugs, the staff at Warwick’s, Terry at Ocean Girl; he would take little holiday gifts to the women at his dry cleaners; he’d trade funky magazines with his gardener; he just enjoyed making people smile. In fact, no matter where he went in La Jolla, you could count on him giving someone a compliment or striking up a conversation with a child. Charlie grew up in a small town and he looked at the world as a small town.”
When I told Kim that I was doing a piece on Charlie’s life, I noted that I had a very definitive impression of Charlie after I met him years ago.
Charlie had that “grandfather” look and feel to him and he was the kind of guy you would want and trust as your next-door neighbor. Kim also agreed that the role of grandfather suited Charlie just fine.
“I think Charlie would like to be remembered as a creative man who had his dream career and was the consummate pro; a wonderful grandpa — he was enamored with his three grandkids, Morgan, Parker and Charlotte — and a person who thoroughly enjoyed people and life, sharing lots of love, laughs and energy,” Kim remarked. “It’s funny, but his last book was stories of Santa Claus and he was a living Santa. He had a twinkle in his eye; a joyful, contagious chuckle; and he loved giving to others. He touched many lives and I was blessed to have been so close to him.”
For those who didn’t get to know or have an opportunity to meet Charlie over the years, he has left a number of pieces to his life for us to enjoy.
His blog (www.charliejonesonsports.blogspot.com/) will be up for the immediate future.
According to Kim, “He so enjoyed communicating, and I’d love for people to take a look at his writing. He would have loved that, too, because we were just beginning to publicize the site when he died. His postings are very insightful and touch on many topics beyond sports. Charlie was multi-dimensional and interested in far more than sports. He was also very well-read.”
Kim said she is thinking of creating a Web site to collect Charlie stories and feature his work. “His sister wants me to write a book about him, but right now I’m not sure; I’m still working through my grief and I need a little time to figure it all out,” Kim added.
Kim ended our conversation by telling me that while she really does miss him, she is a better person because of him.
I think it is safe to say that many people echo those feelings. Wherever you are, Charlie, thank you for all you gave us during your time here. We all learned a little something from you.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Jones was true pro, with pipes of velvet
This article was written by Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union Tribune. It is a marvelous tribute to Charlie. Please enjoy.
I remember so much more than The Voice. But when people think of Charlie Jones, it's what first comes to mind. The Voice. It was as though Charlie's began from a faraway place, from a fairy tale, and went through all kinds of Grimm trouble before it reached our ears. It was a sports voice, a football baritone that rustled the autumn leaves from their perches.
Fortunate as I was to spend quite a bit of time with this kind man, when we were together I couldn't help but think what The Voice was like when he was a child in Fort Smith, Ark. His first words probably scared his family and no doubt had something to do with “first-and-10” or calling the finish of a mile run.
Charlie passed away last week at 77, of heart failure, and his was a heart I never thought could fail. It was as big as his larynx. That's what I remember most about Charlie Jones. His graciousness, his generosity, his willingness to help people on the way up, his preparation, his literacy and his great love for family (his wife, Ann, is one of the all-time kicks), sports and travel.
“I never travel light,” he told me, and he traveled, sometimes logging hundreds of thousands of air miles over 12-month spans during his 38-year network career. He loved what he did, always saying he had the best job in the world.
He had such a great love for golf. It's sad his death came before the end of the U.S. Open, played out at Torrey Pines, close to his home above La Jolla Shores, where he lived from 1967.
He covered too many sports to mention here, but there were Super Bowls and the Olympics and Wimbledon. He was the voice of the Padres, Reds and Rockies. He was on the sideline for the first Super Bowl and eventually was honored with the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Award for his radio and television work. He wrote several books, including “Heaven Can Wait: Surviving Cancer,” in 2003. He worked 25 college bowl games and the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He won an Emmy.
Charlie loved to tell a story about that World Cup. He was flying commercial from Mexico City, nonstop, to another town for a match. “There was this guy on the plane with a bunch of World Cup pins,” he said. “The guy told the pilot he'd give him some pins if he made an unscheduled stop in this other town. And the pilot did.” Jones, who did a turn in the Air Force, loved to fly. “He wanted to be a pilot so bad,” Ann says. “But he had a problem. He couldn't see.”
As a broadcaster, he sure could see, and he had a way of making you comfortable, because he always seemed comfortable. It didn't matter how many curves he was thrown.
“In football, I had over 60 different colormen (analysts),” Charlie once said. “In baseball, I had at least 10. I did 27 different sports and every one had a different man or woman (analyst). All the people I worked with, if I could have worked my career with Jerry Coleman, I'd be a lot healthier.”
Charlie loved to help. Maybe I should say his ego wasn't such that he was afraid to help. “He was the best coach,” says ESPN's Bill Walton, urged by Charlie to get into the broadcasting game. “He was always positive. He had a way of teaching you so you didn't want to quit.”
Merlin Olsen, the Hall of Fame Rams defensive lineman who worked with Charlie on the air and also as a partner in their production company, once carried him up the stairs of an old Colorado hotel when Charlie had a broken leg. “One of the most unique people I've ever met,” Olsen says.
Despite his pedigree, Charlie never allowed it to get in front of the laughter. There was enjoyment to him. A celebration of his life was held Wednesday at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, which was fitting, because this was a man who celebrated life.
For the first time, I met his sister, Virginia, a kind woman who comes complete with an Arkansas accent. If Charlie had an accent, it was hidden in those marvelous chops.
He loved to tell the story of working football at NBC with the late George Ratterman. At the time, George was sheriff of Newport, Ky., and was shutting down the casinos there, which didn't sit well with the bosses.
The two were about to do a Raiders game at Oakland's Frank Youell Field and George informed Charlie that the FBI had called and said there was a price on his head, that a sniper had been hired to rub him out from a high-rise during the game. “George,” Charlie asked, “do they know what you look like?”
We know what Charlie Jones looked like and sounded like. If you didn't really know him, you missed someone special. The voice has been silenced, but it remains loud and clear.
Written by Nick Canepa: (619) 293-1397; nick.canepa@uniontrib.com
Editors Note: This blog will be maintained and added to frequently by two of Charlie's friends, Kim Doren and Greg Anton. Should you care to contact us, please send us a comment note by clicking on the link below.
I remember so much more than The Voice. But when people think of Charlie Jones, it's what first comes to mind. The Voice. It was as though Charlie's began from a faraway place, from a fairy tale, and went through all kinds of Grimm trouble before it reached our ears. It was a sports voice, a football baritone that rustled the autumn leaves from their perches.
Fortunate as I was to spend quite a bit of time with this kind man, when we were together I couldn't help but think what The Voice was like when he was a child in Fort Smith, Ark. His first words probably scared his family and no doubt had something to do with “first-and-10” or calling the finish of a mile run.
Charlie passed away last week at 77, of heart failure, and his was a heart I never thought could fail. It was as big as his larynx. That's what I remember most about Charlie Jones. His graciousness, his generosity, his willingness to help people on the way up, his preparation, his literacy and his great love for family (his wife, Ann, is one of the all-time kicks), sports and travel.
“I never travel light,” he told me, and he traveled, sometimes logging hundreds of thousands of air miles over 12-month spans during his 38-year network career. He loved what he did, always saying he had the best job in the world.
He had such a great love for golf. It's sad his death came before the end of the U.S. Open, played out at Torrey Pines, close to his home above La Jolla Shores, where he lived from 1967.
He covered too many sports to mention here, but there were Super Bowls and the Olympics and Wimbledon. He was the voice of the Padres, Reds and Rockies. He was on the sideline for the first Super Bowl and eventually was honored with the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Award for his radio and television work. He wrote several books, including “Heaven Can Wait: Surviving Cancer,” in 2003. He worked 25 college bowl games and the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He won an Emmy.
Charlie loved to tell a story about that World Cup. He was flying commercial from Mexico City, nonstop, to another town for a match. “There was this guy on the plane with a bunch of World Cup pins,” he said. “The guy told the pilot he'd give him some pins if he made an unscheduled stop in this other town. And the pilot did.” Jones, who did a turn in the Air Force, loved to fly. “He wanted to be a pilot so bad,” Ann says. “But he had a problem. He couldn't see.”
As a broadcaster, he sure could see, and he had a way of making you comfortable, because he always seemed comfortable. It didn't matter how many curves he was thrown.
“In football, I had over 60 different colormen (analysts),” Charlie once said. “In baseball, I had at least 10. I did 27 different sports and every one had a different man or woman (analyst). All the people I worked with, if I could have worked my career with Jerry Coleman, I'd be a lot healthier.”
Charlie loved to help. Maybe I should say his ego wasn't such that he was afraid to help. “He was the best coach,” says ESPN's Bill Walton, urged by Charlie to get into the broadcasting game. “He was always positive. He had a way of teaching you so you didn't want to quit.”
Merlin Olsen, the Hall of Fame Rams defensive lineman who worked with Charlie on the air and also as a partner in their production company, once carried him up the stairs of an old Colorado hotel when Charlie had a broken leg. “One of the most unique people I've ever met,” Olsen says.
Despite his pedigree, Charlie never allowed it to get in front of the laughter. There was enjoyment to him. A celebration of his life was held Wednesday at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, which was fitting, because this was a man who celebrated life.
For the first time, I met his sister, Virginia, a kind woman who comes complete with an Arkansas accent. If Charlie had an accent, it was hidden in those marvelous chops.
He loved to tell the story of working football at NBC with the late George Ratterman. At the time, George was sheriff of Newport, Ky., and was shutting down the casinos there, which didn't sit well with the bosses.
The two were about to do a Raiders game at Oakland's Frank Youell Field and George informed Charlie that the FBI had called and said there was a price on his head, that a sniper had been hired to rub him out from a high-rise during the game. “George,” Charlie asked, “do they know what you look like?”
We know what Charlie Jones looked like and sounded like. If you didn't really know him, you missed someone special. The voice has been silenced, but it remains loud and clear.
Written by Nick Canepa: (619) 293-1397; nick.canepa@uniontrib.com
Editors Note: This blog will be maintained and added to frequently by two of Charlie's friends, Kim Doren and Greg Anton. Should you care to contact us, please send us a comment note by clicking on the link below.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Good Bye Charlie, we will miss you greatly...
Our friend Charlie passed away on Thursday of this week. Here is a copy of the story on most of the news wires.
Sportscaster Charlie Jones, 77, dies of heart attack
By BERNIE WILSON
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Charlie Jones, the deep-voiced sportscaster whose career as a play-by-play announcer dated to the beginning of the American Football League in 1960, has died. He was 77.
Jones died of a massive heart attack Thursday at his home in the La Jolla district of San Diego, said his wife, Ann. Jones, who retired in the late 1990s, had been in poor health for several years, she said.
Jones worked for ABC and NBC in a career spanning 38 years. "He said, 'I never felt like I ever went to work,'" Ann Jones said Friday. "He loved it. He said, 'I've got the best seat in the house.' Jones started at ABC in 1960, the year the AFL made its debut. He moved to NBC in 1965, remaining with that network until 1997. Jones announced 28 different sports, while with NBC, from golf to tennis, baseball to figure skating. He called events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
"He really liked them all," Ann Jones said. "He really did. He wasn't particular, because they were all so different."
NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol called Jones "one of the great pioneers of NBC Sports. His work in particular on the NFL, golf and the Olympics left a lasting legacy." Longtime agent Martin Mandel said Jones was "one of the legends of sports broadcasting.""He had a wonderful kettledrum voice. He was known for that and his versatility," Mandel said.
Jones will be cremated and his ashes spread over the Pacific Ocean. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday afternoon at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. "He had it in his will that men cannot wear ties," Ann Jones said.
Jones also is survived by two children and three grandchildren.
Associated Press Writer Solvej Schou in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
If you have a memory of Charlie you would like to share, please click on the comment link below and let us know.
Sportscaster Charlie Jones, 77, dies of heart attack
By BERNIE WILSON
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Charlie Jones, the deep-voiced sportscaster whose career as a play-by-play announcer dated to the beginning of the American Football League in 1960, has died. He was 77.
Jones died of a massive heart attack Thursday at his home in the La Jolla district of San Diego, said his wife, Ann. Jones, who retired in the late 1990s, had been in poor health for several years, she said.
Jones worked for ABC and NBC in a career spanning 38 years. "He said, 'I never felt like I ever went to work,'" Ann Jones said Friday. "He loved it. He said, 'I've got the best seat in the house.' Jones started at ABC in 1960, the year the AFL made its debut. He moved to NBC in 1965, remaining with that network until 1997. Jones announced 28 different sports, while with NBC, from golf to tennis, baseball to figure skating. He called events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
"He really liked them all," Ann Jones said. "He really did. He wasn't particular, because they were all so different."
NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol called Jones "one of the great pioneers of NBC Sports. His work in particular on the NFL, golf and the Olympics left a lasting legacy." Longtime agent Martin Mandel said Jones was "one of the legends of sports broadcasting.""He had a wonderful kettledrum voice. He was known for that and his versatility," Mandel said.
Jones will be cremated and his ashes spread over the Pacific Ocean. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday afternoon at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. "He had it in his will that men cannot wear ties," Ann Jones said.
Jones also is survived by two children and three grandchildren.
Associated Press Writer Solvej Schou in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
If you have a memory of Charlie you would like to share, please click on the comment link below and let us know.
Monday, June 9, 2008
MY FRIEND - JIM McKAY
Over this past weekend, We lost Jim McKay, the only true host of "ABC's Wide World Of Sports." For most of you under 40, you didn't have a chance to appreciate what he brought to television. Jim had this wonderful touch with words and the world of sports. He could stand in the pits in Monaco, talk to the cowboys in Calgary, or call Bob Hayes World Record in St. Louis.
That's where I met Jim, in St. Louis. It was my first assignment on Wide World. I was to do the live interviews, with the winners, of the 1963 AAU Track and Field Championships.
That Saturday morning, I met Jim and the rest of the ABC crew in a production meeting in the motel coffee shop. Afterwards everyone left for the stadium, but Jim said, "You go ahead, Charlie and I will have another cup of coffee before we come out.
Jim McKay then spent the next two hours explaining the Wide World concept of sports. There was more emphasis on the personalities of sports and what made them tick. He also included me in the telecast, making me a true part of their broadcast crew. Then it was off to the stadium, where the temperature was 103 degrees.
Three hours before we were to go on the air, and without video-tape, (it hadn't been invented) Bob Hayes broke the world record in the semi-finals of the 100-yard dash in a time of 9.1 seconds.
After the cheering died down, Jim called me on his phone from the broadcast tower. He said, "Charlie, will you go tell Bob Hayes that he wasn't on television, as we don't go on the air, live, until 5:00 o'clock So, would you ask him if he would run a 9.1 world record, again in the finals." My response, "You've got to be kidding?" Jim's reply, and I believe he had his tongue placed firmly in his cheek, "No, I'm not kidding, let's see if he will do it." Okay. When you are young and eager, naturally you'll try.
All dressed up in my brand new navy, blue, "ABC Wide World of Sports" jacket, I found Bob Hayes. "Bob, congratulations on your new world record of 9.1 in the hundred. (pause) We don't go on air until 5:00 o'clock so we missed it. (pause) Would you do it again in the finals?" (This time Bob Hayes paused.)
He had a funny kind of smile on his face. Then his face changed. I could almost read his thoughts. If I was crazy enough to ask him, then he just might do it. "Yea." (another pause) "I'll do it." (smile) "I'll run another 9.1 in the finals."
He did. And I interviewed, live on-camera, courtesy of Jim McKay, the new 100-yard dash, World Champion, Bob Hayes.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
That's where I met Jim, in St. Louis. It was my first assignment on Wide World. I was to do the live interviews, with the winners, of the 1963 AAU Track and Field Championships.
That Saturday morning, I met Jim and the rest of the ABC crew in a production meeting in the motel coffee shop. Afterwards everyone left for the stadium, but Jim said, "You go ahead, Charlie and I will have another cup of coffee before we come out.
Jim McKay then spent the next two hours explaining the Wide World concept of sports. There was more emphasis on the personalities of sports and what made them tick. He also included me in the telecast, making me a true part of their broadcast crew. Then it was off to the stadium, where the temperature was 103 degrees.
Three hours before we were to go on the air, and without video-tape, (it hadn't been invented) Bob Hayes broke the world record in the semi-finals of the 100-yard dash in a time of 9.1 seconds.
After the cheering died down, Jim called me on his phone from the broadcast tower. He said, "Charlie, will you go tell Bob Hayes that he wasn't on television, as we don't go on the air, live, until 5:00 o'clock So, would you ask him if he would run a 9.1 world record, again in the finals." My response, "You've got to be kidding?" Jim's reply, and I believe he had his tongue placed firmly in his cheek, "No, I'm not kidding, let's see if he will do it." Okay. When you are young and eager, naturally you'll try.
All dressed up in my brand new navy, blue, "ABC Wide World of Sports" jacket, I found Bob Hayes. "Bob, congratulations on your new world record of 9.1 in the hundred. (pause) We don't go on air until 5:00 o'clock so we missed it. (pause) Would you do it again in the finals?" (This time Bob Hayes paused.)
He had a funny kind of smile on his face. Then his face changed. I could almost read his thoughts. If I was crazy enough to ask him, then he just might do it. "Yea." (another pause) "I'll do it." (smile) "I'll run another 9.1 in the finals."
He did. And I interviewed, live on-camera, courtesy of Jim McKay, the new 100-yard dash, World Champion, Bob Hayes.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Friday, June 6, 2008
BLACKWATER'S DECEPTION
Let me see if I have this correct. Blackwater Worldwide, you know, the company that has made millions of dollars from this present Washington administration, for its shadowy work in the Iraq War, has leased a 61,600 square-foot warehouse in a business park, three blocks from the Mexican border, in Otay Mesa, CA, which is zoned for a vocational school.
Blackwater, the military training contractor, applied for permits under the names of their affiliated companies, (thus not raising the tainted name of BLACKWATER), with their applications stating they were leasing the building for a vocational school. They immediately built an indoor shooting range, a simulated Navy ship, and classrooms for counter terrorism training. Just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill vocational school.
Naturally, the city took them to Court. Blackwater countered seeking a temporary restraining order, insisting their due process rights had been violated and failure to open on time would jeopardize its contract with the Navy. U. S. District Judge Marilyn Huff, took the side of Blackwater, saying there is,"a strong likelihood of success on the merits of that claim." And Blackwater, opened its vocational door to the Navy, the next day.
Doesn't this whole operation smell of the current administration in Washington? Obfuscation. Secrecy. National Security. Federal Judges.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Blackwater, the military training contractor, applied for permits under the names of their affiliated companies, (thus not raising the tainted name of BLACKWATER), with their applications stating they were leasing the building for a vocational school. They immediately built an indoor shooting range, a simulated Navy ship, and classrooms for counter terrorism training. Just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill vocational school.
Naturally, the city took them to Court. Blackwater countered seeking a temporary restraining order, insisting their due process rights had been violated and failure to open on time would jeopardize its contract with the Navy. U. S. District Judge Marilyn Huff, took the side of Blackwater, saying there is,"a strong likelihood of success on the merits of that claim." And Blackwater, opened its vocational door to the Navy, the next day.
Doesn't this whole operation smell of the current administration in Washington? Obfuscation. Secrecy. National Security. Federal Judges.
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
LETTER TO OBAMA
On this night when Barack Obama officially became the presidential nominee of the democratic party I'm going to send him a letter. This letter contains an idea that has been rolling around in my mind for the past few months. If this idea appeals to you, then join me and write to the Senator.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Senator Obama:
In as much as you have spoken out against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I would appreciate your consideration of this idea.
When you are elected our next president, I would like you to PUT A HOLD on all of the celebrations in Washington, on inaugural day. That hold to last until our troops have come home from the wars. Then, and only then, will we hold a HUGE CELEBRATION all over this great country.
What would you do the rest of the day after your inauguration? Announce at the end of your speech, that you are headed to the Oval Office for a meeting with your commanding officers to start the process of bringing these terrible wars to a close. When that happens, church bells will ring throughout the land, and we will all celebrate.
Sincerely, Charlie Jones
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Senator Obama:
In as much as you have spoken out against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I would appreciate your consideration of this idea.
When you are elected our next president, I would like you to PUT A HOLD on all of the celebrations in Washington, on inaugural day. That hold to last until our troops have come home from the wars. Then, and only then, will we hold a HUGE CELEBRATION all over this great country.
What would you do the rest of the day after your inauguration? Announce at the end of your speech, that you are headed to the Oval Office for a meeting with your commanding officers to start the process of bringing these terrible wars to a close. When that happens, church bells will ring throughout the land, and we will all celebrate.
Sincerely, Charlie Jones
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
FOR GRADUATES ONLY
This is that special time of the year known as graduation. From Kindergartens to Universities this is both an end and a beginning. Here is my graduation present for you.
On my first day as a 17 year old freshman at the University of Southern California my first class was Speech 101. I arrived early and grabbed a seat in the fourth row on the far side of the room, away from the door. There was a lot of talking, when suddenly the door swung open, but no one was there. The room became very quiet. Next I heard a scrapping-sliding sound, but I had no idea what was happening. Some of the students in the middle of the room stood up to see what was going on and they completely blocked my view.
Then from behind the podium in front of the class, like Phoenix rising from the ashes, this tall gaunt, ageless woman appeared. She dramatically raised her right hand. Paused. Then she spoke for the first time. "Dare to be different."
Those four words, from this wonderful teacher, who crawled into our classroom on her hands and knees, 60 years ago, have meant more to me than all the schools, all the classes, and all the diplomas. I give them to you. Guard them well.
And always,"Dare to be different."
Comments welcomed...Please click on the "Comment" link just below and let us know what you think - CJ.
Friday, May 30, 2008
LET HIM RUN
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.
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.
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
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Millions of Americans Expected to Gather on May 1st, 2008 to Pray for America
Tommorrow is a very special and powerful day for our country. Tens of thousands of prayer events are planned across the country on Thursday May 1, 2008 in recognition of the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. There are over 35,000 National Day of Prayer events that will be held around the United States on May 1. In churches, parks and on courthouse steps, citizens will pray for our nation; government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, businesses and families.
"This is a critical time to be in prayer for our country. The biblical principles upon which America was founded are under attack in every segment of society," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "We pray God will raise righteous leaders for our country."
This year's theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" is based on Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." The Lord hears and responds to His children's cry for help. He is their strength, refuge, and courage in personal and national times of suffering, despair and loss.
About the National Day of Prayer:
Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation's history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. This observance is currently held on the first Thursday each May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for our land.
Visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more and I encourage you to find and attend an event in your area!!
"This is a critical time to be in prayer for our country. The biblical principles upon which America was founded are under attack in every segment of society," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "We pray God will raise righteous leaders for our country."
This year's theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" is based on Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." The Lord hears and responds to His children's cry for help. He is their strength, refuge, and courage in personal and national times of suffering, despair and loss.
About the National Day of Prayer:
Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation's history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. This observance is currently held on the first Thursday each May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for our land.
Visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more and I encourage you to find and attend an event in your area!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
THE SUPREME COURT RULES
The Supreme Court does it again. But first, did you get a chance to see U.S. Justice Antonin Scalia, Sunday night (4/27/08) on CBS's 60 Minutes?
There are two interesting Supreme Court Cases that he had a big part in deciding and he talked about them both. The first was Gore vs. Bush where the Supreme Court handed the Presidency of the United States to George W. Bush. This in turn has led to the past eight years where the U.S. has accomplished nothing except killing thousands of people and going into debt for trillions of dollars. A debt not to be paid by us, but by future taxes on our children and grandchildren. In fact, for the first time ever, U.S. taxes have been lowered during a time of war. Mostly for the wealthy.
Justice Scalia said this WAS NOT a political decision. WHAT? Naming the President of the United States by the Supreme Court is not political? I still can't find a word about the naming of the President of the United States in the Constitution. The only true decision would have been to rule for recounts in whatever states it applied. Let the majority of the people decide who the President is, not the Supreme Court.
In addition he said it was Al Gore who wanted the Supreme Court to rule and he got what he wanted. The Justice is guilty of a short memory in what was the worst ever decision by the high court. It was W. Bush and his fathers conservative backers, led by Jim Baker, who wanted the conservative Court to rule and they got what they wanted.Then, Justice Scalia stated on CBS, it is legal for the U.S. to torture terrorist. His reasoning. The Constitution does not apply to torture. In fact the
word torture never appears in the Constitution. That's not the Constitution I studied in Law School and its not the Constitution of the country we live in.
Fast forward to today. Just a week before the Indiana primary, the USSC upheld the Indiana law where you have to have a government picture identification before you can vote. This ruling will severely limit the poor and aged, particularly the black population, from voting. To get photo-
identification you have to have a birth certificate. That costs money. You have to have transportation to a state government office. That costs money. In Indiana this applies to a demographic that mostly votes for liberal democratic candidates.
When I grew up there was a similar law in most southern states to keep the poor black folks from voting. Not because they were democrats but
because the white folks were afraid who they might vote for.
I had hoped that we were past that. Apparently not in Indiana and not in today's conservative Supreme Court.
It was called a POLL TAX.
There are two interesting Supreme Court Cases that he had a big part in deciding and he talked about them both. The first was Gore vs. Bush where the Supreme Court handed the Presidency of the United States to George W. Bush. This in turn has led to the past eight years where the U.S. has accomplished nothing except killing thousands of people and going into debt for trillions of dollars. A debt not to be paid by us, but by future taxes on our children and grandchildren. In fact, for the first time ever, U.S. taxes have been lowered during a time of war. Mostly for the wealthy.
Justice Scalia said this WAS NOT a political decision. WHAT? Naming the President of the United States by the Supreme Court is not political? I still can't find a word about the naming of the President of the United States in the Constitution. The only true decision would have been to rule for recounts in whatever states it applied. Let the majority of the people decide who the President is, not the Supreme Court.
In addition he said it was Al Gore who wanted the Supreme Court to rule and he got what he wanted. The Justice is guilty of a short memory in what was the worst ever decision by the high court. It was W. Bush and his fathers conservative backers, led by Jim Baker, who wanted the conservative Court to rule and they got what they wanted.Then, Justice Scalia stated on CBS, it is legal for the U.S. to torture terrorist. His reasoning. The Constitution does not apply to torture. In fact the
word torture never appears in the Constitution. That's not the Constitution I studied in Law School and its not the Constitution of the country we live in.
Fast forward to today. Just a week before the Indiana primary, the USSC upheld the Indiana law where you have to have a government picture identification before you can vote. This ruling will severely limit the poor and aged, particularly the black population, from voting. To get photo-
identification you have to have a birth certificate. That costs money. You have to have transportation to a state government office. That costs money. In Indiana this applies to a demographic that mostly votes for liberal democratic candidates.
When I grew up there was a similar law in most southern states to keep the poor black folks from voting. Not because they were democrats but
because the white folks were afraid who they might vote for.
I had hoped that we were past that. Apparently not in Indiana and not in today's conservative Supreme Court.
It was called a POLL TAX.
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