Legendary actor Paul Newman died today from complications from lung cancer. He was 83.
Newman appeared in such films as HUD, Cool Hand Luke, Exodus, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, The Sting, Slap Shot, Verdict and dozens of others.
My favorite Newman film would one of his more recent works - Nobody's Fool. I saw it in London with former British Labour MP Jimmy Wray when I interned for him in 1995.
Newman was well known for his social activism. Yes, he was a staunch liberal but he put his liberalism to good use. In the early 1980's, Newman established a line of products called Newman's Own. When one thinks of Newman's Own one tends to think of salad dressing but there were other products such as popcorn, cookies and some pretty good lemonade. All profits are donated to charity. Amongst other things, the proceeds have created a series of summer camps for children afflicted with cancer.
Newman was also well respected amongst the NASCAR crowd. He developed a passion for auto racing after making a film in 1969 called Winning. Newman would become a race car driver and finished 5th at Daytona in 1977.
He truly was a man for all seasons. Fortunately, his works will continue to be enjoyed for many seasons to come.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
McCain-Obama I: McCain's Secret Weapon is Petraeus
I think John McCain won this debate. His secret weapon was General David Petraeus. Every time McCain mentioned Petraeus he landed body blows on Obama and put him on the defensive throughout the night.
McCain also scored points where it concerned Iran and Russia's invasion of Georgia. There were times when Obama seemed to try to befriend McCain by stating he agreed with him. McCain was having none of it.
But even if McCain won the battle it is no guarantee he will win the war. The subsequent debates are going to focus on domestic issues and with the economy hanging like The Sword of Damocles the advantage is with Obama. But if a bailout agreement comes together it could help McCain. But bailout agreement or not, if McCain exceeds expectations in the next two debates it could very well be what turns the corner for The Maverick.
But first we have Palin-Biden on October 2nd.
McCain also scored points where it concerned Iran and Russia's invasion of Georgia. There were times when Obama seemed to try to befriend McCain by stating he agreed with him. McCain was having none of it.
But even if McCain won the battle it is no guarantee he will win the war. The subsequent debates are going to focus on domestic issues and with the economy hanging like The Sword of Damocles the advantage is with Obama. But if a bailout agreement comes together it could help McCain. But bailout agreement or not, if McCain exceeds expectations in the next two debates it could very well be what turns the corner for The Maverick.
But first we have Palin-Biden on October 2nd.
McCain-Obama I is On
With no bailout package having been agreed, John McCain has agreed to fly down to Mississippi to debate Barack Obama on foreign policy this evening. Then he will return to Washington to see what he can do about getting a deal done.
It would have been better had there been a deal in place but McCain can say after the debate, "Well, I've got an economy to save. There's work to be done."
Even with the economy on the brink, foreign policy is still an immensely important topic that requires discussion. If not for the catastrophe on Wall Street, the world would be glued to Pakistani troops firing on U.S. and NATO troops on the Afghan-Pakistani border despite President Zardari's pleas to fight terrorism. Although one can underestimate Obama's eloquence on any given subject this debate is right in McCain's wheelhouse.
It would have been better had there been a deal in place but McCain can say after the debate, "Well, I've got an economy to save. There's work to be done."
Even with the economy on the brink, foreign policy is still an immensely important topic that requires discussion. If not for the catastrophe on Wall Street, the world would be glued to Pakistani troops firing on U.S. and NATO troops on the Afghan-Pakistani border despite President Zardari's pleas to fight terrorism. Although one can underestimate Obama's eloquence on any given subject this debate is right in McCain's wheelhouse.
Dion Asks Liberal Candidate Who Believes 9/11 an Inside Job to Stand Down
Canada's Liberal Party Leader Stephane Dion has been compelled to ask Lesley Hughes, a Liberal candidate in a Winnipeg riding, to stand aside for her views on 9/11.
Shortly after the attacks Hughes wrote a blog that stated the United States had advance knowledge of the attacks. She also said Israel knew of the attacks beforehand. "Israeli businesses, which had offices in the Towers," wrote Hughes, "vacated the premises a week before the attacks, breaking their leases to do it."
Dion had initially refused to address Hughes views stating the Canadian Jewish Congress was conducting an investigation into the matter. All this demonstrates is that Dion is unfit to lead. Since being elected Liberal Party leader in December 2006, Dion has done little to inspire confidence within Liberal ranks and amongst Canadians at large. So little confidence that there are those who think the NDP will become the Official Opposition when the federal election takes place on October 14th.
At the very minimum, the Liberals dropped the ball concerning the nomination of Hughes. Dion is no position to demand the Conservatives to drop one of their candidates in Calgary when he failed to exercisedue dilligence with his own candidates.
Stephane Dion runs the risk of being the first Liberal Party leader not to become Prime Minister in over a century.
Shortly after the attacks Hughes wrote a blog that stated the United States had advance knowledge of the attacks. She also said Israel knew of the attacks beforehand. "Israeli businesses, which had offices in the Towers," wrote Hughes, "vacated the premises a week before the attacks, breaking their leases to do it."
Dion had initially refused to address Hughes views stating the Canadian Jewish Congress was conducting an investigation into the matter. All this demonstrates is that Dion is unfit to lead. Since being elected Liberal Party leader in December 2006, Dion has done little to inspire confidence within Liberal ranks and amongst Canadians at large. So little confidence that there are those who think the NDP will become the Official Opposition when the federal election takes place on October 14th.
At the very minimum, the Liberals dropped the ball concerning the nomination of Hughes. Dion is no position to demand the Conservatives to drop one of their candidates in Calgary when he failed to exercisedue dilligence with his own candidates.
Stephane Dion runs the risk of being the first Liberal Party leader not to become Prime Minister in over a century.
A Terrorist Attack in The Netherlands Averted
Today German authorities have arrested two men of Somali origin who were bound to Amsterdam on a KLM flight from Cologne. It is not believed the men were going to hijack the airplane but rather were going to commit an act of terror in Holland. This is based on a suicide note found in their apartment.
The Netherlands is a prime target for Islamic terrorists because of the film Fitna produced by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders. Former Dutch parliamentarian Ayaan Hirsi Ali is also well despised by Islamic fundamentalists for her public critiques.
It is good to see the German authorities are keeping their eye on the ball. I can only hope that other European nations are as vigorous in their pursuit of those who would commit mass murder against innocent civilians in the name of jihad.
The Netherlands is a prime target for Islamic terrorists because of the film Fitna produced by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders. Former Dutch parliamentarian Ayaan Hirsi Ali is also well despised by Islamic fundamentalists for her public critiques.
It is good to see the German authorities are keeping their eye on the ball. I can only hope that other European nations are as vigorous in their pursuit of those who would commit mass murder against innocent civilians in the name of jihad.
David Letterman Needs To Get Over Himself
When John McCain suspended his campaign to return to Washington he also cancelled an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Ever since Letterman has been wailing about it on his show the last two nights stating amongst other things that he feels like an "ugly date."
Ah, poor Dave. I guess he thinks the world revolves around him. Apparently David Letterman thinks he's more important than our faltering economy.
Ironically, McCain announced first his candidacy for the Oval Office on Letterman in March 2007.
Ever since Letterman has been wailing about it on his show the last two nights stating amongst other things that he feels like an "ugly date."
Ah, poor Dave. I guess he thinks the world revolves around him. Apparently David Letterman thinks he's more important than our faltering economy.
Ironically, McCain announced first his candidacy for the Oval Office on Letterman in March 2007.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Couric Excoriates Palin on McCain Economic Policy But Gives Biden a Pass on FDR Talking About the Depression on TV
Sarah Palin made it clear that she was not running to seek the good opinion of elites. And the elites are letting her have it.
Consider this exchange between Couric and Palin during their interview on CBS News. A transcript can be found at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml:
Couric: You said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more examples of his leading the change for more oversight?
Palin: I think that the example you cited, with his warning two years ago, about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's permanent. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators or representatives did for us.
Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been the chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.
Palin: He's also known as the maverick through taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.
Couric: But can you give any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?"
Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.
Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor this point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.
Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.
Now, I will say that most of Couric's questions were reasonable. But when she said, "I'm just going to ask you one more time" her elitist eyes blinked. She spoke to Palin in a way she did not with Joe Biden.
There were some eyes raised when Joe Biden told the world FDR went on TV to talk about the Depression. Biden said, "When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the TV and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, 'look, here's what happened."
And to whom did Biden reveal this pearl of wisdom unto? None other than Katie Couric.
Did Couric remind him there was no such thing as TV in 1929? Did Couric ask Biden if he knew Herbert Hoover had been in office when the stock market crashed?
Nope.
Not only does Couric not correct Biden but they don't even note his error in their report on their bloody website. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/09/22/eveningnews/main447063.shtml)
You can bet your bottom dollar if Sarah Palin couldn't name FDR's Secretary of the Treasury or had stated John Paul Stevens was appointed to the Supreme Court by Jimmy Carter, Couric would have ripped her from belly button to rectum.
Katie Couric has every right to be tough with Sarah Palin. But her condescension is unnecessary. Especially if she isn't prepared to hold Biden to the same tough standards that she holds Palin.
Consider this exchange between Couric and Palin during their interview on CBS News. A transcript can be found at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml:
Couric: You said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more examples of his leading the change for more oversight?
Palin: I think that the example you cited, with his warning two years ago, about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's permanent. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators or representatives did for us.
Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been the chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.
Palin: He's also known as the maverick through taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.
Couric: But can you give any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?"
Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.
Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor this point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.
Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.
Now, I will say that most of Couric's questions were reasonable. But when she said, "I'm just going to ask you one more time" her elitist eyes blinked. She spoke to Palin in a way she did not with Joe Biden.
There were some eyes raised when Joe Biden told the world FDR went on TV to talk about the Depression. Biden said, "When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the TV and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, 'look, here's what happened."
And to whom did Biden reveal this pearl of wisdom unto? None other than Katie Couric.
Did Couric remind him there was no such thing as TV in 1929? Did Couric ask Biden if he knew Herbert Hoover had been in office when the stock market crashed?
Nope.
Not only does Couric not correct Biden but they don't even note his error in their report on their bloody website. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/09/22/eveningnews/main447063.shtml)
You can bet your bottom dollar if Sarah Palin couldn't name FDR's Secretary of the Treasury or had stated John Paul Stevens was appointed to the Supreme Court by Jimmy Carter, Couric would have ripped her from belly button to rectum.
Katie Couric has every right to be tough with Sarah Palin. But her condescension is unnecessary. Especially if she isn't prepared to hold Biden to the same tough standards that she holds Palin.
Dodgers Clinch NL West
The Los Angeles Dodgers today clinched the National League West. And they didn't even have to take the field.
The Dodgers clinched when the Arizona Diamondbacks were quashed 12-3 by the St. Louis Cardinals. What a disappointing for the D'Backs after they had the best record in the NL in 2007 and made it as far as the NLCS before being swept by the upstart Colorado Rockies. The D'Backs started 2008 with a 21-9 record. But then they just seemed to swoon especially after Eric Byrnes got hurt and never really recovered despite having a starting rotation with 20 game winner Brandon Webb, Dan Haren and Randy Johnson. Their offense was very weak. Although they managed to remain in first place for most of the season it was only a matter of time before another team in a weak division asserted itself.
Now there are many who will attribute the Dodgers success to the acquistion of Manny Ramirez on July 31st. There is no doubt that Manny breathed new life into the franchise and especially in the bat of Andre Ethier. Frankly, until Manny came along, no one cared about the Dodgers. Since Manny's arrival, the Dodgers have played near .600 ball with a 29-21 record. However, the Dodgers finished the month of July with a 16-10 record. So they were ascending even before Manny donned Dodger blue.
It is not clear who the Dodgers will face in the NLDS. It will all depend on who wins the NL Wild Card. If either the New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies win the Wild Card then they will face the Dodgers in the NLDS. However, if the Milwaukee Brewers win the NL Wild Card then they will face the Dodgers. Normally, the Wild Card team would face the team with the best record in the league in the NLDS and this year that would be the Chicago Cubs. However, since the Cubs and Brewers are both in the NL Central they cannot face each other in the first round. So the Cubs would face the team with the next lowest winning percentage and that would be the Dodgers.
What is clear is that the sun shines on Joe Torre. Last year, the New York Yankees made Torre an offer he had to refuse after the Yankees lost their third straight ALDS. Well, this year the Yankees won't play baseball in October. Meanwhile, for the 13th consecutive season Torre is going to the postseason. Even if the Dodgers get beat in the NLDS, Torre has proven that he can win without pinstripes. Prior to managing the Yankees, Torre had a mediocre managerial record with the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. His only post-season experience as a manager prior to 1996 was when he guided the Atlanta Braves to the NL West Division Title in 1982 and were swept by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS (there was no Wild Card back then).
But if the Dodgers to get to the World Series the two most interesting match ups would be against the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. A Red Sox-Dodgers World Series would be ratings gold with Manny Ramirez returning to a chorus of booes at Fenway Park. The Red Sox would also face an old nemesis in Torre.
An Angels-Dodgers Fall Classic would also be interesting. It wouldn't be interesting to very many people outside of Los Angeles. However, in this decade, the Angels have supplanted the Dodgers as Los Angeles's favorite baseball team. But a World Series victory over the Angels would help the Dodgers reclaim their old glory.
The Dodgers last won the World Series in 1988. That was the season Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale's scoreless inning streak and Kirk Gibson hit a pinch hit walk off homerun off future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley on two bad knees in Game 1.
This will be the Dodgers fifth post season appearance since the glory of two decades ago. In their four previous appearances (1995, 1996, 2004 & 2006) the Dodgers have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and have been unable to advance beyond the NLDS. Will 2008 be different even with Manny and Torre?
The Dodgers clinched when the Arizona Diamondbacks were quashed 12-3 by the St. Louis Cardinals. What a disappointing for the D'Backs after they had the best record in the NL in 2007 and made it as far as the NLCS before being swept by the upstart Colorado Rockies. The D'Backs started 2008 with a 21-9 record. But then they just seemed to swoon especially after Eric Byrnes got hurt and never really recovered despite having a starting rotation with 20 game winner Brandon Webb, Dan Haren and Randy Johnson. Their offense was very weak. Although they managed to remain in first place for most of the season it was only a matter of time before another team in a weak division asserted itself.
Now there are many who will attribute the Dodgers success to the acquistion of Manny Ramirez on July 31st. There is no doubt that Manny breathed new life into the franchise and especially in the bat of Andre Ethier. Frankly, until Manny came along, no one cared about the Dodgers. Since Manny's arrival, the Dodgers have played near .600 ball with a 29-21 record. However, the Dodgers finished the month of July with a 16-10 record. So they were ascending even before Manny donned Dodger blue.
It is not clear who the Dodgers will face in the NLDS. It will all depend on who wins the NL Wild Card. If either the New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies win the Wild Card then they will face the Dodgers in the NLDS. However, if the Milwaukee Brewers win the NL Wild Card then they will face the Dodgers. Normally, the Wild Card team would face the team with the best record in the league in the NLDS and this year that would be the Chicago Cubs. However, since the Cubs and Brewers are both in the NL Central they cannot face each other in the first round. So the Cubs would face the team with the next lowest winning percentage and that would be the Dodgers.
What is clear is that the sun shines on Joe Torre. Last year, the New York Yankees made Torre an offer he had to refuse after the Yankees lost their third straight ALDS. Well, this year the Yankees won't play baseball in October. Meanwhile, for the 13th consecutive season Torre is going to the postseason. Even if the Dodgers get beat in the NLDS, Torre has proven that he can win without pinstripes. Prior to managing the Yankees, Torre had a mediocre managerial record with the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. His only post-season experience as a manager prior to 1996 was when he guided the Atlanta Braves to the NL West Division Title in 1982 and were swept by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS (there was no Wild Card back then).
But if the Dodgers to get to the World Series the two most interesting match ups would be against the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. A Red Sox-Dodgers World Series would be ratings gold with Manny Ramirez returning to a chorus of booes at Fenway Park. The Red Sox would also face an old nemesis in Torre.
An Angels-Dodgers Fall Classic would also be interesting. It wouldn't be interesting to very many people outside of Los Angeles. However, in this decade, the Angels have supplanted the Dodgers as Los Angeles's favorite baseball team. But a World Series victory over the Angels would help the Dodgers reclaim their old glory.
The Dodgers last won the World Series in 1988. That was the season Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale's scoreless inning streak and Kirk Gibson hit a pinch hit walk off homerun off future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley on two bad knees in Game 1.
This will be the Dodgers fifth post season appearance since the glory of two decades ago. In their four previous appearances (1995, 1996, 2004 & 2006) the Dodgers have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and have been unable to advance beyond the NLDS. Will 2008 be different even with Manny and Torre?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
McCain Suspends Campaign to Address Economy; Seeks to Delay Friday Debate
John McCain has announced that he is suspending his Presidential campaign so that he can go back to Washington to try to fix the economy. The $700 billion bailout proposed by the Federal Reserve and supported by the Bush Administration appears headed for defeat in Congress.
Consequently, McCain wants to delay the first Presidential Debate that was scheduled for Friday evening and has asked that Barack Obama join him in this effort. However, Obama wants to press ahead with the debate.
The timing is interesting. The economy is not John McCain's bread and butter and with the chaos on Wall Street in the past week or so Obama has been gaining traction in the polls. So McCain is doing with Obama what he did with regard to joint town hall meetings. McCain is testing Obama's willingness to walk the walk with his new kind of politics. McCain extends the olive branch to Obama and he recoils like an old time politician. Meanwhile McCain looks Presidential.
I suppose Obama can say McCain is afraid to debate him. But then Obama would risk looking childish and he simply he cannot afford to do that. It wouldn't be very Presidential now would it?
Consequently, McCain wants to delay the first Presidential Debate that was scheduled for Friday evening and has asked that Barack Obama join him in this effort. However, Obama wants to press ahead with the debate.
The timing is interesting. The economy is not John McCain's bread and butter and with the chaos on Wall Street in the past week or so Obama has been gaining traction in the polls. So McCain is doing with Obama what he did with regard to joint town hall meetings. McCain is testing Obama's willingness to walk the walk with his new kind of politics. McCain extends the olive branch to Obama and he recoils like an old time politician. Meanwhile McCain looks Presidential.
I suppose Obama can say McCain is afraid to debate him. But then Obama would risk looking childish and he simply he cannot afford to do that. It wouldn't be very Presidential now would it?
North Korea Throws Out UN Inspectors; Will Reactivate Yongbyon
All I can say is does this come as a surprise to anyone?
The North Koreans had announced they were suspending the disablement of Yongbyong late last month. Subsequently, it has emerged that Kim Jong Il is, well,...ill.
Well, regardless of who is in charge in North Korea they are not to be trusted by the United States nor anyone else.
The North Koreans had announced they were suspending the disablement of Yongbyong late last month. Subsequently, it has emerged that Kim Jong Il is, well,...ill.
Well, regardless of who is in charge in North Korea they are not to be trusted by the United States nor anyone else.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Red Sox Clinch AL Playoff Berth
For the fifth time in six years, the Boston Red Sox are going to the postseason.
They clinched an American League playoff berth by defeating the Cleveland Indians 5-4. The Red Sox handed likely AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee only his third loss of the 2008 season. The game did go back and forth. The Sox took a 2-0 lead in the 4th on a two run home run by Kevin Youkilis. But the Tribe scored 4 runs in the 5th to take a 4-2 lead. But the Sox answered with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4 lead. Jonathan Papelbon earned his 41st save when he got Victor Martinez to pop out harmlessly to shortstop Alex Cora.
The Sox could win the AL East but will most likely win the AL Wild Card. Should they win the Wild Card they will face the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the American League Division Series. The Sox swept the Angels in the ALDS both in 2004 and 2007. The Sox won the World Series in both seasons. However, the Angels are a much better team this season with Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez's 61 saves and they beat the Sox 8 out of 9 times in 2008. However, everyone in the postseason starts out 0-0.
The only thing to be determined in the AL is the Central Division. The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins began a three game series tonight. Going into tonight, the Sox were leading by two and a half games. But the Twins won the opener 9-3. However, the Twins pretty much must sweep to stay in the thick of things. Regardless of who wins the Central Division Champion will likely have the unenviable task of facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.
They clinched an American League playoff berth by defeating the Cleveland Indians 5-4. The Red Sox handed likely AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee only his third loss of the 2008 season. The game did go back and forth. The Sox took a 2-0 lead in the 4th on a two run home run by Kevin Youkilis. But the Tribe scored 4 runs in the 5th to take a 4-2 lead. But the Sox answered with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4 lead. Jonathan Papelbon earned his 41st save when he got Victor Martinez to pop out harmlessly to shortstop Alex Cora.
The Sox could win the AL East but will most likely win the AL Wild Card. Should they win the Wild Card they will face the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the American League Division Series. The Sox swept the Angels in the ALDS both in 2004 and 2007. The Sox won the World Series in both seasons. However, the Angels are a much better team this season with Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez's 61 saves and they beat the Sox 8 out of 9 times in 2008. However, everyone in the postseason starts out 0-0.
The only thing to be determined in the AL is the Central Division. The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins began a three game series tonight. Going into tonight, the Sox were leading by two and a half games. But the Twins won the opener 9-3. However, the Twins pretty much must sweep to stay in the thick of things. Regardless of who wins the Central Division Champion will likely have the unenviable task of facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Iraqi MP Could Be Executed For Visiting Israel
Some critics of the War in Iraq claim it was a war for Israel. Some claim that one of the objectives of the War in Iraq was to create an ally for Israel in the Middle East.
Well, Mithal al-Alusi proves this thesis wrong.
Alusi is an Iraqi Member of Parliament who has publicly supported the State of Israel. In fact, he has visited the State of Israel twice.
Alusi, who is a Sunni, first visited Israel in September 2004. After his first visit, Alusi was expelled from Ahmad Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress. The Left (plus a few paleocons) has long asserted that Chalabi wanted to seek diplomatic ties between Iraq and Israel. Alusi was also fired from the DeBaathificaton Commission. However, Alusi would be elected to Iraq's Parliament as the sole member of Al Umma (a.k.a. Iraqi Democratic Party - a secular political entity). Sadly, Alusi's two sons and bodyguard were killed in an ambush intended for him in February 2005. Iraq's then Minister of Culture Assad Kamal al-Hashemi was charged with the murder but remains at large.
Alusi visited Israel again earlier this month to attend an anti-terrorism conference sponsored by the IDF. Now Alusi has been barred from the Iraqi Parliament and his parliamentary immunity has been stripped. He might also be charged with visiting Israel which in Iraq is a crime that is punishable by death because Israel is considered an enemy nation. Iraqis are also barred from holding dual Iraqi-Israeli citizenship. It should be noted that Alusi has travelled to Israel on a German passport. Alusi went into exile in Germany when Saddam sought to have him killed for anti-government activity.
Don't get me wrong. Iraq is better off without Saddam. Iraq does have a chance to become a thriving democracy. But the notion the War in Iraq was fought to benefit Israel is pure fantasy on the part of the Left as well as the disciples of Pat Buchanan as demonstrated by their treatment of Alusi.
Well, Mithal al-Alusi proves this thesis wrong.
Alusi is an Iraqi Member of Parliament who has publicly supported the State of Israel. In fact, he has visited the State of Israel twice.
Alusi, who is a Sunni, first visited Israel in September 2004. After his first visit, Alusi was expelled from Ahmad Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress. The Left (plus a few paleocons) has long asserted that Chalabi wanted to seek diplomatic ties between Iraq and Israel. Alusi was also fired from the DeBaathificaton Commission. However, Alusi would be elected to Iraq's Parliament as the sole member of Al Umma (a.k.a. Iraqi Democratic Party - a secular political entity). Sadly, Alusi's two sons and bodyguard were killed in an ambush intended for him in February 2005. Iraq's then Minister of Culture Assad Kamal al-Hashemi was charged with the murder but remains at large.
Alusi visited Israel again earlier this month to attend an anti-terrorism conference sponsored by the IDF. Now Alusi has been barred from the Iraqi Parliament and his parliamentary immunity has been stripped. He might also be charged with visiting Israel which in Iraq is a crime that is punishable by death because Israel is considered an enemy nation. Iraqis are also barred from holding dual Iraqi-Israeli citizenship. It should be noted that Alusi has travelled to Israel on a German passport. Alusi went into exile in Germany when Saddam sought to have him killed for anti-government activity.
Don't get me wrong. Iraq is better off without Saddam. Iraq does have a chance to become a thriving democracy. But the notion the War in Iraq was fought to benefit Israel is pure fantasy on the part of the Left as well as the disciples of Pat Buchanan as demonstrated by their treatment of Alusi.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Farewell to Yankee Stadium
Tonight the New York Yankees played their final game at the House That Ruth Built.
After 85 years, the Yankees say goodbye to Yankee Stadium in a bittersweet manner. Unless the Yankees win all of their remaining games and the Boston Red Sox lose all their remaining games forcing a one game playoff for the AL Wild Card this will be the first year the Yankees fail to make the post-season since 1993.
With this in mind, the Yankees gathered the men in pinstripes from past to present. Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Don Larsen and Paul O'Neill plus a cast of hundreds were subject to one last burst of adulation from the Yankee faithful. Babe Ruth's granddaughter (who is a Red Sox fan) through out the first pitch. George Steinbrenner could not be present due to ill health. Neither could long time Yankees PA announcer Bob Sheppard although he did record some remarks for the occasion giving Yankees fans one last chance to hear the voice of God.
Of course, Yankee Stadium meant more than baseball. Many football games, boxing matches and three papal masses (including one from Pope Benedict XVI in April of this year) were held at Yankee Stadium. It was also a gathering place for New Yorkers in the days following September 11, 2001. Who could also forget President Bush's first pitch strike prior to Game 3 of the 2001 World Series?
I twice had the privilege to attend Yankee Stadium. I first went in May 2006 with my Dad and my brother Ezra to see the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 15-4. In May 2008, Dad and I saw the Yankees get walloped by the Baltimore Orioles 12-2. Mike Mussina got knocked out in the 1st inning for his worst major league start in nearly two decades.
Oddly enough the Yankees would face the Orioles in their final Yankee Stadium game. Andy Pettitte, an integral figure of those Yankee teams that won 4 World Series between 1996 and 2000, got the start for the Bronx Bombers.
The O's got off to a 2-0 lead but in the bottom of the 3rd ex-Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon hit a three run home run to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. Damon, of course, is remembered for a grand slam home run he hit for the Sox against the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. That seems so very long ago.
The O's, however, tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the 4th.
Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium in 1923. Ruth said, "Only G-d knows who will hit the last." My father and I wondered who would hit last home run at the House That Ruth Built. I said it would be A-Rod. Dad said it would be someone less obvious like Jose Molina.
Lo and behold, the aforementioned Jose Molina would hit a two run home run just over the left field fence in the bottom of the 4th to give the Yankees a 5-3 lead. My father can be quite brilliant at times.
I was glad to see Dr. Ronan Tynan sing God Bless America. No one sings it quite like him. I like the fact that he sings its prelude. It's an entirely different song with the prelude and Tynan's arrangement makes the song immensely meaningful to someone born and raised outside the United States.
The Yankees scored two more runs in the bottom of the 7th. Pettitte pitched five innings and the bullpen took care of the rest. Jose Veras, Phil Coke (yes, he brought Yankees fans a smile), Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera pitched four innings of scoreless relief. Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning. He induced Brian Roberts to hit a ground ball to first baseman Cody Ransom who recorded the final out. Undoubtedly, Cooperstown will want this ball but will the Yankee rookie hold the ball for, well, ransom?
The Yankees won 7-3 and after the game Yankee Captain Derek Jeter led his teammates to the pitcher's mound to make some impromptu remarks thanking the fans for their support and urging them to take their memories to the new Yankee Stadium which will open its doors on April 16, 2009.
Fenway Park still remains the oldest and best ballpark in MLB. It will celebrate its centennial in 2012. But with the departure of Yankee Stadium the oldest ballpark in the AL after Fenway is Angels Stadium which is just over 40 years old.
With the Yankees most likely not in the post-season the team is in a transition period as it moves across the street. The most glaring absence at Yankee Stadium was that of Joe Torre who is currently managing the Los Angeles Dodgers. As of this writing the Dodgers are leading the NL West. If Torre's Dodgers make the post season and the Yankees do not it will add insult to injury and put that much more pressure on Torre's successor, Joe Girardi. If Hank Steinbrenner is anything like his father in his early days with the Yankees the team we see on the field in 2009 might very well be one beyond our recognition.
After 85 years, the Yankees say goodbye to Yankee Stadium in a bittersweet manner. Unless the Yankees win all of their remaining games and the Boston Red Sox lose all their remaining games forcing a one game playoff for the AL Wild Card this will be the first year the Yankees fail to make the post-season since 1993.
With this in mind, the Yankees gathered the men in pinstripes from past to present. Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Don Larsen and Paul O'Neill plus a cast of hundreds were subject to one last burst of adulation from the Yankee faithful. Babe Ruth's granddaughter (who is a Red Sox fan) through out the first pitch. George Steinbrenner could not be present due to ill health. Neither could long time Yankees PA announcer Bob Sheppard although he did record some remarks for the occasion giving Yankees fans one last chance to hear the voice of God.
Of course, Yankee Stadium meant more than baseball. Many football games, boxing matches and three papal masses (including one from Pope Benedict XVI in April of this year) were held at Yankee Stadium. It was also a gathering place for New Yorkers in the days following September 11, 2001. Who could also forget President Bush's first pitch strike prior to Game 3 of the 2001 World Series?
I twice had the privilege to attend Yankee Stadium. I first went in May 2006 with my Dad and my brother Ezra to see the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 15-4. In May 2008, Dad and I saw the Yankees get walloped by the Baltimore Orioles 12-2. Mike Mussina got knocked out in the 1st inning for his worst major league start in nearly two decades.
Oddly enough the Yankees would face the Orioles in their final Yankee Stadium game. Andy Pettitte, an integral figure of those Yankee teams that won 4 World Series between 1996 and 2000, got the start for the Bronx Bombers.
The O's got off to a 2-0 lead but in the bottom of the 3rd ex-Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon hit a three run home run to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. Damon, of course, is remembered for a grand slam home run he hit for the Sox against the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. That seems so very long ago.
The O's, however, tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the 4th.
Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium in 1923. Ruth said, "Only G-d knows who will hit the last." My father and I wondered who would hit last home run at the House That Ruth Built. I said it would be A-Rod. Dad said it would be someone less obvious like Jose Molina.
Lo and behold, the aforementioned Jose Molina would hit a two run home run just over the left field fence in the bottom of the 4th to give the Yankees a 5-3 lead. My father can be quite brilliant at times.
I was glad to see Dr. Ronan Tynan sing God Bless America. No one sings it quite like him. I like the fact that he sings its prelude. It's an entirely different song with the prelude and Tynan's arrangement makes the song immensely meaningful to someone born and raised outside the United States.
The Yankees scored two more runs in the bottom of the 7th. Pettitte pitched five innings and the bullpen took care of the rest. Jose Veras, Phil Coke (yes, he brought Yankees fans a smile), Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera pitched four innings of scoreless relief. Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning. He induced Brian Roberts to hit a ground ball to first baseman Cody Ransom who recorded the final out. Undoubtedly, Cooperstown will want this ball but will the Yankee rookie hold the ball for, well, ransom?
The Yankees won 7-3 and after the game Yankee Captain Derek Jeter led his teammates to the pitcher's mound to make some impromptu remarks thanking the fans for their support and urging them to take their memories to the new Yankee Stadium which will open its doors on April 16, 2009.
Fenway Park still remains the oldest and best ballpark in MLB. It will celebrate its centennial in 2012. But with the departure of Yankee Stadium the oldest ballpark in the AL after Fenway is Angels Stadium which is just over 40 years old.
With the Yankees most likely not in the post-season the team is in a transition period as it moves across the street. The most glaring absence at Yankee Stadium was that of Joe Torre who is currently managing the Los Angeles Dodgers. As of this writing the Dodgers are leading the NL West. If Torre's Dodgers make the post season and the Yankees do not it will add insult to injury and put that much more pressure on Torre's successor, Joe Girardi. If Hank Steinbrenner is anything like his father in his early days with the Yankees the team we see on the field in 2009 might very well be one beyond our recognition.
Dolphins Upset Patriots
The New England Patriots had their 21 game regular season winning streak snapped this afternoon at Gillette Stadium. The lowly Miami Dolphins routed the Pats 38-13. Ronnie Brown had a career day with 5 touchdowns - four rushing and he even threw a 19 yard TD pass. I'm sure Chad Pennington didn't mind. Brown had 17 carries for 113 yards. With the win, the Dolphins matched their 2007 win total. Maybe things will be interesting in the AFC East after all.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tampa Bay Rays Clinch 1st AL Playoff Berth
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 7-2 today to clinch their first ever American League playoff berth. Perhaps fittingly the final out was recorded by Evan Longoria, the third baseman who is regarded as the future of the franchise.
Until this season, the Rays had ten consecutive losing seasons most of them in last place. They finished both 2006 and 2007 with the worst record in MLB. Yes, I picked them to win the World Series in 2006. That was the season Joe Maddon became the Rays skipper. Despite their poor showings in '06 and '07 baseball people knew this was a team on the rise. But nobody (and I mean nobody outside of the Rays) thought they would ascend this quickly.
Maddon has done a remarkable job with a young starting rotation, a veteran bullpen and a cast of journeymen players. The Rays have sustained themselves despite injuries to Longoria, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton and Troy Percival. Many thought they would collapse with those injuries and with so many of their games on the road during the second half. They did hit a rough patch the beginning of this month losing 7 of 8 games but they got back on track never letting setbacks get them down.
Currently, they lead the Boston Red Sox in the AL East by two and a half games. Assuming things remain as they are the Rays will win the AL East and face the winner of the AL Central title which will either be the Twins or the Chicago White Sox. The Chisox currently have a three game lead on the Twins. However, the Chisox face the Twins head to head in Minnesota next week.
Even if the Rays don't get past the ALDS, the 2008 edition of this team have accomplished a great deal. The Rays have also demonstrated the game must be played on the field despite what people might predict during spring training.
Until this season, the Rays had ten consecutive losing seasons most of them in last place. They finished both 2006 and 2007 with the worst record in MLB. Yes, I picked them to win the World Series in 2006. That was the season Joe Maddon became the Rays skipper. Despite their poor showings in '06 and '07 baseball people knew this was a team on the rise. But nobody (and I mean nobody outside of the Rays) thought they would ascend this quickly.
Maddon has done a remarkable job with a young starting rotation, a veteran bullpen and a cast of journeymen players. The Rays have sustained themselves despite injuries to Longoria, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton and Troy Percival. Many thought they would collapse with those injuries and with so many of their games on the road during the second half. They did hit a rough patch the beginning of this month losing 7 of 8 games but they got back on track never letting setbacks get them down.
Currently, they lead the Boston Red Sox in the AL East by two and a half games. Assuming things remain as they are the Rays will win the AL East and face the winner of the AL Central title which will either be the Twins or the Chicago White Sox. The Chisox currently have a three game lead on the Twins. However, the Chisox face the Twins head to head in Minnesota next week.
Even if the Rays don't get past the ALDS, the 2008 edition of this team have accomplished a great deal. The Rays have also demonstrated the game must be played on the field despite what people might predict during spring training.
Cubs Clinch NL Central
The Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 to clinch their second consecutive National League Division Title. It is their second playoff appearance under manager Lou Piniella.
In 2007, the Cubs were ousted in the National League Division Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks. This year the Cubs will face the NL Wild Card winner in the NLDS. They could face one of four teams - the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and even the Florida Marlins. Cubs fans don't have fond memories of the Marlins. Especially during Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS when with five outs away from going to their first World Series since 1945 Cubs fan Steve Bartman appeared to have interfered with Moises Alou catching a fly ball off the bat of Luis Castillo. Of course, Bartman wasn't at fault as the ball was in the stands but Alou's reaction created a chain reaction and the Marlins rallied to comeback and win that game as well as Game 7 before going on to win the World Series.
Needless to say I'm rooting for the Cubs as they have not won the World Series in exactly 100 years. I will only root against them if they face the Red Sox in the World Series.
In 2007, the Cubs were ousted in the National League Division Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks. This year the Cubs will face the NL Wild Card winner in the NLDS. They could face one of four teams - the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and even the Florida Marlins. Cubs fans don't have fond memories of the Marlins. Especially during Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS when with five outs away from going to their first World Series since 1945 Cubs fan Steve Bartman appeared to have interfered with Moises Alou catching a fly ball off the bat of Luis Castillo. Of course, Bartman wasn't at fault as the ball was in the stands but Alou's reaction created a chain reaction and the Marlins rallied to comeback and win that game as well as Game 7 before going on to win the World Series.
Needless to say I'm rooting for the Cubs as they have not won the World Series in exactly 100 years. I will only root against them if they face the Red Sox in the World Series.
Mbeki Resigns South African Presidency
Today, Thabo Mbeki announced his resignation of South Africa's Presidency, an office he held since June 1999.
The Executive Committee of the African National Congress had been debating Mbeki's fate. The tenor within the ANC was so strongly anti-Mbeki that he could see the writing on the wall and opted to resign rather than face a humiliating vote.
The biggest reason for this was the acquittal of ANC Chairman (and Mbeki rival) Jacob Zuma on corruption charges earlier this week. The judges concluded there was political interference on Mbeki's part and this sealed his fate.
Consider also Mbeki's inaction concerning South Africa's exploding crime rate, his near denial of the HIV/AIDs virus and his apologism for Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe (although he did manage to mediate a deal between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai). The Zuma affair was the final straw.
The Speaker of the South African Parliament is expected to assume the Presidency on an interim basis. Elections had been expected to take place in early 2009 but could be moved up to late December. Zuma is widely expected to win this election and become South Africa's third President in the post-Apartheid era.
The Executive Committee of the African National Congress had been debating Mbeki's fate. The tenor within the ANC was so strongly anti-Mbeki that he could see the writing on the wall and opted to resign rather than face a humiliating vote.
The biggest reason for this was the acquittal of ANC Chairman (and Mbeki rival) Jacob Zuma on corruption charges earlier this week. The judges concluded there was political interference on Mbeki's part and this sealed his fate.
Consider also Mbeki's inaction concerning South Africa's exploding crime rate, his near denial of the HIV/AIDs virus and his apologism for Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe (although he did manage to mediate a deal between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai). The Zuma affair was the final straw.
The Speaker of the South African Parliament is expected to assume the Presidency on an interim basis. Elections had been expected to take place in early 2009 but could be moved up to late December. Zuma is widely expected to win this election and become South Africa's third President in the post-Apartheid era.
Friday, September 19, 2008
It Is More Important For Democrats Not To Stand With Palin Than It Is To Stand Up To Ahmadinejad
Shouldn't all Americans stand as one against the Iranian regime of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Hillary Clinton doesn't think so and withdrew from an anti-Ahmadinejad rally scheduled to take place this Monday in NY to protest Ahmadinejad's presence at the UN because Sarah Palin was also invited. The same can be said for Democrats who pressured Jewish groups into withdrawing their invitation to Palin altogether. But such actions belie the sentiments of the Democratic Party for whom it is more important not to stand with Sarah Palin than it is to stand up to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. If we can't have a show of solidarity against a sworn enemy of the United States then heaven help us all.
Zambrano Gets Lit Up In 1st Appearance Since No-Hitter
On Sunday night, Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was on top of the baseball world when he threw a no-hitter against the Houston Astros. Today, Zambrano was no Johnny Vander Meer.
At Wrigley Field this afternoon Zambrano gave up 8 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in only one inning and two thirds against the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Kennedy blasted a grand slam against Zambrano in the 1st inning. The Cardinals went on to win 12-6.
Baseball giveth. Baseball taketh away.
However, the Cubs could clinch the NL Central as early as tomorrow. So all is well in Wrigleyville.
At Wrigley Field this afternoon Zambrano gave up 8 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in only one inning and two thirds against the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Kennedy blasted a grand slam against Zambrano in the 1st inning. The Cardinals went on to win 12-6.
Baseball giveth. Baseball taketh away.
However, the Cubs could clinch the NL Central as early as tomorrow. So all is well in Wrigleyville.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Canada's Green Party Leader Apologizes For Not Smoking Marijuana
Only in Canada could this happen.
Yesterday, Elizabeth May, the leader of Canada's Green Party was at a press conference in Halifax discussing her party's platform. She was asked a question about its policy concerning the decriminalization of marijuana.
In expressing her support for decriminalization she noted that she had never tried it and then said, "I apologize."
I suppose she can't risk having her supports all out of joint.
The Green Party received 4.5% of the vote in the 2006 federal election and when Parliament was dissolved it had one seat in the House of Commons.
Yesterday, Elizabeth May, the leader of Canada's Green Party was at a press conference in Halifax discussing her party's platform. She was asked a question about its policy concerning the decriminalization of marijuana.
In expressing her support for decriminalization she noted that she had never tried it and then said, "I apologize."
I suppose she can't risk having her supports all out of joint.
The Green Party received 4.5% of the vote in the 2006 federal election and when Parliament was dissolved it had one seat in the House of Commons.
Livni Wins Kadima Leadership
Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister, Tzipi Livni, has won her bid to succeed Ehud Olmert as leader of Israel's Kadima Party. Livni needed 40% of her party's vote to win and she nearly won 50% defeating Israel's Minister of Transporation Shaul Mofaz.
Livni now must form a coalition government subject to the approval of the Knesset. If she does elections will not be held until 2010 hence giving her time to establish herself as a credible head of government. At this point, anyone would be an improvement over Olmert. On the other hand if she cannot form a government then elections would be held early next year giving Benjamin Netanyahu a distinct advantage. In which case, Olmert would remain in power until after the election. If Livni can't form a government then Israelis will not have the confidence to cast a ballot for her.
Currently, Livni serves as the Israeli government's chief negotiator with the Palestinian Authority.
Should Livni be able to form a government she would become Israel's second female Prime Minister. Golda Meir served in that role from 1969 to 1973.
Livni now must form a coalition government subject to the approval of the Knesset. If she does elections will not be held until 2010 hence giving her time to establish herself as a credible head of government. At this point, anyone would be an improvement over Olmert. On the other hand if she cannot form a government then elections would be held early next year giving Benjamin Netanyahu a distinct advantage. In which case, Olmert would remain in power until after the election. If Livni can't form a government then Israelis will not have the confidence to cast a ballot for her.
Currently, Livni serves as the Israeli government's chief negotiator with the Palestinian Authority.
Should Livni be able to form a government she would become Israel's second female Prime Minister. Golda Meir served in that role from 1969 to 1973.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Brewers Fire Ned Yost; Sveum Named Interim Manager
The Milwaukee Brewers appeared to have a lock on the National League Wild Card at the end of August.
However, September has been a disaster for them. They have gone 3-11 since Labor Day and were just swept in four games this weekend in Philadelphia by the Phillies including a doubleheader yesterday. Consequently, the Phillies have moved into a tie for the NL Wild Card with the Brew Crew. The Houston Astros have also been moving in fast on the Brewers' heels.
Add the spectacle of the NL Central Division leading Chicago Cubs celebrating jubilantly in Milwaukee last night after Carlos Zambrano tossed a no-hitter against the Astros which only added insult to injury. (See my previous post on Zambrano's no-hitter.)
Yet no one expected the Brewers to fire Ned Yost as their manager today. But Yost was summarily dismissed after being at the helm since 2003. Yost has been replaced by third base coach Dale Sveum on an interim basis. One wonders if something happened in the clubhouse to precipitate such a sudden demise for Yost.
The Brewers have not been in the post-season since 1982 when they were an American League team. In 2007, the Brewers were the biggest surprise in baseball winning 24 of their first 34 games and led the NL Central for much of the season and led the Cubs by as much as 8½ games. But they ran out of gas in the second half of the season and the Cubs went past them to win the division and the Brewers spent October at home. Like Yogi Berra said, "It's déjà vu all over again."
Dale Sveum is an interesting choice. Sveum began his major league career with the Brewers in 1986 and enjoyed his best major league season in 1987 when he hit 25 home runs and drove in 95 runs on a Brewers team which started that season 13-0, only to lose their next 12 games. Sveum would break his leg in an on-field collision in 1988 and was never the same player. Sveum became a journeyman player and bounced around with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and two stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates before retiring after the 1999 season.
Boston Red Sox fans remember Sveum as the team's third base coach in 2004 and 2005. Sveum earned a World Series ring with the 2004 Red Sox. Sveum was remembered as a very aggressive third base coach and often had runners thrown out at home plate. If not for the World Series ring, he would have been nearly as notorious as Wendell Kim who was known as "Wave 'Em Home Wendell" who was the Sox third base coach between 1997 and 2000.
Sveum returned to Milwaukee in 2006 where he became the Brewers bench coach. Prior to this season, he was named the Brewers' third base coach. Sveum does have some minor league managerial experience. From 2001 to 2003, he was the manager of the Altoona Curve - the Double A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. But Altoona is a long way from Wrigley Field where the Brewers begin a three game series with the Cubs tomorrow. Sveum does have his ace C.C. Sabathia starting for him but the Cubs counter with the equally capable Ryan Dempster.
This is, as far as I remember, the latest point in a season where a manager has been sacked while still in the midst of a pennant race. I remember back in 1981 when the Montreal Expos fired Dick Williams on September 8th replacing him with Jim Fanning. I recall this because the first major league game I ever attended was at Olympic Stadium on August 30, 1981 when the Expos lost to the Braves 5-4 in 12 innings. In fact, in that game Williams had his ace starting pitcher Steve Rogers pinch run and he ended up with a broken rib which sealed Williams' fate. The Expos went 16-11 under Fanning and it was enough to give the Expos their first and only post-season appearance.
Fanning had 27 games to set the Expos straight. Sveum has only 12 games in which to right the Brewers' ship. No pressure. No pressure at all.
However, September has been a disaster for them. They have gone 3-11 since Labor Day and were just swept in four games this weekend in Philadelphia by the Phillies including a doubleheader yesterday. Consequently, the Phillies have moved into a tie for the NL Wild Card with the Brew Crew. The Houston Astros have also been moving in fast on the Brewers' heels.
Add the spectacle of the NL Central Division leading Chicago Cubs celebrating jubilantly in Milwaukee last night after Carlos Zambrano tossed a no-hitter against the Astros which only added insult to injury. (See my previous post on Zambrano's no-hitter.)
Yet no one expected the Brewers to fire Ned Yost as their manager today. But Yost was summarily dismissed after being at the helm since 2003. Yost has been replaced by third base coach Dale Sveum on an interim basis. One wonders if something happened in the clubhouse to precipitate such a sudden demise for Yost.
The Brewers have not been in the post-season since 1982 when they were an American League team. In 2007, the Brewers were the biggest surprise in baseball winning 24 of their first 34 games and led the NL Central for much of the season and led the Cubs by as much as 8½ games. But they ran out of gas in the second half of the season and the Cubs went past them to win the division and the Brewers spent October at home. Like Yogi Berra said, "It's déjà vu all over again."
Dale Sveum is an interesting choice. Sveum began his major league career with the Brewers in 1986 and enjoyed his best major league season in 1987 when he hit 25 home runs and drove in 95 runs on a Brewers team which started that season 13-0, only to lose their next 12 games. Sveum would break his leg in an on-field collision in 1988 and was never the same player. Sveum became a journeyman player and bounced around with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and two stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates before retiring after the 1999 season.
Boston Red Sox fans remember Sveum as the team's third base coach in 2004 and 2005. Sveum earned a World Series ring with the 2004 Red Sox. Sveum was remembered as a very aggressive third base coach and often had runners thrown out at home plate. If not for the World Series ring, he would have been nearly as notorious as Wendell Kim who was known as "Wave 'Em Home Wendell" who was the Sox third base coach between 1997 and 2000.
Sveum returned to Milwaukee in 2006 where he became the Brewers bench coach. Prior to this season, he was named the Brewers' third base coach. Sveum does have some minor league managerial experience. From 2001 to 2003, he was the manager of the Altoona Curve - the Double A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. But Altoona is a long way from Wrigley Field where the Brewers begin a three game series with the Cubs tomorrow. Sveum does have his ace C.C. Sabathia starting for him but the Cubs counter with the equally capable Ryan Dempster.
This is, as far as I remember, the latest point in a season where a manager has been sacked while still in the midst of a pennant race. I remember back in 1981 when the Montreal Expos fired Dick Williams on September 8th replacing him with Jim Fanning. I recall this because the first major league game I ever attended was at Olympic Stadium on August 30, 1981 when the Expos lost to the Braves 5-4 in 12 innings. In fact, in that game Williams had his ace starting pitcher Steve Rogers pinch run and he ended up with a broken rib which sealed Williams' fate. The Expos went 16-11 under Fanning and it was enough to give the Expos their first and only post-season appearance.
Fanning had 27 games to set the Expos straight. Sveum has only 12 games in which to right the Brewers' ship. No pressure. No pressure at all.
Rick Wright, 1943-2008. R.I.P.
Rick Wright, a founding member of Pink Floyd, has died after a brief battle with cancer. He was 65.
Wright principally played keyboards but occasionally sang lead vocal. He was more prominent in Pink Floyd's earlier days in the mid-1960's when Syd Barrett was the band's creative genius. But with Barrett's departure due to his declining mental health, Roger Waters emerged as the band's leader and was often at odds with Wright and Waters would eventually fire Wright from the band while working on their 1979 album The Wall.
Wright becomes the second member of Pink Floyd to ascend to the great gig in the sky. Barrett died in July 2006.
My favorite Rick Wright composition was "Remember A Day" from their 1968 album A Saucerful of Secrets. Take a listen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbxSbc0AwHg&feature=related.
Wright principally played keyboards but occasionally sang lead vocal. He was more prominent in Pink Floyd's earlier days in the mid-1960's when Syd Barrett was the band's creative genius. But with Barrett's departure due to his declining mental health, Roger Waters emerged as the band's leader and was often at odds with Wright and Waters would eventually fire Wright from the band while working on their 1979 album The Wall.
Wright becomes the second member of Pink Floyd to ascend to the great gig in the sky. Barrett died in July 2006.
My favorite Rick Wright composition was "Remember A Day" from their 1968 album A Saucerful of Secrets. Take a listen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbxSbc0AwHg&feature=related.
Mugabe, Tsvangirai Sign Power Sharing Agreement for Zimbabwe
Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai made it official today when they signed a power sharing agreement. Mugabe remains President while Tsvangirai becomes Prime Minister. They have agreed to draw up a new constitution.
While Tsvangirai's MDC will get a slim majority of Ministers in the new government, Mugabe retains control over the military and intelligence services (although Tsvangirai's faction will control the police). Mugabe has the authority to dissolve Parliament which has a slim MDC majority as a result of last March's elections.
While I suppose Tsvangirai being PM is better than him being in jail or dead I still wonder how much power he will actually have. After Mugabe signed the agreement he spoke and railed against the U.S. and U.K. for outside interference and blasted the MDC for election violence. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. It's that kind of talk which convinces this agreement won't last six months.
You have Mugabe and Tsvangirai in charge of two different cabinets, you have the military and police answerable to two different leaders and there is no foundation for economic reform. The land seizures of white owned farms earlier this decade have been deemed "irreversible." So long as Mugabe's cronies sit on those farms, Zimbabwe's economy will remain basket case instead of bread basket.
While Tsvangirai's MDC will get a slim majority of Ministers in the new government, Mugabe retains control over the military and intelligence services (although Tsvangirai's faction will control the police). Mugabe has the authority to dissolve Parliament which has a slim MDC majority as a result of last March's elections.
While I suppose Tsvangirai being PM is better than him being in jail or dead I still wonder how much power he will actually have. After Mugabe signed the agreement he spoke and railed against the U.S. and U.K. for outside interference and blasted the MDC for election violence. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. It's that kind of talk which convinces this agreement won't last six months.
You have Mugabe and Tsvangirai in charge of two different cabinets, you have the military and police answerable to two different leaders and there is no foundation for economic reform. The land seizures of white owned farms earlier this decade have been deemed "irreversible." So long as Mugabe's cronies sit on those farms, Zimbabwe's economy will remain basket case instead of bread basket.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Carlos Zambrano Tosses No-Hitter
What a strange concoction of collisions. The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros were supposed to play three games in Houston this weekend but were unable to do so because of Hurricane Ike.
Yet the Cubs and Astros played a game today - in Milwaukee (the Brewers were playing in Philadelphia.) The Astros were ostensibly the home team but with Chicago only 90 minutes south of Milwaukee, Miller Park was fill of Cubs fans. It was well worth the trip.
Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano tossed a no-hitter against the Astros. He struck out 10 batters including Darin Erstad to end the game en route to a 5-0 Cubs victory. Zambrano only allowed two baserunners in the game - a walk to Michael Bourn in the 4th and he also hit Hunter Pence with a pitch in the 5th. Although it is Zambrano's 14th victory, it is only his second win since July 27th. Zambrano's shoulder has been tender, had already been on the disabled list this season and had missed his last two starts. He had not pitched in nearly two weeks. Well, his arm is tired no more.
Zambrano's no-no marks the first time a Cubs pitcher has thrown a no-hitter in more than 36 years. Milt Pappas was the last Cubs pitcher to toss a no-hitter when he did so against the San Diego Padres on September 2, 1972.
It is the second no-hitter of the 2008 season. Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester tossed one against the Kansas City Royals on May 19th.
Yet the Cubs and Astros played a game today - in Milwaukee (the Brewers were playing in Philadelphia.) The Astros were ostensibly the home team but with Chicago only 90 minutes south of Milwaukee, Miller Park was fill of Cubs fans. It was well worth the trip.
Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano tossed a no-hitter against the Astros. He struck out 10 batters including Darin Erstad to end the game en route to a 5-0 Cubs victory. Zambrano only allowed two baserunners in the game - a walk to Michael Bourn in the 4th and he also hit Hunter Pence with a pitch in the 5th. Although it is Zambrano's 14th victory, it is only his second win since July 27th. Zambrano's shoulder has been tender, had already been on the disabled list this season and had missed his last two starts. He had not pitched in nearly two weeks. Well, his arm is tired no more.
Zambrano's no-no marks the first time a Cubs pitcher has thrown a no-hitter in more than 36 years. Milt Pappas was the last Cubs pitcher to toss a no-hitter when he did so against the San Diego Padres on September 2, 1972.
It is the second no-hitter of the 2008 season. Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester tossed one against the Kansas City Royals on May 19th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
