Yesterday, I attempted to see President Obama speak at Northeastern University.
Well, the same was true with several thousand other people. By the time I arrived at the campus I had to walk along Huntington Avenue turn onto Gainsborough Street where I saw a necklace form on St. Botolph Street which led back onto Gainsborough where I found the end of the line with more people coming by the minute.
Since this was a rally for Coakley her signs outnumbered Brown's but they were there. In fact, when one woman came around with a Brown sign a group of women began chanting, "Martha for Massachusetts." But this lasted no more than about 15 seconds. Most people were there to see President Obama.
Not surprisingly I didn't get anywhere near Cabot Hall. You would think they would have had auxiliary seating where a video feed of the speech could have a provided to accommodate an overflow crowd.
No matter. It doesn't appear I missed much.
But, of course, the $64.37 question is will it be enough help Coakley on Tuesday? If it does, the liberal media will credit him for saving the race. If it doesn't, they'll blame Coakley for being a lousy candidate.
Philip Klein of The American Spectator advises caution citing the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic Primary in which Obama appeared to have had won by double digits. But then lo and behold Hillary Clinton had a new lease on life.
Democrats might not have a great deal of enthusiasm for Coakley. But the thought of what was Ted Kennedy's seat going Republican might be enough for Democrats to trudge in the snow and cast a ballot for her with one hand while holding their nose with the other.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
An Encounter With a Coakley Volunteer
Yesterday afternoon while walking home a woman approached me and asked if I was going to vote on Tuesday.
The sun was in my eyes so I took a closer look and saw that she was wearing a Coakley cap. Upon making this observation I said, "Yes, I am going vote and I am going to vote for Brown." She replied, "Why?" I said, "Where would you like me to begin?"
For the next fifteen minutes this woman was trying to get me to change my vote. I give her kudos for trying but those fifteen minutes would have been better spent talking to someone who was undecided and I told her so.
She spent most of the time telling me why Scott Brown was supported by birthers, didn't care about poor people or black people, is part of the "extreme right-wing" and was another George W. Bush instead of telling me why I should support Coakley. Frankly, she didn't seem enthused about Coakley either and told me that she thought she was too right-wing. So much for Brown being a right-wing extremist. That's a hell of a way to convince me to support your candidate.
Clearly, the Coakley people are being told to equate Brown with Bush. That's all well in good but Bush has now been out of office for nearly a year. We are now under Obama's watch and it is under Obama's watch that the people of Massachusetts might very well be willing to give Scott Brown a chance.
The sun was in my eyes so I took a closer look and saw that she was wearing a Coakley cap. Upon making this observation I said, "Yes, I am going vote and I am going to vote for Brown." She replied, "Why?" I said, "Where would you like me to begin?"
For the next fifteen minutes this woman was trying to get me to change my vote. I give her kudos for trying but those fifteen minutes would have been better spent talking to someone who was undecided and I told her so.
She spent most of the time telling me why Scott Brown was supported by birthers, didn't care about poor people or black people, is part of the "extreme right-wing" and was another George W. Bush instead of telling me why I should support Coakley. Frankly, she didn't seem enthused about Coakley either and told me that she thought she was too right-wing. So much for Brown being a right-wing extremist. That's a hell of a way to convince me to support your candidate.
Clearly, the Coakley people are being told to equate Brown with Bush. That's all well in good but Bush has now been out of office for nearly a year. We are now under Obama's watch and it is under Obama's watch that the people of Massachusetts might very well be willing to give Scott Brown a chance.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Coakley Calls Schilling "Another Yankees Fan"
Martha Coakley should take a vow of silence.
Last night, while being interviewed by Dan Rea on WBZ Radio, she referred to Boston Red Sox legend and future Hall of Famer Curt Schilling as "another Yankees fan."
Coakley had made reference to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a well known Yankees fan, campaigning here yesterday on behalf of Brown. When Rea countered with Schilling's endorsement she associated with him with the pinstripes.
When Rea corrected her she weakly countered Schilling wasn't with the Sox anymore. That hardly makes him a Yankees fan.
OK, Coakley isn't a baseball fan and that remark doesn't mean she can't sit in the Senate. But it does reinforce how aloof and out of touch she is with the real world not to mention one of this state's most popular sports legends.
She might as well have said that her favorite baseball player is Derek Jeter.
Last night, while being interviewed by Dan Rea on WBZ Radio, she referred to Boston Red Sox legend and future Hall of Famer Curt Schilling as "another Yankees fan."
Coakley had made reference to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a well known Yankees fan, campaigning here yesterday on behalf of Brown. When Rea countered with Schilling's endorsement she associated with him with the pinstripes.
When Rea corrected her she weakly countered Schilling wasn't with the Sox anymore. That hardly makes him a Yankees fan.
OK, Coakley isn't a baseball fan and that remark doesn't mean she can't sit in the Senate. But it does reinforce how aloof and out of touch she is with the real world not to mention one of this state's most popular sports legends.
She might as well have said that her favorite baseball player is Derek Jeter.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Coakley to Obama: Please Come to Boston
President Obama is coming to Boston on Sunday to campaign for Martha Coakley.
Consider for a moment what I wrote here a mere ten days ago:
Unless Coakley stumbles badly in her upcoming debates with Brown (and Libertarian candidate Joe Kennedy - no relation to the Kennedy clan) then she has little to worry about. If she does stumble badly then look for the Democrats to send in the heavy hitters (i.e. Kerry, Hillary Clinton and perhaps President Obama himself.) Coakley after all would represent the Democrats' 60th vote in the Senate. If there's any danger of Coakley losing the Democrats will pull out all the stops for her.
Well, Coakley did stumble badly in her debates with Brown. In fact, she has been stumbling everywhere she goes. And when she doesn't stumble she has people who will arrange for it to happen.
Now all the stops are being pulled out for her and the heaviest hitter of all is being sent to the plate.
Will Obama hit it over the Green Monster at Fenway? Or will he swing and miss?
Consider for a moment what I wrote here a mere ten days ago:
Unless Coakley stumbles badly in her upcoming debates with Brown (and Libertarian candidate Joe Kennedy - no relation to the Kennedy clan) then she has little to worry about. If she does stumble badly then look for the Democrats to send in the heavy hitters (i.e. Kerry, Hillary Clinton and perhaps President Obama himself.) Coakley after all would represent the Democrats' 60th vote in the Senate. If there's any danger of Coakley losing the Democrats will pull out all the stops for her.
Well, Coakley did stumble badly in her debates with Brown. In fact, she has been stumbling everywhere she goes. And when she doesn't stumble she has people who will arrange for it to happen.
Now all the stops are being pulled out for her and the heaviest hitter of all is being sent to the plate.
Will Obama hit it over the Green Monster at Fenway? Or will he swing and miss?
Another Miracle on the Hudson
It was a year ago today that US Airways Flight 1549 made a crash landing on the Hudson River and all aboard lived to tell their story.
But this story has another chapter.
Two of the passengers, Ben Bostic & Laura Zych, have fallen in love.
I guess it just goes to show that everything does happen for a reason and sometimes the reason is good.
It also gives a whole new meaning to taking the plunge.
But this story has another chapter.
Two of the passengers, Ben Bostic & Laura Zych, have fallen in love.
I guess it just goes to show that everything does happen for a reason and sometimes the reason is good.
It also gives a whole new meaning to taking the plunge.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
DSCC Calls Brown "A Tea-Bag Republican"
My roommate, who is a Democrat, received an e-mail from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee urging him to donate to Martha Coakley.
This fundraising letter pulls out all the stops. It describes Scott Brown as "a tea-bag Republican" and that "we can't let him get anywhere near Kennedy's seat."
Well, talk about having perforations. I guess Democrats don't see it as The People's seat.
Here's the letter in all its luster. Or should I say lackluster?
FIVE DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY! HELP COAKLEY WIN!
This fundraising letter pulls out all the stops. It describes Scott Brown as "a tea-bag Republican" and that "we can't let him get anywhere near Kennedy's seat."
Well, talk about having perforations. I guess Democrats don't see it as The People's seat.
Here's the letter in all its luster. Or should I say lackluster?
FIVE DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY! HELP COAKLEY WIN!
Dear XXXXXXXXX,
 |
What you do in the next two minutes could mean the difference between keeping Ted Kennedy's seat blue, or ceding his seat to a tea-bag Republican.
Scott Brown has vowed to be the 41st vote to kill health care legislation and the rest of President Obama's agenda. We can't let him get anywhere near Kennedy's desk.
Election Day is five days away. We need Martha Coakley in the United States Senate, and she won't get there without your help.
Click here to donate $5 or more to the DSCC. Martha needs your help now to fight back against every attack and get every Democrat to the polls. Every dollar will make a difference on Tuesday!
A massive ad campaign, grassroots organizing - Democrats are doing everything we can to make sure that Kennedy's legacy doesn't end here. Martha Coakley is a fighter for Massachusetts as Attorney General and will be a fighter in the Senate. But the right wing is energized by the perceived opportunity to win this seat. Tea partiers and radical organizations are sending in money by the bucketful. To win, we must match their intensity and raise money just as aggressively.
Click here to donate $5 or more to the DSCC. Martha needs your help now to fight back against every attack and get every Democrat to the polls. Election Day is only five days away!
Now is the time. Now is our time. Let's do this for Senator Kennedy.
Sincerely,
J.B. Poersch
A Sign That Brown Could Win
Today, I bumped into a colleague of mine who is very gung ho about Scott Brown.
After speaking with him I now think that Brown has a better than even chance of winning on Tuesday.
Why?
He told me that he has seen Brown lawn signs in The People's Republic of Cambridge.
As someone who is known in Cambridge as a conservative I can tell you that is very, very significant.
If Coakley can't convince Cantabrigians to vote for her then who can she convince?
After speaking with him I now think that Brown has a better than even chance of winning on Tuesday.
Why?
He told me that he has seen Brown lawn signs in The People's Republic of Cambridge.
As someone who is known in Cambridge as a conservative I can tell you that is very, very significant.
If Coakley can't convince Cantabrigians to vote for her then who can she convince?
Coakley: Brown=Bush
Over the past couple of days I have been receiving literature from the Coakley campaign likening Scott Brown to George W. Bush.
One of the pamphlets reads, "This bush is brown. This Brown is Bush."
Too bad for Coakley that President Obama today appointed Bush to oversee fundraising efforts for earthquake relief in Haiti.
One of the pamphlets reads, "This bush is brown. This Brown is Bush."
Too bad for Coakley that President Obama today appointed Bush to oversee fundraising efforts for earthquake relief in Haiti.
Bobby Charles, 1938-2010. R.I.P.
Songwriter Bobby Charles, born Robert Charles Guidry, died today in his native Louisiana. The cause of death is unknown. He was 71.
You probably don't know the name. But if you're of a certain age or an aficionado of 1950s music then you'll know his songs. His two most famous songs were "See You Later Alligator" and "Walking to New Orleans" which became big hits for Bill Haley & The Comets and Fats Domino, respectively.
He also was amongst the numerous musicians who appeared in The Band's The Last Waltz. Of course, you can't really see him. But it was probably just as well. He was more interested in writing music than performing it. Yet there's no denying this man had a gift.
Charles did not live to see the release of his new album Timeless which is due out next month.
You probably don't know the name. But if you're of a certain age or an aficionado of 1950s music then you'll know his songs. His two most famous songs were "See You Later Alligator" and "Walking to New Orleans" which became big hits for Bill Haley & The Comets and Fats Domino, respectively.
He also was amongst the numerous musicians who appeared in The Band's The Last Waltz. Of course, you can't really see him. But it was probably just as well. He was more interested in writing music than performing it. Yet there's no denying this man had a gift.
Charles did not live to see the release of his new album Timeless which is due out next month.
Thoughts on Pat Robertson
I'm not sure what Pat Robertson thinks is gained by suggesting the earthquake in Haiti was comeuppance for making a pact with the devil drive away the French two centuries ago.
Now he's backtracking through a Christian Broadcasting Network spokesperson. Yesterday, it was a true story. Today, the Haitian slaves "allegedly" made a deal with the devil. All I can say that I'm not surprised that such a thing would come from Robertson's mouth.
Remember what Robertson said about Ariel Sharon after he had his stroke? He called it divine retribution for "dividing G-d's land." Then came the backtracking by yet another CBN spokesperson. His spokespeople must be on call 24/7.
What is it that makes Pat Robertson kick people while they are down?
Now he's backtracking through a Christian Broadcasting Network spokesperson. Yesterday, it was a true story. Today, the Haitian slaves "allegedly" made a deal with the devil. All I can say that I'm not surprised that such a thing would come from Robertson's mouth.
Remember what Robertson said about Ariel Sharon after he had his stroke? He called it divine retribution for "dividing G-d's land." Then came the backtracking by yet another CBN spokesperson. His spokespeople must be on call 24/7.
What is it that makes Pat Robertson kick people while they are down?
Teddy Pendergrass, 1950-2010. R.I.P.
Philly soul singer Teddy Pendergrass has died of complications from colon cancer surgery. He was 59.
Pendergrass came to stardom in the early 1970s as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. Later in the decade he would embark upon a solo career. That career was nearly derailed by a car accident in 1982 which would leave him paralyzed from the waist down. Yet despite the severity of his injuries he would resume his musical career in 1984 culminating with an appearance at The Live Aid concert in his hometown in Philadelphia the following year. Pendergrass continued to record until a couple of years ago when his health began to decline.
Most people remember Pendergrass best from Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes biggest hit, "If You Don't Know Me By Now."
Pendergrass came to stardom in the early 1970s as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. Later in the decade he would embark upon a solo career. That career was nearly derailed by a car accident in 1982 which would leave him paralyzed from the waist down. Yet despite the severity of his injuries he would resume his musical career in 1984 culminating with an appearance at The Live Aid concert in his hometown in Philadelphia the following year. Pendergrass continued to record until a couple of years ago when his health began to decline.
Most people remember Pendergrass best from Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes biggest hit, "If You Don't Know Me By Now."
Obama Asks Bush For Help With Haitian Relief Effort
This is precious.
President Obama is set to announce that former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will oversee fundraising efforts to provide disaster relief to Haiti.
Of course, when Bush was in office he named Clinton and his father, George H.W. Bush, to oversee fundraising efforts to provide disaster relief to the victims of the Asian tsunami.
Given that Obama has spent the past year ridiculing Bush now all of a sudden he needs his help. A smaller man might have told Obama to shove it. But Bush is not the smaller man. He forgives those who trespass against him. Besides the people of Haiti need our help and there is no one better suited to raising large sums of cash than George W. Bush. Even Obama is smart enough to recognize that.
But don't expect Obama to be any nicer to Bush because of it.
President Obama is set to announce that former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will oversee fundraising efforts to provide disaster relief to Haiti.
Of course, when Bush was in office he named Clinton and his father, George H.W. Bush, to oversee fundraising efforts to provide disaster relief to the victims of the Asian tsunami.
Given that Obama has spent the past year ridiculing Bush now all of a sudden he needs his help. A smaller man might have told Obama to shove it. But Bush is not the smaller man. He forgives those who trespass against him. Besides the people of Haiti need our help and there is no one better suited to raising large sums of cash than George W. Bush. Even Obama is smart enough to recognize that.
But don't expect Obama to be any nicer to Bush because of it.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Notes on Khalil Greene, Aubrey Huff & Ryan Church
Several more free agent moves have taken place in MLB over the past several days.
Infielder Khalil Greene signs a 1-year contract with the Texas Rangers for $750,000
Khalil Greene is a prime example of how the game can bite you.
Greene was the San Diego Padres top draft pick in 2002 and less than two years later he was the Padres starting shortstop. In 2004, Greene finished runner up as NL Rookie of the Year to Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay. In 2007, he hit a career high 27 home runs and 97 RBI with a decent .254 batting average.
However, Greene's offensive production declined significantly in 2008 hitting only .213 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI. He would be traded to the Cardinals last off season where he continued to struggle hitting only .200 with 6 home runs and 24 RBI. Greene was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and missed the rest of the season.
Greene is expected to be a back up infielder for the Rangers. But if Michael Young, Elvis Andrus or Ian Kinsler get hurt in 2010 it's possible that Greene could have a big contribution to make. But that's a very big if.
First baseman/third baseman Aubrey Huff signs 1-year contract with San Francisco Giants worth $3 million
The Giants got another bat but the question is will the Giants get the Huff of 2008 or the Huff of 2009. In '08 season, Huff hit .304 with 32 home runs and 108 RBI with the Baltimore Orioles. Huff split the 2009 season between the Orioles and the Detroit Tigers hitting .241 with 15 home runs and 85 RBI.
Huff is capable of hitting 30 plus home runs but hasn't been able to it consistently. He might give some protection to Pablo Sandoval in the middle of the order but the Giants need a bonafide bopper. Look for Huff to play both third base and first base in 2010.
Outfielder Ryan Church signs 1-year contract with the Pittburgh Pirates worth $1,5 million.
Does Church have a prayer in Pittsburgh? Church split the 2009 season with the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. He hit .273 with 4 home runs and 40 RBI last season.
If nothing else Church will get a chance to play everyday. It's interesting that the Pirates have gone after veterans like himself, Bobby Crosby and Akinori Iwamura. Of course, the Bucs could end up unloading all of them by June should the team play in its usual form.
Infielder Khalil Greene signs a 1-year contract with the Texas Rangers for $750,000
Khalil Greene is a prime example of how the game can bite you.
Greene was the San Diego Padres top draft pick in 2002 and less than two years later he was the Padres starting shortstop. In 2004, Greene finished runner up as NL Rookie of the Year to Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay. In 2007, he hit a career high 27 home runs and 97 RBI with a decent .254 batting average.
However, Greene's offensive production declined significantly in 2008 hitting only .213 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI. He would be traded to the Cardinals last off season where he continued to struggle hitting only .200 with 6 home runs and 24 RBI. Greene was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and missed the rest of the season.
Greene is expected to be a back up infielder for the Rangers. But if Michael Young, Elvis Andrus or Ian Kinsler get hurt in 2010 it's possible that Greene could have a big contribution to make. But that's a very big if.
First baseman/third baseman Aubrey Huff signs 1-year contract with San Francisco Giants worth $3 million
The Giants got another bat but the question is will the Giants get the Huff of 2008 or the Huff of 2009. In '08 season, Huff hit .304 with 32 home runs and 108 RBI with the Baltimore Orioles. Huff split the 2009 season between the Orioles and the Detroit Tigers hitting .241 with 15 home runs and 85 RBI.
Huff is capable of hitting 30 plus home runs but hasn't been able to it consistently. He might give some protection to Pablo Sandoval in the middle of the order but the Giants need a bonafide bopper. Look for Huff to play both third base and first base in 2010.
Outfielder Ryan Church signs 1-year contract with the Pittburgh Pirates worth $1,5 million.
Does Church have a prayer in Pittsburgh? Church split the 2009 season with the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. He hit .273 with 4 home runs and 40 RBI last season.
If nothing else Church will get a chance to play everyday. It's interesting that the Pirates have gone after veterans like himself, Bobby Crosby and Akinori Iwamura. Of course, the Bucs could end up unloading all of them by June should the team play in its usual form.
Thoughts on Haiti
As if being the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere wasn't enough yesterday an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit Haiti near the capital of Port Au Prince.
It is not known how many people have perished but it is believed to be in the thousands.
It is also believed that up to 3 million people in Haiti may be directly affected by the earthquake. That is staggering when you consider Haiti's population is slightly over 9 million.
Needless to say, Haiti is going to need help and lots of it.
But naturally the biggest worry is whether foreign aid will get to the people who actually are in need of it.
The CIA World Factbook describes Haiti as a country with "pervasive corruption."
Next month it will have been 24 years since Baby Doc Duvalier was forced from office. Since February 1986, power has changed hands 15 times. Haiti's current President René Préval has been in office since May 2006. He previously served as Haiti's President between 1996 and 2001 and was that country's first elected President to serve out his entire term without a military coup. Although Préval is very close to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez he has not delved into anti-American rhetoric and has maintained good relations with the United States.
While the days of the Tonton Macoute might be over there is still significant political violence in Haiti. UN peacekeepers have been present in Haiti since 2004 following the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti is set to expire in October although I would be surprised if it wasn't extended under the circumstances. The blue helmets are largely Brazilian of whch at least several of whom were amongst the dead yesterday.
This morning President Obama made this statement regarding the situation in Haiti. The U.S. Agency for International Development is overseeing relief efforts on behalf of the federal government.
I am sure that Americans will also assist with this relief effort whether acting as volunteers or by contributing financially as our citizenry has in past natural disasters such as the 2004 Tsunami. If you are interested in assisting this effort but are unsure about which organization to send donations then I would suggest consulting Charity Navigator.
It is not known how many people have perished but it is believed to be in the thousands.
It is also believed that up to 3 million people in Haiti may be directly affected by the earthquake. That is staggering when you consider Haiti's population is slightly over 9 million.
Needless to say, Haiti is going to need help and lots of it.
But naturally the biggest worry is whether foreign aid will get to the people who actually are in need of it.
The CIA World Factbook describes Haiti as a country with "pervasive corruption."
Next month it will have been 24 years since Baby Doc Duvalier was forced from office. Since February 1986, power has changed hands 15 times. Haiti's current President René Préval has been in office since May 2006. He previously served as Haiti's President between 1996 and 2001 and was that country's first elected President to serve out his entire term without a military coup. Although Préval is very close to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez he has not delved into anti-American rhetoric and has maintained good relations with the United States.
While the days of the Tonton Macoute might be over there is still significant political violence in Haiti. UN peacekeepers have been present in Haiti since 2004 following the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti is set to expire in October although I would be surprised if it wasn't extended under the circumstances. The blue helmets are largely Brazilian of whch at least several of whom were amongst the dead yesterday.
This morning President Obama made this statement regarding the situation in Haiti. The U.S. Agency for International Development is overseeing relief efforts on behalf of the federal government.
I am sure that Americans will also assist with this relief effort whether acting as volunteers or by contributing financially as our citizenry has in past natural disasters such as the 2004 Tsunami. If you are interested in assisting this effort but are unsure about which organization to send donations then I would suggest consulting Charity Navigator.
Good Reasons to Vote for Scott Brown Even If You Don't Live in Massachusetts
Howie Carr of The Boston Herald has an excellent article detailing the reasons why voters here in Massachusetts should vote for Scott Brown in just under a week from now.
These reasons are good even if you don't happen to live in Massachusetts. To wit:
- Unlike Martha Coakley’s campaign, you know how to spell “Massachusetts.”
- You’re wondering why last week liberals were so angry that the word “Negro” was listed on the 2010 census form, but now that Harry Reid uses it . . . nothing to see here, folks, move along.
- You’re puzzled as to who killed the three U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan on Monday, because Martha Coakley said there aren’t any terrorists there anymore.
And my personal favorite:
- You heard that the Amish are going to be exempt from the Obama-Coakley health rationing, and you’re wondering, how does one become Amish?
These reasons are good even if you don't happen to live in Massachusetts. To wit:
- Unlike Martha Coakley’s campaign, you know how to spell “Massachusetts.”
- You’re wondering why last week liberals were so angry that the word “Negro” was listed on the 2010 census form, but now that Harry Reid uses it . . . nothing to see here, folks, move along.
- You’re puzzled as to who killed the three U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan on Monday, because Martha Coakley said there aren’t any terrorists there anymore.
And my personal favorite:
- You heard that the Amish are going to be exempt from the Obama-Coakley health rationing, and you’re wondering, how does one become Amish?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Conan Won't Do Five Past Midnight
Just as I suspected.
Conan O'Brien has formally declined to move The Tonight Show from 11:35 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. to accommodate NBC & Jay Leno.
Of course, this gives Leno a chance to have a full hour. If Conan had accepted the arrangement then Leno would have had a 30 minute show.
Although there has been speculation that O'Brien might jump to FOX he says he has received no formal offer from FOX or any other network.
Well, at least he can laugh in the face of it all.
He began his statement, "People of Earth:"
Conan O'Brien has formally declined to move The Tonight Show from 11:35 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. to accommodate NBC & Jay Leno.
Of course, this gives Leno a chance to have a full hour. If Conan had accepted the arrangement then Leno would have had a 30 minute show.
Although there has been speculation that O'Brien might jump to FOX he says he has received no formal offer from FOX or any other network.
Well, at least he can laugh in the face of it all.
He began his statement, "People of Earth:"
A Reply to Phillip Klein's Question About Babe Ruth
Commenting yesterday about Mark McGwire's admission to using steroids, Philip Klein of The American Spectator brought Roger Maris & Babe Ruth into the discussion:
And when Roger Maris hit 61 homers in 1961, he had 162 games to work with (and it took him 159 to get to 60). So should Babe Ruth still reign supreme as the single-season home run king, having hit 60 in 1927 in only a 154-game season?
No.
If that was the case then every single season record should be subject to that standard not just home runs. For instance, Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners set a single season record for hits when he collected 262 in 2004. It broke the record set by George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns who in 1920 collected 257 hits. Ichiro played in 161 games while Sisler played in 154.
Now if one wanted to make an argument for an asterik this would be it. After all, hits come in greater frequency than home runs. Yet when Ichiro was approaching Sisler, Commissioner Bud Selig dismissed the idea out of hand:
Ichiro was given a season to set a record and if he gets it, I will honor it with all the respect it deserves. This is an amazing accomplishment that Ichiro is pursuing. There will be no asterisk, I can assure you of that.
As it stands, Roger Maris still holds the single season home run record in the American League.
And when Roger Maris hit 61 homers in 1961, he had 162 games to work with (and it took him 159 to get to 60). So should Babe Ruth still reign supreme as the single-season home run king, having hit 60 in 1927 in only a 154-game season?
No.
If that was the case then every single season record should be subject to that standard not just home runs. For instance, Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners set a single season record for hits when he collected 262 in 2004. It broke the record set by George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns who in 1920 collected 257 hits. Ichiro played in 161 games while Sisler played in 154.
Now if one wanted to make an argument for an asterik this would be it. After all, hits come in greater frequency than home runs. Yet when Ichiro was approaching Sisler, Commissioner Bud Selig dismissed the idea out of hand:
Ichiro was given a season to set a record and if he gets it, I will honor it with all the respect it deserves. This is an amazing accomplishment that Ichiro is pursuing. There will be no asterisk, I can assure you of that.
As it stands, Roger Maris still holds the single season home run record in the American League.
The Latest Israel-Turkey Row
Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon is being widely criticized for how he received Turkey's Ambassador to Israel, Ahmed Oguz Celikkol.
Ayalon refused to shake Celikkol's hand and made him sit on a couch that wasn't at eye level with Ayalon.
The Turkish Ambassador was summoned by Ayalon after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a joint news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri yesterday in Ankara during which both men blasted Israel. Hariri accused Israel of "terrorism" and referred to it as "the enemy." Meanwhile, Erdogan criticized an IDF bombing raid that took place in Gaza on Sunday which preempted a rocket attack on Israel:
Is the Israeli government in favor of peace or not? … Gaza was bombed again yesterday. Why? … There were no rocket attacks.
But Erdogan's statement is misleading. He did not mention that Islamic Jihad has been stepping rocket attacks into Israel over the past week.
Erdogan also criticized the West for not applying the same standards to Israel that it is to Iran. "Israel has nuclear weapons, said Erdogan, "Those who are cautioning Iran must also caution Israel.” Caution Israel for what? Israel hasn't threatened to wipe any country off the map.
Now one can certainly argue that Ayalon's gesture was not diplomatic. But then again neither was Erdogan when he stormed off the stage at the World Economic Forum in January 2009 when Israeli President Shimon Peres defended the defensive incursion into Gaza. Erdogan shouted at Peres, "You kill people." Nearly a year later, Erdogan has never apologized for his actions. But then again why would he? He was greeted with a hero's welcome when he returned to Turkey.
Turkey has also cancelled joint military operations with Israel. Turkey is also airing a television program which depicts Israeli intelligence agents as baby snatchers.
Suffice it to say Turkey is no position to criticize Israel for lacking diplomacy.
Ayalon refused to shake Celikkol's hand and made him sit on a couch that wasn't at eye level with Ayalon.
The Turkish Ambassador was summoned by Ayalon after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a joint news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri yesterday in Ankara during which both men blasted Israel. Hariri accused Israel of "terrorism" and referred to it as "the enemy." Meanwhile, Erdogan criticized an IDF bombing raid that took place in Gaza on Sunday which preempted a rocket attack on Israel:
Is the Israeli government in favor of peace or not? … Gaza was bombed again yesterday. Why? … There were no rocket attacks.
But Erdogan's statement is misleading. He did not mention that Islamic Jihad has been stepping rocket attacks into Israel over the past week.
Erdogan also criticized the West for not applying the same standards to Israel that it is to Iran. "Israel has nuclear weapons, said Erdogan, "Those who are cautioning Iran must also caution Israel.” Caution Israel for what? Israel hasn't threatened to wipe any country off the map.
Now one can certainly argue that Ayalon's gesture was not diplomatic. But then again neither was Erdogan when he stormed off the stage at the World Economic Forum in January 2009 when Israeli President Shimon Peres defended the defensive incursion into Gaza. Erdogan shouted at Peres, "You kill people." Nearly a year later, Erdogan has never apologized for his actions. But then again why would he? He was greeted with a hero's welcome when he returned to Turkey.
Turkey has also cancelled joint military operations with Israel. Turkey is also airing a television program which depicts Israeli intelligence agents as baby snatchers.
Suffice it to say Turkey is no position to criticize Israel for lacking diplomacy.
Miep Gies, 1909-2010. R.I.P.
Miep Gies has died. She would have been 101 next month.
If the name isn't familiar it should be. She was one of the people who hid the family of Anne Frank, the van Pels as well as Fritz Pfeffer for over two years in an upstairs room on the premises of a company run by her husband Jan which had once been run by Anne's father, Otto Frank.
After they were seized by the Nazis in 1944, Gies found Anne Frank's diaries and turned them over to Otto who would eventually release them to the public in 1947. Originally titled The Diary of a Young Girl it is better known as The Diary of Anne Frank.
The world has Miep Gies to thank for finding Anne Frank's words.
If the name isn't familiar it should be. She was one of the people who hid the family of Anne Frank, the van Pels as well as Fritz Pfeffer for over two years in an upstairs room on the premises of a company run by her husband Jan which had once been run by Anne's father, Otto Frank.
After they were seized by the Nazis in 1944, Gies found Anne Frank's diaries and turned them over to Otto who would eventually release them to the public in 1947. Originally titled The Diary of a Young Girl it is better known as The Diary of Anne Frank.
The world has Miep Gies to thank for finding Anne Frank's words.
McGwire Admits to Using Steroids
In an interview with Bob Costas on The MLB Network, Mark McGwire admitted to using steroids during his MLB career.
McGwire admits he first took steroids between the 1989 and 1990 seasons but didn't start using on a regular basis until prior to the 1994 season. He would enjoy his most productive seasons between 1995 and 1999. Of course, McGwire hit a then record 70 home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998.
Big Red revealed that the reason he didn't testify before Congress in 2005 was because he wasn't granted immunity and feared he would be prosecuted. So he declined to answer questions rather than answer dishonestly.
McGwire asserted he only used steroids to enable him to bounce back from injuries. Costas and the panel at The MLB Network were skeptical of McGwire's claims that he would have enjoyed the same level of production without ever taking steroids.
Of course, during McGwire's playing days there were no prohibitions to using steroids. But the federal government has stuck its hand into the pot and they need all the TV exposure they can get.
Before conducting the interview with Costas, McGwire phoned various members of his family, the widow of Roger Maris and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. McGwire was named the Cardinals new hitting coach last October.
Given how reticent McGwire is I'm surprised he agreed to an interview with Costas. But if he hadn't it would be all the sports media would have asked about. So McGwire was left with no other choice.
Only time will tell if McGwire will be accepted back in the fold. Not by the players so much but by his fans and the baseball writers. McGwire has never received more than 25% of of the Hall of Fame ballot. Baseball writers like Peter Gammons, Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal are no more likely to vote for him now as they did last year and the year before. McGwire will probably never reach Cooperstown. But he could make for a great hitting coach and that ultimately could be more rewarding for him if he's given a chance.
McGwire admits he first took steroids between the 1989 and 1990 seasons but didn't start using on a regular basis until prior to the 1994 season. He would enjoy his most productive seasons between 1995 and 1999. Of course, McGwire hit a then record 70 home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998.
Big Red revealed that the reason he didn't testify before Congress in 2005 was because he wasn't granted immunity and feared he would be prosecuted. So he declined to answer questions rather than answer dishonestly.
McGwire asserted he only used steroids to enable him to bounce back from injuries. Costas and the panel at The MLB Network were skeptical of McGwire's claims that he would have enjoyed the same level of production without ever taking steroids.
Of course, during McGwire's playing days there were no prohibitions to using steroids. But the federal government has stuck its hand into the pot and they need all the TV exposure they can get.
Before conducting the interview with Costas, McGwire phoned various members of his family, the widow of Roger Maris and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. McGwire was named the Cardinals new hitting coach last October.
Given how reticent McGwire is I'm surprised he agreed to an interview with Costas. But if he hadn't it would be all the sports media would have asked about. So McGwire was left with no other choice.
Only time will tell if McGwire will be accepted back in the fold. Not by the players so much but by his fans and the baseball writers. McGwire has never received more than 25% of of the Hall of Fame ballot. Baseball writers like Peter Gammons, Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal are no more likely to vote for him now as they did last year and the year before. McGwire will probably never reach Cooperstown. But he could make for a great hitting coach and that ultimately could be more rewarding for him if he's given a chance.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cuban Defector Becomes a Red
A Cincinnati Red that is.
Pitcher Aroldis Chapman has signed a six-year contract with the Reds worth a little over $30 million.
Chapman pitched with the Cuban national team during the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He defected when the team was playing a tournament in The Netherlands last July. Chapman subsequently established residence in Andorra and petitioned MLB for free agent status.
The 22-year-old southpaw, capable of throwing in excess of 100 MPH, attracted interest from several teams. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were initially interested in Chapman but backed away. Chapman was also courted by the New York Mets, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Florida Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays before signing with the Reds.
For the amount of money the Reds spent the one thing that worries me about this signing is that they will rush Chapman to the majors before he is ready. Given the Reds haven't had a winning season since 2000 and attendance at The Great American Ballpark declined by more than 300,000 in 2009 one cannot help but think the Reds might succumb to the temptation to bring up him in an effort to boost attendance figures. It would not surprise to see him in a major league uniform before the end of the 2010 season.
Despite all of Chapman's great stuff his control has been a problem. He walks a lot of batters. As such it isn't clear whether he'll be a starter or a reliever. Yet this is a dilemma the Reds would rather have than not.
Pitcher Aroldis Chapman has signed a six-year contract with the Reds worth a little over $30 million.
Chapman pitched with the Cuban national team during the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He defected when the team was playing a tournament in The Netherlands last July. Chapman subsequently established residence in Andorra and petitioned MLB for free agent status.
The 22-year-old southpaw, capable of throwing in excess of 100 MPH, attracted interest from several teams. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were initially interested in Chapman but backed away. Chapman was also courted by the New York Mets, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Florida Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays before signing with the Reds.
For the amount of money the Reds spent the one thing that worries me about this signing is that they will rush Chapman to the majors before he is ready. Given the Reds haven't had a winning season since 2000 and attendance at The Great American Ballpark declined by more than 300,000 in 2009 one cannot help but think the Reds might succumb to the temptation to bring up him in an effort to boost attendance figures. It would not surprise to see him in a major league uniform before the end of the 2010 season.
Despite all of Chapman's great stuff his control has been a problem. He walks a lot of batters. As such it isn't clear whether he'll be a starter or a reliever. Yet this is a dilemma the Reds would rather have than not.
Jeter Getting Married
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will be getting married this November to actress Minka Kelly.
My Dad will be heartbroken.
You see my father had this fanciful notion that Jeter would marry my sister Sarah. That way he could score Yankees season's tickets. Ah, what a romantic.
I'm sure he's not the only man who would like Derek Jeter as a son in law. Well, be careful for what you wish.
Now I hope Jeter and Kelly find matrimonial bliss. But it would not surprise me in the least if Jeter's eye wandered like Tiger Woods.
But it's just as well. My sister has better taste in men than Jeter anyway.
My Dad will be heartbroken.
You see my father had this fanciful notion that Jeter would marry my sister Sarah. That way he could score Yankees season's tickets. Ah, what a romantic.
I'm sure he's not the only man who would like Derek Jeter as a son in law. Well, be careful for what you wish.
Now I hope Jeter and Kelly find matrimonial bliss. But it would not surprise me in the least if Jeter's eye wandered like Tiger Woods.
But it's just as well. My sister has better taste in men than Jeter anyway.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
60 Minutes Bashes Palin, Ignores Reid
This evening 60 Minutes did a story on Mark Halperin and John Heilemann's book Game Change, an insider's account of the 2008 Presidential campaign.
Game Change includes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's remarks about Obama not speaking "in a negro dialect." It also includes former President Bill Clinton telling Ted Kennedy that a few years ago Obama would have been serving them coffee. Yet curiously 60 Minutes made no mention of either of these items.
But since neither of these remarks were made by Republicans they instead they concentrated almost entirely on - you guessed it - Sarah Palin. Anderson Cooper interviewed senior McCain campaign adviser Steve Schmidt who has enough sour grapes to start his own winery.
Perhaps it's just as well. The fact 60 Minutes would concentrate nearly the entire story on Palin is an indication that they are terrified of her. Do you think for a solitary moment that 60 Minutes would give her the time of day unless they thought she had a chance of beating Obama in 2012?
Game Change includes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's remarks about Obama not speaking "in a negro dialect." It also includes former President Bill Clinton telling Ted Kennedy that a few years ago Obama would have been serving them coffee. Yet curiously 60 Minutes made no mention of either of these items.
But since neither of these remarks were made by Republicans they instead they concentrated almost entirely on - you guessed it - Sarah Palin. Anderson Cooper interviewed senior McCain campaign adviser Steve Schmidt who has enough sour grapes to start his own winery.
Perhaps it's just as well. The fact 60 Minutes would concentrate nearly the entire story on Palin is an indication that they are terrified of her. Do you think for a solitary moment that 60 Minutes would give her the time of day unless they thought she had a chance of beating Obama in 2012?
NBC to Move Leno Back to Old Time Slot
The Jay Leno Show has been a ratings disaster.
NBC affiliates have complained of a sharp decline in their ratings for their late local news shows since Leno made his debut at 1o p.m. last September.
In response to these complaints, NBC has announced that Leno's last show at 10 p.m. will take place on February 12th. He will be given a half hour show which will start at his old time slot of 11:35 p.m. Consequently, Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon's show will move to 12:05 a.m. and 1:05 a.m., respectively.
But it is unclear if O'Brien will play ball. O'Brien inherited The Tonight Show from Leno last June and has had difficulty competing with David Letterman. By moving Leno back to his old time slot one wonders if NBC is trying to push out O'Brien altogether. NBC has basically put O'Brien in a position where he has decline any part in this new arrangement. Both Leno and O'Brien have had ratings struggles yet NBC is rewarding Leno and punishing O'Brien. Speculation is that FOX is interested in O'Brien. Do you think O'Brien would rather stay with a network that sees him as a second fiddle or a new network that would welcome him with open arms? I think O'Brien will jump to FOX where he would compete head to head with Leno and Letterman.
It is worth remembering that when Leno took over The Tonight Show from Johnny Carson in the summer of 1992 he steadily trailed Letterman in the ratings. It would be nearly three years before Leno overtook Letterman after Letterman's atrocious turn as the host of the 67th Academy Awards. Leno beat Letterman in the ratings steadily for a decade plus. Yet both men stayed right where they were.
So why is Conan O'Brien getting the shaft? Could it be that NBC is angry with him for putting Sarah Palin on and presenting her in a favorable light?
NBC affiliates have complained of a sharp decline in their ratings for their late local news shows since Leno made his debut at 1o p.m. last September.
In response to these complaints, NBC has announced that Leno's last show at 10 p.m. will take place on February 12th. He will be given a half hour show which will start at his old time slot of 11:35 p.m. Consequently, Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon's show will move to 12:05 a.m. and 1:05 a.m., respectively.
But it is unclear if O'Brien will play ball. O'Brien inherited The Tonight Show from Leno last June and has had difficulty competing with David Letterman. By moving Leno back to his old time slot one wonders if NBC is trying to push out O'Brien altogether. NBC has basically put O'Brien in a position where he has decline any part in this new arrangement. Both Leno and O'Brien have had ratings struggles yet NBC is rewarding Leno and punishing O'Brien. Speculation is that FOX is interested in O'Brien. Do you think O'Brien would rather stay with a network that sees him as a second fiddle or a new network that would welcome him with open arms? I think O'Brien will jump to FOX where he would compete head to head with Leno and Letterman.
It is worth remembering that when Leno took over The Tonight Show from Johnny Carson in the summer of 1992 he steadily trailed Letterman in the ratings. It would be nearly three years before Leno overtook Letterman after Letterman's atrocious turn as the host of the 67th Academy Awards. Leno beat Letterman in the ratings steadily for a decade plus. Yet both men stayed right where they were.
So why is Conan O'Brien getting the shaft? Could it be that NBC is angry with him for putting Sarah Palin on and presenting her in a favorable light?
Ravens 33 Patriots 14
The days of the New England Patriots winning championships are over.
Most people thought the Pats would get past the Baltimore Ravens having home field advantage and all.
But I thought something was amiss when they blew a fourth quarter lead against the Houston Texans last Sunday.
The Ravens were up 24-0 at the end of the first quarter. They ran on the Pats defense at will.
Tom Brady was thrice intercepted.
The only bright spot was Julian Edelman. Filling in for the injured Wes Welker, Edelman caught two touchdown passes from Brady.
The Patriots had a good run. It was fun being here when they won three Super Bowls. But all good things must come to an end and honestly it came to an end when David Tyree caught that pass off his helmet in Super Bowl XLII.
Teddy Bruschi, Willie McGinest, Assante Samuel, Troy Brown, Ty Law and Adam Vinateri are now distant memories.
Meanwhile, the Ravens go to Indianapolis to play the Colts next Sunday.
Most people thought the Pats would get past the Baltimore Ravens having home field advantage and all.
But I thought something was amiss when they blew a fourth quarter lead against the Houston Texans last Sunday.
The Ravens were up 24-0 at the end of the first quarter. They ran on the Pats defense at will.
Tom Brady was thrice intercepted.
The only bright spot was Julian Edelman. Filling in for the injured Wes Welker, Edelman caught two touchdown passes from Brady.
The Patriots had a good run. It was fun being here when they won three Super Bowls. But all good things must come to an end and honestly it came to an end when David Tyree caught that pass off his helmet in Super Bowl XLII.
Teddy Bruschi, Willie McGinest, Assante Samuel, Troy Brown, Ty Law and Adam Vinateri are now distant memories.
Meanwhile, the Ravens go to Indianapolis to play the Colts next Sunday.
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