Archives---February 2007

February 28, 2007

..."Down goes the DOW!  Down goes the DOW!"  Most leads of the story, along with other common wisdom and talking heads, point towards the 4% plunge beginning with rumblings in China that were amplified by the feeble attempt on Vice President Cheney's life in Afghanistan.  Suttle World disagrees, believing those events to be merely excuses for a market that was long overdue for a correction.  Suttle World advises the gentle surfer to spend today with an implement of destruction raking through the debris for the many values that are to be had, and be prepared to pounce after the index sheds another 100 points or so today.  Suggestions?  Suttle World tends to believe that diamonds (DIA---the DOW ETF) are probably an investor's best friend.  And while the previously held notion of shorting Apple (APPL) continues to  appear rewarding, Suttle World has little use for such exotic wagers in this arena.

..."On line three, Fidel from Havana, hello."  Yes, Castro reports to being rested, tanned and ready yesterday in a call to Hugo Chavez's talk show:  The Viva la Revolution and '62 Chevy Repair Program.  "Fatherland or death. We will prevail!" the two leaders repeated after each other at the call's conclusion.  Suttle World respectfully suggests each dictator make sure their final wishes are well known to all, else risk being relegated to the chilly room in which James Brown and Anna Nicole Smith continue to dwell.

...Word on the street has Paul Waring, III making a rare and welcome appearance in the ATL today.  Plans are in the works for a get together, but have yet to be nailed down as of this writing.

...A long held Suttle World take is affirmed again in today's edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association that publishes the findings of yet another study, basically concluding the $2.3 billion spent each year by Americans on vitamin supplements is a waste.  Taken in reasonable/recommended amounts, they can't hurt you, but they also aren't doing you any good, and cannot substitute for obtaining the vital little bio-chemicals from noshing on the foodstuffs in which they are contained.  Of course, there are notable exceptions (i.e. folic acid during pregnancy)---we're talking the average Mit)h here rationalizing that a self admitted poor diet is compensated by popping a Wilma from the Flintstone's Chewable jug every morning.  

February 27, 2007

...It is unfortunate that a number of Americans will find it unfortunate upon rising this morning to learn that Vice President Cheney was in no way effected by a massive explosion outside the US military base in Afghanistan overnight.  The day's top headline provides a nice segue to, once again, ask the long time head scratcher:  exactly why is Suttle World supposed to hate Cheney?  Hitler, Typhoid Mary, the French---Suttle World gets it with regard to disdain.  The loathing of the VP is another confusing matter altogether.

...From the mailbag comes word of the Waring clan's attendance at last night's Thrashers/Bruins match in Boston---won by Atlanta 3-2.  Appreciate the shout out and those of several others who weighed in with their inquiries and concern over the amazing fainting Suttle World.

...Excepting for the fundamentalist, Suttle World fails to see how the "finding Jesus" story makes much difference about anything.  Even if it could be proved that they are the remains of Jesus and crew, the whole resurrection deal isn't disproved---only that the Biblical narrative isn't 100% accurate.  This would SHOCK, SHOCK Suttle World to learn that words written by men with the sophistication of a modern day third grader and then translated 26 times through an untold number of dead languages might have a few typos in the final product.  Very interesting academically---insignificant spiritually.

...Suttle World is comforted that it finds a friend in Tony Kornheiser who has the onions to declare he doesn't consider the Tiger streak to be over.  Suttle World is of the same opinion.  Until he fails to win a 72 hole, medal play, PGA event, he's still chasing Lord Byron.  Yes, its a minority view, and there's no attempt to tote Woods' water here---Suttle World believed the "Tiger Slam" to be just that, amazing and interesting, but not a real grand slam.

February 26, 2007

...Willis Reed would be proud.  Suttle is discharged from the Emergency Room onto the Wiffle field to notch 5 big Cat RBIs in the top of the third inning (including a 3 run homer) of a Wiffle Atlanta pre-pre season intra squad game---a four inning affair that ended in a 6-6 tie.  The new venue proved soggy, and the wind was rather annoying at times, but all were agreed it was an enjoyable and much needed workout.  The Suttle World Senators are ecstatic about their new additions---the most recent being cuzin Neil Bowen who made his first appearance yesterday in a most impressive fashion.  Cuzins Blaine and Neil, along with nephew Ridge make for a formidable contender, as grandpa Suttle looks forward to honing his cheerleading and official scoring skills.  League play starts Sunday, April 1.

...Most likely the odd happenings of Saturday night/Sunday morning will remain a mystery for the ages.  The brief narrative goes something like this (and explained best by "stepping out of character").  Saturday was a long day of travel around north Georgia.  We arrived home around 11:30, ate a hideous cheeseburger, and my better half headed towards bed.  I'd downed a cup of coffee an hour or so prior, and remained up to catch up on email and such until the caffeine wore off.  Yolanda, unable to sleep, rose around 1:30 and joined me.  We were chatting, and things started getting a little fuzzy.  Yo reports me turning gray, breaking into a profuse cold sweat, slumping over in the chair and ceasing to breath after announcing I wasn't feeling too hot.  911 was called.  Fire fighters and EMTs arrived.  All agreed that it was in my best interest to get checked out, so I staggered to the meat wagon for a ride of to DeKalb Medical.   A general assessment, lot's of lab work, ECG and other rudimentary tests later, and Suttle is discharged---pronounced no worse for the wear.  Weird, but evidently the product of the aforementioned long day, bad nutrition, dehydration, etc..  Props to the first responders and everyone at DeKalb, each professional, pleasant and most efficient in carrying out their good works.

...There's no secret that Suttle World is not an avid Big 10 fan, but took great pleasure in watching the second half of Ohio State's win over Wisconsin yesterday afternoon.  Great game---once again showing a close college hoops contest is about as fun as it gets in American sport.  Meanwhile, GW picked up their fourth straight win over La Salle Saturday.  The #9Colonial babes completed a perfect 14-0 Atlantic 10 schedule with a win over Temple yesterday.

...Word on the street has it that some big time movie awards show was held last night.  Accurate or not, Suttle World does not believe modern technology has yet to develop a device that is sophisticated enough to measure its indifference.  The clock is ticking---only about 2 and a half years to get to a theater this decade.

...More than a half dozen "signatures" added to The Dictators induction into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame campaign over the weekend.  Our friends, the Aussies, are stepping up big time.  Keep those cards and letters coming.

February 25, 2007

...Short and sweet---long day followed by night in the DeKalb Medical Center ER makes for a weary, albeit OK, Suttle World.  Amplification to come, but suffice to say its always fun to ride in the back of an ambulance.

February 24, 2007

...A story off the AP wire states that a beaver was seen in New York City (Bronx River) this week for the first time in nearly 200 years.  Insert joke here.

...And while we're on the wild animal aisle...  It would seem that there are already plenty of pressing worldly concerns to overwhelm the gentle surfer.  As though terrorism, American Idol, global warming, NBA All Star week, bird flu and Hillary Clinton weren't enough, we now must keep up our guard against spear making killer chimps.  Insert second joke here.  Geez, if these primates hook up with the killer bees we've got an animal axis of evil that could pose a serious threat.

...George Washington looks to continue revving up the momentum against La Salle---noon today at wherever the hell La Salle is.  Of course the big college hoops news of the weekend comes tomorrow when #1 and #2 face off in a Big 10 matchup as Wisconsin visits Columbus to take on Ohio State.  Normally this would be a source of angst for Suttle World, potentially conflicting with Wiffle Ball plans, but this is the Big 10---meaning the winner will most likely have the higher seed while both lose in the first round of the NCAA tournament in a few weeks.

February 23, 2007

...Today's update on The Dictators induction into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame effort sends more major props across the pond to Lindsay Hutton, publisher of the HUGE The Next Big Thing blog that now prominently features the campaign.  Hailing from Stirlingshire, the Scot is obviously a man of impeccable taste and breeding---dedicated to the preservation of real rock n roll.  A half dozen Aussies and almost an equal number of United Kingdom denizens have now added their names to the noble cause.

...A modern twist to an age old fable.  You must open one door.  Behind one is a ferocious man eating tiger.  Behind the other is Donald Trump.  Suttle World wonders as to what percentage of  gentle surfers would ask for a hint so that the tiger could be selected.  There are indeed fates worse than death, and spending much time around Trump would seem to fall into that category.  Suttle World hastens to add that this is not a class warfare deal (Suttle World would like to one day enjoy a similar net worth), rather  its the tedious, insufferable, self absorbed experiences/people that Suttle World attempts to avoid, even at the risk of life or limb.

...And the winner of the rapidly decomposing remains of Anna Nicole Smith is a five month old baby!, and quite rightly so, given the infant is probably the most competent of all the clowns involved in this week's circus.  Congratulations, thanks for playing, and you leave not only with the prized corpse, but also the home version of the freak show and some lovely parting gifts.

February 22, 2007

...The Dictators induction into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame campaign is blowing up!  Major props to the "Barman" of the I-94 Bar, the well read Australian e-zine that now features the glorious project for consumption by the down under rock n roll crowd.

...The mighty fighting Colonials of George Washington University continued their recovery from the standing eight count that was a four game losing streak with a win over the Spiders of Richmond last night 68-49 at the Smith Center in DC.  Save some for Atlantic City guys.

...From the can't we all get along department comes uniting comments from limousine liberal and LA music mogul David Geffen who confirms what many have been trumpeting for over a decade in that "everybody in politics lies," the former president [Clinton] and his wife "do it with such ease, it's troubling."  Not only does Geffen get it right with regard to the world's smartest woman carrying a copy of Chairman Mao's Little Red Book, but the reaction is also a preview of coming attractions promised by Suttle World---the Hillary meltdown.

...Belated, but Suttle World has seen little comment over Wayne Newton's performance before the NBA All Star Game last Sunday in Vegas.  Imus In The Morning sidekick Charles McCord had the best line, likening Newton's face to a "pig's bladder stretched over a beach ball."  Yes, old Wayne was a frightening sight, but even more amusing were the shots of the mortified players as Newton banged out Danke Schoen---a tune, no doubt, on the I pod of the vast majority of the participants. 

February 21, 2007

...Suttle World is confident that the maximum five hour tarmac wait now established by Jet Blue will soon become the industry standard.  The only questions that would seem unanswered are a few other decisions made in the board room of the previously well regarded upstart carrier.  "OK people, we really took a black eye by stranding folks on the runway for 10 hours at JFK.  Now what?"  A raised hand is recognized.  "I know boss, let's cancel half of our flights for President's Day (errr... Washington's Birthday---section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code)."  Such "logic" is a bit difficult to follow, but may help explain why the airline industry has yet to make its first dollar in profit since it began peddling tickets nearly 80 years ago.

...Another issue that confuses Suttle World is how the DOW can be staring 13,000 in the face with such a horrible economy afoot.  Sure, home ownership, employment, personal income, productivity and the like are at near record levels, but the gentle surfer is urged to pay no attention to the man behind the BLS curtain.  

February 20, 2007

...Heartbreaker in Montpelier as the Solon's girl's hockey team's season ends 33 seconds into overtime in last night's Lake Division Vermont state championship semi-final match against Missisquoi.  The Times Argus gives a detailed account of the action, including mention of Caitie Banfield's hat trick for the Solons, but fails to mention a minor detail:  the final score.  Alas, Montpelier's seasons comes to a close following a very respectful 14-6-2 effort, and bids a fond adieu to four other Solon seniors:  Rachael Farrell, Kim Cowan, Megan Welcome and Anna Bressor.  Props to junior defensewoman Kaitlin Waring for her successful debut season, and Pops Waring for the updates, and, no doubt, stellar efforts behind the Solon PA microphone.

...The Dictators induction into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame campaign is ramping up.  The past two days have added two influential names of international import.  First, Lindsay Hutton, of Stirlingshire, Scotland and author of the well read The Next Big Thing blog e-signs his name, and yesterday Craig Regan, The Barman and publisher of  the huge Australian e-zine, the I-94 Bar, replies with his resounding support and a promise of pub on The Bar's (damn, I'm funny) frequently visited site.  The effort picks up even greater steam with its addition to The Petition Spot website. 

...A belated welcome to the new favicon---the Suttle World logo now appearing in browser address bars across the fruited plane.

...Memo to Oregonians:  look both ways before crossing the street, don't run with scissors, and don't climb Mt. Hood during a blizzard. 

February 19, 2007 - Washington's Birthday

...Security software updating and a quick two hours of disc scans later leaves Suttle World short on time for the usual mantra.

...Yes, Suttle World was confused as well, thinking the today's federal holiday to have been renamed President's Day some time ago.  Not the case.  Today is Washington's Birthday per:  section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code.  Still can't cash a check or mail a letter, but at least the gentle surfer can refrain from such activities with a full understanding of why.

...As of this writing, Suttle World has no idea who won the Daytona 500, but is delighted the left turns have been completed.

...From Vermont correspondent Pops Waring comes this urgent update:  "Behind the stellar back-up defensewoman skills of Kaitlin Waring and the golden throated announcements of her father, the Solons have reached the "Lake" Division State Semi-Finals. Next game on Monday night at Norwich University's Kreitzberg Arena which golfer (and Norwich alum) Allen Doyle contributed $1M towards building."  The skating Lady Solons advanced by virtue of 2-1 win Saturday night against the still unexplained Germany submarine crew, U-32, that regularly participates in high school athletics in the Green Mountain State.  A full account is provided by our friends at the Times Argus (story).  Tonight's semi-final match finds Montpelier facing Missisquoi.  Face off at 8:30.  The Doyle connection is a small world scenario indeed what with the long time Georgian being the state's best amateur since Bobby Jones, plus possessing the funkiest swinging and being the most despised personality in Georgia golf since Johnny Asshole, the starter at Mystery Valley, shook hands with Lucifer many moons ago.  Dropping a cool mil on Norwich would tend to indicate that the long time driving range owner and operator's reputation may largely be a function of his kicking everyone's ass around the state before finding fame and fortune on the geezer circuit.

February 18, 2007

...This would be about the right time to throw the switch.  Carl Elliott, the Colonials 6-4 senior guard with whom Suttle World has plead all season to be more of a presence, notched the first triple double in school history yesterday afternoon, snapping a four game losing streak against Temple 84-72 at the Smith Center in DC.  Four more games over the next two weeks remain for GW, and then its check the charts and graphs to determine brackets/opponents time before shipping off to Atlantic City, home of this year's Atlantic 10 tournament.  Elliott's afternoon at the office featured 17 points (including SEVEN Fritos in the final minute), 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

...Badminton practice has been cancelled for today.  The pre-dawn hours find NNW winds blustering by at a rate of about 20 MPH with gusts over 30.  WSB's Kirk Mellish who is quite rightly not given to adamant long term forecasting, seems fairly certain that temp wise, this is the last of winter the ATL should see, with immediate warming as of Tuesday.

...The rising mercury can only further fuel the anticipation that surrounds the beginning of the 2007 Wiffle Atlanta campaign.  Up to the minute info can be found at the preceding link, but generally the latest news includes a commitment from eight (yes, 8, count em, 8) teams, and that said teams have been "realigned"  among the two divisions.  Meanwhile, the Suttle World Senators continue to be encouraged by the enthusiastic solo workouts of newly acquired Blaine Milam, greatly anticipates the addition of his cousin, Neil Bowen, and has set up the traditional pre season pitching cage on the south lawn (Inner Turf Track) of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor where some throwing has happened as schedule and climate has permitted.

...Suttle World wishes nothing but happy left hand turns this afternoon for NECKCAR enthusiasts---a wish that is only exceeded by the one that it be over.  Get Sheppard Smith the hell out of a freakin NECKCAR jumpsuit while behind an anchor desk!  Actually, Sheppard Smith can get the hell out regardless of attire.  Just make it go away, please mommy.

...Oh yea, the roids and Bonds thing.  Basically it comes down to this:  we don't know, but can rest assured in being highly suspect of Barry being juiced.  To the degree he was, we can also be reasonably assured that he played against equally juiced mediocre pitching, all while baseball turned the other way and counted its money en route to the bank.  Bonds gets all the attention, both from the media and criminal justice system, because of his prominence and being a world class ass hole.  Suttle World believes the roid era to be a travesty, and casts a jaundiced eye towards many of the numbers put up in the 90s, but can also view it much like the war years.  It pains Suttle World to paint these caveats, but SEVEN MVP awards scream from the page.  There is a way to fix all this, though the chances of it happening are akin to that of Sky Lab falling onto the gentle surfer's Pinto.  Bonds could call a press conference just before opening day.  There he could tearfully announce that while he is confident he could hang on and hit 25 more, that doing so couldn't possibly help his team (except at the turnstile), and what with all the controversy he doesn't want to tarnish a cherished record held by Aaron...  Announce his retirement and walk away instantly morphed from Mr. Ass Hole to Jim Brown.  If not that scenario, then a good old fashioned Achilles' tendon tear or two will suffice.

February 17, 2007

...Pitchers and catchers have reported, meaning opening day for the MLB 2007 campaign is a mere six weeks away.  Normally, this would lead to pseudo poetic renderings about spring and the wondrous celestial syncopation of which baseball is so integral, but God invented George Will to write that sappy prose.  More importantly, this is not a time of normalcy.  Like it or not, Suttle World and the gentle surfer quite likely will have to come to terms with the psyche stomping, gut grinding, bowel bursting fact that Barry Bonds will have hit more home runs than any player in the history of the game.  Order!  The gentle surfer will please put away their own roid rage being thrown around like the feces of an irate monkey.  We'll deal with that in due time.  Suttle World urges the gentle surfer to join it in confession that is good or our eternal ERAs.  We do not want Barry to break the record, because we hate him; and we hate him because he is an ass hole.  An ass hole with SEVEN MVPs.  The numbers are what they are:  an assimilation of what may well be the best stick of all time.  Suttle  World would hasten that great umbrage may be taken in the fact that Aaron, Mays, Mantle... were five skill guys and ergo greater players.  Bonds' arm is as pathetic as his bat is impressive.  As to the very salient steroids question---that's getting more complicated as more is learned about both what is and is not known.  Tune in tomorrow, and rest assure that Suttle World is not toting any Bonds water, rather showing courage in facing an ugly truth.  The baseball Mt. Rushmore?---perhaps that is where this is all headed.  It only has room for four, and the fat man has to be one.

...Shout out to Fred Barnewold of Lithonia's sister city, Queens, NY, who adds his name to the petition for The Dictators induction into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame.  Saturday morning---the perfect time to finally get around to adding your name to the 33 already recorded, and become a part of history.  Just click, read and follow the simple email instructions; and don't forget to tell a friend now, heya?

...Having already opened an athletic can of worms (they wriggle very muscularly), why not move over to the links and wonder if a tour that lives by the Tiger, is diminished by the Tiger?  Suttle World must confess to distinguishing the game between events in which Woods enters and those he does not.  Suttle World is aware that the game has never been in better shape than now, but imagine this doomsday scenario:  Tiger goes wild and reels off 10 more majors over the next five years, passes Jack and says, "goodnight, Gracie," in a Koufaxesque fashion.  Suttle World does not foresee the PGA going the way of women's pro bowling, but it would be a devastating blow.  And while we're at it:  Suttle World once again asks how the ballroom dancing, synchronized swimming Olympics that do not include the 500 year old game of golf can be taken seriously?

...And what are the demonstration events for the Beijing games in '08?  The forced labor camp triathlon and Tiananmen Square tank dodge come to mind.

...The great pizza delivery bomber bizarro case in Erie, PA from August, '03 has been solved, or least that's what we are told in recent vague media accounts.  Indictments are expected next week as well as more specific information regarding one of the weirdest stories to come down the pike in many moons.   And its detailed facts we want.  We want the cane gun explained.  We want the frozen body and the EMTs turned away from a 911 call regarding an OD explained in a manner that makes this all fall together.  Perhaps even explaining the answer to an oddball question such as: what the hell were these people thinking!?

...A few years back Georgia became the last southern state to elect a Republican majority in its legislature since reconstruction, and after years of being denied a meaningful voice in establishing the legacy of this great state, you get this:  Rep. Ben Bridges (R-Cleveland) has been "linked" (damn, I'm funny---just wait) to a memo distributed under his name that says the teaching of evolution should be banned in public schools because it is a religious deception stemming from an ancient Jewish sect.  The memo, that Suttle World readily admits to having not yet seen a copy, also evidently directs the reader to fixedearth.com.  Now this is worthy of a click, as these folks have made some amazing astrological breakthroughs, including proof that Copernicus was wrong and that the universe is geocentric.  Suttle World would respectfully suggest that Rep. Bridges and his ilk join hands with deposed solon Cynthia McKinney, and engage in a meaningful dialogue on the "JEWS" subject while riding in a bus that is falling off a very high cliff.

...Not to be lost in the more verbose than usual ramblings of this morning, is this really cool baseball site.  Ballpark Reviews. COM is overwhelming---so overwhelming that it almost makes Suttle World back away from thoughts of adding to its list a dozen and a half or so attended.  Nonetheless, the chance of a bush league trip busting loose at some point during the summer is always possible. Still gotta catch up with Mo/Biscuit/Mucous Membrane in Montgomery.

February 16, 2007

...A defacto mid-winter holiday has begun today.  It is welcome, and believed ultimately productive in the long term as opposed to the "traditional" calendar that may have afforded a long weekend for President's Day, but more times that not, went from New Year's until Memorial Day holiday free.  Nephew Ridge's attendance is not required until Tuesday (in unison with his fellow Tucker High Schoolmates).  His schedule coincides with the lady of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor and an increasing number of others.  A curious happening that seems to have busted loose in past several years.  

..."Bitter cold."  Yes, complaints of discomfort with the mercury hovering around the 32° is a function of old age and acclamation, but though avoiding any frozen precip, stately Roberts/Suttle Manor's environs, like most of the rest of the nation, have been 25% colder than is normally the case for this hideous part of the year.  The gentle surfer with cabin fever may pass the time attempting to diagram the preceding "sentence."

...Traffic should ease on the Hershey Highway as the candymaker whose name has been synonymous with US confections for more than a century announced the elimination of 1500 jobs yesterday.

...The #7 Colonial babes (22-2, 11-0) snapped UNC-Charlotte's 22 game home winning streak last night 64-59.

...Shout out to Salt Lake City resident Joe Waldman who proudly adds his name to the petition nominating The Dictators into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame.  Keep those e-signatures coming.  Only five weeks until submission.

February 15, 2007

...Four straight losses now for the not so mighty fighting Colonials (15-8, 6-5), as GW drops its second straight home contest to the Aspirins of St. Joseph's 62-56 (15-10, 7-4) last night in DC.  Memo to Colonials basketball:  Though Suttle World was correct in its assessment of over a month ago that the remainder of the season is meaningless, with an A10 tournament win required for NCAA admission, nowhere did Suttle World recommend the roll over and play dead strategy until the postseason.  It is duly noted that the above memo applies only to the "men's" side of the program, as the #8 Colonial babes look to run their conference record to a perfect 11-0 tonight against Richmond.

...From the half empty-half full glass department comes the announcement that Chrysler will eliminate 13,000 jobs over the next two years.  As unsavory as the news may have been to those affected, a confectioner somewhere is basking in the glow of the recently filled order for 13,000 little candy hearts embossed with "you're fired" that the auto maker distributed on Valentine's Day.

...Despite an obvious ongoing angst derived from the rest of us just not being too bright, the body of Al Franken's work, to date, has included a few yucks.  A run for Norm Coleman's Minnesota Senate seat?---now that's funny.

...Suttle World's February Link of the Month, Three5Human, performs tonight at the Apache Cafe in beautiful downtown Atlanta.

February 14, 2007

...Just a couple of Valentine's Day housekeeping matters.

...The Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality hearings on man made global warming scheduled to begin at 10:00 this morning in the Rayburn House Office Building have been cancelled due to snow.

...Break up the Hokies!  #4 Carolina has amassed an impressive 22-4 record so far this season with half of those losses coming at the hand of Virginia Tech, including last night's 81-80 overtime loss in the Dean Dome.  Meanwhile, George Washington looks to bust a three game losing streak against St. Joseph's tonight at the Smith Center.  A victory would mark the Colonials 300th win in the Smith Center since its opening in 1976.

February 13, 2007

...Delta subsidiary Comair and its pilots reached an agreement early this morning to forestall proposed wage and benefit cuts.  Still unresolved is a plan to reunite passengers with their luggage that Comair managed to lose at twice the industry average last year, contributing to it being the second worst rated US flagged carrier in 2006.

...Defending champion Florida garners each and every first place vote in both polls this week to retain their #1 ranking.  The top five is filled with this season's usual suspects:  Ohio St., North Carolina, UCLA and Wisconsin.  Just shy of four weeks from selection Sunday, with first round NCAA play set to begin March 15.

...As NCAA baseball action begins, four ACC teams are ranked in the top ten with Carolina, Clemson and Miami among the first five.  Suttle World once again resolves to get downtown to take in a few Tech game again this year.  The 14th ranked Yellow Jackets offer perhaps the best sports deal in metro ATL.

...The brilliant mind of Theodore Dalrymple comes to the rescue once again in examining the civil unrest that rattles Iraq.  City Journal continues as one of the best news and opinion organs published in print or on the web.

...Eighteen months out and from early results in key precincts, Suttle World predicts your 2008 presidential contest will feature John Edwards vs. Mike Huckabee.  If correct, Suttle World is genius.  If wrong, nobody will remember.  What's not to like?

February 12, 2007

...Perhaps it is only Suttle World, but there appear to be several layers of irony in the headline: Six Explorers Suffocate in Canary Islands.

...Three quarters of the way through the NHL regular season, and the Atlanta Thrashers hold a comfortable 6 point lead over Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division, and yet the perennially pathetic Hawks (20-30) continue to receive more media attention.  Suttle World believes the disparity is due in large part to the NHL successfully navigating themselves off of the American sports radar screen over the past several seasons.  Wake Suttle World for the Conference Championship series.

...And exactly how long does it take an astronaut to drive the 900 miles between Houston and Orlando?  Depends.

...Perhaps Anna Nicole Smith could hang out with James Brown for a while to keep each other company as the lawyers sort things out.

February 11, 2007

...Very nice.  That big sucking sound that can still be heard in the distance is that of GW busting their 24 game home winning streak on national TV in a pitiful heap.  As impressive as was the disappointment of the Colonials failure, was Carolina's effort as the Tarheels opened a tallboy can of 30+ point win whoop ass on Wake at the Dean Dome.  North Carolina will be team with which to be reckoned come March.

...All four miniature humanoids appeared to be in proper working condition upon start of the return passage of the adult denizens to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor last night---a good time had by all.

...Doubtful this will be of any use, but perhaps a gentle surfer previously not contacted will bump across it this morning:  Wiffle folk needed for pick up game this afternoon---if so, email here please!  Also worthy of mention is that a mere five weeks are left until Wiffle Atlanta begins its spring training exercises.  To the best of Suttle World's knowledge, there are still openings for individual and team entries---check at the above link.

...Parish is a town of about 2700 white folks in upstate New York that has received a recorded 10 feet of snowfall in the past week with another 2-4 feet forecast through Monday.  When the roofs begin to collapse it will move from amusing to tragic, but in the interim Suttle World ponders what the hell are these people doing there in the first place?  Yes, the hamlet is proximate to Lake Ontario, and Suttle World can well imagine why that would attract a nomadic group or even western explorers to settle in the area---FOR THE FIRST WINTER!  And now after countless generations of fighting and losing to lake effect snows, they're still there.  Suttle World speculates there is a ground water issue or some such, fully expecting the community filled with folks who don't exactly salivate when the bell rings (if ya know what I mean).  Suttle World can easily imagine several residents of Parish gathering to play a lively game of touch the hot stove top.  Move you morons!  Now!---or whenever you can dig out from under 15 freakin feet of snow!

February 10, 2007

...Actually little inspiration and/or little to bring this Saturday morning.  Nothing in the news cycle of any great import, like diaper donning, and Anna Nicole Smith is still dead.

...The highlight of Saturday in and about stately Roberts/Suttle Manor will be a return engagement by the adult denizens who once again make the jaunt to lovely Dunwoody to oversee the doings of four miniature humanoids ranging in age from 7 years to 7 months---a cheerfully accepted assignment. 

...GW makes a rare national TV appearance this evening as the Colonials host Xavier (8:00 EDT, ESPN2) putting their 24 game home court winning streak on the line (fourth longest in the nation).  Real cool to be on the tube, but as previously related, meaningless along with the rest of the regular season.  Its going to take an A10 tournament championship to get to an NCAA bid.

...Suttle World duly notes that SOTD today serves only as a novelty---not the first time, and certainly not the last.  While on the subject, it is worth noting that with rare exception, SOTD is not cryptic nor related to much anything other than typically being a damn good tune.  SOTD's archive is nearing completion, and will include some further amplification.

February 9, 2007

...Further replication of a Suttle World axiom is provided with the death of Anna Nicole Smith yesterday in Florida.  If you're known by three names---as in Lee Harvey Oswald or Franklin Delano Roosevelt---things are going to get ugly.  And such was the case with Ms. Smith who achieved tagged and bagged status before her 40th birthday.  Suttle World will quickly end comment on this tragic event so as to allow the gentle surfer ample opportunity to gather flowers, teddy bears and the like for distribution at the appropriate spots.  Meanwhile, Elton John slaves away at the keyboard to rewrite Not So Tiny Dancer as a tribute.

...Duke comes out on top in the duel of the titanettes as the #1 Lady Blue Devils defeat #2 Carolina last night in Chapel Hill.  In other infrequently mentioned women's hoops action, the Colonial Babes of GW are ranked 8th in the nation with a most impressive 20-2, 9-0 record that leads the Atlantic 10 Conference.

...Though the fact situation and criminal charges are mind numbing, Suttle World is siding with the Libby defense in the current trial based upon the premise that if one's name is Scooter, one will not engage in any criminal activity that might result in prison time.  That being said, if ole Scooter did in fact commit perjury, then its off to make little rocks out of big rocks, unlike a former President.

...From the mailbag comes four more names to add to the petition for The Dictators induction into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame.  Keep those cards and letters coming, and, remember, friends, family, neighbors, etc... are welcome as well.  Cuzin Joel and Suttle World have set the bar high at 100 "signatures," but have great faith in both achieving the numeric goal and the enshrinement of the world's greatest rock n roll band into the vaunted institution.

February 8, 2007

...Carolina/Duke lives up to its hype as the Tarheels come from behind to hand the blue geek group their third straight loss.  Young, fast and scientific---Carolina looks like a true contender.  Bring on March.  Meanwhile, Suttle World erred in prematurely setting up the GW/Xavier match up that won't take place until Saturday.

...The Tigerless Crosby clam bake and kid beating event tees off this afternoon at Pebble Beach and surrounds under the guise of the AT&T Pro-Am.

...From the mailbag comes an inquiry as to the cherished Ollie's recipe from a heretofore unknown correspondent.  Alas, Suttle World was compelled to reply that it has little to reveal in breaking the Ollie Code.  Perhaps the email will finally spark the long awaited stately Roberts/Suttle Manor test kitchen experiment to replicate the prized burger.

February 7, 2007

...Arguably the greatest rivalry in American sports resumes tonight at 9:00 (EST) as #5 Carolina (20-3, 6-2) takes the 15 minute bus ride over to Durham to take on #16 Duke in Cameron.  No further amplification would seem necessary.   Meanwhile, the bowl circling Colonials of George Washington look to extend their 24 game home winning streak tonight against Xavier.  One final note from the hard-court:  the Celtics drop their franchise record 15th straight, delightfully appearing so awful that even  MENSA president Reggie Theus could get off a shot against them.

...As the great Darryl Rhoades wrote: its "A Mortician's Dream Come True."

...Though fairly unscathed by the most recent Siberian Express that has plunged the mercury in many parts of the country, the ATL emerges from its own cold spell today with Guy Sharpe calling for a fair 59°.  Come to think about it, its always about 59° for our fallen veteran weatherman who has dwelled below the frost line for several years now.

...More disappointing than an American astronaut motoring 900 miles in diapers to confront a co-worker over an imaginary affair, is the arsenal she took along.  A rubber hose, pepper spray and BB gun?  Come on, NASA has to have some cooler gear than that lying around.  Suttle World is of the considered opinion that if the story is going to include astronauts driving in diapers, that at least a light saber or some sort would also be in the mix.  Yes, its very strange behavior, but that Major Nelson is quite a catch.

February 6, 2007

...The mailbag begins to bulge with those wishing to add their names to The Dictators White Castle Hall Of Fame petition drive, with the first being new friend Patrick Perez-Lopez who hails from  Grayshott, England.  Add in Pennsylvania's John Smulowitz and the list now swells to two dozen.  Keep those cards and letters coming.  In other things Dictators, major props to cuzin Rob of WI who kindly forwards a mouse pad embossed with the Alan Forbes poster of the band's Detroit gig from years gone by---a fine and most cherished addition to the collection.

...An astronaut drove 900 miles and donned a disguise to confront a woman she believed was her rival for the affections of a space shuttle pilot, and was arrested wearing diapers!???????????? (Story)

...Suttle World is unsure of how much, if any, of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards' class warfare campaign will be run from the $5 million home on which he closed last month.

February 5, 2007

...Major props to The Dictators webmistress Karen, who has now kindly featured a prominent link from TheDictators.com to Suttle World and the White Castle Hall Of Fame petition drive. Keep those names coming---we've got about 6 weeks.

...Free to a good home:  one monkey.  Only one owner and much smaller than first appears.  Nine years experience in same location:  Peyton Manning's back.  Current services no longer required.  Inquire at Disney World lost and found.

...Pretty damn good as Super Bowls go.  Hester returns the opening kickoff, and the remainder stayed pretty much to the script, excepting the greasy pigskin deal(s).  The Colts cover, Suttle World's casual call pays off and Prince does a stellar job under most trying circumstances---see boys and girls, back in the old days such a show in the rain would have been a bit more difficult/deadly (see Blue Oyster Cult v. Alex Cooley, c/ 1976).

...Speaking of Blue Oyster Cult...from the mailbag comes the announcement by cuzin Rob of what will surely be one of this summer's premier shows:  Blue Oyster Cult & Cheap Trick, July 13, at the Beloit Wisconsin Riverfest---about 75 miles east of Minneapolis.

...The Super Bowl now completed, the month of February is now free to fester along at will---the two fortnights that try men's souls unlike any other the calendar may bring.

February 4, 2007

..."Down goes GW (15-6, 6-3)! Down goes GW!"  You just can't be losing to Billikens as was the case yesterday 63-53 in St. Louis.  The regular season is now officially over, with eight meaningless dates left on the schedule.  Bring on the A10 tourney---the only path to the NCAA---March 7-10 in lovely Atlantic City.

...The football thing.  Suttle World has been pretty successful in developing a squelch for most things Super Bowl in the two week layoff following the always more entertaining Conference Championship Sunday.  That being said, the pre game show now into its sixth hour, and kick off less than half of an average fruit fly's life span away, Suttle World is prepared to emerge from hype hibernation.  Suttle World finds it interesting that the opening line making Indy a 7 point favorite has not budged in two weeks (actually 6.5 can be found as well as a wildly varying payout range from -103 to -115!---shop around if you're action bound).  Suttle World also shares the widely held view that the Colts are a better ball club than Chicago as evidenced by winning a much superior conference.  Adding in the rejuvenated Indy defense and Rex factor only pile onto the notion, but not 7 points worth.  Rain or not, the weather shouldn't play a large roll, but Suttle World predicts this to be the last Super Bowl played on grass.  Rambling further---if forced to make a wager Suttle World would take a weenie two play, six point teaser of (net) IND -.5 and under 53.5 (pays 9:10).  No real dog in this fight, just hoping for an entertaining game in which the clock runs as quickly as possible.

...No, Texas, you cannot mandate HPV vaccines!  Not because it involves STDs per say, but because it is not a passively contracted virus.  Measles, meningitis, et al is another story altogether.

February 3, 2007

...Unmentioned the past couple days:  GW (15-5, 6-2) picks up a disappointing loss last Wednesday night in Dayton---always a very building to visit.  The Colonials trudge forward this afternoon on the road against the Billikens of St. Louis (14-8, 4-4) sharing the lead in the A10 with Fordham and Rhode Island.  Despite a less than desirable campaign to date the record will show that George Washington does show up in the also ran list of both polls---though one is mortified to imagine how the RPI will look upon its first release.  With the Colonial Babes (18-2, 7-0) its quite a different story with the team ranked 11th and 12th in the AP and USA Today Polls, respectively.  The tube is covered in college hoops today (Atlanta weekend TV listings - click here), and word has it a football game is going to break loose late tomorrow evening.  Pick forthcoming.

...Not to make light of the death and destruction in neighboring Florida yesterday caused by tornados, but the most relieved sucker on the planet has got to be Jeb Bush---not having to deal with a natural disaster for the first time in eight years.

...Help Wanted:  Marketing and Promotions Manager.  Apply:  Cartoon Network, Atlanta, Georgia.

...Shout out to Dictators webmistress Karen, who is prepared to pimp and link the White Castle Hall of Fame project from The Dictators site in the next day or so.  This should increase traffic dramatically, but does not relieve the regular gentle surfer of their duty to participate by adding their own name (if not already conscripted) and those of family, friends, co-workers, et al...  Let's get busy now---only about six weeks to go.

...SOTD archiving in nearing completion, with some not so surprising trends and such.  Details and commentary to follow to aid in giving the feature a little more oomph.

February 2, 2007 - Ground Hog Day

...From the mailbag comes a welcome heads up from cuzin Rob in Wisconsin who advises that the PBS program Soundstage featuring the New York Dolls will air in his neck of the woods this weekend.  Schedules vary greatly (the ATL will be treated to one of a two part Peter Frampton & The Ozone Depleters show), so check your local listings (at the above link).

...What better way than to celebrate Ground Hog Day than with yet another stellar installment from the keyboard of Matt with a >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

February 1, 2007

...Let the campaign begin!  The first day of February marks the start of Suttle World's push for the long overdue induction of The Dictators into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame.  The help of the gentle surfer is solicited in the form of painlessly signing our petition at the above link.  The deadline for submissions for 2007 inductees is March 31.  At present our intention is to FedEx the petition and other relevant photographs and the like to White Castle HQ in Columbus, OH.  This is your chance to be a part of rock n roll and fast food history (mix in "cars, girls, surfing, beer" and a little pro wrestling and you pretty much have The Dictators experience).

...Stately Roberts/Suttle Manor dodges the bullet by a couple of degrees on Mr. Thermometer---leaving a heavy rainfall that is staying liquid.  Areas to the north have not faired quite as well, and while there are no major power outages or transportation arteries significantly effected, the going is a bit dicey for the unfamiliar motorist.

SUTTLEWORLD 
               
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