Archives---March, 2005
March 31, 2005
...Most all are aware that Terry Schiavo escaped this mortal coil this morning at 9:05(EST). May peace be with her and us all.
...Still two and a half agonizing days before tip off Saturday evening. Illinois/Louisville is up first and Carolina/Michigan State is the night cap. Illinois and Carolina are three and five point favorites respectively. The Tarheels are without a doubt the best ball club still standing, but two of the other three weren't supposed to make it to St. Louis to begin with. More expert analysis as the high holy day approaches.
...Add another item to the list of how to screw with folks in a no harm, no foul mode. An elevator, for instance, is a great venue for such things. Just stand facing away from the doors, or if you wish to be more proactive, enter the crowded elevator car, offer everyone a warm hardy handshake and insist they refer to you as Admiral. Now on the list is walking into a doctor's office and request they draw blood into tubes you brought with you. The amusement factor may not have been worth the $40 to get stuck in the arm, but its a great brow furrower.
...Though no schedule has been set nor teams fully established, Moke has been named opening day starter for the Dirt Square Gorf Rats in the highly anticipated seminal season of Wiffle Atlanta.
...March is going out neither as a lamb or lion, rather more like a wet stinking dog. The ATL should get around 4 inches of rain by the time it stops falling tomorrow. The good news, is that the bottom wing of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor remains dry, indicating efforts to better direct drainage have been successful---the lack which several months ago resulted in a mini flood in the now completely rehabbed room. Behold the before and after pics!
March 30, 2005
...Johnny Cochran, Jerry Falwell and the Pope are rarely found in the same sentence, but there are a lot of sentences unique to Suttle World. Johnny Cochran was a damn good lawyer, and one I would want sitting next to me were I ever to adjudicated by 12 of my peers; and, no, he didn't get O.J. off. An inept prosecution and a jury of idiots took care of that. Word has it that with gas prices at record highs, O.J. and Robert Blake are car pooling to search for the real killers. Oh, by the way, no need to call and thank a defense attorney because the police didn't kick down your door last night.
...I'm certain that there are a number of wonderful things one could say about the Reverend Falwell, but none come to mind at this writing. I remember Falwell (and he's "not dead yet") telling me how God wanted the MX Missile, that gay folk were going to hell and various other finger wagging mantras. What I don't remember are any references to love, peace, tolerance, et al---notions that I had somehow mistakenly associated with Christianity. Regardless, we wish the right Reverend a full and speedy recovery.
...Unfortunately, a full and speedy recovery appears impossible for Pope John Paul II. This morning, the Vatican announced that a nasal feeding tube had been inserted. It is with all due respect that I suggest this guy has nads the size of bowling balls; and that regardless of one's ecumenical leanings, if you don't get it (the current trials and travails), then you may wish to pick up the white courtesy phone to get a clue.
March 29, 2005
...Call it a harmonic convergence if you will, but it turns out I have little to bring today which dove tails nicely with the fact that PowWeb (the host for this whacky site) is as dead as the proverbial doornail preventing publication at this writing. Kind of a twist on the old if a tree falls in the forest....deal; or what is the sound of one web site not clapping?
...Unfortunate outcome for the lady Tarheels as they fall to Baylor and fail to reach the women's Final Four. In other college sports happenings, the Frozen Four is set for Masters week this year. The semis are Thursday, April 8 (my recollection is that there is at least one matinee), with the finals Saturday night. It really is great sport and well worth the glance---much like the lacrosse Final Four played out over Memorial Day weekend. And denizens of the ATL are reminded that Tech is now in the heart of their baseball season---great ball park, very cheap, with a bit of hassle regarding commute and parking. Plus the play is about as good as it gets on the collegiate level, given Tech's longstanding bride's maid status.
...The above graph is one that is familiar to the regular gentle surfer---basically me telling you what to do when. Having contemplated this situation, a decision has been made at the highest levels of Suttle World to punch up the site in the spirit of spring cleaning. Lists and/or calendars make for easier references than tedious prose such as this in knowing what to do when. Coming soon to a browser near you.
March 28, 2005
...Very quite, wet Easter Sunday at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor, with most denizens napping away the holy day as some 3 inches or rain fell around metro Atlanta. Even I must confess to dozing through the second half of the Kentucky/Michigan State game after getting the Tarheels to St. Louis with their win over Wisconsin.
...Otherwise, its somewhat business as usual. Renovations to the lower wing of the Manor is near completion, now fully inhabitable. Pics to follow soon.
...Being the equal opportunity kinda guy that I am, it is with great relief that I can now beat the left about the head and shoulders regard Ms. Schiavo. On CNN last night, the Reverend Jackson (you remember Jesse, the shakedown artist from Chicago) made Schiavo the poster child for national health insurance. Meanwhile we wait on the court's to decide if Tom DeLay's feeding tube can be removed.
March 27, 2005
...Who was that talking about the NCAA tournament being the greatest spectacle in American sport? Oh yeah, that was me before yesterday's two overtime game. No need to describe, you just had to be there (in front of the TV that is).
...Welcome voice mail yesterday from dear old dad who was calling from lovely Cooperstown, NY where he and Mary had taken a day trip to check out the secluded Hall of Fame. Today, they're back in Syracuse to assist the Tarheels advance to St. Louis next weekend. They're up first (2:40) v. Wisconsin, with Kentucky/Michigan State being the nightcap (5:10).
...Oh well, the best laid plans of mice and men...Nephew Ridge ended up remaining at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor, trumping burgeoning plans for yesterday's Afroman adventure. Still, the encounter was lot's of funds, and the web site reveals a string of smaller southern communities (Auburn, Columbia, etc... on the schedule), so we'll catch up with the Afroman at a different venue.
...For the record, PBS will air End of the Century, the recently released Ramones rockumentary, on April 26. Check your local listings. Speaking of the Ramones, CBGB may be going away! Details on their site.
...7:40 on Sunday morning, and CNN is TAKING CALLS about Terry Schiavo. Must now end today's rant and find a hostage to take.
March 26, 2005
...What time is it boys and girls? Live, from Tucker, its catch up Saturday in Suttle World; and quite a catch up at that.
...Tragically, for those "in the camp"
of Florida's state vegetable, Terry Schiavo, she didn't die yesterday to
headline their dream bill of Gabriel's trumpet shtick along with special guests,
the four horsemen of the apocalypse---Good Fridaypalooza if your will.
Let's bottom line this folks---the only issue at hand are the wishes of Ms.
Schiavo, and while it would be a lot less messy if she'd signed off on the deal,
every court, in every possible venue, has been consistent in its opinion with
Ms. Schiavo's opinion. Yes, I know Michael Schiavo is the head of the
Council on Foreign Relations and spends his spare time kicking puppies and
flying black helicopters, but that doesn't really speak to the singular above
mentioned issue, now does it? But go ahead folks. Make this poor
dying woman a poster child for your own political purposes. Perhaps she
can go up on a Mt. Rushmore kinda deal along with Elian Gonzales, David Koresh
and Randy Weaver.
"Now I guess I'll have to tell em.
That I got no Cerebellum...
Guess I'll have to break the news
That I got no mind to lose."
----The Ramones, 1977
...No, the Schiavo deal doesn't piss me off enough to put it "above the fold"---over sweet 16 Friday...well, yeah it does, but having lessened the onus with the above barely cogent rant, we can move on to other affairs...Well, I got the late games right anyway and Carolina won, so it was a good night, reminding one yet again that this tournament is the greatest spectacle in American sport. Two today. In the first, Louisville looks like world beaters, but what the hell is West Virginia doing this far down the bracket? Arizona/Illinois has the potential for a game of the ages kinda deal. Haven't checked lines, but I see both favorites winning.
...CELEB SIGHTING---
In yesterday afternoon's
tedious commute on I-285 (east bound just past the 85 interchange) rolled a
spiffy late model white van, pulling an equally spiffy small white trailer in
tow. The stylish signage said it all. It was freakin Afroman!!!!
Adeptly maneuvering through congestion, I was able to pull alongside the van, in
which the driver and several other chaps, including the big guy himself, gave
very friendly waves and honks back. A check of the net upon arrival home,
reveals they were en route to Augusta where they have a gig tonight. OK,
we have unlimited long distance, so I pick up the phone and call the club, Last
Call (show
info) to check on tix. Spoke with the most gracious owner of the
establishment Jonathon, who indicated the price of admission is a whopping $10
and also insisting that we ask for him should we come to the show. I
briefly related the traffic story, explaining why I was calling. Super
nice guy, and great salesman. Having found $37.50 room at the Ramada on
the net, we may well make it a date. Imus turned me on to Afroman shortly
before the September 11th attacks, and we ended up buying the CD. Yo and I
both thought it was remarkably clever, though neither of us are particularly
fond of the genre. Also, dude had good things to say about The Dictators
in a print interview, so what's not to like? Plus there's Putt Putt in
Augusta---host of the 2002 Nationals in fact.
March 25, 2005
...Three out of four aint bad, and the 4 team teaser would have paid off (as a 3 team teaser cause Milwaukee pushed with Illinois). Oklahoma State too would have covered a teaser bet, but their loss marks the second of my Final Four teams to fall. Today, take Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and NC State. Same teaser deal, or a parlay if you're feeling particularly bold.
March 24, 2005
...Time starved again today...tonight's 4 games...I like Louisville (had Tech there), Illinois (had them v. BC), West Virginia (nobody had this one right) and Oklahoma State (my Final Four team out of the Chicago bracket---had em v. UAB originally). Spreads and wagering strategies before tip off if time permits and there is an onset of inclination.
March 23, 2005
...Again, little time for you peoples this morning. Congrats to Pat Summitt for #880. And if you had the GW Colonial babes and 23 points against N Carolina, you lose!
March 22, 2005
...Hectic week leaves little time to rant, save to send out or thanks to cuzin Paul for stopping by last night during his quick jaunt through the ATL. Mr. Bill joined us for a short while, and Waring promises to return for a bit longer after the end of the quarter. Plus the old Bell South Open is coming up the first weekend of April---the client Paul is in town to schmooze from time to time. Go to watch a DVD/slide show of the Montpelier High School Solon's championship season and hear the stories of intrigue that surrounded the town and its new championship.
..."Just blow up your school
And have a nice day."
----Joey Ramone, 2001
March 20, 2005
...The lack of teams of interest, compelling games and just sheer burn out left yesterday somewhat lacking when compared to other first Saturdays in the NCAA. The evening's last game proved to be the exception, of course, but I just couldn't make it through Wake's disappointing double OT loss to the Hillbillies of WVa. Carolina, State and Duke today, along earlier game times should get me back in stride just in time for the seeming eternity of four days until the sweet 16 comes along. Like many folks, my brackets are falling to shambles, especially with the Wake loss---I had them in the final game v. N Carolina. Today's schedule. Vermont and Bucknell in the sweet 16? Why not? They beat better teams Friday night and GW whooped on Michigan St back in December. GW Colonial babes tonight on ESPN2 (9:30 v. Mississippi).
...There is enough time (actually not quite enough to the enormity of the task) to at least metaphorically bitch slap Sens. Santorum, Martinez, Harkin, et al for their outrageous pandering actions in this whole Schiavo deal. See boys and girls this is what Governor Wallace meant when he told us about there not being a "dime's worth of difference between Democrats and Republicans." The pseudo right, with a lot of help from the Limbaughs and O'Reillys of the world, have gotten pretty good in recognizing how lame a Charlie Rangel led "Justice for Janitors" march is. The interference of Congress into the Schiavo matter is the right's equivalent to that rally, only they're pandering to the religious right nutzoids (this is an abortion issue, pure and simple. Not that all anti abortion folks are nutzoid, just plenty enough to merit the handle). Yeah this whole life and death, euthanasia, etc.. issue(s) is a really big deal, worthy of deliberate discussion in a number of venues. Folks aren't real comfortable with the fact that pulling her feeding tube doesn't turn off the lights. Instead, she'll starve to death over the course of a couple weeks. Thousands of terminally ill patients are starving to death in hospitals across the fruited plane as I type. I can tell you all about it in great detail if you wish. No, I don't have all the answers---damn few in fact, but I do know for certain that this grand standing from Washington is disgraceful and just wrong!---as in Al Gore dragging the corpse of his sister in front of the DNC Convention wrong! The Democratic and Republican parties are on the 10 most wanted list of the enemies of freedom and liberty (you may remember those nostalgic notions from BITD). Now let me see if I've got this straight. Under the Patriot Act, the Feds can surreptitiously search my home and eventually get around to telling me they've been digging though my underwear drawer, but you pay me $5 to cut your finger nails (and I'm not licensed by the government) and I go to jail. "What a country!"
...The cryptic golf adventure becomes more compelling with the returned invitation from Mr. Bill indicating he would participate. He even brings an excellent idea for an extra event for these games that shall set the bench mark for all future world class sporting events. Now just gotta get the Henderson County folks to fly us in, wine and dine us, provide prostitutes and booze and shower us with gifts/suitcases full of cash like to nice IOC people do.
...Wifflers still wanted. Though the roster for the Dirt Square Gorf Rats has been completed, we're still adding to our reserve list/minor league system so we can get at least 3 on the field if others are busy, sick, on vacation... Also, those who want to play full time can contact my buddy Commissioner JK (link to above site) to get a team in or on a team in the burgeoning Wiffle Atlanta. Oh, just to get it on the record any suggestions made about the league and its rules to date are simply that. I am but a humble servant and in no way wish to interfere with this bright young man running this thing the way he sees fit.
March 17, 2005
...It was a wonderful evening ripe with upsets, excepting for the 3 for 15 frito shooting GW Colonials. Alas, I would have gladly settled on a first round NCAA loss before the season began, and Hobbs would appear to have the program on the right track. Meanwhile, I was 12-4 yesterday, making the Suttle Bracket 25-7 for the first round---just a little better than average I think, especially since I had New Mexico, Kansas, Kentucky and Pitt advancing farther. Eight more today. Eight tomorrow. Such a deal. And props to the Catamounts of Vermont.
...All other bodily functions working efficiently. Little else manners. GW Colonial Chicks on ESPN2 Sunday night in their NCAA opener.
March 18, 2005
...13-3 for day one. Not bad, given 95%+ missed the WI Milwaukee deal, and of my 3 losses, I only had Pitt advancing any farther. Compared to other years it wasn't a magical day, but one of great hoops nonetheless. Perhaps the thrillers are reserved for today. That's fine, everybody go ahead and talk about a Louisville/GA Tech match up. There's always a 5/12 upset, right? GW still getting 5.5 points at last check.
...There is little else to life as we know it.
March 17, 2005 St Patrick's Day
...Screw all the green beer swilling, puking on their shoes amateurs and this wholly American created holiday, the freakin NCAA starts today!!!!! (Suttle Brackets). 16 today. 16 tomorrow. 8 each Saturday and Sunday baby, with the much anticipated George Washington/Georgia Tech game not coming til 9:30 Friday night. Cuzin Paul and I have put an Ollie Burger and a Nationals game on the line, with me getting the points (5.5 at last check).
...Suttle Travel is hard at work. First, there is the anticipated Summer Fun Extravaganza 2005 in late May, as we load nephew Ridge in the Hajmobile for a circuitous route to our nation's capital for a few days. And there's a top secret golf outing is in the works, with only a select few being privy to the burgeoning event. More details as they become available.
...More Steinbachs listed on eBay. Check em out.
...A shout out of support for survival for niece Jessica today. The young student is at her new school Armstrong Atlantic State in Savannah, where she also waits tables. Her first St. Patty's day in the midst of the country's second biggest celebration---a Mardi Gras atmosphere. Good luck, but there should plenty of the green in your pockets when the day is finally done. Gotta be like quarter burger days BITD.
March 16, 2005
...My brackets are up and they're good! I've got an all ACC final with Carolina beating Wake. Hey, it makes as much sense as anything else anyone can come up with. Nonetheless, here they are in front of God and everybody. Yeah, the visual quality is poor, but me thinks it's legible.
...It took some research, but sure enough, there it is. Right there in the Constitution of the United States of America. Article I Section 8---the powers of Congress. Clause 7 "To establish Post Offices and post Roads"; Clause 8 "To hold hearings on possible steroid use by baseball players." Then comes the part about education and the Lawrence Welk museum See, I was under the misimpression that the whole roid thing fell outside the scope of the federal government. My bad.
...Still looking for a NCAA pool invite.
...In the political prognostication department: first, the investigation of Friday's tragic shootings at the Fulton County Courthouse will reveal what so many had already known---gross incompetence. Second, nothing will be done about it. With all due respect of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, Fulton County and City of Atlanta government is a joke top to bottom. It gives the AJC (local "paper") a good run for the money in the Atlanta's biggest embarrassment department. There's a reason this site originates from DeKalb County. Been there. Done that. Had cars stolen, homes broken into, paid outrageous taxes and water bills. It was great fun guys and gals.
...Speaking of Atlanta embarrassments, the Hawks have now equaled the Falcons win total for the season (11 as in 11-52), pulling off an upset of the Knicks last night----in the Garden no less.
March 15, 2005
...Busy day, today's update later including my take on the Congressional roid hearings, Wiffle Ball and the unveiling of the Suttle World brackets (last year got 3 of 4 Final Four teams right!). Same deal as before---while waiting for more sage commentary, bump around the rest of the site, including the new Wiffle page.
March 14, 2005
...As already related to a couple of others, I was dead certain that GW would be the opponent as soon as they put up Tech. Now cuzins Bill and Paul are big time Tech fans. Me, I'm sort of a Tech fan, cause they've always been the "home team." Excepting allegiances to my alma mater and Carolina, Tech has always been one of my faves, so it'll be kind of disappointing to see Pops Mesah-Bonsu and his Colonial mates put the wood to the Jackets on Friday. Given its in Nashville, there's temptation o plenty, but there are no single game tix---only $150/all 6 game weekend tickets. Not a bad deal, but add in two nights lodging, $2/gallon gas..., and me thinks I'll watch it from the comfort of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. Anyone interested in sponsoring a poor, crippled country boy live his dream of seeing his own school play in this greatest of American sporting spectacles in which they rarely participate are encouraged to email for details.
...Yeah, Washington was surprising. Otherwise, unlike cuzin Paul who has a laundry list of outrages, I can't say that I've given sufficient study to the brackets to afford any cogent commentary. More later. Reckon GW will get Louisville in the second round. Email if you've got a pool going, though having not won last year after putting 3 teams in the Final Four, I fully appreciate the folly; but I want in anyway.
...WIFFLE BALL®!!!!!!!!!!!! A peak behind the cryptic curtain of recent days is now appropriate, having received commitments from the necessary participants. I'll try to keep it short. I was contacted two weeks ago by a young man in Smokrise (truly lovely nearby Tucker subdivision/golf community deal) by email through the Wiffle Ball Network where I'm registered and is listed on the Suttle World Cool Links page. This is how we hooked up with the "big league/pro" guys a couple years ago that we came away from knowing we didn't have the time nor inclination to get good enough to compete. The recent email said the writer was trying to get an Atlanta league together and included a link to his web site. Turns out that my buddy JK has a bit less intense version of the game in mind---very much to my liking and the likes of Mr. Bill and Larry, both of whom have committed. Also turns out JK is soon to turn 15. We were delighted to learn that JK's dad will be on his team (max 5 roster, 3 on the field defensively including pitcher). You're encouraged to check out the brand spanking new (and still under construction) page of the Dirt Square Gorf Rats---our entry into JK's burgeoning league. Neighbors who wish to participate full time, put together their own team and/or serve as a "pinch hitter" (folks we need to play in a pinch) are encouraged to email JK through his site or email yours truly. At present we're looking at playing in May, probably here in the Tucker area (Tucker Middle School is looking real good). See, I kept it short. There's 35 more years of Wiffle Ball to cover.
March 13, 2005
...If it looks like a debacle, walks like a debacle and quacks like a debacle...Too soon to come to such a drastic conclusion, buts its sure starting to look that way with regards to several local law enforcement agencies in the handling of the whole Nichols tragedy from before the start to finish. And while Suttle World remains four-square in opposition to the death penalty, it is unfortunate Nichols was not shot and killed attempting to escape.
...Colonials win! Colonials win! Now its just a matter of what seed and where. In the ACC, while I certainly was pulling for Carolina, they should still get a #1 and Tech is now assured of getting in the tourney, so it was a most tolerable loss on the part of the Tarheels yesterday afternoon in DC. Tech v. Duke at 1:30 this afternoon in the championship game. And is this the year of Vermont? First the Solons win their first title in 59 years, and now the Catamounts are in the NCAA by virtue of beating Northeastern, winning the New England American Yankee Independent North Atlantic Conference, or some such.
...Thanks to cuzin Moke for his hospitality yesterday. Ridge also appreciated the afternoon's employment opportunity, and we appreciate the company yesterday evening of both the Mokeian one and Mr. Bill.
...Get them brackets warmed up.
March 12, 2005
...The metro area remains in shock this morning, a day after the tragic shootings at the Fulton County Courthouse. At this writing, the suspect/perpetrator is still at large, though his last known vehicle was found in a downtown garage overnight. All the other details have been widely reported, excepting how this could have happened in the first place. But this is a time to grieve. The whys and subsequent finger pointing can be addressed later.
...GW whooped on Temple in a big way last night in Cinci, putting them in the finals of the A10 Tourney tonight against St. Joe's (6:00---ESPN). This is their slam dunk entrance into March Madness, but even a loss should earn them a bid, given 21 wins and all (2 against ranked opponents). Regardless, I would much prefer Sunday's brackets to be an academic exercise as opposed to a nail biting experience. In other hoops....when Carolina plays well, they could compete in the NBA East. When they don't, my Colonials have a good shot against them. They should beat Tech today, but this is about the time the Jackets caught fire last year and ran it all the way to the final four.
...Potentially big Wiffle Ball news on the horizon. I'll skip the details for now, given that its in the formative stages, but my new buddy JK is doing the heavy lifting to try to get this sucker off the ground. More info to follow. For now, his very impressive web site has been proudly added to the Suttle World "Cool Links" page.
March 11, 2005
...At this writing chaos continues to reign in downtown Atlanta following the tragic shooting of two sheriff's deputies, a Superior Court judge and a court reporter or clerk. Few other details are available. Will update as this story comes into greater focus and allows for concentration on more than this most important breaking news. At this point, there is confirmation that Judge Roland Barnes has been killed in the shooting incident at the Fulton County Courthouse this morning.
March 10, 2005
...Late Update---GW v Fordham is available via Comcast pay for view in the ATL at least. Checking on pricing at present. Several other conference games not on "regular cable" tonight are also available through the toll road, including an SEC game.
...Its not personal. Really, I don't hate the guy. In fact, I'd like to think that I don't hate anyone for that matter. My guess is that Dan Rather is an interesting guy. Someone who I could see sitting on the front porch, sipping and iced tea, and Dan saying something like: "Ms. Yolanda's garden looks prettier than a sheep does to a cowboys who's been on a four week cattle drive," or some such inane Ratherism. That being said, on a professional level, Rather has been a fraud for 24 years---presenting himself as an objective journalist when nothing could be further from the truth. And for his swansong to be "courage" once again begs the question: what's the frequency, Kenneth? AMF.
...GW draws Fordham this evening in the Atlantic 10 Tournament with no local TV available. Should be a walkover, but the Colonials need every convincing win they can get in order to penetrate the bubble.
...Though its being referred to by a number of different names (some of them wrong or misleading) the Fair Tax Plan is getting significant time in the national media. Its a start. The start of a long education project to change for the better almost every dynamic of the U.S. economy. At first glance, many otherwise smart folks dismiss the notion out of hand as did I over 10 years ago when it was brought to my attention. A decade later, I'm convinced it is the single best thing this country can do to truly lift ALL boats. Once again, the gentle surfer is urged to get the real scoop at fairtax.org. You have nothing to lose but your chains that is the federal tax code. Just one example: lots of folks are concerned about companies moving out of the country. If the U.S. had no income tax (individual or corporate), where do you think every business in the world would want to locate?
...Great to get a shout out from my favorite newlywed Karen Lanza yesterday. She and hubby John are still in the dual home/moving phase that she hopes will draw to an end along with the month of March. Yes indeed, "New York City really has it all," but only a short train ride from the Nutmeg State.
March 9, 2005
...Absent for a couple of days, convalescing from the weekend's excitement, Suttle World returns to action with a wrap up of the events that caused such a stir.
...With regard to the Vermont State Champion
Montpelier Solons, Pops Waring forwards several
pics of victorious cagers that have been added to the now world famous
.
...As to the AARP meeting/Elvis Costello show Sunday night: Our somewhat late arrival made for seats that restricted sight lines and left sound quality to be a bit lacking, but that is to take nothing away from a the show Costello and the Imposters put on. It was the epitome of class, and so refreshing to see a guy who's enjoyed so much success for so long to still sell his wares with the enthusiasm and professionalism that escapes so many so called entertainers. The band took the stage at 9:00 sharp and departed exactly 2 and a half hours later! And while I would have drawn up the set list a bit differently, I still got Chelsea, Club Land, Pump It Up, Allison and Oliver's Army to name a few oldies but goodies. It was not a jaw dropping show, rather a very enjoyable opportunity to watch one of the genre's greatest practice his craft---a splendid evening indeed. Well worth $35, especially considering that lessers (I know its not a word, but should be) command much more for a whole lot less/nothing.
...Last weekend's college hoops was about as good as it gets. Well, actually not, it gets better in the coming weeks, and this was just the end of the regular season. Carolina/Duke was truly one for the ages (excepting for the pencil neck gang), and the ACC Tourney doesn't start until tomorrow! Meanwhile, my Colonials wait patiently for the outcome of tonight's Fordham/La Salle game, the winner of which will take on top seed George Washington in the A10 Tourney Thursday at 6:30---still checking for TV, will advise ASAP. It is my most fervent hope that my alma mater will cut me a little slack and just win the tournament, sparing me the anguish of being a bubble team as the brackets are unveiled Sunday night.
...Staying within the realm of the gym, let's revisit peaceful Montpelier for a moment. Waring III (hereafter Pops Waring) watches IV win a state championship last Saturday, and then casually mentions he'll be at the MCI Center in DC this week for the ACC Tournament. Yes, I appreciate his occupation is most demanding and comes with a number of disseminates and amenities. I also understand the concept of wooing clients with tix to big time sporting events, but this is beyond the pale. Hell, I could sell Warren Buffet the Brooklyn Bridge with an ACC Tourney ducat in my pocket. And he gets freakin Ollie burgers on top of it all! Now, having vented my petty jealousy, I reckon I can muster enough keystrokes to wish him a big time. You jerk you.
...I see a large demonstration of seemingly thousands of "members" of Hezbollah in the streets of Beirut and wonder where's a Cruise Missile when you really need one. Followers of the one of the most notorious terrorist organizations on the planet gather together in one spot just seems like a target rich environment.
March 7, 2005
...Today's updates set for this afternoon as time permits. Happy birthday Yolanda. Carolina WINS! Elvis was great.
March 6, 2005
...In 1949 Gone With the Wind, The
Wizard of Oz and Its A Wonderful Life were released. A fellow
named Casey Stengel (born in Kansas City in 1890) took the helm of a struggling
Yankees ship; and, oh, Montpelier High School won a state basketball
championship. Fast forward a mere 56 years and you have yet another banner
to hang from the rafters (I'm thinking the other one shows signs of wear).
Congratulations to players, coaches, parents, students, faculty, staff,
municipal workers, the Doc Severinsen Orchestra, white punks on dope, illegal
immigrants and the
whole gosh darn hamlet of Montpelier on this most glorious of victories!
Celebratory depictions coming soon. All the coverage at
...Second verse, somewhat similar to the first---my Colonials had an easy time with the Rams of Rhode Island yesterday afternoon, winning the A10 regular season title. The conference tournament begins in Cincinnati Wednesday. GW will play first on Thursday evening (6:30) against the winner of Wednesday's Fordham/La Salle game. A10 Tournament bracket here. And the hits just keep on coming as today brings another chapter in arguably the best rivalry in American sports with Duke visiting Chapel Hill to take on UNC (4:00 CBS).
...Tonight, live from the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia its Elvis Costello and the Imposters! The very thoughtful Christmas gift from Ms. Yolanda comes to fruition this evening. A couple of neighbors attending as well, so there's talk of a car pool kind of effort. Review to follow. Expectations high.
...And speaking of the world's greatest wife,
props to Ms. Yolanda on her birthday eve, and on the acquisition of her birthday
gift---a lovely acoustic guitar she and cousin Bill picked out yesterday.
Bill promises to toss in a lesson or two along with the shopping expertise.
"Get an old guitar
Learn to play your part.
Soon! You'll be along your way.
Soon! You'll be up on the stage.
Singing, I stand tall!
I stand proud of what I am." ---©Shernoff
Music
March 5, 2005
...OK, when you roll out a new feature, you're bound to have some difficulties during the burn in period. To that end, corrections of considerable note are due to those who received yesterday's email in the first ever activation of the Suttle World Emergency News Alert System. Yes, I know its the Tucker Tigers and that they play in AAAA. The staff has been duly admonished.
...Hyper big hoops day is an understatement, but
first props to Tucker High School on a great season, despite yesterday's loss to
Mays in the Georgia AAAA title game. First on today's bill, we have the
Colonials of George Washington traveling to take on Rhode Island at 2:00 on ESPN
as the A10 regular season draws to close. Then tonight, the mother of all
games, the division 2 Vermont Principals Association boys basketball
championship game at 7:30---Montpelier v. Mill River. Updates as
they happen tonight, and all your pre game coverage at
.
...An early candidate for email of the month comes this morning from a nearby Tucker fellow who's putting together a Wiffle Ball league. Very sharp looking site that will be added to the links page post haste. At first glance, this appears to suit the geezer set a bit more than the "big league" bar trick pitching circuit encountered a couple of years ago. Bill and Larry have been put on notice, and no doubt nephew Ridge may wish to take part in the festivities should they come to pass. More details as they develop.
...Next Big Thing---artwork/cover has been released even if the highly anticipated live CD from The Dictators hasn't. Can't be too much longer---for now, feast upon the glory of coming attractions.
March 4, 2005
...The eve of the Solons appearance in the
Vermont State Basketball Finals affords the opportunity to update the
page with a few more bios and a preview of Saturday's match up---all courtesy of
the Warings (III & IV).
...Neglected to mention the big win of the newly relocated Washington Nationals in their Grapefruit League debut. Hey, its a start, and the uniforms are very Senatoresque, meaning Nationals gear at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor cannot be far behind. Unfortunately, our tentative travel plans for May do not include as Nationals game cause their out of town, but a number of opportunities will present themselves, including, perhaps, a Braves series at RFK in September.
...Well, its not officially spring for another three weeks, but we were promised The Dictators live CD would be released this spring as we quickly approach the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Go Girl Crazy. Per usual: I'm certain they'll get around to it when they get around to it. Also great to get a shout out from fellow Tatorhead Steve Tully.
March 3, 2005
...Of course, the big news is the big win for the
Montpelier High School Solons as they advance to the Division 2 Vermont State
Championship game this Saturday against an opponent to be determined
tonight. According to head stringer, Pops Waring, it was a battle of the
Tylers with Aten coming out on top---shutting down the Cosmos big man. All
the news at.
...More news from bucolic America---this time courtesy of our favorite cheesehead and fellow Hillbilly Dictators Jihadist Rob, who forwards this tidbit from the blotter of the Wisconsin State Journal . Dateline: Neillsville, Wisconsin. A 63 year old man has been charged with sexual gratification with an animal for allegedly having sex with calves. Harold G. Hart allegedly told police that he routinely stopped at the Greenwood farm, usually after bar closings or on trips to strip clubs near Marshfield or Neillsville. A criminal complaint filed in Clark County Circuit Court said the farm's owners installed a motion detector Jan, 22 after regularly seeing footprints and vehicle tracks on their farm. About 4:00 am the next morning, a sensor sounded and Hart was caught leaving the farm. Hart told police that he used a rope to secure the calves and estimated he had visited the farm at least 30 times according to the complaint. Good old fashion bovine bopping---sorta gives a whole new meaning to cow tipping. The identity of the calves has not been disclosed in keeping with Wisconsin's victim protection statutes.
...Only 3 of 11 ACC teams have records over .500 in the conference. The league could well put 7 teams in the tourney, and unlike the always overrated Big 10 whose too many entrants fold up like cardboard suitcases in the first round, many will advance a good ways/fer piece.
March 2, 2005
...Anticipation builds to a fevered pace as tip
off for the Montpelier Solons semi-final Vermont State Championship game is set
for a few short hours from this writing---8:30 to be more precise. Suttle
World expects regular updates as the action progresses tonight. Refresh
early and refresh often to stay up to the minute as thecontinues.
...All this Solons talk and I forget to remind everyone that my dear alma mater was on the tube last night, and its a good thing too, as GW received an old fashion south Georgia ass whooping at the hand of St. Joes's. The Colonials finish the regular season on the road against Rhode Island, Saturday (ESPN 2:00). They'll be considered a bubble team regardless, but a bubble team with a chance should they win at least a couple A10 tourney games and get to 21 wins or so. Even better, just win the conference tournament (Cincinnati, 3/9-12) and wait casually on the evening of the thirteenth as the brackets are unveiled.
...Its comforting to know that now when I tell folks that I used to work for ChoicePoint, they no longer look at me like the RCA dog. Despite the recent bad PR, the firm really is quite a success story---rising/spun-off from the ashes of a formerly Equifax owned division---an achievement thought impossible by many due to many tedious details.
...Little discussion has been lent to recent European diplomatic affairs, given most of what was made available for public consumption was on the lines of the inventory of the All Rhetoric $1 Store. But let's play what if just for giggles. President Bush proclaimed his re-election afforded him a fair amount of "political capital." OK, six months down the road, here comes the White House, the Pentagon and Langley (with some Euro corroboration) saying Iran has developed a nuke and has a delivery system capable of lobbing it into Israel. Does the president have enough political capital to gain support to take whatever steps necessary to disarm Iran, given a large portion of Americans remain dubious about the explanations given prior to the outbreak of the present hostilities in Iraq? Have a nice day.
March 1, 2005
...Not sure whether (damn, I'm funny...in a sec) it belongs in the lion or lamb column, but March dawned on the epicenter of the sunny south, stately Roberts/Suttle Manor, thusly. Fortunately, with the assistance of chains and 4 wheel drive, Atlanta was able to carry on with business as usual. Evidently our brothers and sisters from about North Carolina up the I-95 corridor had a bit more frozen precip with which to deal.
...In fact its a full blown naweestah that pounds
New England on the eve of the Montpelier Solons semifinal game at the Aud in
Barre.
is new and improved with a roster, a preview tomorrow night's match up and
similarly cool stuff.
...
Rubber
Band Man Bounces Back From Tsunami---Having shamelessly sold out to
Office Max via chotski distribution, Ms. Yolanda has taken an up a close
personal interest in Eddie Steeples, the silent face of the office supply
chain's current ad campaign. Seems as though Eddie was in Thailand during
the tsunami last year. Good news is that he's OK and back in the good old
USA. And in all fairness, they are good spots and Emmy nominated.
