Archives---January 2005
January 31, 2005
...No, rose petals were not thrown at the feet of Americans upon deposing Saddam as many in the administration promised. Perhaps, instead of rose petals, the populace substituted the ballots that were tossed into boxes yesterday. Given the "mission accomplished" thing didn't go very well the first time, continued caution is in order, but one can enjoy a great deal of satisfaction and admiration for the Iraqi people, who participated in the only form of self determination anyone in the country has ever known. "Things" would appear to be headed in the right direction---a direction that may afford the ease of being downhill, as the "insurgents" can be nothing but disheartened by the resolve of the populace. If the neo-con Kool-Aid is composed of the naive notion that successfully planting the seed of republican government in the middle east will spread, then pour my a big ole cup. Grape if you please. No, I don't know that it will work, but it would seem to be a hill worth dying on---especially since the hill is over there and not here.
...Five Colonials in double figures added up to a desperately needed win over the Flyers of Dayton yesterday afternoon in DC. Next up, Temple in Philly Saturday.
...Life as we know it has returned to normal in north Georgia following the weekend's winter weather event. Nephew Ridge returned from Gordon County without incident and made the morning bus, despite a slow start by yours truly. JV baseball workouts start for the lad this afternoon. Of course, Suttle World is your one stop shop for Tucker High School Junior Varsity baseball info.
...Other provincial news---Ray Brent Marsh, the cretin cremator, will be sentenced today. Evidently he will get 12 years with four to serve after having been found to have stacked up hundreds of bodies like cord wood as opposed to the customary disposal method. Most Georgians, and those viewing from afar, find the sentence to be a bit on the light side. I would tend to agree, but the problems is we didn't have a law on the books to deal with this particular situation, and if your state does, it has been put in place since this hideous discovery some four years ago. The only charge that could stick (so to speak) was theft by taking. This has given rise the a dead rights movement, but mobilizing the base has proved difficult at best.
Special Extra Sunday Edition
...OK, down to This Week Really Without David Brinkley. Poor George, he seems like a nice enough guy, but I don't think he'll escape Bill Clinton's shadow. Fortunately, this is not my weekend to serve as Georgia's designated viewer, allowing for further scintillating commentary---this time in the form of a pictorial perspective. First, the weekend's icing aftermath and the near catastrophic results with regard to nearby trees and power service. Also a couple of pics of Yolanda's tireless efforts in remodeling the downstairs wing of stately Suttle/Roberts Manor. Her efforts were Herculean a short six years ago upon purchase---transforming what could have well served as an S&M movie set into a warm, comfort zone. The ensuing years and some slight water damage from the various hurricanes of '04 necessitated the re-do, that while deliberate in pace, is shaping up rather nicely.
...Temps continue to slowly rise above the freezing mark, turning the roadways into a large game of iceberg dodge driving due to plywood sized sheets of ice flying from the roofs' of vehicles. The aftermath of this extravaganza should leave tomorrow set for an even more tedious than usual Monday morning rush hour, but doable commute, including, if there is a God, the little school children of DeKalb and surrounding counties.
...About three hours before the Georgia Force begins its season. Again, arena football is pretty cool, and the type of game I would have come up with as a kid if I'd had the bucks. (Yeah, Larry gets the credit for the beginnings of Stupid Ball, but it was I that took it to the level we all came to know and love; and as it turns out, we've done pretty well without knee cartilage all these years. And, of course, this doesn't even get into Suttle Turf®, Wiffle Polo, Limerick and Kilkenny, et al) One can get action on games being played today, so the league must be coming along.
January 30, 2005
...The "no harm, no foul" mantra comes to mind as I reflect upon French Toast Fest '05. At this writing, the precip is well passed, the temp slowly rising from an even 32 and power mercifully restored at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. But compared to the great debacle of 2000, the loss of juice yesterday was conveniently inconvenient. Yolanda had just finished clean up from her afternoon of painting in the soon to be reclaimed den, as a not long completed pot of perfectly prepared Great Northerns awaited consumption when the lights went out. 2000, with three days of sub freezing indoor temps and two sets of stairs and a crutches separating the only heat source and the nearest toilet was generally suck city. Last night, we lit a few candles, supped our peasant fare in a still warm home and turned in early. In the interim, the nice folks at Georgia Power were kind enough to restore service (must have been around 10:30 or so last night). And much like a good roadie, this saga and paragraph ends exactly where it began---"no harm, no foul."
...GW has a must game this afternoon at home against Dayton---at least I assume its still on, in that DC was to get some ice as well. Turns out, and it wouldn't be the first time, the A-10 may be as underrated as some bigger conferences (Big 10 & SEC) tend to be overrated. Only time, the conference tourney and the RPI will tell. Meanwhile, Carolina looked like a monster again yesterday afternoon against Virginia, after being whooped by a Wake team that then went on to loose to Florida State and Tech last week!? Per usual: even with the new additions, the league is far-and-away the best in the country top to bottom (remember, Miami was supposed to get bitch slapped all over the ACC).
...Talking heads time. AMF.
January 30, 2005
...Well not exactly the big one, Godzilla---excuse me, yeah would you pass the maple syrup please. Yes, the powdered sugar does indeed lend that continental touch. Sorry, just enjoying breakfast. French toast and clean orifices are the hallmark of the day. Mercifully, the metro area appears to have been glazed by more sleet than freezing rain overnight, making for impossible travel conditions, but leaving the power in tact---witnessed by this morning's glorious publication. Radar imaging at this writing indicates there is a fair amount of precip left to fall. We shall continue to hope for it fall in a frozen form, maintaining our happy relationship with Georgia Power. All activities from choir practices to lethal injections have been cancelled. No feel for what, if any, retail is up and going in the area, and I have no intention of gaining any first hand knowledge of same.
...So, what's a mother to do? Weekend
TV Sports listings here courtesy 
.
Gaming remains a real possibility (maybe bust out Third Reich) and there's some
catch up to do with regard to the new Diplomacy game where I reluctantly carry
the British banner.
January 28, 2005
...Holy fart storm, Batman! Yes, the first threat of winter weather looms on the horizon precipitating (damn, I'm funny) a modern version of an outbreak of the St. Vidas dance throughout metro Atlanta. It is an odd manic dirge that comes complete with an unwritten, but closely adhered to etiquette. For the diversity crowd it is indeed a beautiful thing to behold in that each of the nearly 5 million residents of metropolitan Atlanta---old and young, black and white, rich and poor, gay, straight and bisexual---will make their own pilgrimage to their local supermarket to deplete the entire city's stock of milk, bread and toilet paper. Most all go about their duties without question, but of course Suttle has to ruin it all by asking that annoying question: why? For the uninitiated, what is promised over the next 24 hours is ice---a half inch of which can shut down even the most rugged of New England townships, so stocking up makes sense. Its the ingredients about which I have curiosity. After years of pondering the subject, I am left only with the conclusion that everyone presumes there will be an egg in the fridge that can be combined with the newly acquired bread and milk to produce copious amounts of French toast that, in turn, creates an inordinate amount of lower gastro-intestinal distress; ergo, the holy trinity of winter weather consumerism.
...There are numerous other genius takes to share today, but unfortunately I must get to Kroger to pick up some milk, bread and toilet paper before the weather gets bad.
January 27, 2005
...This may come as a shock to many, but at this writing there are some folks playing tennis in Australia. No, really, its called a grand slam tournament or something like that. This, of course, serves as my own straight line for pontificating once again that tennis is the world's most successful money laundering scheme. Excepting the majors, that don't generate big numbers anyway, the "tour" can't draw flies and has no TV presence to speak of. Yet, there they are, week after week, handing out really neat silver hardware and huge checks with seemingly no serious income stream. Sure the Nikes, et al pick up part of the tab, but at first glance, the numbers just don't appear to add up. Perhaps Gary Bettman would be well served (damn, I'm funny) to give this model further examination---a seemingly successful sport that nobody cares about.
...The above provides a nice segue into a heads up about upcoming real sports---like bowling. Georgians gird your loins---the PBA Atlanta Classic is a mere two weeks away. Tickets are on sale through the previous link for the venue on Spalding Drive in Norcross. What better way to begin Super Bowl Sunday than taking in the final round of a PBA event? Having never had the chance to witness such a spectacle, attendance is probable. The Georgia Force cranks up their Arena Football season this weekend at Philips. No report yet on local curling, but we do now know that the 2005 Putt Putt National Championship will be held in Louisville.
January 26, 2005
...The retreat from glory by the GW Colonials continues with their third loss in their last four outings last night at home against Xavier. At this point they've got to start looking at running the rest of a long table or winning the A-10 tourney to get a their card punched for the big dance.
...Old news but worthy of getting on the record---Though it has drawn some media attention that trumps a claim of a "free pass," the notion of Robert Byrd (KKK-WV), the only U.S. Senator to vote against both black Supreme Court nominee's confirmation, holding up a vote on Dr. Rice would stop the earth from spinning on its axis were he on the other side of the aisle. But, come to think of it, a former Klan leader who has stated he would rather have the nation perish than fight a war alongside black soldiers, probably couldn't get elected and maintain a fiefdom extraordinaire were he a self proclaimed Republican. Now explain that whole Trent Lott thing to me again. Sure, I was glad to see the guy pushed aside, but not because of any comments he made about Strom Thurmond. Make no mistake, Suttle World still wishes a pox upon both parties, but pointing out the outrageous double standard seems worthwhile from time to time.
...I need to read the opinion and fact situation laid before the court prior to weighing in too heavily on this or any other Supreme Court decision, but a ruling yesterday was portrayed as the justices allowing for searches of motor vehicles in the absence of probable cause!?? Would somebody around DC stop by the National Archives and make sure the Fourth Amendment is still there? Again, without objection, permission to revise and extend my remarks upon further familiarity. Same deal with the Florida feeding tube case/issue, which, in my never too humble opinion, begs a bigger issue: My perception is that even the best of minds, including those in the legal and medical professions, are wholly unclear as to how to deal with end life situations. This is not a euthanasia issue, rather one of how to protect an individual's interests and wishes at the times of medical catastrophe. No, its not a straight forward, black and white sort of issue, but one that would seem to merit extensive discussion and some sane legal uniformity and standards of medical protocol.
January 24, 2005
...It is difficult to imagine a public persona that comported himself with greater talent, grace and dignity than Johnny Carson. He was television's version of the-on-the field Jim Brown---the greatest of his time who went out on top and remained out of sight so that those 30 and under have little if any ability to appreciate the impact Carson had on the medium. I don't think I've watched an entire Tonight Show since his retirement (usually cause I'm not up past 10:00), but then again, I never thought it was ever quite the same after the show moved from New York to beautiful downtown Burbank 35 years ago.
...And yes, Carson's passing merits putting Conference Finals Sunday below the fold this morning---especially since neither were very compelling contests. Hey, I got the overs right anyway---completing the most hideous season of football picks humanly possible. The Super Bowl opens with New England a predictable 6.5 point favorite. The Pats certainly looked dynastic yesterday, so no reason to go agin em. Here in Atlanta, the city too busy to win the big one, folks have to be pretty pleased with the Falcons season. You get to play 18 times and its a good year.
January 23, 2005
...The first high holy day of the sports calendar has arrived---NFL Conference Finals Sunday. The Falcons are now 5.5 point dogs, after an opening line of 4.5., and the over/under continues to fall for both games. Despite yesterday's take of the weather being a non-factor, I failed to mention wind, making Atlanta's running game that much more attractive with the points. Though tempted to alter suggested wagering strategies, I'll stick with the picks previously posted, but will take the lines before the first kick-off. Hey, its fair! The numbers have been moving in my direction all week. I'd wait til 3:00 before going to the window.
...26 turnovers = a second straight Saturday loss for GW (12-4, 4-2) with Xavier and Dayton on the horizon. Not good. Coppin State at Maryland-Eastern Shore was postponed due to weather. No make up date has been determined.
...One million dollars an inch. No, not the value of the late John Holmes estate, rather the cost of snow removal/management in NYC. A staggering figure, but a 20 year city employee working 12 hour shifts of overtime will pull down more this weekend than the GNP of half of the African continent...
...I demand a recount! A cursory examination of my 1967 Rico Carty card says the "beeg boy" while playing for Eau Claire, led the Northern League in put outs in 1961. This is simply not possible. Now 65 years old and no doubt hitting .340 for somebody in a South American winter league, Rico was one of my all time favorites, but the guy couldn't have caught the plague during the dark ages. The Braves had to keep a team welder on the payroll during his tenure to affect repairs for the glove he wore, much like Michael Jackson, for no apparent reason.
...In a week, an unknown number of Iraqi citizens will literally risk life and limb in the nation's first step towards self determination. From the election, a "constitutional convention" will emerge. Iraqis will then vote on the new charter and then yet again for persons to hold office under the new government. Once in place, they can get down to the business of governing much like our neighbors in Connecticut, where legislation is currently pending to require theaters to advertise the actual starting times of movies!? As long as the Nutmegers are busy protecting the "rights" of movie goers, perhaps a mandate could be added that an actually watch able motion picture be produced. On a more personal note, the yet unnamed decade is nearly half gone and I have yet to make my pilgrimage to pay $10 for the pleasure of sitting in a dark room to witness some hideous film. I have found napping (at home, not in the theater) to provide much bigger bang for the buck.
January 22, 2005
...If the NFL had its druthers, surely they would shift both Conference Championship games to today to take advantage of the snow for an even greater ratings bonanza. Pittsburgh, along with most of the northeastern corridor is set for nearly a foot of the white stuff, with NYC readying for blizzard, Honeymoon Haj like conditions. For the ATL, just some cold (Kentucky) rain followed by blustery 20-30 mph winds the next couple days with below freezing temps. Of course, the gentle surfer could easily engage the Weather Channel for such info, excepting the eventual take that the weather should have little impact on either ball game, given the snowfall should end well before kickoffs tomorrow afternoon/evening. The betting public continues to push the line in the Falcons favor, with Atlanta now being spot an even 5 points. The money line remains at +200 and the Steelers are still a three point dog. Take the Falcons straight up for the 2:1 payoff along with a four team, six point teaser backing both dogs and over (PIT +9, ATL +11, NE/PIT over 31, ATL/PHI over 39). And can it really be 7 years since the Falcons beat Minnesota to earn their first Super Bowl birth? Can I publish Super Bowl without paying copyright and other licensing fees? Do I give a damn?
...Complete weekend TV sports schedule here.
...CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are the visitor # 1,000,000 to this site! You've won the QE II! Click here to claim your prize.
...AMF Michael Powell---hope you remembered to lock the doors as previously suggested.
...The next week will be very telling for the mighty fighting Colonials of GWU. Today they travel to Richmond and get Xavier and Dayton at home before the end of the month. They go 3-0 and they put a death grip on an NCAA bid.
...For those who long for the warmer climes of spring, when a young man's fancy turns to baseball: the seating schematic is now up and going for RFK and the Washington Nationals along with their 2005 schedule. All this and more at MLB.com where every team may not have the same payroll, but does have the exact same boiler plate boring web site. Bill Veeck would not be pleased. Also in the rounders department is nephew Ridge (or at least he will be when we find an MD to get him to turn his head and cough) as he tries out for the Tucker HS junior varsity team. Voluntary workouts began this week, becoming mandatory on February 8, with games beginning a short three weeks later.
January 21, 2005
...Perhaps US Censor Laureate Michael Powell took the President's inauguration address to heart and figured that charity (or liberty in this case) starts at home---cause word has it we must move quickly in preparation of Powell's anticipated resignation today from the Federal Censorship Commission. No, I don't know who among us will step forward to protect the children of America from Janet Jackson's nipple or Howard Stern spanking lesbians, but this great nation has weathered strong and numerous storms in the past---surely we can persevere in this dark time. No doubt, with the hectic holidays and all, Washington missed my memo of last year regarding resignations at Commerce and Education, so I'll pass it along again. Yo, Mike, when you leave just lock the door behind you. Here's the deal: you guys shut down the FCC and the citizenry promises to practice using the on/off buttons for the various media devices in our homes and cars so as to be able to affect protection from anything anybody might say or do that someone else might, God forbid, find offensive.
...I'll listen very carefully this time so I can get it. Could my fundamentalist brothers and sisters explain just one more time how God isn't smart enough to figure out evolution and cast it into motion? Residents of Cobb County can finish peeling those stickers out of the text books before they need respond.
...Where's all the cash? Common parlance had lots o dollars flowing into the market after the first of the year, but obviously that has not happened, and nobody seems to know why. Yeah, the dollar is weaker, oil isn't going below $40 and interest rates may rise a bit faster and louder than expected, nonetheless, tons of institutional cash remains on the side lines. Buyers wanted!
...Perhaps its because I'm not a big local media consumer and the fact that its a road game, but it just doesn't seem like the Falcons are only 60 minutes away from a possible Super Bowl appearance. The money line at last check had risen to 2:1---a very tempting play along with the previously mentioned teaser that would now turn $100 into $350 on Sunday.
January 20, 2005
...Only fifteen fellows have taken the Presidential Oath of Office a second time (not sure if that includes Grover Cleveland---who always screws up the counting)---four in my lifetime if you count LBJ. I digress by pointing out once again, that those in their forties such as myself have lived under just two fewer presidents than our parents. Anyway, W antes up for another four year stint at noon with an ambitious agenda to say the least. More comment of the specifics of that agenda as they become more visible; and while it appears to already being put off until at least 2006, serious tax reform (Fairtax.org) is the most significant mark Bush can leave on his domestic legacy.
...GW cruises to a 16 point win over La Salle last night, led by T.J. Thompson with 18.
...Still unsettled issues are the total amount of aid now pledged by Al Qaeda for tsunami relief and has CBS called the election yet? Speaking of which, CBS would appear to have some wiggle room to make some chicken salad out of... The opportunity is for Moonves to take the posture that "CBS created television news as we know it, and we're going to take this implosion as a chance to re-invent the medium." No, I don't have any genius suggestions off the top of my head, but I'm not being paid a phone number to develop such strategies.
...The History Channel's series of the presidency this week has been worthwhile. It continues tonight. Yeah, its not exactly a scholarly masterpiece, but one does have the chance to revisit such luminaries as Chester A. Arthur, et al. Tonight moves into the twentieth century---8:00-10:00 EST.
...Central North Carolina continues to successfully defend its title of Winter Weather champion of the south. Two unexpected inches of snow on already frozen roads in and around the Raleigh area has wrought havoc as the regular ice storms and other more significant snow events have over the past several years. It may seem silly to our Yankee brothers and sisters, but during the summer months, the mercury often approaches 90 degrees and thousands don't die in their homes/ovens like Chicago. Different strokes...so to speak.
...Pseudo Dictators news has Ross on the road with the Brain Surgeons, with a dozen Euro gigs set for next month. Uh guys?, remember us?...here where the streets are paved. Here in the USA. This, of course, follows news of HDM hooking up with the DKT/MC5 tour of Europe and Master Plans recent gigs in Canada.
January 19, 2005
..The approach of the high holy day Sunday already has created a wagering phenomena. Lower seeded team goes on the road and is a 3 point favorite against a 15-1 team?! But its 3 "big Cat points" the Steelers get at this writing. Philly is a 4.5 favorite over Atlanta. You say you don't need no stinkin points---the Birds will win straight up. Well, then the money line of +180 must look pretty attractive. Perhaps add that play with a four bet, 6 point teaser, taking the dogs and over in both games, for a tidy 3:1 payoff and $100 could magically turn into $340 in less than 8 hours. It will be interesting indeed to see where the lines settle---New England opened as a 1.5 point favorite. Forecast for Pittsburg Sunday is snow and a high of 27. If the Falcons can run the ball effectively, they win. If not, in the absence of an epic defensive effort, the weird bounce and/or turnover, they'll have a tough time against an Eagles team that looks as good as the NFC has to offer---even in the absence of TO. Still, in the long horrifying torturous experience that has been the history of the Falcons Nation, the possibility of just having a chance to play in your second Super Bowl in four years is mind boggling.
...OK, my basketball bubble has been burst for the time being. In Chapel Hill, the Tarheels who looked unbeatable, were shown to be very much mortal if forced into a half court game. And now Florida State beats the Wake team last night that tamed Carolina Saturday. Meanwhile, if one wanders up 95 a few hundred miles, one will find George Washington University, but one will no longer find the Colonials in either of this week's polls following a disappointing loss at home to UMass over the weekend. Tonight should be a walk over against La Salle, but traveling to Richmond to play the Spiders looms for Saturday. Still, the RPI should be kind to GW and there's plenty o hoops left between now and tourney time.
...Upon further review, I think the Lilly Munster look is probably a good move for the honorable Senator Barbara Boxer---helps distract from the fact that she cannot put together a cogent utterance.
...January showed up this week, with sub freezing temps the norm in this neck of the sunny south. Should warm as the week wanes, but a "major" winter weather event looms intuitively on the horizon. Bring it on, but a continuity of electrical service would be appreciated.
January 18, 2005
...Yet more unfortunate news of great import passes this way in the past 24 hours. Our dear friend of over three decades, Paul Waring, lost his father Paul, Jr. unexpectedly Thursday from a cardiac event. Mr. Waring was 74. The family is gathered in Naples at present, with services scheduled for later today. Our most heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the entire Waring family as they cope with this most devastating loss. Obituary.
January 17, 2005
...Well at least I picked the four winners, even if 1-3 against the spread. Just a great weekend of football, with the high holy day of Sunday's Conference Championship Games highly anticipated. The opening line finds the Falcons getting 4.5 and perhaps for the first time ever, a home team, Pittsburgh, is a 1.5 dog at present. Indy/New England was bet down to a pick em by kick off. Neither number excites me, as though my incite, or lack thereof, is worthy of consideration.
January 16, 2005
...Not much to bring on a lazy Sunday morning---too lazy to at least check the talking head line-ups and try to get ahead of the curve. For all the posturing, its gonna be another week---getting through the inauguration and all---before any serious business gets done, or not done as may be the case. And yes, that annoying debt clock on the home page continues to click as you read this.
...Two great games if you're a Falcon backer. Unlike their brothers in San Diego, the Steelers kindly accepted the Jets presentation of a gift wrapped win and advance to play the winner of this afternoon's Indy/Pats contest. Yeah, I was only 1-1 yesterday, and all the teaser and parlays would be out of play, but I still like the dogs again today, especially Minnesota +9 (bet down to 8-8.5 at this writing). Meanwhile, the Falcons put the wood to the Rams and begin to look like a team no one is in a big hurry to play, though I'm certain Atlanta fans will be pulling for the Vikings this afternoon. Should be another scintillating afternoon.
...May be too late, but from the for what its worth department comes news of the closing of a nearby (Tucker) comics and gaming store. This/last was the last week of the going out of biz sale. Don't recall the name, but its in/near Embry Hills---in a detached group of shops above the post office. May want to check them out in that today/Sunday may be the big finish with, perhaps, bigger bargains. Have stayed away myself, knowing fully I would spend more $ than I got for games no one would ever play.
...While we're playing catch up---another FYI---H. David Dalquist, the culinary genius who gave us the Bundt pan---bringing the Tunnel of Fudge into the reach of every American home, passed away recently at the ripe old age of 86. Obit.
...I'm hoping the Georgia Gang will educate me as to what agenda the new found Republican majority brings to the table. Much like Washington, the good folks under the gold dome appeared to do little more than posture/vogue as everyone became accustomed to the shifted aisle.
January 15, 2005
...Ahhh---a Calgonesque moment with a quiet largely empty house for the first occasion in nearly a fortnight. A refreshing change of pace as anticipation builds for this weekend's prelude to Conference Final Sunday (1/23)---the first High Holy Day of the year on the sports calendar. Its difficult to imagine the Jets getting past Pittsburgh, but I love getting 9 points in what should be a good game. Then the nightcap here in the ATL. Kickoff is a little after 8:00, by which time the average blood alcohol level of the metro area should exceed the ambient temperature. Me thinks the Falcons will advance, but also likes getting St. Louis and 7 in what should be another thriller in a pro football thriller starved town. So while we're at it---memo to Peerless Price: Falcon backers would greatly appreciate your attention to the game at hand should it prove convenient. A route run here, a pass caught there if you please. You may find such activities to be a refreshing change of pace.
...# 21 George Washington (11-2, 3-0) has a nooner with the Minutemen of UMass today in DC. Being removed from the area, I don't have a feel as to whether this match up remains a rivalry. No seriously---sure its not exactly Duke/Carolina but remember GW knocked off #1 UMass in consecutive years during the Mike Jarvis tenure. Today provides UMass opportunity for a little pay back while getting into a grove (7-6, 1-2) themselves. Next Saturday is the first real test since the second loss at West Virginia, when the Colonials travel to take on the Spiders of Richmond (1/22). Today's Carolina at Wake should be ungodly. Tip off at 1:30 on ABC.
...Rumblings around 
---or really just recently posted on 
.com---finds the Handsome One joining the DKT/MC5
amalgamation playing over a dozen gigs around Europe next month and into
March. One can only hope a few gigs outside New York will be benevolently
sprinkled about the fruited plane that is the good ole USA. We'll gladly
settle for Nashville. We know you can do better than DC. Same goes
for Master Plan---this way please. Will have to run this by new warm close
personal friend Jon. He's mentioned several encounters with Sylvain over
the years who now lives in Atlanta where his spouse has ties. This all
begs the obvious question of why not a NY Dolls show here?!! They could
pull a $10k box office easily---making it seemingly a fiscally doable venture as
well.
January 14, 2005
...The near greatest show on earth (NFL playoffs) is set to resume tomorrow, so we're way past due for some inept insight on the part of your humble publisher. With a full season under my belt, there are now two trains of thought: Suttle has been wrong all year so read the picks and run the other way. The other notion is that the law of averages is bound to catch up with me sooner or later and I stumble into a winner. I like all the dogs from a wagering point of view---enough to suggest the gentle surfer to give consideration to taking the points in a parlay (paying 11.5:1) or a six point teaser that returns a tidy 3:1. I prefer the more conservative approach and would take the teaser---meaning you get the Jets and Vikings +15, the Rams +13 and Indy +8. I also like all the dogs straight up, making the parlay that much more enticing, and, if forced to pick just one, I like Minnesota +9. The over/unders appear to be pretty much on the money, making them coin flip wagers, but a coin flip gives the player between a 1-2% better probability than any given hand of properly played blackjack. Oh, just for the record, I don't think any of the dogs will win.
...This page and armies of others have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort metaphorically hurling fecal matter at the senior Senator from Massachusetts, but when Teddy does good, he deserves his props as well. In various ramblings around Washington this week, Kennedy has called his party to be true to itself---and openly pronounce the (former) George McGovern good old days. The Senator certainly is entitled to advance his cause, and is being up front about that cause: "We're liberals. We're here. We want a Chardonnay." I remain uncertain as to how the Senator and those of like mind believe that's going to win Democrats any elections. Whether the agenda be good, bad or indifferent, I look at the map and don't see advocating an expansion of the nanny state altering the colors in the Democrat's favor.
January 13, 2005
...This time last year 47 card carrying PGA players had the pleasure of being whooped by a 14 year old girl. This weekend, at the ripe old age of 15, high school sophomore Michelle Wie tees it up in her native Hawaii against the same crowd. She missed the cut last year by only one stroke. Should she make the cut Friday, it would be one of the greatest accomplishments in sport---ranking up there with Roger Bannister, Bob Beamon and Don Larsen. Though mentioning the event violates the Suttle World insistence that golf cease between October and the Crosby, I'll make an exception for a young lady who may well end up high on the best of lists to be compiled around 2099 or so.
...Location, location, location...or involuntary relocation in this case. Yeah, its tragic to see the havoc wrought upon some residents of So Cal in the past week, but one cannot allow the tragedy pass without pointing out that living at the bottom of a landslide extraordinaire to be is probably not the best location. Gee, honey, that sandbar in the middle of the Mississippi really looks great. Let's build there. The solution, of course, is to end federal insurance subsidies (i.e. flood coverage) that has the effect of folks living in places where mother nature did not intend, with taxpayers picking up the tab. The east coast doesn't get off the hook either. Last year's hurricane season was merely a preview of probable coming attractions. Pays your money and takes your chances, but please don't make folks in Des Moines assume the risk for the chances you take.
...Memo to Prince Harry: the Nazi look has sort of fallen out of style, and no we can't just write this one off to inbreeding. See, Harry, grandma and her peers were dodging bombs being dropped on the United Kingdom a few years back by those darn Nazis while they simultaneously exterminated about 8 million folks. Perhaps you can mix a trip to Auschwitz into your busy schedule. It might provide a bit of perspective.
...Yeah, Tech was a beat up ball club last night, but they could have plugged Wilt into the lineup and still had little chance against a Carolina team that appears unstoppable at present. Saturday's match up with #4 Wake should be epic. Meanwhile, as expected, #21 GW continued their winning ways, dispensing with St. Bonny by a 26 point margin.
January 12, 2005
...Though less than half way through the season, the Atlanta Hawks would appear to be taking ping pong balls out of the hopper with a win last night that gives them a commanding 3.5 game lead over New Orleans in pursuit of coveted Nuggets Cup. Having said that, I'll continue to try to view this ball club as an expansion franchise and hope for major improvement soon. Me thinks this marks the 37th season in Atlanta for the Hawks. I'm certain that the team has never reached a conference finals during that tenure.
...Takes on subjects about which I have little, if any, knowledge have become a hallmark of the Suttle Security Council Briefing, but the Asian tsunami disaster is simply beyond my ability to comprehend. The human toll in itself is difficult enough to digest, but with the magic of TV we've become accustomed (perhaps desensitized) to depictions of the abject destruction wrought by natural disasters, albeit on a smaller scale. The bigger issue of this massive Earth burp and the resultant fallout is what I just don't get. Those who share this impairment, may be aided with some animation that re-creates the event. Such a depiction can be found here. It helps a little, but a full understanding of this geological phenomena is still dumbfounding.
...Newt in '08? Sure is starting to look that way with his recent media blitz humping his new book and stated plans to push it in a big way in both Iowa and New Hampshire. This could be interesting in that Republicans can offer a variety of candidates, all with above room temperature IQ's---Giuliani, Frist, and Rice to add a few.
...A short economics lesson for those who have expressed disdain at a $40 million inauguration during a time of war, the tsunami disaster, California flooding, etc... First, the money was raised through private contributions. Second, the $40 million will not be loaded onto trucks and dumped into the Potomac. It will be spent on caterers, florists, entertainers, booking venues and the like. These businesses make money providing their particular good or service which involves hiring/paying folks who then get haircuts, buy shoes, etc... Put short---its commerce ( and the multiplier effect) that will pump $40 million+ into the DC economy. Some may be of the opinion that priorities are skewed, but that group does not include the bus boy at the Connecticut Ave restaurant who'll put an extra $100 bucks in his pocket (courtesy of overtime) that he can use to pay a medical bill.
January 11, 2005
...Props to nephew Ridge on his first semester performance. He finishes well above the Mendoza line and just shy of the coveted 3.0+ that is our ultimate goal---one we feel confident will be achieved in the new year.
...Email threads---all surrounding the music "scene": Edward Tanner sends a reminder of the next Cruis-O-Matic gig in Charlotte, February 19. This time the venue is an old favorite of the boys from BITD---the Double Door Inn. Longtime faves, the Spongetones, are also on the bill. Well worth your attendance should you be a Carolina denizen or perhaps a weekend roadie. Mix in a Charlotte Checkers game and you'll have a healthy, well balanced entertainment diet. In other news, the dialogue with Jon Kincaid continues. The latest salvo contains a rather impressive resume for Jon in his moving and shaking in the biz. Interviews and interaction with former Dead Boys and others of similar stature are most admirable notches on his belt. In addition, Jon advises that he has a 20 year running radio gig at Tech's own WREK---Personality Crisis, 10-12 pm Sunday nights. Much like Smuckers, with a NY Dolls inspired name, it has to be good. No doubt, the request line will light up with Dictators, MC5 and David Gates desires.
...Not much further comment is required on the CBS thing, given that even Stevie Wonder could see the incredible (literally) nature of this alleged news organ over the past couple decades. The only difference this time was that specific people, places and things were unearthed, confirming the cartoon character "liberal elite media" description used by the far right. I've always found it interesting that the pundits of the right (especially talk radio) will follow a diatribe about media bias with the exact same sources for new fodder upon which to comment. Regardless, most of this falls under the "if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it..." umbrella, given that CBS "news" viewer ship is roughly equivalent to Hawks attendance.
...George and Weezie aren't the only ones "movin on up" as evidenced by the last night's release of both NCAA basketball polls. The mighty fighting Colonials are now ranked 21st with a top 20 breakthrough on the horizon---basically because they play in an awful conference unlike many of the teams ahead of them, but GW is 2-1 against ranked teams this year with the loss against then #1 Wake Forest. This week sees travel up the Allegany to take on powerhouse St. Bonaventure tomorrow with the Minutemen of UMass on the schedule in DC for a Saturday matinee. That should push the record to 12-2 with La Salle in the hole for next Wednesday.
January 10, 2005
...I watch Barbara Boxer, et al in a frenzy chiseling away at what modicum of respect that is still enjoyed by Congress and wonder what Ohio voters are thinking, but then remember, that Cynthia McKinney is my "representative" again. Perhaps she can use her juice with PBS to get her dad a gig on Sesame Street, given Billy's gift of elocution in spelling short monosyllabic words such a "J-E-W-S!" And is the Patel posse still after her too?
...On the state level, Georgia's General Assembly opens today, with Republicans in control of both chambers and the governor's mansion for the first time since Abe Lincoln left the play early. One might think this to be a breath of fresh air, but instead it is a breath with an odd after taste created by the emanations cast off by some of the more nutty members of the majority party. To date, no word on any change in the HI (hooker index) that typically spikes during the month long session.
...Well it was a great sports Saturday at least. Yesterday's two NFL playoff blowouts notwithstanding---"if you had Maryland and 30; you lose!" It would be heresy to suggest (and premature heresy at that---if symptoms continue, talk with your doctor about...) that this is the best Carolina team ever, but the show at the Dean Dome over the weekend revealed what may well be the most athletically gifted ball club that has worn the immensely preferable shade of blue found in this cagers' hotbed/tobacco road. On the gridiron, has Marty Schottenheimer ever met a playoff game he couldn't lose?---this one with the Jets trying their very best to give it away. Entertaining nonetheless, as was the day's earlier contest, with the Lambs advancing (courtesy of Bobby Engram) to take on the Falcons here Saturday night. St. Louis is second only to the space shuttle in complexity and also shares the characteristic that if the incredibly complex dynamic of the machine is in synch, its a beauty to behold. If not, things can get ugly. Should be interesting to see where the line settles. Indy was Indy and the Vikings played their best ball of the season against a Green Bay team that doesn't answer the bell on occasion. Unfortunately, both must move outside this weekend in the northeast just in time for the weather to turn seasonable, or season ending for the Colts and Minnesota. Oh, and GW blew out Duquesne in a two win week that saw nearly a dozen teams ranked above them put up an L.
January 8, 2005
...Without objection, permission to revise and extend my remarks as the day progresses.
...So Cal, goyim shout outs of Mazel tov to Sarah Wexler and the entire clan as she celebrates her bat mitzvah today. Equally delighted that brother Bill was able to find a reasonable air fare to make the excursion.
...NFL playoff time---more fun than the law should allow, though today's fare does have the potential of falling short---as in short bus, which certainly applies to the first contest: St. Louis at Seattle. This match up may make the league consider going to the BCS system, given that no one can really explain how either of these teams ended up in the post season. The Seahawks are a uniform 4 point favorite with the over/under in the 50-51 range. Depending on which Jets team shows up, tonight's game in San Diego has great entertainment potential. Most sports book are spotting the Jets 7, with the over/under at 43.5. Neither game compels me to rush to the betting cage, rather crank up the tube and enjoy.
...Yes, I'd like to see an Auburn/USC game, but I think we all know how that would go given the Trojans performance earlier this week. Enough said, cause this would only turn into another rant about the lack of a playoff system...
...24th ranked GW travels to Pittsburgh to take on the mighty Dukes of Duquesne tonight. Yeah, its a down year in a conference that's never very deep, but Colonial fans have to take what they can get when its available, and what's available is a trip to the big dance come March. There's lots of hoops to be played in the next 3 months, but excepting Illinois, the ACC may well be able to make a case for all four #1 seeds come tourney time. Of course, it would never happen, but...
January 6, 2005
...Little opportunity to update, though a plethora of subjects most worthy of mention go wanting. I do have some information regarding today's arrangement for neighbor Mary Claire (please excuse any spelling error). Please email should you require any further information. A memorial service is scheduled this afternoon. Time does not permit a fitting tribute to our friend and her heroic fight against her long illness. Harry, to you and the kids we extend our most heart felt condolences.
January 4, 2005
...The Colonials drop to #24 in the AP and #25 in the USA Today/Coaches poll as they prepare to take on La Salle at home tomorrow and travel to play Duquesne Saturday. St Bonnie, UMass and La Salle (again) follow which should add up to 13-2 before they head to Richmond to take on the Spiders January 22.
...Shout out to Jon Kincaid for his shout out of yesterday---a fellow PHS alum ('82) and Dictators admirer. The irony, that I failed to point out in my reply, was that Bill had met a young lady from Atlanta who said she dated Kevin Kinney during our last visit to Manitoba's in August. Jon mentioned Kinney in his email as a friend (of regional and national music note) who had met the Dics on several occasions. Small world and all... Regardless, keep those cards and letters coming. Also, didn't inquire as to if Jon and I might be distance kin, given my paternal grandmother was a Kincaid.
January 3, 2005
...The first business day of 2005 and time to fess up. The DOW finished the year more than 200 points shy of my 11,000 prediction. So sue me, though I must admit to some surprise that it did not reach or exceed that mark. At this morning's open, it would appear to be well on its way. As far as the coming year goes, me thinks one would take 12,000 and walk away very quietly pleased. The economy is basically solid from the Suttle World perch, but not set for a big bull run in my never so humble opinion. "Its a stock picker's market." That will be $250 please---I discount my usual $300 fee for economic consultations for my regular web visitors.
...Nephew Ridge returned to his belated Christmas goodies yesterday evening. Everything seemed to be well received as we push towards the second semester of eighth grade at the ivy covered walls of Tucker Middle School. Rumor has it that long lost niece Jessica may make an appearance for the next couple days before she returns to classes in Statesboro.
...Anybody notice that the worst division in the NFL (NFC West) put a wild card team in the playoffs? And the stage is set for the next three weeks which equal March Madness in its entertainment value---just fewer games spread farther apart. Though shut down by the department of inept prognosticators, Gene the Caucasian would parlay Auburn and USC in the the last two college games of the year, spotting 6.5 and 3 points respectively.
January 2, 2005
...An even quieter New Year's Day at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor though somewhat productive. A closet got tidied and several other projects accomplished along with some shared kitchen time that produced some mean tandori chicken, hop n john and a rather decent Flintones' like slab o ribs prepared by your humble author.
...I do not know if it was live or the replay of a speech delivered some time ago, but one of the local PBS stations recently broadcast Bill Cosby's address at AU---don't recall which or if one of the particular schools was the host. I shall not attempt to recreate his remarks---cause he's Bill Cosby and I'm me; but suffice to say that his insight into the human condition is not especially remarkably insightful, but I believe to be very true. It is his stature and willingness to exploit his well deserved "larger than life" presence that I find so admirable. A welcome breath of fresh air in the free market place of ideas---a market often "stuffy" with the chatter by and about the "Hollywood left."
...If reports are true that $2 billion has been raised in tsunami relief, perhaps its time to back away and let the rebuilding process begin. No doubt more bucks will be needed; but for the time being you can only spend so much so fast (see September 11th $s). Just a thought---I would certainly not discourage anyone from contributing whatever one wishes to whatever. Rh negative blood is in need, and the Red Cross are the folks to deal with in the hematology department. Try www.givelife.org for info on a donation center near you.
January 1, 2005
...Well, it would appear as though the great cosmic odometer can roll over without Dick Clark in charge. We tracked its arrival in the company of friends and neighbors to whom were are much obliged for the company. Most welcome was Mr. Bill, who wisely bedded down at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor to avoid the madness of Amateur Night driving. We toasted Buddy's passing---quite appropriately with the last bottle of champagne remaining from his Labor Day 80th birthday soiree. To all who stopped by, we enjoyed your company and appreciate your support. To those who did not stop by, we send our best wishes for ever greater liberty, health and prosperity in 2005.
...The issue of "name that decade" came up again last night, and, again, came up short of a satisfactory resolution. This has truly become a mystery. What the hell decade is this?
