Archives---October, 2006
October 31, 2006---Halloween
...Being a Tuesday will help some, but the ATL braces for its yearly commute from hell (so to speak) this afternoon: Halloween. Suttle World has no idea why it is always the worst pm drive of the year, but the worst it always is. Drivers are advised to fill their gas tanks before departing work and pick up a few can goods just in case.
...Nephew Ridge, exploring the athletic offerings of nearby Tucker High School, encountered the barrier that kept Suttle World and many other sand lot players out of organized sports beyond the little league level. Was it the step over toe hold that befuddled the young sophomore as the wrestling team began work outs yesterday? No, it was the constant movement of one set of toes in front of the other (sometimes referred to as running) that has the boy hating life, albeit in his typical cheerful manner. First meet: November 21. Updates to come. At this point the obligatory wrestling shoes, cup and uniforms have been purchased. A decision on the Mr. Assassin's mask has been deferred at present.
...One week to go, and Suttle World is even more convinced that Republicans will retain control of both houses of Congress. Joe Lieberman will win in Connecticut. And for all the "what the hell difference does it make" from Suttle World in recent months is the fact that tax cuts are scheduled to expire at the end of the decade, including resetting the exemption for the death tax at $1 million. Those who wish to see a pretty damn good economy go to hell in a hurry are urged to voted Democratic. Nothing like a tax increase to bring things to a grinding halt.
...DUFFLE is updated.
October 30, 2006
...Only 56 shopping days left until "the most wonderful time of the year:" December 26.
...Quick. Name two Atlanta Hawks. Now estimate the number of times you'll shlep to Phillips, pay $15 to park and another $40 to get in for the privilege of watching them play.
...Yolanda's Mother Tuckers continue their strangle hold on DUFFLE winning their eighth of the season in as many games. This week, the victim was Suttle World, who's Dictators took it on the chin for a second consecutive loss (both intra stately Roberts/Suttle Manor defeats), dropping to 5-3 for the '06 campaign.
...Suttle World just doesn't get out enough. According to the National Retail Foundation, American consumers will spend nearly $5 billion on Halloween this year, up significantly from the $3.3 billion shelled out in 2005. The up tick in spending is contrary to Suttle World's casual observation that the guild was off the lily for the "holiday" that has grown exponentially into an adult affair over the past couple decades.
October 29, 2006
...First stop this morning: the obit page where we find George Washington University's great gift to the basketball world (no, Yanki Dari did not meet an untimely end): Red Auerbach who died Saturday from a cardiac event. He was 89.
...Locally, a similar fate met long time innkeeper: J. Mike "Fuzzy" Cawthon---owner and operator of Fuzzy's, formerly the Bearded Clam on North Druid Hills Road at Buford Hwy. Suttle World knows not the whereabouts of Ron Hudspeth and is doubly pleased by that particular circumstance.
...Props to Tech for a hard fought win over Miami, and props to Georgia for covering in a game Suttle World found unattractive from either side. Still, considering the opponent and 14-0 first quarter score... Suttle World had held out hope that Florida was a contender, but it would appear as though the national championship will be determined November 18 in Columbus when Ohio State and Michigan tee it up. Ergo, Michigan is your national champion.
...Mr. Weatherman has been less than generous the past couple weeks in what is traditionally the finest time of the year---climatology speaking. The usual sunny 70's started by brisk mornings has, more times than not, been replaced by copious quantities of rain, wind and/or "bitter cold"---relative to the calendar. The good news is that sunny 60's are forecast for later this week when the Tour Championship begins at East Lake. And while the tournament held a mere 15 miles from stately Roberts/Suttle Manor appears attractive on paper, the limited field (30) would seem to make spectating (seems like a perfectly logical word to to me) more tedious/cumbersome than the usual golf event.
...DUFFLE begins the second half of its regular season today, with Yolanda's Mother Tuckers holding a commanding lead. At 7-0 she is virtually assured a playoff slot. The other three are less well defined. Score ticker should begin on the Suttle World home page after 1:00 games for league owners without Stat-Tracker or the gentle surfer who cannot access league info.
October 28, 2006
...Props to the Cards becoming the all time National League ring leader by taking their tenth World Championship last night with a decisive game five win over Detroit.
...Little of seeming import on the college gridiron is scheduled today. Georgia gets, and will need each and every of the, 13 points the betting line affords them in their match up against Florida. Nothing of any great interest sticks out at the wagering window today either.
...Bad news for local bowling fans: the Denny's PBA Tour will not be making a stop in or around the ATL this year. Interestingly there are few, if any, southeastern events. Meanwhile, on the duckpin circuit (DPBA---Duckpin Professional Bowlers Association), the final event of the season, The Masters, is a mere two weeks away in Baltimore.
October 26, 2006
...Twinkie vendors take note: In addition to the usual off year election races, voters in Nevada will also have a say so on Question 7 that would effectively legalize the possession and sale of less than an ounce of marijuana. Equally as interesting is that the "pro" campaign is not apparently shrouded in hemp production and similar silly excuses. Instead it quite rightly focuses on the issue of individual liberty and the elimination of unnecessary intrusive government into the private affairs of the citizenry---an intellectually honest and perhaps successful strategy. New ad campaign: "whatever happens in Vegas, is forgotten in Vegas."
...Rain postpones game three of the World Series and the weatherman is not holding out much hope for this evening either. Perhaps yesterday's certitude of an October close to the baseball season was premature.
...A quarterback controversy in Dallas warms Suttle World deep down in its bowels. Meanwhile, there is no controversy in the Redskins camp whatsoever. All are on the same page: Washington cannot suck enough.
...Props to the Thrashers who's perfect 7-0-2 record was spoiled last night by Carolina. Not a bad start.
October 25, 2006
...After nearly 24 hours of intermittent internet connectivity, Suttle World once again takes to the world wide web unencumbered by technical issues that prevented Monday's aborted and Tuesday's shortened updates.
...DUFFLE is updated through week VII action, with Yolanda's Mother Tuckers continuing to lead the pack with their unblemished 7-0 record.
...The anecdotal evidence has been confirmed: chipmunk buggers are indeed 28% larger than normal this year indicating more severe winter.
...Props to the Cards for their 2-1 World Series lead. Baseball should conclude prior to Thanksgiving.
October 24, 2006
...Internet connectivity and/or PC issues at Suttle World headquarters prohibited publication yesterday and may continue to provide difficulties today. Stay tuned.
October 23, 2006
...A thrilling Sunday in the NFL unless one happens to be a Redskins fan or owner of the Suttle World entry in DUFFLE (scoreboard) who both took in on the chin like playing the lead in the Princess and the Pony. It may be time to revive Gene, the Caucasian, as yesterday's teaser paid a tidy $180, leaving the gentle surfer up a net $870 over the past three weeks for the meager investment of $100 each Sunday. In all fairness, offerings of the two weeks prior fell short, so the net gain over the course of the entire season is now +$670 (or $500 in wagers have paid $1170). Meanwhile, Yolanda's Mother Tuckers post 99 big Cat points to extend its perfect record to 7-0.
...Suttle World echoes the words of the Sex Pistols in that it "don't want no holiday in the sun." But a holiday it is for students of the DeKalb County School System---the dreaded "teachers work day" or some such. The record will show that for the first time in two years, there were no school days cancelled due to hurricane during the fall semester.
...The gentle surfer is urged to take a look at Federal Express and then the United States Postal Service and then explain why a voucher system (or some privatization effort) wouldn't vastly improve the state of elementary and secondary education in this country?
October 22, 2006
..."Circling the globe to bring you the best..." Last week New York City, this week almost equally impressive Calhoun, GA for many a step and fetch activity. The grand finale involves shlepping an almost new washer and dryer to the doorstep of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. Or at least Suttle World wishes it were the grand finale, given the when, where and how the current washer and dryer will be moved to make room for their replacements has yet to be discussed. Hey, it could be pianos.
...The Cardinals showed no signs of fading quietly into late October with a commanding win on the road in game one of the World Series last night. Meanwhile a number of great finishes on the college gridiron. Suttle World continues to lead the unrank Notre Dame movement, BC gets a big win over a diminished Florida State (but its still FSU in Tallahassee). Oklahoma/Texas was stellar, and Tech gets its doors blown off in Death Valley---not as good as losing to Vandy at home, but 31-7 is impressive in its own right. George Washington remains undefeated.
...Time for the pro pick. If the gentle surfer had dropped $100 on each of the last two suggestions, it would be up $790, so another foray seems appropriate. Again, its a 6 point teaser with only 3 teams (net): ATL +8.5 v. PIT; OAK +9 v. ARI; TB +11.5 v. PHI. This is not an enthusiastic pick, but playing with house money makes it worth the mention.
October 21, 2006
...May be time for some desperately overdue reconstruction---tidying up a bit if you will---around Suttle World given the prominent links that have been cast in motion in the past several days. A major overhaul is probably the ultimate solution---including eschewing the Microsoft mantra meeting application FrontPage that cannot suck enough. Point is: should things get really screwy...
...Cuzin Sal's poignantly short email that four words: Jeff Suppan = NLCS MVP does indeed speak volumes about the current and continuing diminished status of the Senior Circuit. But as painful as the assessment may be, Suttle World would point out that a similar shifts have recently occurred in the NBA (east vs. west) and NFL (AFC pulling ahead of NFC). The Prince of Wales Conference remains what it is. Regardless, should be a good World Series that cranks up tonight in Detroit, rock city. Leyland vs. La Russa. Holding true to its National League allegiance, Suttle World will be pulling for the Cards. Meanwhile, Carlos Beltran has still not offered at the 3-2, two out, bases loaded pitch.
...Tech at Clemson tonight is the only game of any real significance on a down week around the college football circuit---a least in the marquee match up department.
...DUFFLE page is updated through Week 6 for those keeping score at home, but without Yahoo access to the league's page.
October 20, 2006
...Great ball game, and Suttle World would perennially pull for either the Cards or Mets if the Braves aren't in the hunt, but taking a called third strike to end one's season is still mind boggling. Carlos Beltran sent the Mets into elimination with the bat on his shoulder and the bases loaded. Not good. Yeah, good pitch, and folks get locked up, but you can't be doing (or not doing) that in game 7 of the NLCS.
...Suttle World is shocked! Shocked! An analysis reveals that major media coverage of the economy has an overall negative tone when by all measures, the economy is humming along about as well as can be imagined. Even more shocking than the bias that we all knew to be a pre-existing condition is that probably few, if any, of those stories spoke of a now nearly $9 TRILLION debt, and practical means to deal with an issue that will truly be the undoing of western civilization as we know it. The Suttle World proposal of growth and liquidation is simple, and would seem to be worthy of repeating. Growth comes in the form of the Fair Tax (it really works---give it a look. I'm beggin' ya) that would boost revenues exponentially. Liquidation comes from the sale of some of the over half of the real estate that makes up the US now owned by the federal government. Of course its a bit more complex, but it works and produces enough cash to pay off said debt, including the elimination of Social Security and Medicare---replacing them with benefit neutral private retirement and health care annuities. Other suggestions are welcome, but Suttle World is of the firm belief that the status quo of building Lawrence Welk Museums, Departments of Education and whistling past the graveyard will be our undoing. The incredible exploding Abdul is a distraction, but hardly the same level of long run threat.
...Just a little over two weeks to go, and Suttle World remains of the considered opinion that Republicans will maintain control of both houses of Congress once all the ballots are tallied. It is also Suttle World's considered opinion that GOP mouthpieces are purposefully lowering the bar in order the crow that much more relative to diminished expectations. It also aids in motivating some turn out.
...Suttle World
sends out major props to buddy Karen for so prominently
featuring the mighty 
from the home page of her dutifully
maintained 
site.
October 19, 2006
...Some much more professional photography of last weekend's CBGB shows can be found here. The reviews from media organs and individuals continue to flood in. Cuzin Rob from WI now calls the big finish with Tommy Ramone taking the stage for Blitzkrieg Bop to be the highlight of his nearly four decades of rock n roll experiences. Suttle World is hard pressed to disagree, and will allow the dust to settle just a bit more, before attempting to weigh in with its own elongated take.
...Props
to the Mets for forcing a deciding game seven
tonight in the Big Apple against the Cardinals as
the appropriate ball club from New York continues
in post season play. Suppan v. Perez tonight
with the first pitch scheduled to be viewed on Fox
at 8:19 (EDT). As of this writing the Cards
are +106 while the Mets are a very unattractive
-116. Suttle World advises the gentle surfer
to stay away from the wagering window and instead
"pull up a chair" and simply enjoy
October baseball at its best.
...Once again an addled Suttle World is bailed out with another scintillating take from cuzin Matt with another installment from the road of
October 18, 2006
...Recovery/decompression completed. Pics of the CBGB gigs downloaded, edited and here for your viewing pleasure. Surprisingly, some turned out reasonably well considering the ancient piece of digital gear Suttle World shleps along to such things. Reviews of the weekend are coming in hard and heavy---all lovingly linked by Karen Lanza from The Dictators web site.
...Nephew Ridge reports to having had a good time in our/his absence as he joined the Dollar family (heir to the Dollar Store fortune---not to be confused with the Everything 99¢ legacy) on a foray to southern Mississippi to assist in continuing Katrina clean up. The Spartan living conditions and endless mess was interrupted by two trips into New Orleans and the French Quarter that nephew Ridge indicates has recovered nicely.
...In belated DUFFLE news, Yolanda's Mother Tuckers continue their perfect campaign, moving to 6-0 with Suttle's Dictators a single game back at 5-1.
...Be it good, bad or indifferent (Suttle World believes it to be the latter) the country will awake three weeks from today to find that Republicans still control both houses of Congress.
October 17, 2006
...For a short period a while back, time stood still. Age, infirmity, fear and loathing were suspended. The light bill, expiring leases and routine car maintenance disappeared. The Dictators are back. CBGB has closed for business in New York City, and the hajj of the century has come to a close, leaving in its wake not disappointment at its end, but optimism and reaffirmation as to the blessing of the fellowship of so many wonderful people and confidence that all things are indeed possible with hope and patience. Having now fulfilled the poorly written, sappy, esoteric crap quotient, Suttle World proceeds with some of the gory details.
...The journey...The new hajj mobile performed in a stellar manner, traveling approximately 1930 miles from stately Roberts/Suttle Manor and back. We were on the same page with Mapquest and decided upon the scenic route, eschewing the 85/95 corridor, and instead diverting onto I77 in Charlotte and then 81 south of Roanoke to head up through the Shenandoah Valley. The Holiday Inn Express in Falling Waters, WV gets a B at $67. We took I78 past Hershey, Allentown and through the Pennsylvania Dutch country on the way into Gotham. Observation of the incredible back ups westbound prompted a crossing through the Pocono's on the return passage via I80---well worth the extra 50 miles aesthetically and traffic wise. It was a late start and we made it no farther than New Market, VA Sunday---back on the road by 6:00 and into the drive at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor around 2:30. The Days Inn in New Market gets a B- at a similar rate. Finally, the drive into and out of the city Friday night/Saturday morning was much easier than anticipated; and memo to Mayor Bloomberg: Suttle World likes to fancy itself as a good citizen, but advises that you to not immediately budget the $115 from the parking ticket issued on the Hajjmobile, especially since it wasn't illegally parked.
...The crew...geez, where to start: Sal, Rob, Karen, John, new pal Kristen, the world famous Dawn Owar, a special guest appearance by Steve Tully and no doubt others being mistakenly omitted put the glory in the Paraskevidekatriaphobia Hajj 2006.
...The gigs...Everyone seemed to agree that there were probably better Dictators' shows, but nobody remembers enjoying them anymore than last Friday and Saturday. Martin and Lewis had made up. Big grins from all, a very animated Scott and set lists that differed made for a powerful statement that this is indeed the world's greatest rock n roll band. Finishing the final set by bringing on Tommy Ramone for Blitzkrieg Bop was a priceless, class act that appropriately closed CBGB. We made little time to rub elbows on this hajj, but did get to speak to everyone briefly. Having Andy Shernoff say he is glad to see you and that they had wondered as to whether we would make it more than meets the Suttle World recommended daily requirement of schmoozing. Debbie Harry and Stein represented well---performing more hits than anticipated during their 45 minute, 3 piece, "acoustical" set. Girlfriend can still sing.
...A more cogent recap and pics to come, but suffice to say it was well worth the long, last minute shlep. Next stop Vegas. When Shernoff said something about opening the new place next year (on top of another's earlier reference) Suttle World began to take it somewhat seriously.
...Props to American number 300,000,000 who, according to the Census Bureau, came along earlier this morning. Suttle World was somewhat surprised to learn the good old USA is now the third most populated country in the world, but "upon further review..."
October 12, 2006
Paraskevidekatriaphobia Hajj 2006...And they're off, as is Suttle World with no attempt being made to update while away from World Headquarters as has been the case on past journeys. Those unable to make it are reminded that the shows will be streamed live Friday and Saturday night from the CBGB website. Sirius has announced that it will broadcast the final show by Patti Smith live Sunday night.
...To coin a paraphrase: you gotta love New York. Chicago or Detroit win a title and folks go through the relatively easy tasks of setting a few cars ablaze. In New York, you lose a divisional series and a pitcher goes kamikaze into a high rise. Now that's hard core.
October 11, 2006
...Only fitting that the Hillbilly Dictators Jihad should make its overnight stop Thursday is lovely Falling Waters, WV---hard core in the Hollers Holiday Inn Express.
...A number of go,
do and see arrangements today in preparation, so
the gentle surfer is directed to some true
literary entertainment via another installment
from
via Montpelier, VT.
October 10, 2006
...A little over 48 hours before the start of the Paraskevidekatriaphobia Hajj 2006, and while tickets may not have gone in as short an order for the second show as first, there is certainly no shortage of those seeking ducats. For the record, if this were a random gig in Hoboken, Suttle World might be of help; shows that close CBGB are out of Suttle World's juice range. Should be interesting crowds. At present, Suttle World has the over/under of sightings followed by "gee, I thought he was dead" at 5.
...Athletics/Tigers---the ALCS you've waited all year for starts tonight. A more predictable Cards/Mets best of seven begins Wednesday evening in the senior circuit.
...Stop the music. Yolanda's Mother Tuckers rally on Monday night and remain perfect for the 2006 campaign with a suspect 45-34 win and now 5-0 record. Suttle remains in second place at 4-1, while nephew Ridge drops below the .500 mark at 2-3. DUFFLE page to be updated once Yahoo accomplishes same.
October 9, 2006 - Columbus Day
...For the first time in many years, the appropriate New York baseball club has advanced in the post season. American and National LCS's begin Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
...Falcons and Redskins take Sunday off---the problem being that Washington had a game scheduled against the Giants. The Suttle World teaser remains intact headed into tonight with the Ravens being spotted a net 10 points in Denver. Tough weekend for two of three DUFFLE owners at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor---the lone exception begin Suttle World's Dictators that look to win their third straight and move into a tie for the league lead at 4-1, the best start in franchise history.
...The most salient fact in the Foley/GOP debacle of the last week lies in the indisputable fact that Foley's District (Florida's 16th) is as rock solid Republican as any in the country. That being the case, there would be no reason for the party leadership to tolerate Foley's egregious conduct, given Republican's could replace him on the ballot with O.J. and still win the seat. Asleep at the switch? Probably. Cover-up? Doubtful, but Republicans have been known to be involved in rather stupid cover ups in not so recent years. Suttle World is much more concerned that Speaker Hastert is not screaming daily about reducing the size of government, phasing out Social Security, REAL tax reform, etc... than it is about incidents involving pages.
...Took more than 15 minutes this time, but the second Dictators show at CBGB 10/14 "featuring a special acoustic performance by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein" did sell out in a couple hours. Locked and loaded.
October 8, 2006
...The "official" announcement came via email from webmistresses Karen Lanza and Dawn Owar, (of thedictators.com & ross-the-boss.com, respectively) confirming days of scuttle that a second Dictators show would be added. And added it has been, "featuring a special acoustic performance by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein." Tix are $30, limit 2 per buyer starting at noon today. Reports suggest tickets to the Friday gig went very fast (as in 15 NY minutes fast)---not surprising given their aren't that many to sell and keep the fire marshal happy. Its ticketweb and linked here. Paraskevidekatriaphobia Hajj 2006 page under construction. Appearing as though Edison is the "destination."
...51?! The Vols hang a 51 on Georgia in Athens?!!!! Once again the betting public is smarter than the folks who fill out ballots. Tech squeaks by an awful Maryland team at home, demonstrating once again why the gentle surfer is guided away from the wagering cage when 19 year olds are involved in a big way. Florida continues to look real good, especially on a weekend that revealed many a nek-id emperor; and Ohio St. still has to play Michigan. For the record, last week's Suttle World suggestion of taking the 6 NFL home teams getting points in a 6 point teaser paid a generous 6:1. Thank you. Nothing seems to stand out in a bye shortened week, but just for giggles we'll take a 3 team, 6 point teaser: (net) BAL +10 @ DEN, TEN +24.5 @ IND and TB +12.5 @ NO. Pays 9:5.
October 7, 2006
...Suttle World ponders as to when the last time Georgia got points at home against a lower ranked opponent. Most sports books have Tennessee -2.5 as of this writing for tonight's contest in Athens. Tech -14 at home against Maryland looks attractive. Visually, Oklahoma/Texas and LSU at Florida are the best TV bets, albeit having the same start times (3:30 EDT) and competing with MLB playoffs---especially the Yankees facing elimination at 4:00.
...No, the Twins didn't play especially well, but the A's went about their sweep of the Divisional Series in a very business like manner, and remain in Suttle World's view as the lone franchise of recent renown that has yet to win a ring.
October 6, 2006
...Whereas Yolanda Roberts has determined that the trials and tribulations of the past week, months and the entirety of 2006 for that matter to be beyond the pale. And whereas the "adult" denizens of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor have not had any time alone in the nearly three years since their most recent marriage. And whereas the aforementioned Yolanda Roberts swings the fiscal hammer, let it be known to all who read these words that Yolanda Roberts has purchased two tickets for the performance of the world's greatest rock n roll band, The Dictators, for the last ever Friday show at the famous CBGB in New York City on Friday, October 13th.
...No logistical information was included in the above proclamation, so the work needs to be affected in quick order. Obviously this is a roadie, given the lack of air sales and inability to meet advance purchase requirements even if they were giving seats away. Probable departure Thursday, 10/12 before noon with a quick stop overnight in western Maryland (10 hours or so), and then into eastern Jersey where much more lodging bang for the buck can be had (and parking) for the price of a 30 minute commute to the PATH system. Return is tentatively set for Sunday---straight through (appx. 14 hours). Late breaking news (this morning) has cuzin Rob from WI also attending along with previously announced ross-the-boss.com webmistress Dawn Owar.
October 5, 2006
...Dictators tickets on sale today at noon via ticketweb.com. Limit two per order. From the mailbag comes word from ross-the-boss.com webmistress Dawn Owar that she will be in the big apple for the 10/13 gig. Though not the last CBGB show, it is the last for which ducats will be sold---Patti Smith who closes the place 10/15 is already sold out.
October 2, 2006
...CBGB web site now indicates that tix for The Dictators 10/13 will go on sale Thursday, 10/5 at noon via ticketweb.com ($25).
...Looking like another 3 win DUFFLE weekend for stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. Three points between Donovan McNabb and Dante Stallworth seals the deal for Suttle World's Dictators (3-1). Yolanda's Mother Tuckers become the only undefeated team in the league at 4-0, while nephew Ridge's Two Tub Men get back to .500 at 2-2.
October 1, 2006
...October, the month so spectacular in the ATL that it causes the residents to forget how trying the climate can be the majority of the rest of the year. Saturday afforded a nice introduction. Props to cuzin Moke for the afternoon out at the new and improved Divot City/North Fulton. Even without the newly opened Faster and Louder greens, the course itself is in better shape than Suttle World has ever seen. Mix in the fine new putting surfaces and you've got what has to be one of the finest Munis for the bucks that can be had most anywhere. Suttle World made the turn at bogie level only to be undone with yet to be regained concentration, especially the 5+ hour ones. Encouraging nonetheless, and a most pleasant outing.
...Late to push the button this morning. Major props to Tech for putting the wood to Virginia Tech. Georgia finished its four week pre season with a win over Ole Miss. GW remains undefeated.
...Six home teams get points this weekend. Suttle World advises taking same in a 6 point teaser for the big 6:1 payoff. That's (net): NYJ +14.5 v IND, HOU +9.5 v MIA, BAL +7.5 v. SD, OAK +8 v CLE & WAS +9 v. JAX. The Raiders are, of course, greatest concern, but it is the Browns for God's sake.
...Sunday reading
material courtesy of another one of
You Can
Save rock n roll!