From the ages of 22 - now, I've rented a number of different residences, which has led to a number of drycleaners (often more than one per residence). Why do all drycleaners find it necessary to stamp/write/stencil/woodburn my name to the bottom of the inside? I could understand if you were tagging with some sort of low-rent RFID, but the fact my name is written multiple times on the same shirt is ridiculous. It really got out of hand when I found my name written in pen on a pocket in a pair of slacks. Isn't it the point to keep ink as far away from clothes as possible?
When I outgrow/wear out my shirts, do I really want to pass it to goodwill with my name inside?
I am really stoked for the British Open. I say winner is -14.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
British Open
Picking the champion of the year for 2006 was been an enjoyable/maddening experience, as contesting the British Open at Hoylake will lead to many surprises and a field where (unlike Augusta, where course changes have shrunk the contenders) a lot of golfers can win. All I know of the course is my review of the card and review of the shaping of the holes.
The unfamiliarity with the course will lead to a scene similar to the 2003 Olympia Fields US Open, where Furyk eventually won the tournament. My picks:
Guys who just missed the cut: Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk.
Currently playing the best golf in the world: Johan Edfors
4. - Geoff Ogilvy - Why not? T7 at St. Andrews in 2005, nothing to lose. Who is going to be more relaxed, no pressure and little expectations.
3. Stuart Appleby - Success at Mercedes bodes well on long courses (3 par-5s on back) when the wind is up. He is due for a major.
2. Tim Clark - Potentially the most underrated golfer in the world.
1. Padraig Harrington - US Open meltdown nonwithstanding, game is in good shape, and due for a breakthrough.
The unfamiliarity with the course will lead to a scene similar to the 2003 Olympia Fields US Open, where Furyk eventually won the tournament. My picks:
Guys who just missed the cut: Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk.
Currently playing the best golf in the world: Johan Edfors
4. - Geoff Ogilvy - Why not? T7 at St. Andrews in 2005, nothing to lose. Who is going to be more relaxed, no pressure and little expectations.
3. Stuart Appleby - Success at Mercedes bodes well on long courses (3 par-5s on back) when the wind is up. He is due for a major.
2. Tim Clark - Potentially the most underrated golfer in the world.
1. Padraig Harrington - US Open meltdown nonwithstanding, game is in good shape, and due for a breakthrough.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
British Open
I must have been napping when the ESPYs became a big deal, or as big of a deal an event with no drama, started solely so people have something to yap about occurred. Thanks, I'll pass.
Looking forward to the British Open, easily my favorite tournament to watch. BBC feed beats any ABC announcer, hands down. I always enjoy watching Euro Tournaments on weekend mornings, the Scottish Open being no exception. LL is a great course.
Being the Open is contested at Hoylake, a track few professionals are familiar with, means anything can happen, which makes for good tournament golf. My picks will be forthcoming.
Looking forward to the British Open, easily my favorite tournament to watch. BBC feed beats any ABC announcer, hands down. I always enjoy watching Euro Tournaments on weekend mornings, the Scottish Open being no exception. LL is a great course.
Being the Open is contested at Hoylake, a track few professionals are familiar with, means anything can happen, which makes for good tournament golf. My picks will be forthcoming.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Of Note...
A few things I have seen lately that I like:
- The interviews in Golf Digest. While the remainder of the magazine is a mixture of subscription cards and misshapen advertisements, the interviews are fantastic. Worth the price of the magazine. This months interview with Fuzzy Zoeller is fantastic.
- The Golf Channel replays of the rounds of a major the week following the event. Watching the event after knowing the outcome is a different beast, and give a perspective of the events that led to the finish. TGC also succeeds by editing down the coverage to a manageable level (2-3 hours) and inserting commentary from the winner, which was especially good with both Ogilvy and Sorenstam after their respective Open victorys.
- The compilation shows on CMT. I'll take 'The Top 20 Southern Rock Songs of All Time' over 'I Love the 70's 1974 Volume II' any night.
- 'Runaway' by Bon Jovi. Heard it in middle school, forgot about it. Now it's back. I didn't realize it was the first song off their first album, of the same title.
- The interviews in Golf Digest. While the remainder of the magazine is a mixture of subscription cards and misshapen advertisements, the interviews are fantastic. Worth the price of the magazine. This months interview with Fuzzy Zoeller is fantastic.
- The Golf Channel replays of the rounds of a major the week following the event. Watching the event after knowing the outcome is a different beast, and give a perspective of the events that led to the finish. TGC also succeeds by editing down the coverage to a manageable level (2-3 hours) and inserting commentary from the winner, which was especially good with both Ogilvy and Sorenstam after their respective Open victorys.
- The compilation shows on CMT. I'll take 'The Top 20 Southern Rock Songs of All Time' over 'I Love the 70's 1974 Volume II' any night.
- 'Runaway' by Bon Jovi. Heard it in middle school, forgot about it. Now it's back. I didn't realize it was the first song off their first album, of the same title.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Canadian Mist
Our neighbors to the north are fired up over one gentleman's mistake.
As heinous as the crime may be, I gotta feel for the perpetrator. His bender became national news and he is the subject of interviews explaining how he got blacked out. Good luck finding a job on this continent. Somewhere the phone of the casting director for The Real World is ringing...
As heinous as the crime may be, I gotta feel for the perpetrator. His bender became national news and he is the subject of interviews explaining how he got blacked out. Good luck finding a job on this continent. Somewhere the phone of the casting director for The Real World is ringing...
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Fired Up
I confirmed and registered for my FY06 Fantasy Football league today (July 5)...and I was a week late, the 14th of 14 to sign up. It is a league I joined three years ago, invited by my neighbor in the apartment I lived at two moves ago. Besides talking bull and the live draft, my interaction with the rest of the guys is purely virtual. It is the best league ever, here's why:
- 14 of 14 guys return every year, given. Married/split/moved, doesn't matter.
- We are in the Rolls Royce Yahoo league, with all the bells and whistles.
- 14 teams in the league. No team has exceptional depth, and at least one position of weakness, which leads to late Sunday/early Monday scrambling to snag someone off the waiver wire or make a lopsided trade to shore up a glaring deficiency.
- 14 teams also mean stocking up on backup RBs, who become quality when someone goes down with injury....or in last years case, rotating 4 Cowboy running backs (Jones, Barber, Thomas, Herschel Walker).
- At least 5 teams with "Balls" in their team name (Balls Deep, Balls in Mouth...).
- Last year I missed the playoffs after being the 5th of 5 teams in a 5-5-1 tie (how does that happen)?
- No partial point BS. 98 yards on the ground = 9 points.
- Complete homerism draft strategy. I fully expect Jeff King to be picked, and I was complimented as a sage last year picking Alvin Pearman in the final round.
- I've been jotting random notes for the draft since May.
- 14 of 14 guys return every year, given. Married/split/moved, doesn't matter.
- We are in the Rolls Royce Yahoo league, with all the bells and whistles.
- 14 teams in the league. No team has exceptional depth, and at least one position of weakness, which leads to late Sunday/early Monday scrambling to snag someone off the waiver wire or make a lopsided trade to shore up a glaring deficiency.
- 14 teams also mean stocking up on backup RBs, who become quality when someone goes down with injury....or in last years case, rotating 4 Cowboy running backs (Jones, Barber, Thomas, Herschel Walker).
- At least 5 teams with "Balls" in their team name (Balls Deep, Balls in Mouth...).
- Last year I missed the playoffs after being the 5th of 5 teams in a 5-5-1 tie (how does that happen)?
- No partial point BS. 98 yards on the ground = 9 points.
- Complete homerism draft strategy. I fully expect Jeff King to be picked, and I was complimented as a sage last year picking Alvin Pearman in the final round.
- I've been jotting random notes for the draft since May.
Monday, July 03, 2006
The Return to Birdwood
On Saturday I was back in Charlottesville for a wedding and played Birdwood, where I spend approximately 2.5 of my 4 college years. I hadn't played the course in @ two years, so I was playing to both put up a good round and notice the course improvements, since it has been purchased by UVA, along with the Boar's Head complex.
Following the six days of rain at the beginning of the week, the course was in fantastic shape, as good as I've seen it. Granted, it fit the pattern of being really nice for the beginning of the summer, and drying out in mid-July, so I am sure it is coming. It is weird to play a course you've played hundreds of times, but not in a while, and the same anxiety/trepidation from years past comes bubbling to the surface. The 2nd hole, a 520 yd. 5, is potentially reachable, but is bordered entirely on the left side by a lake, so I'll do anything possible to stay right, foregoing a chance at birdie, to work for a par, just to take the high number out of the equation.
All in all, a great round of golf, 82, but played 15 good holes, and three blow-up doubles (one off a bad drive OB, another from a missed flop from heather, the final double being on a 5 par, after blowing 3W from 270 way right, into the neighboring development, getting a miraculous kick to be in play, dumping my 3rd from 30 yards in the bunker, taking two to escape, and two putts). Had no birdies, and can easily attribure 5-6 strokes to a rusty short game, but an enjoyable round. Taking into account technology, I can hit the ball from the back tees to where I would hit from the regular tees while an undergrad. My game certainly hasn't gotten any better.
Following the six days of rain at the beginning of the week, the course was in fantastic shape, as good as I've seen it. Granted, it fit the pattern of being really nice for the beginning of the summer, and drying out in mid-July, so I am sure it is coming. It is weird to play a course you've played hundreds of times, but not in a while, and the same anxiety/trepidation from years past comes bubbling to the surface. The 2nd hole, a 520 yd. 5, is potentially reachable, but is bordered entirely on the left side by a lake, so I'll do anything possible to stay right, foregoing a chance at birdie, to work for a par, just to take the high number out of the equation.
All in all, a great round of golf, 82, but played 15 good holes, and three blow-up doubles (one off a bad drive OB, another from a missed flop from heather, the final double being on a 5 par, after blowing 3W from 270 way right, into the neighboring development, getting a miraculous kick to be in play, dumping my 3rd from 30 yards in the bunker, taking two to escape, and two putts). Had no birdies, and can easily attribure 5-6 strokes to a rusty short game, but an enjoyable round. Taking into account technology, I can hit the ball from the back tees to where I would hit from the regular tees while an undergrad. My game certainly hasn't gotten any better.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
NBA Draft 2006
In case you missed it, as I almost did, the NBA draft is tomorrow. Boy I could care less about the NBA, and the draft pool gives me no reason for excitement.
- I could care less about the Europeans, they are all underdeveloped and soft.
- Potential lottery picks:
- Rudy Gay - proven loser
- Tyrus Thomas - Stromile Swift, anyone? If he was decent, wouldn't I have heard of him before the FF?
- Adam Morrison - Doesn't have NBA athleticism
- LAmarcus Aldridge - Not even the best player on an overrated team
This guy actually gets it right:http://nbadraft.net/prevenas068.asp
If I had choices, I'd go with Roy, a proven winner, who was amazing at the NCAA games in DC. Singlehandedly kept his team in the game against UConn and the refs.
I'd also (I loathe to say) pick Shelden Williams, who will be good for defense, 10pts, and 6 rebs from day 1.
Shannon Brown - Not a good fit for the Izzo system, will improve with increased offensive freedon, and once he finds a shot (Jason Richardson).
Guys I wouldn't draft in 1,000,000 years - Rondo, Boone, Farmar, Ager.
- I could care less about the Europeans, they are all underdeveloped and soft.
- Potential lottery picks:
- Rudy Gay - proven loser
- Tyrus Thomas - Stromile Swift, anyone? If he was decent, wouldn't I have heard of him before the FF?
- Adam Morrison - Doesn't have NBA athleticism
- LAmarcus Aldridge - Not even the best player on an overrated team
This guy actually gets it right:http://nbadraft.net/prevenas068.asp
If I had choices, I'd go with Roy, a proven winner, who was amazing at the NCAA games in DC. Singlehandedly kept his team in the game against UConn and the refs.
I'd also (I loathe to say) pick Shelden Williams, who will be good for defense, 10pts, and 6 rebs from day 1.
Shannon Brown - Not a good fit for the Izzo system, will improve with increased offensive freedon, and once he finds a shot (Jason Richardson).
Guys I wouldn't draft in 1,000,000 years - Rondo, Boone, Farmar, Ager.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Booz Allen Classic
I'll concede the victory to Ben Curtis, whose only impediment to winning the tournament is missing his tee time, while being caught in traffic from the NFL Apparel store to Avenel. Not having prepared for an extension of the tournament until Monday, he may be forced to wear the pink Redskins polo, having exhausted the burgundy, black, and white.
Great article, good morning read:
Putt Putt Championships
Great article, good morning read:
Putt Putt Championships
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Piece of Garbage
The swan song of the Kemper Open/FBR/BA Classic begins today at Avenel, before being discarded by the PGA in favor of higher purse events that will culminate in the FedEx (read: $$$$) Cup. It is a shame DC will be losing its tour event, after years of PGA support.
It would be nearsighted to wax poetic about the BA Classic. While it is unfortunate the PGA is leaving the DC area, no one plays the event anymore. It is embarassing, both for the tournament, and the defending champion, when Sergio Garcia opts out of the event. The same SG that is on the program, was in all the print ads, and is most likely sipping boat drinks this weekend, or filming a commercial for Michelob. I've always considered Sergio to be an uppity piece of trash; his skipping of the event the year after winning is no surprise.
While I could bash Sergio for days on his selfish act, I'd rather laud players who are playing, including Padraig Harrington (could have easily skipped after the Open) and Tom Kite, who is in the field at the ripe age of 56 and probably more well known for his cameo on the Simpsons than his US Open win in 1991.
It would be nearsighted to wax poetic about the BA Classic. While it is unfortunate the PGA is leaving the DC area, no one plays the event anymore. It is embarassing, both for the tournament, and the defending champion, when Sergio Garcia opts out of the event. The same SG that is on the program, was in all the print ads, and is most likely sipping boat drinks this weekend, or filming a commercial for Michelob. I've always considered Sergio to be an uppity piece of trash; his skipping of the event the year after winning is no surprise.
While I could bash Sergio for days on his selfish act, I'd rather laud players who are playing, including Padraig Harrington (could have easily skipped after the Open) and Tom Kite, who is in the field at the ripe age of 56 and probably more well known for his cameo on the Simpsons than his US Open win in 1991.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
US Open - Round 3
Just wanted to post a few comments while watching the Open.
- Mickelson is all over the course thru 3, he's got 75 written all over the round....or 68.
- I know Steve Stricker has fallen on hard times, but has he been wearing the same polo and khakis for the last five years? He's also kept the same swing.
- Between the overnight coverage of Mickelson, Stricker, Montgomerie, I can't believe how Furyk has flown under the radar, I like his chances. I am still not sleeping on Ogilvy.
- Great 68 yesterday turned in by DD. I read his interview in GD, and would really like to pull for the guy, but something just won't let me.
- Irony of all ironies, Tiger MC, Steve Jones is playing on the weekend.
US v. Italy is getting a bit chippy...bodes well for the US.
- Mickelson is all over the course thru 3, he's got 75 written all over the round....or 68.
- I know Steve Stricker has fallen on hard times, but has he been wearing the same polo and khakis for the last five years? He's also kept the same swing.
- Between the overnight coverage of Mickelson, Stricker, Montgomerie, I can't believe how Furyk has flown under the radar, I like his chances. I am still not sleeping on Ogilvy.
- Great 68 yesterday turned in by DD. I read his interview in GD, and would really like to pull for the guy, but something just won't let me.
- Irony of all ironies, Tiger MC, Steve Jones is playing on the weekend.
US v. Italy is getting a bit chippy...bodes well for the US.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
US Open 2006
I wait with baited breath to hear the curses, snarls, and yelps of the PGA professionals as they attempt to survive Winged Foot and the 2006 US Open. Personally, I love watching the US Open, 2nd only to the British in terms of favorite professional tournaments, not for the fact I like to see pros card rounds in the 80s, but winning the US Open should be the reward of four rounds of patience, consistent ball-striking, fortuitous advances, and good putting. No one can argue a US Open win isn't well deserved.
Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.
A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.
B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.
Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.
A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.
B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.
2006 US Open
I wait with baited breath to hear the curses, snarls, and yelps of the PGA professionals as they attempt to survive Winged Foot and the 2006 US Open. Personally, I love watching the US Open, 2nd only to the British in terms of favorite professional tournaments, not for the fact I like to see pros card rounds in the 80s, but winning the US Open should be the reward of four rounds of patience, consistent ball-striking, fortuitous advances, and good putting. No one can argue a US Open win isn't well deserved.
Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.
A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.
B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.
Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.
A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.
B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.
2006 US Open
I wait with baited breath to hear the curses, snarls, and yelps of the PGA professionals as they attempt to survive Winged Foot and the 2006 US Open. Personally, I love watching the US Open, 2nd only to the British in terms of favorite professional tournaments, not for the fact I like to see pros card rounds in the 80s, but winning the US Open should be the reward of four rounds of patience, consistent ball-striking, fortuitous advances, and good putting. No one can argue a US Open win isn't well deserved.
Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.
A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.
B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.
Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.
A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.
B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Thank God!
I mentioned in an earlier blog how I was looking forward to the new RHCP CDs. Having had the opportunity to listen for two weeks, they are still ear-melting good. An amazing combination of funk reminiscent of their early efforts, and the tight/powerful songs of late. I can't remember a double CD that is so amazing. There are no 'tweener songs. It is amazing A. Kiedis is 44 and the band still exhibits the enthusiasm of 20 years prior.
What makes the RHCP so good? If I had to venture a guess, it is that each member of the band is an excellent artist, and their combination does not detract from the musical influence of each. AK has a distinctive style/delivery, CS delivers an amazing beat, and Flea is well, Flea.
However, the reintroduction of John Frusciante takes 'em to a new level. He may be the best guitarist currently in the business. For anyone who objects, listen to 'Turn it Again'.
What makes the RHCP so good? If I had to venture a guess, it is that each member of the band is an excellent artist, and their combination does not detract from the musical influence of each. AK has a distinctive style/delivery, CS delivers an amazing beat, and Flea is well, Flea.
However, the reintroduction of John Frusciante takes 'em to a new level. He may be the best guitarist currently in the business. For anyone who objects, listen to 'Turn it Again'.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
'I'm Kind of a Big Deal'
Gilbert Arenas and his weekend story from Miami I find laughable, in the fact that Gilbert's eccentricities would put him in such a ridiculous situation. I have a number of friends who would qualify as 'Zero Heroes'.
Great win on Monday by UVA lacrosse, NCAA Title. I had the opportunity to go to the game, it was amazing. I don't know if I will ever see a team as powerful and fluid as the UVA squad. Their fast breaks were deadly. Great season, congrats. UVA baseball hosts the Regional at Davenport this weekend.
Great win on Monday by UVA lacrosse, NCAA Title. I had the opportunity to go to the game, it was amazing. I don't know if I will ever see a team as powerful and fluid as the UVA squad. Their fast breaks were deadly. Great season, congrats. UVA baseball hosts the Regional at Davenport this weekend.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Enron Verdict
Todays WP has a good article explaining the reasoning of the jurors in the Lay/Skilling trial, who delivered an overwhelmingly guilty verdict. I doubted either would be found guilty on a majority of counts, but it is interesting that the testimony of both damned their chances for acquittal.
The article is a good recap, but I am troubled by the juror's quote:
"The jury delivered not-guilty verdicts on all but one of Skilling's 10 insider trading charges. In deciding the answer to each charge, forewoman Smith said, "We went by the judge's instruction: 'Not guilty' means 'not proven.' ""
There is no mention of the contrapositive; guilty means 'proven beyond the shadow of a doubt'.
In any event, the jurors seem dedicated to their task and decision, although their 'closeness' may have led to groupthink, they believe in the verdict they rendered, which was their duty.
The article is a good recap, but I am troubled by the juror's quote:
"The jury delivered not-guilty verdicts on all but one of Skilling's 10 insider trading charges. In deciding the answer to each charge, forewoman Smith said, "We went by the judge's instruction: 'Not guilty' means 'not proven.' ""
There is no mention of the contrapositive; guilty means 'proven beyond the shadow of a doubt'.
In any event, the jurors seem dedicated to their task and decision, although their 'closeness' may have led to groupthink, they believe in the verdict they rendered, which was their duty.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
UVA Spring Athletics
The resurgence of UVA spring sports has been a great reminder of the commitment the athletic department has made to being competitive in all events. While some would argue "UVA should succeed in all preppy sports" it can't just instinctively happen, and while I was at school, the spring sports season was an afterthought, with the exception of lacrosse. The outstanding play of the lacrosse team has made for a great spring, I was able to take in the game against UMD in college park, on a great day the team looked outstanding. Honestly, I am anxious as they play (hopefully) over the next two weekends in the final 8. Additionally, the emergence of the baseball and tennis teams has been an unexpected bonus. Baseball is ranked in the Top 10 and readying for postseason play (where they have yet to experience great success). The tennis team has established a fairly dominant program, being ranked for @ the last 10 years, and being at the top of the rankings, of late. A tough season schedule made for more losses than expected, so it remains to be seen if the team has a competitive advantage in the NCAAs.
After years of mediocre spring sports, fully funding scholarships and improving the tennis and baseball facilities has aided UVA recruiting, as well as great coaching hirings. Having an athletics season that stretches 9 months is a privilege afforded to a handful of schools (Stanford, UCLA, Texas, UNC, Duke, Florida, Baylor) and I am glad UVA has made the jump to compete at the level of the country's top athletic programs.
After years of mediocre spring sports, fully funding scholarships and improving the tennis and baseball facilities has aided UVA recruiting, as well as great coaching hirings. Having an athletics season that stretches 9 months is a privilege afforded to a handful of schools (Stanford, UCLA, Texas, UNC, Duke, Florida, Baylor) and I am glad UVA has made the jump to compete at the level of the country's top athletic programs.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
US Immigration Reform
15 May Speech
The rumbling sound you hear are illegal immigrants storming the US border before heightened security measures (potentially) take effect in 2008.
While I understand President Bush's hands are tied in terms of expediting funding, etc., but I find his five-point plan to be short-sided. Creating a tighter border, over the next 18 months, is symptommatic of the root cause of immigration concern/ire, and doesn't address the number of illegals already in the US.
The idea of a biometrically tied card to prevent fraud is well intentioned, but who is to tell me the cards won't be somhow copied or turned into a commodity, debasing its validity and placing it in the same category as current fradulent documentation.
Ultimately, Bush's plan for integration of current illegal immigrants assumes those already in the US will be proactive in assimilating to US culture. I consider the opposite to be true, and the majority of illegals won't make amends unless caught. Bush needs to lay out a plan if illegals are caught and refuse to immediately pay the proposed fine. Additionally, I find it sad that the cure to current illegals is payment of a fine, when no plan is laid out as to where the money will go.
Somewhat rambling...
The rumbling sound you hear are illegal immigrants storming the US border before heightened security measures (potentially) take effect in 2008.
While I understand President Bush's hands are tied in terms of expediting funding, etc., but I find his five-point plan to be short-sided. Creating a tighter border, over the next 18 months, is symptommatic of the root cause of immigration concern/ire, and doesn't address the number of illegals already in the US.
The idea of a biometrically tied card to prevent fraud is well intentioned, but who is to tell me the cards won't be somhow copied or turned into a commodity, debasing its validity and placing it in the same category as current fradulent documentation.
Ultimately, Bush's plan for integration of current illegal immigrants assumes those already in the US will be proactive in assimilating to US culture. I consider the opposite to be true, and the majority of illegals won't make amends unless caught. Bush needs to lay out a plan if illegals are caught and refuse to immediately pay the proposed fine. Additionally, I find it sad that the cure to current illegals is payment of a fine, when no plan is laid out as to where the money will go.
Somewhat rambling...
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
I find nothing worse...
...than seeing a middle-aged man driving a Chevrolet Corvette convertible with the top down. It epitomizes a combination of creepy guy in his '40s, the downfall of the American sportscar, $70,000 wasted on an antiquated status symbol. I find nothing more pathetic.
Happy to see that Polo changed the logo on the Andrew short, the only casual short I prefer to wear. Iam assuming this means they will be keeping them around, although I hadn't seen many of the make at stores in the DC area lately. I hate the feel of anything that falls below the knee, and the 5" inseam is going the way of the dodo; pleats be damned, I'd rather be rocking the pleats than a flat-front FUPA.
Happy to see that Polo changed the logo on the Andrew short, the only casual short I prefer to wear. Iam assuming this means they will be keeping them around, although I hadn't seen many of the make at stores in the DC area lately. I hate the feel of anything that falls below the knee, and the 5" inseam is going the way of the dodo; pleats be damned, I'd rather be rocking the pleats than a flat-front FUPA.
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