Yep. You read it right.
NJ man gets jail for Phillies game vomit-assault - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
How would someone even think of this? He was avenging his friend, who had been ejected for spitting on the same family.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Whitey Herzog – Hall of Famer
I always liked to hear Whitey Herzog interviews because you never knew what he was going to say, and his teams were always fun to watch. He’s being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and I enjoyed this article by Glenn Liebman in ESPN online: Five Top Whitey Herzog Quotes.
Five Top Whitey Herzog Quotes
1. "Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it."
-- Whitey Herzog, on his future
Getty Images
2. "What we could use is a couple of shutouts, but I don't know if that would be good enough to win."
-- Whitey Herzog, on a weak-hitting Cardinal team that he managed
3. "Your life or mine?"
-- Whitey Herzog, after being offered a lifetime contract by 80-year-old Cardinals owner Gussie Busch
4. "He got hit so hard that I had to get all the married men off the field."
-- Whitey Herzog, on pitcher Ken Dayley
5. "If they fire me, I'll be the highest paid fisherman in the country."
-- Whitey Herzog, on rumors about being fired
Saturday, June 19, 2010
U.S. (Not) Testing Pain Ray in Afghanistan (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com
This article is interesting for a couple of reasons. One, it discusses in some detail – and links to much more detail – the US Armed Forces next “non-lethal” weapon system. For years we have been hearing about this technology that would send the enemy packing without inflicting any long-term damage. This version, a targeted, burst microwave beam, causes the enemy combatant targeted to feel an intensely hot sensation. Initially, Wired reported that it is now being tested in Afghanistan, though recent updates have backed off that claim, contenting themselves just to imply that the system may have been tried earlier or elsewhere.
I’m not sure if the snark in the article is pacifist or just naive. If the sarcasm is to do with pain inflicted by a device which creates a very unpleasant burning sensation, is that really worse than napalm, guided missiles, 10,000 20mm rounds a minute, flamethrowers, grenades or even small arms fire? I suppose the real root of this ‘controversy’ is based in faulty logic about war. How? Well, it seems to me that the best course is to attempt to resolve serious issues by other means first, and only to resort to armed conflict when either other means fail, or a time constraint escalates the urgency to a point where there simply isn’t time for other means to work – or they do not seem likely to do so. However, it also seems to me to be common sense that if we find ourselves in armed combat, it is our moral duty to do whatever we reasonably and conscionably can to bring the conflict to a swift - and as nearly as possible - a bloodless, deathless conclusion.
When I read the scoffing tone of this article, I was perplexed. Is it not better to aim a focused beam that agitates the nervous system to the point of causing pain, than to shoot, bomb, etc.? Wouldn’t the enemy soldier feel the same way? Isn’t it better to feel a temporary burning sensation that subsides as soon as one steps out of the beam, than to be shot, bombed, step on a mine, etc.? I know my answer would be ‘YES! YES IT IS!!!’
U.S. Testing Pain Ray in Afghanistan (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com
So check out the article, and then take a look at this video of reporters being subjected to the beam, and tell me whether you’d choose the bomb, bullet, chemicals or schrapnel of a traditional battlefield, or a non-lethal weapon such as this beam. Me? I would definitely and without hesitation choose the non-lethal ray that causes discomfort until I step aside. I can’t be the only one, can I?
Here is some video of the ray being used on some journalists at a press event. Do these folks look tortured or scarred for life, the way traditional weapons fire might? http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2007/04/video_pain_ray_/
Friday, June 18, 2010
Local News | Clemmons' sister sentenced to five years in prison | Seattle Times Newspaper
This is a follow-up on the sister of Maurice Clemmons, the man who murdered four Lakewood Police Officers.
Local News | Clemmons' sister sentenced to five years in prison | Seattle Times Newspaper
Spondylitis – From Denial to Support
This article is from this month’s Spondylitis Association of America publication, and I identified with the author in a number of his observations. As he says in the article, the stories of people with AS are as unique and complex as the disease itself. Many people have been suffering and searching for answers for years. Many people alienate the people closest to them. The impact of pain, limitations and fatigue often cause irritability, frustration, social withdrawal and the gradual (or not so gradual) loss of ability to do normal or enjoyable activities can leave one feeling depressed, grief-stricken, even eroding self-confidence, reasoning ability and memory.
The author hits upon an outstanding concept when he recognizes with the diagnosis he became part of a group. A group he wants nothing to do with, and a group of one – the author himself. At least initially. It is true that most people have no idea what SA is, or what it can do to a person, and that alone tends to isolate an AS patient from most of the people in his or her life.
Again, if AS affects you, or anyone in your life, this article is worth reading.
Complications of Spondylitis - Ankylosing Spondylitis Complications, Areas of Inflammation and More
If someone in your life has Ankylosing Spondylitis, this article is an excellent and succinct tutorial that will give insight into how the disease affects them. If you have AS, this article is an excellent tutorial and offers some very good information to consider.
This is an outstanding article describing the impacts of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Many people – if they have heard of it at all – think AS affects only the lower spine. This article describes the process and progression of the disease, and the impacts on other areas of the body, fatigue and even chest pains caused by AS.
I find myself in the position of having an advanced level of AS – impacts in the shoulders, hips, knees, back, and calcification (causing inflammation) where ligaments and tendons attach to bone. Because of injuries early in life, and the resulting early onset of osteoarthritis, the first two rheumatologists I saw simply noted the osteoarthritis and stopped looking there. Finally, I was referred to an excellent doctor who looked beyond the first issue and identified AS as a culprit in my life. This diagnosis allowed me to get treatment for the process (AS) that was causing most of my symptoms- including Remicade infusion therapy- which helped me a great deal. If you’d like to read more about Dr. Overman, and his highly regarded book - You Don’t LOOK Sick! Living Well With Invisible Chronic Illness, which was a finalist in the Health category of Best Books 2005 awarded by USA Book News, here is a link to his profile and clinic information: Seattle Arthritis Clinic Staff
Understanding the disease you have, and managing your own treatment, lifestyle and health is an absolute necessity in my opinion, and this article is a good place to start:
Complications of Spondylitis - Ankylosing Spondylitis Complications, Areas of Inflammation and More
Friday, May 21, 2010
Charles Krauthammer - The fruits of weakness
It is perilous indeed to pull out the historical comparisons, and recently I have noted a lot of rumblings – well, more than usual – from conservatives characterizing President Obama’s foreign policy as one of appeasement and toothless sanction – and comparing it to the appeasement policies of Neville Chamberlain . Most of the time, these comparisons over-simplify issues. Krauthammer’s piece points out the possible and actual consequences of a toothless, one-down interaction with the world. Even if you don’t agree with part or all of what he says, it is worth a read. Link below. MB
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
The Bully Pulpit is No Longer on Hiatus
To my faithful 2.7 readers: I’ve had the chance to do some writing lately, and so I will say that the blog is no longer on hiatus. Sorry.
On a more serious note: I have been constantly surprised at how many people have chosen to check out my blog on a regular basis. Thank you for reading.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Mariner Off-Season Moves Looking Nothing Short of Brilliant to me (who cares?)
I was amazed at the huge improvement that we saw last year over the prior season’s team in almost every way. They did the little things, they played defense, they made opposing pitchers work harder. The clubhouse was light-hearted but purposeful at the same time. The two men brought in to overhaul the debacle created by B-B-B-B…I feel like the Fonz trying to say ‘I’m sorry.’…Bavasi not only did that, but managed to change the culture, expectations, style of play, accountability of this team while winning and producing mostly headlines about their baseball play.
This offseason has been a dream for me. We get a real, speedy, disciplined guy to hit behind Ichiro and play a solid third, bring in a LF that has had recent problems but may really blossom in a different place and environment. Then there are the players like Garko, Kotchman, Eric Byrnes – all capable of 20-30 homers and a couple of which still have some speed. THEN we look at the pickup of Cliff Lee and Brandon League to an already good pitching staff, the return of Franklin Guttierrez, a healthy Jack Wilson, as well as Griffey, strong reserves like Langerhans, Hannahan, Tuiasosopo.
It’s hard enough for me to wrap my head around all of the positive moves, made within a philosophy including solid defense, fundamentals, etc., but to add in the new five year deal for Felix Hernandez and I am verklempt.
And geez, Bedard and Washburn are still floating around out there, and either one of them would be a great fifth starter, and if healthy much better than that. How does a rotation of Felix, Lee, Snell, Rowland-Smith and Fister sound? Much better than last season, right? If the M’s were able to get either Bedard or Waashburn, or both at decent prices, then at least for part of the year we’d see Felix, Lee, Washburn, Bedard and Rowland-Smith. That would be one hell of a group of starters wouldn’t it?
Even without any more signings, I think that the M’s pitching coach, defense, bullpen coach and manager will be able to do what they have done thus far with pitchers: improve them. From the ranks of Snell, French, Fister, Vargas and Olson, I imagine that the M’s could coax solid, innings-eating starters for the fourth and fifth spots. The bullpen has been improved too, and now we can expect to see League, Lowe Aardsma for the seventh, eighth and ninth, with Kelley, White and perhaps Vargas or Olson.
It would be great to have a really solid and established right-handed hitter, and I know that we’ll have to see how this all works out at the end of the season, but Jack Z is my hero right now, and Don Wakamatsu is a close second.
I feel like the M’s will be in the West race all season, and if I think back to the final game of the 2008 team’s season – which I attended, masochist that I am – there is no way you could have convinced me that within 2 seasons after 101 losses, the team would be contending for the West.
I do love baseball, and all the more so when I get to watch it played well, managed well, and winning.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Second-most numerous quake swarm hits Yellowstone
I normally wouldn’t put a second link to this item I write about a few days ago, but it does give some hint as to the lag between someone who watches the NEIC (National Earthquake Information Center) email alerts for activity, and how long it takes media outlets to become interested. So far, there are four that have shown interest in this year’s Quake Swarm. Again, it may be nothing much at all. Or, it could be the start of something big…MB
More than 1,200 tiny quakes hit Yellowstone Park, but jitters are few
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Recent Earthquakes for Yellowstone
If you recall last January I mentioned the more frequent than typical quake swarms happening then in the area around Yellowstone Lake. It is likely nothing, but isn’t it interesting that in January of this year we see another increase above typical frequency levels. In this swarm of 46 quakes since January 13, 2010, as you can see from the map the activity is located well to the west of the area of Yellowstone Lake and the ground rise phenomenon under the lake. This series of small quakes are centered in the area of Buffalo Meadows quadrant on topographical maps.
Recent Earthquakes for Yellowstone
http://www.trails.com/topo_beta.aspx?lat=44.56213&lon=-110.97427&s=100&size=s
Monday, January 18, 2010
Mariners Close to Signing Washburn?
I’ve now heard it at least three times that the M’s and Jarrod Washburn are working at inking a deal that would bring him back to Seattle. The work he did on new pitches before last season, plus an even better defense behind him would make the deal make sense to me. I’d love to have
1. Hernandez
2. Lee
3. Washburn
4. Rowland-Smith
5. Fister
(Or the best-performing guy from Spring Training – Snell, French, Vargas or Olson)?
The recent addition of League should mean that Lowe doesn’t have to make so many appearances and Aardsma doesn’t go more than one inning. White, Kelly, and some mix of Snell, French Vargas, Olson give me a confident feeling about both the starting lineup AND the bullpen – long and short.
With the off-season moves to add good to great gloves, and also pick up some solid hitting, I am telling myself to calm down and not get too much expectation piled up so early. I even feel cautiously optimistic about Milton Bradley because A) Junior will be in the same clubhouse, and B) if he wants a roster spot anywhere he needs to straighten up and fly right. And C), since he was basically a way to get hitting potential who might bloom in a new environment while allowing the M’s to offload the bloated Silva. That is, the bloated Silva contract.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Cobra Venom Erases Arthritis Symptoms : Discovery News
This is an interesting article that hints at not only relief from pain for arthritis sufferers, but also at reducing future damage. Worth a read:
Ackley Getting Intensive Instruction at Second Base
The calendar has turned the dial, and now that 2010 is upon us, it is not long before Spring Training will also be upon us. The Mariners are confident in the defensive ability of top draft choice Dustin Ackley at pretty much any of the outfield positions, but as it happens, the M’s have a pretty solid outfield in place and signed through the next few seasons. With recently acquired Milton Bradley – who could anchor an offense if he’s feeling the love – in left, Franklin Gutierrez in center, Ichiro in right, and capable backups in highly-scouted and touted Michael Saunders, Ryan Langerhans and even Ken Griffey, Jr. all on the outfield depth chart.
So, what may be the quickest path to the Bigs for Ackley? Well, although the M’s are mostly happy with Jose Lopez offensively (though there are some issues in some situations there), he simply doesn’t have the range and defensive ability they are building the team around. He’s listed as backup at first base to newly signed Kotchman, and the addition of Chone Figgins should end any thought of playing him at third – though I doubt there was much thought of it in the organization. Jack Hannihan is a capable defensive utility player. Which leaves us with a young man who looks ready to hit in the Bigs, but needs a place to play. And so we find Dustin Ackley working out daily with the Mariners infield coordinator, learning and getting reps at second base.
I don’t know that it means they will ultimately move him to second, but it will be interesting to see how he does there in Spring Training. And Lopez is only signed through this season…
Thursday, January 07, 2010
DH denied: Former Seattle slugger Edgar Martinez falls short on first Hall of Fame ballot - latimes.com
If Edgar had been a below average to poor leftfielder I think his outstanding offensive numbers would have gotten him in right away. But since it is a sort of referendum on whether ANY DH can be allowed in the Hall of Fame, it can’t happen right away. But if ANY DH EVER gets in, it better start off with Gar, for whom the DH of the year award is named. Career numbers over eighteen years: Two-time batting champion, five time DH of the year, three time leader in OBP. As the LA Times put it: “He's … one of eight players in baseball history to have 300-plus homers, 500-plus doubles, 1,000-plus walks, hit over .300 and have an on-base percentage of above .400. The other five on the list eligible for the Hall of Fame — Stan Musial, Rogers Hornsby, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams — are all in. The difference? Position players all, while Gar DH’ed. He will get in. He deserves it. And if he doesn’t get in I will be forced to scowl at Bud Selig next time we are in the same stadium!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Current Raiders flee from Leach's corner as Texas Tech saga heats up - Dr. Saturday - NCAAF Blog - Yahoo! Sports
What a difference a day makes. Up through last night, I had not been able to find any significant or detailed complaints against Mike Leach by player or coach, outside of James. The worm has begun to turn today, and though it will take some time for this to sort itself out, it at the least raises some questions over the Leach situation. ‘Course, this is the same coach he was when he was given an extension just eight months ago. The complaint of James’ media member father seems to have been a lonely one until the firing was done, and now that Leach is out, it reminds me of the way carrion fowl know when a critter is dead, and then begin to pick at the carcass. Why was the University so completely unconcerned with the habits of the man whose contract was famously extended only months ago? If this was on the radar, it ought to have been dealt with according to a process that gave both the coach and those who had complaints about his behavior and tactics a process to follow in reviewing the facts of the case before action was taken – whether that action was new guidelines and policies, suspension for a period, termination or no action at all. The way it comes off now, at least to me, is that the school reluctantly signed Leach to an extension at a point where his market value was very high. Unhappy that he’d talked to other programs to establish market value and gather information about other programs, the administration in the Tech athletics department singled Leach out, with no process to gain a fair review or inclusive hearing. Oh, and then there was that one factor that reeks like a road kill skunk after a week in the West Texas sun: Leach was due an $800,000 bonus if he were to be the head coach at Tech on Thursday, 12/31/09. This was a clause, by the way, inserted at the insistence of the school, still concerned about the potential for big offers from bigger programs. Leach was suspended because one player and his father complained. Dozens of players and coaches and former players backed Leach and indicated James was a grouser, averse to hard work, whiny and a sea lawyer to boot. Leach has an 83-43 record, a 5-4 bowl record, the second-highest winning percentage in school history (record set in the 1940’s). Graduation rates are up and have remained consistent under Leach. Why was it such an emergency that the Coach be given the summary boot, right NOW, without any process for addressing what he believed to be an unfair situation without any due process? Was that $800k he would earn by remaining with the team for another week?
Mike Leach might need to be disciplined. He might need to be fired. But for a school to extend a contract, offer a large bonus to keep the man from listening to other offers in a year he was in high demand, by offering him nearly a million dollars just to give a major incentive to Leach not to listen to suitors. it smacks of bad faith to me. And the taste left behind by terminating him the afternoon before his bonus was to be paid, when he had complied with the terms – against his own best interests as the school first suspended him without a process available to him to appeal without going to court. I can’t help but feel that the big shots at the top of the Tech Admin and Sports admin were looking for an excuse . If it turns out Leach is the sort of ass being asserted, i don’t care that they bagged him. But why no rumors before this? Why just one player and his former NFL dad? Why does he have a reputation that has been regarded as quirky but good among players, coaches, recruits, media,. etc. for years? MB
Technorati Tags: Sports. NCAA football. Texas Tech. Mike Leach
No rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide fraction in past 160 years, new research finds
I would love to have this explained to me in accessible, non-condescending terms that my small brain can digest. It looks like this is saying that the earth’s ability to absorb the same percentage of produced Co2 has remained unchanged over the past century and a half. Is this a meaningful number if total Co2 produced has risen significantly? That is, if oceans and plants are consuming 55% of the carbon dioxide produced, and have been for at least the past century and a half, then that either means that the total amount produced is rising due to human activity and though the percentage absorbed is constant, the rising volume means rising total levels. Is this then going to produce anomalies in the models used to predict climate change – anomalies tending toward overstating warming? Looking forward to your comments!
No rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide fraction in past 160 years, new research finds
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Sunshine on Discovery Bay
As always, the photos we use are either my own, or in the public domain. Please let me know if there are any errors and I'll correct them immediately.
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