William World News William F. Yurasko's blog v.14 – Nats, Penn State, Redskins, greater DC , travel, more

When I am the benevolent dictator of the world or at least North America, I am going to make a rule that you cannot call anybody on the phone to wish them a happy new year until after sunrise on January 1. Midnight should be about popping champagne and getting and giving kisses, not stopping [...]

Coming back from Philly yesterday, I stumbled on WXPN’s broadcast of the new Tom Waits album, Orphans. Since XPN is a listener-supported radio (they don’t say “public” because it is not affiliated with NPR), there were limited interuptions. It made for an enjoyable ride back from the city of brotherly love. I got to hear [...]

Years ago, on the way to Brad’s for New Years, I heard a great year-in-review program on public radio called Backfire. The show featured Tony Hendra (Ian Faith in This is Spinal Tap), Jane Curtain and Buck Henry. I believe it is still produced, but I can never find out when. Anybody have any idea [...]

PHILADELPHIA — I finally cashed in my winnings from the Nats victory in the 2006 season series with the Fleas today. The Ombudsman was quite gracious in defeat. The cheesesteak was delicious of course.
I have a bad feeling that there will be no repeat next year. I fully expect that it’ll be me giving a [...]

I am off to Philly to claim my winnings for the Nats victory over the Fleas in the 2006 season series. The Ombudsman owes me a trip to Jim’s Steaks.
I will return this evening.
©MMX William F. Yurasko

A big happy birthday to Fritz’s dad, Ron (‘70 PSU), a schloar and a gentleman (not in the Donald Brashear way) if there ever was one.

©MMX William F. Yurasko

I met up with a friend for lunch at the Black Rooster today. It is a decent place, right next to Peace Corps HQ. Anyhow, since I was in that part of the District, I walked over the Nationals Team Store at 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW. In case you were thinking of going to it, [...]

I’m not a big fan of hockey fights, they tend to slow the game down and all, but last night’s fight between Aaron Downey and Washington’s Donald Brashear was the only highlight of the game for Caps fans.

Downey just didn’t know what he was getting into, did he? How could he not?
©MMX William F. [...]

Carroll H. Cook (‘54 Pitt) returned to “The Show” to talk about Saturday football. He was candid about Penn State and the Big11Ten scheduling.
Neal (Philly): Beano, what are some keys for Penn State’s offense against Tennessee?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Everything depends on the QB Morelli. If he has a good game then they can pull the [...]

During the Christmas season, I received many Christmas cards. Unfortunately, because I was so busy, I didn’t have time to send out any myself. So, if I could, I’d like to use this as my Christmas card to everyone who was kind enough to send one to me.
Dear Friend, or Relative, or Business Associate. Merry [...]