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BALLPARKS I HAVE SORT OF BEEN TO - William World News
Sunday, April 24, 2005
BALLPARKS I HAVE SORT OF BEEN TO
It began innocently enough back in '99. I was on my last spring break, visiting friends in Colorado. One particular afternoon, we strolled over to Coors Field, home of the Rockies, and my friend took a photo of me standing in front of it.
Photo: Owen Price
As you can see, there is nothing extraordinary about the photo. If anything, it is not terribly flattering. I really did not think anything of it at the time and put it in album with all of the others from the trip.
Three years later, my girlfriend Erica and I, were out near Pittsburgh for a wedding. The day after we had checked out and had a half hour to kill before the next occasion of that weekend. Since we did not have time to take in much of the Steel City, we wound up parking at the sports complex on the city's North Side. Without thinking of the Coors Field photo, I got a photo taken of me in front of PNC Park, the home of the Pirates.
Photo: Erica Marker
Again, no big deal and it too was added to the photo album. Fast foward to 2004. I found out that we were going to a wedding in Vermont and it was decided that we would take the whole week off and stay up North. We added Montreal and Boston to the agenda and I looked to see if either the Expos or Red Sox would be playing that week. It would turn out that the schedule was not in our favor in either city on the days we would be there, so I joked that I would have to get another photo in front of a ballpark that I had never been inside. With that epiphany I decided I would make it my quest to get photos in front of as many ballparks I had never seen a game at as possible. With that decided, we made a slight detour on the way back from the Jersey Shore through Philadelphia. In addition to getting Philly cheese steaks at Jim's, we made a very quick stop in front of the Phillies new yard, Citizens Bank Park.
On April 4, 2005, I crossed Citizens Bank Park off the list when I attended Opening Day. It was Phillies vs. Nationals in their first game ever. You can read about the experience here and view the 33 photo gallery of my trip here (pops up).
Photo: Erica Marker
A month or two later, we were at it again. This time, we were in Montreal, home of the Expos for at least the rest of the month. This would be most satisfying.
Photo: Erica Marker
I displayed a Senators pennant because for five years, myself and other Washingtonians have coveted the Expos. It was apparent that Nos Amours did not have a future in Quebec and the most logical place to relocate them was D.C. I could not resist the urge to do this and thankfully, 23 days later, Major League Baseball announced the Expos would be coming to the Nation's Capital (pending funding, etc.). I did not do this out of spite, but out of hope that my city would get a team of it's own. I have nothing but good things to say about Montreal, it is a wonderful city and Olympic Stadium is a facinating structure. The tower is accessible offers stunning views of the city and is accessible via a furnicular and is worth doing if you find yourself up that way.
Lastly, (for now) I have Boston's Fenway Park, home of the hated Red Sox (I am the son of a former Yankees employee). We were in Beantown just four days after Montreal and jumped off the T for a quick walk over.
Photo: Erica Marker
I added another ballyard in late 2004.
Here I am standing in front of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington D.C. I have never seen a regular season MLB game there.
After years of waiting in vain, I finally got to see real baseball in the Nation's Capital on April 20, 2005. The Nats beat the Braves on a Wednesday night. It was joyous. Here is my blog account of that evening.
I have seen exhibition baseball there on a couple of occasions. Fortunately, starting this year, I should be able to remove this from the list as the Montreal Expos have relocated to D.C. and been renamed the Washington Nationals for the 2005 season.
Labels: International, Nats/Expos 2004, Northeast Corridor, Pennsylvania, Travel
posted by WFY @ 12:05 PM |
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<h1>THEY Q%&#$@!-ING BLEW IT!</h1> - William World News
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
THEY Q%&#$@!-ING BLEW IT!
Our worst fear has been realized and the deus ex machina in this drama was DC Council Chairman Linda Cropp, who is now public enemy #1 and can (and should) be mentioned in the same breath as Calvin Griffith and Bob Short. She is responsible for ruining our dream of MLB baseball in D.C. with 11th hour amendments every step along the way. Sure, the Nats will probably play here next season, but after that, they probably go away and MLB will never permit a team here again. Cropp's tactics, which can be described as chicken sh*t and self-serving torpedoed full public funding and broke the deal with MLB. Their statement will certainly be released sometime today. They cannot be happy. I just wonder how long they will give D.C. to find private funding. Oh and if you are a multimillionaire who wants unconditional love from the masses for the rest of your life, I suggest you ride over to Mayor Williams office on a white horse with dump truck full of money following closely behind. You can sift through the wreckage in these articles: Council Approves Altered Stadium Deal - The Post
Thomas Boswell - Cropped Out of the Picture - The Post
Baseball's Return Could Be Temporary - The Post
Baseball plan in jeopardy - The Wash. Times
Return of D.C. baseball in jeopardy - The Sun
Nats to have short-term stay? - AP/USA TodayLabels: Best of WWN, Nats/Expos 2004, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
posted by WFY @ 6:33 AM |
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- William World News
Monday, December 13, 2004
QUIET WINTER MEETINGS, UNIS TO BE UNVEILED WEDNESDAYAll Remains Quiet For the Nationals - The Post
The Nats did not make any moves at the winter meetings, which must have been very trying for trigger happy Jim Bowden. There was talk of Sammy Sosa being traded here ( The Post) but that is not going to happen.
Expectations on rise for Robinson - The Wash. Times
Of course expectations are on the rise for FRob. There were only 5,000 people in Montreal who cared about the Expos last year, plus Peter Angelo$ a few miles up I-95. Ol' Frank cannot be caught sleeping in the dugout this season.
Notes: Team to unveil jerseys - nationals.com
Wednesday is the day that we get to see the new uniforms which will be modeled by P Zach Day and OF Terrmel Sledge. This could be a very awkward occasion if the D.C. council blows it -- still a very distinct possibility. Do you think it is odd that so close to the vote there is very little news about what is supposed to happen tomorrow?
ZEMAITIS & HALI TO NFL?2 PSU juniors ponder NFL Draft - Patriot-News
I would be surprised if either player is going to be told they are a #1 draft choice, so they will probably stay. DE Tamba Hali could leave early so that he could find the money (even if not 1st round money) to bring his mother to the U.S. from Liberia. It is hard to fault a guy for that sort of thing, but in the end, I think they both stay. Also, scouts want to know why Derek Wake is such an underachiever. Someone will probably pick him up and make him a project. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 5:57 AM |
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- William World News
Thursday, December 09, 2004
NATS IN THE NEWSStadium Deal Could Profit Owner's Son As D.C. Pays - The Post
The son of White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who negotiated the deal to bring the Expos to D.C., is apparently part of one of the leading candidates to represent the Nats to the city. This is not the sort of thing that sounds good to a skeptical public and council.
Cropp expects better ballpark deal - The Wash. Times
If Linda Cropp can get a better deal, good for her. However, I hardly expect there to be any big announcement of a better deal. Apparently, she will not vote "no" when the council votes again, choosing to abstain if she does not get what she wants. That is something, but a yes vote would be really nice. Perhaps when she sees the pretty new uniforms next week, she will be swayed.
Pitching Tops Nats' Wish List at Meetings - The Post
It looks like Dodgers pitcher Odalis Perez is the one D.C. really wants. Jim Bowden also wants to bring in Jose Rijo as a coach. Barry Larkin continues to be mentioned as a utility player.
Nationals' broadcasts up in the air - The Wash. Times
I have to wonder if the holdup in the ballpark deal is keeping any radio stations from committing to the Nats. The TV deal is in MLB's hands because they have to negotiate a deal with Peter Angelo$ (booo!) Hey, I've scooped DCRTV too!
PSU SPORTSPaterno to be featured on two CSTV specials - The Collegian
If anyone gets CSTV, please tape these shows for me.
Attitude biggest challenge for DeChellis at PSU - Post-Gazette
A thorough look at the challenges that exist for Men's basketball at Penn State.
Paterno encourages BYOB for offseason work - The Collegian
Bust Your Butt to the Ball. Given the way things have gone off the field for the last few years, you can understand why that might be taken differently. Also, I saw somewhere, that Dan Connor was named a Sporting News freshman All-American.
Luber resumes practice, likely to play Saturday - CDT
We could have used Ben Luber on Monday night. He needs to be back and play well if PSU has any hope this season. I yearn for the days when you "could not spell Nittany without NIT." Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:04 AM |
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- William World News
Friday, December 03, 2004
BUD VISITS, MLB VOTES TODAYA Deal's a Deal, Selig Tells District - The Post
Baseball Owners Plan to Approve Team's Move to Washington Today
Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig was in the District at a Board of Trade luncheon to say MLB is happy to be in D.C. (for now), will vote today (though it may not be unanimous), give out a six figure grant for baseball fields, and say, oh yeah, the deal we made is set in stone. Linda Cropp was seated next to him for a while too and apparently she (among others) thinks MLB will change terms of the deal. Yeah right -- they have all the power, MLB is Vader, D.C. is Lando. Oh and about that, The Post's Marc Fisher had a few things to say about Mrs. Cropp in a column yesterday -- basically, Linda this is hardball and you are out of your league so get out of the way and vote yes. (Thanks for the heads up, Fritz!)
More from The Wash. Times: Selig says he won't alter Expos deal
Nationals' payroll could hit $50M - The Wash. Times
It sounds great on paper, but with Jim Bowden spending the money, the increase may be a fool's errand. Keep Brad Wilkerson and Nick Johnson (known briefly in early 2002 at "the clinician") at all costs!
Jim Caple - Baseball's Nationals disgrace - ESPN Page 2
Jim Caple has never been crazy about D.C. baseball and in this article, he uses *facts* to remind us, that hey, this could still blow up. The nerve of him to tell the truth! He seems giddy about it though, you may not want to even read this column.
PSU TO BIG EAST?Codey wants Penn State in Big East - The (Morristown) Daily Record
The paper of record in my "original" hometown reports that the interim governor of New Jersey Richard Codey (D) plans on inviting Penn State to the Big(L)East. He does not have the authority to do that, though the commissioner is not commenting, nor is Tim Curley, Penn State's AD. Do not get too excited/worried/upset -- this will not happen. There is so little benefit leaving the Big11Ten for such a lesser conference. It would mean surrender in athletics and taking a big step down academically. The Big11Ten is a perfect fit for Penn State academics.>
Zack Mills: Through the Years - Patriot-News
A Zack Mills photo gallery has been posted and looking at it, I get the "how can I stay mad at you" feeling. He gave his all and brought us some great memories, just not enough. Thanks Zack, we will miss you!
PSU's Guman is Academic All-American - The Morning Call
Good for him. We need more Andrew Gumans at Penn State, they used to be half the team. He may even get an NFL shot.
PSU BASKETBALLLady Lions breeze past George Mason for nonconference win - CDT
See that Christopher? The women's basketball team at my alma mater CRUSHED your university's team like a pair of glasses.
Oh wait, neither of us care that much, especially him. He went to Penn State for a while too. D'oh!
Bad memories nonexistent for young Nittany Lions - CDT
Of course bad memories are nonexistent for the Cagers, I am not sure they all have the drivers' licenses yet. Hey, it works though, for a while at least. Hopefully, it will work on Monday too.
TURNPIKES IN THE NEWSNot as much fun as "monkeys in the news," but then again, nothing is and this is still interesting.
Codey wants 20 miles of Pike widened - Star-Ledger
The $1.2B project in Central Jersey spawns warning of a toll increase
Wow, that is two Gov. Codey mentions in one day. Anyhow, it looks like the N.J. Turnpike Authority is going to widen the road between the Pennsylvania Turnpike at EXIT 6 and EXIT 8A. This is much needed with I-95 being realigned to there and we have to wonder if they will be doing it with two sets of lanes in each direction. Thanks go out to Steve Anderson, who hosts the excellent Web sites nycroads.com, phillyroads.com, and bostonroads.com, for the link.
Union, turnpike agree on contract - Patriot-News
I thought I would provide the follow up to the story last week about Pennsylvania Turnpike workers striking.
WMATA BOARD DOESN'T USE METROMetro's Board Rarely On Board - The Post
Some Take Rail, But Few Use Bus
Hmm, the people who make decisions about Metro don't use it and this makes sense how?
MASONRY ON THE DECLINEDwindling Freemasons hope to attract new blood - USA Today
They are downplaying their secrecy and role in ruling the planet as part of their PR campaign. Sure, they aren't running the show, are they? Why, if they did not hate Catholics so much (they deny that too), maybe I would be intersect along with all my friends and family. It sounds like fun, like a frat, only no white baseball caps or frat boys, plus better booze, and a point. Also, you have to think the headline is some sort of double entendre. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 8:15 AM |
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- William World News
Monday, November 22, 2004
NATIONALS NAME AND UNIFORMS DEBUT TODAYRibbon Helps Tie Together Main Logo For Nationals - The Post
The unveiling will be at noon in Union Station, which is a great venue for this sort of thing. I am getting used to the name Nationals, even though I preferred Senators or Grays. Of course, the name could change when they move to their permanent home which is hopefully -- maybe even probably -- South Capitol Street.
Expos Acquire J. Guillen - The Post
Angels Suspended OF After Tantrum in Sept.
This trade would be akin to the Wizards picking up Ron Artest (okay, maybe before Friday night), which I fully expect to happen someday. Guillen had a good year in 2004, but so did Juan Rivera, who was traded to the Angels for Guillen.
Community Responses Mixed to Baseball Payoff - The Post
The Web headline was "Libraries to Enjoy Funds." Perhaps the copydesk on 15th Street and the Web desk in Arlington have a different take on baseball. All I have to say is, support the library bill, D.C. libararies need the money. I think there a rider on that bill, better pass it too.
WE WON, NOW WHAT? Saturday's victory ( CDT) was a wonderful way to end the season and send out the senior class, especailly Zack Mills ( CDT). It would have been nice to see Anthony Morelli play more. It also would have been nice if COMCAST had worked this morning. I am out of time and have more to say. Check back this evening for another update, with more on Penn State and a look at the Nationals uniforms. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:37 AM |
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- William World News
Friday, November 19, 2004
LOTS OF NATS NEWSOwners' Vote on Expos Delayed - The Post
MLB: Relocation Is Not at Risk
This delay does not concern me, they are obligated to make the vote by Dec. 6.
Baseball Is a Hit at the Box Office - The Post
Let's conservatively say that is two tickets each. That is 20,000 tickets that are going to be sold before the public sale even begins. It works out to about 1.6 million, which is far more than the Expos could have ever hoped to draw in Montréal. Let's thank all those who put deposits down to show we care about baseball in D.C.
Curbside Parking Fees Proposed for Stadium - The Post
Private Contract Could Raise $100 Million
Another alternative revenue proposal. Our hero, Jack Evans (D, Ward-2) thinks they should pass the funding bill with an amendment for alternative revenue, so that there is time to develop a good one, not just a quick one. I like his idea, just another reason why he is THE MAN.
Robinson agrees to return as manager - The Wash. Times
The continuity will probably be good. He got a lot out of the team his first two years up there. I expect, one or two; three years tops for him as skipper.
Paul Lukas - We the People - ESPN Page 2
The latest UniWatch has winner of the D.C. uniform contest. Some of the designs are okay, I like the D.C. flag in BEST REGIONAL DETAILS one, but I also like the swinging George Washington in the BEST OVERALL DESIGN. Thanks to Brad Stratton for sending me the link.
SENIOR DAYPSU seeks redemption against MSU - The Collegian
I will take redemption or a lot of playing time for Anthony Morelli.
Seniors to be honored before final home game - The Collegian
I always enjoy senior day. Mills will get the loudest cheers, probably followed by Paul Jefferson or Andrew Guman. Derek Wake is not getting many from me, he really underachieved during his career.
Often maligned, Mills reluctantly ends PSU career - Post-Gazette
I will cheering wildly for Zack, he gave all he had to this program. It is not his fault no one could catch the ball or block. He deserved better and I hope he goes out a winner.
More from The Collegian: Mills' trek full of ups, downs and Jenny Vrentas' QB deserves better column.
Penn State Football Notebook: Paterno runs reverse on 2 young tailbacks - Post-Gazette
I really do not see either Tony Hunt or Austin Scott actually redshirting. I am glad the idea is being considered, but I just do not see it happening.
Lessons learned by a fullback - The Morning Call
Paul Jefferson leaves PSU a changed person: 'I became a man.'
That is nice and all, but I wish he could have become an All-Big11Ten too. He was a disappointment this year -- lots of holding calls and an absent ground attack for most of the Big11Ten season.
FIELD GOAL CHALLENGEIt all comes down to Saturday. Sam and I are against each other for the title of champion of the universe or something. The winner will achieve this position converting more field goal attempts than the loser at one of the IM Field goal posts. It should be fun.
FOR THE 121ST TIMEBulldogs attempt to spoil Cantabs' perfect season - Yale Daily News
The Game preview. ESPN Gameday should be there instead of at BYU vs. Utah. Also see the editorial: For the 121st time, The Game still matters. There are a whole lot of other articles, I just do not have time to post them.
BOB EDWARDS SLAMS NPRHonored, but angry - The Boston Globe
Bob Edwards, to be feted at WBUR, criticizes ex-NPR bosses
The legendary Bob Edwards, a man who made NPR what it is (or was), was very critical of his former employer. I am with Bob on this one, NPR really blew it and does not have a clue. Last weekend, I was asked to contribute to my local station. I choose not too, indicating that I was broke (true) and that I was unhappy about what happened to Edwards. The woman on the other end said she was hearing that a lot. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:45 AM |
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- William World News
Thursday, November 18, 2004
GETTING CLOSERDeposits on Tickets Taken a Day Early - The Post
D.C. baseball jumped the gun and started accepting deposits early. Hey, good for them.
Expos set to take pair of big steps - The Wash. Times
More about the ticketing and also news about the team being approved by MLB (conditionally, of course) and the Nationals uniform unveiling. The color scheme is red, white, and blue; and there are said to be two hats that have W's. I would have preferred D.C., but in time that may change too. I will buy one either way.
Stadium Back on Calendar For Vote - The Post
Our hero, Jack Williams (D, Ward-2), basically says that the two weeks until the vote on November 30, is plenty of time for everything to get screwed up. However, I think it will pass, but this is more trouble than it should have been.
ONLY TWO DAYS UNTIL KICKOFFFootball culture, not record, keeps money rolling in - The Collegian
I'll bet a lot more money rolled in 2002 than it did last year or this year. Still, as long as their are people like me who go to every game, there will be money. The question is will it be enough? Football pays for every other sport up there.
PSU tailgate policies not as strict as some - The Collegian
It turns out that a lot of schools are not allowed the freedom we enjoy in tailgating. That is too bad for them, but their bad behavior earned those restrictions. Hopefully, Penn State fans will continue to maintain a generally good atmosphere.
THE GAMEGentlemen, you are about to play Harvard in football. Never again in your whole life will you do anything so important.
Tad Jones My apologies in advance for not posting enough Yale football news this season. While posting this week will not make up for that oversight, please let it be recorded that I was up for The Game, if only to remind everybody what "the game" really is and what it is not.
Folks in a couple Midwestern swing states will tell you that the Ohio State/Michigan contest is "the game." They are of course mistaken; the scarlet and gray contingent suffers from overwhelming myopia and denial (they also sold their collective soul to the devil for that national championship), while the maize and blue are beyond sanctimonious. The historical significance of what transpires in Columbus or Ann Arbor stays on the football field, while what happens in November in New Haven or Cambridge goes far beyond the gridiron (politics, industry, The Simpsons), though football legacy is still very strong. Modern football was invented by a Yalie, the immortal Walter Camp.
I have been privileged to witness three editions of The Game, all in New Haven. Sadly, Yale is only 1 - 2 in those contests, but they were all hard fought by both sides. The '87 tilt, which I attended, took place during an Artic cold spell, with wind chills around -30 F. Thankfully, subsequent contests have been considerably warmer. My last trip was 2001. During the halftime show, the Yale Precision Marching Band actually burned a Harvard flag during their skit. Now that is a rivalry!
Naturally, I missed the classic 1968 game (the climax of Ivy League football), but my father made it and has passed the lore down to me.
This year, in Cambridge, Yale has an opportunity to ruin Harvard's bid for a perfect season, as well finish with a winning record.
The Game will be televised nationally on superstation WGN. Brian Dowling '69 will be one of the color commentators. Also see the-game.org, which is a pretty good site, despite the authorship by a bunch of Cantabs.
Harvard will fight til the end, but Yale will win!
Labels: Nats/Expos 2004, Yale
posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM |
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- William World News
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
BUSY TIME FOR LES NATIONALSThomas Boswell - Time for Frank Talk About the Ballpark - The Post
Long time baseball cheerleader Tom Boswell weighs the pros and cons of building the ballpark. Guess which side he chooses?
Expos Land C. Guzman, Castilla - The Post
GM Jim Bowden is already very busy and not everyone is real happy about it. The seemingly universal agreement in blog land is that the Nats need to build a farm system, not acquire B-level stars. Also, as reported in the next article, skipper Frank Robinson will return.
More from The Wash. Times: Castilla, Guzman signed by club
Closing Down Shop in Montreal - The Post
A look at what is happening in the Nats former city. I think we would have all preferred an expansion team, but I still do not feel guilty, nor should you.
Tom Knott - Surprise! D.C. gets it wrong - The Wash. Times
I almost hate to say it, but Tom Knott is absolutely right. He goes off on the "intellectually dishonest, think of the children" crowd.
First ballpark vote slated for Nov. 30 - The Wash. Times
Not as early as we would like, but it is expected to pass with 9 to 10 votes, which would feel good. This will mean that the final vote would be after December 13, leaving 17 days to meet the deadline. Looks like it will happen, but only by a hair.
PATERNO PRESS CONFERENCECoach Joe Paterno Press Conference from November 16, 2004 - goPSUsports.com
The Post-Gazette did not post the transcript, so this one may be edited.
Paterno: Nittany Lions will stick to principles in recruiting - CDT
Amen to that, doing it with integrity keeps us from having a Maurice Clarett situation. The Patriot-News has more.
Guman returning from injury - CDT
I am happy to see that Andrew Guman is coming back for Senior Day. We used to have a whole team of Andrew Gumans; solid player who never makes mistakes, plays above his physical ability, and does well in the classroom. He will be missed.
Paterno: Spartans best in conference - The Collegian
What a shocker -- Paterno thinks the next team they play is the best they will face all year.
King: PSU's tradition still sells - Post-Gazette
Nice to hear that from an incoming uber-recruit.
'Code Blue' declared for final PSU contest - The Collegian
Well, I suppose it will be a stretch, but I guess I can wear blue on Saturday. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 5:59 AM |
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- William World News
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
RICO SUIT AVERTEDRuling Clears Way For Expos' Relocation - The Post
Three judges in that annoying RICO suit ruled against former Expos owners who were trying to block the move. Now, the only thing standing between us and a permanent baseball team is the D.C. city council.
Private Stadium Financing Rebuffed - The Post
No big surprise here, we can only hope that they can get the vote rescheduled for sooner rather than later.
Ballpark private offers pour in - The Wash. Times
A bit of a contradiction to the previous story. Which one is accurate?
HAPPY VALLEY IS BACK (FOR AT LEAST A WEEK)King picks PSU - Post-Gazette
Tom Bradley snagged one of the best prospects in the nation.
PSU Digest | ESPN2 to televise Saturday's football game - CDT
This is good news for those not coming to the game, you can watch it without ordering it. Also, Paul Posluszny is Big11Ten player of the week.
Dan Victor - Admit it: You were excited - CDT Blue
Another Dan the Fan column that is right on the mark.
Ian O'Conner - Paterno should walk away only when he's ready - USA Today
For most of the season, I have been thinking that Joe needs to be ready. Well, my head is thinking that, my heart is not. Of course, my head, heart, spleen, lung, etc. thinks that Jay Paterno needs to step down. No offense to Jay (bartender, I'll have an entendre -- better make it a double), I am sure he is a great human being, but it turns out he is not a great college football assistant coach. If Jay goes (he can still work within Intercollegiate Athletics with all the other State High QBs) I will give Joe a vote of confidence.
WMATA FOLLIESJohn Kelly's Washington - The Very Picture of a Train Wreck - The Post
Submitted captions for a photo of the Metro wreck from last week. Some of them are pretty good. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:06 AM |
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- William World News
Saturday, November 13, 2004
SEASON TICKETS!Expos Set a Plan For Season Tickets - The Post
At last, some progress on the tickets front. Apparently, there are 26,000 names on the waiting list. Now, there are certainly names on their twice, so let's assume there are only 10,000 people on the list who are actually going to buy season tickets. Now, nobody buys at just one season ticket, so let's assume that they each buy two, which is probably a conserative estimate. So, right off the top, there are 20,000 season tickets sold. Multiply that by 81 games and you have 1,620,000 tickets sold. No, Peter Angelo$ there are no baseball fans in D.C. This is great, because it shows the viability of D.C. as a baseball market to MLB, the D.C. council, etc.
More from The Wash. Times: Season ticket sale to begin Thursday
Delay likely in vote on ballpark - The Wash. Times
Apparently, we should not be concerned and the delay could result in a larger margin of victory for the vote. I hope so. Still, I think I am going to take the Tom Boswell approach, I will not be convinced we have the team until the second game is played.
PENN STATE AT INDIANAThis is just so sad, that Indiana is being picked to win in some circles ( Patriot-News). I am not going to bother with posting many other stories, there is not that much out there and even less to say when you are as bad as the Lions are this season.
THE TWO IDIOTSMy mother will not doubt be thrilled to find out that her two least favorite radio broadcasters now have their own Web site, donandmikewebsite.com. I started listening to them again after the FCC clamped down on "indecency", something I hate to admit because I hate the hypocrisy of the whole thing. The truth of the matter is that D&M got lazy before that, not too mention, gross. Now, they rely on their wits and skills, rather than really low-brow stuff. Anyhow, they have show highlights, photos, columns, etc. Not much there yet, but I imagine it will get fleshed out for a while until they get bored with it.
- Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 7:58 AM |
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- William World News
Friday, November 12, 2004
D.C. FREE AGENCYExpos Look to Fill Several Positions - The Post
Don't expect any big free agents to come here this year. The uncertainty of the permanence of D.C. baseball, the unknowns over whether it will be a good place to be a ballplayer, and a limited payroll will keep the pickups modest. The Wash. Times succinctly describes the situation: Small market reality arrives. Also, I am not linking to Sally Jenkins killjoy column, because her credibility is suspect because she does not even live around here.
"JOE MUST GO" PICKS UP MOMENTUMHeather Dinich - Paterno's exit plan should be public - CDT
People have been saying this as long as I have been around. Do not count on this happening, we will know the exit plan when he leaves. This comes up because yesterday, Fox Sports Radio in Pittsburgh reporting that a plan was in place to name Tom Bradley the head coach, "sooner than later."
More from The Collegian: Paterno denies allegations regarding his retirement
Lions try to capitalize on Indiana D - The Collegian
At this point, I do not know if the Lions offense can even capitalize a word. Hey, I say that because I care.
David Jones - Don't get caught in Web of errors - Patriot-News
While telling us that only newspapers can be trusted (and making decent points as to why), Dave Jones outlines what he has heard from his sources, including a performance clause in Paterno's contract. Wow, that is something I did not see happening, but I am glad it did.
Michael Wilbon - Paterno: Decline of The Lion King - The Post
Another national columnist calls for Paterno to step down. A good, well written column from someone who respects the man.
Also see: Many asking Paterno to quit - The Wash. Times
Penn State building for next year - The Collegian
CB Alan Zematis has hinted he will look into the NFL rather than come back to another season of losing. I do not think he is yet a 1st round pick, so he probably stays. This is what it has come to in Happy Valley.
EPISODE III TRAILERAfter putting it off for a week, I finally watched the trailer for Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith. Chances are, you have seen it too. For Episode II, I avoided the trailers and just about everything about the movie, so I would not buy into the hype. In retrospect, I am not sure it made a difference in my feelings about the movie, but it was probably a good idea because kept it me from getting too excited. Now I am super-psyched for the premiere and May seems too far away.
Anyhow, judging the film by the trailer, it looks like too much will be going on, though there will be wookies, which is always good, lots of Jedi and Sith (that is all we care about anyway), and big buns of hair on Natalie Portman -- rrrrowr! They probably revealed too much about Vader though, either that or there is something much cooler that was not shown. Given the recent performance of George Lucas, I have a feeling he revealed too much. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004, Star Wars
posted by WFY @ 6:16 AM |
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- William World News
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
BALLPARK VOTE DELAYEDI was wrong, the saga did not end yesterday. I now feel a lot better about the situation; now I am skeptical instead of cynical.
Cropp Blocks Council Vote On Stadium - The Post
D.C. Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp says that she has found investors to put $350 million down for the ballpark to take advantage of what Stephen M. Green, the mayor's point man for baseball, called a tax loophole. Cropp also said that if this did not work, she would support the mayor's plan. That might be great news, but she said that in September too. For the next two weeks, Mayor Williams needs to keep his seven council members on board.
Council puts off vote on ballpark - The Wash. Times
Some notable quotes: "We are still offering Major League Baseball a new stadium, and on the site they prefer," said Mrs. Cropp, who publicly has backed three different ballpark plans in less than a week. "But this will allow for more time for review of my plan, which I believe will offer substantial tax savings to the residents of this city...
During the 1990s, Mr. Gross served as legal counsel to T. Conrad Monts, who engaged in a lengthy and bitter legal battle with city officials over renovations to the John A. Wilson Building.
"If this is who is involved [with Mrs. Cropp], this is not a good thing," Mr. Williams said. "[The Wilson] Building ended up being one of the worst real-estate deals we ever did. Why would we want to go back to the same person? To do so in the dead of night is just wrong." My gut says the Cropp plan will not fly and they will vote on the original plan instead.
Stadium Backers In Line for Reward - The Post
How would George W. Bush put it -- Tony Williams is using a lot of his political capital. In fact, I think getting this ballpark built would use just about all of hizzoner's political capital, making a third term unlikely. I (with my three whole poli-sci classes) think/hope he realizes that fact.
Expos to Release Plans For 2005 Season Tickets - The Post
Good news on the actual baseball front. I know at least two people that are getting season tickets and others who want to get partial plans.
Delay by council surprises some GMs - The Wash. Times
Speaking of skepticism...
Tom Knott - Cropp goes the weasel - The Wash. Times
If there is a hatchet man in the D.C. sports pages it is Knott, though Mike Wise seems eager to take that role on for The Post. He accurately calls out Cropp and makes his typical criticisms of D.C. politics and the political party involved.
A CANDID PATERNO?Paterno press conference transcript: 11/9/04 - Post-Gazette
The whole transcript, sounds like he was in a better mood, he must of gotten knocked on the head or something...
Paterno receives stitches after blow to head - CDT
Wow, on the same day as Myron Cope's head injury. What are the odds?
Paterno standing fast that he will return next season - CDT
I wish I could be excited about him coming back. What about Jay Paterno? If he leaves, I will feel much better. I do not expect Galen Hall to be around though.
More from the Post-Gazette: Paterno won't be intimidated to quit.
Paterno on Morelli: He'll play this week - CDT
I will believe it when I see it.
More from the Post-Gazette: Penn State Notebook, 11/10/04: Robinson's versatility hampers his progress.
Derek Levarse - Hope for Penn State lost after BC game - The Collegian
I lost hope after the Iowa game when the offense got shut out and an incredible defensive effort was completely wasted.
Bob Flounders - A down year...in a down year - Patriot-News
Another column about how much we stink.
Also see: THE PENN STATE HOT LIST - Patriot-News
YOI!Myron Cope released from hospital, to skip one game - Post-Gazette
Good news for Stillers fans. He will skip the next game, against the Brownies though, which just helps support my theory that Pittsburgh will lose. Big Ben will throw 2 INTs too.
MO TROUBLE FOR THE OHIO STATEGeiger denies Clarett's allegations - Buckeye Buzz
Sport's most annoying individual, Maurice Clarett (okay, second most, I forgot about TERR-uhl Owens), is back with accusations of The Ohio State breaking all the rules, which is further proof that the Buckeyes sold their sole to the great deceiver to win that national championship. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 5:21 AM |
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- William World News
Thursday, November 04, 2004
GO JACK GO!D.C. Council Panels Back Stadium Plan - The Post
The ballpark funding has moved out of committees (a bit narrowly, but that is okay) and will be presented to the full council next week. Our hero (and my early favorite for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination), finance committee chairman Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) used some profanity when discussing some amendments with David A. Catania (I-At Large). Jack really wants this legislation to go through. The business community is still concerned about the community fund. Deal with it guys!
More from The Wash. Times: Panels approve ballpark measure
Thom Loverro - Ballclub suffers first loss - The Wash. Times
Harsh criticism of MLB's decision to hire Jim Bowden as Expos/Senators/Grays/Nationals GM.
D.C. dates conflict with O's - The Wash. Times
If Peter Angelo$ had not spent all of the summer time fighting the inevitable, this probably could have been avoided, to some degree. Baltimore gets no sympathy from me.
TWO DAYS UNTIL KICKOFFRobinson doing what he can to help Nittany Lions end skid - CDT
Playing WR is the best thing he can do for the team. Period.
Gordon Brunskill - Losing seasons could affect more than football team very soon - CDT
A look at the financial ramifications of continued losing. These numbers are probably keeping AD Tim Curley up at night.
Letter to the editor - PSU football a poor investment - CDT
A well written letter from a long time fan and season ticket holder; an articulate "Joe must go."
Brown's talk encourages linemen - Patriot-News
The big uglies had a pow-wow with Levi Brown giving the pep talk.
Promising group fails to deliver - Post-Gazette
A look at the 2000 recruiting class.
Ask Heather - CDT
Outgoing beat writer Heather Dinich answers dozens of questions about PSU football. She makes it pretty clear that Jay Paterno needs to leave.
Penn State's graduation rates for athletes top national averages - CDT
There is some good news coming out of Intercollegiate Athletics.
WWN ELECTION WRAP-UPHere is a look at races that William World News has been following during the campaign. This is, as Brenda Mayrack put it, a Beltway blog after all.
In my part of BeltwayLand, Arlington, there were no surprises. The schools bond passed, as did transportation bonds, including one for Metro (81%!). There were similar results over in Fairfax County, my once and probably future home. All the local House reps, Jim Moran (sadly, another yellow dog), and Republicans Frank Wolf ('61 Penn State), and Tom Davis (seen wearing an Expos jersey in September, sorry no photo) all won.
Lungren storms back in House - The Sacramento Bee
In the 1980s when he was first in Congress representing Long Beach, Californian Dan Lungren (R) lived at the bottom of my cul-de-sac. He returns to the House, this time from the Sacramento area following a nearly thirty point win. Congratulations and best of luck to him and thanks for letting us go sledding in your yard all of those years.
Marion Barry Wins District Council Race - The Post
To the surprise of no one, the ultimate yellow-dog Democrat of all time, Marion Barry ( file photo) was elected as Ward-8 council member. He is of course, opposed to a ballpark, but likes baseball, so if/when the ballpark funding goes through, he can have his cake and eat it too. Remember, he has not been caught with illegal drugs ( CNN) in almost three years!
In his Potomac Confidential: Election Special chat yesterday, Marc Fisher answered a question about the Nite Owl: Silver Spring, Md.: Marion Barry is vowing to stop the stadium deal. Can he do it?
Marc Fisher: I don't see how, but he sure can make a lot of noise, if he has the energy to do that. My sense is that Barry ran for office in good part to torment Mayor Williams, and the stadium issue is a gift from the gods toward that purpose.
Barry says he can roll back any deal that the current D.C. council approves. But that would mean pulling out of a signed legal contract. More likely, he will push to win jobs and other concessions for Ward 8--and he might well get that.
U.S. HOUSE: Wide margin surprises Holden - Patriot-NewsU.S. Rep. Tim Holden handed the Paternos yet another defeat in an already disappointing year in a blow out over Republican Scott Paterno. It turns out that to win public office, particularly a House seat, you need more than your father's name. Scott Paterno (R), a contemporary of our good friend Tom Harrison, but political novice, got his clock cleaned in his Congressional bid in the Harrisburg area. It turns out in order to win, you have to campaign, raise money, air TV commercials before the end of October, and of course, not write columns in college that accuse a president of murders and support drug legalization -- among other things. It probably help if dad is doing a little better than 2 - 6 too.
Free advice to the Democrats: When your opponent is able to build part of his appeal on the fact that he downplays (nearly to the point of omission) that he was a New England preppy who was in Skull & Bones, maybe running a candidate who has nearly similar credentials and does not downplay them, might not go over well in the "heartland," particularly when he is aloof as John Kerry. The chances of a Massachusetts politician winning the presidency again is pretty unlikely for a generation or two. Also, being a "war hero" is generally not that strong a selling point to voters; just ask Bob Dole and George McGovern, who did not win, and Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush who got voted out of office. The way the whole party seemed to anoint Kerry the POTUS candidate after a couple of primary victories was counter-productive. This is not something that just they do, but a problem with the front-loaded primary system in general. Also, did you notice that John Edwards upstaged Kerry with his great speech? Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:15 AM |
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- William World News
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
VOTE EARLY, VOTE OFTENIt is Election Day, so make sure you vote. Regardless of what candidate your choose, just going through the motions really annoys the theocratic fascists who seek to ruin our way of life.
WE MAY HAVE A G.M.Expos to Name Bowden as GM - The Post
Former Reds general manager Jim Bowden is probably is not the best they could have done. Distinguished Senators and Capitol Punishment are not really happy about this hiring. Did Pat Gillick even get an interview? Also, the Malek and Collins groups are officially bidding ( The Wash. Times) has more. Sounds like Collins may have an edge, if MLB was encouraging him to bid. The D.C. sports authority also endorsed Malek and Collins as owners. Lots of groups, around twenty in fact, want in on D.C. baseball.
More from The Wash. Times: Bowden will be Expos' new GM .
CONGRATULATIONS JASONThe latest "mayor's bet" was won by my opponent, again. I need to stop doing these, they never work out for me. Anyhow, congratulations to Jason in Zanesville, Ohio and THE Ohio State Buckeyes for once again defeating my beloved Nittany Lions in Columbus and this time you did not even need to "pay off the refs" like last year -- your words, not mine. Your Grilled Stickies (with nuts I presume) will be mailed this weekend, fresh from State College. Next year is payback time.
TUESDAY MORNING QBFinal road game to kick off at noon - CDT
Anybody surprised that this showdown is at noon and on ESPN Plus? Also, P Jeremy Kapinos won Big11Ten special teams player of the week, which I find a slight bit odd considering one of his punts was returned for a TD.
David Jones - PSU benches prospects; OSU fields playmakers - Patriot-News
Dave Jones kind of nails it.
PSU's Guman doubtful for Northwestern - Patriot-News
Andrew Guman is an old-school style player, the kind the helped make Penn State so good. However, since the season is lost, it is not too big a deal because it gives someone younger a chance to learn the position.
Morelli could see time at QB - The Collegian
I would not count on true frosh Anthony Morelli getting much playing time, if any. In fact, I would bet that Paterno says, he is not ready during today's press conference.
CARLIN ON NPRYesterday, Terry Gross interviewed George Carlin on Fresh Air. He has another book out, "When Will Jesus Bring the Porkchops." His first book, "Brain Droppings," was great. The follow up, "Napalm and Silly Putty," was not so good. It was a good interview, though he sounds a little like Ed McMahon, which is odd.
NEW METRO WEB SITEWMATA unveiled a good looking redesign to the Web site last week.
Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:36 AM |
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- William World News
Monday, November 01, 2004
THE WAY IT ISStadium bill: Baseball or bust - The Wash. Times
If the bill passes, the Expos are ours, for at least thirty years or so. If it does not, they may hang around for a season or two.
ANOTHER LOST SEASONOn Saturday, Penn State's quest for a bowl game officially ended with the loss in Columbus to the Buckeyes. I lost yet another bet too. Maybe I have a problem. This is the fourth time in five seasons that PSU will go without a postseason game. This is very discouraging and I am afraid the trend is not likely to reverse until someone else is coaching the team.
Hauntingly familiar - CDT
The game recap.
The future should be now for Penn State - CDT
There is no reason for it not to be, put in Anthony Morelli so he can learn.
Penn State's remaining focus: Pride - CDT
I like to think of it as they are playing for our postgame bourbon. I just want to see them win one of their remaining home games.
Nittany Lions continue to find new ways to lose - CDT
They have not lost in a shootout yet, though I have a feeling that will not happen.
Dan Victor - Dan the Fan defends his PSU loyalty - CDT Blue
No one has asked me to defend it yet. If they did, I would tell them that it is still pretty fun and it is a way for friends to get together. When we win, well it is absolutely wonderful.
Penn State searching for some motivation - Post-Gazette
Some below the belt punches at the Nittany Lions in this article, but how can you fault the author? At least all of the Florida teams lost. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 5:39 AM |
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- William World News
Friday, October 29, 2004
BIG DAY FOR D.C. BASEBALLVocal Crowd Turns Out to Talk Baseball - The Post
Lots of people
There was a big crowd at the District building, including incoming Ward 8 council member Marion Barry ( file photo). Not too many people got to speak, but be certain the "mayor for life" got his two cents in. Overall, it sounds like it was a mixed meeting. The Wash. Times report was less positive: Baseball proposal evokes anger and Tom Knott's column: It's our ballclub and our burden.
D.C. Team to Open at RFK With D'backs - The Post
We already knew about the D-backs for the opener on the anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut (a sign that the team will be called Grays if you believe Ball-Wonk and why not?) and the Giants in September. Anyhow, this is all tentative; they may move some dates so that there are not conflicts with Baltimore.
Tentative Schedule for D.C.'s Baseball Team
Going Batty for Mementos - The Post
A look a some D.C. baseball collectors, including Charlie Brotman, the former p.a. announcer who was the M.C. at the big press conference. My collection: the Senators pennant that has appeared on this site in numerous places and a too small 1960 replica cap, which is presumably still buried somewhere at my folks house.
Tom Loverro - At last, Lucchino can come home - The Wash Times
A plea for Red Sox executive Larry Luccino to come to Washington and build baseball like he did in Baltimore, San Diego, and Boston.
ONLY ONE DAY UNTIL THE BLOODBATHHeather Dinich - The answer to Penn State's offensive woes is on the defense - CDT
Beat writer Heather Dinich thinks defensive players need to move to offense. She has the fullback lighter than the tailback though. I think we need the defense to score more than their pathetic four points last week.
Team's woes a puzzle to Smolko - Patriot-News
Nobody on the team seems to understand that they JUST ARE NOT ANY GOOD. More puzzling to me is how Michael Robinson could miss a wide open Issac Smolko in the end zone last week. I guess it is because they JUST ARE NOT ANY GOOD.
PSU fans shift into negative gear - Post-Gazette
I had not noticed, had you?
Jon Saraceno - Paterno's real tragedy may be not knowing when to go - USA Today
From Tuesday -- PSU alum ('79 Com) Jon Saraceno wonders if it is time for Joe Paterno to hang up the spikes and unroll the trousers. Saraceno came under a lot of fire in the Penn State message board community two years ago for suggesting that Paterno was not living up to his legacy, but he was right on then and is again. The Times also has a take on the situation: Paterno Is Seeking Answers for an Age-Old Problem.
The New Border War: Ohio State vs. Penn State - Bucknuts.com
A good history of the rivalry between PSU and OSU, who first played 92 years ago and 18 times since, from the OSU Rivals site. This is easily my favorite Big11Ten rivalry. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:20 AM |
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- William World News
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
SCHEDULE COMING TO LIGHTFirst Glimpse Into the Expos' Schedule - The Post
By piecing together other NL teams home schedules, some of the D.C. schedule becomes clear. No word on when the schedule will formally be released.
More than 10 groups interested in Expos - The Wash. Times
There are a lot of interested parties and of course, not much will occur after the World Series (which will be over much too soon for my taste). Loudoun baseball proponent Bill Collins is interested as well. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out.
170 Sign Up to Speak At Baseball Hearing - The Post
This is expected to go on forever, with three minutes (or more) for each of the 170 speakers. I would expect it to be largely negative.
Report: Team won't aid economy - The Wash. Times
No surprise here, the CATO institute is against a publicly funded ballpark, though they concede that "baseball brings numerous intangible and emotional benefits." Hey, making the District a more enticing place to live and taking money from the suburbs sounds like something more than intangible to me. Mayor Williams wonders why CATO is paying attention to it with all that is going on in the world.
More blogs: Yesterday's distinguished Senators reported that two new blogs, Ball-Wonk (great name, great logo) and Capitol Punishment are online following D.C. baseball. Both offer lots of commentary, like distinguished Senators. I am still going to be taking the quick hits, news and comment route, with the site updated before you get to work. Ball-Wonk is also convinced that D.C.'s team will be the Grays, which is fine by me. Welcome aboard new bloggers!
PATERNO PRESS CONFERENCEPaterno press conference transcript 10/26/04 - Post-Gazette
During the Viet Nam war, the nightly press conference became known as the Five O'clock Follies. We need a similar term for this weekly exercise. Iowa's defense knew what plays were coming, up to 40% of the time. Oh, and Zack Mills has a concussion (explains a lot about Saturday) and probably will not play, meaning Michael Robinson is the QB. Sounds like Anthony Morelli is not getting in either, Paterno does not think he is ready. Well, gee Joe, I do not think Zack or MRob was ready either, they still got to play.
Mills 'doubtful' for Saturday with concussion - CDT
Play-calling an issue again for Penn State - CDT
Walt Moody - Paterno doesn't disclose answers to Nittany Lions' problems - CDT
Offense's list of concerns grows - Patriot-News
Iowa player: Defense diagnosed PSU's plays - Patriot-News
Nick Horvath, Jr. - Problems too copious for quick fix - Patriot-News
Gene Collier - Predicting Pitt-Penn State winner almost a pointless endeavor - Post-Gazette
Penn State Notebook: Robinson will start at QB - Post-Gazette
Wade Malcolm - Paterno must leave for everyone's sake - The CollegianSO MUCH FOR PSU LAWSpanier: It may be best to cut Dickinson ties - CDT
Another high profile failure for Graham Spanier, along the lines of the Gesigner merger. DSL is about a third tier law school, so I am not sure how much this helps the university as a whole. Ouch.
NYC SUBWAY AT 100A Day in the Subway, as It Rolls Up a Century - The Times
Today is the 100th birthday of the New York City Subway. The Times did a great section in March about the system, which, is the best one I have ever used, and I doubt Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, and San Francisco can ever compare. D.C.'s Metro is the second best I have ever used. NYC and D.C. both are much more user friendly than the other two major systems I have been on, in Boston and Montréal.Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 7:11 AM |
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- William World News
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
WATSON EXPECTED TO BE NAMED G.M.Expos' GM Likely Will Be Watson - The Post
Sounds like former Yankees and Astros GM Bob Watson is the new GM. Also, NIMBY opposition in SW. When does hizzoner get back from the Far East?
Hearing may affect D.C. stadium bill - The Wash. Times
Everybody wants to get "their piece of the pie" when it comes to ballpark funding. I have been saying for a while now that there will be modifications to the deal, but I expect it to go through.
Monumental task for Tavares - MLB.com
Official MLB article from last week on Tony Tavares coming to the District.
MORE PSU POSTMORTEMLions' defense happy about excessive playing time - The Collegian
Had they given up more than six points, I would say they were too happy to be out there. You almost have to wonder if the offense is too eager to make the defense happy by going four and out so much.
PSU Digest | Nittany Lions clash with Northwestern to start at noon - CDT
No surprise that this game is a noon kickoff and on ESPN Plus. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:24 AM |
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- William World News
Monday, October 25, 2004
CATCHING UP WITH D.C. BASEBALLThe Ultimate Closer - The Post
Grzenda Threw Last Pitch for Senators in Game That Ended With Forfeit
If you have ever wondered who threw the last pitch in the history of the Washington Senators, wonder no more; Joe Grzenda is that pitcher and there is a lengthy feature about him by Bill Gildea.
Without a New Owner, Expos Sit in Limbo - The Post
Bids are being accepted until November 1 and then MLB gets down to business. There is talk of a GM being hired in the next week or so. I would expect that MLB will let the new GM splurge on one free agent before the new ownership comes in and it would not surprise me if Boston's SS Orlando Cabrera, a former Expo, is the one.
For Mayor's Assistant, Baseball Is Latest Triumph - The Post
A profile of Mayor Williams right hand man in the MLB negotiations, Stephen M. Green. It turns out they know each from their Yale days. Do you think some cantab could have brought baseball back to D.C.? We will have to make him minister of something during in the Jack Evans empire.
RFK due to retain prime soccer seating - The Wash. Times
STARPLEX (is it still called that?) thinks it can host baseball and soccer in the same season. Sounds like a recipe for trouble.
More from The Post: D.C. Seeking Bids to Fix Up RFK in Time For Baseball
IOWA 6 PENN STATE 4This is not a typo, as most of you already know. It was an unbelievable game, very exciting and competitive. Penn State's offense was just so inept that we looked forward to punts because it meant, a.) they did not turn it over and b.) we would have a chance to score with the defense on the field. This was the game that convinced me that "Joe must go." It is sad. For the good of the program, he needs to step down. This is not working and I hate to say that. Unless he fires his son, I do not see how he can be coach.
Joe: We're so close - Patriot-News
Sadly, I am beginning to think that they are so close because the competition keeps on playing down to their level. Also, I disagree with JoePa that they are "so close." Yes, on the scoreboard, but an offense as pathetic as that is not close to anybody.
PSU REPORT CARD - Patriot-News
Bob Flouders is angry filling out these grades.
David Jones - Hey, it isn't easy to finish with 4 - Patriot-News
He's right of course, on just about every front.
It is not much consolation, but at least Notre Dame and Nebraska lost and Purdue is 0-2 since Beano Cook said they had something special in West Lafyette. Labels: Beano Watch, Nats/Expos 2004, Yale
posted by WFY @ 6:10 PM |
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- William World News
Saturday, October 16, 2004
I GOT ENGAGEDMost of you already know that I proposed to my girlfriend Erica Marker on Oct. 1 and she accepted. It had been a long time coming -- five years to the day since we started dating. We plan on beginning our married life together this summer, in Pennsylvania. Details are still being ironed out, but we have selected church and minister. Erica's sister Monica has been asked to be the maid of honor and my brother Christopher has been asked to be the best man. We will probably build a Web page for the celebration in the next few months.
MR. OCTOBER IN D.C.?Jackson Shows Interest in Team - The Post
Apparently, Reggie Jackson may be putting together a group to bid on Les Expos. Also, Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4), says this is proof that the team is here to stay and D.C. should get a better deal. Okay, I am all for a better deal, but it would not be too hard for MLB to pull the whooping two employees out of town and figure something out other than D.C. I would not expect them to do so, but this is MLB after all and Bud Selig is still in command. Lastly, Expos president Tony Tavares was in RFK yesterday going over what needs to happen for next spring.
Partners' Hearing to Block Expos Sale Set for Dec. 6 - AP via The Post
I would expect that MLB will reach a settlement with the former partners on about Dec. 5, which is apparently two days before the ballpark funding vote.
Watchdog cries foul on ballpark - The Wash. Times
Insisting the government employees solicit letters of support for anything is not the best way to run and city. I can understand why DCWatch wants to learn more.
YOU'VE GOTTA HAVE HEARTSteve Kluger - Washington's Senators: Baseball as it should be - USA Today
A column from last Monday's The Forum about how putting a team back in D.C. will solve all the world's problems. I like the spirit of it, but even I do not subscribe to that theory.
PENN STATE IS OFF TODAYThe Nittany Lions have a much needed Saturday off to regroup and work on salvaging the season. However, things have gotten so bad that guest editor, Fritz Hamme reports that the bye week is favored by a touchdown.
MOORE vs. GALLAGHERMoore, Gallagher ready for political showdown - CDT
Michael Moore, who needs no introduction anymore will speaking at Penn State. Conservative radio talker Mike Gallagher will up there too as a counterpoint to Moore. This is all going on during Homecoming, which is not great timing, but will probably make this a more historic in the end. I will probably opt to go out to dinner instead.
A COMMENT ON QUEENANRemember earlier in the week when I posted a Joe Queenan book review ( The Times)? Well, the title was "A Little Learning Is a Dangerous Thing" which sounds a lot like something Frederick Douglas once said, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing." When Douglas said it, he did so to suggest that education can stir people up and challenge the status quo. Initially, I took at as "incomplete learning" was a dangerous thing and Queenan seems to feel the same way. Seems we are kindred spirits after all. Wait, what's that I hear -- oh it is the sound of Erica's eyes rolling. Labels: Best of WWN, Family and Friends, Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 7:09 AM |
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- William World News
Friday, October 15, 2004
SETTING UP SHOPFor Expos, Next Year Starts Now - The Post
Currently, D.C. baseball has two employees working out of the Washington Hilton. There is much to be done on all fronts and it will probably be very tight. The first ballpark vote could come up on November 9, but I think that is too early given that so many people who work in the District building are in the Far East right now. All in all, the D.C. government is not handling this well at all. I still think the team will ultimately be here, but it will be ugly getting to opening day. Ryan Moore at Distinguished Senators is more optimistic and seemingly carefree about the whole process; a nice counterpoint to my more skeptical view of things I suppose.
More from The Wash. Times: Tavares, council begin talks today
More from The Wash. Times: Letter campaign uses D.C. workers
'Gay Disneyland' is out at home - The Wash. Times
In many, if not most, places, replacing strip clubs and porn shops (straight or gay) with a ballpark would be seen as civic improvement. However, regardless of what is there now the District should come to a fair agreement with all the land owners in SE that would be displaced by the economic engine that is a new ballpark.
BYE WEEK FRIDAYGuman carries on family name - Patriot-News
A profile of starting FS Andrew Guman, son of Mike Guman, who is best known for getting stopped on 4th and goal in the '79 Sugar Bowl. Labels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 6:04 AM |
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- William World News
Thursday, October 14, 2004
PITTSBURGH AT DALLASIt has come to my attention that Maryland Bureau Chief Sam Basile's favorite NFL team, the Stillers, is playing the team I followed as a youth, the Cowboys. While I have, by in large, lost interest in the Cowboys and NFL, I can still get fired up on occasion and bragging rights is certainly a good reason.
However, sometimes bragging rights are not enough, so, I propose a wager to Mr. Basile, but not with money. It is certainly understood that the universal currency of RESPECT and ADMIRATION and/or HUMILIATION* is at stake here and I propose to add more to the humiliation of the loser.
My proposal: the loser shall wear a Cowboys jersey to Poli-Tiki/Pennsylvania Pour House on Capital Hill in the presence of the winner. The photo shall be posted on WWN for all to see. The loser shall also have to consume an entire draft Iron City (not IC Light) beer at said establishment. Also, Sam suggests that should the Stillers win, I sing Myron Cope XMAS songs, since he has to suffer the personal humiliation of wearing a Cowboys jersey, in addition to the public humiliation. There will also be a concession speech by telephone immediately following the game. It works for me.
* Thanks Brenda
CRACKHEAD IS GOING TO FIGHT D.C. BASEBALLBarry to block building pacts - The Wash. Times
Future council member Marion Barry is determined to prevent a D.C. ballpark. Attention, IRS/FBI/DEA -- now would be a good time take a look at Mr. Barry's finances and business associates again. Hopefully, this is all self-promotion and not a serious threat.
COMING HOMEOfficially, Expos Up, Running In District - The Post
Though it is only a hotel room so far, this is great news, Marion Barry notwithstanding. Now, all they have to do is get ownership, a new name, a GM and some staff. When can I buy tickets?
RED ZONE TROUBLERed zone offense a problem for Penn State - CDT
Is anybody surprised that Penn State is the worst in the Big11Ten in the red zone?
For Mills, Sundays are 'pretty bad' - Patriot-News
You know, I was just thinking that for us, Saturdays are pretty bad. Okay, that is not too fair, is it? Maybe? Anyhow, this article reminds us how tough Zack Mills is and how well he played given the beating he took vs. Purdue.
ICERSComing back, together - The Collegian
A season preview for the #2 Penn State ice hockey club team. They actually did not win the title last season for the first time in a long time.
STEAMED HAMSCheeseburgers in paradise - The Collegian
A place on W. College Ave. makes cheeseburgers by steaming them. Sounds odd, but I would give them a try. Labels: Media, Nats/Expos 2004, Pennsylvania, Redskins/NFL, Wagers
posted by WFY @ 5:46 PM |
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- William World News
Friday, October 08, 2004
WE CAN LEARN TO HATE BALTIMOREBut they will always hate us more
Rivalry? - The Wash. Times
The largely one-sided D.C. vs. Baltimore rivalry is examined. I think the fact that Washington really does not care that much makes it that much more intense in Charm City.
Skyboxes May Reach A Limit - The Post
The market for skyboxes may already be saturated. The Expos/Senators/Grays would have three years to get people on board and they probably will do so.
ONLY 1 DAY UNTIL KICKOFFPSU defensive line making big strides - CDT
They sure are...only getting walked all over during the early third quarter.
More from the Patriot-News: Rice's aim: elusive sack of Kyle Orton
Heather Dinich - Paterno enduring difficult year - CDT
It is a long year for Joe Paterno. He really needs a big win. This might be the Saturday. Let's hope so.
Penn State's training regimen not the problem - Post-Gazette
A long article about the much maligned conditioning program.
David Jones - Can Penn State pull off the Big Upset? - Patriot-News
I had to rewrite the headline, but more importantly, I agree with Dave Jones that this is a game that Penn State has a good chance to win. Jones runs down a checklist of why Purdue might overlook Penn State and thinks it will be a dogfight.
Nittany Lions need to get an early lead - The Morning Call
What a novel concept. Let's hope it becomes less novel by the week.
More from The Morning Call: Paterno on uniform names: He hate themLabels: Nats/Expos 2004
posted by WFY @ 2:58 AM |
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William F. & William R. Yurasko
December 20, 2009
Alexandria, Va.
Photo by Erica Yurasko
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