Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Farewell Olie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Farewell Olie
Olie Kolzig at work, January 6, 2004
A Net Loss For Washington - The Post Yetserday, over lunch beat writer Tarik El-Bashir learned that Olaf "Olie the Goalie" Kolzig will not be returning to the Capitals. Kolzig, who has been part of the organization since 1989 has decided to move on, either to a contending team or retirement, the latter of which strikes me as more likely. While it would have served the Capitals well for Kolzig to tell them directly, this decision is hardly surprising, so I won't get on his case too much about how he announced it.
The acquisition of Cristobal Huet from Montréal made Kolzig coming back increasingly unlikely. Kolzig kept quiet to the media since the Huet trade, but was seen removing his nameplate following the Caps elimination last month. On Wednesday, On Frozen Blog reported that Kolzig's Potomac, Md. home was on the market, so this announcement seemed inevitable
Kolzig is easily the most storied goaltender, if not player, in Capitals lore. For one thing, he is the only Cap to wear every sweater the team has worn. His 1998 Stanley Cup Finals run, 2000 Veinza Trophy and 300 wins were the big highlights on the ice and Kolzig was the face of the Caps and a champion in the community. It is unfortunate that he just didn't have it this year as the Caps began their climb back to the contention, but that is the way it goes sometimes. Hopefully, in a few years #37 heads to the rafters and everyone will put how his Washington career ended behind him.
Earworms on Radio Lab - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Earworms on Radio Lab
The latest edition of Radio Lab, a public radio program from WNYC featured locally on WAMU at 6 p.m. on Saturday, focused on pop music. Of particular interest is the segment about earworms -- songs that get stuck in your head. I have not listened to it yet, but look forward to when I get a little downtime.
My current earworm is "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. I love the rhythm guitar.
Music Tuesday: Buddy Holly - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Music Tuesday: Buddy Holly
Can you believe this song came out 14 years ago?
This song just reminds me of summertime, driving around with windows down. Weezer has done nerd-rock as well as anyone ever did. Now, find me my copy of Windows95 so I can install this on my hard-drive.
If you were hoping for the real Buddy Holly, here he is:
Fait accompli? Hardly - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Fait accompli? Hardly
The Caps big win last night kept the series alive and brought it back to Washington. They seem to have the momentum on their side, not too mention younger legs and playing at home, but I can't even think for a second this one is in the bag. The Flyers now have their backs against the wall and you know, they want vengeance. For something.
Anyway, as great as last night's victory was and as many times I have heard the Dale Hunter 1988 comparisons, the Caps haven't won anything yet. They seems to realize this:
D.C. Sports Bog Capitals video - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
D.C. Sports Bog Capitals video
Also, Mike Green and Cristobal Huet were interviewed during the Nats game last night. Green isn't exactly Mr. Excitement off the ice and Huet is from a country with no baseball presence; perhaps different guys should go next time.
There are few stories in particular that I'll comment on when they published:
Local Reporting, Breaking News Virginia Tech Shootings -- washingtonpost.com was behind everybody on the story for the better part of the morning, something I documented. I suppose the lesson is being first to break the news is not as important as covering it very thoroughly.
Feature Writing Pearls before Breakfast -- Gene Weingarten finds fascinating characters and stories and makes them come to life with his writing. While this wasn't my favorite Weingarten article, I commented at the time that he had "done it again." Of course, he jokes he had "nothing to do with it" but that he "would gladly accept the award." ALSO: His first post-Pulitzerchat.
Spring practice update - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Spring practice update
Last week, Black Shoe Diaries wondered why Joe Paterno hadn't gotten on his bully pulpit yet to talk about his contract situation. On Saturday, Paterno addressed the media and proclaimed "If I've got to have a contract to keep my job here, I'm in the wrong place," he said." There is some video from his press conference.
Joe Paterno on working from home
So, this will probably get ugly before it gets worse.
In other news, RB Stephfon Green is drawing rave (Black Shoe Diaries) reviews (Run Up the Score!)and not in the "this is Anthony Morelli/Matt Seneca/Rashard Casey's team" sort of way. This is great, between him, Evan Royster and a pretty good offense line, the pressure on the quarterback and defense should be less.
Washington Capitals, Caps, Olie Kolzig, NHL
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