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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.

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Penn State vs. Wisconsin: Badger perspective - William World News

Friday, October 10, 2008

Penn State vs. Wisconsin: Badger perspective

Since 2005, Masdison, Wisc. native dl004d has been providing a preview of his beloved Badgers for WWN prior to playing my beloved Nittany Lions. He was kind enough to provide this preview::
We started the season strong. Our win at then-Top 25 Fresno State was seen as a big sign that the team was ready to compete for a top-notch bowl game. Losing at Michigan after blowing a 19-0 lead hurt. We followed that up, as you all know, by blowing a 4th-quarter lead at home against Ohio State last week. Losing two in a row, duh, disappointed people and it's hard to say if the crowd will be as energized this week.

Also, there remains a good chance that the marching band will remain suspended, meaning the stadium is left to pump in noise, which really isn't the same.


Editor's note: The band has been reinstated. I can only imagine that Guido D'Elia is trying to figure out how the Blue Band can get suspended

STRENGTHS

Running backs: Most Wisconsin fans hope freshman John Clay, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, finally can stop being the "change of pace" back and become the featured runner in this offense.

Tight ends: Travis Beckam and also Garrett Graham have been our favorite targets. Beckam is a likely 1st-round NFL draft pick. Both have been hurt and missed significant time, though.

Offensive line: Left tackle Dave Carimi was hurt against Ohio State. I don't know if he's playing this week, but it would be a blow to the Badgers if he's out.

Punter/kicker: It hasn't mattered yet this year, but we've got a good kicking game.

WEAKNESSES

Quarterback. Senior Alan Evridge is a first-year senior who has struggled to find success. He angers me by taking a three-step drop, leaving him too close to opposing lines (which close in on him wayyyy too quickly) and leaving him not enough time to ever throw to a deep receiver. As a result, he throws crossing patterns to the TEs and quick outs to the WRs and that's it. But in his defense, drops by his WRs have made him look even worse than he really is.

Wide receivers: Nothing special in this year's crop of WRs. Way too many drops. I'm not pleased with this facet of the game.

Return game: Blech. Wisconsin seemingly never started drives outside its own 20 last week.

Notice that I didn't mention the defense. I don't know what to say about them. But for the first and last drives of the game against Ohio State, they kept the Buckeyes in check. But on those two drives -- especially the last one, which was the game-winner -- OSU went right down the field and scored... meaning it's hard to know how much confidence to have in this defense.

Prediction
Penn State 26
Wisconsin 17
Since 2006, we've been having a "mayor's bet" (the absolute best form of gambling) on the game as well -- I put a box of Grilled Stickies on the the line while he offers up some Wisconsin cheese. So far, we've split the series. Oh and there is the universal currency of respect/humiliation at stake.

This is the last hurrah for a while as Wisconsin rotates off the schedule until 2011, so the winner has three years of gloating ahead of him. Why can't we just play Indiana or Purdue less frequently and keep Wisconsin on as often as Michigan? Another "why?" is why didn't we find a way to see Penn State in Madison in 2006 when
a friend of ours was living there. She moved back to Delaware and just passed the bar. Congratulations Tortcaesar.

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posted by WFY @ 12:15 PM | |

With all due respect to your Badger friend, I think having Wisconsin rotate OFF the schedule is a good thing. I mean, they usually beat us pretty good (along with Michigan) so a break every once in a while is a good thing. Besides, why would you less of the easy victories that Purdue and Indiana bring?

As far as my prediction, I think the final score will 21-20. I am really not sure who is going to win--I just can't imagine Wisconsin coming out flat for this one. I suspect you will see a strong Badger effort from the start. My heart says Penn State wins, but my brain says Wisconsin.

# posted by Anonymous The Conflicted Maryland Bureau Chief : Friday, October 10, 2008 12:33:00 PM  

Every Big Televen team has 2 designated "rivals" that never rotate off the schedule. Every other team rotates off for 2 years over a ten year period.


The 10 year cycle didn't start until 1996 because of contracts teams had to fulfil when PSU joined, so Wisconsin's rotated off one more time extra time so far, but Michigan and Wisconsin both rotate off with the same frequency going forward.

# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Friday, October 10, 2008 1:24:00 PM  

Meant 8 year period.

Also, our designated "rivals" are OSU & MSU

# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Friday, October 10, 2008 1:26:00 PM  

Thanks for clearing up the Michigan scheduling, I wondered why we had played them more than our other non-protected Big11Ten Opponents,

# posted by Blogger WFY : Friday, October 10, 2008 6:38:00 PM  

thanks for the shout-out. UDel's homecoming is the 18th, so I'm afraid I can't make it down (I think we had tentative plans?)... in three years, then?

# posted by Anonymous tc : Saturday, October 11, 2008 12:30:00 AM   Post a Comment

Nats lose 100th, I lose bet - William World News
Saturday, September 27, 2008

Nats lose 100th, I lose bet


Last night's 8-4 loss in Philadelphia set extended a new record for futility for the Naitonals and brought Washington its first 100-loss season in about 40 years. It also clinched, for the second season in a row, the Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge for my opponent -- Cliff. Congratulations to him. When are you going to come and redeem your half-smoke, Cliff?

Nationals Get Lost In All the Excitement - The Post
Nats secure history with 100th loss - The Wash. Times

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posted by WFY @ 6:37 AM | |

Nats come back, win me bourbon - William World News
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Nats come back, win me bourbon

Victory is mine! The Nats comeback from a 4-1 deficit clinched the season series with the Pirates. The Nats did it the hard/fun way too -- coming back with five home runs! Ronnie Belliard hit two of them while Dmitri Young, Jesus Flores and Lastings Milledge each hit one. Milledge's was a two-run shot in the ninth that won the game for Washington.

The Nats clinched the best-of-seven season series with Pittsburgh with tonight's victory. The Maryland Bureau Chief, a Pittsburgh-area native now owes me a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Years Old. Last year, he won a bottle of Gentleman Jack. Hopefully, next year, we'll be able to do a food bet -- Half-Smoke vs. Primanti sammich.

ESPN Boxscore

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posted by WFY @ 10:05 PM | |

Oh, it's on - William World News
Monday, March 31, 2008

Oh, it's on

Don't let the lack of logo (I'm nearly finished) fool you, the 3rd Annual Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge is on! Cliff and I are continuing our annual "mayors bet" on the Nationals vs. Phillies series this season. Since his Fleas won last year, the foodstuff he is defending gets top billing.

Right now, the series is tied 1-1. My 2006 victory was acquired in dramatic late-night fashion. It was a tasty cheesesteak.

We are trying to come up with a tie-breaker. Something like total runs or overall record will not do either.

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posted by WFY @ 12:56 PM | |

Phillies fandom finally pays off for Cliff - William World News
Thursday, January 03, 2008

Phillies fandom finally pays off for Cliff

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Everybody knows that it isn't easy being a Phillies fan, especially my friend Cliff who is loyal to that team. The Phillies have more losses than any other franchise, over 10,000 in fact. They only won it all once, back in 1980. The feat was so rare that someone I knew said it was the happiest day of her life. She was 10 at the time, so draw your own conclusions about what has happened to her since.

Cliff probably doesn't remember that '80 victory too well, given how young he was at the time. What I'm trying to say is being a Phillies fan rarely pays off; just ask Joe Queenan. This year it finally did off for Cliff. Not only did his team win the division, he won our annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge which is determined by head-to-head records between the two clubs. Last year, I won a cheesesteak.

Cliff was in town last week, so I finally got to make good on our bet. This was his first trip to Ben's, so I wondered how he would enjoy a chili half smoke.
Cliff tastes victory

It turns out I didn't need to wonder much, he even bought himself another. We had cheese fries too.

Next year, a cheesesteak will be won again, I assure you.

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posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

Cheesy victory - William World News
Monday, October 22, 2007

Cheesy victory

Cheesy victory 1

Not that Penn State football needs anything else to make it interesting, but the occasional friendly wager sure is fun. Recently, for the second year in a row, dl004d and I bet foodstuffs on the outcome of the game. Last year he won a box of grilled stickies, but this year I got my revenge and was rewarded mild cheddar cheese shaped like the state of Wisconsin.

Thank you dl004d and Grand Mariner (his wife, who actually bought the cheese in Wisconsin and brought it back), we enjoyed it during the first half of Penn State's victory over Indiana.

Cheesy victory 2

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posted by WFY @ 12:32 PM | |

Just back from Jersey - William World News
Sunday, October 14, 2007

Just back from Jersey

A whirlwind 34.5 hours trip to the Garden State has just ended. We did an awful lot while we were up there, but only saw a few minutes of the Penn State victory during the second half. Hopefully, we successfully programmed the VCR so that we can watch the blowout that we missed.

I can't wait to collect my cheese!

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posted by WFY @ 9:43 PM | |

Congratulations Cliff; now come get your half-smoke - William World News
Sunday, September 23, 2007

Congratulations Cliff; now come get your half-smoke

Philadelpia 4 WASHINGTON 1 (10 innings) (CBS Sports Boxscore)

Last night, Cliff's Phillies beat my Nationals for the tenth time to clinch the season series. He avenges last year's defeat and wins a half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl for his victory.

Phillies Make Manager Sweat Out Win Over Nats - The Post

Nats waste chances in defeat - The Wash. Times

Not a good day for my teams yesterday.

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posted by WFY @ 7:04 AM | |

Why I'll be gone, what I'll miss when I'm away - William World News
Friday, August 10, 2007

Why I'll be gone, what I'll miss when I'm away

I know that I have been alluding to an impending absence for a while now. It may appear that I am just going down the Shore, but the truth is that this will be a working vacation. I've recently signed with a major publisher to write a series of books. You'll be able to find them in the self-help isle of your local bookseller. I can't disclose the publisher yet, but I can release the of my series which is called You are all Stupid, You are all Wrong:

Why Do You Make Me Hit You?
This is Why I Can't Have Nice Things
I Didn't Ask to be Born
This Will Hurt You More Than It Hurts Me
Daddy Drinks Because You Cry


I've got a lot of work ahead of me, but I can't wait for the book tour!

There are two things I wish I was around for next week:

Nats vs. Fleas - a crucial series in the 2nd Annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge. Philadelphia leads the season series 5-3, but the Nats can pull ahead with a sweep. I may be able to catch it on TV though.


Leskathon! - ?????? Late-night FREE MONEY guru Matthew Lesko will be answering questions on Capitol Hill for 72 consecutive hours, August 14-16. How many different ?????? suits do you think he'll go through?

h/t CityDesk - CityPaper

In my absence, the Pentagon City bureau chief will be filling in. Have a great week!

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posted by WFY @ 12:46 PM | |

The question-mark dude frightens me, though the scarier thing was seeing one of his ads on TV and recognizing one of my classmates from GW. So THAT's how she paid for college!

# posted by Blogger DCSportsChick : Friday, August 10, 2007 2:18:00 PM  

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Bergmann hurt: Nats fall to Fleas 4-3 - William World News
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Bergmann hurt: Nats fall to Fleas 4-3

PHILADELPHIA 4 Washington 3 (CBS Sportsline Boxscore)

Jason Bergmann is the latest starting pitcher to get hurt...again. He hurt his hamstring running the basses in the second inning and had to leave in the third after pitching 2 1/3 innings. Nationals Journal has the sequence of events here.

Bergmann had given up two runs in his brief outing. Billy Traber, who is scheduled to start one of Saturday's doubleheader games against the Mets, pitched three innings, giving up one run. Luis Ayala faltered in hte eighth and allowed a Aaron Rowland home run that won the game. Prior to that, Chris Schroeder had let Rowland advance to third on a wild pitch in the sixth. Pat Burrell sacrificed Rowland home.

Brian Schneider drove in all three Nats runs in the third with a bases clearing double.

Kyle Kendrick got the win for Philly.

Another Pitcher Hurt, And Nats Feel the Pain - The Post

Bergmann injured as Nats fall to Phillies - The Wash. Times

Manager Manny Acta is preparing for the post-Dimitri Young era (The Wash. Times). Young is willing to talk about a contract extension (nationals.com) too, but I wouldn't get too excited about that happening.

In pitching, pitching, pitching news, Shawn Hill threw batting practice in Potomac on Monday and is on track to return to the rotation on August 9...Ross Detwiler threw three innings of shutout baseball for the GCL Nats yesterday. He is among several pitchers who are showing promise (The Post) in the minors...either RHP Joel Hanrahan or LHP John Lannan or both will likely be called up to pitch on Saturday.

Acta expected more from Ryan Church (The Post) this year. Who didn't?

Cliff is now up 4-2 in the 2nd Annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge.

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posted by WFY @ 6:05 AM | |

La Coupe Hauxer wrap-up - William World News
Monday, July 02, 2007

La Coupe Hauxer wrap-up



We had our annual La Coupe Hauxer ceremony at the Vienna Inn yesterday. Read about it here.

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posted by WFY @ 12:49 PM | |

Hill pitches 8+, Nats win - William World News
Friday, April 27, 2007

Hill pitches 8+, Nats win

Shawn Hill pitched really well yesterday (The Post):
...where Hill became the first Nationals pitcher to complete eight innings, where he allowed three singles and Aaron Rowand's solo homer, where he faced 29 men and went to a 2-0 count on only three of them. The Nationals beamed about Hill's performance in beating a more highly touted prospect, Phillies lefty Cole Hamels.
but he was stilll made he started the ninth with a walk to Shane Victorino. Chad Cordero came in and allowed Victorino to score, but still got the save. He want back to pitching his way (The Wash. Times) with greater success that he had been haivng.Bang! Zoom! A curly W is in the book.

More from The Wash. Times: Hill gives Nationals long-awaited victory


Kearns Shows Promise After Power Outage - The Post
RF Austin Kearns has a good average, but no pop in his bat. That may be changing...3B Ryan Zimmerman loves the extreme shift that puts him near shortstop...Manny Acta says Brian Schneider isn't a platoon guy, but Capitol Punishment says "maybe he should be." The catcher stinks at the plate right now.

Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge
Philadelphia 3-2
Washington 2-3

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posted by WFY @ 5:17 AM | |

Another loss in Philly - William World News
Thursday, April 26, 2007

Another loss in Philly

PHILADELPHIA 9 Washington 3 (ESPN Boxscore)

Just to be different, John Patterson pitched better than he had been, but poor fielding by Felipe Lopez and LF Robert Fick (Fick in left field -- why?!) doomed him. For the night, Patterson gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings. Ouch.

Patterson Doomed By Nats' Defense - The Post

Struggles continue for Patterson, Nats - The Wash. Times

JIM BOWDEN - Nats wear hearts on hats - The Wash. Examiner
Bowden talks about the team's decision to wear Virginia Tech caps last week.
For Lopez, Patience Is a Virtue - The Post
Lopez has improved his OBP by 22 points.

In left field, job remains wide open - The Wash. Times
Fick hopes to play left field more often. I hope not. Won't Ryan Church move over there when Nook Logan returns from the DL?
Last night's victory put the Fleas up 3-1 in the Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge. I am not getting too concerned yet because if there is one thing Philly teams know how to do is choke.

Today's game is at 3:05 p.m.

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posted by WFY @ 5:31 AM | |

Nats blow lead, game - William World News
Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Nats blow lead, game

PHILADELPHIA 6 Washington 3 (ESPN Boxscore)

The Nats blew a 3-1 sixth inning lead and solid Jason Bergmann pitching to lose to the Fleas. The bullpen had to falter at some point. Bergmann will get a win, someday. Micah Bowie (0-1) gets tagged with the loss while Antonio Alfonseca (1-0) gets the win.

Nationals' Bullpen Lets One Slip Away - The Post

Bullpen blows win for Nats - The Wash. Times

Could the return of Ray King (The Post) on Friday mean an eight man bullpen for that Nats? It is crazy idea, but it just might work. Actually, it probably wouldn't work, but then again, given the amount of work the bullpen gets, it really might work. Am I clear about being unclear?

"New stadiums, in and of themselves, are not a panacea"

The Wash. Times compares the Indians and Pirates and what moving to a new ballpark meant to each franchise. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum.

Ryan Zimmerman and his slow start get more ink today, this time in The Free Lance-Star.

Although it is early in the year, Cliff gets a big win to claim the lead in the 2nd Annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge. The Nats have to win the next two to pull back ahead in the challenge.

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posted by WFY @ 5:34 AM | |

Nats head to Philly - William World News
Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Nats head to Philly

After a travel day, the Nats take on the Phillies tonight at Citizens Bank Park to resume the 2nd Annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge.

Each year I have a "mayor's bet" with my friend Cliff (aka The Ombudsman*) on the Nats vs. Fleas series. I put up a half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl and he puts up a cheesesteak from Jim's Steaks. Our representatives are working on the final details, such as tiebreakers (the teams have an even number of games this season) and to determine if a concession speech shall be made privately or publicly.

So far, the challenge is deadlocked with the teams splitting their first two meetings.

Today's headlines:

Slow Start Doesn't Concern Big Man - The Post
3B Ryan Zimmerman is not terribly concerned about his poor start. He has been improving of late as well.
For stoic Cordero, a case of lost control - The Wash. Times
Chad Cordero is having trouble closing games this year, having more blown saves than saves. He tendency to go off speed with his first pitch may be part of the problem, since he has typically gone with his fastball.
Injured Logan, Guzman May Return Soon - The Post
Cristian Guzman and Nook Logan are going to be playing in extended spring training games any day now. Logan is expected to take back the centerfield job when he returns, but with Ronnie Belliard and Felipe Lopez entrenched in the middle infield spots, Guzman may be on the outside looking in.

Speigner settles in with Nationals - Thomasville (Georgia) Times-Enterprise
Levale Speigner gets some ink in his hometown paper.

*For matters relating to the Nats vs. Phillies, Cliff will not perform his Ombudsman duties.

Logo by Destin Frasier

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posted by WFY @ 7:01 AM | |

Old man pushes Nats around for 8 innings - William World News
Friday, April 20, 2007

Old man pushes Nats around for 8 innings

Philadelphia 4 WASHINGTON 2 (ESPN Boxscore)

The 2nd Annual Half-smoke Cheesesteak Challenge is tied. The Fleas tagged "ace" John Patterson for three runs in four innings before manager Manny Acta had enough. On the radio, Charlie Slowes and Dave Shea noted that Patterson was not using his lower body well in his pitches and that Patterson pitches poorly when it is "cold." Perhaps Acta could have used the Sunday postponement to juggle the rotation a little to ensure Patterson pitched in Florida tonight instead, but I can understand some reluctance on his part. That Philly only got three runs off of Paterson is more a reflection on their ability to strand runners than Paterson's pitching.

Eighty year old Jamie Moyer shut the Nats down through eight innings. In the ninth, he finally faltered giving up doubles to 3B Ryan Zimmerman and 1B Dimitri Young. Tom Gordon appeared in relief and loaded the bases with no outs. PH Robert Fick sacrificed Young home, but that would do it for the Nats scoring. The game ended with LF Chris Snelling watching strike three go right past him. At least it was an exciting loss.

It's Still Slow Going For Nats' Patterson - The Post

Patterson still isn't up to speed - The Wash. Times

More stories

NATIONALS NOTEBOOK: Church Gets Credit for His Work in Center - The Post
Ryan Church is playing well in centrfield despite his antipathy for RFK.
Record aside, Bergmann shows quality - The Wash. Times
Jason Bergmann may not have any wins, but he has half the staff's quality starts. Also, Jesus Colome learned he doesn't have to throw 100 MPH to get the job done out of the bullpen.
Freddie Mac, Washington Nationals team up to encourage area adoption - The Wash. Examiner

THOMAS BOSWELL - Mind Over Matter - The Post
Happy Bos is back! He lucks the attitude of the Nats right now and doesn't think they'll be historically bad.

The Business of Baseball - Forbes
The Nats are worth $447 million, making them the 10th most valuable franchise in baseball. That puts them at 4th in the NL East though, $10 million back of the Phillies, but with the new ballpark coming, that may change. Also noted:

1.) Yankees - $1.2 billion
2.) Mets - $736 million
14.) Balmer - $395 million
30.) Marlins - $244 million

By the way, didn't the Nats sell for $450 million? I wouldn't put too much in this though, since there are factual errors like "Lerner owns the Capitals."

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posted by WFY @ 5:57 AM | |

Mark Lerner is a minority parter in Lincoln Holdings.
http://www.washingtoncaps.com/team/lerner.asp

# posted by Blogger Caps Nut : Friday, April 20, 2007 10:22:00 AM  

Caps Nut: I know, that's why I was annoyed to read "Lerner is the head of a Washington-based real estate empire and also owns the Washington Capitals of the NHL and minority shares of the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Verizon Center, home to both the Capitals and Wizards."

That makes it sound like he is the majority owner of the Capitals since it specifically says he a minority owner of the Wizards and Verizon Center.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Friday, April 20, 2007 10:55:00 AM  

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Nats finally beat Phillies in 13 - William World News
Thursday, April 19, 2007

Nats finally beat Phillies in 13

WASHINGTON 5 Philadelphia 4 (13 innings) (ESPN Boxscore)

It took 13 innings and 15 pitchers (8 Nats, 7 Fleas) but the Nats earned the first win of the 2nd Annual Halfsmoke-Cheesesteak Challenge. 1 down, 17 to go.

Things were looking good for the Nats headed into the 7th inning. A 2nd inning Brian Schneider home run put three on the board and a Dimitri Young drove in Felipe Lopez in the third. Jason Bergmann was cruising along, having given up only a run through six. However, he stayed in at least one batter too long in the 7th, getting only an one out and putting to runners on. Saul Rivera would allow them to score, but the Nats still had a one run lead heading into the ninth -- enter Chad Cordero. The closer couldn't get the deal done, allowing a tying run before finishing the inning.

It seemed like Nats left about eight runners on in the 7th through 10th innings. In the 13th Lopez sacrificed Chris Snelling to finally win the game 4 hours and 16 minutes after it started or about 11 hours until batting practice today.

Nationals Go 13 Innings, Win on Lopez's Fly Ball - The Post

Nats get save for Cordero this time - The Wash. Times

Other observations

Get well wishes go out to Joe Riley of Nationals Power. Thanks for the tickets, sir.

A Ryan Howard foul ball came into our area, about three seats away from Fritz. A guy in an Iggles hat sitting in front of Fritz got it off the floor.

The Phillies are the worst team in baseball.

Look for Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to be fired by dinnertime tonight.

Phillies fans were pretty quiet until the ninth inning.

Note to the girl in the pink top and unbuttoned low-riders -- I haven't seen that much crack since I partied with Mayor-for-Life. You would make a plumber jealous.

More articles

Phils fall to 3-10 after 13-inning loss - The Inky

Acta upset at Williams' comments - The Post
Jerome Williams said he has no confidence in his pitching which Manny Acta hopes was said in the heat of the moment.

Bowie Is Fine With Pitching When Needed - The Post
PAGING DR ANDREWS, DR. JAMES ANDREWS: Michah Bowie has pitched in 2/3's of the Nationals games this year.

The anatomy of a National League lineup - The Wash. Examiner
Jim Bowden is dictating again.

A Slow Start at Columbus - The Post
OFF BROADWAY: Larry Broadway, thought to be a contender for the first base job with Nick Johnson out, is hitting .167 in Columbus. The AAA franchise is terrible right now.

JOHN MARKON - Last in the first: Nationals make slow starts standard - Times-Dispatch
A Richmond columnist notes that the Nationals lose when they give up first inning runs and are generally slow starters.

Nationals' Acta manages his way to longtime goal - The Sun
The Manny Acta Story gets some Balmer press.

KEVIN ZDANCEWICZ - For fans away from home, still no Nats - The Cavalier Daily
A Wahoo is mad that he can't watch his team.

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posted by WFY @ 6:15 AM | |

Thanks Nats! - William World News
Friday, September 29, 2006

Thanks Nats!

Last night's win clinched the season series with the Phillies for Washington, 10-9. In doing so, the Nationals won my "mayor's bet" with the Ombudsman. In addition to the universial currency of bragging rights (and a concession speech!), I also get to enjoy a trip to Jim's Steaks for a celebratory cheesesteak (with whiz and raw onions).

It is nice ot actually win one of these things for a change. Good luck this weekend Ombudsman, we need your Phightin's to save us from two California teams in the NL playoffs.

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posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM | |

Another bet - William World News
Saturday, December 17, 2005

Another bet

Call it a hunch, but Erica is not quite ready to say something like this:
The only monster here is the gambling monster that has enslaved you! I call him Gamblor, and it's time to snatch you from his neon claws!
Anyway, my latest sports bet is on the Cowboys vs. Redskins game tomorrow. I am with my favorite childhood team, Dallas, while Dave is going with Washington, whom he did not care for as a child but started following after college. Having three roommates who live and die with the Skins will do that to you, I suppose.

Anyhow, the terms of the wager are pretty standard; a round of drinks and telephone concession speech. Look for something here tomorrow afternoon.

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posted by WFY @ 11:51 AM | |

Could it be the white pants?

I'm gleefully surprised. I was expecting one of the teams to completely lay down, but thought it would be the other team.

# posted by Anonymous Mike Nelms : Sunday, December 18, 2005 11:25:00 PM  

It must be the white pants, I even mentioned in the post I wrote last night, but posted this a.m. (I waited for the Post article to become available).

# posted by Blogger WFY : Monday, December 19, 2005 5:56:00 AM  

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- William World News
Tuesday, November 22, 2005

LA COUPE HAUXER!

Some fellow Penn State alums and I have a bet (and blog) based on head to head NHL competition between our favorite teams. Now that PSU football is over, we can start disagreeing with each other again, and hockey provides the perfect sport for that since pretty much all have our own teams. The La Coupe Hauxer manifesto:
A battle for hockey bragging rights through head to head competition between each of our favorite teams - Devils (Brad), Flyers (Wiley), Penguins (Sam/Jake), and Capitals (Fritz/William). The winner(s) gets the historic La Coupe Hauxer and the universal currency of respect/admiration. The loser(s) gets the Stanley Screwdriver, the universal currency of humiliation and has to buy everyone dinner at the Vienna Inn. Game on!
So, there you have it. It's time to get the trash talk going full speed.

I think the name we came up with is uniquely elegant for such a undertaking as it celebrates the bilingual nature of hockey's native land.

LA COUPE HAUXER

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posted by WFY @ 6:15 PM | |

Well, 5-4 Pens at the Igloo tonight. Should have been 5-0, but I'll take it. So, that takes us up to 3-4 on the challenge. We're not out of it yet, but better than it was before.

-Muha

# posted by Blogger Spooky : Tuesday, November 22, 2005 10:00:00 PM  

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- William World News
Sunday, March 06, 2005

BARHOPPING & PAYING OFF A BET


WHY IS THIS MAN NOT SMILING? Because he had to drink a Rolling Rock to pay off a bet, a harsh sentence if there ever was one.

After months of trying, I finally got to pay of a bet I made with Maryland Bureau Chief Sam Basile on the 2004 Cowboys vs. Stillers game at Poli-Tiki. It was the first part of a day of barhopping that also included Guest Editor Fritz Hamme and found us at Buffalo Billards near Dupont Circle and at the Vienna Inn in my hometown.

The basic parameters of the bet was the loser of the Cowboys-Steelers game had to go to the Pennsylvania Ave. Pour Hose part of Poli-Tiki and have an Iron City while wearing a Cowboys jersey. The spirit of the bet took a big hit when we later discovered that the Pour House, which had long been a Pittsburgh themed bar decided to be a "Blue Collar Northeast" sports bar. They also no longer server Iron City, which is doublely disappointing. I had to settle for a Rolling Rock, which is from Western Pennsylvania. It should be noted that among us the guy from southern suburbs of Pittsburgh had a Yuengling, which is from Eastern Pennsylvania.

Anyway, we bailed after one round. I liked it a lot better when it was a Pittsburgh bar. I am in no hurry to go back, not so much because it is a bad bar, but because they ended what made it unique.

Next, we Metro'ed over to Dupont Circle and Buffalo Billards for some pool. It was my first trip there in about two years, so my game was pretty bad. I did win once though, but only because my opponent's 8-ball went in. I'll take any victory I can because it had been years or possibly never that I had won. That is what happens when you never play.

Following some pool, we rode the Orange Line to the end in Vienna. My brother picked us up and we hit an old haunt, the Vienna Inn. It was the first time there this year. Shockingly, I did not even see one high school classmate, which I thought was impossible given previous visits. I am not saying that I mind though...

All in all, an excellent and long overdue day. For the four people interested, here are more photos (pops up in a new window).

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posted by WFY @ 7:04 AM | |

- William World News
Monday, October 18, 2004

CONGRATULATIONS SAM

Well, things did not go as I had hoped and was beginning to expect through three quarters. Pittsburgh defeated Dallas (Post-Gazette) on a last-minute TD. Being a Penn State fan, I should know better than to ever bet on Vinny Testaverde, but the upside (Sam wearing a Cowboys jersey in a Pittsburgh bar) of the bet was so high that I ignored common sense. So, I will be the one wearing the Cowboys jersey at the bar. I will also be singing Myron Cope XMAS songs. I am 0 - 2 on blog bets, perhaps I should stop before I get further behind.

PENN STATE AT THE HALFWAY POINT

Nittany Lions at same dismal spot as last season - CDT
Sure, we are still 2 - 4, but a much better 2 - 4 than last year. It is hardly a consolation in the end. Hopefully, we will be 3 - 4 at this time next week. The season is not lost--yet.
Ron Bracken - Fans have no qualms expressing frustration - CDT

Midseason PSU report - Patriot-News
Bob Flounders take on the Lions at the halfway point.
More from the Post-Gazette: Winning habits elusive and Penn State Mid-terms
Ronnie Christ - Lions' problems lack obvious solutions - Patriot-News
Retired scribe Ronnie Christ wonders aloud what is going on with the Nittany Lions.

SITE UPDATES/ADDITIONS

I added/updated a few more pages on my site. No, it is not just this blog, I am just slowly fleshing out the non-daily content. First off, I have updated my profile. Secondly, I added my ballparks page. There is a lot more to come, I just have to get to it and then come up with a sensible navigation.

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posted by WFY @ 5:52 PM | |

- William World News
Thursday, October 14, 2004

PITTSBURGH AT DALLAS

It 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. BASEBALL

Barry 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 HOME

Officially, 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 TROUBLE

Red 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.

ICERS

Coming 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 HAMS

Cheeseburgers in paradise - The Collegian
A place on W. College Ave. makes cheeseburgers by steaming them. Sounds odd, but I would give them a try.

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posted by WFY @ 5:46 PM | |

- William World News
Sunday, September 26, 2004

PAYING OFF MY BET


On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Plunge right through that line!
Run the ball clear down the field,
(originally "Run the ball clear 'round Chicago")
A touchdown sure this time.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Fight on for her fame
Fight! Fellows! - fight, fight, fight!
We'll win this game.

On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Stand up, Badgers, sing!
"Forward" is our driving spirit,
Loyal voices ring.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Raise her glowing flame
Stand, Fellows, let us now
Salute her name!

What a tough, well fought football game (more later). My congratulations go out to Brenda on the big win. Good luck in the rest of the Big11Ten schedule.

SUNDAY D.C. BASEBALL

Anacostia Waterfront At Juncture - The Post
Twin Sports Stadiums May Produce Rebirth
More on the economic potential of a SE ballpark and Anacostia soccer stadium.
Landowners Feel Stadium Squeeze - The Post
Twenty Acres Earmarked for Baseball Isn't the District's -- Yet
The District needs to negociate with the landowners in good faith and give them a fair deal. It would be unfortunate if they have to use eminent domain to get the ballpark built.
Here's the Pitch, but No One's at Bat - The Post
With Kids, the Expos Face A Long Slide Into Home
Article suggests that D.C. kids are not baseball fans. So? I doubt many Baltimore/San Diego/Bronx kids are fans either, it does not stop the teams from being successful. Some of them will become baseball fans now that they can see a team live.
The Turf War for Md. Fans - The Post
In Orioles Country, Residents Would Welcome D.C. Team
Does anyone (other than Peter Angelo$) really think that lifelong O's fans are suddenly going to forget about that and abandon them for a D.C. team, even if they live in Montgomery County?
More from The Sun: With prospect of D.C. team, what city do you call home?
Q&A - The Post
A few questions with Jeff Zients, president and chief executive of Washington Baseball Club, the group that has been trying to bring NL ball to D.C. for five years.
George Solomon - Baseball in D.C.? Say It Is So - The Post
George Solomon's sons got tired of his Sunday columns. They are changing their tune now.
A few hundred Expos fans hold rally in Montreal in bid to keep baseball team - Canadian Press via The Montreal Gazette
It appears to be too little too late for Montreal baseball. While I am excited that the Expos may finally be coming here, I feel for the Montreal fans who really got shafted by MLB over the last decade. Perhaps, they can someday get a ballpark plan put together that will allow them to re-enter the league.
Baseball pursuit ending in a hurry - The Wash. Times
A breakdown of why D.C. appears to have won the Expos bid. If we get the team and you agree with this article, you may have to thank the voters of Ward 8 for choosing "mayor for life" Marion Barry.
Schmuck - With Angelos standing in way, eminent domain might not be imminent - The Sun
A Baltimore columnist, who will no longer get the courtesy of a first name, suggests that Angelo$ may side with SE property owners and battle any eminent domain, perhaps pro bono representation. Hopefully, such childish and self-centered move would earn him censure from MLB as it would certainly earn the scorn of the rest of America.
Help 'All Things Considered' Name the DC Baseball Team - NPR
NPR wants you to call in and pick a name for a D.C. baseball team. In the end, do not be surprised if Senators does not make it, I expect it to be the Grays. I can live with that, though Senators would almost certainly have better uniforms.

A TOUGH LOSS

Erica and I had a few friends over last night to watch the Penn State at Wisconsin game. As you saw earlier in this post, we lost and I conceded defeat to my friend in Madison. It is hard to win when the top two QBs do not make it through the first quarter and one of them is taken by ambulance to a hospital unconscious. Even with that, the team played hard and did not give up. They should be proud be of their effort and hold their heads high. Next week's game at Minnesota will be a challenge, but I believe they can rally and still win, regardless of QB. There is other troubling news, Joe Paterno's son-in-law is hospitalized with a head injury, so it is a tough week for the Penn State family.
Badgers batter Nittany Lions in conference opener - CDT
Like I said, a tough game. It is hard to defend against a wild-card like FB Matt Bernstein (Wisc. State Journal via CDT) who came in during the 2nd half and hurdled his 270 lb body all over the field.
More from the Patriot-News: Penn State loses two QBs, Big Ten opener to Badgers
More from the Post-Gazette: Penn State battered, badgered in 16-3 loss
More from the The Morning Call: Badgers knock Penn State out
Badger defenders take pleasure in knocking out QBs - Wisc. State Journal via CDT
No comment.
Ganter steps into tough spot - CDT
QB Chris Ganter had a nearly impossible task last night. I will not criticize his performance, a real baptism by fire, but next week, whoever is under center needs to be ready. I would expect Anthony Morelli to get some snaps and if he is healthy enough, Zack Mills in addition to Ganter.
Paterno's son-in-law seriously injured in bicycle accident - CDT
Very scary news for the Paterno family. Hopefully, everything will work out. If it does not, this may be the end Paterno's coaching career.
David Jones - UW's front four ravages Lions - Patriot-News
I take issue with calling the game a "nightmare," when Paterno's son-in-law has a serious head injury in Altoona. Perhaps this was filed before that was known.
Wisconsin defense one to savor - Patriot-News
It is a shame we cannot see how they stack up against a full squad for sixty minutes, but they made it a moot point, which says a lot about their defense in and of itself.

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posted by WFY @ 9:09 AM | |

copywrite
 William F. & William R. Yurasko
 December 20, 2009
 Alexandria, Va.
 Photo by Erica Yurasko

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