William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Olie videos

2008-05-09T12:02:00.001-04:00

300 wins video

Ha!

Washington Capitals, Caps, Olie Kolzig, NHL

Farewell Olie

2008-05-09T06:12:00.001-04:00

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 Montr�al 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.

Washington Capitals, Caps, Olie Kolzig, NHL

Lannan returns Nats to winning ways; catchers on DL

2008-05-09T05:43:00.000-04:00

Washington 8 HOUSTON 3 (Boxscore) - CBS Sports

Road Trip Ends Up All Right For Nats - The Post
Lannan, subs key victory for Nats - The Wash. Times
Streak ends with a thud - The Houston Chronicle
The Nats ended their two game losing streak last night. American Hero John Lannan gave up one run over six innings, despite yielding six Astros hits. Willie Harris and Rob Mackowiak both hit their first home runs of the season and the 2-5 slots in the batting order went 10 for 19. Minute Maid Park is a goofy diamond, but if it helps get everybody hitting again so be it.

Lo Duca, Estrada to Be Placed on DL - The Post
Flores to start with Lo Duca, Estrada on DL - The Wash. Times
The orgainizatin's top two catchers, Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada, are on the DL. No worries though, the peoples' champions, Jesus Flores and Wil Nieves, get to play. Lo Duca, who broke his hand, may not return until July and Estrada, who is suffering from ulnar neuritis to his right arm, has no timetable to return.

New park hasn't favored hitters or pitchers yet - The Free Lance-Star
Another look at how Nationals Park plays.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Houston Astros, John Lannan

Earworms on Radio Lab

2008-05-08T12:11:00.004-04:00

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.

Stupid video, but a great song.

earworm, RadioLab, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss

Nats fall again in Houston

2008-05-08T06:06:00.001-04:00

HOUSTON 4 Washington 3 (Boxscore) - CBS Sports

Nats' Slip-Ups Lead to A Fall - The Post
Astros hand Nats second tight loss - The Wash. Times
Oh, that magic feeling - The Houston Chronicle
Bad fundamentals and worse pitching led to another one-run loss. Carlos Lee won it with a single off of Lastings Milledge glove in the ninth. Reliever Joel Hanrahan gets tagged with the loss after giving up five walks in 2 1/3 innings, though Jesus Colome was on the mound when Lee won the game.

The good news? Ryan Zimmerman hit two homer, accounting for all three Washington runs.

Also, Paul Lo Duca hurt his hand again. He got into an argument with some Astros fan on his way back to the dugout. Two of them were ejected. The upside of this is more Ice Cream (Wil Nieves)!

For Starters, O'Connor In, Chico Out - The Post
O'Connor replaces Chico in rotation - The Wash. Times
Mike O'Connor and Matt Chico are switching places with the former headed to the rotation after a strong start in AAA and the latter to the bullpen after a terrible start in the majors.

Tow Trucks Hold Winning Edge on Stadium Parking Enforcement - The Post
The District has proven quite adept at towing cars in the Nationals Park vicinity.

Chesapeake Fields' popcorn makes major-league roster - AmericanFarm.com
A profile of the popcorn vendor at Nationals Park. The word "kettle" does not come up once in the article though.

Nationals Book It After Foul Ball Accidentally Smashes Capitol Rotunda - The Onion
The problems never end for this team.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Houston Astros

Capital Punishment DFA'ed

2008-05-07T21:04:00.001-04:00

This morning, Stan Kasten was probably lighting a cigar with a $100 bill. Jim Bowden probably tricked out his Segway a little more and rode it to the leather pants store. Frank Robinson probably slept in. Mike Bascik probably watched a video of him giving up 756 to Barry Bonds. Why are they celebrating? Chris Needham is shutting down Capitol Punishment, one of the longest-running and the best Nats blog. Between this and Barry Svrluga moving to the Redskins beat (hopefully just a formality before getting a columnist position) coverage of the Nats is taking a hit.

While I appreciate Needham's 3.5 years, I can't help but think he's letting all those guys off the hook. At least he is doing it on his own terms and not because he fell off a concourse on Opening Night 2005 like the Nationals Pastime guy.*

*Just a theory, it did happen to someone that night though.

Details on what is keeping the Icers from being D-I

2008-05-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

Money blocking Icers' D-I prospects - The Collegian
A rundown of the issues preventing Penn State from having varsity hockey. Some of this information contradicts what I had heard last year. According to a source with direct knowledge of the hockey program and university fund raising, a lead donor for a new hockey arena had been identified, but the university had put a moratorium on construction projects for a while. This article seems to indicate that situation is not the current problem holding back a promotion to varsity status.

I think that Penn State will eventually get hockey up to D-I and when it does, it will be the most popular winter sport at Penn State most years.

Penn State, Nittany Lions, hockey, icers

Nats chats for May 7

2008-05-07T12:02:00.002-04:00

Live Chat with Mark Zuckerman -- May 7, 2008 - washtimes.com
"Mark Zuckerman will be here at 1 p.m. Wednesday to answer your questions about the Nats. Click the above link to submit your question, or email Mark directly at natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com."

Washington Nationals - washingtonpost.com
"Washington Post writer Barry Svrluga will be online Wednesday, May 7 at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions and comments about the Washington Nationals."

Washington Nationals, Nats, chats

Nats lose lead four times, fall to Astros

2008-05-07T05:26:00.002-04:00

For Nats, Victory Just Out Of Reach - The Post
Bullpen falters against Astros - The Wash. Times
Another snappy comeback - The Houston Chronicle
The Nats had three home runs (Aaron Boone, Nick Johnson and Austin Kearns -- Ryan Zimmerman nearly had one too), but couldn't hold a lead. Houston came from behind four times to beat Washington on a night when the bullpen faltered and starter RHP Shawn Hill only go through 5 1/3 innings. The winning run came on a double past a diving Kearns in the eighth inning.

Relievers Pitch In, but Not Too Much - The Post
Relievers shine in the absence of their closer - The Wash. Times
Prior to last night's loss, the bullpen had been doing well of late, going 6-0 with a 3.96 ERA over the last ten games.

Pitching coach Randy St. Claire does not like to use relievers after they have pitched 40 pitches over a two day period.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - A Painful Trip to Nationals Park - The Post
The accommodations for disabled fans are strongly criticized. The team better reach out to that fan and figure out how to serve her and people in her situation well.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Houston Astros

We had a small earthquake

2008-05-06T15:09:00.004-04:00

1.8 magnitude earthquake rattles D.C. area - WTOP
There was a tremor around 1:30 p.m. (USGS), but I didn't feel it in Tysons.

The earthquake measured 1.8 on the Richter scale and the epicenter was 1 mile west southwest of Annandale (38.828�N, 77.234�W), the U.S. Geological Survey says.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake struck at 1:30 p.m.

In an advisory to federal agencies, FEMA's Operations says that the National Earthquake Information Center is reporting the D.C. area experienced rumblings equivalent to a magnitude 2 to 3 earthquake.

The rumblings rattled parts of Northern Virginia - including Vienna, Falls Church, Annandale and Baileys Crossroads - around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

There were also reports that this may have been due to blasting at Ft. Belvoir (Metroblogging DC), but it seems that is not the case.

I remember feeling the December 9, 2003 (USGS) magnitude 4.5 quake.

earthquake, Virginia, Annandale, 1.8

Nats: Which is more annoying?

2008-05-06T12:55:00.000-04:00

In the last week it has been a cause c�l�bre in the blogosphere and elsewhere to dump on the song "Nuts About the Nats", (courtesy of Eliot In the Morning) created by p.a. announcer emeritus Charlie Brotman. A few blogs, which I won't bother to link to because I'm busy and don't want to reward bad behavior, have really gone off on it. The song, which strikes me as bland and seemingly inoffensive, has been called a train wreck and abortion; some have said they'll boycott Nats games over it. They also a lot of f-bombs flying around to make the point. OMG. You. Guys. Are. So. Baaaaad. Do you wear baseball caps sideways and use only one backpack strap too?

Anyway, I may be a little biased because Brotman is such a good guy. I profiled him back in 2005 and during my interview with him, he told me about a song that he was coming up with over 50 years ago when he was trying to figure what the first AL team's official nickname should be; it had lyrics similar to the ones in "Nuts About the Nats." I also met Brotman at the press conference announcing the Lerner group as the new owners.

As for the song, I kind of want it to stay since I have to listen to "In Da Club," "Twilight Zone," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Livin' On a Prayer," "Bring 'em Out, Bring 'em Out" I figure others should have to deal with something they don't like.

The other annoying thing is the constant articles about attendance. The team averaged over 29,000 for the month of April. That isn't great, but given the miscalculation by the Nats on getting to the ballpark and ticket prices, it isn't bad. It is all going to work out and they will have a solid total overall.

So, which is more annoying to you, the whining about "Nuts About the Nats" or the whining about the attendance?

Music Tuesday: Buddy Holly

2008-05-06T12:02:00.001-04:00

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:

Weezer, Buddy Holly

Off day yesterday, so ballpark and minors stories today

2008-05-06T05:34:00.004-04:00

For hitters, Nationals Park is more fair - The Wash. Times
Long-Range Plans May Carry Into the Summer - The Post
One month into its inaugural season, Nationals Park is playing fair for hitters and pitchers, a drastic change from RFK Stadium. The gaps favor home runs more than down the lines too. In all, it seems to be a slight pitchers park.

Strong-Arm Tactics - The Post
After many years of neglect, the Nationals farm system was in shambles just a couple of years ago. However, that has changed with young arms like Jordan Zimmermann, Cory VanAllen, Zech Zinicola and Collin Balester working their ways up through system. John Lannan has already "graduated" to the big leagues and has become an American hero, last Friday's start nothwithstanding.

THOMAS BOSWELL - Identifying The Core - The Post
Bos says this season is all about identifying the core of the team and if not enough existing players are part of that, ownership needs to start bringing in free agents.

Nationals Park Opens for Community Use, in Different Ways - The Post
High school baseball comes to Nationals Park tonight with Montgomery County schools Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Whitman playing each other. There is some controversy about the two schools being required to sell 250 Nationals tickets each for using the facility, especially since the D.C. high school championship will place no requirements on participating schools. This is not sitting well with some and I'm sure a few people will call the Lerner's cheap.

Eagles eyed for concert at new Nationals Park - The Wash. Times
So, the first concert, one of 18 non-Nationals uses of the ballpark (like the D.C. high school championship) appears to be the Eagles. The Dude would not abide, nor would Mojo Nixon or well, me.

A three game series in Houston starts tonight at 8:05 p.m.

New Nats reporter for Post announced

2008-05-05T12:29:00.003-04:00

Prepare to welcome a new beat writer - Nationals Journal, washingtonpost.com
Chico Harlan, previously the Penn State football reporter for the Post-Gazette, will be succeeding Barry Svrluga on The Post's Nats beat. Those are very big shoes to fill. Hopefully, Svrluga's departure from the beat means he is on the fast-track to columnist status.

Harlan was pretty good on the Penn State beat and I think he actually broke the "Graham Spainer/Tim Curley trying to convince Joe Paterno to retire in 2004" story. He also just spent a year in Australia.

Barry Svrluga, Chico Harlan, Washington Post, Washington Nationals, Nats

Flyers vs. Pens: Hockey blogger looking for correspondent

2008-05-05T12:07:00.006-04:00

A noted hockey blogger I know may be looking for a correspondent to collect video, photos and observations of the Happy Valley scene during the Flyers vs. Pengyunz series. Apparently, it was quite something the last time these two teams met in the playoffs; I had already graduated, so I missed it. Actually, I may not have missed it. I do remember what the town was like when the Eagles and Steelers met in the regular season a few years ago though and that was pretty intense. Drop me a line (e-mail link below) if you are interested.

As for the series, I won't be watching it, but I hope that Pittsburgh loses.

NHL, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Penn State, State College, yo, yinz

MSM vs. blogs

2008-05-05T12:04:00.001-04:00

Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a lot of discussion about blogs and the mainstream media. I figured I would add my perspective as someone who knows both worlds.

Blah blah blah, Christmas Ape. Blah blah blah badmouthing employer. Blah blah blah duh. Blah blah blah overreaction by employer. Blah blah blah Buzz Bissenger. Blah blah blah paranoia. Blah blah blah vitriol. Blah blah blah Deadspin. Blah blah blah Will Leitch. Blah blah blah Mark Cuban.

In conclusion, blah.

A volleyball sweep: Penn State men win nat'l title too

2008-05-05T06:19:00.000-04:00

Men's volleyball team wins national title - The Collegian
Nittany Lions bring home national title - CDT
Penn State volleyball has now swept the national championships! The men's team beat Pepperdine to win their second national title. Penn State is the only eastern team to ever win a title and they have now done it twice.

The women's team also won the title this academic year.

PREVIOUSLY: Lady Spikers win national title

Penn State, Nittany Lions, men's volleyball, national championship

Nats take 3 of 4 from Bucs, complete 8-3 homestand

2008-05-05T05:54:00.001-04:00

SUNDAY: WASHINGTON 5 Pittsburgh 2

Nats Are Looking Spiffier After Homestand - The Post
Redding leads way for Nats - The Wash. Times
Wins change Nats' mindset - The Free Lance-Star
Snell, Pirates left in cold after 5-2 loss - Post-Gazette
Bucs endure another loss to Nationals - Tribune-Review
Tim Redding only gave up a run over 6 1/3 innings and Aaron Boone homered as Washington beat Pittsburgh 5-2. The Nats took 3 of 4 from the Pirates and went 8-3 on their longest homestand of the year. They are now 14-18 after a 5-15 start. I am now one win away from winning my annual wager with the Maryland Bureau Chief on the Nats vs. Bucs series.

Zimmerman Gets a Day Off, Ending Streak - The Post
Zimmerman gets well-earned rest - The Free Lance-Star
Slumping 3B Ryan Zimmerman had his first day off in 206 games.

A surprise from the start - The Wash. Times
Right now, the starting rotation is exceeding its low expectations. Redding has been solid, Shawn Hill isn't bad, Odalis Perez has a 3.18 ERA and John Lannan had a 21 inning scoreless streak.

SATURDAY: WASHINGTON 9 Pittsburgh 8

Guzm�n Reemerges in '08 - The Post
Guzman drives Nats to victory over Pirates - The Wash. Times
Guzman's six RBIs bail out Chico, Nats - The Free Lance-Star
LaRoche, Pirates come up short, 9-8 - Post-Gazette
Pirates lose slugfest with Nationals - Tribune-Review
With both teams wearing Homestead Grays uniforms, the Nationals held on to win 9-8. The Pirates came back to within one in the eighth, but Jon Rauch got the save. Cristian Guzm�n had six RBI. Matt Chico did not pitch well but says he found a silver lining in the game. I remain skeptical.

FRIDAY: Pittsburgh 11 WASHINGTON 4

With a Big Rally, Pirates End Lannan's Nice Run - The Post
Lannan, Nationals roughed up by Pirates - The Wash. Times
Lannan brought back down - The Free Lance-Star
Bautista's bombs boost Pirates, 11-4 - Post-Gazette
Pirates end Nationals' four-game winning streak - Tribune-Review
After 21 scoreless innings, American Hero John Lannan proved mortal and gave up six runs in the third.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Pittsburgh Pirates, Homestead Grays

Lights go out, Nats lose

2008-05-03T07:56:00.002-04:00

The Nats lost 11-4 to Pittsburgh last night. That is all I have time for this morning, it is Derby Day after all.

PennDOT eyes 99 completion by end of year

2008-05-02T12:22:00.000-04:00

Highway on schedule to open at year's end - CDT
The debacle that is the i-99 construction may finally be over be New Year's.

On the way to Blue White we drove up the new section between Bald Eagle and Skytop. It was functional, but the Port Matilda interchange had very steep ramps.

i-99, Port Matilda, PennDOT, Skytop, Pennsylvania.

Same headline for the first time in a long time

2008-05-02T12:21:00.002-04:00

Don't mess with Uma.

New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Uma Thurman

Nats beat Bucs, 3-2; Young gets massage

2008-05-02T06:12:00.005-04:00

WASHINGTON 3 Pittsburgh 2 Boxscore (CBS Sports)

Nats Keep Moving In Right Direction - The Post
Kearns delivers clutch hit - The Wash. Times
Kearns starts May off right - The Free Lance-Star
Grabow finally gives up run in Pirates' 3-2 loss - Post-Gazette
Nationals edge Bucs, 3-2 - Tribune-Review
RF Austin Kearns drove in ~~two runs, including~~ the game-winner in the eighth, as the Nats defeated Pittsburgh 3-2. Odalis Perez continued a stretch of strong starting pitching for Washington, giving up only two solo home runs over 7 innings. He did not earn a decision though, another trend of late. Perez has yet to earn a victory despite a 3.18 ERA. Ice Cream (okay, Will Nieves) drove in the other two runs.

Zach Dukes of the Pirates matched Perez with two runs over seven innings. John Grabow, who had not given up an earned run over his first 15 appearances took the loss, while Luis Ayala earned his first victory of the season.

The win also puts me up 1 in my annual series wager with the Maryland Bureau Chief. Yay.

After Massage, Young Is as Good as New - The Post
Young returns to batting cage after massage - The Wash. Times
Hold the Mayo; Young improving - The Free Lance-Star
It was a bobblehead night miracle! Team massage therapist Tatiana Tchamouroff gave Dmitri Young instant relief from back pain with a massage. Perhaps Young will not need the Mayo Clinic's help after all.

The best MSM headline of the day goes to the Free-Lance Star. Capital Punishment's was pretty good too, but it is *gasp* a...blog.

THOM LOVERRO - Not such a tall order - The Wash. Times
Loverro thinks Jon Rauch will be fine as the closer.

THOMAS BOSWELL - Very Much Sold On New Home - The Post
A month in, Bos reviews the ballpark and is pleased overall.

By the way, Bos is chatting at 3 p.m. today.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Pittsburgh Pirates, Austin Kearns

The Silver Line's long road ahead

2008-05-02T06:12:00.001-04:00

Dulles Rail Still Has Miles to Go, Hurdles to Clear - The Post
A lot still needs to happen for the Silver Line to get built and there are a few ways and a number of people who will try to stop it.

Metro, WMATA, Silver Line,Mass Transit, subway, Tyson's Corner, FTA, MWAA, Dulles Airport

D.C. gets bowl game

2008-05-01T13:00:00.002-04:00

NCAA Approves Bowl for Washington - The Post
Yesterday, the NCAA approved the Congressional Bowl, a new game to be played in Washington. The 2008 edition will be December 20 at either Nationals Park or RFK Stadium. Navy has signed on, provided they win the necessary six games, for this year and Army for 2009. The ACC would send the other team.

Hopefully, the game will be in RFK Stadium; wouldn't it be great to see Midshipmen or Cadets making the stands rock?

Congressional Bowl, college football, D.C.

Lazarus Metro line roundup

2008-05-01T12:47:00.000-04:00

EDITORIAL - Dulles Rail's Revival - The Post

Its resurrection is a triumph of common sense over dogma and suggests that, contrary to the general impression of the state of governance in Washington, rational outcomes remain possible when grown-ups put their heads together. More specifically, it is a testament to the wisdom and perseverance of officials at Metro, which would operate the 23-mile extension; the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which would manage its construction; Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.), who spearheaded the lobbying with Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to reverse what had seemed like the feds' unequivocal rejection; and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D).

Let us hope this cooperation continues on what may be a bumpy ride on the way to making this Metro line happen.

Metro Extension Plan Revived, But Officials Include Conditions - The Post
Dulles rail project gets federal reprieve - The Wash. Times
Rail decision thrusts Tysons development back to forefront - The Wash. Examiner
The details on how this came together and some information about what still needs to happen for it to keep going. The biggest sticking point will be addressing the current Metro system woes and find the funding to fix them. It is not over yet, not by a long shot and may in fact just be getting started.

After Months of Lobbying, Business Leaders Can Celebrate - The Post
The revival of the Silver Line is a cause for celebration in business circles.

Metro, WMATA, Silver Line,Mass Transit, subway, Tyson's Corner, FTA, MWAA, Dulles Airport