Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Michael Moore Hates America
Last week I admitted on this blog that I am not a fan of Michael Moore, which I guess is kind of like saying that I am not a Yankees fan.
Apparently I am not the only one.
It did come as a bit of a surprise to me that Moore's movie Farenheit 9/11 came in first at the box office last week. But given the hype of the film, generated by both the left and the right--I guess it is not that surprising. I am not planning on seeing the film, mainly because the idea of putting money in the man's pocket makes me cringe.
However, it's not unlike me to change my mind at a moments notice--I am interested in the subject matter, which is more than I can say for White Chicks. It wouldn't surprise me if I cave at some point and see the film.
At least then I can fairly criticize it. As I said, I have trouble being fair with Michael Moore.
But a young director, who apparently knows as much about self promotion as Moore, is also making a biased film, this one called Michael Moore Hates America. I liked the trailers for it, but then again, I tend to be biased towards the right and against Michael Moore in general.
Mike Wilson, the director, looks to get an interview with Michael Moore, while exposing the good in America, which the director claims--Moore hates.
Anyway, draw your own conclusions. Here are the trailers, featuring Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller.
Note: I am certainly not above making errors. For the first half hour I had this posted, Penn's name was spelled wrong.
Instant Karma is gonna get ya.

Vitamin Z's Top five shows on TV

1. PTI
2. Dennis Miller
3. Biography
4. City Confidential
5.Perfect Crimes

God Bless TV.

Song Quote of the day
You just call out my name
and you know wherever I am
I'll come runnin
To be by your side
You got a friend--Carol King

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Second verse, same as the first
We need a reliever, NOW. Jimenez is awful, as is much of the bullpen. It's time for some changes,

Song quote of the day
Just like a dream
you are not what you seem
just like a prayer
no choice your voice can take me there--Madonna

Minds of Mesa
I mentioned this to a few people earlier this week, and now PD columnist Bud Shaw is talking about it. I really don't think the Indians bullpen can get much worse, so why not?

News from up north
Given the reporting on Canada's election before yesterday, I was fairly interested to see which side came out on top. (I am not entirely sure, having read the articles, if either side could claim a complete victory)
Still, I was interested last night to see if the Conservatives could win control in Canadian parliment for the first time in 11 years.
Unfortunatley, my constant checking of American sites (Fox, CNN, etc.) provided no insight on the Canadian elections.
There was however, a VERY important article on the Olson twins and eating disorders.
I had to go onto cbc.ca to get the results.
I thought this to be a pretty big story, but apparently many in my country didn't agree.
Here's the story.
The thing is, how Canada (a member of NATO) and their elections turn out IS a big deal, and will have a ripple effect on Canadian-American relations.
But I guess it's not as important as ANOTHER story about the Olsen twins.

Monday, June 28, 2004

Vitamin Z's top 5 Bruce Springsteen songs
1. Born in the USA
2. The Rising
3. Hungry Heart
4. Glory Days
5. Atlantic City

Note: I LOVE the Boss. Bruce Springsteen's show at the Gund in August of 2002 remains one of my favorite memories. My friend Justin called me with tickets (free tickets) and we were gone. It was an awesome show, despite the fact that a clostrophobia issue caused us to move back a from our fourth row standing place. My fault.
Here we are, almost two years later, and I still think of it with a smile and a period of disbelief.

Vince McMahon goes insane
Speaking of things I don't write about much, the WWE has gone pretty far down on my interest list in recent months. I didn't order the pay per view last evening, and generally have decided to focus my free time on baseball, music, and so on.
Four years ago, I never missed a show, and two years ago I rarely did.
But now Bradshaw (John Layfield) is WWE champion. How is this possible?
Those of you not into wrestling may have heard about Mr. Layfield's actions in Germany, where he did a Nazi salute and goose steps to get booed by German fans.
And he was shocked when people found this offensive. His punishment? The world title.
Goodbye wrestling.

Iraq's New sovereignty
So they did the handover of power today. Good for them. I can't see how this can be anything but positive. Hopefully, it will show Iraqis that they are the ones that will make this work ultimately. I am still hopeful that Iraq can be a lynch pin of sorts.
The thing is, I don't write about Iraq much, because I struggle with the ideas of war. Today I got up and drove to work and did my job, which required a few phone calls and putting my fingers to the keys. That was it. I didn't put my life at risk to save a country that is miles and miles away. I believe the soldiers to be fighting a worthy and justified cause.
But it's easy for me to write from Kenton OH.
You know what I mean?

Song Quote of the day
I try and I try
but I haven't yet,
you walk by
and I fall to pieces-- Patsy Cline

Sunday, June 27, 2004

Song quote of the day
I know you could never look me in the eye
Stop dragging my
stop dragging my
stop dragging my heart around--Stevie Knicks

Saturday, June 26, 2004

Song quote of the day
Yesterday is over my shoulder
so I can't look back for too long
there's just too much to see
waiting in front of me
and I know that I just can't go wrong--Jimmy Buffet

Vitamin Z's top 10 sports movies
1. Major League
2. Bull Durham
3. Caddy Shack
4. Rudy
5. Hoosiers
6. Remember the Titans
7. Eight Men Out
8. The Natural
9. Field of Dreams
10. Cool Runnings


Note: I just realized that every movie here was completed during my lifetime. I'm sure there were good sports movies before 1980, but I don't think I have really seen any that would qualify as a favorite.

Friday, June 25, 2004

New 210 West Column
My latest effort on 210 west can be found here. The column deals with the O.J Simpson trial, and the fact that it was such a big story a decade ago, while not meaning a whole lot now.

Song quote of the day
It's getting to the point
where I'm no fun anymore
I am sorry
don't let the past
remind us of what we are not now-CSNY

Thursday, June 24, 2004

Other News
-At an assignment today, Reading Rainbow was on the TV. What was weird is that the episode being viewed was on dinosaurs, and I remembered watching one when I was in kindergarten. Then I realized that the students were watching the SAME episode I watched, some 17 years ago.
Lavarr Burton might be a rich man. Those residuals must be why we haven't seen him in anything since Donald Regan was secretary of defense.
Well, ok, there may be other reasons.

-Reds won, Indians lost. You know, for all the talk about the Mariners getting the best of the Junior deal, I think all the players they received from Cincinnati are no longer with the team. And the players the Reds absolutely would not give up (Dennys Reyes, Pokey Reese) are no longer with the Reds.
Life is weird.

In the name of ...
I don't know of too much worse (at least in social situations) than being introduced as "Cletus" at a photo assignment. But I now have the pleasure of finding out.

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Depp as Willy Wonka?
Apparently Johnny Depp will star as Willy Wonka in a remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Depp is a brilliant performer, but I always think of Gene Wilder when I think of Willy Wonka.

Vitamin Z Song quote index
Van Morrison- 8
James Taylor- 5
Bob Dylan- 4
Beatles- 4
Warren Zevon- 3
Elton John- 3
B.W Stephenson- 3
John Denver- 3
Tom Petty- 3
Neil Young-3
The Band- 2
Bruce Springsteen- 2
Jimmy Buffett- 1
John Lennon- 1
Dave Mason- 1
Carly Simon- 1
John Fogerty- 1
Clint Black- 1
Jim Croce- 1
Randy Newman- 1
Willie Nelson- 1
CSNY- 1
Harry Chapin- 1
Louie Prima- 1
Rick Nelson- 1
Toto- 1
ELO- 1
John Prine- 1
Rolling Stones- 1
Dave Matthews- 1
Arlo Guthrie- 1
Sammy Haggar- 1
The Clash- 1
Gordon Lightfoot- 1
Bee Gees- 1
Doobie Bros.- 1.
Total: 67 song quotes. Van Morrison rules all. The thing is, I got plenty more on the way.

Tampa Bay strangeness
-How in the world has Tampa Bay won 12 in a row? Lou Pinella is a heck of a manager, there's no question about that, but is he THAT good? I think the answer is yes. Talent-wise, the Reds of 1990 probably would have come in second, but under Pinella's fiery leadership, they won the whole thing.
I'm not saying the Devil Rays will be a playoff team this season, but I can't think of a better manager for the team as they mature than Lou Pinella. He's the manager Eric Wedge wants to be.
-Speaking of my beloved tribe, they came back from an 8-0 deficit to take a 9-8 lead last night, then went onto lose. I was excited for a moment yesterday, when reading that Dick Jacobs was interested in buying back the Indians. I just can't be overly optimistic as long as the team is owned by the Dolans.

Tuesday, June 22, 2004

For the record
Jose Jimenez is awful.

Winging it
I have to agree with Matt Sussman, Wings was a very underrated television show. It was in many ways a sitcom made in the likes of Cheers, but it was a show that made you laugh without trying to shock or offend you, and that's missing from today's television.
Thomas Haden Church may be kicking himself these days though. He gave up the classic "Lowell" character to pursue Ned and Stacey. And while Debra Messing found stardom after the show in Will and Grace, Church is probably doing voiceovers for some ale we have never heard of.
I still think Tony Shaloub's Antonio was the best character in the series. To this day, I still amuse friends with an impression of the character.

Top five Wings episodes
1. First season- Brian is convinced that Faye is a serial killer, to the amusement of Joe and Helen, who terrorize him through the episode.

2. Fourth season- The group all attend a wedding. Roy ends up being seated at the kids table, Joe is annoyed by an old business associate, and Antonio falls for another guest, but keeps spilling things on himself.

3. Sixth season- The Christmas episode sees everyone trying to escape a Xmas eve party, which somehow turns into an episode of mystery theater.

4. Sixth season- Kasey (a needless character played by Amy Yasbeck) sets up a sister city for Nantucket, but the banquet gets turned into a disaster. Best part of the episode is a jealous Joe throwing a jello-like drink on another guest, or at least trying to

5. Fourth season- Brian finally wins the affection of Alex (played by an underrated Farah Forke)by taking her to Maine. But the best part of the episode is the cold opening, when Joe, Brian, Antonio and Lowell are all in Joe's office. Joe is strumming a guitar, Brian is reading a magazine, Lowell is scrubbing the wall, and Antonio is drinking coffee. The stars allign, and it turns into a jam session of "New York Minute."

Song quote of the day
Shower the people you love with love
show them the way that you feel
things are gonna be just fine
if you only will--James Taylor

Monday, June 21, 2004

Song quote of the day
You, telling me the things you're going to do for me,
I ain't blind and I don't like what I think I see
Takin' it to the street--Doobie Brothers

Moore Criticism
Now, a confession.
I don't like Michael Moore. It's for his politics, in part, but more so for his presentation. He comes accross as more likely to shout down his opponents than listen to them in a format for discussion.
He will never get a fair shake from me because I just don't like the guy. I'm sorry.
I am biased, and unable to be fair when discussing him.
In short, I am unfair to him.
So I have tried to avoid the discussion of his film, because, I don't plan on seeing it.
That said, I am also opposed to right wing groups trying to ban the film. We need to let all opinions be heard, and banning the film would go against everything I believe as an American. I don't like Moore, but he has the right to be heard.
All that said, you should read this article, about the problems with Moore's film.

Sunday, June 20, 2004

Understanding Nader
If I were a democrat (OK, bare with me for a moment), I'd be pretty upset with Ralph Nader. Had Nader not run in 2000, Al Gore would likely be president today.
But Nader, who is so far to the left he probably falls off the political platform, seems to be out for ... something. He is running for president again in 2004, and if successful, (as in, gets on the ballots and any percentage of the votes) he will take votes away from John Kerry. Most signs seem to indicate that this race will be close, so Kerry needs every vote he can get.
Now, most of my friends on the left have told me they are "Yellow dog" democrats, meaning, they would vote for a yellow dog if it was a democrat running against Bush.
But Nader sees things differently. He is strongly anti-Bush, but seems to have no qualms taking votes away from John Kerry.
Why would he do this?
Not that I care that much. I am a fairly conservative person who sees John Kerry as too liberal. He will not get my vote in November, and Nader has no bearing on that.
But Nader seems to be content to burn bridges with potential allies again. and I'm not sure why.
I remember watching a 1971 episode of the Mike Douglas show co-hosted by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. One of their guests was Ralph Nader. Nader was talking, and Lennon said to him, "You should run for president."
I wonder if Ralph remembers that. I bet he does.

Fathers Day
Happy Fathers day to my dad, who has always been there for me, no matter what.
He taught me how to read a box score, how to drive, and how to hit a golf ball in the air.
He also helped me with my music, listening to the first song I ever wrote, and put up with a year of bad guitar playing before I finally got the hang of it.
He also kept me focused in school, and along with my mom, attended every choir concert, every school play and every softball game.
He also put up with that pointless and expensive pro wrestling interest of mine, once getting me WCW cards for Christmas.
There is no way I would be where I am today without him.
Thanks Dad.
Happy Fathers Day.

Griffey hits 500
Ken Griffey has just hit home run number 500 in his career, a LONG home run to right field, putting the Reds of 6-0 over the Cardinals.
Congratulations to Junior.

Song quote of the day
Get up Jake
it's late in the morning
the rain is pouring
we got work to do
Get up Jake
no need for lying
You tell me that your dying but I know it's not true--The Band

The Foreman
In an attempt to help me save money, an perhaps eat healthier, my parents got me a George Foreman (TM) grille.
Now I can pretend to have my own cooking shows!!! BAM!

-Indians and Reds are winning, which pleases me greatly. GO TREDS!

Friday, June 18, 2004

Song quote of the day
Look out for my love
look out for my love
You own it
you own it now--Neil Young

Song quote of the day
Maybe tomorrow, where in the world will I be
Tomorrow, how far am I able to see
Now I've found that the world is round
and of course it rains every day--The Bee Gees

Song quote of the day
Maybe tomorrow, where in the world will I be
Tomorrow, how far am I able to see
Now I've found that the world is round
and of course it rains every day--The Bee Gees

Vitamin Z's top 10 baseball announcers
1. Ernie Harwell
2. Vin Scully
3, Jack Buck
4. Al Michaels
5. Herb Score
6. Marty Brenneman
7. Curt Gowdy
8. Jon Miller
9. Joe Buck
10. Andy Barch

Recent Statistics
A check of some of the statistics on my website hits have indicated that some two percent of my readers are Canadian.
Now, as far as I can figure, I have no friends in Canada, and no relatives that live there.
I guess I can connect with our friendly neighbors up north?
Anyway, thanks for reading, not just to the Canadians, but the British and the natives of the Netherlands, who have also hit my site.
Vitamin Z, bringing the world together ...

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Albert and Dolan
Generally, I don't look for news about the world at IMDB.com. In fact, I am a little confused as to why this story is on the site.
But one passage in particular caught my attention. The Knicks are ditching Marv Albert as play-by-play voice, and the reasoning should pique the interest of certain cynical Indians--yes, Indians--fans.
following Albert's refusal to agree to take a more positive stance towards the team, published reports said today (Thursday). The New York Times quoted two industry executives as saying that Albert particularly angered Cablevision President James Dolan, whose company owns Madison Square Garden and the Knicks. "Jim felt all broadcasters had to be cheerleaders and sell tickets," one of the executives told the Times. Albert himself told the newspaper that his dealings with Dolan sometimes made him feel as if he were working for the "theater of the absurd" instead of the MSG Network.
Now, why should this interest Indians fans?
Well, you may have noticed how positive Indians announcers have been this season. And who owns the tribe? Larry Dolan, who if I'm not mistaken is James' brother.
The only Indians' announcer--television or radio, who has been willing to take the team to task is part-time tribe coach Rick Manning, who is, not by coincidence, the best announcer the Indians have.
I used to love radio voice Tom Hamilton, until Herb Score retired and Tom started to become a little overbearing. He praises the Indians and management and players, yet is not shy when voicing displeasure towards other team's cities and players.
He made a remark in April about former Indian Juan Gonzalez that was fairly uncalled for.
Mike Hegan is pretty good, and I really believe he's the best of the radio trio. He has a good delivery, and despite being a former player, does not ever use the phrase, "back when I played ..."
John Sanders is not my favorite announcer in the world, and Matt Underwood--well if you can't say something nice about someone ...
Anyway, just my take.

Song quote of the day
We may lose and we may win,
but we will never be here again,
so open up I'm climbing in,
Take it easy--Eagles

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

The Josh Vortex
Today I was referred to at an event as "Josh." Two days earlier, my co-worker Dan introduced me as "Josh" to someone.
Why is this strange?
Because for most of my life, I have been referred to as Josh by people.
What I mean is, if I get called the wrong name, it is ALWAYS Josh.
Mrs. Oakley, my fourth grade teacher at Pine Elementary, referred to me as Josh more than she did by my given name.
Has this ever happened to anyone else? Have you ever been called by another name because you look like another name?
And I mean CLEAN names, not sarcastic ones that are inappropriate. I have been called enough inappropriate names to understand the joke. It's funny, I know.
OK, you can respond in a sarcastic way. Just better be creative.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Song quote of the day
I was thinking and wondering
walking all the way down the road
a once lovely woman
a child I'm told
I gave her my heart
but she wanted my soul
don't think twice
it's all right.--Bob Dylan

So Hot Together
85 degrees and seriously humid, and that's just in my apartment. I remember a scene from the film "Stand and Deliver" when students are complaining to their teacher (played by the brilliant Edward James Olmos) about the heat in their classroom.
Olmos kept repeating, "Think cool."
I am trying, but the sweat that is running down my forehead is making my mind unable to center on any cool thoughts.

Simpsons Season Four

Simpsons season Four now belongs to me. Don't expect to see me for another three days.

Monday, June 14, 2004

Couch signs with the Pack

Andy Barch and Joel Hammond are crying and celebrating, respectively. I doubt he plays more than two quarters this year, and his contract is only for one year, at 1.3 Million.
Good luck to him.
Still, I bet he wish he hadn't played hardball with the Browns huh?
Here's the story.

Egg farms
-I toured an egg farm today, and it was kind of interesting. I mean, it takes a lot to make a good egg, and you should never leave all of them in one basket.
-I started writing a column for 210 west on the Nicole Brown-Ron Goldman murders of 10 years ago, but I ended up going on an on with no sign of a point in sight. I will look to finish it today or tomorrow.

Song quote of the day
Look out Cleveland
storm is coming through
and its coming right up on you
Look out Houston
they'll be thunder over you--The Band

Sunday, June 13, 2004

Song quote of the day
The healing has begun--Van Morrison

Reagan Column, Vitamin Z exclusive

Here was my incredbly biased column from last week:

Let it never be said that Ronald Reagan did not make mistakes.
If one were to write a glowing column of Reagan’s eight years in the White House, they would have to forsake the Iran Contra, the Grenada mess, and other indiscretions.
But even the greatest men can make errors. Particularly in one of the most turbulent periods in world history, it would be unfair to expect perfection.
Reagan took risks. I was a happy child in the 1980s, and thus, never cared much about the continuing arms race. If I were 10 years older, I may have hit that nervous breakdown of mine a bit earlier.
But you know what? It worked.
In 1980, people were still predicting violence from the cold war. Not only did we never see a showdown between the USSR and the United States, the continuing years produced the end of the “war” and the collapse of communism.
He knew when to seek peace, finding a soul mate of sorts in Mikhail Gorbechav. For all the criticism Reagan took for building up the military, he must be given credit for working towards common ground with the leader of the so-called (by him) “evil empire.”
My biggest complaint about Reagan was the Iran Contra. If for no other reason than we had to see Oliver North on television every hour of every day during a period in the mid-1980s. But it was a naive plot, one that didn’t work and is something that was—make no mistake about it—wrong.
Some have argued that Reagan’s main concern was protecting American hostages. But he should have recognized the trouble it would cause.
But then again, America has bargained before in tough times. America fought an entire war in the 1950s only to get things back to the way they were. America believed and supported the Shah of Iran in the 1970s, despite a troubling human rights record.
Reagan was not perfect, but no one—and no country—is.
But I imagine that in the years that follow, it will be the relationship between Gorbechav and Reagan that will be the man’s lasting legacy. The two men realized that things couldn’t continue the way they were.
They say that history is written by the winners. Reagan won two election landslides. He remains the main catalyst behind the conservative movement that began in 1980 and has continued to this day.
Some love him for that, and some hate him for that, but his influence cannot be denied. I couldn’t help but think that most republicans today got into power because of Reagan, while democrats may have gotten into politics despite him.
The man restored America’s confidence after the fall of Iran. He gave America a clear leader, one that could articulate his points so well that even his bitterest of political enemies have lauded his communication skills.
His leadership created a new political faction—The Reagan Democrats—those that voted for liberals like Howard Metsanbaum and then selected Reagan-Bush on their card.
I am a resident public defender for the current president, but I wonder how many non-republicans will be voting for him in November.
Probably not many.
Ronald Reagan is now gone, but his legacy, and the divergent opinions about him, will continue forever.
But from my perspective, he was a main reason for ending the biggest threat to nuclear war, and made America stronger.
He wasn’t perfect, but in my opinion, he was the closest to it a president has come in my lifetime.
And I have to say thank you for that.

Saturday, June 12, 2004

Vitamin Z's top 10 Rain songs
1. Warm Love-Van Morrison
2. Singing in the Rain-Gene Kelly
3.Who'll Stop the rain-CCR
4.The power of the rain--Bruce Hornsby
5. A hard rain's gonna fall-Bob Dylan
6. Raindrops are fallin' on my head--Burt Bacharach
7. Rain--The Beatles
8. I wish it would rain--The Temptations
9. The Thunder Rolls--Garth Brooks
10. Smokey Mountain Rain--Ronnie Milsap

Paging Noah
The plan is leaving for Cleveland, if the rain ever stops. I assume I'll leave as soon as I have two of each animal.
-The Indians won last night, but the Reds were who they beat. This irritates me, because the Reds were in first place, and the Indians arn't going anywhere until their rebuilding plan hits its final phase in 2015.
I'm going to the Tribe-Reds game tonight, again assuming the rain stops.

Song Quote of the Day
This one's for me
This one's for me
not for anyone else I needed you see
I threw all I had into the sea
Now I want a little back
This one's for me--Tom Petty

Friday, June 11, 2004

Song quote of the day
And Johnny is my main man
he's the keeper of the keys
he can put your mind at ease
back by popular demand--Warren Zavon

McCain says No
Hopefully people can stop talking about it now. Intriguing, yes, I'm sure to some it was. But it was also unrealistic.

Thursday, June 10, 2004

Ray Charles, RIP
A legend was lost today, as Ray Charles passed away at the age of 73. He was one of the true pioneers in rock and roll, and he will be missed. I am a little surprised he was only 73. I guess I figured he was older than that. His rendition of America the Beautiful is probably the best version of a traditional patriotic song ever produced.
Rest in peace Mr. Charles.

Song quote of the day
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind--Ray Charles

Wednesday, June 09, 2004

Vitamin Z top five sports songs
1. Centerfield--John Fogerty
2. We are the Champions--Queen
3. Eye of the Tiger--Survivor
4. Glory Days--Bruce Springsteen
5. The Final Countdown--Europe

Couch released
ESPN is reporting that Tim Couch has been released by the Browns. It's the end of an era, though not one with all too many bright and shining moments. Hopefully he can find work elsewhere.

Bullpen meltdowns
Jose Jimenez should be proud. It's not often that you can give up two home runs that hit the foul pole in the same inning. What are the odds, mathmatically speaking?

Song quote of the day
Look away then damn ya
Go and do as you please
You ain't gonna see me gettin down on my knees
You're undecided and your heart's been divided
You been turning my world upside down--James Taylor

Tuesday, June 08, 2004

OSU fires O'Brian
Ohio State fired men's basketball head coach Jim O'Brian today, a move that has surprised me more than any in some time. What is surprising about it is that O'Brian was hired as a straight arrow, someone to clean up the remains of a troubled program left behind by Randy Ayers; he now leaves for the same reason--recruiting violations.
I just have trouble believing that O'Brian is a bad guy. If he made a mistake, I would like to believe it to be a mistake made with good intentions, which the story seems to indicate.
O'Brian is challenging the dismissal, so this could get interesting.
Here is the story.

Monday, June 07, 2004

Vitamin Z's top ten least favorite songs
1. You Light up my Life--Judy Gold
2. Every Rose has its' thorn-Poison
3. Believe--Cher
4. My Heart will go on--Celine Dion
5. Man I feel like a woman-Shania Twain
6. Anything by Anne Murray (Sorry Jan)
7. The Macarana--Who really cares who it's by
8. My Dingaling--Chuck Berry
9. We Built this city--Jefferson Starship
10. Have you Forgotten--Worley, Darryl

Song quote of the day
I've been to Hollywood
I've been to redwood
I've sailed the ocean for a heart of gold
I've been in my mind
It's such a fine line
keeps me searching for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.--Neil Young

Reagan
-The death of Ronald Reagan is still all over the news. In the midst of the sadness,I would be willing to bet that those closest to him are in some way relieved to see his long, painful journey end. Reagan's death is just a fade to black. His legacy will live forever.
I am still debating a column on the topic for 210 west. The thing that keeps coming back to me is the influence that Reagan had on the country. He took hard stands, but as John Kerry said "did it with a smile." I think that's why many, even those who didn't agree with him, are now commending his ability to communicate and his ability to lead.
The other thing I'd like to write about is the fact that as a child, Reagan seemed larger than life, a man who was the leader of the country, no questions asked.
No president since has held that for me, even the one that sits in the White House today, once that I am often the public defender for at work.
I think Reagan brought with him the aura of leadership, something that I'm not sure existed because of my youth, or rather because of his resonance.
Or maybe I am over-thinking this.
I usually try to approach my political commentaries with an objective tone. I am not sure I can maintain one with this, which is why I hesitate to write it.
But somehow I know I will. It's what I do I guess.

Sunday, June 06, 2004

Song quote of the day
Only a dream
we were rolling in the snow
Only a dream that we couldn't let go
Well I was standing outside the window
I was just like Romeo
But it was only a dream--Van Morrison

Reds
It's nice to see Ken Griffey playing like Ken Griffey again. The Reds won again, thanks to his two homers.
But I have a question:
Is there a REASON the Reds brought out the Tomato tops today? Those things are hideous. They actually hadn't worn them since a game I was at about a year ago, and I thought they had went the way of New Coke.
Sadly, I was mistaken.

J-Lo gets married ... again.
I think we need a constitutional amendment to keep Jennifer Lopez from getting married. For those who oppose gay marriage, I ask: Could gays really harm the sanctity of marriage anymore than Lopez does? She treats marriage and engagement like it's a lease at a car dealership.
This is Lopez' third marriage, but fifth relationship that resulted in engagement.
Does anyone believe her marriage to Marc Anthony will last longer than a year?
Yeah, I am cynical.
Here's the article.
But Marc, I wouldn't burn that address book just yet.

New feature
On the advice of friend Joel, I am adding a comments portion for the blog. This is a little bit of an experiment ... I have been weary of doing for obvious reasons. Regardless, respond as you wish.
-I am watching the Memorial, rather, trying to. The Cicidas, which annoyed me the two days I was there--are very audible. Go Ernie Els.

Ronald Reagan 1911-2004
On a drive back from Columbus today, my mind centered upon two things.
One was work related--a mistake I made that I have been trying to rectify.
The other was how to properly write about the death of Ronald Reagan.
I have pretty much been a life-long Republican, born six months before Reagan was elected and was only eight years old when he left office.
Those who grew up in this world, where communism only exists in two places--well, we might assume that it has always been this way.
But the fall of communism, in my opinion, was something no one could have predicted when Reagan took office, and I think he deserves the most credit for that.
I always admired the man, but the Cold War class I took in college propelled him to being a favorite of mine.
But I'm not a historian, or a politician.
I also know that as much as I admire Reagan, there are many who detest him. Danny Glover (the actor) is the first to have written something negative about the President in the hours after his death.
I was hoping to find a quote by Arthur Schlesinger Jr., a liberal historian. I had no luck. But I did find Fox News, with quotes from historians, politicians and the like.
Here's the article.
May you rest in peace Mr. President. And thank you.

Saturday, June 05, 2004

Congratulations
To my friend Aaron Rund, who found the Ultimate Ric Flair Collection for $10 at a store. I paid a LOT more for my copy, and it skips during the Wyndam match.
So yeah, way to go Aaron.

LA Story
My new column, on my all out hatred for the Lakers, can be found here. I don't have any idea who Aunt Connie is, just in case you're wondering.

Friday, June 04, 2004

Good Golf
Great time was had at the Memorial today, as I was able to cover something I would have done for free. Lots of fun there.

Indians are losing ... again.

I am really tired, so I'll call it a day. Later.

Thursday, June 03, 2004

In other news, a dictator is still dead
Fifteen years ago today, the former leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, died. As a child of the 80s, his mere image on television scared the bejesus out of me. Of course, there was more than his image to be frightened about, particularly his policies in Iran and the fact that he executed many of his enemies.
So regardless of how scary he appeared to me, he couldn't have been as scary as he was to those actually living IN the country of Iran.
Still, I am bothered by his picture. Look at this picture

Tenet resigns
I don't really have any comment on this, except to say there was probably no more stress-inducing job for the past decade than Tenet's.

Song quote of the day
A movie queen to play the scene
of acting all the good things out in me
but for now love,
let's be real--Gordon Lightfoot

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

This and That
-Went to the Memorial Practice Round today, and I have to say ... Lee Trevino is a funny funny guy.

-The Indians lost again today. Our beloved bullpen gave up two runs in the ninth. How long till Browns' training camp?

-I am compiling a list of unrequited love songs, and a submission garnered dome debate last night.
My contention is that Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison is an unrequited love song, but a colleague says otherwise. He states that the last line, where "she's walkin back to me" is placed, negates the unrequited nature of the song.
I argued that we never really know what "Pretty Woman" is coming back for. Maybe she left her coat?
Besides, one line can't negate an entire two minutes of frustration, can it?
Just a thought.
Discuss.

Song quote of the day
Country roads
Take me home
to the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain Mama
Take me home
country roads--John Denver

Tuesday, June 01, 2004

Song Quote of the Day
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me
You didn't stand by me
No not at all
Now I got a job
but it don't pay
I need new clothes
I need somewhere to stay--The Clash

Vitamin Z vs. Countdown to D Day
-I saw the A&E movie on Dwight Eisenhower last night. Tom Selleck played the role of Eisenhower, and, much to my surprise, did an excellent job in the role.
It's not that I think he's a bad actor, it's just that he wouldn't have been a likely choice. Before seeing the film, I was calling it Magnum P.Ike. But Selleck surprised me, as did the filmmakers, who portrayed Eisenhower as a brilliant and compassionate man, faced with the conflicting plans and egos of those around him.
The movie follows the plans of D-Day, and the invasion's preceeding days. It was well acted, well written and well directed, and portrayed Eisenhower as a true American hero.
I quite simply couldn't turn it off. It was great. A&E plays its' stuff a lot, so be sure to catch a replay.

Indians bullpen futility
From ESPN.com-

Their rate of failure is almost inconceivable. Fourteen losses for the relievers, most in the AL, and they've surrendered 131 runs, more than the Red Sox and White Sox bullpens combined. Sixteen different pitchers have worked in relief for the Indians this season, and of those, 11 have generated earned-run averages of 6.32 or higher. One of the five who hasn't is Tim Laker, a catcher moved into emergency duty for an inning.

Where does the blame lie? Shapiro has said it's on him, which is astounding considering the amount of buck-passing occurring at the Jake this season.