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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,693 comments Add your comment
diamondlady
January 18th, 2010
11:00 am
CB- They also have buses to take you from the back parking lots (that are a distance if you don’t want to walk) at N/C if you do not pay for VIP parking. Very organized.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:03 am
diamondlady-They might have those buses for games, but WWS never has had the buses that I saw. That’s more the larger theme parks like the Magic Kingdom-WWS is different than the rest-it is MUCH smaller.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:04 am
There is NO VIP parking at WWS.
Moe Berg
January 18th, 2010
11:04 am
The Grinch–I agree with you that ‘Throne of Blood’ is great. If you like film adaptations of Macbeth, there is another one that is quite good called ‘Maqbool’ (directed by Vishal Bhardwaj) reset in Mumbai’s underworld. He also did an adaptation of ‘Othello’ called ‘Omkara’.
Salamander
January 18th, 2010
11:06 am
So I finally got some of Neurosis’ earlier albums from the 90’s… beyond having my mind blown by their slow tempo and punishing style, it dawned on me that at least a couple of the guys in Tool probably listened to a heck of a lot of Neurosis – especially during the Undertow Era (just another reason why Tool is overrated imo).
tiger297
January 18th, 2010
11:09 am
Lew
what is the setup prior to starting the games…is there a schedule for the practices so you have an idea of what to expect or just go and see what happens
diamondlady
January 18th, 2010
11:15 am
Lew- We go to Spring Training Games in early March each year and they do indeed have both VIP Parking and “the back lot” as we call it where you have to hike. I’ve never been to the session you attend. We parked in VIP parking when we bought the Spring Training Package through the Braves. When we bought additional tickets beyond the packages, we’ve parked in the paved area to the left as you are walking in and also in the “back 40″ where you have to hike or catch the bus at the parking lot curb.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
11:25 am
Now for some Rammstein…Reise, Reise, %$#@$-es! — Grinch
We really should make an agreement not to comment on one another’s music tastes. Because seriously….
Frank Robinson (Rockmart)
January 18th, 2010
11:27 am
Tool overrated? Nossir
CB
January 18th, 2010
11:28 am
Thanks to everybody for answers- my wife is a heart patient and I have to be careful with the amount of walking she does. Thanks for everybody’s help.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:33 am
diamondlady-I’ve never been to a game (have gone to a dozen or so) with that many attending, I guess, but then again, I do avoid the Yankees whenever possible and not all games sell out. That may make a difference. Never been a need for VIP whenever I was there. Good reason to not go to anymore games than I have been, IMO.
tiger-The practices usually start around 9:00, though you can get autographs at the players’ entrance before hand. Practices last until around 12:30-1:00 with players straggling out for an hour or more afterwards.
You can go to the back fields and watch the pitchers (and later the minor leaguers), go down to the bating cages (great place for autographs), or stay up at the main field and watch BP and fielding/running drills. You also get to see the ML pitchers throw BP. Also a good place for autographs. Bobby Cox signs up there as do coaches and most of the players who will sign while waiting for their BP turn or right after (some won’t sign at all).
As for practice before games? Not too sure there. Maybe diamondlady would better know that one. She has more experience with game conditions.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
11:36 am
… but Grinch, at least you light Gordon Lightfoot. Excellent.
Still, you don’t “get” why people love Springsteen? Well, I’d suggest that beyond him having one of the best bands ever formed, and Bruce himself being a fine guitar player and the hardest-working man in rock, it’s the words, man. The words. Read some of Bruce’s best lyrics. His best stack up with almost anyone who’s put pen to paper for a song.
tiger297
January 18th, 2010
11:37 am
lew
do you know if they practice 7 days or take weekends off…I probably will only go for a day or so
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:38 am
CB-I assume you have a handicapped placard? If so, there is plenty of DL parking at the front (though for big games I’d get there real early to assure you get one) and if you can send someone up to the gate, they’ll send an attendant with a wheel chair down for your wife. Also, there are benches all the way from DL parking to the stadium and she could rest frequently if necessary. Plenty of wheelchair access and seating in the stadium, too.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
11:40 am
Lew, much thanks for helping everyone out with spring-training info. I get a lot of questions this time of year from fans who are headed down there, and I feel bad sometimes because I can’t give them some of the ins-and-outs of how best to enjoy the spring-training experience as a fan, simply because I haven’t done it as a fan. That’s why I suggest to them to come to the blog and ask some of those who’ve been down for spring training, who know what to do and what to avoid and how to best get autographs, etc. Stuff you can’t find in the guides and basic-info junk provided online by stadiums and teams.
Salamander
January 18th, 2010
11:41 am
I was a huge Tool fan for many years, but in time I’ve come to have a different perspective on them. Basically, I think Maynard is a hack, and the whole Perfect Circle thing is water-downed baloney. Their latest album – 10,000 Days? More like 10,000 dumps – seriously awful album (sorry for the 5th grade humor).
Lateralus is a genuinely good record (as is Undertow and Aenima), but Tool (imo) is not the prog-rock-god-band that it is often portrayed to be. The vocals of other singers may not be as sweet or angelic as Maynard’s, but there are numerous prog-rock bands out there that I’d rather listen to over Tool.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:42 am
tiger-7 days, though Sunday may be somewhat abbreviated. After the entire team reports, they get increasingly serious and less accessible when they start to focus.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:43 am
DOB-Glad to help. Like someone said earlier-if you can’t get the info you need on the MIB Blog, you won’t find it anywhere, IMO.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:47 am
Springsteen from Born In The USA and earlier was phenomenal. Afterwards? Not as much to my way of thinking. Success has a tendency to lead to comfort levels that take them out of the realm that provides such inspiration, IMO.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
11:49 am
Yeah, I’ll just not comment on Dylan.
I’m all about keeping the peace. — Grinch
OK, I just got to this comment. Nevermind my previous comments to you regarding music. We’re two people just diametrically opposed when it comes to music. I can accept that and move on.
I did like your point about McGwire walking away from that contract when he couldn’t perform anymore, leaving some money on the table instead of sucking up Cardinals payroll. That’s not often pointed out. (And no, I’m not defending anything McGwire’s done; he’d never get my Hall of Fame vote — if I get to vote again. Our paper doesn’t permit it.)
TnBrian
January 18th, 2010
11:55 am
On McGwire … better late than never, I guess. But I think so many are wondering if it was just because he’s coming back as a hitting coach, etc. Like some have mentioned here about he and Bonds- at least McGwire isn’t a huge prick.
Anybody a little stunned that three guys that could make a difference on a team are still not signed? Damon,Nady and Ankiel are pretty good hitters. I’m also surprised Dye hasn’t been signed by an A.L. team as a DH. Money seems to be tight all over.
CB
January 18th, 2010
11:56 am
Lew,yes we have a handicapped sticker and I am sure that will help. Thanks
darren
January 18th, 2010
11:57 am
clutch and high on fire followed by a little william elliot whitmore witha little seasick steve should do the trick
Salamander
January 18th, 2010
11:57 am
We really should make an agreement not to comment on one another’s music tastes. Because seriously….
Just to generalize a little from this point – with the spread of the internet and the ease of making/releasing music online, it seems that there has been a large increase in the number of people making music over the past decade. The impact of which has mostly been good – more musicians putting out their material.
However, whenever I strike up a conversation about music with people here, at work, family members, etc – everyone ends up naming bands I’ve either never heard of, or haven’t gotten around to picking up yet. Maybe it was that way before the rise of the internet – just seems to be more of a factor lately than in previous years. It seems like no one band (say Guns and Roses, Pearl Jam, Journey, Queen, etc) dominates the landscape like they used to, or perhaps some bands do and I’m simply oblivious to it.
DAP
January 18th, 2010
11:57 am
I did like your point about McGwire walking away from that contract when he couldn’t perform anymore, leaving some money on the table instead of sucking up Cardinals payroll. That’s not often pointed out.
it doesnt excuse him, but it shows what a big difference there is between he and bonds, as far as likability. (not that bonds ever sucked up payroll when he couldnt perform, but he was generally unlikeable, and mcgwire was the opposite)
DAP
January 18th, 2010
11:59 am
TnBrian Anybody a little stunned that three guys that could make a difference on a team are still not signed? Damon,Nady and Ankiel are pretty good hitters.
damon is asking alot, nady had a serious injury and lets face it…has been inconsistent in his career, and ankiel…he really isnt that great.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
11:59 am
I just wish we’d have a mass declaration of steroid use by all the players involved and get it over and done with once and for all. I’m sick of the entire topic. Enough already. Hopefully the era is over. Moving on would be wonderful.
Tn Brian-That wasn’t a rip on you, but the entire freaking situation which, as you can tell, I’m tired of.
Tennbravesfan
January 18th, 2010
11:59 am
I haven’t read much of the blog but Springsteen is the best in the business, not to mention the fact that he has s great band. I have seen him live 6 times. This comes from a 28 year old, so a lot of his great songs were written before I was born. Now if you want to talk about Bruce’s political views, I think dude is crazy.
Salamander
January 18th, 2010
12:01 pm
clutch and high on fire followed by a little william elliot whitmore with a little seasick steve should do the trick
Dunno how I feel about Clutch – I need to give them another shot. High on Fire are amazing (Blessed Black Wings is incredible). Loudest show I think I’ve ever been to was High on Fire at the Earl several years ago. I haven’t heard william elliot whitmore or seasick steve before (more bands than I can shake a stick at).
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:04 pm
Lew, and in my opinion you’re dead wrong about Springsteen if you think his great work stopped at Born In The USA. Absolutely wrong. Tells me you probably haven’t given his more recent work much of a chance, either because you were turned off by his politics or by a song here or an album there. Because the man, like Dylan, has continued to produce stellar work, especially since his 1990s lull when he was sorting through personal stuff (although the Ghost of Tom Joad was a great — if not exactly “accessible,” as they say — album, and Lucky Town — and yes, even Human Touch — had some worthy songs on them).
But in the past decade, he cranked out some outstanding albums: The Rising, Magic, The Seeger Sessions and Live in Dublin blow the doors off about 98 percent of the stuff put out by most singer-songwriters working today, not to mention by middle-aged (and older) rockers.
Maybe the stuff’s not as transcendant and profound as Born to Run, Nebraska, The River or Darkness on the Edge of Town, but the bar was set ridiculously high with those albums, and Born in The U.S.A.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
12:10 pm
DOB-You’re right-to a point. I haven’t really given the newer stuff much of a chance. I really detested Tunnel Of Love and pretty much gave up on him afterwards. As for his politics? Nah. I pay no attention to Celebrities and their politcs (or anyone else for that matter). I’m more than capable of forming my own views.
Really loved the early stuff, though. I own everything from Greetings to Born In. Absolutely believe The River to be one of the best all time albums.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
12:12 pm
Didn’t much care for Nebraska, either. Never miss a chance to watch them whenever they play their concerts on VH1 Classic or Palladia. Great Live performances, without a doubt.
NAZI PARTY
January 18th, 2010
12:15 pm
political party of the mass movement known as National Socialism. Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the party came to power in Germany in 1933 and governed by totalitarian methods until 1945.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/407190/Nazi-Party
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:16 pm
I see where Jim Edmonds challenged LaRussa to bring him back at the league minimum. Wonder if Jimmy has anything left in the tank. I always liked his all out style.
He probably wouldn’t be interested in coming back for anybody other than the Cardinals, I am guessing.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:16 pm
Darren: William Elliott Whitmore, now there’s a young singer-songwriter producing amazing stuff. He’s a trip. Love that guy’s music.
Braveheart
January 18th, 2010
12:19 pm
I see where Jim Edmonds challenged LaRussa to bring him back at the league minimum.
Seems Edmonds is taking advantage of LaRussa’s love of every steroid user other than Canseco.
Salamander
January 18th, 2010
12:20 pm
Woot, another potential ‘PL-sighting’ post removed from the blog. I love it.
William Elliott Whitmore, now there’s a young singer-songwriter producing amazing stuff. He’s a trip. Love that guy’s music.
Well that’s two votes for this guy. I’ll have to check him out.
Braveheart
January 18th, 2010
12:20 pm
When you join a Larussa team, does he hand you a year’s supply of steroids?
Hillbilly
January 18th, 2010
12:21 pm
DOB and all,
I’m not a Springsteen fan either. I know that’s blasphemy around here and I won’t sit here and try to convince anybody that he sucks because he doesn’t. I just don’t dig his music…much like the way you don’t like Dave Matthews Band (and neither do I for the record.) I can humbly take the beating I’m about to receive, because I understand how popular he is so fire away.
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:22 pm
WW
Who of our 90’s era Braves do you believe are clean? Chipper? Maddux? Glavine? Smoltz? CrimeDog?
I think we might be a tad bit shocked if the truth were revealed…..
Just sayin’
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
12:22 pm
Oh, my head. And it got deleted, but I said something nice about Shania Twain.
I did mention I thought Dylan’s first three albums to be some of the best music I’ve ever heard. But to me comparing that to what I heard later is like comparing…well, I’ll just leave it alone.
As for Bruce, apparently even people outside his hometown like him so I must be off. I guess it was just nine years of riding around in the back seat with a bunch of Guido’s blasting “Hungry Heart” at 100 decibles in my ear and singing along with tears streaming down their faces that did it. Just didn’t understand. Now when I hear him I’m like the post-conditioned Alex from “A Clockwork Orange.”
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:23 pm
Did my heart good yesterday when the Cowboys got their azz whuppin’ from the Vikings! Not that I am a Vikings fan, but my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Cowboys.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:25 pm
Hillbilly, I can totally respect that opinion, the way you stated it. And good point about me not liking Dave Matthews. I’ve never said his music’s not good, just that it doesn’t do it for me. I can certainly see where some don’t like the music of Springsteen or even Dylan (some people can’t get past his voice, a love-it-or-loathe-it thing of beauty or tragic croak, depending who you ask).
MZ
January 18th, 2010
12:25 pm
DOB ——–
How do you feel about Yo La Tengo? I just picked up their most recent release … “I like it alot” (intended to be read like Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber)
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:26 pm
Grinch, that (12:22) made me laugh. Clockwork Orange reference always do that for me.
Salamander
January 18th, 2010
12:26 pm
Hillbilly – I think one of the themes of today’s blog is that everyone has a different take on music compared to the next guy. Your dislike of The Boss fits right in with the overriding principle of bloggerite musical diversity (or some baloney along those lines).
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:27 pm
Never was much of a Springsteen or Dylan fan, though I can’t disagree that they are both great artists. Just not my style. I really don’t know what my style is anymore. Haven’t listened to anything original for the past 20 years. I am fatally stuck in the 70’s, I guess.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:27 pm
MZ: Like them a lot. But I haven’t heard that new one.
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:29 pm
Any news on the Braves since Friday when last I checked in? Juicy rumors, etc?
Hillbilly
January 18th, 2010
12:31 pm
Speaking of Dylan (sort of),
I received a late-night voice mail from my Georgia connection this weekend. It wasn’t really clear, but it sounded like him (my buddy), Mike Cooley, and several hundered other altered minds cranking out “Like A Rolling Stone” at the Athens DBT homecoming show. Nice to have friends like that to make you jealous at all hours of the night…Ba$tard.
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:31 pm
Gary O
I was thinking about how hard Sunday morning must have been for old what’s his name. Smiling all the while!
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
12:32 pm
Jim Edmunds was washed up a while ago. If he’s got anything now, I bet he wouldn’t pass a pee test.
Whoever recommended that MacBeth adaptation: Thanks, I’ll check it out. There was also a mafia version done in the early 90’s starring John Turturro called “Men of Honnor” that was pretty good.
David, we agree on at least ten or twelve bands I know of, so it’s not diametric. But the rest, yeah that’s as good a word as any.
MZ
January 18th, 2010
12:32 pm
to quote one of the better comedians working today (Daniel Tosh) … “Dave Matthews Band sucks (laughter, laughter, laughter) … If that offends you then you are the problem in our country (more laughter) … Just because someone had a difference of opinion you felt personally attacked instead of focusing on the bigger issue: Why do you listen to ______ music?”
Wayne in Utah
January 18th, 2010
12:33 pm
Grinch
How ya been? Hey, Edmonds came back with a fairly decent 2008 with the Cubbies….
Hillbilly
January 18th, 2010
12:36 pm
Oh, how we’ve been missing those late night Grinch sessions…and the obligatory “Oh My Head!” posts that accompany them.
That was some funny stuff…especially Bay Area Steve’s capper –> “Roost this.” Good times.
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
12:36 pm
“Come on over here and get one in the yarbles, if you’ve GOT any yarbles…” Love that movie.
There are worse decades to be stuck in than the 70’s Wayne. Far worse. Unless you still wear leisure suits, of course.
N8
January 18th, 2010
12:37 pm
Hillbilly at 12:21 & DOB at 12:25, that’s how discussing music that YOU don’t like is done. With respect to others that do like it, and respect to the artists themselves, no matter how bad, cheesy or insignifcant YOU think their contributions to the world have been or will be.
One comment I’ll take issue with, DOB. Not really “issue” but when discussing Springsteen, you stated:
“…and the hardest-working man in rock…”
I sometimes think this is an unfair comment to many other rock stars out ther, who probably work just as hard as he does. It’s just not as documented. Like I said. I really don’t have a real issue with it, since it’s his mantra. But who’s to say James Hetfield doesn’t work as hard as he does?
Just nit-picking a bit. Because in reality, that is one of the few things that I thoroughly enjoy about the Boss. His work ethic. His down to earth status, and how much he puts into his live shows (never seen him live, but have watched a few concert performances on DVD and TV). Just never gotten into all of his stuff. I’m a live guy though. If I saw him live I’d more than likely become a fan, but probably still wouldn’t buy or listen to all his stuff.
With y’all on DMB too. Fantastic band. Dave is an excellent acoustic guitar player. Don’t dig the tunes. Dont dig his voice.
Dylan? IMO, one of the most important guys in the history of modern music. His message and what he personified/personifies transcends any of his individual tunes. Again, not a huge fan of his tunes and definitely not his singing. But who can argue with Dylan’s place in music? Dude’s a legend.
Hillbilly
January 18th, 2010
12:46 pm
Grinch. I hate I missed that Shania comment, but I thought your Taylor comment about the rack of ribs was quite amusing. I disagree about her appeal, but it was funny anyway. Now Miranda Lambert on the other hand?…there’s a woman that will drink your beer, kick your a$$, skin your deer, and help you dump the gut bucket. I think I’m in love…
BB FAN
January 18th, 2010
12:47 pm
It’s been a while since I’ve posted but I continue to read bits and pieces.
The Glavine situation really urked me last year. The fact that he had the audacity to be upset with being released is a joke. The man left the Braves for the METS for a little more guaranteed money and then he comes back and gets hurt and doesn’t pitch well when he isn’t hurt. What does he expect?
Same thing with Smoltz. The Braves were right about him last year too. He was not very good at all. He was the one that chose to leave. The Red Sox were the only team to offer him more than 2 million guaranteed after missing most of 2008.
I like Glavine…he did pitch the Braves to their only WS during the 90’s, and I like Smoltz…he was the best post season pitcher I’ve seen (Avery was damn good as well). I hope to see both in the Hall of Fame as Braves with Maddux someday. However, the team comes first and Glavine and Smoltz were not worth what they were asking.
StingerSplash
January 18th, 2010
12:47 pm
Radio station down here played Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” in its entirety last night.
Wowza. Such a great, great album.
I’ll weigh in on Springsteen. When I saw him a couple of years in Jacksonville, I was stunned a 58-year-old guy could do what he did for three-plus hours on the stage. I mean, that’s got to be one helluva workout right there. One of our sales reps took her husband (also in his late 50s and a good old country backwoods kind of guy) to see The Boss in Greenville a few months ago. He’s a huge Springsteen fan. She really wasn’t. Until … she saw him live. And now she’s hooked, too.
Of course, my iPod (loaded with 14K songs by a friend of mine) has gone from The Hag to Hank to James Brown to Iggy Pop/Kate Pierson to the Smiths on shuffle, with a little Billie Holliday and Neil Young thrown in, too. Still waiting for the Metallica to kick in on the shuffle, because I know it’s there.
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
12:49 pm
What up, my Arkansonian man? I thought about you the other day when a friend of mine tripped over a manhole cover and almost broke his neck.
Count me among those that don’t like DMB. And allow me to say about Dylan since it seems important to phrase it correctly: I’m not saying his later work is bad. I’m just saying I don’t care for it, especially as compared to his earlier which “I” consider superior. I listen to a lot of bands that have singers I can’t understand, but they’re usually metal, not acoustic. To me, it’s like a young Cassius Clay compared to the fellow we see now. Except he didn’t get punched in the head.
Braveheart
January 18th, 2010
12:50 pm
Jack Bauer > Vic Mackey.
Mackey spent 7 seasons being tormented by Aceveda, but it only took Bauer one episode to do away with Aceveda.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:53 pm
Braveheart, that’s a great point. (And the guy that played Aceveda — where’s his career gone, if he’s got a part written out in the first episode of a 24-episode show?)
Hillbilly
January 18th, 2010
12:56 pm
Ha, Ha! Forgot about the manhole cover thing. One of these days you’re going to see one that says “Smackover, AR” and when you do, just know that you can KMA anytime you get ready.
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
12:57 pm
Had to google miss Lambert. She’s definitely a honey, but I’m not much into the “getting my @$$ kicked and beer drank by a chick” thing. Not that I wouldn’t let her, of course; crackers in bed and all that.
Stinger, I was amazed by Paul McCartney the same way. never cared for Beatles or Wings, but an ex of mine dragged me to see him at Phillips a couple of years ago and I came away impressed. He played his band into the ground and they were half his age.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
12:58 pm
StingerSplash, seeing Bruce live does that to anyone, it seems, regardless of how ambivalent they were going in.
Oh, and it sounds like you and I have a whole lot of crossover on our Ipods. Damn, I love Ipod shuffle. For working out and flying, and hooking up to the little speaker I carry around to provide me with great tunes in hotel rooms (even if that donut-shaped speaker in my carry-on sometimes causes my bag to get re-checked by TSA at airports, it’s still worth it).
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
1:01 pm
Yeah, but Keifer can’t rock the bald head like Chiklis. He’d look like a weenie.
joerochester
January 18th, 2010
1:01 pm
I went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this past summer and they had a big Bruce Springsteen exhibit. I must admit I am not a fan, probably because I am only 24 and haven’t given his music that much of a chance, but I do appreciate music and his exhibit was pretty cool.
N8
January 18th, 2010
1:01 pm
Any 24 fans out there, think there is a possibility of Sutherland remaining as Exec Producer, but killing of Jack Bauer for a season or two? I’ve read where he’s said, he thinks the show could survive without Bauer. Not sure about that.
But it would have to be another big star taking his place. I have a hunch they are setting it up. Freddie Prince Jr. isn’t a huge star, but either was Keifer when 24 started, in fact his movie career was pretty much in the tank. It appears as though Prince’s character is going to have plenty of issues with authority himself. Not sure anybody could be as bad-ass as Bauer. But I’m curious where it goes.
Have to say that the manner in which Jack killed the first guy on the staircase in hour one (not going to say how – for those who DVR’d and haven’t watched), gets a big BRAVO from me. I like it when they find new ways for him to whack people. That was excellent, right down to the sound effect of it happening.
TennesseePaul
January 18th, 2010
1:03 pm
Dylan (some people can’t get past his voice, a love-it-or-loathe-it thing of beauty or tragic croak, depending who you ask)
Love him and his voice, but there is no denying the man sounds like a vacuum cleaner being pushed around on a shag carpet.
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
1:03 pm
Oh, c’mon, Hillbilly. I wouldn’t kick your ___; I like you.
The Grinch
January 18th, 2010
1:06 pm
10Paul, that would have made milk come out my nose had I been drinking any.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
1:10 pm
Hillbilly: No doubt about Miranda. And I like her music. Got her past two CDs. I prefer last year’s “Here With Me” album from Holly Williams (Hank Jr.’s daughter; Hank III’s half-sister), but Miranda’s good — and a stunner.
StingerSplash
January 18th, 2010
1:11 pm
DOB,
What’s this working out you speak of? Is that a foreign phrase?
No, just kidding. My working out used to consist of basketball 2-3 times a week. Alas, age in my knees and ankles and my affection for double bacon cheeseburgers has overwhelmed my desire to whup up on some youngsters in 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 in halfcourt hoops at the gym.
Oh, and for some reason, in the first 150 songs on the shuffle, I’ve gotten 2-3 Neko Case songs played. Not. Complaining. At. All. Quite lovely to listen to. And look at. Or listen to.
StingerSplash
January 18th, 2010
1:12 pm
Grinch,
got a friend who is a Methodist minister and saw McCartney about 3-4 years ago at Phillips and just loved, loved, loved the show.
BB FAN
January 18th, 2010
1:16 pm
About McGwire…I’m glad baseball has added and later strengthened their drug testing program as I think steroid abuse is a real problem with young athletes. I think baseball should stress the health problems as reasons to ban the substances as well though. Young athletes should not feel that need to do something that will evenetually harm them just to make to professional sports.
I have a unique outlook on the players who have used steroids. I can’t completely disagree with McGwire when he says he feels like he would have hit those homeruns w/o the use of steroids if he was able to stay healthy. I’m not saying I completely agree with him either. I have not done any testing with the drugs, but I tend to believe that steroids alone can not make a guy hit like McGwire did. The player has to have alot of talent as well. I have noticed that some players who have used PEDs have had great careers, some have had OK careers and many many more have had bad careers or no careers.
Take Ozzie Canseco (Jose’s twin brother)…he had zero homeruns while Jose had 462 career homeruns. The two guys look identical including their builds. They both have admitted to using steroids throughout their careers. If steroids help players become superstars, then what happened to Ozzie Canseco?
Another example is Jeremy Giambi (Jason’s brother)…he hit 52 homeruns in his career while Jason has hit 409 (and counting). They have similar builds. They both have admitted to using steroids throughout their careers, but yet one was a star and the other a journeyman bench player.
There are so many players who did steroids who never even made it to the majors because they just DID NOT have the talent.
Do I think McGwire is a Hall Of Famer? Yes. As with Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro, Sosa Gonzalez, and so on. These guys had the talent. They still were the top players of the era they played in which included 1000’s who also used PEDs.
At the same time, it does disappoint me that there are so many players that never touched a PED that has to deal with the stigma of playing in the era.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
No. 1 Texas faces a severe test tonight at Kansas State. Don’t be surprised if the ‘Horns fall. K-State is that good, particularly at home.
GboroBravo
January 18th, 2010
1:21 pm
Miranda is the up and coming country girl….now LeAnne Wolmack was the one that I always liked, but shes starting to show her age. This Saturday I;m going to see George Strait, Reba, and LeAnne Wolmack in concert at the Greensboro Colsieum should be awesome.
P-Town Brave
January 18th, 2010
1:27 pm
K-State is absolutely brutal to play at home…
Don’t ever go there expecting a win…
They call that place “The Octagon of Doom”
Heath
January 18th, 2010
1:27 pm
DOB -
I’ll be watchin’….and rootin’ for the Wildcats tonight too!
Braveheart
January 18th, 2010
1:32 pm
Yeah, but Kiefer was at least a big enough star earlier in his career who played some tough dudes long before 24.
Time to Kill, A Few Good Men, Lost Boys, Stand By Me, Young Guns.
Freddie just played cheesy leading man pretty boys in silly teenage romantic comedies. Can’t see anyone ever buying Freddie as a bad arse no matter how much they ever make him out to be one.
It’s like when Ricky Schroeder and Zack Morris tried to step into the shoes of Jimmy Smits and David Caruso on NYPD Blue. Just didn’t work.
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
1:33 pm
GboroBrave: Womack’s last two albums were two of her best, particularly There’s More Where That Came From a few years ago. That was a traditional country album, got her back to a rootsy sound instead of the typically overproduced current Nashville crap. And she looks great, if you ask me.
Speaking of country, great to see Jeff Bridges win last night for best actor in a drama in Crazy Heart. His was easily the best acting performance I saw in a movie this year, as I mentioned late Friday after we saw the movie. He deserves the big one, the Oscar.
P-Town Brave
January 18th, 2010
1:34 pm
I find it funny you refer to him as Zack Morris
Thats like saying Horatio Cain
David O'Brien
January 18th, 2010
1:36 pm
P-Town Brave: Very true about Wildcats at home. Even though KU has only lost there once since the arena opened, it’s an awfully tough place to play. Especially now that K-State is back to being a strong program in recent years.
Wide Right
January 18th, 2010
1:36 pm
If Los Bravos had said to the Yankees “we just want you to pay 12MM for Vasquez and we’ll take two of your prospects and Dunn…but no Melky” would the Yankees have gone for that? Cause it seems to me we could have had Damon on the roster by now if we had made that move. Damon, Glaus, Hinske, Dunn and two solid prospects for Vasquez…now THAT indirect deal might have made sense.
That said, I am more optimistic about Melky than most folks on this blog. I predict he is our leadoff hitter on Opening Day…and that he posts numbers like the hot version of Willie Harris (he may also suffer a Willie Harris-like midseason decline as NL pitchers get familiar with him). Still….Damon is what this team needs in left if Heyward is ready to start the season in right field.
I actually think Ghost of Tom Joad is one of Bruce’s best CD’s. What i like about Bruce is that he can put on a live show with E Street better than anything the Stones have ever done…right up there with the “Live at Leeds” version of the Who back in the day in terms of sheer power and excitement….but then he can make a CD as profound and nuanced as GOTJ. Only Bruce CD I downright didnt like after BornUSA was Devils and Dust. Magic was a classic, reminded me of BornUSA…the songs are quite different but the albums are similar in the non-stop quality of the songs.
Wide Right
January 18th, 2010
1:45 pm
actually, I didnt care for Human Touch and only kind of enjoyed Lucky Town…but you have one very good Springsteen album if you take 1/4 of the songs on Human Touch and combine them with 3/4 of the songs on Lucky Town…so I give him a pass there
Tennbravefan
January 18th, 2010
1:56 pm
Somebody wrote Springsteen hadn’t put out anything good since the Born In the USA album. I have to strongly disagree. Just in the last 10 years, The Rising was in my opinion the best album of the decade. My City of Ruins of that album was brilliant. Plus I really liked Devils and Dust (check out Long Time Comin’…great song) and Magic. This last album Working On A Dream was not that good but the man continues to put out great work.
GboroBravo
January 18th, 2010
2:02 pm
DOB, I don’t know if you have seen the new movie Jeff Bridges is going to be in but it is Tron 2. YOu should check out the clip that is floating out there
Fourbee
January 18th, 2010
2:05 pm
BB FAN
I somewhat agree with your reasoning on steroids. Yes, indeed, the talent must be present, else steroids simply increase one’s strength. However, do you compare McGwire with, let’s say, Mickey Mantle? Mantle was often injured, but managed to hit the world’s longest recorded home run. What if Mantle had used steroids? Would his carreer have been even better? Doubtful. Mantle was 6 feet tall and weighed 200 pounds throughout his career. But, the reasoning goes, his 565 foot homer would have travelled 700 feet.
The point I’m trying to make (although badly) is that while McGwire was a great talent, how many of those homers would have existed if he hadn’t increased his strength (bulk, body size, physique, etc.) by using steroids. That is the main problem I have with Mc and Bonds. Their use of steroids taints the records of non-cheaters. For that reason alone, I believe they should never be in the Hall of Fame.
Lew
January 18th, 2010
2:08 pm
DOB-Did you read Clockwork (in addition to the movie)? Love the reference in there to The Macon Georgia Philharmonic.
Fourbee
January 18th, 2010
2:09 pm
Also, Mantle holds almost all the records for a switch hitter. Mc holds very few records other than HR.
darren
January 18th, 2010
2:10 pm
hands down the best team in the country is Syracuse…wes johnson is the best player in the country as well
TnBrian
January 18th, 2010
2:11 pm
Ben Sheets feels “refreshed” and “fantastic” until that shoulder that’s on life support finally snaps like a twig. Shows you though how thin pitching really is throughout the game when that many teams have interested in him. We’re pretty lucky to be where we are with our Braves. Lots of good pitching.
MLBTR sayd Yanks have had no recent contact with Damon. Still think they have the upperhand in who signs him, but at least Wren hasn’t come out and dismissed the Braves/Damon rumor like that Tigers GM did. Has to be some interest there.
Piedmont Blues
January 18th, 2010
2:13 pm
Wide Right,
You’re more optimistic than me about Melky’s upside, but he is moving to the NL. So he could perform beyond expectations, at least for awhile. (Given that, Damon could be a beast in the leadoff spot on an NL team … like the Braves.)
Heath
January 18th, 2010
2:16 pm
darren -
“hands down” is a bit extreme… but I admire your passion.
Hillbilly
January 18th, 2010
2:24 pm
but Miranda’s good — and a stunner.
You should see her in camo drawing back her bow on a 145 inch whitetail. This is the best I could do for a picture. (And yes that’s the MIB blog-infamous Ned Yost beside her.)
http://www.realtree.com/store/images/detailed_images/07DR2.jpg
Lew
January 18th, 2010
2:26 pm
TnBrian-Over the weekend I heard some GM talking on XM Home Plate and he was saying that Sheets is asking for serious $$$$, too. Not sure exactly how much they were talking about, but considerably more than one would expect from a chronically injured pitcher who just missed more than a year.
Glad we don’t need pitching this year, though people actually suggested we should pick him up last winter.
Thrillhouse44
January 18th, 2010
2:30 pm
Thanks for the link, Hillbilly…that’s one hot biscuit.
Bay Area Steve
January 18th, 2010
2:32 pm
HB, I think Miss Lakosky deserved an honorable mention.
darren
January 18th, 2010
2:37 pm
Heath…they have beaten the most ranked teams in the country ranked #1 in the realtime RPI…hands down seems to fit