It’s Bigger Than NPR’s Katherine Maher
6 days ago
Monday, August 31, 2009
Braves
Remember last year when some Big Brains were telling us that the Cubs' Geovany Soto was the best catcher in the National League? Well, a year later he's hitting .212 and headed to the bench. Meanwhile Brian McCann, the best catcher in the NL (at least), is hitting, hitting for power and driving in runs.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Aches and pains
I have what my rehab expert (Gay Rice of Dalton) calls a "frozen shoulder." That means it doesn't work.
Actually it's OK for most basic movements but anything requiring me to reach behind my back or pick up any weight to the side is either very painful, or the shoulder just won't do it. Also, I no longer have the blazing fastball I have been blessed with all these years. I can barely lift my right arm over my head and can hardly cock it back at all.
I throw -- as my rehab expert, a female I might add, -- "like a girl."
A few cortisone shots provided by Dr. Conrad Easley helped alleviate the pain I was suffering (from inflammation of the ACL joint)but didn't fix the basic problem. Ex-rays and other tests did not reveal any structural damage so rehab became my best option.
I've had two "workouts" and the shoulder is definitely better.
The point of all this whining is a plea for any suggestions from folks who may have had the same problem. Any tips, experiences or suggestions that might help.
And I've already tried large doses of bourbon, so don't bother with that one.
Actually it's OK for most basic movements but anything requiring me to reach behind my back or pick up any weight to the side is either very painful, or the shoulder just won't do it. Also, I no longer have the blazing fastball I have been blessed with all these years. I can barely lift my right arm over my head and can hardly cock it back at all.
I throw -- as my rehab expert, a female I might add, -- "like a girl."
A few cortisone shots provided by Dr. Conrad Easley helped alleviate the pain I was suffering (from inflammation of the ACL joint)but didn't fix the basic problem. Ex-rays and other tests did not reveal any structural damage so rehab became my best option.
I've had two "workouts" and the shoulder is definitely better.
The point of all this whining is a plea for any suggestions from folks who may have had the same problem. Any tips, experiences or suggestions that might help.
And I've already tried large doses of bourbon, so don't bother with that one.
Movies-The Klansman
I haven't been doing many of my mini-reviews lately but sometimes a film comes along that is either so good or so bad that it's my duty to mention it.
The Klansman (1974) is one of the latter.
I don't know what the worst things about ths picture is. The acting is bad and it's not just by the performers (Linda Evans, Lola Falana, Cameron Mitchell) you would expect to be shaky. In fact, the work turned in by Lee Marvin and Richard Burton(!) make OJ Simpson's turn as Defiant Young Black Man look like Oscar material. And can anyone tell me why they cast Luciana Paluzzi as a southern woman and then dubbed her voice with Dixie Carter (I think).
This is basically an overblown exploitation film. The script is so stunningly one-track and bereft of subtlety that you have to laugh. Even a veteran director like Terence Young seems overwhelmed by the sheer stupidity of this thing.
One of my favorite bits is the fight between Richard Burton and Cameron Mitchell in a bus station. One-armed Richard uses absurdly inept little judo chops to wallop hulking Cam, who at a key point takes a totally illogical sideways tumble over some luggage and onto a stuntman's air mattress that no one bothered too conceal.
Did anybody here have any pride at all or was everyone just looking for a big payday to cover their coke habits.
As a southerner I could be very offended by this film.
As a human being I could be very offended by this film.
Instead, as a southern, human being who loves movies, I choose to marvel at its ineptitude.
They don't make them quite like this anymore! At least I hope not.
The Klansman (1974) is one of the latter.
I don't know what the worst things about ths picture is. The acting is bad and it's not just by the performers (Linda Evans, Lola Falana, Cameron Mitchell) you would expect to be shaky. In fact, the work turned in by Lee Marvin and Richard Burton(!) make OJ Simpson's turn as Defiant Young Black Man look like Oscar material. And can anyone tell me why they cast Luciana Paluzzi as a southern woman and then dubbed her voice with Dixie Carter (I think).
This is basically an overblown exploitation film. The script is so stunningly one-track and bereft of subtlety that you have to laugh. Even a veteran director like Terence Young seems overwhelmed by the sheer stupidity of this thing.
One of my favorite bits is the fight between Richard Burton and Cameron Mitchell in a bus station. One-armed Richard uses absurdly inept little judo chops to wallop hulking Cam, who at a key point takes a totally illogical sideways tumble over some luggage and onto a stuntman's air mattress that no one bothered too conceal.
Did anybody here have any pride at all or was everyone just looking for a big payday to cover their coke habits.
As a southerner I could be very offended by this film.
As a human being I could be very offended by this film.
Instead, as a southern, human being who loves movies, I choose to marvel at its ineptitude.
They don't make them quite like this anymore! At least I hope not.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Comics
Jack Kirby celebrated. This fine collection of his work comes from Reason Magazine (via Charles Oliver.)
Your free Sunday tune
Leon Russell sings My Cricket with a little help from Willie. It's nice and sweet as Leon can be when he chooses.
Friday, August 28, 2009
College football
Terry Bowden takes charge at N. Alabama and signs up every big school reject/malcontent he can get his hands on.
Iran
The U.S. remains silent as Iranian show trials crush dissent. Where is Obama and Hillary as this tragedy (and crime) unfolds? There's more here. Meanwhile Obama is troubled by the Afghan election.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Elmer Kelton
Bill Kaufmann on the fine western writer who died this week. From American Conservative.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Down South
Georgia covered bridges. Some nice shots from the AJC but they should have done a little more legwork and got more pix.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Monday musings (early edition)
My gut tells me that Brett Favre will be back in uniform this season ... People who love chocolate should just eat chocolate. Forget about chocolate milk, chocolate cake, chocolate pie. Just eat big hunks of chocolate. That's what I do ... Why did Keely Smith have to live and Louis Prima have to die ... Three people I'd like to meet in heaven — Jesus Christ, Sonny Bono and Cher ... This kid Tarantino knows how to make a picture, but why so much cursing ... I miss Morey Amsterdam ... They make a lot of jokes about Preparation H, but that stuff still sells like hotcakes ... Speaking of hotcakes, I miss the old Mammy jars of Aunt Jemima ... I'd love to see a TV show with Fess Parker and James Arness and a bunch of Indians ... Sexy lady of comedy, your name is Judy Tenuta! ... Whatever happened to that show with the Gotti kids? Does it sleep with the fishes? Just kidding, kids ... I just finished the latest novel by Jackie Collins and it's a real page turner ... I hope the war, the economy and health care don't knock that big smile of Michelle Obama's face ... Does it get any better than a New York City bagel made by some old Jew ... She was no Angie Dickinson, but I always thought Julia Child was a sexy dish herself ... If they ever remake "Gone With the Wind," they've got to find a part for Jeff Foxworthy ... I still get those Judds confused. Which one if the fat one ... Ted Kennedy is one of my favorite Kennedys ... You don't see enough red heads these days, at least not many attractive ones ... There used to be a lot of white guys in the NBA. What happened? ... For me, Dick York will always be THE Darren Stephens!
Selah
Selah
Elmer Kelton, RIP
A writer of fine westerns. Here's a line to his web site. "The Day the Cowboys Quit" and "The Time It Never Rained" are two of my favorite westerns. You can find a lot of his stuff in used book stores and it's worth the effort.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Your Sunday free tune
Nina Simone sings Mr. Bojangles. Jerry Jeff Walker says this is his favorite version.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Economy
They are losing control, but will not back off the grandiose plans. Obama may well become a historic president, but in a dark way, devastating to this country. It's not just him of course. The Dem-controlled Congress with its pasty faced Republicans will also bare responsibility.
Food
Let's hear it for Rick Bayless, the Oklahoma raised son of a barbecue joint owner, won Top Chef Master this week. Against ferocious competition, the Master of Mexican cooking never seemed to weaken, week after week rolling out great food.
It's a fun show and Bayless (my pick to win it all by the way) made all of us barbecue babies proud.
It's a fun show and Bayless (my pick to win it all by the way) made all of us barbecue babies proud.
Dope
Mexico OKs possession of "small" amounts of several drugs. This is an experiment that needs to be watched closely.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
NFL
The HBO series hints at why the Bengals suck. Mike Brown "creates" tight ends and no one says a word. Impressive.
Books
“Vanilla Ride,” By Joe R. Lansdale: Knopf, 256 pages, $24.95.
Hap Collins and Leonard Pine are a couple of good old boys from rural Texas.
They eat a lot of unhealthy food, drive old trucks, sing along with Hank Williams’ songs and get into thrilling adventures with an array of murderous bad guys.
They do so at the bidding of novelist Joe R. Lansdale, who has just published his most recent Hap and Leonard concoction, “Vanilla Ride.”
In this one, the seventh in the series and the first since 2002’s “Captains Outrageous,” the boys are asked by an old amigo to liberate his daughter from her lowlife, dope peddling boyfriend, which they succeed in doing but not before stirring up a hornet’s nest popularly known as “the Dixie Mafia.”
Fans of the series will be pleased with “Vanilla Ride.” The story is tightly told and Leonard and Hap are at their bickering, wise cracking, karate chop-throwing best.
Hap and girlfriend Brett are doing well while Leonard and his latest boyfriend — yup, I said boyfriend — are on the outs, which adds another layer of complexity to the already complicated lives of Fictional Texas’s two most outlandish crime fighters.
Newcomers to the series, particularly if they like their derring do accompanied by a healthy portion of humor, may soon be searching for copies of the older books in the series.
Word of warning, this isn’t a Miss Marple adventure. Lansdale writes his women sexy, his sex kinky, and his violence as flamboyant as it is blood-drenched.
It’s good, rowdy fun.
Hap Collins and Leonard Pine are a couple of good old boys from rural Texas.
They eat a lot of unhealthy food, drive old trucks, sing along with Hank Williams’ songs and get into thrilling adventures with an array of murderous bad guys.
They do so at the bidding of novelist Joe R. Lansdale, who has just published his most recent Hap and Leonard concoction, “Vanilla Ride.”
In this one, the seventh in the series and the first since 2002’s “Captains Outrageous,” the boys are asked by an old amigo to liberate his daughter from her lowlife, dope peddling boyfriend, which they succeed in doing but not before stirring up a hornet’s nest popularly known as “the Dixie Mafia.”
Fans of the series will be pleased with “Vanilla Ride.” The story is tightly told and Leonard and Hap are at their bickering, wise cracking, karate chop-throwing best.
Hap and girlfriend Brett are doing well while Leonard and his latest boyfriend — yup, I said boyfriend — are on the outs, which adds another layer of complexity to the already complicated lives of Fictional Texas’s two most outlandish crime fighters.
Newcomers to the series, particularly if they like their derring do accompanied by a healthy portion of humor, may soon be searching for copies of the older books in the series.
Word of warning, this isn’t a Miss Marple adventure. Lansdale writes his women sexy, his sex kinky, and his violence as flamboyant as it is blood-drenched.
It’s good, rowdy fun.
Environment
The earth is cooler. But can we all relax and get back to rebuilding our economy. Heck no! say the Global Warming Spooks.
Health care
Where will the Canadians go for health care if the U.S. system goes Canadian? From the Detroit Free Press.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Ron Hart's column
Rev. Ron goes out his way to make Democrats angry. Hey, wait a minute, that's my job.
Movies
Halloween 2 is coming soon. Zombie seems to know he fumbled the first one and is determined to have the fans talking. The trailer hints at some real weirdness.
Movies
Thanks to Charles Oliver for this terrific article on Warren Oates. We lost a terrific actor when he died, and apparently a really decent fellow hillbilly. I will be buying the book soon.
Brett Favre
My theory ...
This has been a setup for weeks. Favre decided last month he would play for the Vikings and the deal got done. The coach and owner were in on it.
Favre despises camp and did not want to live "with the guys" even for a few weeks. I suspect that might have been a deal breaker for him, but Childress couldn't admit to such an obvious dose of star treatment.
Childress figured that even without the camp time Favre would be better than what he had on the roster.
By pretending last month that he had decided otherwise, Favre put an end to 90 percent of the media madness which gave him some quiet time in Hattiesberg before his astonishing turnaround.
Comments in recent days by some of the Viking players means that someone was leaking the word or that it was obvious internally that something was about to happen.
I don't believe for a second that Brett just suddenly decided he wanted to play.
That's manure.
This has been a setup for weeks. Favre decided last month he would play for the Vikings and the deal got done. The coach and owner were in on it.
Favre despises camp and did not want to live "with the guys" even for a few weeks. I suspect that might have been a deal breaker for him, but Childress couldn't admit to such an obvious dose of star treatment.
Childress figured that even without the camp time Favre would be better than what he had on the roster.
By pretending last month that he had decided otherwise, Favre put an end to 90 percent of the media madness which gave him some quiet time in Hattiesberg before his astonishing turnaround.
Comments in recent days by some of the Viking players means that someone was leaking the word or that it was obvious internally that something was about to happen.
I don't believe for a second that Brett just suddenly decided he wanted to play.
That's manure.
The environment
Lies melt on camera. Greenpeace leader admits claims about Arctic ice may not have been factual. Why can't a U.S. reporter ask intelligent, articulate questions like this when interviewing Al Gore?
Warren's World
Stimulus saved economy but may now wreck the economy. It's hard to believe these are the ravings of a serious man.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Top guitar pickers
Time's Top 10. No Stevie Ray. No Peter Green. No Son Seals. C'mon Time, show a little smarts.
Healthcare
Democratic trickification on medical co-ops? Of course and there are Republicans who will tumble right over for it.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Canadian way
Michael Moore seems to have missed this story. Canadian healthcare needs an overhaul.
Politics
Stunned by the ferocity of the French taunting to quote Monty Python, the Democrats are retreating on healthcare. But they still win if the move back a step after taking two forward. Even if they ease back now, they are smart enough to lay the groundwork for a future takeover of healthcare. That IS the goal.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Your Sunday free tune
Natalie Merchant asks What's the Matter Here. This song could have been maudlin, instead it's deftly written and evocatively performed. Always been a favorite and ripe for a raucous, biting remake ... you hear me Lucinda Williams.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
NASCAR
Ed Hinton looks back at the late Tim Richmond. He accepts the "heterosexual transmission" story with no evidence, but otherwise a good, strong read.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Braves
I haven't heard a young Braves outfielder talked about like Jason Heyward since the rise of Brad Komminsk. When will he get the call up?
We don't need your stinkin' beaches
Forbes lists America's nastiest beaches, including Alligator Point.
Monday, August 10, 2009
My Sunday column
In 1980 I went off to college a naive country boy, not at all versed in the ways of the world. I knew nothing of French wine, Italian opera, public transportation or homosexuality.
At West Georgia College in Carrollton I lived in Cobb Hall. One of my fellow residents was a young African American student from Atlanta named Eddie. Eddie was the gayest man in the universe. He made Clay Aiken look like a mixed martial arts champion. Eddie was so gay that other gay people would say, “Damn! He’s really gay!
I, on the other hand, was very, very straight. I wasn’t a particularly successful heterosexual at that point in my career, but clearly that was the team I played on.
Of course, Eddie and I became pals.
Why?
The Braves.
I loved the Braves. Eddie loved the Braves.
At the time I was the only student in the dorm to have a TV — can you believe I’m that old — and when Eddie found out I watched the Braves nightly on my crummy little Philco set with the rabbit ears, he asked if he could join me.
The more the merrier I said, and a friendship was born.
Being starving college students, Eddie and I often pooled our meager resources. Many a night we watched some really bad Braves baseball while munching on dry white toast and butter.
Eddie was watching the game with me when a young Braves outfielder named Brian Asselstine tore up his shoulder lunging into the wall in pursuit of a scorcher hit off one of Atlanta’s many crummy pitchers. It was obvious Asselstine was badly hurt and Eddie sat right there in my room and cried.
Eddie was gone by my sophomore year. Someone who knew him said his boyfriend in Atlanta — Candy, who drove a big, green Cadillac — couldn’t stand to be apart and Eddie had transferred to a school in the city.
A couple of years later the Braves stunned the world by winning 13 straight games to start the season and then going on to win the National League West pennant. Though they lost in the playoffs, it was a wonderful season.
Of course years later the Braves became really good, dominating their division for more than a decade.
When they won the World Series in 1995 — God bless you Justice and Glavine — the first person I thought of was my older brother Greg, who had suffered with the team for even more years than me. I called him from Florida and whooped it up a bit on the phone.
But it didn’t take long for me to think about the college days, that lousy TV, all those dry white toast sandwiches and a very fine fellow named Eddie, crying softly over Brian Asselstine’s bum luck.
At West Georgia College in Carrollton I lived in Cobb Hall. One of my fellow residents was a young African American student from Atlanta named Eddie. Eddie was the gayest man in the universe. He made Clay Aiken look like a mixed martial arts champion. Eddie was so gay that other gay people would say, “Damn! He’s really gay!
I, on the other hand, was very, very straight. I wasn’t a particularly successful heterosexual at that point in my career, but clearly that was the team I played on.
Of course, Eddie and I became pals.
Why?
The Braves.
I loved the Braves. Eddie loved the Braves.
At the time I was the only student in the dorm to have a TV — can you believe I’m that old — and when Eddie found out I watched the Braves nightly on my crummy little Philco set with the rabbit ears, he asked if he could join me.
The more the merrier I said, and a friendship was born.
Being starving college students, Eddie and I often pooled our meager resources. Many a night we watched some really bad Braves baseball while munching on dry white toast and butter.
Eddie was watching the game with me when a young Braves outfielder named Brian Asselstine tore up his shoulder lunging into the wall in pursuit of a scorcher hit off one of Atlanta’s many crummy pitchers. It was obvious Asselstine was badly hurt and Eddie sat right there in my room and cried.
Eddie was gone by my sophomore year. Someone who knew him said his boyfriend in Atlanta — Candy, who drove a big, green Cadillac — couldn’t stand to be apart and Eddie had transferred to a school in the city.
A couple of years later the Braves stunned the world by winning 13 straight games to start the season and then going on to win the National League West pennant. Though they lost in the playoffs, it was a wonderful season.
Of course years later the Braves became really good, dominating their division for more than a decade.
When they won the World Series in 1995 — God bless you Justice and Glavine — the first person I thought of was my older brother Greg, who had suffered with the team for even more years than me. I called him from Florida and whooped it up a bit on the phone.
But it didn’t take long for me to think about the college days, that lousy TV, all those dry white toast sandwiches and a very fine fellow named Eddie, crying softly over Brian Asselstine’s bum luck.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Books
Ray Bradbury is known for his wonderful science fiction and fantasy tales. But his most recent collection of short stories, the breezy “We’ll Always Have Paris,” is a much more diverse assemblage.
Fantasy and sci fi are in the minority among these 21 stories (and one poem).
Bradbury’s distinctive, gentle style is on hand however and that is always a plus, particularly if you’ve been reading a lot of “current” fiction.
The stories are culled from the more than 500 unpublished shorts has in his personal vaults. Not all are winners, but more than a few will strike a receptive chord.
My favorites:
“Pater Cainus” is a musing on religion, told in a very unconventional manner.
“Miss Appletree and I” looks at marriage, as does does “A Literary Encounter,” which also shows off the author’s love of books.
‘Ma Perkins Comes to Stay” examines the power that radio had in its heyday.
There’s good, if not great, stuff here and Bradbury fans will want it a part of their collections.
Fantasy and sci fi are in the minority among these 21 stories (and one poem).
Bradbury’s distinctive, gentle style is on hand however and that is always a plus, particularly if you’ve been reading a lot of “current” fiction.
The stories are culled from the more than 500 unpublished shorts has in his personal vaults. Not all are winners, but more than a few will strike a receptive chord.
My favorites:
“Pater Cainus” is a musing on religion, told in a very unconventional manner.
“Miss Appletree and I” looks at marriage, as does does “A Literary Encounter,” which also shows off the author’s love of books.
‘Ma Perkins Comes to Stay” examines the power that radio had in its heyday.
There’s good, if not great, stuff here and Bradbury fans will want it a part of their collections.
Politics
Obama wants his political foes to sit down and shut up which they might do if he didn't seem like a truculent little kid. How many times is going to remind us "I'm the president"or "I won the election."
Believe me we get it, kiddo.
Believe me we get it, kiddo.
Reds
Down in the Worker's paradise things are getting tougher. Cubans may not have enough toilet paper to get through the rest of the year, which is is bad because this is turning into a mighty crappy time in ol' Havanah. Where's Danny Glover when they really need him? Of course it is the fault of hurricanes, American spies and assorted other running dog capiltalists, as we hear each time this basket case example of socialism lurches into a new disaster.
When wiil the Left learn?
Never.
The best thing that could happen to this miserable country is for Disney to buy it. At least no one would have to take the latest volume of Fidel's speeches to the bathroom with them.
When wiil the Left learn?
Never.
The best thing that could happen to this miserable country is for Disney to buy it. At least no one would have to take the latest volume of Fidel's speeches to the bathroom with them.
Friday, August 7, 2009
NFL
NFL teams have been practicing hard for about a week and already several have been hit by serious injuries.
Look no further than Atlanta where the Falcons lost wide receiver Harry Douglas to a knee injury. Douglas, who was expected to be the team’s slot receiver and who brought a needed dose of speed, is gone for the whole season.
Atlanta traded former slot receiver Laurent Robinson to the Rams in the offseason, so who will step into Douglas’s role is hard to determine. Veteran Brian Finneran could benefit. The Falcons also moved quickly to sign veterans Robert Ferguson and Marty Booker. I like Booker better, but Ferguson might fit better in the slot.
In Philadelphia the Eagles are looking for a starting middle linebacker now that Stewart Bradley is gone for 2009.
Joe Mays, who has played little in his short career, is listed as number two on the inside but don’t be surprised if former starting MLB Omar Gaither moves over from his backup OLB role. The Eagles also have former Charger starter Eric Wilhelm on the roster, though his previous starts came in a 3-4 alignment.
In Cleveland the Browns are holding out hope that guard Rex Hadnot will be back soon. He got hurt on Friday and it didn’t look good. There are veterans to step in, Eric Steinbach and Floyd Womack, but Hadnot was also expected to log some time at center.
The Bengals have been hit hard at tight end.
Powerful blocker Reggie Kelly is out for the season and backup Ben Utecht just suffered a concussion. Third teamer Daniel Coats also is ailing. Up next? Rookie Chase Coffman. Can he play at this point?
In Seattle the Seahawks are reshuffling their offensive line after the loss of veteran guard Mike Wahle, who called it a career after failing the team physical.
Rob Sims, Mansfield Wrotto (from Georgia Tech), rookie 2nd rounder Max Unger and OT Sean Locklear are all in the mix, though Locklear may be better used at RT or as insurance for gimpy left tackle Walter Jones.
In Oakland, Khalif Barnes was making a bid to start at LT but now that he’s out for a big chunk of the year the Raiders will probably rely on young Mario Henderson at LT and veteran Cornell Green at RT. Free agent Erik Pears might be in the mix and I believe that’s former Viking disappointment Marcus Johnson getting some reps as well.
--------
A few other notes
The Rams have former Auburn wide receiver Tim Carter on the roster. Carter is the poor man’s Donte Stallworth ... which is an incredibly funny concept.
---
Former Georgia Bulldog cornerback Asher Allen is turning some heads in Minnesota, where he might earn the nickel back job by the starter.
---
Gary Guyton of Georgia Tech went undrafted before last season but that didn’t keep him from contributing some quality work in New England. Guyton is back in the mix this year.
---
The Patriots don’t make many personnel mistakes so it will be interesting see how they handle nose tackle Vince Wilfork’s contract situation. If they like what they see in rookie Ron Brace they might hardball Wilfork and either move him on now or let him leave next season. He’ll probably reup, but if not the Pats need to move him to rid themselves of what could be a major distraction.
---
Jimmy Espy is a executive editor of the North Georgia Newspaper Group and a self-proclaimed NFL savant. He blogs on sports and other things at Espysoutpost@blogspot.com
Look no further than Atlanta where the Falcons lost wide receiver Harry Douglas to a knee injury. Douglas, who was expected to be the team’s slot receiver and who brought a needed dose of speed, is gone for the whole season.
Atlanta traded former slot receiver Laurent Robinson to the Rams in the offseason, so who will step into Douglas’s role is hard to determine. Veteran Brian Finneran could benefit. The Falcons also moved quickly to sign veterans Robert Ferguson and Marty Booker. I like Booker better, but Ferguson might fit better in the slot.
In Philadelphia the Eagles are looking for a starting middle linebacker now that Stewart Bradley is gone for 2009.
Joe Mays, who has played little in his short career, is listed as number two on the inside but don’t be surprised if former starting MLB Omar Gaither moves over from his backup OLB role. The Eagles also have former Charger starter Eric Wilhelm on the roster, though his previous starts came in a 3-4 alignment.
In Cleveland the Browns are holding out hope that guard Rex Hadnot will be back soon. He got hurt on Friday and it didn’t look good. There are veterans to step in, Eric Steinbach and Floyd Womack, but Hadnot was also expected to log some time at center.
The Bengals have been hit hard at tight end.
Powerful blocker Reggie Kelly is out for the season and backup Ben Utecht just suffered a concussion. Third teamer Daniel Coats also is ailing. Up next? Rookie Chase Coffman. Can he play at this point?
In Seattle the Seahawks are reshuffling their offensive line after the loss of veteran guard Mike Wahle, who called it a career after failing the team physical.
Rob Sims, Mansfield Wrotto (from Georgia Tech), rookie 2nd rounder Max Unger and OT Sean Locklear are all in the mix, though Locklear may be better used at RT or as insurance for gimpy left tackle Walter Jones.
In Oakland, Khalif Barnes was making a bid to start at LT but now that he’s out for a big chunk of the year the Raiders will probably rely on young Mario Henderson at LT and veteran Cornell Green at RT. Free agent Erik Pears might be in the mix and I believe that’s former Viking disappointment Marcus Johnson getting some reps as well.
--------
A few other notes
The Rams have former Auburn wide receiver Tim Carter on the roster. Carter is the poor man’s Donte Stallworth ... which is an incredibly funny concept.
---
Former Georgia Bulldog cornerback Asher Allen is turning some heads in Minnesota, where he might earn the nickel back job by the starter.
---
Gary Guyton of Georgia Tech went undrafted before last season but that didn’t keep him from contributing some quality work in New England. Guyton is back in the mix this year.
---
The Patriots don’t make many personnel mistakes so it will be interesting see how they handle nose tackle Vince Wilfork’s contract situation. If they like what they see in rookie Ron Brace they might hardball Wilfork and either move him on now or let him leave next season. He’ll probably reup, but if not the Pats need to move him to rid themselves of what could be a major distraction.
---
Jimmy Espy is a executive editor of the North Georgia Newspaper Group and a self-proclaimed NFL savant. He blogs on sports and other things at Espysoutpost@blogspot.com
The war
Newsweek wonder if Al Qaeda can survive loss of key Taliban leader? Let's hope not but don't bet much on it. The BBC ponders a similar question.
Books
Malcolm Jones of Newsweek names his Top 10 crime novels but somehow leaves off James Crumley's "The Last Good Kiss" and James Lee Burke's "In the Electric Mist With the Confederate Dead." The mug!
Braves
Mark Bradley pulls out the big knife and sticks it in John Smoltz. Cause the story really is abut how Smoltz was mean to him once. For the record, Smoltz needs to go back to the bullpen and try to sharpen his stuff. He's done it before.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
John Hughes, RIP
A very funny man remembered. From the LA Times. A Sixteen Candles trailer. More from the Chicago Tribune.
Football
The Hal Mumme coaching tree. My ol' south Georgia sports buddies will get a kick out of this story.I met the coach when I was in Valdosta the second time and he was quit friendly and a fellow Civil War buff. I saw the team play several times and the defense under Major was usually terrible in the first half and better in the second half, though that may have been because the offense was usually taking charge by then.
Offensively, they were a thrill. Hatcher threw to everybody and they ranthe ball pretty well, too.
A lot of fun to watch.
Offensively, they were a thrill. Hatcher threw to everybody and they ranthe ball pretty well, too.
A lot of fun to watch.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Boxing
I remember the fight chronicled in this documentary. HBO offers this retelling of a sad, shameful story. Here's the hookup to the HBO link.
Politics
Surely these fellows don't mean to imply that President Obama might backtrack on a solemn campaign promise.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
NFL
Here’s a quick look at the NFC’s South Division and some players who need to step up big for their teams.
Atlanta Falcons
With the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez the Falcon offense looks very solid. However one key position is yet to be solidified.
Can Sam Baker play left tackle?
Baker was a first round pick out of USC last year and started several games before injuries landed him on the sidelines. He showed flashes of ability, but also suffered some bad moments. That’s not unusual for a rookie lineman, but it has to leave Falcon fans uneasy. No one wants to see defensive ends teeing off on quarterback Matt Ryan’s blindside.
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The Falcons know they have to sort out one of their cornerback spots. Going into camp it looks like third-year-man Brent Grimes has a slight advantage over Chevis Jackson, Von Hutchins and rookie Chris Owens.
But how solid are they on the other side of the field.
Third year pro Chris Houston is the starter there, but has yet to become the “shut down” corner the Falcons hoped for when they drafted him in the second round. Houston’s emergence as a top flight defender needs to happen this season if the Birds are going to upgrade their defense into a Super Bowl quality group. They simply can’t afford to have two weak spots at corner, particularly while trying to break in at least one new starter at safety.
New Orleans
Reggie Bush was the second player taken in his draft class and has contributed some dazzling moments to the Saints end-of-the-season highlight reel. What he has not done though is take a major role in the team’s ground game. No one expects Bush to log 300 carries this season, but for the team’s offense to be more effective in the post-Deuce McAllister era, he needs to make a greater impact on first and second down, not just as a third down receiver.
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The normal learning curve and a mid-season injury took the steam out of defensive tackle Sedric Ellis’s rookie year. The New Orleans defense does not have a lot of standout athletic talents and last year the defensive line was often mediocre. Ellis is talented and if he can provide a strong inside presence , it could help boost the play of the team’s high priced defensive ends, Will Smith and Charles Grant.
A good pass rush will make the secondary look better and it needs the help.
Tampa Bay Bucs
Tampa Bay seems willing to get rookie quarterback Josh Freeman in the lineup early. That could hasten the learning process for Freeman, but will it please Bucs’ fans?
On the plus side, the offense is built pretty well for a young signal caller. Tampa has done a good job of rebuilding its offensive line and that group is capable of knocking defenses off the ball for running backs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. New tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. should be a valuable target to an inexperienced signal caller.
Still, starting is a lot to ask of any young quarterback. Freeman may face some tough days this season.
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Ronde Barber is 34 and slowing down. How much does he have left? It’s an important question for the Bucs, who will be breaking in a new starter (Aquib Talib) at the other corner and whose pass rush doesn’t do a lot to help the secondary.
In the offseason Tampa Bay invested most of its resources in offensive players. That means a team’s mix of veterans, draft picks and a few bargain free agents (linebacker Angelo Crowell) will face a major challenge.
No one has a bigger question mark by his name, or a better pedigree, than Barber.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are a real ground and pound offense. Even if they wanted to open things up more they would be limited by their personnel.
The offense sports two good running backs, one great wide receiver and a quarterback who needs to do better than a 15-12 TD to interception ratio.
The Panthers can count on star wideout Steve Smith, but does 14-year veteran Mushin Muhammad have enough left to give QB Jake Delhomme a second good target. He better, because the cast of backups at WR, including Ryne Robinson, Dewayne Jarrett and Kenny Moore, isn’t very promising.
Tight end is also a thin spot for Carolina. None of the contenders there are much of a receiving threat.
Muhammad, who was effective last season, needs to give the Panthers one more good season. Can he hold off Father Time for 16 games?
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The Panthers have a solid secondary, You could do a lot worse than Chris Harris, Chris Gamble, Richard Marshall and Charles Godfrey. But they also need a good nickel back, as well as someone who can step in and start if necessary.
Carolina drafted Sherrod Martin to be that someone. As with Godfrey last year, it’s unclear whether Martin will eventually start at corner or safety, but it’s clear that for now the Panthers hope he can help at both spots.
Jimmy Espy is a self-proclaimed football savant.
Atlanta Falcons
With the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez the Falcon offense looks very solid. However one key position is yet to be solidified.
Can Sam Baker play left tackle?
Baker was a first round pick out of USC last year and started several games before injuries landed him on the sidelines. He showed flashes of ability, but also suffered some bad moments. That’s not unusual for a rookie lineman, but it has to leave Falcon fans uneasy. No one wants to see defensive ends teeing off on quarterback Matt Ryan’s blindside.
---
The Falcons know they have to sort out one of their cornerback spots. Going into camp it looks like third-year-man Brent Grimes has a slight advantage over Chevis Jackson, Von Hutchins and rookie Chris Owens.
But how solid are they on the other side of the field.
Third year pro Chris Houston is the starter there, but has yet to become the “shut down” corner the Falcons hoped for when they drafted him in the second round. Houston’s emergence as a top flight defender needs to happen this season if the Birds are going to upgrade their defense into a Super Bowl quality group. They simply can’t afford to have two weak spots at corner, particularly while trying to break in at least one new starter at safety.
New Orleans
Reggie Bush was the second player taken in his draft class and has contributed some dazzling moments to the Saints end-of-the-season highlight reel. What he has not done though is take a major role in the team’s ground game. No one expects Bush to log 300 carries this season, but for the team’s offense to be more effective in the post-Deuce McAllister era, he needs to make a greater impact on first and second down, not just as a third down receiver.
---
The normal learning curve and a mid-season injury took the steam out of defensive tackle Sedric Ellis’s rookie year. The New Orleans defense does not have a lot of standout athletic talents and last year the defensive line was often mediocre. Ellis is talented and if he can provide a strong inside presence , it could help boost the play of the team’s high priced defensive ends, Will Smith and Charles Grant.
A good pass rush will make the secondary look better and it needs the help.
Tampa Bay Bucs
Tampa Bay seems willing to get rookie quarterback Josh Freeman in the lineup early. That could hasten the learning process for Freeman, but will it please Bucs’ fans?
On the plus side, the offense is built pretty well for a young signal caller. Tampa has done a good job of rebuilding its offensive line and that group is capable of knocking defenses off the ball for running backs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. New tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. should be a valuable target to an inexperienced signal caller.
Still, starting is a lot to ask of any young quarterback. Freeman may face some tough days this season.
---
Ronde Barber is 34 and slowing down. How much does he have left? It’s an important question for the Bucs, who will be breaking in a new starter (Aquib Talib) at the other corner and whose pass rush doesn’t do a lot to help the secondary.
In the offseason Tampa Bay invested most of its resources in offensive players. That means a team’s mix of veterans, draft picks and a few bargain free agents (linebacker Angelo Crowell) will face a major challenge.
No one has a bigger question mark by his name, or a better pedigree, than Barber.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are a real ground and pound offense. Even if they wanted to open things up more they would be limited by their personnel.
The offense sports two good running backs, one great wide receiver and a quarterback who needs to do better than a 15-12 TD to interception ratio.
The Panthers can count on star wideout Steve Smith, but does 14-year veteran Mushin Muhammad have enough left to give QB Jake Delhomme a second good target. He better, because the cast of backups at WR, including Ryne Robinson, Dewayne Jarrett and Kenny Moore, isn’t very promising.
Tight end is also a thin spot for Carolina. None of the contenders there are much of a receiving threat.
Muhammad, who was effective last season, needs to give the Panthers one more good season. Can he hold off Father Time for 16 games?
---
The Panthers have a solid secondary, You could do a lot worse than Chris Harris, Chris Gamble, Richard Marshall and Charles Godfrey. But they also need a good nickel back, as well as someone who can step in and start if necessary.
Carolina drafted Sherrod Martin to be that someone. As with Godfrey last year, it’s unclear whether Martin will eventually start at corner or safety, but it’s clear that for now the Panthers hope he can help at both spots.
Jimmy Espy is a self-proclaimed football savant.
Your Sunday Free Tune
Some time a song and a singer are perfectly matched. Randy Travis and "On the Other Hand" for example. One of the best country songs ever.
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