These Being the Words of Cicero

Charlie Lea: timeline

2012-02-09T11:23:00.000-05:00

Born: December 25, 1956

1975: Drafted by Mets

1976: Drafted by Cardinals

1977: Drafted by White Sox

1978: Finished attending Memphis State University, drafted by Expos

1978-1980: Memphis Chicks

Debut: June 12, 1980 (Expos)

1981: No-hit the Giants

1982-84: 42-31 record

1983: 16-11, 3.12 ERA, 222 IP, 4 Shutouts

1984: 15-10, 3.12 ERA, 224.1 IP

1984: All Star

1985-86: Missed seasons due to injury

1987: Returned for 1 IP

1988: Signed with Twins as a free agent

1988: Retired; Arm problems ended a promising career

1999: Elected to Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

2002-2011: Radio announcer for Memphis Redbirds

Died: November 11, 2011

Accomplishments:
1984 All Star

1981 No Hitter

62-48 record

3.54 ERA

10+ wins: 3x

15+ wins: 2x

2.89 ERA (1984)

200+ IP: 2x

Bob Forsch timeline

2012-02-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

Born: January 13, 1950

1968: Drafted by Cardinals

1970: Converted from third base to pitcher while in minors

Debut: July 7, 1974 (Cardinals)

1974: Threw a shutout in second ML start.

1977: 20-7

1978: No-hit the Phillies

1979: His brother, Ken, no-hit the Braves, making the Forsch brothers the only brothers to throw no-hitters

1982: Cards win World Series

1983: No-hit the Expos

1984: Major back surgery

1985: Pitched division clincher

1985: Cards win Pennant (Lose World Series to Royals)

1987: Forsch plunks Jeff Leonard for being an ass in the NLCS causing a controversy

1987: Cards win Pennant (Lose World Series to Twins)

1988: Traded to Astros

1989: Retired

1995: Received 0.4% of the HOF vote and taken off ballot for 1996

He wrote a book in retirement and served as a minor league pitching coach (2009-2011)

Died: November 3, 2011

Accomplishments:
1982 World Champion

Two no-hitters

Part of only brother combo to throw no-hitters in the majors

2x Silver Slugger

168-136 record

3.76 ERA

67 CG

19 shutouts

10+ wins: 11x

15+ wins: 3x

20-7 (1977)

Sub 3 ERA: 2.86 (1975)

200+ IP: 7x

Postseason (6 series): 3-4 record, 5.79 ERA (3 NLCS: 2-1, 3.52 ERA, 0.848 WHIP)

Quotes of the Month: January 2012

2012-02-06T11:15:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Month:

"The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton, actually. But a bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker. And more easily bought."

-Ricky Gervais

Dumb Quote of the Month:

“The Giants are on their way to the Superbowl.”

-Joe Biden trying to fire up the 49ers.

"I think the gap between his promises and his performance is the largest I’ve seen, well, since the Kardashian wedding and the promise of til death do we part."

-Mitt Romney on Barack Obama

“Can we drop all this pious baloney?”

-Newt Gingrich to Mitt Romney

"There are a number of lines Romney could use: 'Yeah, I love firing people, but I never fired a wife on her deathbed.'"

-Rush Limbaugh

"By the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon. And it will be American.”

-Newt Gingrich

"Mr. President -- you were elected to lead, you chose to follow, and now it's time for you to get out of the way."

-Mitt Romney

Lefty Grove: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1947

2012-02-02T12:01:00.003-05:00

Born: March 6, 1900

1920: Made professional debut. His owner refused to sell Grove’s rights until the A’s offered over $100,000 in 1925.

Debut: April 14, 1925 (A’s)

1925-31: Led league in strikeouts

1928: Struck out the side on 9 pitches twice in same season (Only Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan accomplished this)

1929: A’s win World Series (0-0 record, 6.1 IP, 0 ERA)

1930: Won Triple Crown (28-5, 2.54, 209 Ks)

1930: A’s win World Series (2-1 record, 1.42 ERA, 19 IP, 0.947 WHIP)

1931: Won Triple Crown (31-4, 2.06, 175 Ks)

1931: Won 31 games

1931: A’s win pennant (lose World Series to Cardinals)

1931 World Series: 2-1 record, 2.42 ERA, 26 IP, 1.154 WHIP

1931: AL MVP

1933: Grove struck out five times in a game

1933: Traded to Red Sox

1941: Won 300^th game

1941: Retired

1947: Elected to Hall of Fame

1975: Died

1999: Elected to All Century Team

Accomplishments:
2x World Champion

6x All Star

1931 AL MVP

All Century Team

300-141 record

Won 15+ games: 11x

Won 20+ games: 8x

Won 25+ games: 3x

Won 31 games (1931)

Led league in wins: 4x

.680 win %

Led league in win %: 5x

3.06 ERA

Sub 3 ERA: 9x

Sub 2.50 ERA: 6x

ERA titles: 9x

Led league in games (50): 1930

Led league in GS (37): 1929

298 CG

Led league CG: 3x

10+ CG: 14x

15+ CG: 11x

20+ CG: 9x

35 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 3x

Led league in saves (9): 1930

3940.2 IP

200+ IP: 11x

Led league in walks (131): 1925

Led league in strikeouts: 7x

209 strikeouts (1930)

1.278 WHIP

Led league in WHIP: 5x

Postseason: 4-2, 1.75 ERA, 51.1 IP, 1.013 WHIP (3 World Series)

Mickey Cochrane: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1947

2012-02-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

Born: April 3, 1903

1920s: Attended Boston University

1924: Signed minor league contract

Debut: April 14, 1925 (A’s)

1928: AL MVP

1929: A’s win World Series

1930: A’s win World Series

1931: A’s win pennant (Lose World Series to Cardinals)

1931: Cochrane considered the goat of the 1931 World Series because he surrendered 8 stolen bases pacing the Cardinals victory.

1934: Sold to Detroit Tigers

1934: Became player/manager of the Tigers (348-250 record)

1934: Tigers win Pennant (Lose World Series to Cardinals)

1934: AL MVP

1935: Tigers win World Series

1936: Suffered nervous breakdown from stress

1937: Beaned in the head by Bump Hadley ending his playing career.

1938: Fired as Tiger manager; Detroit later changed National Avenue to Cochrane in his honor.

1941-45: Served in Navy

1947: Elected to Hall of Fame

1962: Died of cancer

1999: Nominated for All Century Team

2009: Joe Mauer broke Cochrane’s record for highest career average for a catcher. Mauer is still active, so Cochrane could still end up being the all time leader one day.

Accomplishments:
3x World Champion

2x All Star

2x MVP

As a manager: 348-250 (.582)-2 pennants and one World Series title

.320 hitter

.419 OBP

.478 Slugging

.897 OPS

119 home runs

832 RBI

1041 runs

1652 hits

333 doubles

857 walks-217 strikeouts

100 + runs: 4x

30+ doubles: 7x

42 doubles (1930)

12 triples (1928)

112 RBI (1932)

100+ walks: 2x

Hit .300: 9x

Hit .357 (1930)

.400+ OBP: 10x

Led league in OBP (.459): 1933

.500+ slugging: 4x

Postseason: .245, 2 HR, 7 RBI (5 World Series)

Frankie Frisch: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1947

2012-01-30T12:15:00.002-05:00

Born: September 9, 1898

1916: Entered Fordham; left for NY Giants

Debut: June 17, 1919 (Giants)

1921: Named team captain

1921: Giants won World Series

1922: Giants won World Series

1923: Moved to 2b full time

1923: Giants won Pennant (Lost World Series to Yankees)

1924: Giants won Pennant (Lost World Series to Senators)

1926: Traded to Cardinals

1928: Cardinals won Pennant (Lost World Series to Yankees)

1930: Cardinals won Pennant (Lost World Series to A’s)

1931: NL MVP

1931: Cardinals won World Series

1933: Became Cardinals Player/Manager (458-354 record,.564, 1 World Championship)

1934: Cardinals won World Series

1937: Retired as a player

1938: Final year as Cardinal manager

1940-1946: Managed Pirates (539-528 record)

1947: Elected to Hall of Fame

1949-1951: Managed Cubs (141-196)

1950s: Worked radio

1956: Suffered heart attack

1950s-60s: Joined HOF Veteran’s Committee

Died: March 12, 1973 from injuries in a car crash

1999: Nominated for All Century Team

Accomplishments:
4x World Champion

3x All Star

1931 NL MVP

.316 average

105 home runs

1244 RBI

1532 runs

2880 hits

466 doubles

138 triples

419 stolen bases

728 walks-272 strikeouts

100+ Runs: 7x

Led league in runs (121): 1924

200+ hits: 3x

Led league in hits (223): 1923

30+ doubles: 8x

40+ doubles: 2x

10+ triples: 7x

100+ RBI: 3x

Led league in steals: 3x

20+ steals: 11x

30+ steals: 4x

Hit .300: 13x

.407 OBP: 1930

.520 slugging: 1930

300 TB: 2x

Led league in TB (311): 1923

Postseason: .294, 0 HR, 10 RBI, .711 OPS, 9 SB (8 World Series)

Managerial Record: 1138-1078 (.514): 1 Pennant and World Championship

Carl Hubbell: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1947

2012-01-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

Born: June 22, 1903

1926: Signed by Detroit Tigers and released

1928: Discovered by a Giants scout after the Tigers rebuffed him again

Debut: July 26, 1928 (New York Giants)

1929: No Hit the Pirates

1933-1937: Won 20 or more games each season

1933: Pitched 18 inning shutout

1933: Giants win World Series

1933: NL MVP

1934: Struck out five Hall of Famers in succession in All Star Game

1936-37: Won 24 consecutive games (ML Record)

1936: Giants win pennant (Lose WS to Yankees)

1936: NL MVP

1937: Giants win pennant (Lose WS to Yankees)

1943: Retired

1944: Giants retire his #11

1947: Elected to Hall of Fame

1988: Died (Auto accident)

1999: Finalist for All Century Team

Accomplishments:
243-154 Record

1933 World Champion

2x MVP

9x All Star

Struck out 5 straight HOFers in 1934 ASG

No hitter (1929)

24 consecutive wins (ML Record)

18 inning shutout

2.98 ERA

36 shutouts

3590.1 IP

1.166 WHIP

15+ wins: 8x

20+ wins: 5x

Led league in wins: 3x

Led league in win %: 2x

Sub 3 ERA: 6x

Sub 2.50 ERA: 3x

1.66 ERA (1933)

3x ERA Champ

10+ CG: 14x

15+ CG: 9x

20+ CG: 6x

Led league in CG (25): 1934

Led league in SHO (10): 1934

200+ IP: 10x

250+ IP: 7x

300+ IP: 4x

Led league in IP: 1933 (308.2)

1677 strikeouts

Led league in strikeouts (159): 1937

Led league in WHIP: 6x

1.000 WHIP or less: 1933 (0.982)

Postseason: 4-2, 1.79 ERA, 6 starts (3 World Series)

The 200 Greatest Albums of All Time: "S" Artists part II

2012-01-25T11:33:00.001-05:00

Stand!: Sly and the Family Stone (1969)
Sly is one of music’s most talented individuals. Unfortunately, no one remembers him. Stand! represented Sly and the Family Stones’ breakthrough. The album represents not only the band’s peak, but also one of the most creative albums ever recorded.

Key Tracks:
Everyday People
Stand!
I Want to Take You Higher

There’s a Riot Going On: Sly and the Family Stone (1971)
Sly abandoned the formula, which made Stand! a success. With Riot, he took the band in a darker, funkier direction. At first, people were not sure what to make of the album. Over time, critics and fans have embraced it as a classic.

Key Tracks:
Family Affair
Runnin’ Away
Thank You For Takin’ Me to Africa

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness: Smashing Pumpkins (1995)
Billy Corgan hoped to make his generation’s The Wall. The result was a platinum album nine times over. Supposedly, the album’s two sides represent day and night. However, Corgan later claimed Mellon Collie was not a concept record and tied together loosely.

Key Tracks:
Tonight, Tonight
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
1979

Horses: Patti Smith (1975)
Smith emerged from the New York punk scene that produced Blondie, The Ramones, and others. Horses pulls together personal experiences and some cover songs to complete its package. Smith’s album later influenced a number of artists ranging from Michael Stipe to Siouxsie and the Banshees to Morrissey to Sammy Hagar.

Key Tracks:
Gloria
Land
Redondo Beach

Superunknown: Soundgarden (1994)
Soundgarden changed their sound for 1994’s Superunknown. They culled a number of inspirations together to create an album and sound critics compared to The Beatles.

Key Tracks:
Fell on Black Days
Black Hole Sun
Spoonman
The Day I Tried to Live

Sci Fi History: King Kong (1933)

2012-01-23T10:58:00.000-05:00

King Kong first appeared in the 1933 film of the same name. The film pioneered stop motion photography, animatronics, and other special effects. King Kong is iconic for more than special effects. Skull Island, giant animals, the climb to the top of the Empire State Building, and the shockingly cruel death connected with audiences. The film led to sequels and remakes in 1976 and 2005. During World War I, the U.S. used Kong’s image to represent the Germans. Perhaps the most interesting take came from the Japanese whom matched Kong with Godzilla in a mega fauna death match. In the Japanese release, Godzilla wins. In America, Kong is the victor.

The finale:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grMo5-2Y5oc

Top 200 Albums of All Time: S Artists part 1

2012-01-19T11:31:00.000-05:00

Never Mind the Bullocks: The Sex Pistols (1977)
The Sex Pistols took punk confrontation to its logical conclusion in 1977. The combat boot wearing spike haired band defined the movement socially, musically, and cosmetically. The band professed anarchy and dissed the queen scaring some record companies and fans. The punk music as a whole confused most people. After all, why would fans want to be spit on?

Key Tracks:
God Save the Queen
Anarchy in the U.K.
Pretty Vacant

Graceland: Paul Simon (1986)
Hard to believe Graceland is 25 years old. The album includes South African influences essentially merging Simon’s personal beliefs, humor, and South African culture. It also provided the classic “You Can Call Me Al.”

Key Tracks:
Graceland
You Can Call Me Al
All Around the World of the Myth of Fingerprints

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon and Garfunkel (1970)
Simon and Garfunkel released one of the last albums to close the sixties and open the seventies. They captured a time and place on vinyl, which is why it connected. Like the next entry does for 1992, Bridge Over Troubled Water provides a time capsule to 1970.

Key Tracks:
Bridge Over Troubled Water
El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Cecilia
The Boxer

Singles: Soundtrack (1992)
If you want to understand 1992, then listen to the Singles soundtrack. The album is loaded with so-called grunge artists as well as classic rockers like Hendrix and Heart. Singles explains disillusionment, youth, and hope that permeated the period and Bill Clinton tapped.

Key Tracks:
Would? (Alice in Chains)
Breath (Pearl Jam)
Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns (Mother Love Bone)
State of Love and Trust (Pearl Jam)
Waiting for Somebody (Paul Westerberg)
Nearly Lost You (Screaming Trees)

Reign in Blood: Slayer (1986)
In 1986, Slayer released the Trash Metal classic Reign in Blood. The album lasts about a half an hour, but fills the listener with Slayer’s brutality. This is the album to listen to if one wants to understand thrash and compare it to classic metal or hair metal.

Key Tracks:
Angel of Death
Raining Blood

History Shorts: The Bible is written

2012-01-18T11:33:00.001-05:00

The Bible is a collection of religious stories compiled into one text. It includes the Hebrew Bible, which represents the Old Testament and the Christian texts that make up the New Testament. The New Testament was written by a number of authors between 50 and 150 A.D. Later, the church decided which books to include and exclude. Since the Bible’s conception, it has served to govern nations, inspire believers, and inform church doctrine. It’s also a masterpiece of literature.

The following clips deal with the Bible and pop culture’s take on the book.

Who Wrote the Bible:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suseKsLEWKo

Mel Brooks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TAtRCJIqnk

Charlton Heston:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7dFrzrjSRg

Noah’s Ark:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M6VKgyz8eI

The Sermon on the Mount:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDCbJ4vnMNg

Jesus Christ Superstar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvVr2uks0C8

Superman as a Christ figure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3keuiWzY-Q

　

Sci Fi History: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

2012-01-16T08:44:00.000-05:00

The film version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde debuted prior to the adoption of modern movie production codes. It included strong sexual content and needed editing before its re-release. This version heavily influenced the look of Mr. Hyde in subsequent examinations. The producers wanted Hyde to embody evil and gave him canine teeth and a more ape-like appearance to make him “less evolved.”

The main themes of Jekyll and Hyde involve the dichotomy between good and evil. It also explores civilization vs. barbarism and evolution. The characters later inspired The Incredible Hulk, Batman’s nemesis, Two-Face, and The Who‘s Quadrophenia.

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Rush

2012-01-13T08:35:00.002-05:00

2112: Rush (1976)

Rush explored a future dystopia set in the year 2112. The album is broken up into seven parts furthering the storyline. In the future world, the government determines what people can read, think, and listen to. Rock n Roll does not exist until a man discovers a guitar and learns to play it. The man commits suicide after the High Priests of the Temples of Sphinx destroy the guitar. His martyrdom sets off a revolution with an ambiguous ending.

Ironically, critics attacked 2112 for being fascist. Somehow, a man fighting for his art and freedom represented fascism. In reality, these critics may have recognized a conservative critique of progressive governments resulting in the backlash.

Moving Pictures: Rush (1981)

Rush moved into the mainstream in 1980 with Permanent Waves. They followed the formula in 1981 with Moving Pictures. The album remains the band’s best selling album and includes the iconic tracks “Limelight” and “Tom Sawyer”. The songs remain radio favorites thirty years later.

Key Tracks:
Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta
YYZ
Limelight

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Run DMC

2012-01-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

Raising Hell: Run DMC (1986)
Run DMC broke into the mainstream and demonstrated Hip Hop’s viability with Raising Hell. The album featured the collaboration with Aerosmith on the “Walk This Way” cover. “Walk This Way” became the first rap song to make it into the Top 5 setting the stage for the genre’s future success. It also paved the way for Nu Metal, which emerged in the early 90s and became a force in the early 00s before fading. Without the success of “Walk This Way” and Raising Hell, Hip Hop might not have broken into the mainstream.

Key Tracks:
It’s Tricky
Walk this Way
You Be Illin’

History Shorts: The Year of Four Emperors (69 A.D.)

2012-01-10T08:57:00.000-05:00

Romans had enough of the self absorbed emperor-cum-artist Nero. The Senate declared him an outlaw and Nero committed suicide rather than be executed in grisly fashion. What followed was a succession of coups. The end result was a year with four emperors. By July 69, Vespasian emerged from the bloodletting to settle the empire and reestablish good government. He reigned for a decade.

The first clip is a description of events. The second is a clip of Galba. The third is a clip of Nero acting a bit loopy. The last clip is Nero singing…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6toq1lYcO4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Qz7b12344

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cETzMxRqDwY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBIswXv28GI

Top 200 Albums of All Time: The Rolling Stones

2012-01-09T08:20:00.001-05:00

Aftermath: The Rolling Stones (1966)

The Rolling Stones’ sixth album represented a major breakthrough for the band. It marked the first time the Stones did not cover any songs. Every track was a Jagger/Richards composition. It is also notable for the inclusion of a variety of non-rock instruments such as the sitar, dulcimer, and xylophone.

Key Tracks:
Paint It Black
Under My Thumb
Lady Jane

Beggar’s Banquet: The Rolling Stones (1968)

The Stones abandoned the psychedelic and returned to their primal roots with Beggar’s Banquet. Fans and critics enjoyed the return to form for the band. In December, the Stones filmed The Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus to promote the album. The film included John Lennon, The Who, Jethro Tull, and Eric Clapton, but was not released until 1996.

Key Tracks:
Sympathy for the Devil
Street Fighting Man
Salt of the Earth

Let if Bleed: The Rolling Stones (1969)

Mick Jagger lists Let It Bleed as his favorite Stones album. The record is the last with Brian Jones and first with Mick Taylor. This album captured the period’s zeitgeist. It is infused with a feeling of impending doom. In fact, the day after it was released, the Stones held the Altamont Free Concert.

Key Tracks:
Gimme Shelter
Midnight Rambler
Monkey Man
You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Sticky Fingers: The Rolling Stones (1971)

The Stones eleventh album, Sticky Fingers, is a soundtrack to the early 1970s as well as many a gangster film. It is dark and autobiographical. Sticky Fingers marks Mick Taylor’s official full album debut after replacing the late Brian Jones. The album’s cover created some controversy as it featured a male crotch. Overall, Sticky Fingers represents what rock n roll.

Key Tracks:
Brown Sugar
Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
Bitch
Sister Morphine
Dead Flowers

Exile on Main St.: The Rolling Stones (1972)

There is a consensus that Exile is the Stones finest effort. Keith Richards claimed that the double album hit many different areas and the band felt like exiles at the time. It also marked the point at which the Stones decided they were big enough to do whatever they wanted. For his part, Jagger does not count Exile as one of his favorites. He believes its success lies in the whole, “I'm not too sure how great the songs are, but put together it's a nice piece.”

Key Tracks:
Tumbling Dice
Rip this Joint
Sweet Virginia
Happy
Ventilator Blues

Tattoo You: The Rolling Stones (1981)

Although they continued to produce hit records, Tattoo You remains the Rolling Stones last #1 studio album. Many of the songs were outtakes and leftovers from the previous decade. According to Richards, the Stones felt the urge to tour and did not have the time to write new material. The result was an extremely popular record among fans and critics alike.

Key Tracks:
Start Me Up
Hang Fire
Waiting on a Friend

Sports Quotes of the Year: 2011

2012-01-07T11:39:00.001-05:00

No order...

“We got disrespected so our gangsters went out and zipped them up.”

-A Xavier Basketball player after a brawl with Cincinnati

“But I think it does show courage from the kids, standing out and doing that, and some boldness.’’

-Tim Tebow on protests over the suspension of two students for “Tebowing.”

"I love that Jeanie Buss' boy toy had something to say about us. I don't know if it was his thought or Jeanie's thought, but it's nice to know that she lets him speak in public about other teams."

-Mark Cuban

“Crazy. Karma is a b—-.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!”

-LeBron James after the Cavs 55 point loss to the Lakers

“LeBron James: How is that karma thing working out?”

-The Cleveland Plain Dealer after James got injured

“I take my hat off to myself.”

-Carmelo Anthony

“I’m just hopeful the coach doesn’t dismiss me.”

-OSU President E. Gordon Gee

“That’s the world of prostitution. You never know what you’re going to get.”

-Lawrence Taylor

“Take the vehicle. I have 10 more.”

-Allen Iverson after the police pulled his Lamborghini over.

"We want to make sure that he's really retired first."

- Packers on waiting to retire Bret Favre's #4.

"Buster is laying in front of home plate, and it's like having a disabled car in the middle of a four-lane highway. You're just going to get smacked."

Johnny Bench on the Buster Posey collision

"I ask guys all the time: Guys with blue eyes, brown eyes, whatever ... and guys with blue eyes have a tough time [during the day]."

-Josh Hamilton

"Money is cool and all but I'm only 23, I have a lot of time to make that."

-Christian Lopez after catching Derek Jeter’s 3000^th hit

“We don’t pay him to run. We pay him to trot.”

-Jim Leyland on Miguel Cabrera

“Stats are for losers and rings are for champions.”

-Darren McCarty

“National League pitchers are stupid.”

-Mitch Williams on why they pitch to Ryan Howard

“Kobe, five championships; LeBron, zero.”

-Magic Johnson

"If we were trying to run a regular offense, he'd be screwed."

-Broncos coach John Fox on Tim Tebow

“When I’ll consider myself a dirty player is when my mom tells me.”

-Ndamukong Suh

Political Quotes of the Year: 2011

2012-01-06T09:20:00.001-05:00

In no particular order...

“The Obama agenda is over.”

-Mitch McConnell

“Death to the dictator.”

-Iranian Protestors

“Go get a job right after you take a bath.”

-Newt Gingrich to OWS

“I’m a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing.”

-Nancy Pelosi

“What the hell are we paying you for?”

-Chris Christie to President Obama

“The Taliban, per se, is not the enemy.”

-Joe Biden

“It was a meeting of the world’s most powerful communist and the president of China.”

-Craig Ferguson on the Chinese President’s White House visit

“Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaida, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.”

-Barack Obama

"Osama always loved Snooki’s hair poof. He called it nature’s turban.”

-Jimmy Kimmel

“With allies like that, who needs the left?”

-Paul Ryan on Newt Gingrich

“I did not sext Anthony Weiner.”

-Ginger Lee

"Obama is the most successful food stamp president in American History.”

-Newt Gingrich

Best on-air exchange:

“Do you have a degree in economics?”

-Contessa Brewer to Congressman Mo Brooks

“Yes mam, I do. Highest honors.”

-Mo Brooks to Contessa Brewer

“This would be easier if I could do this on my own.”

-Barack Obama wishing he were dictator?

"This economic mandate represents a wholly novel and potentially unbounded assertion of congressional authority: the ability to compel Americans to purchase an expensive health insurance product they have elected not to buy, and to make them re-purchase that insurance product every month for their entire lives."

-11^th Circuit Court on Obamacare’s Individual Mandate

"Socrates taught that wisdom begins in the recognition of how little we know. Mr. Obama is perpetually intent on telling us how much he knows. Aristotle wrote that the type of intelligence most needed in politics is prudence, which in turn requires experience. Mr. Obama came to office with no experience. Plutarch warned that flattery "makes itself an obstacle and pestilence to great houses and great affairs." Today's White House, more so than any in memory, is stuffed with flatterers.”

“Stupid is as stupid does, said the great philosopher Forrest Gump. The presidency of Barack Obama is a case study in stupid does.”

-Bret Stephens WSJ

"POTUS has played more golf this month than I have: I have created more jobs this month than he has.”

-Professional Golfer Paul Azinger

“It's deeply bizarre and deeply creepy.”

-State Department Victoria Nuland on Moammar Gadhafi’s obsession with Condi Rice

“My neighbor’s two dogs have created more shovel-ready projects than this current administration.”

-Former N.M. Governor Gary Johnson on the Stimulus

"We’re the country that built the Intercontinental Railroad."

-Barack Obama (he meant transcontinental).

“If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor. I have no problem with that.”

-Barack Obama confusing Jews and Janitors

"I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover."

-Governor Bev Perdue

OBAMA: "I can see the unemployment line from my house!"

-Ann Coulter

'President Obama, This Is Your Army. We Are Ready to March. Let's Take These Son of Bitches Out'

-James Hoffa

"Murder will continue to rise. Rape will continue to rise. All crime will continue to rise."

-Joe Biden on what would happen if the Jobs Bill fails

“We want sweeping unspecified change.”

- A sign in the Occupy Wall Street protests

“I left the Democratic plantation a long time ago.”

-Herman Cain

"After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over."

-Barack Obama

“All my people love me.”

-Moamer Gadhafi

“Do you know right from wrong?”

-Moammar Khadafy (last words)

“We came. We saw. He died.”

-Hillary Clinton celebrating Khadafy’s death

Quotes of the Year: 2011

2012-01-05T08:45:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Year:

“Daniel Craig’s my Wookie bitch now!”

-Harrison Ford to Chewbacca

Stupid Quote of the Year:

“I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president — with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln — just in terms of what we’ve gotten done in modern history.”

-Barack Obama

Meltdown of the Year:

“It's no longer acceptable in mixed company -- meaning bipartisan company -- to use the goddamn word 'climate.' And some of the exact same people — I can go down a list of their names — are involved in this. And so what do they do? They pay pseudo-scientists to pretend to be scientists to put out the message: ‘This climate thing, it’s nonsense. Man-made CO2 doesn’t trap heat. It may be volcanoes.’ Bullshit! ‘It may be sun spots.’ Bullshit! ‘It’s not getting warmer.’ Bullshit!

-Al Gore

Twilight Zone Quote of the Year:

"Dreamt I died in Chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). Need to write my will today."

-Former Weezer Bassist Mikey Welsh one week before he suddenly died.
　

And the rest:

“Interesting though, as we evolve and realize our social prejudices are unacceptable, we are finding new groups to hate.”

-Simon Pegg

“You spend your life fighting the spread of evil. Then you learn a Kardashian is pregnant.”

-Batman

“Ironically, the best defense against a zombie uprising would be a robot army.”

-Grant Imahara

“If Charlie Sheen outlives me, I’m gonna be really pissed.”

-Chuck Lorre

"They picked a fight with a warlock."

-Charlie Sheen on his feud with CBS

“Winning.”

-Charlie Sheen

"There are not any plans to erect a statue to RoboCop. Thank you for your suggestion."

-Detroit Mayor Dave Bing

"God didn't create all men equal, Smith and Wesson did."

-Top Shot

“I for one welcome our new computer overlords.”

-Ken Jennings

"I never hugged him, I bombed him."

-Margaret Thatcher

“Who wants to go to Europe. It’s not Detroit.”

-Jalen Rose

"They say I have no hits and I'm difficult to work with. And they say that like it's a bad thing."

-Tom Waits

“People like crap.”

-Getty Lee on popular music

“Will the universe end? many ask. Yes. Not with a bang but a whimper. Not in fire, but in ice. Not in light, but in darkness.”

-Neil deGrasse Tyson

"Why don't you just arrest me?"

-Nicholas Cage to police

"I'm now at the "happiest place on earth". And I'm not happy about it.”

-Brent Spiner

“Clarence doesn't leave the E Street Band when he dies. He leaves when we die.”

-Bruce Springsteen

"As far as I'm concerned, Betty Ford saved my life."

-Stevie Nicks

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band …”

-R.E.M.

“It’s hard to accept being liked.”

-Andy Rooney

“This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”

-Joe Paterno

Top 200 Albums of All Time: R.E.M.

2012-01-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

Murmur: REM (1983)
Fans joked that Murmur should have been titled mumble. The album introduced the world to Michael Stipe’s cryptic and at times undecipherable lyrics and Peter Buck’s jangly guitar sound. The album helped kick off college rock and began the steady build to the alternative revolution of the early 1990s.

Key Tracks:
Radio Free Europe
Talk About the Passion
Perfect Circle
Pilgrimage

Document: REM (1987)
R.E.M. toyed with breaking through to the mainstream prior to Document. However, this album brought commercial success and a platinum certification. Despite the breakthrough with songs such as “The One I Love” and “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”, the band stayed true to itself with such tracks as “Welcome to the Occupation”, “Exhuming McCarthy”, and “Disturbance at the Heron House.”

Key Tracks:
Finest Worksong
Welcome to the Occupation
Disturbance at the Heron House
It’s The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
The One I Love

Automatic for the People: REM (1992)
Out of Time made R.E.M. unlikely rock royalty. The band planned to follow up the folksy sounding multi-platinum monster with a rock album, but abandoned the project. Instead, they teamed with John Paul Jones to craft a subdued album based on mortality. The result, Automatic for the People, and its themes of lost youth and death, has stood up well over two decades and is one of the finest albums of the period.

Key Tracks:
Drive
Try Not to Breathe
Everybody Hurts
Man on the Moon
Nightswimming
Find the River

New Adventures in Hi-Fi: REM (1996)
After releasing their own “grunge” album with Monster, R.E.M. created perhaps the most underrated album in music history. Many of the songs were written and perfected while touring, which is perhaps why some of the tracks deal with travel. Interestingly, the album did not do as well as prior R.E.M. efforts. In hindsight, the decline of the record industry may have actually begun just prior to Napster and the download craze of the late 1990s.

Key Tracks:
Electrolite
Binky the Doormat
Bittersweet Me
E-Bow the Letter

Quotes of the Month: December 2011

2012-01-02T08:30:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Month:

“You spend your life fighting the spread of evil. Then you learn a Kardashian is pregnant.”

-Batman

Stupid Quote of the Month:

“I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president — with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln — just in terms of what we’ve gotten done in modern history.”

-Barack Obama

And the rest:

“I’m going to be the nominee.”

-Newt Gingrich

"I used to think being president was about having power. Now I know it's just a ceremonial position."

-Fred Armisen as Obama on SNL

"I love all karaoke singers. I like all the girl singers who get up and sing with tapes. Shame on you."

-Gene Simmons

“We got disrespected so our gangsters went out and zipped them up.”

-A Xavier Basketball player after a brawl with Cincinnati

“But I think it does show courage from the kids, standing out and doing that, and some boldness.’’

-Tim Tebow on protests over the suspension of two students for “Tebowing.”

“The Taliban, per se, is not the enemy.”

-Joe Biden　

Douche Bag of the Year (2011)

2011-12-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

Been a good year for Douche Bags…Here are the nominees for Douche Bag of the Year for 2011...

Casey Antony & other baby killers: There seemed to be an inordinate amount of people suspected of murdering their children. Casey Anthony became the poster child for this lot. In her case, another stupid jury decided to acquit as opposed to use common sense. The Anthony Jury’s infamy ranks with the O.J, Michael Jackson, and Robert Blake juries.

Charlie Sheen: ‘nuf said.

Herman Cain: Cain served as a lesson to those looking to run for presidency without really expecting to win.

Kim Kardashian: A total waste of space.

Barack Obama: Entering the fourth year of a failed presidency, Obama decides to attack Washington and engage in bigoted class warfare…even though he’s been part of the Washington establishment for a decade. He is no longer interested in governing.

Occupy Wall Street: A vacuous movement that has railed against capitalism and big banks. While most can sympathize with the attacks on banks, the movement has engaged in a number of crimes and vandalism leading to over 5000 arrests.

Justin Bieber: Is his 15 minutes up yet?

Donald Trump: The term media whore applies here.

Eric Holder: Holder sues Arizona while shipping guns to Mexican drug cartels. He absolves voter intimidation in 2008 while attacking states for trying to ensure people’s voting rights.

Ashton Kutcher: Not quite Charlie Sheen, but he did replace him on TV.

The NBA: Anyone notice the lockout?

The Philadelphia Eagles: They dubbed themselves the Dream team…hubris.

Pedophiles in sports: Penn State, Bill Conlin, & Syracuse all had their own scandals involving underage abuse.

Congress: Osama Bin Laden may be more popular than Congress.

and the winner: Casey Anthony

Former winners: Reality TV people (2009), LeBron James (2010)

Person of the Year (2011)

2011-12-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

I have been doing this since 2006 (all winners listed at the bottom)....

Here are the candidates for 2011:

Justin Verlander: Won the AL Triple Crown, MVP, and Cy Young Awards. He won 24 games, led the Tigers to the ALCS, and no-hit Toronto. It was the best season for a MLB pitcher since 2000.

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers is setting all sorts of passing records and won the Superbowl. Going into Sunday’s season finale against the Lions, Rodgers had not lost a game in over a year.

Mike Kryzewski: Coach K became the winningest coach in NCAA history and he did it scandal-free.

Seal Team 6: These anonymous guys wacked Osama Bin Laden.

Adele: She was omnipresent on the pop charts and had a song that would not go away. Thank god it was not Ke$ha.

Gabrielle Giffords: Representative Giffords survived a vicious attack by a deranged gunman. The assassination attempt killed six others and wounded 13, including the congresswoman. Since recovering from surgery, she has attended congress and watched he husband’s shuttle launch.

Paul Ryan: Congressman Ryan put forth a plan to save Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. It also established a blueprint toward fiscal solvency. The Democrats savaged Ryan for his efforts while dramatically cutting these very programs themselves.

Tim Tebow: Through 12 game starts, Tim Tebow was 8-4 with a record six come-from-behind fourth quarter victories. Tebow accomplished this with old school talents. At times, he looked like something from the 1945 Army squad. Tebow wins ugly, wins late, and sometimes wins pretty. On top of this, “Tebowing” has become a fad around the nation.

And the winner is…Justin Verlander!

Past winners: Rahm Emmanuel (2006), Al Gore (2007), Barack Obama (2008), Leonard Nimoy (2009), Drew Brees (2010)

Frank Chance: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-23T09:14:00.000-05:00

Born: September 9, 1876

Debut: April 29, 1898 (Cubs)

1905: Became Cubs manager

1906: Cubs win 116 games, but lose World Series to White Sox

1907: Cubs win World Series

1908: Cubs win World Series

1910: Tinker to Evers to Chance is written by Franklin Pierce Adams

1910: Cubs win Pennant (Lose World Series to A’s)

1912: Left Cubs to manage Yankees Cubs record: 768-389 (.664) 4 pennants & 2 championships

1913-14: Managed Yankees 117-168 (.411)

1916-17: Managed in Pacific Coast League and became part owner of a team

1923: Managed Red Sox 61-91 (.401)

Died: October 15, 1924

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:

As a Manager:
946-648 (.593) with 4 Pennants and 2 World Championships

11 seasons as a manager

100 win seasons: 4

MLB record 116 wins (1906)

90+ win seasons: 7x

As a player:
2x World Champion

.296 average

20 HR

596 RBI

403 steals

1274 hits

798 runs

556 walks-319 strikeouts

.394 OBP

Led league in runs (103): 1906

10+ triples: 4x

Led league in steals: 2x

20+ steals: 9x

30+ steals: 5x

40+ steals: 3x

50+ steals: 2x

67 steals (1903)

.300+ average: 4x

.400+ OBP: 4x

Led league in OBP (.450): 1905

Postseason: .300, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .774 OPS (4 World Series-70 AB)

Jack Chesbro: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-22T08:25:00.000-05:00

Born: June 5, 1874

1892: Began playing sandlot ball

1894: Earned nickname “Happy Jack” while working at a mental hospital

1895: Began minor league ball

1896: Cooperstown newspaper changed his name from Chesebrough to Chesbro to fit the boxscore

Debut: October 2, 1899 (Pirates)

1899: Traded to Louisville Colonels

1900: Sent to the Pirates after Colonels ceased to exist

1901: Pirates win the Pennant (No World Series)

1902: Pirates win the Pennant (No World Series)

1903: Jumped to the Highlanders (Yankees)

1904: Began throwing a spitball

1904: 41-12 record (next closest pitcher won 26)

1904: Won 14 straight games

1904: Threw a wild pitch on the last day of the season costing NY the pennant. Some claim it was a passed ball. The controversy continues…

1905: Involved in first squeeze play in MLB history

1909: Selected off waivers by the Red Sox

1910: Returned to New York, but refused a minor league assignment and was placed on ineligible list.

1910: Returned to his farm and pitched semi-pro ball

1912: Tried a comeback, but teams passed on him.

1924: Coach for the Senators

1927: Player/Manager for a minor league team

Died: November 6, 1931

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
198-132 (.600)

2.68 ERA

1265 strikeouts

15+ wins: 7x

20+ wins: 5x

41-12. 1.82 ERA (1904)

Most single season wins (41) in history

Led league in wins: 2x

Led league in win %: 2x

Sub 3 ERA: 8x

1.82 ERA (1904)

Led league in games: 2x

Led league in GS: 2x

260 CG

10+ CG: 10x

20+ CG: 8x

30+ CG: 3x

48 CG (1904): Led league

35 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 2x

2896.2 IP

200+ IP: 9x

300+ IP: 4x

454.2 IP (1904): Led league

1.152 WHIP

0.937 WHIP (1904): Led league

239 strikeouts (1904)

Jesse Burkett: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

Born: December 4, 1868

1888-90: Played in New England League

Debut: April 22, 1890 (New York Giants)

1891: Purchased by Cleveland Spiders

1899: Assigned to St. Louis Perfectos (Cardinals)

1902: Jumped to the St. Louis Browns

1904: Traded to the Red Sox

1905: Retired after season

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: May 27, 1953

Accomplishments:
.338 career

3x batting champ

Holds MLB record for most inside-the-park HR (55)

Hit .300: 10x

Hit .350: 7x

Hit .400: 2x

75 HR

952 RBI

1720 runs

2850 hits

182 triples

389 steals

.415 OBP

.446 Slugging

.861 OPS

2067 games

Led league in games played: 2x

Led league in PA: 3x

Led league in AB: 2x

Led league in runs: 2x

100+ runs: 9x

150+ runs: 2x

Led league in hits: 3x

200+ hits: 6x

20+ doubles: 10x

10+ triples: 10x

10 HR (1901)

20+ steals: 10x

30+ steals: 5x

41 steals (1895)

1029 walks-613 strikeouts

.400 OBP: 9x

.500 slugging: 5x

1.000 OPS: 2x

300 TB: 2x

Led league in TB: 2x

Postseason: .320, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4 SB (6 games-25 AB)

Pitching: 3-11, 5.56 ERA

Johnny Evers: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

Born: July 21, 1883

Debut: September 1, 1902 (Cubs)

1905: Began feud with Joe Tinker. It started over cab fare.

1906: Cubs win Pennant (Lost World Series to White Sox)

1907: Cubs win World Series

1908: Alerted umpires about “Merkle’s boner” costing the Giants the pennant

1908: Cubs win World Series

1910: “Tinker to Evers to Chance” is written by Franklin Pierce Adams

1914: Ejected 9 times during the season

1910: Cubs win Pennant (Lose World Series to A’s)

1913: Player-Manager of the Cubs: 88-65 (.575)

1914: Traded to Braves

1914: Braves win World Series

1914: NL MVP

1914: .279, 1 HR, 40 RBI, .390 OBP

1917: Selected off Waivers by Phillies

1917: Retired after season

1920: Coached for the NY Giants

1921: Managed Cubs for second time: 41-55 (.427)

1922-23: Coach for the Chicago White Sox

1924: Managed White Sox: 51-72 (.415)

1929: Made final appearance

1929-32: Coach for the Boston Braves

After 1932: GM for Albany Senators “for a time.”

1938: Spoke to Joe Tinker for first time in 33 years while doing radio broadcast of the World Series

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: March 28, 1947

Accomplishments:
3x World Champion

1914 NL MVP

.270 career hitter

12 HR

538 RBI

778 walks-292 strikeouts

324 stolen bases

919 runs

1659 hits

11 triples (1912)

20+ steals: 7x

30+ steals: 3x

40+ steals: 2x

108 walks (1910)

Hit .300: 2x

.400 OBP: 3x

.873 OPS (1912)

Postseason:
.316, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .718 OPS, 11 runs, 8 SB, 24 hits (4 World Series)

Hit .438 in 1914 World Series

Managerial:
180-192 (.484)

Clark Griffith: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-19T09:31:00.001-05:00

Born: November 20, 1869

Debut: April 11, 1891 (St. Louis Browns)

1891: Jumped to Milwaukee

1891: Signed by the Boston Reds as a free agent

1893: Signed by Chicago Colts as a free agent

1901: Led players exodus to the American League

1901: Jumped to the White Sox as player-manager (157-113 record)

1901: White Sox won Pennant (No World Series)

1903: Traded to the New York Highlanders (Yankees) as player-manager (419-370 record)

1907: Retired as a player, but made occasional appearances until 1914

1909: Managed Reds (222-238 record)

1912: Managed Senators and purchased a stake in the franchise (693-646 record)

1920: Moved to Senators Front Office. He rented out his stadium to the Redskins for additional income.

1924: Senators win World Series

1925: Senators win Pennant (Lose World Series to Pirates)

1933: Senators win Pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: October 27, 1955

1955: Ownership of the Senators passed to his son

1961: Senators move to Minnesota

Accomplishments:

Owned Washington Senators (1912-1955)

As a manager:

1491-1367 (.522) and 1 pennant

Claimed to have invented the screwball

Known for doctoring the balls

As a player:

237-146 record

3.31 ERA

.619 Win %

Won 15+ games: 8x

Won 20+ games: 7x

Led league in win % (.774): 1901

Led league in ERA (1.88): 1898

Sub 3 ERA: 6x

Sub 2 ERA: 2x

372 GS

Led league in GF: 3x

337 CG

Led league in CG (38): 1897

10+ CG: 11x

20+ CG: 10x

30+ CG: 5x

22 Shutouts

Led league in Shutouts: 2x

3385.2 IP

200+ IP: 11x

300+ IP: 5x

955 Strikeouts

1.313 WHIP

0.954 WHIP (1905)

Tommy McCarthy: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

Born: July 24, 1863

Debut: July 10, 1884 (Boston Reds)

1885: Signed by Beaneaters as a free agent

1885: Sent to Haverhill

1886: Ended up with Philadelphia Quakers

1888: Traded to Browns

1888: 93 steals (may have been over 100)

1890: Managed Browns (15-12 record)

1892: Traded to Beaneaters

1895: Purchased by Brooklyn Grooms

Died: August 5, 1922

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

2001: Rated worst Hall of Famer of all time by Bill James

Accomplishments:
.292 career average

44 homers

732 RBI

Led league in PA: 2x

Led league in AB (604): 1889

Scored 100+ runs: 7x

1066 runs scored

1493 hits

20+ doubles: 6x

13 HR (1894)

100+ RBI: 2x

30+ steals: 7x

40+ steals: 6x

50+ steals: 4x

80+ steals: 2x

93 steals: 1888

Led league 83 steals (1890)

536 walks-163 strikeouts

Hit .300+: 4x

Hit .350 (1890)

.400+ OBP: 3x

Postseason batting: .290, 1 HR, 11 RBI (2 postseasons)

Pitching: 0-8, 4.99 ERA

As a manager: 15-12

Joe McGinnity: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

Born: March 20, 1871

Debut: April 18, 1899 (Baltimore Orioles)

1900: Sent to Brooklyn Superbas

1900: Brooklyn won the pennant (No World Series)

1901: Jumped to Orioles

1902: Signed as Free Agent by New York Giants

1903: Started both games of a doubleheader three times in a month earning the nickname “Iron Man.” (He went 6-0)

1903: 31-20

1904: 35-8, 1.61 ERA

1905: Giants win the World Series (McGinnity 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 0.765 WHIP)

1908: Plays final Major League game, but continues in the minors until age 54

1925: Finally retired from baseball with 453 wins

Died: November 14, 1929

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

2009: Don Doxsie publishes Iron Man McGinnity: A Baseball Biography

Accomplishments:
1905 World Champion

Pitched both ends of three doubleheaders in one month (1903)

Pitched 5 hit shutout, 1-0 win vs. Giants (Game 4 1905 WS)

246-142 (.634)

Led league in wins: 5x

15+ wins: 9x

20+ wins: 8x

30+ wins: 2x

Led league in Win %: 2x

.600 win %: 6x

.700 win %: 2x

.814 win % (1904)

Led league in ERA (1.61): 1904

Sub 3 ERA: 9x

Sub 2 ERA: 1904 (1.61)

465 games

Led league in games: 6x

Led league in GS: 2x

314 CG

Led league in CG: 2x

10+ CG: 9x

20+ CG: 9x

30+ CG: 7x

44 CG (1903)

Led league in saves (5): 1904

32 shutouts

Led league in shutouts (9): 1904

3441.1 IP

200+ IP: 9x

300+ IP: 9x

400+ IP: 2x

Led league in IP: 4x

100+ Walks: 2x

Led league in walks (113): 1900

1.188 WHIP

1.000 or lower WHIP: 2x

0.963 WHIP: 1904

Postseason: 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 17 IP, 10 hits, 3 walks, 6 Ks, 1 CG, 0.765 WHIP (1905 WS)

Eddie Plank: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

Born: August 31, 1875

Debut: May 13, 1901 (A’s)

1905: A’s win Pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1910: Sat out season due to sore arm

1910: A’s win World Series

1911: A’s win World Series

1913: A’s win World Series

1913: Pitched 2-hitter, 1 unearned run, to defeat Christy Mathewson (Game 5 World Series)

1914: A’s win Pennant (Lose World Series to Braves)

1914: Jumped to Federal League after World Series loss

1915: Becomes first lefty to win 300 games

1916: Purchased by Browns

1917: Final game: 1-0 11-inning loss to Walter Johnson

1918: Traded to the New York Yankees. Retired rather than play.

Died: February 24, 1926

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

1999: Finalist for All Century Team

Accomplishments:

First lefty to 300 wins

3x World Champion

326-194 record

2.35 ERA

2246 strikeouts

Won 15+ games: 15x

Won 20+ games: 8x

Led league in Win % (.760) in 1906

Sub 3 ERA: 15x

Sub 2 ERA: 2x

Led league in games (43): 1903

Led league in game starts: 2x

10+ CG: 16x

20+ CG: 13x

30+ CG: 5x

Led league in CG (35): 1905

69 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 2x

Led league in saves (4): 1911

200+ IP: 15x

300+ IP: 5x

200+ Strikeouts: 2x

1.119 WHIP

Led league in WHIP (0.991): 1915

Postseason: 2-5, 1.32 ERA, 32 strikeouts, 54 2/3 IP, 6 CG (4 World Series)

Ed Walsh: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

Born: May 14, 1881

Debut: May 7, 1904 (White Sox)

1906: White Sox win World Series (Walsh 2-0)

1906: 12 strikeout game in 1906 World Series

1908: 40-15 record

1910: Set record for lowest ERA (1.27) for a pitcher with a losing record (18-20)

1912: Requested a year off to rest his arm

1913: Began experiencing arm problems

1916: Suffered a “dead arm”

1917: Attempted comeback with Braves, but failed. He retired in 1917. Walsh later pitched in the minors, served as an umpire, and became a White Sox coach.

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame by Old Timers’ Committee

Died: May 26, 1959

Accomplishments:
195-126 Record

1906 World Champion

Won 20+ games: 4x

Led league with 40 wins (1908)

Led league in losses (20) in 1910

.607 win %

Led league in win % (.727) in 1908

1.82 ERA is lowest ever

Led league in ERA: 2x

Sub-3 ERA: 7x (154+ IP)

Sub-2 ERA: 5x

Lowest ERA ever for a pitcher with losing record in 1910 (1.27)

Led league in games played: 5x

Led league in game starts: 3x

Led league in games finished: 3x

Led league in CG: 2x

20+ CG: 7x

30+ CG: 5x

250 Complete Games

57 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 3x

10+ Shutouts: 2x

Led league in saves: 5x

10 saves in 1912

200+ IP: 7x

300+ IP: 5x

400+ IP: 2x

Led league in IP: 4x

2964 1/3 IP

1736 Strikeouts

200+ strikeouts: 5x

Led league in strikeouts: 2x

1.000 WHIP

1.000 WHIP or less: 4x

Led league in Whip: 2x

Postseason: 2-0, 1 shutout, 15 IP, 17 Ks, 0.60 ERA (1906 WS)

12 strikeouts in Game 3 1906 WS (2-hit shutout)

Rube Waddell: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-13T09:33:00.000-05:00

Born: October 13, 1876

Debut: September 8, 1897 (Louisville Colonels)

1898: Loaned to Detroit Wolverines for “seasoning”

1899: Returned to Colonels

1899: Traded to Pirates

1900: Loaned to Milwaukee and later returned to Pittsburgh

1900: Won both games of a doubleheader. He pitched a complete game victory in 17 innings in the first game.

1901: Purchased by Cubs

1901: Jumped to Los Angeles

1902: Jumped to Philadelphia A’s

1902: Struck out three batters on nine pitches

1902: A’s win pennant (No World Series)

1902: Played pro football

1905: Won Triple Crown (27 wins, 1.48 ERA, 287 strikeouts)

1905: A’s win pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1905-06: Experienced serious injuries. Alcoholism and mental problems exacerbated his relationship with teammates. He suffered severe mental health issues for the remainder of his life.

1907: Pitched 13-inning scoreless tie against Cy Young

1908: Purchased by Browns

1908: 16 strikeout game vs. A’s

1910: Released due to personal problems

1911-13: Pitched in minors

1914: Died of pneumonia

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
193-143 record

2.16 ERA

2316 Strikeouts

1905 Triple Crown

Led league in strikeouts: 6x

200+ strikeouts: 6x

300+ strikeouts: 2x

Set record with 349 strikeouts (since broken)

.574 win %

10+ wins: 10x

15+ wins: 7x

20+ wins: 4x

Led league with 27 wins (1905)

Led league in win % (.730) in 1905

Led league in ERA: 2x

Sub 3 ERA: 10x

Sub 2 ERA: 3x

Led league in games pitched (46) in 1905

261 CG

Led league with 34 CG in 1903

50 shutouts

200+ IP: 11x

300+ IP: 3x

1.102 WHIP

Led league with 1.107 WHIP in 1900

Joe Tinker: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

2011-12-12T10:26:00.001-05:00

Born: July 27, 1880

1900: Played in Pacific Northwest League

1901: Purchased by Cubs

Debut: April 17, 1902 (Cubs)

1905: Began feud with Johnny Evers over a cab

1906: Cubs win pennant (Lose World Series to White Sox)

1907: Cubs win World Series

1908: Hit pennant winning double off Christy Mathewson

1908: Cubs win World Series

1910: Tinkers to Evers to Chance poem is published by Franklin Pierce Adams

1910: Cubs win pennant (Lose World Series to A’s)

1912: Salary dispute led to his sale to the Reds

1913: Player/Manager of Reds (64-89)

1914: Jumped to Federal League

1914-15: Managed in Federal League (173-133)

1915: Won Federal League Pennant

1916: Purchased by the Cubs

1916: Managed Cubs (67-86)

1916: Retired

Retirement: Scouted, managed, real estate and club management.

1938: Tinkers and Evers talk to each other for the first time since 1905 when reunited to broadcast the World Series

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: July 27, 1948

Accomplishments:
2x World Champion

.262 career

31 HR

783 RBI

Led league in games played (157) in 1908

Hit .317 in 1913

114 triples

10+ triples: 5x

336 stolen bases

20+ steals: 11x

30+ steals: 5x

41 steals in 1904

Postseason:
.235, 1 HR, 6 RBI (4 World Series)

As a Manager:
304-308 (.497) 1 Pennant

Sci-Fi History: Dracula (1931)

2011-12-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Bela Lugosi defined the vampire for the next century. Every incarnation of the creature has been influenced by Lugosi either as a knock-off or as a reaction to. Lugosi dominates the film and is a presence even when not on screen. The classic spawned several sequels including Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. The film is now in the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVPxAgy7lBA

The 200 Greatest Albums of All Time: "R" artists

2011-12-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

OK Computer: Radiohead (1997)
Few bands can get away from changing their sound. Fans and critics excoriated U2 when they turned to electronic music. On the other hand, Radiohead enhanced their reputation with OK Computer. They used a wide range of influences to craft the album and moved away from more guitar-driven tracks. Now, the work represents a transition to Radiohead’s later efforts.

Key Tracks:
Paranoid Android
Karma Police
No Surprises

Kid A: Radiohead (2000)
Kid A lacked a lead single, but still went platinum in a week. The band decided to market the album with a coordinated internet leak, which built anticipation. Musically, Radiohead incorporated jazz, classical, and Krautrock and mixed it with more abstract concepts and lyrics. It is amazing the album experienced any success at all and did not kill Radiohead’s career.

Key Tracks:
Everything in the Right Place
The National Anthem
Optimistic
Idioteque

Rage Against the Machine: RATM (1992)
Rage Against the Machines’ freshman effort is considered one of the heaviest albums ever recorded. In addition to the musically hard edge, the songs all contained leftist political messages. Maynard from Tool provided guest vocals on “Know Your Enemy” and has been known to join the band onstage to perform the song.

Key Tracks:
Bombtrack
Killing in the Name
Bullet in the Head

The Ramones: The Ramones (1976)
By 1976, rock appeared to be dying. With the exception of Springsteen, whom some consider the genre’s savior, disco and pop fluff dominated the music scene. In 1976, the punks returned rock n roll to its roots. The Ramones led the charge. Although their sound was reminiscent of the fifties, their attitude and subject matter led to the punk label. The Ramones established the genre and later popularized it.

Key Tracks:
Blitzkrieg Bop
I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
Judy is a Punk
Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue

Blood Sugar Sex Magik: Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991)
Rick Rubin produced and guided the Red Hot Chili Peppers throughout the making of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Critics praised Rubin for steering the band away from a more metal sound and refocusing their energies. “Under the Bridge” made the band superstars and recounted lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ drug addiction. Drugs, death, lust, and sex provided the album’s themes which played well during the alternative explosion of the early 1990s.

Key Tracks:
Give it Away
Under the Bridge
Suck My Kiss
Breaking the Girl

Lou Whitaker

2011-12-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

A timeline...

Born: May 12, 1957

Debut: September 9, 1977

1978: Won Rookie of the Year

1983: Appeared in episode of Magnum P.I. with Alan Trammell

1983: Lou’s best season (.320, 12, 72, 94 runs, .380 OBP, .837 OPS)

1984: Tigers win World Series

1985: Cleared the Tiger Stadium roof with a homer

1985: Whitaker forgot his jersey for the ASG. He bought a replica and used a magic marker to fill in the #1 on the back. It currently resides in the Smithsonian.

1986: Homered in All Star Game

1986: Entire Tiger infield hit 20 homers

1987: Tigers win AL East (Lose ALCS to Minnesota)

1989: Hit career best 28 homers with 85 RBI

1992: 2000^th hit

1992: 200^th homer

1995: Whitaker and Trammell become longest running double play combination in history

1995: Retired

2001: Removed from HOF consideration after garnering 2.9% of the vote. 5% was needed to remain on the ballot.

2015: Eligible for review for HOF candidacy

Accomplishments:
1984 World Champion

1978 ROY

5x All Star

4x Silver Slugger

3x Gold Glove

.276 career average

Hit .300+: 2x

Led league in games played (109) in 1981

100+ Runs: 2x

1386 career runs scored

2369 career hits

206 hits (1983)

420 doubles

30+ doubles: 3x

40 doubles (1983)

244 home runs

20+ home runs: 4x

1084 RBI

20 steals (1979)

1197 walks-1099 strikeouts

.363 career OBP

.412 OBP (1993)

.518 slugging (1995)

Postseason: .204 with 1 HR and 1 RBI (2 postseasons)

Sci Fi History: Frankenstein (1931)

2011-12-02T10:09:00.001-05:00

The 1931 film, Frankenstein, deviates dramatically from Mary Shelley’s book. In the literature, the monster can read and displays an interest in classical works. The film portrays him as a grunting beast. Additionally, the monster’s behavior is the result of poor treatment. The film makes it clear that it was the result of an abnormal brain being implanted. Lastly, the book ends with the monster plotting suicide while the movie sends a lynch mob to eliminate him.

Today, people might giggle at some of the scenes in the film, but in 1931, it scared people senseless. In fact, the film opens with a warning. Although tame by today’s standards, the flower girl scene remains disturbing and creepy to this day. The film has spawned many sequels, parodies, and imitations.

It’s Alive:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H3dFh6GA-A

Girl in the pond:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9opHsLACk

The Monster’s end:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoL6a37d1Rg

Quotes of the Month: November 2011

2011-12-01T10:15:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Month:

"If we were trying to run a regular offense, he'd be screwed."

-Broncos coach John Fox on Tim Tebow

Stupid Quote of the Month:

“We’ve been a little lazy over the last couple of decades.”

-Barack Obama

And the rest:

“So if you win, you suddenly produce what sounds like 1984 from their brief."

-Stephen Breyer

"It’s not gonna happen.”

-Jorge Posada on his returning to the Yanks

“This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”

-Joe Paterno

"How can you pick against SMU? Look at that one there — red, white and blue. [Picks up SMU megaphone] U-S-A! … Ah, f___ it!

-Leo Corso on College GameDay

“Go get a job right after you take a bath.”

-Newt Gingrich to OWS

“I’m a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing.”

-Nancy Pelosi

“What the hell are we paying you for?”

-Chris Christie to President Obama

"Unfortunately, we at www.elviscostello.com find ourselves unable to recommend this lovely item to you as the price appears to be either a misprint or a satire."

-Elvis Costello to his fans

"We have to do an assessment as to whether or not this is going to create too much of a cloud, in some people's minds, as to whether or not they would be able to support us going forth."

-Herman Cain

History Shorts: The Jewish Revolt (66-73 A.D.)

2011-11-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Greek-Jewish tensions over taxation led to a general revolt. Jewish rebels quickly overwhelmed Roman garrisons launching a general war. It took nearly a decade for the Romans to suppress the revolt. In 70, Titus broke resistance in Jerusalem and then moved steadily on other strongholds. The war ended with the fall of Masada.

In the aftermath, Christianity and Judaism split forever. The Christians did not wish to be associated with the unpopular Jewish religion and began playing up the differences between the two groups. At the same time, the Romans inadvertently wiped out Christian leadership in the Holy Land. As a result, Christians in Rome assumed leadership of the religion.

For the Jews, it led to a new Diaspora. Many died, fled, or sold into slavery. Judaism itself went through a reformation. For the first time, Rabbis did not inherit their positions. Lastly, it led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. To date, it has not been rebuilt.

The first two links are from a documentary. The final clip is of Massada.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3-jIjrQ1XM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cn9bP06KFs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKe3pXCjCy0

Jim O'Rourke: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-25T09:07:00.002-05:00

Born: September 1, 1850

Debut: April 26, 1872 (Middletown Mansfield)

1873: Signed with Boston Red Stockings

1876: Had first hit in NL history

1879: Signed with Providence Grays

1880: Re-signed with Boston Red Stockings

1880: Signed with Buffalo Bisons for 1881

1881-1884: Managed Bisons: 206-169 (.549)

1884: Traded to New York Gothams

1892: Jumped to the New York Giants

1892: Sent to the Senators in September

1893: Final full MLB season

1893: Managed Senators: 40-89 (.310)

1894: Played in minors for several years

1904: Played one game for the Giants at age 53. He got a hit.

1905: Became president of the Connecticut League

1912: Played a minor league game at age 60

Died: January 8, 1919 of pneumonia

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
.310 career hitter

62 Home Runs

1208 RBI

1729 runs scored

2639 hits

513 walks-362 strikeouts

Led league in Games Played: 2x

Played 1999 games

Led league in runs in 1877 (68)

100+ runs: 4x

Led league in hits in 1884 (162)

30+ doubles: 3x

468 doubles

10+ triples: 3x

Led league in triples in 1885 (16)

Led league in home runs: 3x

115 RBI in 1890

20+ steals: 4x

30+ steals: 2x

46 steals (1887)

Led league in walks in 1877 (20)

Hit .300+: 13x

Hit .350 +: 3x

.400+ OBP: 1877 (.407)

Led league in OBP: 2x

.515 Slugging in 1890

Postseason: .306, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 SB (19 games)

Pitching: 0-1 record, 4.12 ERA (6 games)

Managerial Career:
246-258 (.488)

Wilbert Robinson: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-23T11:34:00.002-05:00

Born: June 29, 1863

1885: Played in New England League

Debut: April 19, 1886 (Philadelphia Athletics)

1890: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

1892: Had 7-hit game with 11 RBI

1894-96: O’s win three straight titles

1896: Caught a triple-header

1900: Purchased by Brooklyn Superbas and then St. Louis Cardinals

1901: Signed with Baltimore Orioles (New York Yankees)

1902: Managed Orioles (24-57)

1914-31: Managed Brooklyn Robins (1375-1341)

1916: Won NL Pennant, but lost WS to the Red Sox

1920: Won NL Pennant, but lost WS to the Indians

1931: Retired from managing and became president of the Atlanta Crackers

Died: August 8, 1934

1945: Elected to the Hall of Fame as a Manager

Accomplishments:
First catcher to play directly behind the batter

7-hit game

11-RBI game

.273 career hitter

18 home runs

722 RBI

196 stolen bases

20+ steals: 3x

33 steals (1886)

Managerial Career:
Record: 1399-1398 (.500)

1916 NL Champions

1920 NL Champions

King Kelly: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-22T09:26:00.000-05:00

Born: December 31, 1857

1873: Played amateur ball

1873-75: Played Semi-pro

Debut: May 1, 1878 (Cincinnati Reds)

1878: Began a Vaudeville career

1879: Signed with Chicago White Stockings

1881: Began to “cut” bases (there was only one umpire)

1887: Purchased by Boston Beaneaters

1887: Managed Beaneaters (49-43)

1888: “Casey at the Bat” is published. Kelly may have been the inspiration.

1888: Published his autobiography

1889: Inspired the song “Slide Kelly Slide” (one of the first pop hits)

1890: Jumped to Boston Reds

1890: Managed Reds (81-48): Won Pennant

1891: Signed with Cincinnati Kelly’s Killers

1891: Managed Kelly’s Killers (43-57)

1891: Signed with Boston Reds

1891: Jumped to Beaneaters

1893: Signed with New York Giants

1893: Sent to Beaneaters, but retired

1894: Died of pneumonia

1927: Slide Kelly Slide becomes a film

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
Credited with creating the hit-and-run and hook slide

Popularized the autograph

2x batting champ

.308 career average

69 home runs

950 RBI

368 stolen bases

Led league in runs: 3x

100+ Runs: 5x

Led league in doubles: 3x

30+ doubles: 4x

41 doubles in 1889

10+ triples: 4x

Hit .300+: 8x

Hit .350+: 2x

Led league in OBP: 2x

.400+ OBP: 5x

.500+ slugging: 2x

1.018 OPS (1886)

Postseason: .241 with 1 HR and 1 RBI (15 games)

As a manager: 173-148 (.539)- 1 pennant

Hughie Jennings: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-21T08:31:00.000-05:00

Born: April 2, 1869

Debut: June 1, 1891 (Louisville Colonels)

1893: Traded to Baltimore Orioles

1896: Set ML record with 51 hit by pitches

1896: Hit .401

1896-98: Hit 202 times. One beaning left him unconscious for 3 days.

1898: Suffered arm injury which limited his fielding ability

1899: Sent to Brooklyn Superbas

1899: Traded back to the Orioles and then immediately returned to Brooklyn

1899: Attended Cornell Law School; on one occasion, he dove into an empty pool causing a skull fracture

1901: Sold to Phillies

1903: Returned to Brooklyn

1903: Traded to Baltimore

1905: Passed the Bar Exam

1906: Signed by the Detroit Tigers to manage

1907-09: Tigers won the pennant, but lost the World Series each time

1911: Involved in bad car accident

1912: Tigers went on strike forcing Jennings to play. The umpire noted on the lineup card: “Jennings batted for exercise”

1920: Stepped down as Tiger manager. He was the Tigers’ all-time wins leader until passed by Sparky Anderson.

1920: Final Tiger record: 1131-972 (.538)

1921-25: Served as coach and sometimes as manager of New York Giants.

1924-25: Record as Giants fill-in manager: 53-23 (.697)

1925: Suffered an illness forcing his retirement

1926: Claimed it would be easy to fix games…his statement caused a controversy. He was forced to issue a statement claiming he never cheated or threw games.

Died: February 1, 1928

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1992: Sparky Anderson passes Jennings as the Tigers winningest manager

Accomplishments:
.312 career hitter

18 home runs

840 RBI

359 stolen bases

Scored 100+ runs: 5x

200+ hits: 2x

41 doubles (1895)

100+ RBI: 3x

Hit .300+: 5x

Hit .350+: 3x

Hit .401 in 1896

Led the league in HBP: 5x

Led league in sac hits (28) in 1895

.391 career OBP

.400+ OBP: 7x

.512 slugging (1895)

Managerial Record:
1184-995 (.543) 3 pennants

Hugh Duffy: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-20T11:41:00.000-05:00

Born: November 26, 1866

1886: Played in New England League

Debut: June 23, 1888 (Chicago White Stockings-NL)

1890: Jumped to the Chicago Pirates

1891: Moved to the Boston Reds

1891: Moved to Chicago Colts

1891: Moved to the Boston Beaneaters

1894: Won Batting Crown

1894: Set major league record with .440 average

1894: Won Home Run crown (18)

1897: Won Home Run crown (11)

1901: Jumped to the Milwaukee Brewers and player/manager (48-89 record)

1904: Joined the Philadelphia Phillies

1904-06: Managed Phillies (206-251 record)

1906: Retired

1910-11: Managed the White Sox (145-159 record)

1917-19: Coached Harvard baseball

1920: Managed the Toronto Maple Leafs (International League)

1921-22: Managed the Boston Red Sox (136-172 record)

1924-53: Red Sox scout

1945: Elected to the Hall of Fame

1954: Died

Accomplishments:
.326 career hitter

.440 in 1894 is highest single-season average of all time

1894 batting champ

Hit .300: 11x

Hit. .350+: 3x

Led league in games played: 2x

Led league in at-bats: 2x

1554 runs scored

Led league in runs (161) in 1890

100+ runs scored: 9x

2293 hits

Led league in hits: 2x

200 hits: 2x

30+ doubles: 3x

Led league in doubles (51) in 1894

119 triples

10+ triples: 4x

106 home runs

Led league: 2x

10+ home runs: 3x

1302 RBI

100+ RBI: 8x

Led league in RBI (110) in 1891

574 stolen bases

20+ stolen bases: 11x

30+ stolen bases: 9x

40+ stolen bases: 8x

50+ stolen bases: 4x

70+ stolen bases: 2x

85 steals in 1891

664 walks-265 strikeouts

.386 career OBP

.400+ OBP: 5x

.502 OBP (1894)

.694 slugging (1894)

1.196 OPS (1894)

3174 total bases

374 in 1894

Led league in total bases in 1894

Postseason batting:
.462, 1 homer, 9 RBI 1.328 OPS (6 games)

Managerial Record:
535-671 record and no pennants

Ed Delahanty: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-18T09:56:00.000-05:00

Born: October 30, 1867

1887: Signed pro contract in the Ohio State League

Debut: May 22, 1888 (Phillies)

1890: Jumped to the Player’s League

1891: Returned to the Phillies

1892: Got stuck in a doghouse trying to retrieve a ball hit by Cap Anson. Anson’s shot is known as the “inside-the-doghouse” home run.

1893: Home run champ (19)

1894: Hit .404

1895: Hit .404 for second straight year

1896: Hit four home runs in a game (all inside-the-park)

1896: Home run champ (13)

1899: Hit four doubles in a game. Delahanty is the only man with a 4-homer game and a 4-double game.

1899: Had a hit in 10 straight games.

1899: Batting champ (.410)

1901: Jumped to Washington Senators of the American League after the season.

1902: Won batting title (.376)

1903: Died when he was swept over Niagara Falls.

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1992: Mike Sowell publishes July 2, 1903: The Mysterious Death of Big Ed Delahanty

Accomplishments:
.346 career hitter

2x Batting Champ

101 Home Runs

1466 RBI

2597 hits

1600 runs

741 walks-437 strikeouts

3794 total bases

.411 career OBP

.505 career slugging

.916 career OPS

Scored 100+ runs: 10x

200+ hits: 4x

Led league in hits (238) in 1899

522 career doubles

30+ doubles: 11x

40+ doubles: 5x

55 doubles (1899)

Led league in doubles: 5x

186 career triples

10+ triples: 10x

21 triples (1892)

Led league in triples (21) in 1892

10+ home runs: 4x

Led league in HR: 2x

100+ RBI: 7x

Led league in RBI: 3x

20+ Stolen bases: 12x

30+ Stolen bases: 7x

40+ Stolen bases: 2x

58 stolen bases (1898)

Led league in stolen bases in 1898 (58)

Hit .300: 12x

Hit .350+: 8x

Hit .400: 3x

.400+ OBP: 9x

.500 OBP (1895)

Led league in OBP: 2x

.500+ slugging: 8x

.600+ slugging: 2x

Led league in slugging: 5x

1.000+ OPS: 6x

Led league in OPS: 5x

300+ Total Bases: 3x

Led league in Total Bases: 2x

Jimmy Collins: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

Born: January 16, 1870

Debut: April 19, 1895 (Boston Beaneaters)

He emerged as a pioneer in defense at third base.

1895: Loaned to Louisville Colonels

1896: Returned to Boston

1897: Beaneaters win Pennant

1898: Won Home Run crown (15)

1898: Beaneaters win Pennant

1901: Jumped to the Red Sox

1901-06: Managed the Red Sox (455-376 record)

1903: Won World Series

1904: Won Pennant, but Giants refused to play the World Series

1907: Traded from Boston to the Philadelphia A’s

1908: Retired

Died: March 6, 1943

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame (Old Timer’s ballot)

Accomplishments:
1903 World Champion

Played on four pennant winners (Only one World Series)

.294 career hitter

65 home runs

983 RBI

1999 hits

100+ runs scored: 4x

30+ doubles: 4x

42 doubles (1901)

10+ triples: 6x

1898 HR champ (15)

100+ RBI: 2x

23 steals (1903)

426 walks-267 strikeouts

.400 OBP (1897)

Led league in total bases with 286 (1898)

Led league in games played in 1900 (142)

Postseason (1903 World Series): .250, 1 HR, 3 RBI

Managerial Record:
455-376 (.548) with 2 pennants and 1 Championship

Roger Bresnahan: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

Born: June 11, 1879

Debut: August 27, 1897 (NL’s Washington Senators)

1900: Played for the Cubs

1901: Moved to the Orioles (Yankees)

1902: Released by the O’s; signed by the Giants. Later pioneers the use of Catcher’s gear.

1904: Giants win the Pennant, but John McGraw refused to play in the World Series

1905: Giants win the World Series

1909: Traded to the Cardinals before the season.

1909-1912: Managed Cardinals (255-352 record)

1911: Cardinals involved in train wreck. Fourteen people, but no Cardinals, died in the crash.

1913: Purchased by the Cubs

1915: Managed Cubs (73-80 record)

Died: December 4, 1944

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame (7^th ballot)

Accomplishments:
.279 career hitter

26 HR

530 RBI

1905 World Champion

Revolutionized catcher's equipment and position

714 walks and 406 strikeouts

.386 career OBP

30 doubles (1903)

20+ steals: 2x

34 steals (1903)

Led league in walks in 1908 (83)

Hit .300: 2x

.350 (1903)

.400+ OBP: 4x

Led league HBP in 1906 (15)

4-1 Pitching record with 3.93 ERA

As a manager:
328-432 record (no pennants)

Dan Brouthers: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

Born: May 8, 1858

1877: While playing semi-pro ball, he collided with catcher Johnny Quigley killing the other player. He was cleared of any wrong doing.

Debut: June 23, 1879

1881: Traded (?) to Buffalo Bisons

1881: Won Home Run Crown (8)

1882: Won batting title

1883: Won batting title

1885: Sold to Detroit Wolverines

1886: Won Home Run Crown (11)

1887: Wolverines win championship

1888: Sold to Boston Beaneaters

1889: Won batting title

1891: Won batting title

1892: Traded to Brooklyn Grooms

1892: Won batting title

1894: Traded with Wee Willie Keeler to Orioles

1895: Sold to the Louisville Cardinals

1895: Sold to the Phillies in December

1904: Played final game with Giants

Died: August 2, 1932

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1999: Society for Baseball Research named him 6^th best player of 19^th century.

Accomplishments:
.342 career hitter

1887 World Champion

5x batting champ

Hit .300: 16x

Hit .350+: 6x

1523 runs scored

100+ runs: 8x

Led league in runs: 2x

2296 hits

Led league in hits: 3x

30+ doubles: 8x

40+ doubles: 2x

Led league in doubles: 3x

460 career doubles

205 career triples

Led league in triples with 17 (1883)

10+ triples: 11x

20+ triples: 3x

106 home runs

Led league in home runs: 2x

10+ HR: 3x

1296 RBI

100+ RBI: 5x

Led league in RBI: 2x

256 (known) stolen bases

30+ steals: 5x

840 walks-238 strikeouts

.423 career OBP

Led league in OBP: 5x

.400+ OBP: 11x

.519 career slugging

.500+ slugging: 11x

3484 Total bases

Led league in total bases: 4x

Pitching:
0-2 7.83 ERA

Fred Clarke: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

2011-11-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

Born: October 3, 1872

1892: Signed with a pro team

Debut: June 30, 1894 (Louisville Colonels)

1895: 35-game hitting streak

1897: Became player-manager (180-212 as Louisville manager)

1899: Traded to the Pirates (1422-969 as Pirates manager)

1901: Won the NL Pennant

1902: Won the NL Pennant

1903: Won NL Pennant; Lost the first World Series to the Red Sox

1909: Pirates won the World Series

1910: Tied ML record with 4 outfield assists in a game

1915: Retired. He spent time as a coach and Pirate executive following his playing days.

1926: Served as assistant manager for Pirates leading to a player revolt. Pirate management released the players including Babe Adams and Max Carey.

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1947: Involved in ice fishing accident and survived a gas furnace explosion

1960: Died

Accomplishments:

Managerial Record:
1602-1181 (.576)- 4 pennants and 1 world title

Two 100-win seasons

103-36 (.741) record in 1902

110-42 (.724) record in 1909

1909 World Champion

.312 career hitter

35 game hit streak (1895)

67 Home runs

1015 RBI

2678 hits

1622 runs scored

220 triples

100+ runs: 5x

200+ hits: 2x

30+ doubles: 2x

Led league in doubles in 1903 (32)

10+ triples: 14

Led league in triples (13) in 1906

20+ stolen bases: 14x

30+ stolen bases: 7x

40+ stolen bases: 4x

59 steals in 1897

509 career steals

Led league in walks (80) in 1909

Hit .300+: 11x

.400+ OBP: 5x

.500+ Slugging: 2x

Led league in slugging (.532) in 1903

Led league in OPS (.946) in 1903

Led league in HBP (14): in 1902

Postseason: .245 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI (1903 and 1909 World Series)

Sci Fi History: Buck Rogers (1928)

2011-11-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

Buck Rogers was created in 1928. He was originally a World War I vet. In 1978, he worked for NASA.

Anthony Rogers was trapped in a mine cave-in. The gas froze Rogers for 500 years and he awoke in 2419. Buck saves Wilma Deering from a gang and is welcomed into her clan. Deering’s gang enlists Rogers’ help, and World War I combat experience, to battle the evil Hans who conquered America.

The story proved popular leading to sequels, novels, comic strips, radio shows, movies, and two television series. There was even a Daffy Duck version of Buck Rogers. A 2010 web series was produced and there is talk of another film.

History Shorts: Paul's Conversion (36 A.D.)

2011-11-09T07:14:00.000-05:00

Paul of Tarsus persecuted Christians for blasphemy. One day, on the road to Damascus, a vision of Christ blinded him. He converted on the spot and changed the course of history. There are a variety of theories as to what happened to Paul, but what matters is he believed he talked to Christ.

Paul enjoyed Roman citizenship and wealth. As a result, he could travel the empire unencumbered and used his connections to spread the word. Additionally, he reworked Christianity making it more palatable for pagans. For example, he eliminated the need to circumcise new converts. He also argued that salvation came from faith and not works. Paul was executed by the Emperor Nero who needed a scapegoat for the Great Fire of Rome. In 2009, the Vatican announced an excavation of Paul’s tomb, which included carbon dating confirming the remains date to the 1^st century A.D.

The first link is "Saint of Me" by the Rolling Stones. The song mentions St. Paul and tells his story. The second is a cartoon dramatization of Paul's conversion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ej0D0NHfMI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ZJxb4uW-E

Kenesaw Mountain Landis: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1944

2011-11-06T11:31:00.000-05:00

No one was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1943.

Born: November 20, 1866 (named after a Civil War battle where his father was wounded)

1887: Applied to bar

1888: Went to Law School

1893-1895: Secretary to Senator Walter Q. Gresham

1895-1905: Law practice

1905-1922: U.S. District Court Judge for Northern Illinois (Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt)

1907: Fined Standard Oil $29 million for violating federal rebate laws

1915: Presided over hearings regarding the Federal League and the Reserve Clause

1916: Baby Iraene Case

1917-1919: Issued stiff sentences to draft dodgers and those opposed to World War I

1919: White Sox conspire to throw World Series

1920-1944: Baseball Commissioner

1921: Banned 8 White Sox for life

1921: Forced John McGraw to sell his interest in a race track

1921: Banned Eugene Paulette for life for throwing games

1921: Banned Joe Gedeon for his involvement in the Black Sox affair (Landis banned 18 players total for involvement with gambling)

1933: Landis supported first All Star Game

1934: Ejected Ducky Medwick from Game 7 of the World Series for the player’s own protection

1941: Offered to shut the major leagues down for World War II.

1943: Banned Phillies owner William D. Cox for betting on his own team

Died: November 25, 1944

1944: Elected to the Hall of Fame

Captain America: Tales of Suspense #72-81

2011-11-05T09:28:00.000-04:00

Continuing the Adventures of Captain America in the 1960s...

Tales of Suspense #72-74: Cap battles the Sleepers. In 1945, the Red Skull programmed three robots to return in 1965 to destroy the world. Cap defeats them. One of the sleepers was a flying wing...kudos to Stan Lee for predicting the stealth bomber.

#75-76: Cap teams with the mercenary Batroc to stop the city from exploding. The pair are caught in an espionage battle between SHIELD and THEM. Cap saves the city in the end and Batroc runs away. Meanwhile, Cap meets a girl reminding him of someone in his past.

#77: Cap backstory about a lost love

#78: Cap and Nick Fury battle THEM

#79-81: The Red Skull emerges from 20 years of hiding and captures the Cosmic Cube. He had allied himself with THEM and bided his time. After capturing the cube, he became invincible (think Emperor Joker-lite). Cap uses the Skull's own vanity against him and manages to negate the cube. The Skull falls into the ocean and supposedly drowns...

Sci Fi History: Metropolis (1927)

2011-11-04T07:24:00.000-04:00

Metropolis is a film set in an urban future in which workers and capitalists struggle against one another. The film is Marxist in viewpoint and demonstrates class warfare. On one hand, the capitalists live an easy life while the workers struggle for survival. In the end, the two sides reach an accommodation as a mediator intervenes. The human body serves as an allegory for society. The brain represents capitalists, the hands represent workers, and the mediator (the heart) brings them together.

The film has proved influential over the years. Blade Runner borrowed the cityscape. Star Wars appropriated the golden robot. Queen used scenes from the film in their “Radio Ga Ga” video. In the end, almost every Sci Fi film owes something to Metropolis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSExdX0tds4

Quotes of the Month: October 2011

2011-11-02T07:06:00.001-04:00

Quote of the Month:

“It’s hard to accept being liked.”

-Andy Rooney

Dumb Quotes of the Month:

"Murder will continue to rise. Rape will continue to rise. All crime will continue to rise."

-Joe Biden on what would happen if the Jobs Bill fails

“I believe all the choices we've made have been the right ones.”

-Barack Obama

Twilight Zone Quote of the Month:

"Dreamt I died in Chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). Need to write my will today."

-Former Weezer Bassist Mikey Welsh one week before he suddenly died.

Slam of the Month:

"Kobe, five championships; LeBron, zero.”

-Magic Johnson

And the rest…

"I was thinking about it in the outfield last night. With all of the stress and everything of that game yesterday, you know, thinking about and actually made some amends with trainers and with staff from the other side, from the Rays' side, because I don't think I ever had, as far as what I did and when I was here and my time. And they put a lot of time and effort into me, so just made an apology, a few yesterday."

-Josh Hamilton

“I’d kill Kurt Cobain for killing himself.”

-Courtney Love on what she’d do if he came back from the dead

“We want sweeping unspecified change.”

- A sign in the Occupy Wall Street protests

“I left the Democratic plantation a long time ago.”

-Herman Cain

"10 years ago, Steve Jobs was alive, Bob Hope was alive, Johnny Cash was alive. Now we're outta jobs, outta hope &outta cash"

-Peggy Noonan

“Without trade, Jerome Harrison doesn't get physical. Without physical, doctors don't find brain tumor. Trade might have saved his life.”

-Adam Schefter

“You’re headed for a one-term presidency.”

-Steve Jobs to Barack Obama

"After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over."

-Barack Obama

“Do you know right from wrong?”

-Moammar Khadafy (last words)

“We came. We saw. He died.”

-Hillary Clinton celebrating Khadafy’s death

All Time single season baseball leaders (in my lifetime)

2011-10-30T11:16:00.000-04:00

Batting Average:
George Brett .390 (1980)

Tony Gwynn .394 (1994)

OBP:
Barry Bonds .609 (2004)

Non-Steroid OBP:
Frank Thomas .487 (1994)

Wade Boggs .476 (1988)

SLG:
Barry Bonds .863 (2001)

Jeff Bagwell .750 (1994)

Larry Walker .720 (1997)

At Bats:
Jimmy Rollins 716 (2007)

Runs:
Jeff Bagwell 152 (2000)

Hits:
Ichiro: 262 (2004)

Doubles:
Todd Helton 59 (2000)

Triples:
Curtis Granderson 23 (2007)

Home Runs:
Barry Bonds 73 (2001)

Ryan Howard 58 (2006)

RBI:
Manny Ramirez 165 (1999)

Andres Galarraga 150 (1996)

Walks:
Barry Bonds 232 (2004)

Jeff Bagwell 149 (1999)

Strikeouts:
Mark Reynolds 223 (2009)

Steals:
Rickey Henderson 130 (1982)

OPS:
Barry Bonds 1.421 (2004)

Frank Thomas 1.217 (1994)

Larry Walker 1.171 (1997)

Pitchers

ERA :

Dwight Gooden 1.53 (1985)

Wins:
Steve Carlton 27 (1972)

Bob Welch 27 (1990)

Games:
Mike Marshall 106 (1974)

Saves:
Francisco Rodriguez 62 (2008)

IP:
Wilbur Wood 376 2/3 (1972)

Strikeouts:
Nolan Ryan 383 (1973)

Complete Games:
Catfish Hunter 30 (1975)

Shutouts:
John Tudor 10 (1985)

Game Starts:
Wilbur Wood 49 (1972)

Walks:
Nolan Ryan 204 (1977)

Losses:
Steve Arlin 21 (1972)

Steve Bahnsen 21 (1973)

Mike Maroth 21 (2003)

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: Queen

2011-10-29T08:58:00.000-04:00

A Night at the Opera: Queen (1975)
Brian May claims Queen would have broken up if A Night at the Opera flopped. At the time, it was the most expensive album ever recorded. They had little to fear as it debuted at #1 in Britain and #4 in the U.S. This album is an extravaganza that culminates with “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “God Save the Queen.”

Key Tracks:
You’re My Best Friend
Bohemian Rhapsody
Love of My Life
Death on Two Legs

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Public Enemy

2011-10-27T10:18:00.000-04:00

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back: Public Enemy (1988)
It Takes a Nation of Millions is one of the most influential hip hop/rap albums ever recorded. The album not only included social and political critiques, but was complimented for its production, which is crucial for this genre. It is the highest ranked hip hop album on Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Key Tracks:
Bring the Noise
Don’t Believe the Hype

Captain America:Tales of Suspense #63-71

2011-10-26T13:11:00.002-04:00

The next nine issues of Tales of Suspense starring Cap featured some of his WWII adventures and the first appearances of the Red Skull.

Tales of Suspense #63: The Origin story and first appearance of Bucky. During the 1940s, and Cap's original run, Bucky was another in a long line of teen sidekicks. Perhaps comic writers hoped to introduce a young hero for fans to identify with. Also, we see Steve Rogers as a bumbling private (think Christopher Reeves' Clark Kent). Bucky is the camp "mascot."

#64: Steve Rogers does KP while Captain America busts up a sabotage ring.

#65: The Red Skull's first appearance and he has a hit list.

#66: The Red Skull captures Cap, drugs him, and turns him into a Nazi operative. Also, his origin is revealed!

#67: Cap helps the Nazis break into Allied HQ to assassinate a high level general. Bucky escapes the firing squad.

#68: Cap escapes the effects of the drug and saves the general's life. The Nazis get ahold of a particle weapon, but are thwarted.

#69: A British scientist agrees to help the Nazis kill Cap and Bucky. They capture Bucky and lure Cap to Greymore Castle.

#70: Cap arrives, is captured, and the Nazis plan to launch him, Bucky, and the Scientist's sister in a V-2 rocket.

#71: Cap escapes, stops the Nazis, and uses the rocket to save American troops in Normandy. The scientist's sister is shot and killed by the Nazis and he goes insane. The castle explodes when the now-mad scientist blows it up. Only Bucky and Cap escape.

Thurman Munson: Timeline

2011-10-25T08:17:00.000-04:00

Born: June 7, 1947

1965-67: Attended Kent State (teammate of Steve Stone)

1967: Played in Cape Cod League

1968: Drafted by the New York Yankees

Debut: August 8, 1969 (Yankees)

1970: Won Rookie of the Year (.302 average)

1971: Committed only 1 error all season and that occurred after he was knocked out

1973: Fight with Fisk

1976: Named Yankee Captain (first since Lou Gehrig)

1976: AL MVP

1976: Yankees won pennant and lost the WS to the Reds (Munson hit .529)

1976: Controversy over Sparky Anderson’s comments about embarrassing Munson by comparing him the Johnny Bench.

1977: Hit .308 with 100 RBIs making him the first catcher to do so for three consecutive years since Bill Dickey.

1977: Bronx Zoo: Feud with Reggie Jackson

1977: Yankees win World Series (Munson hit .320 with one home run and three RBI)

1978: Yanks come back from 14 games down to win the AL East in Game 163

1978: Yankees win World Series (Munson hit .320 with 7 RBI)

Died: August 1, 1979 (plane crash)

August 2: Yanks honor Munson in pregame ceremony

August 6: Entire team attends funeral; Bobby Mercer delivers eulogy

August 6, 1979: The Thurman Munson Game: Bobby Mercer drives in all five runs in New York’s 5-4 victory over Baltimore.

1980: Plaque honoring Munson is dedicated (his number was retired immediately after his death)

Accomplishments:
First Yankee Captain since Lou Gehrig

2x World Champion

1970 ROY

1976 AL MVP

7x All Star

3x Gold Glove

1 error in 1971

.292 career hitter

Hit .300+: 5x (11 seasons)

1558 career hits

Led league 151 singles (1975)

113 career home runs

20 HR (1973)

701 RBI

100+ RBI: 3x

.357 career postseason hitter with 3 HR and 22 RBI (30 games)

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Prince

2011-10-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

1999: Prince (1982)
1999 broke Prince making him a star. The album created the pop sound of the mid-80s. It was synth-and-drum heavy resulting in many imitators and influencing house and techno music for 30 years.

Key Tracks:
1999
Little Red Corvette
Delirious

Purple Rain: Prince (1984)
While 1999 made Prince a star, Purple Rain elevated him to superstar. Prince continued his Minneapolis sound mixed with R&B, but included rock, pop, dance, and even the psychedelic. Despite being a popular “pop” album, it was also avant-garde. While a soundtrack to a movie, Purple Rain also served as a soundtrack to 1984 and 1985.

Key Tracks:
Let’s Go Crazy
When Doves Cry
Purple Rain

Prince: Sign o the Times (1987)
Sign o the Times is one of Prince’s more eclectic albums. It is funkier and more electronic than Prince’s earlier work. The album mixes rock, pop, funk, dance, soul, electronic, and even jazz. The themes are also eclectic ranging from world politics to androgyny to sex to enlightenment.

Key Tracks:
Sign o’ the Times
U Got the Look
I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man

Captain America: Tales of Suspense #59-62

2011-10-22T09:52:00.002-04:00

Marvel resurrected Captain America in the 1960s. The company rolled out Cap in solo adventures in Tales of Suspense. In those early adventures, he shared the comic with Iron Man. Each character got his own solo story. As a result, the stories were compact and half the size of a normal issue. The following is a recap of his first four appearance.

Tales of Suspense #59: Cap hangs out in the Avengers mansion. Some bad guys decide to break in and challenge the superhero believing he'd be a pushover since he did not have the same powers as his teammates. Cap defeats the gang relatively easily. The issue was clearly meant to introduce Cap and focused on the action. The issue also hinted at Cap's WWII past and sadness he experienced when looking back.

Tales of Suspense #60: Baron Zemo is introduced. The Baron sends a group of underlings to capture Captain America. They fail and Cap taunts Zemo in his South American lair.

Tales of Suspense #61: Cap goes to Vietnam to rescue a downed pilot. The main villain is a communist general/sumo wrestler. I thought Sumos were Japanese and not Vietnamese.

Tales of Suspense #62: A group of prisoners commit a jailbreak and Cap stops them.

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: Elvis Presley

2011-10-21T11:03:00.000-04:00

Elvis Presley: Elvis Presley (1956)
Elvis Presley was the first rock record to go to #1 on the Billboard charts and the first platinum rock album. Interestingly, the album was mostly covers of other artists. However, Elvis had the ability to take R&B hits and country them up that resulted in his own version of rock n roll.

Key Tracks:
Blue Suede Shoes
I Got a Woman

Elvis Presley: From Elvis in Memphis (1969)
Elvis enjoyed amazing success with a Christmas album motivating him to release a non-soundtrack album. The Memphis album marked Elvis’ return to rock records. Once again, Elvis tied R&B to country music during the height of rock’s popularity. While others were taking rock in many different directions, Elvis brought the genre back to its roots.

Key Tracks:
In the Ghetto
Any Day Now

Elvis Presley: The Sun Sessions (1976)
The Sun Sessions features songs recorded by Elvis at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records in the fifties. He recorded 20 songs and 15 appeared on the album. It includes “That’s All Right” which some consider the first rock song and “I Don’t Care If the Sun Don’t Shine” which had never been released on an album before. The album is a time capsule of rock’s origins.

Key Tracks:
That’s All Right
Mystery Train
Blue Moon of Kentucky
Good Rockin’ Tonight

Top 10 Battlestar Galactica episodes

2011-10-19T12:06:00.000-04:00

No television show captured the zeitgeist of the 2000s like the re-imaged Battlestar Galactica. Humanity experienced a 911 on an unprecedented scale resulting in a flight from home to escape the Cylons. The show dealt with issues ranging from military tribunals to the role of democracy in a crisis. Every episode resulted in an exploration in the human condition. The focus on humanity in unimaginable circumstances made the show great.

Here are my top 10 episodes in no particular order:

The Miniseries (2003):
Ron Moore reimaged the old 1970s Battlestar Galactica giving it a grittier up-to-date look. He reworked the mythology and made the Cylons a human creation. Rather than a Pearl Harbor-esque attack, the Cylons use a computer virus to disable human defenses. They launch the attack hoping to exterminate humanity. The show echoed events of 911 and took it to a genocidal level.

33 (2005):
The fleet has fled the colonies and the Ragnar Anchorage for deep space. Despite being thoroughly defeated, the Cylons are bent on exterminating the humans and relentlessly attack the fleet forcing them to jump every 33 minutes. The crew has to battle not only the Cylons, but lack of sleep as well. In the end, they are forced to destroy a civilian ship not knowing if it had been hijacked by Cylons or not. The episode won a Hugo and is one of the best, most intense television episodes I have ever seen.

Kobol’s Last Gleaming (2005):
In part one, the fleet discovers Kobol. A survey team crashes on the planet while Roslyn sends Starbuck back to Caprica to find the Arrow of Apollo. In the second part, Adama overthrows Roslyn, Starbuck fights Six, and Boomer admits to being pregnant. The episode ends with Adama being shot by another Boomer.

Flight of the Phoenix (2005):
In a wonderful episode that provided some relief and hope to the beleaguered fleet, Chief Tyrol creates a ship from scratch. The so-called Blackbird is a stealth ship later dubbed Laura in honor of the president. However, before they can celebrate, the fleet has to ward off a major Cylon attack, which they do with Boomer’s help. After she reversed a virus, the Cylon fleet lay defenseless allowing the Viper pilots to destroy them at will.

Scar (2006):
Scar was a Cylon pilot that killed many colonial pilots. The title also represents Starbuck’s unhealed wounds. Starbuck is the best pilot in the fleet when functional. However, pressures and guilt turned her into a shell of her former self. She makes bad choices and is called out for it by Kat. The episode recounts the struggles of some war vets who return home and are never quite the same. In the end, Kat destroys Scar, who is also brandishing his own issues.

Lay Down Your Burdens (2006):
Starbuck is given permission to return to Caprica to rescue Anders and other survivors. Along the way, they discover a planet capable of supporting human life. Once on Caprica, they find Anders and are almost immediately attacked by the Cylons. They eventually escape to the fleet where Cavil is discovered to be a Cylon. Meanwhile, Baltar defeats Roslyn in an election after Gaeta discovers attempts to rig the election Chicago-style.

Exodus (2006):

Humanity fled to what they believed was a safe harbor. The Cylons discovered them and an outnumbered Galactica and Pegasus flee. Colonel Tigh is forced to lead a resistance against the occupation and discovers his wife is a traitor. He poisons her to save humanity. Later, Galactica returns to rescue the survivors in an amazing sci-fi rescue. Unfortunately, Lee is forced to sacrifice the Pegasus to save Galactica and the fleet.

Crossroads (2007):
Tory, Tigh, Anders, Tyrol can’t get “All Along the Watchtower” out of their heads! At the end, they discover they are actually Cylon. Meanwhile, Baltar is tried and acquitted for treason. The music usage could have been cheesy, but Moore and the producers handled it perfectly. I was miffed that Tyrol was a Cylon and had a problem believing Tigh was a toaster.

Revelations (2008):
The Galactica discovers Earth, but it turns out to be a radioactive wasteland. Making matters worse, Tigh admits to Adama he is a Cylon. He is arrested and a frustrated heartbroken Adama rips his office apart. The interplay between Adama and Tigh is one of the most intense and memorable scenes in the show’s run.

The Oath/Blood on the Scales (2009):
An embittered Felix Gaeta sides with Tom Zarek to stage a coup. After the political hierarchy refuses to support him quickly enough, Zarek murders them and then moves on Adama. Gaeta assumes command of the ship and Adama is taken away for execution. He is soon rescued and marches on the C-I-C where the coup collapses. Gaeta and Zarek are later executed. Gaeta emerges as a tragic figure while Zarek proves to be a thug as opposed to an idealist. At the time, Zarek’s brutality shocked me. Although, I probably should have seen it coming!

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: The Police

2011-10-16T10:20:00.000-04:00

Zenyatta Mondatta: The Police (1980)
Zenyatta Mondatta marked the end of the Police’s early period. It demonstrates the influence of reggae and punk and features two instrumental compositions. The Police also investigated current events with “Driven to Tears” (poverty) and “Bombs Away” (Soviet invasion of Afghanistan).

Key Tracks:
Don’t Stand So Close To Me
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Driven to Tears

Ghost in the Machine: The Police (1981)
The album was inspired by Arthur Koestler’s novel, The Ghost in the Machine. The book deals with the concept that the mind is not independent of the body and humankind’s tendency toward self-destructive behavior. Twelve years after the album’s release, “Demolition Man” became a belated hit.

Key Tracks:
Invisible Sun
Spirits in the Material World
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Synchronicity: The Police (1983)
The band moved away from reggae and their earlier influences creating one of the seminal albums of the 1980s. Synchronicity made The Police the biggest band in the world. The albums multiple hits made the band an omnipresent force on the radio and MTV for two years. Alas, Synchronicity helped destroy the band as tensions between Sting and Steward Copeland came to a head as the Police reached the peak of their popularity.

Key Tracks:
Synchronicity II
Every Breath You Take
Wrapped Around Your Finger
King of Pain

History Shorts: The Crucifixion (c 29 B.C.)

2011-10-14T10:33:00.001-04:00

Christ’s crucifixion is a key moment in world history. The Romans used crucifixion to punish treason. Since Christ played the messiah role during Passover, and many believed the messiah would be a military figure like Spartacus, the Romans believed Christ planned a revolt. The key moment was Jesus’ attack on the moneychangers, which demonstrated his potential for violence.

After the execution, Christ’s followers claimed he rose from the dead. The belief in the resurrection is the key concept in Christianity. Whether the Apostles meant Christ physically rose from the dead or that his ideas lived on through them is debatable. Either way, it served as a resistance toward the Romans. To the early Jesus movement, the resurrection, whether physical or otherwise, meant Christ defeated the Romans.

There have been many on screen depictions of the crucifixion. The following is a bit over-the-top, but is probably the most famous.

From The Passion of the Christ:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LILfRem4Q4I

Pete Rose: Timeline

2011-10-10T11:01:00.000-04:00

Pete Rose

Born: April 14, 1941

1960: Signed with Reds

1963: During Spring Training, Whitey Ford called Rose “Charlie Hustle” deriding the rookie’s playing style. The nickname stuck.

Debut: April 8, 1963 (Reds)

April 13, 1963: First big league hit after starting 0-for-11

1963: Won Rookie of the Year

1963: Joined army reserves at the end of the season

1964: Reached on an error and scored on an error to beat Houston’s Ken Johnson. Johnson no-hit the Reds, but still got the loss.

1968: 22-game hitting streak and a 19-game hitting streak

1968: Won Batting Title

1968: Won Hutch Award

1969: Won Batting Title

1969: Won Lou Gehrig Award

1970: Injured Ray Fosse at a play at the plate during the All-Star Game.

1970: Reds won the pennant

1972: Reds won the pennant

1973: Won Batting Title

1973: Fought Mets Bud Harrelson on the field during the NLCS

1973: NL MVP

1975: Rose moved to 3b to make room for George Foster’s bat

1975: Reds win World Series

1975: Won World Series MVP

1975: SI’s Sportsman of the Year and Hickok Belt winner as best pro athlete

1975: Reds win World Series

1976: Reds win World Series

1976: Roberto Clemente Award

1978: 3000^th hit off Steve Rogers

1978: 44-game hitting streak

1979: Joined Phillies as a free agent

1980: Phillies win World Series

1980: Makes iconic play with Bob Boone in Game 6 World Series

1981: Breaks Stan Musial’s NL hit record

1983: Phillies win pennant

1984: Joined the Montreal Expos

1984: 4000^th hit off Jerry Koosman

1984: Traded to Reds for Tom Lawless. Becomes player-manager

1985: Breaks Ty Cobb’s hit record

1986: Retires as a player

1988: Suspended 30 days for bumping umpire Dave Pallone

1989: Banned for life for betting on baseball based on information gathered in the Dowd Report

1990: Rose plead guilty of income tax evasion and sentenced to 5 months in prison

1991: The Baseball Hall of Fame voted that permanently ineligible players could not be elected

1997: Rose applied for reinstatement

1998-2000: Rose appeared in various WWE events

1999: Elected to All Century Team. At the ceremony, NBC’s Jim Gray harassed Rose trying to get him to confess on national television resulting in a backlash from players and fans against Gray.

2002: John Dowd (author of the Dowd Report) claims Rose may have bet against the Reds

2004: Rose admits to betting on baseball

2010: Appeared on WWE Raw

Accomplishments:

3x World Champion

3x Batting Champion

1973 NL MVP

1963 Rookie of the Year

1975 World Series MVP

44-game hitting streak (1978)

17x All Star

2x Gold Glove winner

1981 Silver Slugger

.303 career hitter

Hit .300 +: 15x

4256 Hits (#1 all time)

200+ hits: 12x (led league 7x)

3562 Games played (#1 all time)

Led league in GP: 5x

14053 ABs (#1 All time)

Led league in ABs: 4x

2165 runs scored (Led league: 4x)

100+ runs: 9x

746 doubles (led league: 5x)

30+ doubles: 15x

40+ doubles: 7x

51 doubles: 1978

135 triples

160 home runs

1314 RBI

1566 walks

106 walks (1974)

.375 OBP (led league 2x)

.400+ OBP: 5x

.512 slugging (1969)

5752 total bases

300+ total bases: 3x

.940 OPS (1969)

Postseason:

.321, 5 HR, 22 RBI, .828 OPS

Managerial Record:

412-373 (.525)

The Incredible Hulk #1-6

2011-10-09T14:09:00.001-04:00

The Hulk is another example of culture addressing the nuclear age. The Incredible Hulk is very different in the first few issues from the behemoth readers and audiences grew used to. This is a simple recap of the first six issues of the Incredible Hulk with some commentary on how it relates to the period and changes across the six magazines.

Issue #1: Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk when an accidental overdose of Gamma Radiation alters his genes. Banner is exposed when a Gamma bomb explodes. He had run onto the test range to rescue Rick Jones, a teenager that wandered onto the range on a dare. Why they could not stop the test was not explained, but one would think that there would be safeguards against something like this. Anyway, the issue also introduces Thunderbolt Ross, an army general that chases the Hulk, and plays the J. Jonah Jameson role. Ross’ daughter, Betty plays a potential love interest in her Jackie Kennedy attire. In the beginning, she is a non-entity.

At first, the Hulk is gray to reflect a mood. However, gray did not translate well to the page and Stan Lee changed the color to green. In addition, the Hulk only changes at night. He is a bit like a werewolf as Banner returns at daybreak. This version of the Hulk is not a mindless brute. He is more like an angry Ben Grimm. He is sophisticated, thinks through problems, and can operate machinery.

At the end of #1, the Hulk matches wits with the Gargoyle. The villain is a deformed Soviet agent that eventually befriends the Hulk after kidnapping him. Banner finds a cure for Gargoyle’s deformity and returns to New Mexico. By this point, Ross is determined to capture the Hulk.

Issue #2: The Hulk takes on the Toad Men. This time, he is green. The Toad Men come from outer space and kidnap Betty to force the Hulk to comply with their demands. Eventually, he rescues Betty and Banner uses the Toad Men’s weapons against their invasion force.

Issue #3: The Hulk is lured into a space rocket by Ross and shot into space. Rick Jones sneaks into the launch facility and manages to crash the rocket on Earth. During the flight, Banner is exposed to more radiation making the Hulk susceptible to Jones’ commands. Later, the pair defeat the Ringmaster.

Issue #4: Banner and Jones create a machine that allows the pair to control when the Hulk appears. The machine changes Banner to the Hulk and back. However, the radiation severely weakens Banner and as time passes, the transformations take longer to happen. This is a nod to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde who transformed via a potion. Afterward, the Soviets pretend to be Martians and are defeated by the Hulk.

Issue #5: 1000 years or more ago, Merlin banished Tyrannus to the underworld. Little did he know, Tyrannus would find allies that built him an empire and the Fountain of Youth. In 1962, he threatens the Earth leading the Hulk into action. Hulk defeats Tyrannus, and in a second adventure, beats the Chinese Communist armies of General Fang.

Issue #6: The Metal Master travels to Earth and easily defeats the Hulk and the world’s armed forces. Where the Fantastic Four were during the crisis is anyone’s guess. This seems to be more up their alley. Anyway, the Hulk defeats the Metal Master with a cardboard gun. The issue also debuts Rick Jones’ teen brigade. Meanwhile, the damage to Banner’s use of the changing machine appears to be accumulating.

The first six issues of the Incredible Hulk deal with all the themes of the early 1960s. There is the communist threat, nuclear fears, and Kennedy fashion. Meanwhile, the Hulk himself is not yet the brainless monster we all know and love. Instead, he is more of an angry Ben Grimm that despises the “puny humans” that hunt him.

Rogers Hornsby: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1942

2011-10-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

No one was elected in 1940 or 1941.

Here's Hornsby:

Born: April 27, 1896

1911: Playing semi-pro ball

1914: Signed a minor league deal

Debut: September 15, 1915 (Cardinals)

1918: Given a deferment in World War I as a sole provider for his family.

1920: Converted to second base from shortstop

1920: Won batting title

1921: Won batting title

1922: Became only man to hit 40 homers and hit .400

1922: Won Triple Crown

1923: Got into a fight with his manager over a take sign.

1923: Won batting title

1924: Hit .424 to set a live ball record and won the batting title.

1925: Won Triple Crown

1925-1926: Managed the Cardinals (153-116 record)

1925: NL MVP

1926: Won the World Series and then was traded to the Giants (Hit .250 in World Series)

1927: Managed the Giants (22-10 record)

1928: Managed the Braves (39-83 record)

1928: Won batting title

1929-32: Played for the Cubs

1929: NL MVP

1929: Cubs won pennant, lost World Series (Hornsby batted .273 with 1 RBI)

1930-32: Managed the Cubs (141-116 record)

1931: Hit 3 homers in a game against Pittsburgh

1932: Boils on his feet sidelined him until the end of May

1933: Returned to the Cardinals and then moved to the Browns until retirement as a player

1933-37, 1952: Managed the Browns (255-381 record)

Final game: July 20, 1937

Moved to the minors. He gambled away too much money to retire.

1942: Elected to Hall of Fame on fifth ballot

1949: Color analyst for Cubs

1950-51: Managed in minors

1952-53: Managed the Reds (91-106 record)

1958-60: Cubs coach

1962: Mets coach

1963: Died of a heart attack

1999: Elected to All Century Team

Accomplishments:
1926 World Champion

7x Batting Champ

2x Triple Crown Winner

2x MVP

Greatest Right Handed hitter of all time

.358 career hitter

2259 games

Led league in games played: 3x

Led league in runs scored: 5x

Scored 1579 runs

Scored 100+ runs: 6x

2930 hits

200+ hits: 7x

Led league in hits: 4x

541 doubles

Led league in doubles: 4x

30+ doubles: 11x

40+ doubles: 7x

169 triples

Led league in triples: 2x

10+ triples: 9x

20 triples: 1920

Led league in home runs: 2x

30+ home runs: 3x

42 home runs (1922)

1584 RBI

Led league in RBI: 4x

100+ RBI: 5x

Led league in walks: 3x

107 walks (1928)

Hit .300+: 19x

Hit .350+: 9x

Hit .400+: 3x

.434 career OBP

Led league in OBP: 9x

.400+ OBP: 12x

.507 OBP (1924)

.577 career slugging

Led league in slugging: 9x

.500+ slugging: 11x

.600+ slugging: 7x

.700+ slugging: 2x

1.000+ OPS: 8x

1.010 career OPS

Led league in OPS: 11x

Career Postseason: .245, 0 HR, 5 RBI (12 games)

Managerial Record:
701-812 (.463) 1926 World Champs

Top 10 Gilligan's Island Episodes

2011-10-05T12:04:00.000-04:00

Gilligan's Island ran from 1964-1967. It spawned a famous theme song, a cartoon, made-for-TV movies, and the Ginger or Mary Ann debate. The network promised a fourth season for the show, but network president Bill Paley overruled his underlings. Apparently, his wife wanted Gunsmoke renewed and moved to a better time slot. Paley moved the western to Gilligan’s spot and cancelled the castaways. Here are my Top 10 episodes of Gilligan’s Island in no order…

The Producer (1966): A Hollywood producer lands on the island and the castaways decide to do their own version of Hamlet.

Little Island, Big Gun (1965): Larry Storch lands on the island. He plays a bank robber and takes the castaways hostage. In the end, he forces Gilligan to take him to his missing money.

You’ve Been Disconnected (1966): A telephone cable washes ashore allowing the castaways to make phone calls. They try to call for help, but…

Pass the Vegetables Please (1966): Gilligan finds radiated veggies and the unknowing gang eat them. They gain superpowers based on their favorite vegatables.

So Sorry, My Island Now (1965): A Japanese sailor arrives on the island and takes the castaways hostage. He did not know the war ended. This episode could never be made today!!

Castaways Pictures Present (1965): The castaways find silent movie equipment and make a film hoping it will help them get rescued. It ends up entered in a film festival and wins first prize.

Smile, Your On Mars Camera (1965): A Mars-bound satellite crashes on the island. The castaways hope to use it for a rescue, but Gilligan screws it up and NASA sees chicken people.

Three To Get Ready (1965): Gilligan gets three wishes before sundown. The castaways end up in the middle of the lagoon.

Not Guilty (1966): A newspaper arrives on the island implicated one of the castaways as a murderer.

Gilligan Gets Bugged (1965): Gilligan is bitten by a bug and believes he is going to die. The bug eventually bites everyone, but they discover it was not poisonous after all.

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Pink Floyd

2011-10-02T08:53:00.001-04:00

Dark Side of the Moon: Pink Floyd (1973)
Pink Floyd entered into their most creative period with Dark Side of the Moon. The album expanded upon musical and thematic excursions and ideas from earlier works. Following Dark Side’s release, Pink Floyd entered into a “super league.” The record examines greed, the passage of time, and man’s inhumanity toward man. It’s dark, grim, and struck a chord with an audience living in a dark, grim time. The themes explored by Pink Floyd remain relevant 40 years later.

Key Tracks:
Time
The Great Gig in the Sky
Money
Us and Them

Wish You Were Here- Pink Floyd (1975)
The band’s success with Dark Side of the Moon directly inspired Wish You Were Here. The album begins and ends with a sorrowful ode to the band’s founder Syd Barrett, who experienced a mental breakdown. The second and third tracks deal directly with rock star fame and corporate demands. The title track is another nod to Barrett and the record’s most iconic song. David Gilmour played “Wish You Were Here” at Pink Floyd’s induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Animals: Pink Floyd (1977)
Roger Waters took more and more control of the band and Animals reflects his political and worldview. The album provides a scathing critique of the socio-economic and political situation in 1977 Britain. In addition to social criticism, Floyd changed its musical sound as well. Interestingly, the conditions in the western world that Waters railed against helped spawn the punk movement around the same time.

The Wall: Pink Floyd (1979)
Roger Waters tired of the fans at their live shows. He thought the distance between fans and the band so acute, that he conceived building a wall. The resulting album is a rock opera in the style of The Who’s Tommy. The main character, Pink, is based on Waters himself. Pink’s experiences include the loss of his father in World War II, abusive school teachers, an overprotective mother, and isolation. Eventually, Pink fantasizes that he is a fascist rock star playing at Nazi rallies. His guilt forces him to face his demons and Pink places himself on trial. The resulting tour included a 40 foot wall built between fans and the band. During this period, founding member Richard Wright left the band, but toured to support the album as a salaried musician. The other three members paid for the tour out-of-pocket. As a result, Wright was the only guy who made money.

Key Tracks:
Another Brick in the Wall
Young Lust
Hey You
Comfortably Numb
Run Like Hell
The Trial

Quotes of the Month: September 2011

2011-10-01T09:19:00.002-04:00

Quote of the Month:

“My neighbor’s two dogs have created more shovel-ready projects than this current administration.”

-Former N.M. Governor Gary Johnson on the Stimulus

Stupid Quote of the Month:

“It’s a very difficult district for Democrats.”

-Debbie Wasserman Schultz on New York 9 (which is 75% Democratic)

Slam of the Month:

“So does anybody want a date with Mayberry? He’s Stanford educated…”

-Hunter Pence on his teammate, John Mayberry’s attempt to ask actress Antoinette Nikprelaj out.

Gaffes of the Month:

"We’re the country that built the Intercontinental Railroad."

-Barack Obama (he meant transcontinental)

“If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor. I have no problem with that.”

-Barack Obama confusing Jews and Janitors

Scary Quote of the Month:

"I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover."

-Governor Bev Perdue

And the rest…

OBAMA: "I can see the unemployment line from my house!"

-Ann Coulter

“Has anyone in the history of the world spent more money than Obama?”

-SE Cupp

"London is no longer an English city."

-John Cleese

'President Obama, This Is Your Army. We Are Ready to March. Let's Take These Son of Bitches Out'

-James Hoffa

"I get a code violation for this? I express who I am. We're in America last I checked."

-Serena Williams’ Meltdown at the U.S. Open

“Charlatan is an unfair word. He did an awful lot for effect.”

-JFK on FDR

"S---, you have to get rid of this ball just a split-second quicker."

-Ron Jaworski during a NFL broadcast

“People feel betrayed, disappointed, furious, disgusted, hopeless.”

-Anonymous Democratic Source after losing Weiner’s seat

“If you play against him, you hate him. If you play with him, you hate him a little less.”

-Ozzie Guillen on AJ Pierzynski

“Start drinking early.”

-Tom Brady to Pats fans

“If you love me, you got to help me pass this bill.”

-Barack Obama to supporters

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band …”

-R.E.M.

Shoeless Joe Jackson: Timeline

2011-09-29T13:10:00.001-04:00

Born: July 16, 1887

1900: Began playing baseball

1905: Began playing semi-pro ball

1905-1907 : Sometime during this period, he earned his nickname because he took his shoes off before an at bat. His cleats gave him blisters.

Debut: August 25, 1908 (Philadelphia A’s)

1910: Traded to Cleveland

1911: Hit .408 (second in the league to Ty Cobb’s .420)

1915: Traded to White Sox

1917: White Sox win World Series (Jackson hit .304 in the series)

1918: Served in World War I

1919: White Sox win pennant, but throw World Series (Jackson hit .375 with a home run and 6 RBI). Jackson admitted to taking $20,000.

1920: Jackson’s final season

1921: The “Black” Sox are acquitted by a jury. Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis bans Jackson and seven other Sox for conspiring to throw the World Series. They never played in the majors again. Jackson continued to play semi-pro ball.

1922: Jackson opened a dry cleaners

1933: Jackson opened a restaurant and then a general store. Ty Cobb wandered in one day and asked Jackson if he knew him. Jackson responded that he did not think Cobb wanted to know him.

Death: December 5, 1951

1963: Eliot Asinof’s Eight Men Out released.

1988: The movie Eight Men Out is released.

1989: Field of Dreams is released with Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe.

1999: The House of Representatives voted to honor his baseball achievements and support his candidacy for the Hall of Fame.

2009: New evidence calls into question Eight Men Out and Jackson’s guilt.

Accomplishments:

.356 Career Hitter

1917 World Champion

168 Career Triples

100+ Runs: 4x

200+ hits: 4x

Led league in hits: 2x

40+ doubles: 3x

Led league in doubles (39) in 1913

20+ triples: 3x

Led league in triples: 3x

121 RBI in 1920

30+ steals: 2x (41 in 1911)

Hit .300 or better: 11x

Hit .350 or better: 5x

Hit .408 in 1911

.400+ OBP: 5x

Led league in OBP (.468) in 1911

.500+ Slugging: 5x

Led league in slugging (.551) in 1913

1.000+ OPS: 4x

Led league in OPS (1.011) in 1913

300+ Total Bases:2x

Led league in TB: 2x

Postseason: .345, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .823 OPS

Sci Fi History: A Trip to the Moon (1902)

2011-09-28T09:57:00.000-04:00

A Trip to the Moon is the first important sci-fi film. The silent is based on Jules Verne’s From Earth to the Moon and runs 14 minutes. It employs state of the art (for 1902) special effects and is one of the most technically innovative films ever made. Despite the antiquated film making techniques, the film stands up over a century later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYRemE9Oeso&ob=av1n

Top 10 Left Handed Pitchers of all time

2011-09-26T10:48:00.000-04:00

Lefty Grove is #1. Here is the full list...not in any order...

Steve Carlton

Randy Johnson

Warren Spahn

Whitey Ford

Lefty Grove

Tom Glavine

Sandy Koufax

Hal Newhouser

Carl Hubbell

Eddie Plank

History Shorts: Teutoburg Forest (9 A.D.)

2011-09-24T17:19:00.000-04:00

The Battle of Teutoburg Forest, also known as the Varian disaster, took place when a group of unified Germanic tribes ambushed and massacred three Roman legions. Former Roman ally Arminius set up the ambush and stabbed his former friends in the back. Up to 20,000 Romans, under the command of Varius, died. Afterward, the Germans removed Roman forces, forts, and cities east of the Rhine River. The defeat symbolically ended Roman expansion. After the defeat, Augustus wandered his palace wailing, “Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!” Campaigns against the Germans began anew upon Augustus’ death.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwPvAWMGYsk

Top 10 I Love Lucy Episodes

2011-09-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

The following is my list of the best I Love Lucy episodes. They are not in any order.

Job Switching (1952): Lucy and Ethel work on a conveyer belt at a chocolate factory. All they have to do is wrap candy in paper and place it on the belt. The conveyer is sped up and the pair can’t keep up. This episode remains relevant today. Who hasn’t been on a job that has been too difficult to keep up?

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=job+switching+i+love+lucy

Lucy Does a TV Commercial (1952):
Lucy gets drunk. ‘nuf said.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=lucy+does+a+commercial+i+love+lucy

Lucy Meets Harpo Marx (1955):
Lucy dresses up as Harpo and then meets the real thing. The two do the classic mirror skit brilliantly.

Lucy Goes to the Hospital (1953): The gang plan to take Lucy to the hospital for the baby’s birth. Everything goes well until the real moment arrives and then it’s absolute panic. One of the funniest episodes I have ever seen. While waiting for the baby, Ricky gets ready for his nightclub gig by dressing up in a voodoo outfit. When the baby arrives, Ricky races to see the baby dressed like a voodoo doctor.

Lucy and Superman (1957):
Lucy dresses up as Superman and ends up on a ledge. In the end George Reeves (TV’s Superman) comes to save her.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=lucy+and+superman

Lucy is Enceinte (1952):
Lucy tells Ricky she’s pregnant. The show had to be careful in how to handle this because it was a taboo subject in the 1950s. In fact, the word “Enciente” is French for pregnant. She makes several attempts to notify Ricky, but he’s always too busy. In the end, she tells him at the club and he’s thrilled.

LA at Last (1955):
The gang go to LA and Lucy decides to visit the Brown Derby. She meets William Holden at the restaurant and accidently pies him in the face.
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=la%20at%20last%20i%20love%20lucy&tnr=21&vid=1068114510268&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fvideos%2Fthumbnail.aspx%3Fq%3D1068114510268%26id%3D7a2376f7cdca814f5777568e12b2217e%26bid%3DNcaLXJCSAyxI7g%26bn%3DThumb%26url%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fvids.myspace.com%252findex.cfm%253ffuseaction%253dvids.individual%2526videoid%253d26407726&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvids.myspace.com%2Findex.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Dvids.individual%26amp%3Bvideoid%3D26407726&sigr=12hp5in6a&newfp=1&tit=i+love+lucy+LA+at+last+part-2

The Freezer (1952):
Lucy turns into a human popsicle.

Lucy’s Italian Movie (1956):
Another road trip! This time to Rome where Lucy gets to smash grapes.

Lucy Does the Tango (1957):
Lucy hides some eggs on her person only to get roped into tangoing with Ricky.

http://www.examiner.com/american-history-in-national/desi-arnaz-forgotten-pioneer

Amazing Spiderman #6-10

2011-09-20T14:58:00.002-04:00

Continuing the look into Spiderman's past...

Amazing Spiderman #6: Peter and Jameson go on a roadtrip to Florida to find the Lizard. Spiderman defeats the Lizard before it/he can create a reptile army.

#7: The Vulture escapes prison and wrecks some havoc inside the Daily Bugle. Spidey webs Jameson's mouth shut and Peter and Betty Brandt get cozy.

#8: Two stories in Issue #8. In the first part, Spidey battles 1960s Articial Intelligence while Pete KO's Flash Thompson in a fight. Thompson had been picking on Pete to no end and paid for it. Interestingly, the school faculty set up the fight in the gym. Nowdays, they'd go to prison for doing such a thing.

In the second story, Spidey crashes the Human Torch's party. It's Marvel's answer to Elvis' Clambake!

#9: Electro debuts, Aunt May has an operation, and Betty Brandt holds a secret!

#10: The Enforcers appear on the scene looking to squash Spiderman and assume control of all of New York's rackets. Meanwhile, Peter is weakened after volunteering some blood to help Aunt May. She recovers and goes on vacation while a weakened Spiderman beats the enforcers. At the end, we find out the J. Jonah Jameson despises Spiderman out of jealousy and envy.

Old Hoss Radbourn: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

Real Name: George Radbourn

Born: December 11, 1854

1878: Joined a barnstorming team

1879: Signed pro contract

Debut: May 5, 1881 (Providence Grays)

1883: Won 48 games

1884: Won Triple Crown (59 wins, 1.38 ERA, 441 strikeouts)

1884: He is credited with 59-62 wins depending on the source

1884: Providence won the “World Series” of the time

1886: Traded to Boston Beaneaters

1890: Jumped to the Boston Reds

1891: Ended up with the Cincinnati Reds

1891: Won 300^th game

1891: Retired

1890s: Opened a pool hall and suffered a serious hunting accident.

Died: February 5, 1897 from Syphillis

1939: Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame on second ballot

2010: Edward Achorn’s book Fifty-nine in ‘84 released about Old Hoss

Accomplishments:
309-194 record

59 wins in 1884

1884 Triple Crown

1884 World Champion

.614 win percentage

488 complete games

1.149 career WHIP

1830 strikeouts

2.68 ERA

Led league in wins: 2x

20+ wins: 9x

30+ wins: 3x

40+wins: 2x

50+ wins: 1884 (59)

Led league in win percentage: 2x

Led league in ERA: 1884 (1.38)

Led league in games: 2x

Led league in complete games and starts: 1884 (73)

Led league in shutouts: 1882 (6)

11 shutouts in 1884

Led league in saves: 1884 (2)

Led league in innings: 1884 (678 2/3)

200+ innings: 11x

300+ innings: 8x

400+ innings: 6x

500+ innings: 3x

600+ innings: 2x

Led league in strikeouts: 2x

200+ strikeouts: 4x

300+ strikeouts: 2x

400+ strikeouts: 1884 (441)

Led league in walks: 1887 (133)

Led league in WHIP: 1883 (0.979)

WHIP of 1.00 or less: 3x

Postseason record: 3-0, 0.00 ERA in 22 innings (3 games)

The Amazing Spiderman #1-5

2011-09-15T10:41:00.002-04:00

I was reading these old Spidey comics from 1963. I thought it might be fun to post the plots for people that have not actually read them....

Amazing Fantasy #15: Spiderman's first appearance and origin. Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and acquires spider powers. His family needs money and he tries to earn some as a wrestler and is too self absorbed to stop a robbery. The criminal breaks into his house and shoots his Uncle Ben. At the end, he realizes that "with great power comes great responsibility."

Amazing Spiderman #1: J.Jonah Jameson's first appearance. JJJ begins his war on Spiderman, which cripples Peter's attempts to make money in show biz. Then, he tries to join the Fantastic Four, who explain to him that they are a non-profit and can't pay him. Later, Peter saves Jameson's son, John, from crashing his space capsule. This does not endear him to JJJ. In a second story, the Chameleon makes his first appearance.

#2: The Vulture is introduced in a solid story. In a second story, the Tinkerer is introduced. Peter defeats the Tinkerer and an alien invasion.

#3: Doc Oc is introduced. Peter spends the early part of the story thinking he's the shit. Then, he's humiliated by Doc Oc (who also considers himself the bee's knees). Peter loses his confidence, but later realizes he has to be a hero and defeats Doc Oc.

#4: The Sandman is introduced. By this point, the stories and scripts are dramatically improving. From the beginning, Spiderman has more problems than any other hero ever, making him the most human. In one of my favorite comic book moments of all time, Pete defeats Sandman with a vacuum cleaner.

#5: Dr. Doom tries to enlist Spiderman as his ally, but is rebuffed. Doom decides to destroy Spiderman and captures Flash Thompson, who was in a Spidey costume. Flash wanted to embarrass Peter, but ended up Doom's prisoner. Spiderman and Doom battle it out in a major mismatch. Pete is saved when the Fantastic Four arrive at the last minute.

George Sisler: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-13T08:34:00.000-04:00

Born: March 24, 1893

1915: Graduated from the University of Michigan

Debut: June 28, 1915 (St. Louis Browns)

1920: Played every inning of the season

1920: Set MLB record of 257 hits (Broken by Ichiro)

1920: Batting Champ (.407)

1922: 41-game hitting streak

1922: AL MVP

1922: Batting Champ (.420)

1923: Sinusitis caused double vision and missed entire season

1924: Returned to baseball, but he was not the same

1924-26: Managed the Browns (218-241 record)

1928: Sold to the Senators

1929: Sold to the Boston Braves

1930: Retired. He became a scout to several teams.

1939: Elected to Hall of Fame on fourth ballot

Died: March 26, 1973

2009: Ichiro visited Sisler’s gravesite

Accomplishments:
1922 AL MVP

41-Game Hit Streak (1922)

Record 257 hits (1922)

.340 average

2812 hits

375 steals

Led league in games played: 1920 (154)

Led league in runs: 1922 (134)

100+ runs: 4x

Led league in hits: 2x

200+ hits: 6x

30+ doubles: 7x

40+ doubles: 3x

Led league in triples: 2x

10+ triples: 8x

100+ RBI: 4x

Led league in steals: 4x

30+ steals: 6x

40+ steals: 3x

51 steals (1922)

Hit .300+: 14x

Hit .400+: 2x

.400+ OBP: 4x

.500+ Slugging: 4x

.632 slugging (1920)

.900+ OPS: 4x

1.000+ OPS: 2x

Led league in total bases: 1920 (399)

300+ total bases: 4x

As a pitcher:
5-6, 2.35 ERA

As a manager:
218-241 (.475)

Al Spalding: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

Born: September 2, 1850

1865: Played with the Rockford Pioneers (youth team)

1866-67: Played for the Forest Citys

1868: Joined the Chicago Excelsiors

Big league debut: May 5, 1871 (Boston Red Stockings)

1871-76: Led the league in wins each year

1872: Won 38 games

1873: Won 41 games

1874: Won 52 games

1875: Won 54 games

1876: Helped organize the National League

1876: Jumped to the Chicago Cubs

1876: Won 47 games

1876: Cubs won the pennant

1877: Began a sporting goods store in Chicago

1877: Began a baseball magazine (Baseball Guide)

1878: Retired from baseball; owned the Cubs

1888-89: Took players on a world tour

1890: Player’s League formed; Spalding worked to destroy it. He succeeded.

1900: Appointed commissioner of the Summer Olympic Games by President McKinley.

1905: Spalding involved in the commission to determine who created baseball

1907: Commission declared Abner Doubleday the founder of baseball

1908: Wrote the first history of baseball

Died: September 9, 1915

1939: Elected to the Hall of Fame by Old Timer’s Committee

Accomplishments:
252-65 record

.795 win percentage (1^st all time)

2.13 ERA

279 complete games

1.193 WHIP

Led league in wins: 6x

30+ wins: 5x

40+ wins: 4x

50+ wins: 2x

Led league in win percentage: 4x

54-5 record in 1875

Led league in games: 3x

Led league in game starts: 2x

Led league in games finished: 2x

Led league in complete games (1874): 65

Led league in innings pitched: 2x

200+ innings: 6x

400+ innings: 5x

500+ innings: 3x

617 1/3 innings in 1874

As a hitter:
.313 average (1959 at bats)

Wee Willie Keeler: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Born: March 3, 1872

Debut: September 30, 1892 (New York Giants)

1893: Sold to the Brooklyn Grooms

1894: Traded to the Baltimore Orioles

1894-98: May have invented the hit-and-run (speculation)

1894-1896: Baltimore were NL Champs

1897: 44-Game hitting streak (broken by Joe Dimaggio and tied by Pete Rose)

1897: Hit .424 and won batting title

1898: Hit a record 206 singles (broken by Ichiro)

1898: Won batting title (.385)

1899: Shipped to the Brooklyn Superbas

1899-1900: Brooklyn was NL Champions

1903: Left NL for the New York Yankees (Highlanders at the time)

1905: Set Yankee record for sacrifices in a season with 42

1910: Signed with the NY Giants as a free agent

1910: Played final game on September 5

Died: January 1, 1923

1939: Elected to Hall of Fame on 4^th ballot

1999: Finalist for the All Century Team

Accomplishments:
Played on five NL Championship teams

.341 career hitter

2x Batting Champion (1897, 1898)

44-Game hitting streak (1897)

2932 hits

206 singles (1898)- ML Record since broken

Led league in singles: 7x

1719 runs

Led league in runs in 1899 (140)

100+ runs: 8x

Led league in hits: 3x

200+ hits: 8x

10+ triples: 7x

22 triples (1894)

30+ steals: 6x

40+ steals: 5x

60+ steals: 2x

495 career steals

Hit .300+: 13x

Hit .350+: 7x

Hit .424 in 1897

.400+ OBP: 7x

.500+ slugging: 2x

.900+ OPS: 4x

Led league in OPS in 1897 (1.003)

3562 total bases

300+ total bases: 2x

Lou Gehrig: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-07T14:34:00.000-04:00

Lou Gehrig

Born: June 19, 1903

1920: Received national attention for his playing ability with a grand slam that left Wrigley Field.

1921-23: Columbia University

Major League Debut: June 15, 1923 (New York Yankees)

1923: Yankees win World Series

June 1, 1925: Gehrig begins consecutive game streak

1926: Yankees win World Series (Gehrig hit .348)

1927: Gehrig has greatest season ever for a first baseman (.373, 47, 175, 52 doubles, 1.240 OPS, and 447 total bases)

1927: Gehrig wins MVP

1927: Yankees win 110 games and the World Series (Lou hit .308)

1928: Yanks repeat

1928: In the World Series: Gehrig hits .545 with 4 homers and 9 RBI in a sweep

1931: Sets AL RBI mark with 184

1932: Hit 4 homers in a game and just missed a fifth on a great play by Al Simmons

1932: Yanks win World Series

1932: In the World Series, Gehrig hits .529 with 3 homers and 8 RBI in a sweep

1934: Gehrig wins Triple Crown (.363, 49, 165)

1935: Named Captain

1936: Gehrig wins MVP/Yanks win the World Series

1937-39: Yanks win the World Series

1938: Gehrig began experiencing physical changes which worsened in the 1939 season.

1938: Starred in the movie, Rawhide

April 30, 1939: Gehrig ends consecutive game streak at 2130

May 2, 1939: Gehrig benches himself.

1939: Diagnosed with ALS

July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium. He delivers baseball’s “Gettysburg Address” and is the first player to have his uniform number retired.

1939: Elected to the Hall of Fame on a special ballot

1940: Began working as New York City Parole Commissioner

1941: Resigns from his job due to his health

Death: June 2, 1941

1942: Pride of the Yankees starring Gary Cooper is released

1955: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Introduced

1989: USPS honored Gehrig with a postage stamp

1999: Voted to All Century Team

Accomplishments:
2130 Consecutive Games

23 Grand Slams (Major League Record)

1934 Triple Crown

1934 Batting Champion

.340 average

493 Home Runs

1995 RBI

2x MVP

7x All Star

7x World Champion

Four Homer Game

NY Yankee Captain

2164 games

Led league in games played: 7x

Led League in Runs: 4x

1888 Runs

100+ runs: 13x

2721 Hits

200+ hits: 8x

534 doubles

Led league in doubles: 2x

Led league in triples in 1926 (20)

30+ homers: 10x

40+ homers: 5x

Led League in Homers: 3x

100+ RBI: 13x

Led league in RBI: 5x

Most RBI in AL History: 184 (1931)

1508 walks

Led league in walks: 3x

100+ walks: 11x

Hit .300: 12x

.447 OBP

.400+ OBP: 13x

.632 slugging

Led league in slugging: 2x

.500+ slugging: 14x

.600+ slugging: 9x

.700+ slugging: 3x

1.080 OPS

.900+ OPS: 13x

1.000+ OPS: 11x

Led league in Total Bases: 4x

400+ total bases: 5x

World Series: .361, 10 homers, 35 RBI, 1.208 OPS

First Athlete to appear on Wheaties box

Candy Cummings: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-06T12:09:00.000-04:00

Born: October 18, 1848

Professional Debut: August 14, 1866 (Brooklyn Excelsiors)

1866-1871: Brooklyn Excelsiors

1867: Invented the curve ball

Major League Debut: April 22, 1872 (New York Mutuals)

1872: Won 33 games

1873: Played for the Baltimore Canaries

1874: Played for the Philadelphia Whites

1875-76: Played for the Hartford Dark Blues

1875: Won 35 games

1876: Became the first man to pitch two complete games in one day

1877: Played for the Cincinnati Reds

1877: Retired as a player and became the President of the International Association for Professional Base Ball Players

Died: May 16, 1924

1939: Elected to Hall of Fame on second ballot

Accomplishments:
Invented the curve ball

145-94 career record

2.42 career ERA

Won 30+ games: 2x

Won 20+ games: 4x

Sub-2.00 ERA: 3x

Led league in games in 1872 (55)

Led league in complete games in 1872 (53)

Led league in shutouts: 2x

Led league in innings pitched in 1872 (497)

Led league in strikeouts in 1875 (82)

Buck Ewing: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1939

2011-09-05T08:54:00.000-04:00

Born: October 17, 1859

Debut: September 9, 1880 (Troy Trojans)

1883: Joins New York Giants

1883: First player with 10 home runs in a season

1890: Joined Player’s League as a Player/Manager for New York (74-57 record)

1891: Returns to Giants

1893: Joins Cleveland Spiders

1895: Joins Cincinnati Reds as Player/Manager

1895-1899: Manager Reds (394-297 record)

1897: Retires as a player

1900: Manages New York Giants (83-67 record)

Died: October 20, 1906

1939: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
.303 Career Hitter

178 Career Triples

Led league in Home runs in 1883 (10)

First Player with 10 homers in a season

Led league in triples in 1884 (20)

Elected to Hall of Fame on third ballot

Changed the art of catching. He was the first to crouch and moved closer to the hitter.

10+ triples: 11x

100 RBI Season (1893)

100 Runs scored (1893)

50 stolen bases (1888)

40+ steals: 4x

30+ steals: 7x

Hit .300+: 11x

.400+ OBP: 2x

.500+ Slugging: 1890 (.545)

.900+ OPS: 1890 (.951)

As a Manager:
489-395 Record and no pennants (.553 win percentage)

Quotes of the Month: August 2011

2011-09-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Month:
"This economic mandate represents a wholly novel and potentially unbounded assertion of congressional authority: the ability to compel Americans to purchase an expensive health insurance product they have elected not to buy, and to make them re-purchase that insurance product every month for their entire lives."

-11^th Circuit Court on Obamacare’s Individual Mandate
Dumb Quote of the Month:
"Now I don't even want to have to be associated with [Obama], it's like touching a tar baby and you're stuck, you're part of the problem now. You can't get away."

-Congressman Doug Lamborn on Barack Obama

Meltdown of the Month:
“It's no longer acceptable in mixed company -- meaning bipartisan company -- to use the goddamn word 'climate.' And some of the exact same people — I can go down a list of their names — are involved in this. And so what do they do? They pay pseudo-scientists to pretend to be scientists to put out the message: ‘This climate thing, it’s nonsense. Man-made CO2 doesn’t trap heat. It may be volcanoes.’ Bullshit! ‘It may be sun spots.’ Bullshit! ‘It’s not getting warmer.’ Bullshit!

-Al Gore
Slam of the Month:

“Socrates taught that wisdom begins in the recognition of how little we know. Mr. Obama is perpetually intent on telling us how much he knows. Aristotle wrote that the type of intelligence most needed in politics is prudence, which in turn requires experience. Mr. Obama came to office with no experience. Plutarch warned that flattery "makes itself an obstacle and pestilence to great houses and great affairs." Today's White House, more so than any in memory, is stuffed with flatterers.”

“Stupid is as stupid does, said the great philosopher Forrest Gump. The presidency of Barack Obama is a case study in stupid does.”

-Bret Stephens WSJ
And the rest….
"They have acted like terrorists."

-Joe Biden on the Tea Party

　
"Heck, Sean, if we were real domestic terrorists, shoot, President Obama would be wanting to pal around with us, wouldn’t he? I mean he didn’t have a problem paling around with Bill Ayers back in the day when he kicked off his political career in Bill Ayers' apartment.”

-Sarah Palin
“Is it idiocy or optimism that enables smokers to play the lottery without ever acknowledging the irony?”

-Simon Pegg

"Well, I guess he not only likes Canadian health care, but he likes Canadian RV's." --

-Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock

"We kept trying to milk outs and almost ran out of milk."

-Jim Leyland
"POTUS has played more golf this month than I have: I have created more jobs this month than he has.”

-Professional Golfer Paul Azinger
“It's deeply bizarre and deeply creepy.”

-State Department Victoria Nuland on Moammar Gadhafi’s obsession with Condi Rice
“Get the Hell off the beach.”

-Chris Christie to idiots refusing to evacuate for Hurricane Irene
“When I’ll consider myself a dirty player is when my mom tells me.”

-Ndamukong Suh

　