Walla Walla Barer

Remembering Smokin Joe

2011-11-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

What do you call the person who defeated the greatest?

Joe Frazier faced Muhammad Ali in the fight of the century March 8th 1971. On that night with the entire world watching Joe Frazier rose to the occasion. For 15 rounds Smokin Joe out worked, out hustled and out gutted Ali. The final round was punctuated with a thunderous left hook that sent Ali crashing to the canvas. Minutes later Joe Frazier was announced the unanimous winner. Ali may have been the greatest, but on that night in Madison Square Garden Joe Frazier was the better man and proved that he was the undisputed champion of the world.

You cannot be a boxing fan and not appreciate Joe Frazier. Frazier was not the biggest puncher or the most gifted boxer. Smokin Joe vanquished his opposition by shear force of will. He moved forwards constantly throwing punches "smokin" while daring his opponent to return fire.

Frazier's losses demonstrated his courage and determination as much as his victories.

The first fight with George Foreman is remembered partially for Howard Cosell iconic call "down goes Frazier". (a call that I have enjoyed impersonating over the years). What has to be remembered is not just the knock downs but the fact that Frazier kept popping back up. Facing one of the hardest punchers in the sports history Joe Frazier refused to back down.

The Thrilla in Manila has to be seen to be believed. In their third bout Ali and Frazier battled with an intensity that would have had you believing that the looser and his family would be fed to a pride of lions. Going into the 15th round Frazier was ready to continue the battle even though he was virtually blind. It took the heroic actions of Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch to stop the fight and avoid tragedy that evening.

Joe Frazier may not have been the greatest fighter or the greatest showman. But, you can make the argument he had the greatest amount of heart, will and determination and in some ways maybe that is even more impressive.

THE NBA PLAYOFF REVIEW ROUND I

2011-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Celtics vs Knicks :

At the start of this series the Celtics looked like a tired old prize fighter that new his best days were over. Then they realized how truly awful the Knicks were. Instead of receiving an embarrassing beating they had a blast they swept the series threw a few bolo punches did the Ali shuffle and had many onlookers believing they were once again a title contender. I could be wrong but I see the Celtics running out of gas before they can win three more grueling play of series.

76er's vs MoHeatos:

Like a good pro wrestling heel Miami is great at beating up inferior teams. The 6er's weren't complete jabronies they were more like mid carder gatekeepers. Guys that beat the jabronies and get some offense in against the stars making you think they might pull the big upset but never do. As far as the the Moheatos go I see them having a 50/50 chance against both the Celtics and the Bulls. Much of it depends on the elephant in the room which is the officiating. The Heat take the ball to the basket and force the refs to make calls. Will the officials give the James and Wade tag team the benefit of the doubt on the offense end and then turn and argue with the coaches while the J&W express get away with under handed tactics on the other end of the court. At time the NBA really is more like pro wrestling/sports entertainment then some would like to admit.

Magic vs Hawks:

The Hawks are a very athletic team. In contrast the Magic are so unauthentic on the perimeter that I could see them having trouble guarding some WNBA teams. So the Hawks were a nightmare match up for them. Still Atlanta managed to have one complete no show performance where they got blown out by almost thirty points. Atlanta has the players to give the Bulls problems but there is no way they are going to out work Derick Rose and the Bulls over a seven game series.

DA Bulls vs Pacers:

The Pacers were very scrappy. Like a true super star Derick Rose refused to let the Bulls loose any of the first three games(even though they were outplayed). The Bulls have a shot to get to the finals. Especially if the they get a tired Celtic team in the eastern conference finals.

Lakers vs Hornets:

I could copy and paste my Celtic observations here in regards to the Lakers. The entire series felt like a scrimmage where the coach has the star point guard play with the junior varsity and they proceed to give the varsity team fits. Chris Paul was AWESOME in this series, but the Lakers had way more problems then they should have had. Fortunately for the Lakers they get to play Dallas in the next round. The Mavericks have almost as many miles on their odometer as the Lakers do and the Lakers match up very well with Tham. If the Lakers advance to the Western conference finals the pendulum swings in the other direction and the Lakers three peat may be in jeopardy.

Blazer VS The Nowitski's:

Nice seeing Brandon Roy play well in Portland. It was not good that the Blazer were down 23 on their own home court in a pivotal 5Th game. The Mavericks were just to much for the Blazers to handle.

Spurs Vs Grizlies:

This series was like watching a 42 year old dad playing his 15 year old son in a game of one on one. In the past dad always won, but this spring they step on the court and dad realizes the kid is a step faster and almost as tall. Where once he could toy with the kid and win now he realizes the kid can blow by him off the dribble at will. So dad has to reach deep down into his bag of tricks to hold off the precocious 15 year old but in the end youth prevails. That is what happened to the Spurs they used every trick in their arsenal, but in the end it was not enough.

Thunder vs Nuggets:

The Carmelo Anthony trade made the Nuggets much better. I repeat the Carmelo Anthony trade made The Nuggets MUCH better. As many in the media were obsessed with the resurgence of the Knicks they missed the story of how dramatically better the Nuggets played after the trade and how the Knicks floundered. The fact the Nuggets only won one game in this series shows how scary the Thunder are. If the Thunder continue to improve they have the players to beat any team in the playoffs.

Buddy, Zorro and Tag

2010-11-28T19:54:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, before we had our own dogs we took care of Tag for an extended period of time. It was nice having him over at the house this weekend while his person recouperates

Genevive's First Birthday Party

2010-10-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2010-07-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Breakfast with cousin Leigh 7-3-10

2010-07-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Rand Paul and Rachel Madow Discussing the Commerce Clause

2010-05-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

The Lincoln Virtual Reality Welder

2010-05-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

On Monday I traveled to Spokane. One of the pieces of equipment I got to play with was the virtual reality welder. It was very impressive.

Music from the 80's

2010-04-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

After watching celebrity apprentice last night i figured I'd post songs By Bret Michaels and Cindy Lauper. Two stars from the 80's who are very likable and talented goofballs.

Gene Kiniski

2010-04-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post Courier has a great column on wrestling legend Gene Kiniski. Kiniski passed away earlier this month. Dutch Savage, another legend of northwest wrestling is quoted in the article. The article can be found HERE

John Stewart And His Choir Send A Message To Berney Goldberg

2010-04-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Bernie Goldberg Fires Back

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

A trip to Idaho

2010-04-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we drove over to Moscow to visit Kyle, Brook and Genevieve. We rented a movie ate some Chinese takeout then wondered up on campus and watched an exciting lacrosse game between the U of I and Gonzaga.

I don't let just anyone get between me and my cold beverage

Fun videos With Jesse Ventura Featuring Sean Hanity Buddy Rose and Ed "Colonial Debeers" Wiskowski

2010-03-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

A Republican Cluster Fox

2010-03-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BLUE DEVIL

2010-03-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Intresting bit of useless trivia. Wa-Hi won the state baseball championship in 1988.
The Devils deafeated the Decatur Golden Gators in the semifinals. Then defeated Juanita high school in the finals. Juanita's starting pitcher was Cody Webster. The same player who was the star of the 1982 little league world series.

Chiawana also featured here is the new high school in Pasco.

ON TO STATE

2010-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

This Would Never Happen In The NBA Today

2010-02-26T22:35:00.000-08:00

During the 1980 Western Conference Finals the defending world champion Sonics were forced to played two home games on the campus of the University of Washington. Apparently their were concerts scheduled for the Seattle Center Arena and a Mariners home stand at the Kingdome.

These days arenas try to leave playoff dates open and if their is a conflict the NBA has priority.

John Stewart doing his Keith Olberman Impersonation

2010-02-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Blue Devil Highlights Including Drew And Dean On The local News

2010-02-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

The is a Friday night round up luckily the Wa-Hi game and Bledsoe interview are at the beginning

Drew Bledsoe talks about how he never got to play in the new gym. As I was sitting in the new gym I was thinking about how nice a facility it is. At the same time the noise and energy seemed to dissipate in comparison to the old gym where almost every big game was standing room only and the fans were right on top of the court.

The Blue Devil Stars Of Today

2010-01-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Two Blue Devil players are headed on to the division I college level.

Walla Walla High School Honors Legendary Blue Devils Drew Bledsoe and Dean Derby

2010-01-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

We attended the Walla Walla High school basketball game Friday night.
At half time a ceremony was held to honor Dean Derby and Drew Bledsoe.
Two Legendary Blue Devils who went on to successfull pro football careers

A Jet City Band Is Making Wine In Walla Walla

2010-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Seattle band Queensryche is coming out with it new wine Insania II. The wine was bottled last week at Three Rivers Winery.

Here is the U.B. article on the Queensyche web site

Here is their hit song Jet City Woman

Random Late Night Entertainment Dripping With Sarcasm

2010-01-22T22:28:00.001-08:00

Hell Hath no furry like a late night talk show host scorned.

It's so historic Ken Burns has already created a documentary

Efren Herrera becomes a star on monday night football

2010-01-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

And That's The Way It Is

2010-01-10T21:54:00.001-08:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Intro - Ernie Anastos' Catch Phrase

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

The Feel Good Story Of the 09-10 Bowl Season

2010-01-01T18:20:00.001-08:00

University of Idaho defeating Bowling Green in a classic game on the smurf turf in Boise.

Pacquiao-Mayweather Saga Continues - ESPN Video

2009-12-30T19:49:00.001-08:00

WHAT A FUSTER CLUCK!

When it was announced that negotiations had started for this bout I thought that they would have along drawn out process. With Haggling over money, ring size, glove size, and what weight the bout would be contested at. Much to my surprise all those issues were agreed upon almost immediately.

Then last week it came out that they couldn't come to an agreement on drug testing protocol. Surely they wouldn't walk away from a 150 million dollar fight over drug testing? Well it's starting to look that way

If Only The Younger Mora Was This Entertaining

2009-12-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Pontiac Silver Dome

2009-12-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

The Pontiac silver Dome was built in 1975 at a cost of 55 million dollars.
Over the years it has hosted a Superbowl numerous Detroit Lions thanksgiving day games. It held 93,000 when Pope John Paul II Visited and almost as many when Hulk Hogan body slammed Andre the Giant and Wrestle Mania III.

With all that history you would think it would have been a valuable asset. It wasn't.
The dome and the surrounding property sold at auction in November for $583,000(not a misprint).

Here it is on wikipedia

We're Back

2009-12-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

We have been moving into the new house. We had been without T.V. and internet for two weeks.

The Tri Cities gets it's 15 minutes of fame

2009-11-26T11:22:00.001-08:00

The 1970's

2009-11-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some 1970's commercials that aired on kptv in Portland during the Saturday evening wrestling show.

I'm Happy

2009-11-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

We are busy moving into our new home.
We love the house. The location, neighborhood,
size and floor plan are perfect.
The icing on the cake are the doggy doors and
a nice back yard for the dogs to play in.

ESPN Cougar Commercial

2009-11-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

Every week for six years WSU alumni have managed to get a cougar flag into the background of Espn's college football game day show.
As soon as the shows location is announced for a given week an alumni in the area is contacted and they fed ex the cougar flag so it can be seen during the broadcast

Stupid Human Tricks

2009-11-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

Credit Countdown with Keith Olbermann for the idea.

Top Chef Silliness

2009-11-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone shares a hardy guffaw as Natalie Portman and Padma Lakshmi exchange double entendres.

The USFL And Donald Trump

2009-10-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

This week Espn aired a documentary discussing the rise and fall of the USFL.

The film casts Donald Trump as the bad guy who hastened the leagues demise. Trump bought into the league in it's second season. He quickly gained great influence when league Founder Jouhn Bassett was stricken with brain cancer. Where Basett was committed to spring football the Donald was heck bent on moving the league to a fall schedule and competing directly with the NFL.

Under The Donald's leadership the USFL sued the NFL accusing it of being a monopoly. The USFL won the suit but only received an award of $1. The league then had to fold up it's tent after three seasons.

In This clip producer Mike Tollin talks about his history with The league and Trump

In this clip former ESPN anchor Charlie Steiner gives his unlattering opinion of the Donald. Interestingly Keith Jackson was also shown during the film and says pretty much the same thing Steiner says.

Old school seahawk uniforms

2009-10-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

Watch out for that Steve Largent

Here is a site that shows how the Seahawk uniforms have evolved over the years.

With the NFL current obsession with throwback jerseys why don't the Seahawks ever wear their classic 1983-84 uniforms?

If they got rid of their current uniforms would anybody miss them?

Showtime Super Six Boxing Tournament

2009-10-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

this is the company that I work for

2009-09-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Living vicariously through myself

2009-08-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight I got home from work and took the dogs on a three mile walk.

Then I went to a karate class with a group of masters. After 45 minutes of an extremely challenging workout I ended class with a spirited 10 minute sparring session with my six degree black belt sensei.

After I left karate class I drove across town to the MMA gym, I spent almost and hour grappling/wrestling with a group of amateur ultimate fighters who were almost half my age.

I walked out of the gym completely exhausted, got home eat dinner and completed two lessons of Rosetta stone.

Now I have updated my blog and I am going to bed

Julie and Julia

2009-08-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today we attended the movie Julie and Julia. Once I got over the fact that I was one of three men in a crowd of over over thirty people.. I was able to sit back and enjoy the movie. Two thumbs up.

Happy Birthday Michael

2009-07-19T11:08:00.001-07:00

Sodapopinski

2009-07-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

I spent far to much time in my early twenties playing Punchout. One of my greatest rivals was Sodapopinski.
I latter found out that gamers in Walla Walla County referred to him as Popinski
While gamers in California preferred to call him Soda.

And now the Popinskister is back on Punchout for Wii.

CNN Gives Us The Inside Scoop On Bubbles The Chimp

2009-07-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

Things that annoy me

2009-07-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ignorance of history.

Here is a clip from politically incorrect with Bill Maher.
Meghan Mccain says we need to look to the future and bridge the divides in our country. That may be true. We also need the youth of our country to STUDY HISTORY.

Cable News Kills Brain Cells!!!!!!

2009-06-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

The over the top Michael Jackson coverage was doing me in this weekend. Then the final knock out blow landed when I flipped over to CNN and this ridiculous update scrolled across my screen.

Michael and Farrah commercials

2009-06-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

San Francisco

2009-06-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

I spent three nights in San Francisco with Dawn Marie, Buddy and Zorro. We all had a great time

1978 Blazers vs Sonics playoff game

2009-06-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

Our Walla Walla Wedding

2009-06-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

My father in law Don Davis has posted over 70 wedding pictures at
tripper.smugmug.com

Walla Walla Public Art IV

2009-05-17T20:05:00.001-07:00

Walla Walla Public Art III

2009-05-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

Walla Walla Public Art II

2009-05-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

Walla Walla Public Art I

2009-05-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Walla Walla area has several talented artists. As you walk along main street you can see their work on display.

This is one of my favorite downtown sculptures.

WALLA WALLA

2009-05-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

RIP "Playboy" Buddy Rose

2009-04-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Paul Perschmann aka Buddy Rose passed away yesterday at the age of 56.

Some of my fondest early childhood memories involved watching Buddy Rose's shenanigans on both Portland wrestling and Vancouver All Star wrestling.

I can't think about Buddy Rose without smiling.

When the Portland promotion was building towards a Buddy Rose VS Roddy Piper looser leave town match(Rose would eventually win the match) I vividly remember a fan holding up a sign that said bye bye Buddy we'll hate to see you go.

Buddy/Paul I hate to see you go

Thanks for the memories.

Kermit's Duet

2009-04-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

To end the weekend with a pleasant memory here is Kermit the frog singing Rainbow Connection with Debbie Harry.

I find this commercial very disturbing

2009-04-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

The legendary voices of NFL films

2009-04-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

I was sad to here that long time Philies announcer and NFL films narrator Harry Kalas had passed away.

When I herd the news on Mike and Mike in the morning they said he had been THE VOICE of NFL films since 1975. This caused my brain to short circuit because I could of sworn John Facenda narrated the Superbowl highlights in the late 70"s and early 80's.

After an entire day without Internet access I was able to confirm that the voice in my head was John Facenda He did indeed work for Nfl films until he passed away in 1984. They were correct in saying Kalas started in 1975 but he did not become THE VOICE until after Facenda passed away.

I have very much enjoyed listening to both men over the years. Here is an example of their immense talent

John Facenda "autumn wind"

Harry Kalas

63 Days And Counting

2009-03-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Portland Oregon

2009-03-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

We visited Portland last weekend.

This time I didn't go to the baptist church and try to summon up the ghost of Lonnie Mayne.

While Dawn was learning about all the newest techniques in the world of K9 dentistry. Buddy Zorro and I embarked on a tour of dog parks in the Portland/Vancouver area.

A great time was had by all !

Around the World With Gene Kiniski

2009-03-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Mike and I were discussing that we both watched Gene Kiniski when we were kids. What I didn't realized back in the day was what a big star Kiniski was in the wrestling business. He held the NWA world championship in the late 60's. Defeating Lou Thez and eventually loosing to Dory Funk Jr. The job of the world champion in those days was to look the part, put fans in the seats and travel around to various NWA territories and make the local star look like a million bucks (right at the level of the world champion) without actually loosing the title.

Here is Gene in Japan in 1967 defending the world title in a two out of three falls match against the legendary Giant Baba

Here is Gene in 1981 on Vancouver All Star wrestling in a tag team match with his son Kelly. At 2:11 Kelley and Gene are interviewed by Ron Maurier. Maurier points out that he had Kelly on his kids show 16 years earlier. This was just before Ron Maurier passed away

The Friday Night Service

2009-01-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

I attended services at temple Beth Israel Friday night. I didn't count the number of people but it was a very good turn out.

As we were socializing after the service I was a bit freaked out by the fact that people kept asking me if I was new to the congregation.

Time To Walk That Aisle.....Whooooo!

2009-01-12T21:50:00.001-08:00

I am happy to announce that we are planning on getting married Sunday May 31
next to the gazebo in Pioneer park.

Gov Gregoire Sen Cantwell attended service for Bill Grant

2009-01-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the U.B. article on the service held for state rep Bill Grant.

While I did not know Mr. Grant well, I spoke with him several time in our store and he was always very nice.

1992 Rebok Ad Campaign

2009-01-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

During the spring of 1992 Reebok started airing a series of ads featuring U.S. decathletes Dan O'Brien(the number 1 ranked decathlete in the world) and Dave Johnson. Reebok was trying to build the "rivalry" between the two leading up to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

The ads aired so frequently they started driving me crazy. One day I was walking up to class in Pullman and I thought I had gone completely looney toons when I saw Dan O'Brien jogging towards me. I was relieved to find out he really did live just down the road in Moscow Idaho.

The ad campaign ended up being a complete disaster because O'Brien choked at the 92' Olympic trials and failed to make the U.S. team.

O'Brien rebounded four years latter in Atlanta winning gold in a world record setting performance.

Jack Johnson

2008-12-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

This month marks the 100th aniversary of Jack johnson becoming the first African American heavyweight champion

The Wrestler

2008-12-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

Mickey Rourke at the New York film festival discussing the difference between training for boxing and training for pro wrestling.

The New Napa

2008-12-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

This is a public T.V. story on the growth of the Walla Walla wine industry.

NOTE: Bill Gates was not able to get leonetti wine on request.
Seven hills vineyard is not related to Seven Hills winery.

Hot Poop Turns 35

2008-12-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

WE REALLY DUE HAVE TWO FEET OF SNOW NOW

2008-12-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

WHEN I POSTED A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO SAYING WE HAD TWO FEET OF SNOW I WAS EXAGERATING. IT'S NO EXAGERATION NOW!!!

Snow Storm 08

2008-12-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

We have around two feet of snow on the ground

Below I have a link to a U.B. video showing the scene in downtown Walla Walla today.

HERE

Top Chef Winner Visits Walla Walla

2008-12-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

I really have been doing Stuff

2008-11-30T18:58:00.001-08:00

I am Really enjoying Mathew Polly's book American Shaolin.

I give it my highest recommendation

Local Election Coverage

2008-11-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin is promising extensive online coverage of the local political scene on election night.

Amen Samurai Mike

2008-10-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

I just love this press conference.

IF ONLY I'D KNOWN

2008-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

I attended Washington State university for three years. Twice a day a would walk up to campus hoping an attractive college girl would come up to me and start a conversation. It never ever ever never ever happened!

On October 11th, fourteen years after I left college Dawn and I visited Moscow Idaho. I decided to take Buddy and Zorro on a walk across the University of Idaho campus. During our 45 minute walk I had seven different occasions where I was stopped by girls who wanted to pet the dogs.

Time to spring into action

2008-10-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I wondered into the computer with the intention of spending a quick minute or two on the computer. My quick minute turned into a quick hour. When I got up from the computer I creaked. Then I started getting ready for bed. I stood on the bathroom scale and weighed 195lb. That was it .....it was time for a change.

First I got Dawn and myself memberships at the YMCA. While their after we singed up I confirmed my old karate class was still meeting on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Then I went around the corner from our house to the local mixed martial arts gym and signed up.

So now I've scheduled myself for two nights a week of karate and to nights a week of jujitsu or some mixture of those classes four nights a week.

How will it go?

Will my thirty seven year old body hold up?

Ahh.... I guess will find out.

Walla Walla Has A New Dog Park

2008-10-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today Dawn, Buddy, Zorro, and I attended the grand opening of the beautiful new Dog park at Fort Walla Walla.

Teruo Chinen

2008-10-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice video of the Sensei who awarded me a black belt back in 2003.

Hello Michael

2008-09-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Danny

2008-09-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Great Espn article on boxing in Baseball Stadiums

2008-09-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Ted William with Rocky Marciano

Jackie Robinson with Sugar Ray Robinson

ESPN MEETS STAR WARS

2008-09-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

SNL Clinton Palin

2008-09-14T21:23:00.001-07:00

ESPN Y2K COMMERCIAL

2008-09-11T20:16:00.001-07:00

Charlie Steiner is comedic gold.

Today We Discuss Partial Derivatives And How They Relate To The Marginal Concept Of Economics

2008-09-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday ESPN

2008-09-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

ESPN turns 29 this month. In honor of this milestone I plan on posting several of the classic sportcenter comercials that have been broadcast throughout the years. Here is a definite lol effort as Charlie Steiner is traded to Melrose place for Andrew Shue.

Who'd A Thunk I'd Expand My Vocabulary While Watching Bill O'Reily

2008-09-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Seven minutes ago I couldn't even spell perspicacious. Now I can define it and use it in a sentence

Adj. 1. perspicacious - acutely insightful and wise; "much too perspicacious to be taken in by such a spurious argument"; "observant and thoughtful, he was given to asking sagacious questions"; "a source of valuable insights and sapient advice to educators"
sagacious, sapient
wise - having or prompted by wisdom or discernment; "a wise leader"; "a wise and perceptive comment"
2. perspicacious - mentally acute or penetratingly discerning; "too clear-eyed not to see what problems would follow"; "chaos could be prevented only by clear-sighted leadership"; "much too perspicacious to be taken in by so spurious an argument"
clear-eyed, clear-sighted
discerning - having or revealing keen insight and good judgment; "a discerning critic"; "a discerning reader"

STEVE IS FAR TO PERSPICACIOUS TO DICUSS POLITICS AT WORK

1988 Sports report by U of I grad Sarah Heath Palin

2008-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

She did name one of her children Bristol. Coincidentally The Espn campus is in Bristol Conn. Maybe she had dreams of being a sportscenter anchor like Linda Cohn.

....Ah I guess we're not going to Portland

2008-09-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Dawn knows if they ever have A UFC(Ultimate Fighting Championship) In Portland We will not be two of the millions watching at home... We Will be two of the thousands in attendance.

Early in the summer rumors began circulating about a possible UFC in Portland. Then the rumors got more specific the event would be in November. Then the rumors trailed off. Then the word on the virtual street was that UFC 91 would be in Montreal not Portland. Unfortunately for fight fans in Montreal the premiere venue in the city the Bell Center is booked by the hockey team for every Saturday in November. So at that point it was almost a forgone conclusion that the November show would be in Portland. Making the speculation even more exiting was word that UFC legend Randy Couture might be settling his differences with the company and headlining the show in Portland.

Well Couture did settle his differences with the company and A blockbuster fight was announced for...........Las Vegas. Yes, The bout between Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar was deemed to big for Portland and will take place in Vegas. So no trip to Portland for us.

The fight is such it big deal it even got coverage by ESPN. ESPN boxing and mixed martial arts coverage has absolutely no rhyme or reason. One fight will get wall to wall coverage and the next month a fight that is equally big will not get any mention.

Well the day after Couture and Lesnar's bout was announced they were all over ESPN

Don and Nora on another adventure

2008-08-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

Walter "Killer" Kowalski 1927-2008

2008-08-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

One of the all time great performers.
Here he is in 1953 in Madison Square Garden

DO YOU SEE ANY SIMILARITY BETWEEN THESE TWO CLIPS

2008-08-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

RIP KEVIN DUCKWORTH

2008-08-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

A gentle giant who played in two all star games and helped the Blazers reach two NBA finals.

More Olympic Heroes: Judo Bronze Medalist Ronda Rousey

2008-08-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

Explaining Why she tries to sneeze 16 times in a row.

Here she is winning a match with a well executed Juji Gatame (arm lock).

Baseball Hot Dogs Apple Pie And Misty May

2008-08-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

Misty May throws out the first pitch to her husband at the Marlin vs Diamond back game

SEATTLE PART V THE LAST DAY

2008-08-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

We followed Mike and Deborah to Kirkland.Where We had a great brunch with dad and Regina. I ordered the sausage, eggs and pancake breakfast and proceeded to join the clean plate club.

After breakfast we were going to follow Mike and Deborah out of town. They ditched us. Yet somehow we made it home.

SECOND COUSIN "ONE REMOVED" SADA WITH HER SILVER MEDAL ON CBS

2008-08-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Sada's grandmother Adrian Jacobson is a first cousin of my dad Alan Barer. Which means Sada's dad David would be a second cousin of mine. So Sada would be a second cousin "once removed".

Which leaves me wondering in what generation my athletic ability was...."removed"?

Anyway here is the WIKI explanation of the whole cousin thing
CHART OF COUSIN CONSANGUINITY

Oh and our heroes were on the morning show on CBS!