Saturday, May 20, 2006
People who can't pump their own gas should be kicked in the head...
This article should be from the Onion. But it's not. It's genuine, and it makes me believe that NewJersey should be de-populated and then repopulated with people who aren't IDIOTS. God, I hate New Jersey.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Heard on the cell phone voice mail...
... you know your friends are in trouble when they leave you voice mails referencing a golden tee score of 49 over.
that's some bad medicine right there.
And I understand caleb was nowhere to be seen at that particular time and place.
that's some bad medicine right there.
And I understand caleb was nowhere to be seen at that particular time and place.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Just when you thought it was safe...
..to go back into the gene pool....Yup, we just found out that Manda's pregnant, too. She's due December 27th. It's still early (not quite 7 weeks) but since the doctor was worried about an ectopic pregnancy, we did an ultrasound, and got to see the heart beating.
That'll make three Malt Shop Logic babies in one year. It's just baby crazy lately. My brother's got a new daughter, plus one of Manda's friends (who will remain nameless on this blog) is due in October.
As The Duke used to say, "Fortune passes everywhere."
That'll make three Malt Shop Logic babies in one year. It's just baby crazy lately. My brother's got a new daughter, plus one of Manda's friends (who will remain nameless on this blog) is due in October.
As The Duke used to say, "Fortune passes everywhere."
Of Medicines and Miracles....
Some who read this blog know that my love, Cherie, was transferred to New York for her job this past winter, and has been living alone in a townhome in Connecticut while I finish up obligations here in Virginia. She has handled that situation with strength and grace, and I love her for that.
But there's something else I would like to share with you that has only increased my love for her in recent weeks.
Cherie, as some of you know, suffers from a pituitary adenoma. In laymen's terms, that's a tumor on the pituitary gland that sits between the brain's lobes. Such tumors cause excess hormone secretion. Cherie's tumor is on the part of the gland that regulates the hormone "prolactin". So, it's called a "prolactinoma".
Like its name sounds, prolactin tells the body when to (or not) engage in reproductive functions like lactation, ovulation, etc. Tumor growth results in excess prolactin release. Normal serum prolactin levels for non-pregnant women are 15-20 nanograms per milliliter. When diagnosed, Cherie's was 250 ng/mL. So, prolactinomas interfere with reproductive functions, and untreated, obstruct the optic nerve, cause blindness, and then cause death.
Cherie has been on several drugs to control the tumor's growth -- including Dostinex. Dostinex proved to be unusually beneficial, shrinking Cherie's tumor even more than doctors predicted or expected. We found this out the hard way 4 years ago, when Cherie, supposedly unable to ovulate, got pregnant but miscarried shortly thereafter. Dostinex, like other such drugs, carries nasty, potentially fatal side effects. It significantly raises its takers' risks of strokes and heart attacks, and it disrupts speech centers, causes memory loss, disorientation, dizziness, etc.
So, about a year ago, we decided to research the possibility of reducing or eliminating Cherie's Dostinex consumption. While doing some research, I was thrilled to discover literature suggesting she might be able to stop taking Dostinex. In a new study, it was found to have caused permanent "near-remission" in 61% of mature adult patients who had been receiving long-term treatment. When I say "near-remission," I mean that the study reported that long-term patients taken off the drug experienced minor tumor growth, but then their tumors stopped growing.
With Cherie's tumor, this meant that if successful, her tumor would grow enough to cause abnormally high prolactin levels, but not high enough to obstruct the optic nerve or worse. After consulting with her doctors, we took Cherie off of Dostinex. Her endocrinologist told us, "When you want to become pregnant, come back, and we'll put you back on it to see if you'll ovulate." We re-confirmed with him (given our past experience) that yes, this time, without medicine, her prolactin level should be high enough to preclude ovulation. Her side effects began to disappear, and all was well.
In November of 2005, Cherie had her prolactin level tested, and it came back at 56 ng/mL, more than twice the upper end of the normal range. Her doctors assured us that they thought the tumor was near the end of its growth, but to come back in late March/early April for another test. So, a couple of weeks ago, Cherie returned for another test. Her prolactin level came back at 214 ng/mL. The doctors, surprised, ran a battery of tests. I went with Cherie to hear the results.
Dr. Julia Auerbach, her primary care provider, smiled and said, "Well, we know why your prolactin level is elevated. You're pregnant!" After recovering from the initial shock, we said, "But, her prolactin level was supposed to preclude ovulation. How did this happen?" The doctor gave us a look and said, "Some times the human body does things we just can't explain." So, that was a few weeks ago. We now know that we are expecting a daughter -- already named Audrey Katherine after one of my grandmothers and Cherie's mom -- on approximately September 21st.
She is now 20 weeks along, and according to our most recent doc visit on Tuesday, she is 100% healthy and developing just as she should be. Cherie and I hadn't thought to do things quite this way -- we were going to get engaged this summer and married in Sept/Oct 2007 -- but it would seem that someone up there has a different plan for us. Cherie and I are experiencing the full range of emotions one might expect, but most of all we are excited and looking forward to bringing a new life into the world. Can you believe it -- I am going to be a father. How about that. Oh, and I apologize for not being in touch much lately -- but life has been a little crazy :-)
But there's something else I would like to share with you that has only increased my love for her in recent weeks.
Cherie, as some of you know, suffers from a pituitary adenoma. In laymen's terms, that's a tumor on the pituitary gland that sits between the brain's lobes. Such tumors cause excess hormone secretion. Cherie's tumor is on the part of the gland that regulates the hormone "prolactin". So, it's called a "prolactinoma".
Like its name sounds, prolactin tells the body when to (or not) engage in reproductive functions like lactation, ovulation, etc. Tumor growth results in excess prolactin release. Normal serum prolactin levels for non-pregnant women are 15-20 nanograms per milliliter. When diagnosed, Cherie's was 250 ng/mL. So, prolactinomas interfere with reproductive functions, and untreated, obstruct the optic nerve, cause blindness, and then cause death.
Cherie has been on several drugs to control the tumor's growth -- including Dostinex. Dostinex proved to be unusually beneficial, shrinking Cherie's tumor even more than doctors predicted or expected. We found this out the hard way 4 years ago, when Cherie, supposedly unable to ovulate, got pregnant but miscarried shortly thereafter. Dostinex, like other such drugs, carries nasty, potentially fatal side effects. It significantly raises its takers' risks of strokes and heart attacks, and it disrupts speech centers, causes memory loss, disorientation, dizziness, etc.
So, about a year ago, we decided to research the possibility of reducing or eliminating Cherie's Dostinex consumption. While doing some research, I was thrilled to discover literature suggesting she might be able to stop taking Dostinex. In a new study, it was found to have caused permanent "near-remission" in 61% of mature adult patients who had been receiving long-term treatment. When I say "near-remission," I mean that the study reported that long-term patients taken off the drug experienced minor tumor growth, but then their tumors stopped growing.
With Cherie's tumor, this meant that if successful, her tumor would grow enough to cause abnormally high prolactin levels, but not high enough to obstruct the optic nerve or worse. After consulting with her doctors, we took Cherie off of Dostinex. Her endocrinologist told us, "When you want to become pregnant, come back, and we'll put you back on it to see if you'll ovulate." We re-confirmed with him (given our past experience) that yes, this time, without medicine, her prolactin level should be high enough to preclude ovulation. Her side effects began to disappear, and all was well.
In November of 2005, Cherie had her prolactin level tested, and it came back at 56 ng/mL, more than twice the upper end of the normal range. Her doctors assured us that they thought the tumor was near the end of its growth, but to come back in late March/early April for another test. So, a couple of weeks ago, Cherie returned for another test. Her prolactin level came back at 214 ng/mL. The doctors, surprised, ran a battery of tests. I went with Cherie to hear the results.
Dr. Julia Auerbach, her primary care provider, smiled and said, "Well, we know why your prolactin level is elevated. You're pregnant!" After recovering from the initial shock, we said, "But, her prolactin level was supposed to preclude ovulation. How did this happen?" The doctor gave us a look and said, "Some times the human body does things we just can't explain." So, that was a few weeks ago. We now know that we are expecting a daughter -- already named Audrey Katherine after one of my grandmothers and Cherie's mom -- on approximately September 21st.
She is now 20 weeks along, and according to our most recent doc visit on Tuesday, she is 100% healthy and developing just as she should be. Cherie and I hadn't thought to do things quite this way -- we were going to get engaged this summer and married in Sept/Oct 2007 -- but it would seem that someone up there has a different plan for us. Cherie and I are experiencing the full range of emotions one might expect, but most of all we are excited and looking forward to bringing a new life into the world. Can you believe it -- I am going to be a father. How about that. Oh, and I apologize for not being in touch much lately -- but life has been a little crazy :-)
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Judge rules Web surfing at work OK
The kind of precedent I can live with:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-060424surfing,1,687546.story?coll=chi-business-hed
The Associated PressPublished April 24, 2006, 12:10 PM CDT
NEW YORK -- Surfing the Web at work is equivalent to reading a newspaper or talking on the phone, an administrative law judge said in recommending the lightest possible punishment for a city worker accused of disregarding warnings to stay off the Internet.
The case involved Toquir Choudhri, a 14-year veteran of the Department of Education, whose office computer had been used to visit news and travel Web sites.
``It should be observed that the Internet has become the modern equivalent of a telephone or a daily newspaper, providing a combination of communication and information that most employees use as frequently in their personal lives as for their work,'' Administrative Law Judge John Spooner said in recommending only a reprimand for Choudhri.
The judge noted that city agencies allow workers to make personal calls if it doesn't interfere with their work performance.
Choudhri's lawyer, Martin Druyan, called the ruling ``very reasonable.''
http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-060424surfing,1,687546.story?coll=chi-business-hed
The Associated PressPublished April 24, 2006, 12:10 PM CDT
NEW YORK -- Surfing the Web at work is equivalent to reading a newspaper or talking on the phone, an administrative law judge said in recommending the lightest possible punishment for a city worker accused of disregarding warnings to stay off the Internet.
The case involved Toquir Choudhri, a 14-year veteran of the Department of Education, whose office computer had been used to visit news and travel Web sites.
``It should be observed that the Internet has become the modern equivalent of a telephone or a daily newspaper, providing a combination of communication and information that most employees use as frequently in their personal lives as for their work,'' Administrative Law Judge John Spooner said in recommending only a reprimand for Choudhri.
The judge noted that city agencies allow workers to make personal calls if it doesn't interfere with their work performance.
Choudhri's lawyer, Martin Druyan, called the ruling ``very reasonable.''
Thursday, April 13, 2006
"...you're probably going to get mixed reviews."
This post's title is taken from the latter half of a comment by New York Mets star, David Wright, shrugging off a reporter's questions about Vice President Cheney being booed at Tuesday's Washington Nationals home opener.
Most press accounts of Tuesday afternoon's reaction to Cheney characterized it as a mix of boos and applause.
Well, let me say this: I was sitting in Section 227, Row 3, Seat 5...and if I could use one word to describe the reaction to Cheney, it would be: ferocious.
I was absolutely stunned by the reaction to the Vice President. This was no mixed reaction, no range of boos and cheers, no alternating chorus by GOPers and Dems in the audience. This was a long, widespread, angry reaction by nearly every fan in attendance.
When the PA Announcer announced that Vice President Cheney was the guest of honor who would be throwing the ceremonial first pitch, the crowd erupted almost as one in a long, angry chorus of boos. The boos lasted several minutes, and only near the very end did a smattering of applause arise to counter (futilely) the volume and ferocity of the boos.
Personally, I had a very mixed reaction to what I witnessed. First, I was embarrassed, even ashamed -- and especially to stand next to two older gentlemen who were veterans of service in the US military and obviously could not believe what they were seeing and hearing.
As a child of the military, I was raised to respect the high offices of our country, regardless of the personalities temporarily inhabiting them. So, it would never occur to me to boo the President or Vice President, or frankly any individual holding a role of high authority and responsibility within an administration. Moreover, I was somewhat embarrassed at the behavior of my fellow citizens and baseball fans. I thought it beneath them to boo.
Second, upon reflection, I am concerned. The booing -- particularly its intensity and duration -- suggest to me an articulation of a deeply, strongly felt anger toward the Administration. It suggests to me the kind of anger that has had destructive consequences for the Republic's faith in itself and its leadership in times past.
Media outlets have already begun to compare Bush's last two years in office to Nixon's. And perhaps they're not wrong.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into a few minutes' experience at a baseball game. But, I'll also say -- you had to be there. It was UNREAL.
Most press accounts of Tuesday afternoon's reaction to Cheney characterized it as a mix of boos and applause.
Well, let me say this: I was sitting in Section 227, Row 3, Seat 5...and if I could use one word to describe the reaction to Cheney, it would be: ferocious.
I was absolutely stunned by the reaction to the Vice President. This was no mixed reaction, no range of boos and cheers, no alternating chorus by GOPers and Dems in the audience. This was a long, widespread, angry reaction by nearly every fan in attendance.
When the PA Announcer announced that Vice President Cheney was the guest of honor who would be throwing the ceremonial first pitch, the crowd erupted almost as one in a long, angry chorus of boos. The boos lasted several minutes, and only near the very end did a smattering of applause arise to counter (futilely) the volume and ferocity of the boos.
Personally, I had a very mixed reaction to what I witnessed. First, I was embarrassed, even ashamed -- and especially to stand next to two older gentlemen who were veterans of service in the US military and obviously could not believe what they were seeing and hearing.
As a child of the military, I was raised to respect the high offices of our country, regardless of the personalities temporarily inhabiting them. So, it would never occur to me to boo the President or Vice President, or frankly any individual holding a role of high authority and responsibility within an administration. Moreover, I was somewhat embarrassed at the behavior of my fellow citizens and baseball fans. I thought it beneath them to boo.
Second, upon reflection, I am concerned. The booing -- particularly its intensity and duration -- suggest to me an articulation of a deeply, strongly felt anger toward the Administration. It suggests to me the kind of anger that has had destructive consequences for the Republic's faith in itself and its leadership in times past.
Media outlets have already begun to compare Bush's last two years in office to Nixon's. And perhaps they're not wrong.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into a few minutes' experience at a baseball game. But, I'll also say -- you had to be there. It was UNREAL.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Nooge.........
Whilst I while away the waning days of winter, I wander among the wondrous blooms of spring. And I wonder that we are merely 8 months away from being able to say once more, Wassail!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
March Madness
I am currently second in our pool. Second place is still a money winner. The only way I can get knocked out is if LSU beats UCLA, as the one schmuck who graduated from LSU picked them to go all the way.
Which brings me to the point of this: LSU??! *grumble* Maybe I was hasty picking Duke, but honestly, LSU?? *sigh*
Which brings me to the point of this: LSU??! *grumble* Maybe I was hasty picking Duke, but honestly, LSU?? *sigh*
For Those of You With Nostalgia for Dangerous Firetraps
The founder of Mr. Henry's has died.
I will drink a sloe gin and sprite in his honor. Well, probably not.
I will drink a sloe gin and sprite in his honor. Well, probably not.
Welcome, Urban Love Commando
I definitely dropped a few f-bombs in amazement when I saw that one Paul Williams, aka Fred Johnson, aka The Urban Love Commando, showed up on the blog. Good to hear from you, Paul! When you start working for Roger Staubach, work on getting me some NASCAR tickets. I'll even pretend to root for Hall of Fame Racing.
Anyway, with all the T-Northers coming out of the woodwork, I thought I'd take the opportunity to create another blog, creatively titled, T-North: The Blog. If you think you qualify to post on there, click the link and follow my directions.
Why another blog? I'm all about creating online communities - without the creepiness (reg. req) of myspace.com or xanga.com.
Anyway, with all the T-Northers coming out of the woodwork, I thought I'd take the opportunity to create another blog, creatively titled, T-North: The Blog. If you think you qualify to post on there, click the link and follow my directions.
Why another blog? I'm all about creating online communities - without the creepiness (reg. req) of myspace.com or xanga.com.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Guapo's, Nanny's, and the damn NCAA tourney...
Matt, et al:
I am very interested in going out Thursday night and seeing you guys. I've been so damn wrapped up in the developments of my own personal life that I welcome a diversion.
Guapo's followed by Nanny's would be fine by me.
In other developments, I entered the weekend with my brackets containing 6 of the Elite 8. I was in first place, and I felt very good about my chances of winning my pool.
Then everything went to shite. Villanova, Texas, and UCONN all lost. Now I have only 1 of the Final 4 remaining in my bracket (UCLA). UCONN in particular screwed me (with their unfocused, lazy, un-inspired basketball), because I had UCONN winning the whole thing. On the flip side, it was nice to see a team like GMU win, because they played with a sustained intensity that betrayed just how badly they wanted to win. I think that based on their relative levels of intensity and excellent play, LSU and GMU have to be even money to win the whole shebang.
The good news is that this week's and this weekend's results were so unexpected that they hosed everybody in my pool. Thanks to the ASM, I won a ton of games in the earlier rounds, and I am still in a very strong position. I'm still in first place. Thanks to the Scenario Generator (what a great addition to the Yahoo tourney game, by the way), I have determined that as long as UCLA loses in the national semi-finals, I'll win my pool. If UCLA wins in the national semis, I fall to a homer in my pool who picked UCLA to go all the way just for grins.
Love that ASM...it has proven its mettle in yet another year.
I am very interested in going out Thursday night and seeing you guys. I've been so damn wrapped up in the developments of my own personal life that I welcome a diversion.
Guapo's followed by Nanny's would be fine by me.
In other developments, I entered the weekend with my brackets containing 6 of the Elite 8. I was in first place, and I felt very good about my chances of winning my pool.
Then everything went to shite. Villanova, Texas, and UCONN all lost. Now I have only 1 of the Final 4 remaining in my bracket (UCLA). UCONN in particular screwed me (with their unfocused, lazy, un-inspired basketball), because I had UCONN winning the whole thing. On the flip side, it was nice to see a team like GMU win, because they played with a sustained intensity that betrayed just how badly they wanted to win. I think that based on their relative levels of intensity and excellent play, LSU and GMU have to be even money to win the whole shebang.
The good news is that this week's and this weekend's results were so unexpected that they hosed everybody in my pool. Thanks to the ASM, I won a ton of games in the earlier rounds, and I am still in a very strong position. I'm still in first place. Thanks to the Scenario Generator (what a great addition to the Yahoo tourney game, by the way), I have determined that as long as UCLA loses in the national semi-finals, I'll win my pool. If UCLA wins in the national semis, I fall to a homer in my pool who picked UCLA to go all the way just for grins.
Love that ASM...it has proven its mettle in yet another year.
This thursday
Is there any interest in a Thursday-night dinner at Guapo's and post-dinner drinky-poo?
Recognizing that people have to work Fri., I don't propose tearing it up too bad...
But since The Malt Shop is not really any good any more, I would like to satisfy my curiosity about what the inside of Nanny's looks like these days. I bet it would be the first time anyone here has seen it in a while...
Just a thought...
--Matt
Recognizing that people have to work Fri., I don't propose tearing it up too bad...
But since The Malt Shop is not really any good any more, I would like to satisfy my curiosity about what the inside of Nanny's looks like these days. I bet it would be the first time anyone here has seen it in a while...
Just a thought...
--Matt
Friday, March 24, 2006
ASM still going strong...
My ASM-based picks now have me in first place by 3 points in my Yahoo! Fantasy Sports-based office pool. Thanks, Close!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
ASM proving its mettle in the early going...
Throught Saturday night's results, my ASM-based picks have me in 2nd place out of 20 entrants in my office NCAA pool, only 2 points out of 1st.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
A Landmark Will Leave Us
And only the Dancing Crab speaks against it!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/17/AR2006031701908.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/17/AR2006031701908.html
Friday, March 17, 2006
Thinking is Bad
Damn me for out-thinking my own stupid system. Why did I not just follow the numbers?
F you, Kansas Jayhawks.
F you, Bill Self. Glad you're not at Illinois.
F you, Kansas Jayhawks.
F you, Bill Self. Glad you're not at Illinois.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
To quote Men at Work: “He was provokin’ me.”
Sorry to revisit the whole “AU to the Patriot League move was a bad one” argument, but I just happened across Robert Spuhler’s post on the subject titled "Once and Eagle..." from last Wednesday, and this is a subject that still causes me to argue. Let’s look at his key points:
Robert: “The reason given for the move by then-president Ben Ladner was that the school wished to associate itself with schools that were on our academic level – a laughable assertion at the time and today.”
Me: My memory on this may be a bit fuzzy, but I also seem to remember that another reason for the move was so that AU would compete against schools that devoted a similar level of resources to their athletic programs. In the CAA, AU competed against mostly state schools that were able to put more money into their programs. In the Patriot League, it is (except for the service academies) small private schools like AU. Again, I could be wrong, but the resource question was the best rationale to me.
Robert: “The unspoken reason was pure greed…there is no quicker way for a school to gain a national profile – something that American has always lacked – than to play in a high-level sports event[the NCAA tournament]. The problem? AU was not in any position to qualify for the tournament in the Colonial.”
Me: Agreed – making the NCAA tournament was an unstated reason – but not the reason – for the move.
Robert: “So, AU took a dive. And make no mistake – while Bucknell is currently the mid-major darling, the Patriot League is certainly a step down from the Colonial.”
Me: I have always had a problem with this argument. Let’s put it this way: Tuesday at 8, I could have watched either According to Jim or TV’s Most Outrageous Moments. One might be a better show than the other, but they still both suck, and I watched something else. That’s what I think about Colonial and Patriot League basketball. The Colonial has a better RPI than the Patriot, but we’re not talking about going from the Big Ten to the Patriot League. We’re talking about going from a one-bid league to another one-bid league.
Robert: “How has that move worked out? Well, the obvious answer is that AU has still not qualified for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. This year, AU could not even make it to the league championship game, falling to the aforementioned Bison.”
Me: You know, no one said it would be easy. However, I would point this out: # of nationally televised games featuring AU while they were in the CAA: 1 (and I’m counting the game ESPN televised when Bender opened); # of nationally televised games featuring AU while they have been in the Patriot League: 3.
Robert: “But more importantly, AU has seen its stronger teams such as men’s soccer suffer.”
Me: Really? The men’s soccer team has gone to the NCAAs 3 times in the last 5 years. They went twice in 16 years in the CAA (1985 and 1997). And in between those visits they weren’t exactly tearing it up, as far as I remember.
AU’s time in the Patriot League has also seen other sports improve and go to the NCAA’s. Lesser competition in the Patriot League? Maybe. Or maybe the chance to reasonably compete for NCAA bids attracts better athletes to AU than before. Who knows.
Anyway, I don’t think that the move to the Patriot League was boneheaded at all. It may not have worked out exactly as envisioned, insofar as an NCAA tournament berth in basketball, but it made and makes sense.
Now, where’s Paul Williams so I can argue about this some more?
Robert: “The reason given for the move by then-president Ben Ladner was that the school wished to associate itself with schools that were on our academic level – a laughable assertion at the time and today.”
Me: My memory on this may be a bit fuzzy, but I also seem to remember that another reason for the move was so that AU would compete against schools that devoted a similar level of resources to their athletic programs. In the CAA, AU competed against mostly state schools that were able to put more money into their programs. In the Patriot League, it is (except for the service academies) small private schools like AU. Again, I could be wrong, but the resource question was the best rationale to me.
Robert: “The unspoken reason was pure greed…there is no quicker way for a school to gain a national profile – something that American has always lacked – than to play in a high-level sports event[the NCAA tournament]. The problem? AU was not in any position to qualify for the tournament in the Colonial.”
Me: Agreed – making the NCAA tournament was an unstated reason – but not the reason – for the move.
Robert: “So, AU took a dive. And make no mistake – while Bucknell is currently the mid-major darling, the Patriot League is certainly a step down from the Colonial.”
Me: I have always had a problem with this argument. Let’s put it this way: Tuesday at 8, I could have watched either According to Jim or TV’s Most Outrageous Moments. One might be a better show than the other, but they still both suck, and I watched something else. That’s what I think about Colonial and Patriot League basketball. The Colonial has a better RPI than the Patriot, but we’re not talking about going from the Big Ten to the Patriot League. We’re talking about going from a one-bid league to another one-bid league.
Robert: “How has that move worked out? Well, the obvious answer is that AU has still not qualified for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. This year, AU could not even make it to the league championship game, falling to the aforementioned Bison.”
Me: You know, no one said it would be easy. However, I would point this out: # of nationally televised games featuring AU while they were in the CAA: 1 (and I’m counting the game ESPN televised when Bender opened); # of nationally televised games featuring AU while they have been in the Patriot League: 3.
Robert: “But more importantly, AU has seen its stronger teams such as men’s soccer suffer.”
Me: Really? The men’s soccer team has gone to the NCAAs 3 times in the last 5 years. They went twice in 16 years in the CAA (1985 and 1997). And in between those visits they weren’t exactly tearing it up, as far as I remember.
AU’s time in the Patriot League has also seen other sports improve and go to the NCAA’s. Lesser competition in the Patriot League? Maybe. Or maybe the chance to reasonably compete for NCAA bids attracts better athletes to AU than before. Who knows.
Anyway, I don’t think that the move to the Patriot League was boneheaded at all. It may not have worked out exactly as envisioned, insofar as an NCAA tournament berth in basketball, but it made and makes sense.
Now, where’s Paul Williams so I can argue about this some more?
Monday, March 13, 2006
The Return of the (not quite) Almighty ASM
Just in time to fill out your brackets, I have posted my official 2006 Adjusted Scoring Margin tables below (Official 2006 ASM Motto: “I don’t trust these numbers!”). I’ve also posted some comments about the numbers at the end of each region.
But first, what is ASM? Read this post from last year and follow the link to the article by Joe Lunardi.
Why should you care? Because these numbers seem to mean something. Check out the results in Lunardi’s article, and then see my own results from the last two years:
2004 Top ASM by Region and Final Result:
Atlanta – Duke (Final Four)
East Rutherford – Oklahoma State (Final Four)
Phoenix – UConn (Final Four)
St. Louis – Gonzaga* (Second Round)
2005 Top ASM by Region and Final Result:
Albuquerque – Louisville (Final Four)
Austin – Duke** (Sweet Sixteen)
Chicago – Illinois (Final Four)
Syracuse – North Carolina (Final Four)
*The second-highest ASM in the St. Louis bracket was Georgia Tech, which went to the Final Four. Thus was created The Gonzaga Corollary: Thou shalt not select a team from a non-major conference to make the Final Four. Uh oh, Memphis.
**Michigan State had the third-highest ASM in the bracket, a very respectable 15.7. Thus was created The Rule of About 15: The most likely Final Four teams will have an ASM about 15 or higher.
So, six Final Four teams out of eight possible – not too shabby. Will the numbers lead us to NCAA pool victory this year? I don’t know (and like I said, I don’t really trust these numbers), but if it keeps you from picking Gonzaga to go to the Final Four, another angel gets its wings in Heaven.
Enjoy!
But first, what is ASM? Read this post from last year and follow the link to the article by Joe Lunardi.
Why should you care? Because these numbers seem to mean something. Check out the results in Lunardi’s article, and then see my own results from the last two years:
2004 Top ASM by Region and Final Result:
Atlanta – Duke (Final Four)
East Rutherford – Oklahoma State (Final Four)
Phoenix – UConn (Final Four)
St. Louis – Gonzaga* (Second Round)
2005 Top ASM by Region and Final Result:
Albuquerque – Louisville (Final Four)
Austin – Duke** (Sweet Sixteen)
Chicago – Illinois (Final Four)
Syracuse – North Carolina (Final Four)
*The second-highest ASM in the St. Louis bracket was Georgia Tech, which went to the Final Four. Thus was created The Gonzaga Corollary: Thou shalt not select a team from a non-major conference to make the Final Four. Uh oh, Memphis.
**Michigan State had the third-highest ASM in the bracket, a very respectable 15.7. Thus was created The Rule of About 15: The most likely Final Four teams will have an ASM about 15 or higher.
So, six Final Four teams out of eight possible – not too shabby. Will the numbers lead us to NCAA pool victory this year? I don’t know (and like I said, I don’t really trust these numbers), but if it keeps you from picking Gonzaga to go to the Final Four, another angel gets its wings in Heaven.
Enjoy!
Atlanta Region
Atlanta Region
Texas – 19.9
Duke – 18.8
LSU – 13.5
West Virginia – 11.1
Iowa – 11.0
Texas A&M – 10.9
NC State – 10.7
George Washington – 10.6
UNC-Wilmington – 9.9
Penn – 8.8
Syracuse – 8.7
California – 8.2
Iona – 7.8
Southern Illinois – 7.3
Northwestern State – 6.9
Notes: Thanks, NCAA Selection Committee, for putting the top two ASM teams in the same bracket. I trust Texas not at all, but, then again, Duke is not exactly a juggernaut. Texas also has the highest efficiency margin of any major conference team this year, for what it’s worth (in 2005, the top four teams in efficiency margin were Illinois, UNC, Louisville, and Michigan State – did they do well in the tourney?). Nevertheless, if you can do two pools, I suggest doing one with Texas and one with Duke.
Texas – 19.9
Duke – 18.8
LSU – 13.5
West Virginia – 11.1
Iowa – 11.0
Texas A&M – 10.9
NC State – 10.7
George Washington – 10.6
UNC-Wilmington – 9.9
Penn – 8.8
Syracuse – 8.7
California – 8.2
Iona – 7.8
Southern Illinois – 7.3
Northwestern State – 6.9
Notes: Thanks, NCAA Selection Committee, for putting the top two ASM teams in the same bracket. I trust Texas not at all, but, then again, Duke is not exactly a juggernaut. Texas also has the highest efficiency margin of any major conference team this year, for what it’s worth (in 2005, the top four teams in efficiency margin were Illinois, UNC, Louisville, and Michigan State – did they do well in the tourney?). Nevertheless, if you can do two pools, I suggest doing one with Texas and one with Duke.
DC Region
DC Region
Connecticut – 18.1
UNC – 15.3
Illinois – 13.9
Washington – 13.2
Tennessee – 12.5
Winthrop – 11.8
George Mason – 11.5
Air Force – 11.3
UAB – 9.8
Utah State – 9.4
Wichita State – 9.4
Michigan State – 9.2
Kentucky – 8.8
Murray State – 8.8
Seton Hall – 4.1
Notes: Pick Connecticut. Also, why is everyone still on Michigan State’s bandwagon? Their ASM and efficiency margin profile looks nothing like last year. Do not be fooled – MSU has not been great during the season, and they won’t be great now either.
Connecticut – 18.1
UNC – 15.3
Illinois – 13.9
Washington – 13.2
Tennessee – 12.5
Winthrop – 11.8
George Mason – 11.5
Air Force – 11.3
UAB – 9.8
Utah State – 9.4
Wichita State – 9.4
Michigan State – 9.2
Kentucky – 8.8
Murray State – 8.8
Seton Hall – 4.1
Notes: Pick Connecticut. Also, why is everyone still on Michigan State’s bandwagon? Their ASM and efficiency margin profile looks nothing like last year. Do not be fooled – MSU has not been great during the season, and they won’t be great now either.
Minneapolis Region
Minneapolis Region
Villanova – 16.0
Florida – 15.4
Ohio State – 13.7
Nevada – 10.8
Northern Iowa – 10.8
Boston College – 10.7
Wisconsin – 10.0
Arizona – 9.5
Georgetown – 9.4
Oklahoma – 9.3
Pacific – 9.1
UW-Milwaukee – 8.7
S. Alabama – 7.8
Montana – 7.6
Davidson – 7.2
Notes: I would have liked Villanova to have a higher ASM, but what can you do? Do you trust Florida or Ohio State more than Villanova? I didn’t think so.
Villanova – 16.0
Florida – 15.4
Ohio State – 13.7
Nevada – 10.8
Northern Iowa – 10.8
Boston College – 10.7
Wisconsin – 10.0
Arizona – 9.5
Georgetown – 9.4
Oklahoma – 9.3
Pacific – 9.1
UW-Milwaukee – 8.7
S. Alabama – 7.8
Montana – 7.6
Davidson – 7.2
Notes: I would have liked Villanova to have a higher ASM, but what can you do? Do you trust Florida or Ohio State more than Villanova? I didn’t think so.
Oakland Region
Oakland Region
Memphis – 17.8
Kansas – 17.2
UCLA – 12.4
Pittsburgh - 12.4
Arkansas – 11.4
Bucknell - 10.6
Marquette – 9.8
Xavier – 9.4
Bradley – 9.3
Indiana – 8.9
Gonzaga – 8.8
San Diego State – 8.4
Kent State – 8.0
Alabama – 6.9
Belmont – 4.7
Notes: I am invoking The Gonzaga Corollary here (ironically, in Gonzaga’s bracket). Conference USA is not a major conference anymore. I can’t believe in Memphis. Of course, Kansas is just as young a team as Memphis is, so why should you pick them? I first ran these numbers two weeks ago – Kansas is the only major conference team whose ASM has improved.
Memphis – 17.8
Kansas – 17.2
UCLA – 12.4
Pittsburgh - 12.4
Arkansas – 11.4
Bucknell - 10.6
Marquette – 9.8
Xavier – 9.4
Bradley – 9.3
Indiana – 8.9
Gonzaga – 8.8
San Diego State – 8.4
Kent State – 8.0
Alabama – 6.9
Belmont – 4.7
Notes: I am invoking The Gonzaga Corollary here (ironically, in Gonzaga’s bracket). Conference USA is not a major conference anymore. I can’t believe in Memphis. Of course, Kansas is just as young a team as Memphis is, so why should you pick them? I first ran these numbers two weeks ago – Kansas is the only major conference team whose ASM has improved.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Good news for DC area beer
Another one doesn't bite the dust... See this entry (http://www.lewbryson.com/news.htm) on the sale of Old Dominion Brewing to the people who've been involved with Clyde's and Cap Grill.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
It's the most wonderful time of the year
No more regular season, conference tournaments are in full swing, and we're only days away from Selection Sunday. We're also only days away from a regular dose of Billy Packer. But despite that, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
It's also time for NCAA pools.
Coming Monday(-ish):
It's also time for NCAA pools.
Coming Monday(-ish):
- The return of the ASM (official motto: helping Chris do well in NCAA pools since 2004) - this year's edition is likely to be subtitled (based on preliminary numbers): "Do I really trust Texas this much?"
- An introduction to the world of tempo-free stats, specifically something called "efficiency margin."
Ah, the anticipation.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Mmmm, 184 Proof
Uh, this stuff is going to give Knob Creek a run for its money - or at least Josh's money.
Sad
It's a wonder that kids these days will know how to do anything once they get into the workforce - they don't have to learn math, just how to do it on their calculator; they don't have to know how to write (based on what I've seen); and now, they aren't even doing their own college applications. Parents are hiring consultants to help their kids go through the college application process.
Diagnosis: pathetic.
Diagnosis: pathetic.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
I prefer a little Simpsons Poetry...
(borrowed from the US Army, circa WWII)
Whistle while you work
Hitler is a jerk
Mussolini bit his weenie
Now it doesn't work
Stupid Isotopes!
Whistle while you work
Hitler is a jerk
Mussolini bit his weenie
Now it doesn't work
Stupid Isotopes!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
New Hiakus
Fuck Our Government
Bushoco Rapes Our Dumb Asses
Time To Burn It Down.
Cheney Shot Some One
Stupid Motherfucker He Be
Donut Punched, Oh Yeah.
Small Government, Huh?
Fuck Republicans, bastards
Government Cock Whores.
Bushoco Rapes Our Dumb Asses
Time To Burn It Down.
Cheney Shot Some One
Stupid Motherfucker He Be
Donut Punched, Oh Yeah.
Small Government, Huh?
Fuck Republicans, bastards
Government Cock Whores.
Monday, February 13, 2006
He Got Peppered Pretty Good....
In light of Vice President Cheney's quail hunting fiasco, I feel compelled to write the following: Cheney is an incompetent hunter who should have his hunting privileges suspended by the state of Texas -- and failing that, he should surrender his hunting privileges voluntarily for a period of time (six months, one year, etc.) to acknowledge his dangerously unsafe act and his failure to abide by at least two cardinal rules of bird hunting.
At least two of us who post to this blog have done a significant amount of bird hunting. And when I say "bird hunting" in this context, I mean the stalking of ground-nesting birds, such as pheasant, quail, chukkar, etc.
I have hunted birds since I was a small child, and I hunted them most recently just after Christmas this past year with my dad and brother at a game preserve on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
All good bird hunters know and follow two cardinal rules:
#1: ALWAYS know where your hunting companions are.
#2: NEVER fire your gun unless it's a 100% safe shot.
Bird hunting has more potential for danger than many other more solitary types of hunting, because a) you usually hunt in close proximity to 2-3 other people in the same patch of land, focused on the same quarry; b) ground birds fly erratically. Sometimes, they pop straight up into the air, and you can elevate your shotgun muzzle safely out of range of any of your companions. However, sometimes birds fly at head or chest level or lower. Sometimes they fly right at another one of your fellow hunters. Sometimes they don't fly at all, but run along the ground, hoping to stay camouflaged in brush.
Given these factors, it is not unusual to encounter situations where you find yourself swiveling your shotgun barrel in pursuit of a bird, only to find yourself moving the barrel toward a fellow hunter.
That is why it is crucial to always know where your hunting companions are, and to take a "don't shoot" mentality until and unless you're sure your shot will be safe. It's always possible to lower your gun and simply track the bird as it runs/flys away, then stalk it again at its new landing spot.
That's what Cheney should have done -- but instead he shot a man in the face, neck, and chest. The ranch's owner reacted dismissively, downplaying the situation by laughingly saying, "He got peppered pretty good."
I bet the victim doesn't feel so jolly about the situation.
At least two of us who post to this blog have done a significant amount of bird hunting. And when I say "bird hunting" in this context, I mean the stalking of ground-nesting birds, such as pheasant, quail, chukkar, etc.
I have hunted birds since I was a small child, and I hunted them most recently just after Christmas this past year with my dad and brother at a game preserve on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
All good bird hunters know and follow two cardinal rules:
#1: ALWAYS know where your hunting companions are.
#2: NEVER fire your gun unless it's a 100% safe shot.
Bird hunting has more potential for danger than many other more solitary types of hunting, because a) you usually hunt in close proximity to 2-3 other people in the same patch of land, focused on the same quarry; b) ground birds fly erratically. Sometimes, they pop straight up into the air, and you can elevate your shotgun muzzle safely out of range of any of your companions. However, sometimes birds fly at head or chest level or lower. Sometimes they fly right at another one of your fellow hunters. Sometimes they don't fly at all, but run along the ground, hoping to stay camouflaged in brush.
Given these factors, it is not unusual to encounter situations where you find yourself swiveling your shotgun barrel in pursuit of a bird, only to find yourself moving the barrel toward a fellow hunter.
That is why it is crucial to always know where your hunting companions are, and to take a "don't shoot" mentality until and unless you're sure your shot will be safe. It's always possible to lower your gun and simply track the bird as it runs/flys away, then stalk it again at its new landing spot.
That's what Cheney should have done -- but instead he shot a man in the face, neck, and chest. The ranch's owner reacted dismissively, downplaying the situation by laughingly saying, "He got peppered pretty good."
I bet the victim doesn't feel so jolly about the situation.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
A biatch of a typo
In my new job, which is inadvertently hilarious in part because sometimes I help the university figure out to keep the kids from drinking, smoking, fucking, or disliking each other, one of my peripheral responsibilities is reviewing the division's staff reports.
Anyway, I was just looking at the weekly submission from our residence life staff, good people all, and caught the following typo--see if you can find it:
"...Sadler resident advisor, held a ‘Monopoly anf economic inequality’ diversity program for 20 residents on January 30..."
And an aside, keeping in mind of course that nothing on the Internet is private...
I'd like to provoke a lively discussion by asking the moderator of this fine forum: What are the house rules on liberal use of profanity, if any?
Anyway, I was just looking at the weekly submission from our residence life staff, good people all, and caught the following typo--see if you can find it:
"...Sadler resident advisor, held a ‘Monopoly anf economic inequality’ diversity program for 20 residents on January 30..."
And an aside, keeping in mind of course that nothing on the Internet is private...
I'd like to provoke a lively discussion by asking the moderator of this fine forum: What are the house rules on liberal use of profanity, if any?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Ha Ha Ha America!
Stupid round eyes! You so srow! China be #1!
http://festival.sundance.org/2006/watch/film.aspx?which=402&category=DOC
Granted, given my line of work, I may have found the film to be more provocative. I still think everyone will enjoy it, though.
http://festival.sundance.org/2006/watch/film.aspx?which=402&category=DOC
Granted, given my line of work, I may have found the film to be more provocative. I still think everyone will enjoy it, though.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
A Cautionary Tale
Was directed to this story in the Washington City Paper today about Marion Barry. Love him or hate him, this is just sad.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Diagnosis: Contender
Illinois 66 @Wisconsin 51
For an Illinois fan, this season has been a tough one to figure. Last year's team dismantled opponents with ease and style. This year's team has been winning, but with neither ease nor style. Still, bracketologists - at espn (explanation here) and bracketboard - have Illinois as a #1 seed, if the season ended today.
Tonight's game was the first one that I have seen that truly justifies such rankings. This win at Wisconsin was the first time all year that the Illini - all of them, not just Dee Brown and James Augustine - looked good. Granted, it's tough to tell how good Wisconsin is - they did lose to North Dakota State after all - and I don't think Illinois can run with Duke or UConn. But with Rich McBride hooked up to the juvenation machine, Brian Randle looking like a real player, and bench contributions from Jamar Smith and Chester Frazier, this team might be going places.
For an Illinois fan, this season has been a tough one to figure. Last year's team dismantled opponents with ease and style. This year's team has been winning, but with neither ease nor style. Still, bracketologists - at espn (explanation here) and bracketboard - have Illinois as a #1 seed, if the season ended today.
Tonight's game was the first one that I have seen that truly justifies such rankings. This win at Wisconsin was the first time all year that the Illini - all of them, not just Dee Brown and James Augustine - looked good. Granted, it's tough to tell how good Wisconsin is - they did lose to North Dakota State after all - and I don't think Illinois can run with Duke or UConn. But with Rich McBride hooked up to the juvenation machine, Brian Randle looking like a real player, and bench contributions from Jamar Smith and Chester Frazier, this team might be going places.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Holy Sh** - Again!
Check out comment #3 from Chapin's last post. A true blast from the past. Welcome, Sunil! Though I thought Ria was the coolest Indian we knew.
Ha, ha. Just kidding! Please don't hurt me.
Anyway, bouyed by the appearance of Sunil and Caton on our blog (although it is disturbing that people are finding this site, and I'm really not sure how Sunil did, but with our readership up to 10, might the reach of Malt Shop Logic be limitless?) and the fact that the blog has not imploded from inactivity, I feel compelled to note/ask the following:
Ha, ha. Just kidding! Please don't hurt me.
Anyway, bouyed by the appearance of Sunil and Caton on our blog (although it is disturbing that people are finding this site, and I'm really not sure how Sunil did, but with our readership up to 10, might the reach of Malt Shop Logic be limitless?) and the fact that the blog has not imploded from inactivity, I feel compelled to note/ask the following:
- Interesting item on aueagles.com about the AU wrestling team. Turns out they are ranked #21 in the nation now. Pretty good, I think. Then I remember when the AU field hockey team first got ranked in the field hockey top 20 in 1995 or 1996 and one of my fellow athletes telling me that it wasn't that big a deal considering there were only 30 field hockey teams anyway (he exaggerated, I'm sure, but not by much). Well, according to my count, there are only 87 Division 1 wrestling teams. So, 21 out of 87 - not bad, but not all that good.
- Did Big Momma's House - the original - really merit Big Momma's House 2?
- Heard at work today by me - a dot matrix printer. Beyond what it says about fibbee technology, I did have a nightmare flashback to T-51, being awakened at 4 am as Laura whatshername in T-52 decided to print out her 25 page papers on her dot matrix printer. Bad times.
- I guess it's time for me to weigh in on the big House Republican leadership race for Majority Leader. The way I see it, thzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
P.S. F Blogger for the hassle it gave me in trying to post this.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Winter's Return...and Caton's
This weekend, I drove up to Connecticut for the umpteenth time since October to visit Cherie. I actually had a wonderful time -- I'm just tired of the drive.
Anyway, on Saturday, her sister and brother-in-law came from Boston to visit, and we went to dinner at the Melting Pot in Darien, CT. As an aside, the Melting Pot is possibly the world's most over-priced restaurant. The base "per couple" price for our meal was $96, and that was before substitutions, drinks, etc. And this for a restaurant where the patrons do their own cooking using fondue. Ridonkulous.
Anwyay...when we left the restaurant, it was 50 deg. F and pouring rain. 45 minutes later, when we arrived home, it was 34 deg. F and freezing rain was coating everything in sight. One hour later, the temp had dropped another 10 deg., and it was snowing hard. By the next morning, 8 inches of snow covered the ground in Danbury. Last night, it was 9 deg. F. I hate winter.
The good news is that Mr. Caton confirmed his emergence from seclusion on our blog this week. Tim -- you should post an actual article. Contact Close for particulars. And how the hell are you?
Anyway, on Saturday, her sister and brother-in-law came from Boston to visit, and we went to dinner at the Melting Pot in Darien, CT. As an aside, the Melting Pot is possibly the world's most over-priced restaurant. The base "per couple" price for our meal was $96, and that was before substitutions, drinks, etc. And this for a restaurant where the patrons do their own cooking using fondue. Ridonkulous.
Anwyay...when we left the restaurant, it was 50 deg. F and pouring rain. 45 minutes later, when we arrived home, it was 34 deg. F and freezing rain was coating everything in sight. One hour later, the temp had dropped another 10 deg., and it was snowing hard. By the next morning, 8 inches of snow covered the ground in Danbury. Last night, it was 9 deg. F. I hate winter.
The good news is that Mr. Caton confirmed his emergence from seclusion on our blog this week. Tim -- you should post an actual article. Contact Close for particulars. And how the hell are you?
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Holy sh**...
...did the real Minister of Tolerance, aka one Tim Caton, just make a commenting appearance on our blog? The 1 comment on Josh's post is attributed to the "Minister of Tolerance", and clicking on his profile reveals he's only been online since Jan 06 and lists "The Toy Fair" as his blog (though it doesn't appear to be up and running). Tim, are you out there?
Monday, January 09, 2006
180 Degrees
Now this is quite a turn. 60 years later, I get to read this line in my local newspaper:
About 200 Japanese troops are in San Diego County to practice beach landings in what could be a show of force in the country's growing rivalry with China.I'm horribly curious if there's any sort of ceremony being performed to commemorate this event. There's nothing in the news, but I don't see this passing with little more than a "Welcome to America!"
Japanese officials approached the Marines, who have a long history of beach landings, for help last summer, Robbins said. Amphibious landings are among the U.S. military's more demanding maneuvers.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Chris' Tenleytown Adventure
Observations from time spent in Tenleytown - daylight time, that is - today:
1. Remember at Camillo's when we first started going there - Camillo at the first chair, Joseph (RIP) at the second chair, an extremely tall Hispanic guy in chair three, Diane at the next chair, and Dante in the corner? Well, a few years back, the Hispanic guy just disappeared. I thought he must have opened his own place or something. He was back today - and they stuck him in the room that used to be used by the old lady who would dye another old lady's hair.
2. Walked around AU today for the first time in ages. Was pleased with what I saw. First of all, the Kogod and Batelle buildings look very impressive. Nice, even. Second, they did a very nice job with the intramural field - seems like they redid the baseball diamond too. I think they tore down one of the buildings overlooking the field, but I can't be sure. Overall, campus looked better than it ever did when we were there - and it wasn't even after a clean-up day before prospective freshmen arrived for a visit.
3. Watched AU play Lehigh with the Bad Lieutenant. Don't worry about taking a Friday off to watch AU in the Patriot League championship game this year. AU only excels at one thing on the basketball court - turning the ball over.
1. Remember at Camillo's when we first started going there - Camillo at the first chair, Joseph (RIP) at the second chair, an extremely tall Hispanic guy in chair three, Diane at the next chair, and Dante in the corner? Well, a few years back, the Hispanic guy just disappeared. I thought he must have opened his own place or something. He was back today - and they stuck him in the room that used to be used by the old lady who would dye another old lady's hair.
2. Walked around AU today for the first time in ages. Was pleased with what I saw. First of all, the Kogod and Batelle buildings look very impressive. Nice, even. Second, they did a very nice job with the intramural field - seems like they redid the baseball diamond too. I think they tore down one of the buildings overlooking the field, but I can't be sure. Overall, campus looked better than it ever did when we were there - and it wasn't even after a clean-up day before prospective freshmen arrived for a visit.
3. Watched AU play Lehigh with the Bad Lieutenant. Don't worry about taking a Friday off to watch AU in the Patriot League championship game this year. AU only excels at one thing on the basketball court - turning the ball over.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
I know...
...that the callowness (and callousness) of the media should not be a surprise. And I know that it should not anger me. But damn, occasionally it really does. Case in point: I've been working from home today, sitting with the laptop on my lap and the TV in front of me, tuned to CNN. All damn day long, CNN has exploited the tragic mine explosion situation in West Virginia to flog its "new" technology, "Pipeline". Now, as an aside, it appears that Pipeline is hardly new. It appears to just be live, unedited video streaming from a remote CNN camera truck. Josh can tell you that this has probably been available as a technology for years now.
But what really, really gets me, is the way CNN has jumped on the mine situation as an opportunity to publicize their "new" tool. Daryn Kagan hasn't been able to go 30 seconds without mentioning it again. And damn, I want to kick her in the belly. By the way, could she look more leathery, anorexic, and fake? Ugh.
But what really, really gets me, is the way CNN has jumped on the mine situation as an opportunity to publicize their "new" tool. Daryn Kagan hasn't been able to go 30 seconds without mentioning it again. And damn, I want to kick her in the belly. By the way, could she look more leathery, anorexic, and fake? Ugh.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
More Sites to visit...
www.break.com (some downright funny videos; also some "not safe for work" videos -- so be careful)
http://www.innbook.com/ -- Home to the Select Registry, a directory of great bed and breakfasts -- for finding good places to take Susan on a relaxing mini-vacation
www.aintitcool.com/ or www.chud.com or www.digitalbits.com-- for the latest on movies and tv and DVD
www.vault.com -- want the latest gossip about a particular corporation? Here it is....
www.realbeer.com -- links to breweries that sell direct, links to beer of the month clubs, links to cigar shops, etc.
www.sudsgear.com -- beer-related merchandise -- from Coors Light to Blue Moon
http://www.samssteins.com/ -- more beer merchandise, including the "Rusty Wallace Last Call" Mug and Simpsons beer steins
http://www.innbook.com/ -- Home to the Select Registry, a directory of great bed and breakfasts -- for finding good places to take Susan on a relaxing mini-vacation
www.aintitcool.com/ or www.chud.com or www.digitalbits.com-- for the latest on movies and tv and DVD
www.vault.com -- want the latest gossip about a particular corporation? Here it is....
www.realbeer.com -- links to breweries that sell direct, links to beer of the month clubs, links to cigar shops, etc.
www.sudsgear.com -- beer-related merchandise -- from Coors Light to Blue Moon
http://www.samssteins.com/ -- more beer merchandise, including the "Rusty Wallace Last Call" Mug and Simpsons beer steins
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Opinion Journal
Opinion Journal is the free version of the Wall Street Journal's editorial page. The "Best of the Web Today" is always good.
Sites
BoingBoing. Use a good advertising filter (I recommend Adblock in Firefox -- let me know if you want a pre-populated Adblock filter) and you've got a wide collection of fun stuff each day.
Also, I'm half of the mind to say let's kill this site. Or, at least, rename it. I mean, honestly. The logic in the Malt Shop is that there is no Malt Shop. (And I want to see what, if any, of our art is still there.)
Also, I'm half of the mind to say let's kill this site. Or, at least, rename it. I mean, honestly. The logic in the Malt Shop is that there is no Malt Shop. (And I want to see what, if any, of our art is still there.)
Thursday, December 15, 2005
I Need Your Help
My predicament: sometimes at work I get all my assignments done too quickly leaving me with plenty of time on my hands. The only problem is that I have reached the limits of the Internet for me.
What I need from you: Suggestions for new and interesting web sites I can visit so as to entertain and educate me. Let's all bear in mind that suggesting porn sites is not going to help me - you know who I'm talking to.
Here's what I read regularly now:
washingtonpost.com
chicagotribune.com
suntimes.com
nationalreview.com
bigtenwonk.blogspot.com
illinitalk.blogspot.com
illiniwonk.blogspot.com
Mark Tupper's Illinois Fighting Illini blog
yocohoops.com
patriotleaguehoops.com
weeklystandard.com
my e-mail
my fantasy football website
Add it up, that still leaves lots of free time. So, I ask you, what keeps you occupied, but not fired, on the Internet?
Thank you for your assistance.
What I need from you: Suggestions for new and interesting web sites I can visit so as to entertain and educate me. Let's all bear in mind that suggesting porn sites is not going to help me - you know who I'm talking to.
Here's what I read regularly now:
washingtonpost.com
chicagotribune.com
suntimes.com
nationalreview.com
bigtenwonk.blogspot.com
illinitalk.blogspot.com
illiniwonk.blogspot.com
Mark Tupper's Illinois Fighting Illini blog
yocohoops.com
patriotleaguehoops.com
weeklystandard.com
my e-mail
my fantasy football website
Add it up, that still leaves lots of free time. So, I ask you, what keeps you occupied, but not fired, on the Internet?
Thank you for your assistance.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Thursday, November 03, 2005
A Note on the Site
You may have noticed that the sidebar stuff had been at the bottom of the page for the last couple days. When I added in the ability to see the number of comments, something got f-ed up. It appears to have been fixed.
So, not only can you post comments, you'll now know if people have posted them. Post away.
That is all for this administrative crap.
So, not only can you post comments, you'll now know if people have posted them. Post away.
That is all for this administrative crap.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
PS
I am ashamed by the drunken behavior Mr. Close refers to -- which also included pouring beer down Josh's back and trying to add backspin to every other player's shot and/or change their clubs -- and I attribute that behavior to my deep sadness over the Malt Shoppe's death -- I needed to drown it in drink....or it could be the fact that for the first time in years, I did not have to drive to the Malt Shoppe.
Ye Dead Malt Shoppe....
Chris' post said it all. Our home away from home is gone, replaced by a yuppified, trendy seafood spot. The expansive full-floor bar has been replaced with a tiny, cramped area between the last booth and the kitchen. Beer-soaked, peanut shell-covered wood planking has been replaced with trendy Pergo, with nary a peanut can in sight. Yellowed pics of Riggins, Quaid, Auerbach, and the retarded kid have been replaced with watercolors, ship models, and taxidermied swordfish. The wooden bar with decades of grime and water rings has been replaced with a shiny, faux stone-faced monstrosity overhung with purple lights -- it belongs at Yanyu or Au Pied du Cochon -- not the Malt Shoppe.
We cast about desperately like dying men for alternatives in Tenleytown, but encountered only disappointment and the death of an era.
The Malt Shoppe is dead. Long live the Malt Shoppe.
We cast about desperately like dying men for alternatives in Tenleytown, but encountered only disappointment and the death of an era.
The Malt Shoppe is dead. Long live the Malt Shoppe.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Ye Sucke Malt Shoppe
One more piece of my youth died tonight when I visited the new Dancing Crab/Malt Shop. Sorry to say, but an era is over.
The fact that it was more Dancing Crab than Malt Shop when we arrived about 8:00 just demonstrated the genius of the old place. Those two institutions were never meant to mix. Yet there we were.
As this blog's contributors will tell you, it was so bad, we abandoned the place for Guapo's then Armand's. Yes, we were slumming at Armand's! The bartender was nice, though we left her with no confidence that her diploma at AU would be worth anything. The beer was in pitchers, there was a drunk townie, but it was still not the Old Dank Lady.
We returned to what we were told would be "The Malt Shop" around 10. Let's just put it this way - at the old Malt Shop, we would not have been the first people ever to put graffiti on the bathroom walls. The Golden Tee was in an inconvenient corner and some f-ed up new version, Chapin was drunk AND playing Golden Tee well, and then he screwed my overall score by f-ing my putt up. F you, Chapin!
But back to the main point. They can keep the name, but it's just not the same place. Where are the pictures of Riggo and Randy Quaid on crack? Not here! There was a wine rack for God's sake! There was even a machine to make sure that Caleb's jaeger shots were shots and not full glasses.
Nothing can last forever, and there is apparently a decent reason for the move, but our loss is no one's gain. RIP Ye Olde Malt Shopppe. I pour my malt liquor out for you.
The fact that it was more Dancing Crab than Malt Shop when we arrived about 8:00 just demonstrated the genius of the old place. Those two institutions were never meant to mix. Yet there we were.
As this blog's contributors will tell you, it was so bad, we abandoned the place for Guapo's then Armand's. Yes, we were slumming at Armand's! The bartender was nice, though we left her with no confidence that her diploma at AU would be worth anything. The beer was in pitchers, there was a drunk townie, but it was still not the Old Dank Lady.
We returned to what we were told would be "The Malt Shop" around 10. Let's just put it this way - at the old Malt Shop, we would not have been the first people ever to put graffiti on the bathroom walls. The Golden Tee was in an inconvenient corner and some f-ed up new version, Chapin was drunk AND playing Golden Tee well, and then he screwed my overall score by f-ing my putt up. F you, Chapin!
But back to the main point. They can keep the name, but it's just not the same place. Where are the pictures of Riggo and Randy Quaid on crack? Not here! There was a wine rack for God's sake! There was even a machine to make sure that Caleb's jaeger shots were shots and not full glasses.
Nothing can last forever, and there is apparently a decent reason for the move, but our loss is no one's gain. RIP Ye Olde Malt Shopppe. I pour my malt liquor out for you.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
If you ever wondered...
...why the GAO seems to come out with several reports a year on "wasteful government IT spending," wonder no more. Check out the tidbit below from the Department of the Interior -- found by me in a FAQ at the DOI website regarding its new enterprise HR system. The bold, underlined effect is my doing:
Q: Why SAP HR software, why not one of the more publicized federal HR software competitors -- PeopleSoft and Oracle?
A: While PeopleSoft and Oracle have nationally known and respected HR software packages, SAP actually has a larger world-wide client base and is the largest producer and distributor of HR software worldwide. In the private sector, many of the country's largest companies use SAP HR software. Up until the FHRIS Project, however, SAP did not have a federalized product. If fully implemented, the FHRIS Project will allow SAP to federalize its HR product while giving Interior access to world-class HR software.
So let me understand this...SAP's competitors have nationally known and respected packages, among them "Oracle Federal HR", with which which I am familiar -- and has been developed for several years in close cooperation with the US federal government and is very well-tailored to US Federal Government needs -- yet Interior chose to use as its platform an ERP package with absolutely NO Federal content, and knew this going in? And since when (except for vital military tools) is the government in the business of allowing itself to be used as a product development guinea pig -- and what's worse, by a foreign corporation, when an American corporation (Oracle is based in Redwood Shores, CA) has a proven product already on the market? If you've ever been involved in technology implementation, you can already see the cost of FHRIS shooting through the roof. Ridonkulous.
Q: Why SAP HR software, why not one of the more publicized federal HR software competitors -- PeopleSoft and Oracle?
A: While PeopleSoft and Oracle have nationally known and respected HR software packages, SAP actually has a larger world-wide client base and is the largest producer and distributor of HR software worldwide. In the private sector, many of the country's largest companies use SAP HR software. Up until the FHRIS Project, however, SAP did not have a federalized product. If fully implemented, the FHRIS Project will allow SAP to federalize its HR product while giving Interior access to world-class HR software.
So let me understand this...SAP's competitors have nationally known and respected packages, among them "Oracle Federal HR", with which which I am familiar -- and has been developed for several years in close cooperation with the US federal government and is very well-tailored to US Federal Government needs -- yet Interior chose to use as its platform an ERP package with absolutely NO Federal content, and knew this going in? And since when (except for vital military tools) is the government in the business of allowing itself to be used as a product development guinea pig -- and what's worse, by a foreign corporation, when an American corporation (Oracle is based in Redwood Shores, CA) has a proven product already on the market? If you've ever been involved in technology implementation, you can already see the cost of FHRIS shooting through the roof. Ridonkulous.
I'm up for it, too...
...and it better be Thursday, because I'm going to Chicago this weekend to help Cherie and her family -- who all were born on the South Side and are all White Sox fans -- celebrate the end of the Curse of the Black Sox!
Brian
Brian
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Re: The New Malt Shop
I'm up for a Thursday night at Ye Newe Malt Shoppe. If the Yuengling tastes like Yuengling and the Golden Tee is gone, I reserve the right to walk out.
The new Malt Shop
I was in Tenley yesterday, and poked my head into the Malt Shop. The old place is closed, and they've taken over the Brazilian restaurant next door. It's now both the Dancing Crab and the Malt Shop. But Caleb was in there, and yes, the bar itself was fairly full at about 4:45 on a Monday afternoon. Golden Tee was there, too. So I think a Thursday trip is in order?
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Visitation Rights
So, when does the Ye Olde Malte Shoppe move? Cause I'm in town for Halloween weekend, and I need to get my drink on. I heard something on the 27th? Cause that would be sweet.
Friday, October 14, 2005
WTF!?!
My final post of the night...
So, Alicia Groh happens to take the same bus as me sometimes, and she mentioned that she drove by the Malt Shop and it looked like it was closed! We've had these scares before (remember the great fire of 2004?), but I got around to doing a search today for Ye Olde Malt Shoppe. And check out this excerpt of a Post chat (I did not post the question):
Washington, D.C.: Going Out Gurus - help! I just heard a rumor that my favorite dive bar might be closing. Can you find out anything about The Malt Shop (above the Dancing Crab) closing/moving? Thanks!
Julia: Nothing to fear -- turns out that the Malt Shop is just moving next door.
WTF?
First of all, one of you enterprising Malt Shop Logicers must call the bar to see, well, WTF?
Second, if the Malt Shop moves, will it really be the Malt Shop? This is a question for the ages. The new place cannot possibly have:
a. the dank
b. the bathroom with all the grafitti
c. the dank
d. the townies
e. the dank
f. anti-freeze laced taps
g. the dank
h. the stairs of life (on the way in)
i. the dank
j. the stairs of death (on the way out)
Really, WTF?!
So, Alicia Groh happens to take the same bus as me sometimes, and she mentioned that she drove by the Malt Shop and it looked like it was closed! We've had these scares before (remember the great fire of 2004?), but I got around to doing a search today for Ye Olde Malt Shoppe. And check out this excerpt of a Post chat (I did not post the question):
Washington, D.C.: Going Out Gurus - help! I just heard a rumor that my favorite dive bar might be closing. Can you find out anything about The Malt Shop (above the Dancing Crab) closing/moving? Thanks!
Julia: Nothing to fear -- turns out that the Malt Shop is just moving next door.
WTF?
First of all, one of you enterprising Malt Shop Logicers must call the bar to see, well, WTF?
Second, if the Malt Shop moves, will it really be the Malt Shop? This is a question for the ages. The new place cannot possibly have:
a. the dank
b. the bathroom with all the grafitti
c. the dank
d. the townies
e. the dank
f. anti-freeze laced taps
g. the dank
h. the stairs of life (on the way in)
i. the dank
j. the stairs of death (on the way out)
Really, WTF?!
Blogs that Link to Us
Thank you, Washington Post, for your "see what the blogs are saying about this story" feature. I guess. I assume that is how this blog (scroll down a bit) linked to us on my post about the Post's self-fulfilling prophecy about runs on gas stations.
Just so you know that what we say does get noticed. Frightening.
Just so you know that what we say does get noticed. Frightening.
AU in BB&T Classic?
Uh, so I was momentarily excited that AU was going to be in the BB&T Classic this year - traditionally it has been a great tourney with two good non-area teams with two local teams. Then I saw that it was an all-local team line-up. Guess they couldn't get any good outside teams this year.
But it might be cool to see AU play at the MCI Center. We should think about it.
But it might be cool to see AU play at the MCI Center. We should think about it.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The Post's latest story on Ladner...
The Washington Post has published yet another story on the reign of Ben Ladner as AU's President. For any who want proof of the Post's media bias, look no further than its seemingly innocuous reference to criticism of Ladner's lifestyle by a "former student" Adam Eidinger.
If you've ever watched local TV footage of nearly any liberal protest held in this city, you know Adam Eidinger. He's the one with short reddish hair, long "mutton chop" sideburns, and glasses with thick black rims. For anyone who doesn't recognize him, here is the website he put up when he ran for DC Shadow Rep as a member of the "DC Statehood Green Party".
He is a self-aggrandizing, far left activist whose best trait is his ability to get himself on TV. Notice the picture on his website of his guest appearance on "Hardball."
He is not representative of AU's population, and it's lazy and unfair of the Post to simply refer to him as a "former student". They should at least report that he is a self-acknowledged member of the far left fringe and that such information is relevant to understanding his criticism of the Ladner's lifestyle, which he no doubt sees as an oppression of the proletariat.
If you've ever watched local TV footage of nearly any liberal protest held in this city, you know Adam Eidinger. He's the one with short reddish hair, long "mutton chop" sideburns, and glasses with thick black rims. For anyone who doesn't recognize him, here is the website he put up when he ran for DC Shadow Rep as a member of the "DC Statehood Green Party".
He is a self-aggrandizing, far left activist whose best trait is his ability to get himself on TV. Notice the picture on his website of his guest appearance on "Hardball."
He is not representative of AU's population, and it's lazy and unfair of the Post to simply refer to him as a "former student". They should at least report that he is a self-acknowledged member of the far left fringe and that such information is relevant to understanding his criticism of the Ladner's lifestyle, which he no doubt sees as an oppression of the proletariat.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
October Madness
Hey, if I had to choose between the White Sox and the Cubs, I'd take the Cubs. But seeing the Good Sox smack the hell out of the Bad Sox, I'm sure I'm in the majority of this blog in rooting for the Pale Hose.
Regardless, two good posts by Mr. Snyder and Mr. Chapin on the Ladner situation. I actually really like Brian's suggested punishment/reprimand, though I think things have gotten too out of hand. And Matt is right - AU botched the PR part of this that wholesale changes are needed no matter what.
Don't know if you caught this Post chat on Monday, but thought I'd post a link. They didn't take any of my questions, but I noticed that some of the language I have used about the Board (i.e., "asleep at the wheel") showed up here. Is MaltShopLogic becoming influential?
Perish the thought.
Regardless, two good posts by Mr. Snyder and Mr. Chapin on the Ladner situation. I actually really like Brian's suggested punishment/reprimand, though I think things have gotten too out of hand. And Matt is right - AU botched the PR part of this that wholesale changes are needed no matter what.
Don't know if you caught this Post chat on Monday, but thought I'd post a link. They didn't take any of my questions, but I noticed that some of the language I have used about the Board (i.e., "asleep at the wheel") showed up here. Is MaltShopLogic becoming influential?
Perish the thought.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Here we go again...
...thanks to 2 wins in their final 3 games and the complete collapse of the Cleveland Indians, the 2005 Boston Red Sox will defend their 2004 World Series crown. How sweet it is.
The New York Yankees, counted down and out by most sports journalists all season long, went 15-5 in their last 20 games to pull even with the Sox and win the AL East title by virtue of their 10-9 advantage over the Red Sox in the season series between the 2 teams.
Could we see a rubber match to settle AL supremacy between the Yanks and Sox -- who now each have one AL pennant in the last 2 years?
Or will the surging ChiSox and the resurgent Angles spoil the story line?
Oh, I love October....
The New York Yankees, counted down and out by most sports journalists all season long, went 15-5 in their last 20 games to pull even with the Sox and win the AL East title by virtue of their 10-9 advantage over the Red Sox in the season series between the 2 teams.
Could we see a rubber match to settle AL supremacy between the Yanks and Sox -- who now each have one AL pennant in the last 2 years?
Or will the surging ChiSox and the resurgent Angles spoil the story line?
Oh, I love October....
Friday, September 30, 2005
Actually, to temper that a bit...
I'm probably being a bit too harsh.
On reflection -- this is what happens when the people sending the message aren't talking with the people making the message. It may not be Checcio's fault. But it IS his responsibility to fix that problem if it exists.
On reflection -- this is what happens when the people sending the message aren't talking with the people making the message. It may not be Checcio's fault. But it IS his responsibility to fix that problem if it exists.
Worst planning ever
As a PR pro working in university advancement, the institution's response to this is laughable, shameful and embarrassing all rolled into one.
AU has had recent, painful experience with presidential scandal but apparently didn't learn anything from that big crap-splatter.
It's been clear for a long time that Ladner's pay and spending were potential trouble spots. Hell, I was the one who first tipped off the Washington Post that he had cracked the Top 10 highest paid college presidents, back in '00 or '01 or so. Fun for me, painful for the alma mater, and seems that no one thought ahead about what to do if the situation (inevitably) got worse.
Now, this crisis strikes at a time when AU is without a director of media relations, meaning WP and CHE folks are able to take full advantage of the divisions and confusion that may or may not exist at the board and central-admin levels. And all the institution can do in response is issue misguided blast e-mails to alums, saying basically, "sure, you can trust us. And oh by the way, leave us alone. But pleeeeze, keep sending money."
Brian, whether we know the fundamentals of the situation or not (and I share your opinion that we do not, yet), the handling of it has been piss-poor, damaging to AU's reputation and damaging to whatever value my degrees once held (no big whoop there).
On the basis of that failure alone -- not the spending issues, but the crisis management failure -- Ladner should go, a big portion of the BoT should go, and Al Checcio should pack up his shame and get out of higher education advancement altogether. When it comes to managing the esteem of the institution, the buck stops with him. And he let us and AU down.
I know a few people who were interested in the media relations directorship. I bet they're not now. I wouldn't want to work for these people either.
AU has had recent, painful experience with presidential scandal but apparently didn't learn anything from that big crap-splatter.
It's been clear for a long time that Ladner's pay and spending were potential trouble spots. Hell, I was the one who first tipped off the Washington Post that he had cracked the Top 10 highest paid college presidents, back in '00 or '01 or so. Fun for me, painful for the alma mater, and seems that no one thought ahead about what to do if the situation (inevitably) got worse.
Now, this crisis strikes at a time when AU is without a director of media relations, meaning WP and CHE folks are able to take full advantage of the divisions and confusion that may or may not exist at the board and central-admin levels. And all the institution can do in response is issue misguided blast e-mails to alums, saying basically, "sure, you can trust us. And oh by the way, leave us alone. But pleeeeze, keep sending money."
Brian, whether we know the fundamentals of the situation or not (and I share your opinion that we do not, yet), the handling of it has been piss-poor, damaging to AU's reputation and damaging to whatever value my degrees once held (no big whoop there).
On the basis of that failure alone -- not the spending issues, but the crisis management failure -- Ladner should go, a big portion of the BoT should go, and Al Checcio should pack up his shame and get out of higher education advancement altogether. When it comes to managing the esteem of the institution, the buck stops with him. And he let us and AU down.
I know a few people who were interested in the media relations directorship. I bet they're not now. I wouldn't want to work for these people either.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
My take on the Ladner Situation...
1. It is too early to form a wholly educated opinion, as nothing reported in the Washington Post suggests that the analysis of Ladner's spending is complete.
2. However, given what is available, I conclude the following:
3. Much of this "crisis" is overblown -- many of the allegedly questionable expenditures by Ladner and his wife as reported in the Post seem to me to be absolutely reasonable expenditures by a university executive responsible for raising the funding and prestige profiles of a private university.
For instance, the Post picks at the scab of the "waterfall in the backyard" -- which by the way, has long been a sore spot with anti-Ladnerites. One infamous anti-Ladnerite, the kid who started benladner.com, used to sneak into the backyard to hang out by the waterfall and take pictures, expressing righteous indignation when staff kicked him out, saying the since he paid tuition, it was "his waterfall, too".
Anyway, it should be noted that Ladner had the waterfall installed as part of a broader effort to shore up the steep hill at the edge of the backyard, which was crumbling and eroding away. To my mind, a university president who is tasked with entertaining wealthy Washingtonians and US and international muckety-mucks with the hope of extracting large checks from them should be allowed to fix up the backyard of his house, and to even make it nice by installing a fake waterfall. I should also say that I know he used that backyard for such entertaining because I personally attended several events there.
His trips to Nigeria, his driver, the expensive food -- all of that can reasonably be construed as expenses normally incurred by a chief executive in the performance of his functions. If I'm going to ask the CEO to travel to Nigeria to establish another branch of the university or otherwise forward university goals, he can damn well fly first class.
Even such expenditures as his wife's birthday party could be reasonably construed as the funding of an opportunity to entertain wealthy guests whose pockets he wanted to pick for the university's benefit. Indeed, even the Post admits that he seems to have been successful doing that.
4. Having said that, Ladner appears to have occasionally either a) taken advantage of lax University oversight of Presidential expenditures or b) been careless about his spending. Having spent some time around Ladner and his wife as Speaker of AU's General Assembly, and as president of the University Honors Program Student Advisory Board, it was clear from the first time I met them that both had a taste for "the finer things in life." I can see how their taste for high living might have contributed to lax spending discipline on their part, and even eventually a casual disregard for the line between personal (i.e. son's party) and job-related expenses.
5. Regarding a remedy to the situation -- I believe that while serious, Ladner's offenses are correctible, and that his performance in raising AU's reputation and funding levels merit retaining him as chief executive of the university. Moreover, the problem generally (lax spending controls by executives) can be protected against without significant effort or cost. As Mr. Close noted, Mr. Ladner's expenses can be audited on a more frequent basis, and the Board of Trustees can take a more active role in policing the compliance of AU's executives with university policies. I say admonish Ladner publicly, force him to repay the university for any clearly personal expenses, implement stronger and more frequent financial controls, and engage the Board to exercise its responsibilities better.
2. However, given what is available, I conclude the following:
3. Much of this "crisis" is overblown -- many of the allegedly questionable expenditures by Ladner and his wife as reported in the Post seem to me to be absolutely reasonable expenditures by a university executive responsible for raising the funding and prestige profiles of a private university.
For instance, the Post picks at the scab of the "waterfall in the backyard" -- which by the way, has long been a sore spot with anti-Ladnerites. One infamous anti-Ladnerite, the kid who started benladner.com, used to sneak into the backyard to hang out by the waterfall and take pictures, expressing righteous indignation when staff kicked him out, saying the since he paid tuition, it was "his waterfall, too".
Anyway, it should be noted that Ladner had the waterfall installed as part of a broader effort to shore up the steep hill at the edge of the backyard, which was crumbling and eroding away. To my mind, a university president who is tasked with entertaining wealthy Washingtonians and US and international muckety-mucks with the hope of extracting large checks from them should be allowed to fix up the backyard of his house, and to even make it nice by installing a fake waterfall. I should also say that I know he used that backyard for such entertaining because I personally attended several events there.
His trips to Nigeria, his driver, the expensive food -- all of that can reasonably be construed as expenses normally incurred by a chief executive in the performance of his functions. If I'm going to ask the CEO to travel to Nigeria to establish another branch of the university or otherwise forward university goals, he can damn well fly first class.
Even such expenditures as his wife's birthday party could be reasonably construed as the funding of an opportunity to entertain wealthy guests whose pockets he wanted to pick for the university's benefit. Indeed, even the Post admits that he seems to have been successful doing that.
4. Having said that, Ladner appears to have occasionally either a) taken advantage of lax University oversight of Presidential expenditures or b) been careless about his spending. Having spent some time around Ladner and his wife as Speaker of AU's General Assembly, and as president of the University Honors Program Student Advisory Board, it was clear from the first time I met them that both had a taste for "the finer things in life." I can see how their taste for high living might have contributed to lax spending discipline on their part, and even eventually a casual disregard for the line between personal (i.e. son's party) and job-related expenses.
5. Regarding a remedy to the situation -- I believe that while serious, Ladner's offenses are correctible, and that his performance in raising AU's reputation and funding levels merit retaining him as chief executive of the university. Moreover, the problem generally (lax spending controls by executives) can be protected against without significant effort or cost. As Mr. Close noted, Mr. Ladner's expenses can be audited on a more frequent basis, and the Board of Trustees can take a more active role in policing the compliance of AU's executives with university policies. I say admonish Ladner publicly, force him to repay the university for any clearly personal expenses, implement stronger and more frequent financial controls, and engage the Board to exercise its responsibilities better.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
All Must Go
An actual defense by Ladner in today's Post.
Or should I say, "defense". Cuz it weren't not too convincing. Particularly the part about not repaying the university for his son's 13-course engagement party. Uh, how about not charging the university in the first place?
However, this all goes back to the Board of Trustees' complete lack of oversight. What's with the Trustee who resigned because Ladner was too difficult to deal with? Why not bring these problems to the attention of the rest of the board and apply needed pressure? Resign? Coward's way out.
It seems to me from this article that Ladner is looking for a way out. Probably should be granted. And then the entire Board of Trustees should resign too - they not only negotiated these contracts that might have either permitted these expenses or opened up the possibility that they were permitted but also failed in their fundamental duty to mind the store.
All must go.
Or should I say, "defense". Cuz it weren't not too convincing. Particularly the part about not repaying the university for his son's 13-course engagement party. Uh, how about not charging the university in the first place?
However, this all goes back to the Board of Trustees' complete lack of oversight. What's with the Trustee who resigned because Ladner was too difficult to deal with? Why not bring these problems to the attention of the rest of the board and apply needed pressure? Resign? Coward's way out.
It seems to me from this article that Ladner is looking for a way out. Probably should be granted. And then the entire Board of Trustees should resign too - they not only negotiated these contracts that might have either permitted these expenses or opened up the possibility that they were permitted but also failed in their fundamental duty to mind the store.
All must go.
Ah, Ye Olde Press Screenings
I've managed to snag a press screening of Serenity. I was hooked on the "Firefly" series by the KeiperFinches. If you're at all a sci-fi fan (Chapin) I highly recommend this. Some solid science, some fun story telling.
Wherein I sell my soul:
Joss Whedon, the Oscar® - and Emmy - nominated writer/director responsible for the worldwide television phenomena of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE, ANGEL and FIREFLY, now applies his trademark compassion and wit to a small band of galactic outcasts 500 years in the future in his feature film directorial debut, Serenity. The film centers around Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran (on the losing side) of a galactic civil war, who now ekes out a living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic crew who are the closest thing he has left to family –squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Free Benjamin Ladner!
We should start a grassroots campaign. Start with "Free Benjamin Ladner" bumper stickers and tee-shirts. Move on to coffee mugs if necessary. If things look grim, we go underground...guerrilla...
Chappy, I know you've had your fair share of encounters with the authorities at AU, so maybe you could offer some sage advice?
BTW, anyone else think Nancy "Kiki" Ladner was kinda MILFish? At least back in the late 90s.
Chappy, I know you've had your fair share of encounters with the authorities at AU, so maybe you could offer some sage advice?
BTW, anyone else think Nancy "Kiki" Ladner was kinda MILFish? At least back in the late 90s.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Today's Ladner Story in Post
If you haven't read it already, here is today's Post story about President Ladner:
$500,000 in Ladner Spending Itemized
My thoughts:
1. The real problem about coming to a conclusion about this story is that it is being driven almost fully by the anti-Ladner crowd. I'm not saying that there aren't issues here, but telling me that $44,000 over three years was spent on alcohol really tells me nothing. In some respects, all these stories have been the classic hit piece - "shocking" facts designed to embarass with no context and no real chance for defense by Ladner (whom I'm sure can't because of the investigation).
The reporter also does the story a particular disservice by bringing up the questions about his salary - sure it relates to whether he could afford to do the things that he maybe shouldn't have charged the university, but the reporter (and whoever is feeding this to the reporter) is surely using it as a way to poison the well against Ladner. The question isn't whether he deserves the salary - it's whether he misspent university funds.
2. That said, Ladner definitely bears responsibility for at least putting himself in this position - he should have been more aware of the image problems posed by having a chef and chauffeur and all that. And if he charged an engagement party to AU, that's pretty bad.
3. However, there are other problems as well. First off, the story reports that to itemize $500,000 in possibly unacceptable spending AU has had to spend $1,000,000. $1,000,000! So AU is spending two dollars for every $1 in questionable spending. Who is negotiating these contracts - the federal government?
4. I think some attention and criticism should be directed at the Board of Directors. While Ladner would deserve criticism and penalties if he has taken advantage of his position, who has been minding the store? Why is this the first audit in ten years? This trustee Paul Wolff whose letter "somehow" made it into the Post has no standing to complain in my opinion - why didn't he exercise his oversight before now? A real dereliction of duty, I say. No matter the outcome, the Board has clearly been asleep at the wheel.
I'm sure there are more stories to come and I will be interested to see the outcome. Ultimately, there are real problems with how this is being played out in the press, IMHO.
$500,000 in Ladner Spending Itemized
My thoughts:
1. The real problem about coming to a conclusion about this story is that it is being driven almost fully by the anti-Ladner crowd. I'm not saying that there aren't issues here, but telling me that $44,000 over three years was spent on alcohol really tells me nothing. In some respects, all these stories have been the classic hit piece - "shocking" facts designed to embarass with no context and no real chance for defense by Ladner (whom I'm sure can't because of the investigation).
The reporter also does the story a particular disservice by bringing up the questions about his salary - sure it relates to whether he could afford to do the things that he maybe shouldn't have charged the university, but the reporter (and whoever is feeding this to the reporter) is surely using it as a way to poison the well against Ladner. The question isn't whether he deserves the salary - it's whether he misspent university funds.
2. That said, Ladner definitely bears responsibility for at least putting himself in this position - he should have been more aware of the image problems posed by having a chef and chauffeur and all that. And if he charged an engagement party to AU, that's pretty bad.
3. However, there are other problems as well. First off, the story reports that to itemize $500,000 in possibly unacceptable spending AU has had to spend $1,000,000. $1,000,000! So AU is spending two dollars for every $1 in questionable spending. Who is negotiating these contracts - the federal government?
4. I think some attention and criticism should be directed at the Board of Directors. While Ladner would deserve criticism and penalties if he has taken advantage of his position, who has been minding the store? Why is this the first audit in ten years? This trustee Paul Wolff whose letter "somehow" made it into the Post has no standing to complain in my opinion - why didn't he exercise his oversight before now? A real dereliction of duty, I say. No matter the outcome, the Board has clearly been asleep at the wheel.
I'm sure there are more stories to come and I will be interested to see the outcome. Ultimately, there are real problems with how this is being played out in the press, IMHO.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
A lost opportunity...
I dunno, since both teams and their fans annoy me, I was kinda hoping the stadium would implode or something. Even that wouldn't have been an optimal outcome since the Redskin fanbase would be more or less unscathed.
14-2, 3-0
That's 14 of the last 16 against the Skins, and 3 Super Bowls to NONE in the last 13 years. How 'bout them Cowboys!!!!!!!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Jose Weinbergo
The one who always reminds me of Señor Weinbergo is Dave Chappelle. No, really. Watch a few episodes of Chappelle Show. Besides being hysterical, I think it's Jose at times.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Prison Break
Do any of you watch Prison Break on Fox (I think it may be up against Monday Night Footbal)? At least take a look at the commercials. I swear that the main character is Jose Weinbergo, the non-union hispanic equivalent of our very own Joe Weinberg. Not only does he look like Joe, but the way he speaks and acts and everything is so like Joe that it's eerie.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Frightening realization that I should just embrace
This one hit me last night.
A little bit, at first, as I was running across sprinting yard toward the house, swatting and yelling "Ooooh! Aaagh! Owwww! Bees! Ahhh!"
And then, a little more clearly as I ran back out of the house and through the swarm of angry bees to retrieve my beer and scuttle back into the house.
But everything really fell into place as I nursed my pride and wounded ankles: I'm becoming Homer.
I guess I should just go with it.
A little bit, at first, as I was running across sprinting yard toward the house, swatting and yelling "Ooooh! Aaagh! Owwww! Bees! Ahhh!"
And then, a little more clearly as I ran back out of the house and through the swarm of angry bees to retrieve my beer and scuttle back into the house.
But everything really fell into place as I nursed my pride and wounded ankles: I'm becoming Homer.
I guess I should just go with it.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Washington Post, Saturday, September 3: Rumors Send Panicked Residents to the Pump
You might wonder - how did these rumors get started?
Maybe this is the answer:
Washington Post, Friday, September 2: Gas Stations Run Dry (headline from Front Page)
Nice, responsible journalism. Way to go, Post!
You might wonder - how did these rumors get started?
Maybe this is the answer:
Washington Post, Friday, September 2: Gas Stations Run Dry (headline from Front Page)
Nice, responsible journalism. Way to go, Post!
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Monday, August 22, 2005
Rome is for beating gypsies....
No, Renkey, I never lived in Italy...but I have visited before! Those who have not before visited may not know that Rome is a gypsy capital of Europe. The gypsies, among other things, train their children as professional pickpockets. Over Christmas of 1991, my family and I toured Rome under the tutelage of a long-time guide.
He had grown so sick of his tour groups being victimized by the gypsy children that he developed a habit of smacking the bejesus of any who approached the tour group. On several occasions, I witnessed him suddenly leaving off in the middle of a sentence (about some ancient artifact or other), sprint to the back of the group, and whack the hell out of some small, dirty child who had been on the verge of lifting someone's wallet. Then he would turn to the group and say, "It seems terrible, but you have to do this, or they'll steal you blind."
Funny because it's true.
He had grown so sick of his tour groups being victimized by the gypsy children that he developed a habit of smacking the bejesus of any who approached the tour group. On several occasions, I witnessed him suddenly leaving off in the middle of a sentence (about some ancient artifact or other), sprint to the back of the group, and whack the hell out of some small, dirty child who had been on the verge of lifting someone's wallet. Then he would turn to the group and say, "It seems terrible, but you have to do this, or they'll steal you blind."
Funny because it's true.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Beating a dead horse until its ribs are squishy
Hey Chappy, since you lived all over the world growing up (especially in former Axis countries), did you ever live in Italy? Just wondering...
Monday, August 15, 2005
I'm already warming up the anecdote machine....
Anyone with any special requests for items from Italy should make them known soon, for on 12 September, I depart for a week of barolo wine, agnolotti pasta, and surprisingly good beer in northern Italy. Did I mention I'll be staying at the Le Meridien Lingotto hotel, formerly known as the Fiat auto factory -- complete with testing track still on the roof? Sweet................
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Wherethehellismatt?
While continuing a meme on livejournal, I came across an interesting page: Where the hell is Matt?
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Lamer than Berendzen
From The Chronicle of Higher Education
Thursday, August 4, 2005
http://chronicle.com/daily/2005/08/2005080401n.htm
American U. Investigates Improper Spending, Possibly by Its President
By PAUL FAIN
Washington
American University's governing board has begun an audit of possible improper expenses charged by an unspecified university department, according to a written statement issued by university officials. The inquiry allegedly focuses on American's president, Benjamin Ladner, according to a report published on Wednesday in The Washington Post.
The Post's article, citing an anonymous letter to the newspaper and an anonymous source with "firsthand knowledge" of the investigation, said Mr. Ladner had charged the university over the past five years for various personal expenses, including vacations and gifts for family members.
Several members of the university's governing board also received copies of an anonymous letter that questioned "certain expenses in one department of the university," a university spokesman said in a written statement, which was distributed on Monday in a campus newsletter. After receiving the letter, the board hired a law firm and external auditors to review the department's "personal and travel expenses."
However, the spokesman, David E. Taylor, did not specify which department was being investigated. It was unclear if the anonymous letters to the board and to the newspaper had come from the same source, or if the anonymous source interviewed by the newspaper might have written the letters.
"The review and any wrongdoing discovered will not affect the university's strong financial position," the university spokesman wrote. University officials were not available for further comment.
Mr. Ladner was hired as American's president in 1994. His arrival followed a turbulent period for the university's chief executives, most notably with the 1990 resignation of Richard Berendzen, who stepped down in the wake of news reports that obscene telephone calls had been traced to him (The Chronicle, May 16, 1990).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 4, 2005
http://chronicle.com/daily/2005/08/2005080401n.htm
American U. Investigates Improper Spending, Possibly by Its President
By PAUL FAIN
Washington
American University's governing board has begun an audit of possible improper expenses charged by an unspecified university department, according to a written statement issued by university officials. The inquiry allegedly focuses on American's president, Benjamin Ladner, according to a report published on Wednesday in The Washington Post.
The Post's article, citing an anonymous letter to the newspaper and an anonymous source with "firsthand knowledge" of the investigation, said Mr. Ladner had charged the university over the past five years for various personal expenses, including vacations and gifts for family members.
Several members of the university's governing board also received copies of an anonymous letter that questioned "certain expenses in one department of the university," a university spokesman said in a written statement, which was distributed on Monday in a campus newsletter. After receiving the letter, the board hired a law firm and external auditors to review the department's "personal and travel expenses."
However, the spokesman, David E. Taylor, did not specify which department was being investigated. It was unclear if the anonymous letters to the board and to the newspaper had come from the same source, or if the anonymous source interviewed by the newspaper might have written the letters.
"The review and any wrongdoing discovered will not affect the university's strong financial position," the university spokesman wrote. University officials were not available for further comment.
Mr. Ladner was hired as American's president in 1994. His arrival followed a turbulent period for the university's chief executives, most notably with the 1990 resignation of Richard Berendzen, who stepped down in the wake of news reports that obscene telephone calls had been traced to him (The Chronicle, May 16, 1990).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Another Article
The Rafael Palmeiro saga - ESPN's Jayson Stark says he should still go into the Hall of Fame because, among other reasons:
Gaylord Perry won 300 games in an age when 300 wins didn't mean what it did when Old Hoss Radborn did it, either. But it was still enough wins to make ol' Gaylord a Hall of Famer -- even though he might have been the most proud and famous "cheater" in the history of modern sports.
Baseball didn't seem to care if Gaylord Perry cheated for two solid decades. In fact, everyone mostly seemed to find it kind of amusing.
So the next thing we knew, his name was showing up on the Hall of Fame ballot. And I figured, if baseball didn't want to stop him from cheating at the time, why would a few thousand Vaseline-balls stop me from voting for him?
So because another cheater got in we have to let them all in? Why not take a stand now? What kind of moral relevance is at play here?
Gaylord Perry won 300 games in an age when 300 wins didn't mean what it did when Old Hoss Radborn did it, either. But it was still enough wins to make ol' Gaylord a Hall of Famer -- even though he might have been the most proud and famous "cheater" in the history of modern sports.
Baseball didn't seem to care if Gaylord Perry cheated for two solid decades. In fact, everyone mostly seemed to find it kind of amusing.
So the next thing we knew, his name was showing up on the Hall of Fame ballot. And I figured, if baseball didn't want to stop him from cheating at the time, why would a few thousand Vaseline-balls stop me from voting for him?
So because another cheater got in we have to let them all in? Why not take a stand now? What kind of moral relevance is at play here?
Article of Interest
Front page of the Post today: Iran is judged 10 years from nuclear bomb (registration required, I'm sure).
The gist of the article - the Bush Administration is hyping the threat Iran's nuclear activities pose. Why? The National Intelligence Estimate says Iran is 10 years away from the bomb.
Where else have you heard about the NIE? Oh, that's right - in all the articles about how the Administration used the NIE's conclusions about Iraq's weapons programs to take us to war there, even though it was wrong.
What a double standard. All we have heard about is how the NIE got it wrong about Iraq. Now it clearly got it right about Iran? Sorry, I'd rather take Iran seriously now, than wake up two years from now when they have the bomb.
Other insightful commentary about this article here and here.
The gist of the article - the Bush Administration is hyping the threat Iran's nuclear activities pose. Why? The National Intelligence Estimate says Iran is 10 years away from the bomb.
Where else have you heard about the NIE? Oh, that's right - in all the articles about how the Administration used the NIE's conclusions about Iraq's weapons programs to take us to war there, even though it was wrong.
What a double standard. All we have heard about is how the NIE got it wrong about Iraq. Now it clearly got it right about Iran? Sorry, I'd rather take Iran seriously now, than wake up two years from now when they have the bomb.
Other insightful commentary about this article here and here.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Zeke
Something I've been meaning to tell you guys for years (Lewis likely already knows this):
If you haven't already, "pay for" some tunes by West-Coast shit-rockers Zeke. They suck -- it's like they're trying to pull off the music of NOFX, but they only have the musical talent of Jackyl.
But tunes like "Holley 750," "Hemicuda" and "Schmidt's Value Pack" are inadvertent brushes with greatness.
If you haven't already, "pay for" some tunes by West-Coast shit-rockers Zeke. They suck -- it's like they're trying to pull off the music of NOFX, but they only have the musical talent of Jackyl.
But tunes like "Holley 750," "Hemicuda" and "Schmidt's Value Pack" are inadvertent brushes with greatness.
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