RAMS EMPLOY A FULLBACK: GOOD MOVE!

Amen brother! The Rams finally have owned up to the need for a solid, respectable, hard driving, experienced fullback. Why we parted with Madison Hedgecock, who knows?

Welcome Mike Karney to the fold and you bet Steven Jackson is a happy camper. For several years Karney has been a lead blocker for the New Orleans Saints and their offensive machine has been quite solid. He has good hands for receiving, can run when needed and gives Steven the lead blocker in many running plays designated to give him the daylight to let the big guy blast off!

This former coach has always been a fullback guy. Why my forty right trap and forty left trap were constants in our attack which saw either cross blocking employed by the center and frontside guard and the backside or weak guard pulling and trapping over center. Depending on the defensive scheme, the inside linebackers would be blocked by either the center or backside tackle.

Did this play get us yards. You bet. Some of the greatest runners in DeSmet Jesuit High School history were fullbacks like Tommy Gaus, Dave Kosakowski, Newt Daniels, Tim Hornof, all who loved this play and others but it was usually that inside trap that sprung them for good gains and sometimes all the way. One year when we opened up with Sumner High and their fleet defensive backs written up for their super speed, Gaus roared past them and couldn't be caught with thequick hitter. The old coach just might send this one to Coach Spagnuolo for his perusual just to keep them honest when the key off Jackson.

By the way, great blocking guards like Jim Baxendale, Tom Suntrup, Mike Gibbons, Chris Seyer, had a field day with this play. My old lame brain can't remember who it was but we once took Brian Andrejewski 65 yards vs Belleville East when both guards pulled and smashed into each other creating havoc for the defense and there was Brian free as a bird scampering to paydirt while the late Joe May, in his WBEW radio booth in Belleville wondered what brilliant coach had concocted this brew! And on Monday, when our film review took place there were many guffaws from players and much screeming from coaches when this Oscar Winning Play was shown.

But of course we know Karney will be mainly employed as was the great "Paul Dean", don't you remember Dizzy saying: "Me and Paul will win 40 games this year!" That was 1934 and they won more than that, I think 45 as "old Diz" won 30 himself. Wouldn't it be great if the Rams offensive line stayed healthy, Incognito kept his trap shut and just played football, Barron stayed away from penalties and let those long flappy arms do the talking both in pass and run blocking and our new guy Jason Brown anchor our center position with authority and leadership, and Jacob Brown and Greco, maybe even Mark Seterstrom come through. More will happen up front and yes, Coach, we will see the aggressive running game you knew so well with the Giants become a force. Then will commeth Karney with the powerful Jackson frothing at the mouth to add yardage with his punishing running.

Yes, the fullback, maybe disappearing in the ranks of some football offensive machines but becoming a niche in the St. Louis Rams 2009 attack. WELCOME MIKE KARNEY and yes, Jason Brown and James Butler to an interesting and we think "solid" rebuilding program!

OSCARS 2009

Yes, the Bear is back! It's Oscar time and tomorrow evening, along with other Academy voters, the Bear will be watching in earnest not just the "Red" Carpet, prior to the festivities getting started and hoping that your favorites and mine will be glamorous and not give in to the pundits who want them to dress like it's Lent already, because of the economy. Remember FDR: "THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO FEAR IS FEAR ITSELF!" To quote the Bear: "Quit feeling sorry for yourselves and go get em!" "I've lost a bundle in this Bush Depression" but a good looking doll, being interviewed by an "E" reporter, fires the old Bear up! Lets celebrate Oscar night!

Here are the Bear's Oscar picks for tomorrow evening (not all but the main ones). This will be followed by my rankings for 2009 moviewise which are quite different than what should happen when we Academicians vote.

Best Movie: Slumdog Millionaire Best Actor: Mickey Rourke The Wrestler: Best Actress: Kate Winslet: The Reader Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz Vicky Cristina Barcelona Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger The Dark Knight Best Documentary: Man On A Wire

LETS TALK MOVIES 2008:

The Bear today, Saturday, February 21st has completed his run on the movies.

Only Ann Hathaway escaped his viewing at this writing. Today, Micky Rourke leaped into the picture with his fine performance in "The Wrestler." It was a fun, sad, educational (on wrestling) movie. Since my dad took me to see the likes of Lou Thesz, the Sweedish Angel, Gorgeous George, Wild Bill Longdsen, the Mighty Atlas and others, I have been at least aware of these mighty warriors of the ring and although I'm not a strong TV Wrestling fan today, they have my respect and this movie opened my eyes even more to their training, pill popping and other facets of this "sport."

Bear Talk's Rankings For 2008 are as follows: 1. Frost/Nixon 2. Grand Torino 3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 4. Doubt 5. The Appocolapse 6. Milk 7. Man On A Wire 8. The Wrestler 9. The Changeling 10. Slumdog Millionaire

The Bear really was stunned by the eloquence and great acting exhibited by Frank Longella and Michael Sheen. Almost forgotten was the hubbub created by this interview of yesteryear but these two fine actors create an almost explosive relationship, but what is even neater, the atmosphere created is so creative and exciting (maybe its just me) that you have a thriller on your hands. The Bear loved this movie!

Now lets talk Clint! The Bear is tired of people berating his heroes like Clint and the Duke, "They play the same roles. Aw, its just Clint playing "Dirty Harry!" Enough! These are great actors and Clint once again in Grand Torino, not only directs but is once again the great one dealing with the problems of immigration, Chinese style and his sidekicks in the flick are so outstanding they remind me of the "Juno" crowd of a year ago. What a fine movie! How could my collegues in the Acadamy be so "caddy".

Oh, yea, and "Doubt" has to be mentioned with the best this year as Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams etc (can't think of the other lady's name) all lent their talents to a magnifico movie concerning a Parish Pastor and his Principal Sister of his school. Very well done and wait a minute, you tell me "Slumdog" is better? No way!

Now, for the final act, if you want to have fun, fun, fun, just try to name you're TOP TEN for all time:
Now some of you young whippersnappers don't go back too far but the Bear started going to movies, courtesy of his wonderful momma about 1941, just about every Friday when we would head downtown, via the streetcar and bus system of St. Louis to the Loew's, Loew's Orpheum, Ambassador and take in a movie and then meet my dad at the Bowling Allies where he was usually turning in respectable scores, (think his all time average was around 182) and then home.
Yep, I saw some movies I didn't particularly enjoy, being a boy, not a girl, into Cowboys, not Bette Davis pictures but mom dragged me along.

Here are my Top Ten as of Friday night February 20th, 2009: (all time): 1. Lawrence of Arabia 2. Schindler's List 3. Bridge Over The River Kwai 4. Patton 5. North By Northwest 6. Witness For the Prosecution 7. Casablanca 8. The Robe 9. High Noon 10. Judgement At Nurenberg

Now my movie friends, after further review this could change as other movies pop into my head but that being said the films listed above sure are winners all!

Thats it, the Bear is returning to the airwaves and more will be forthcoming as the Hockey Season is near an end: (Love these Blues: So Young, So Strong, So Feisty, Oshie, Bergland, Boyes, etc etc etc. What a team not just today, but in the future. The Redbirds better correct their second base and third base problem. They have a winner in Khalel Greene! St. Louis U. is coming on strong! ENOUGH!

Inauguration Day January 20 2009

Happy New Year Everyone from "the Bear", here on January 20th, 2009.

The Bear is so proud today as "our new President", yes, it's official, has been sworn in by the stumbling bumbling John Roberts, appointee of George Bush, who was opposed by Barack, when confirmation hearings took place (no hard feelings). After all when did we expect the Chief Justice of the United States to know the words to swear in the President of the US.

It was a great day of oratory, fine music, great parade: (the Bear's favorite band: Ohio State University of course, followed closely by VMI and the Gay and Lesbian Band, which was sensational. Oh what a day.

Yep, and Indians: There were tribes everywhere, feathers a flying, tended to make me sneeze while watching the proceedings. WHAT A COUNTRY WE LIVE IN! Do you believe it? 150 years ago,
the 13th Amendment freed the slaves of this country. In 1787, slaves counted for 3/5 of a person
in the US Constitution, since been amended by the 14th Amendment. And yes sir, 1965, led by LBJ, Martin Luther King and other great black leaders, the Voting Rights Act put an end to mostly southern practices of "Jim Crow" laws which harrassed and even prohibited blacks from voting.
"We've come a long way baby!>

Imagine what will be upon us soon, say 2025 when the "white folk", thats me baby, will be outnumbered in this country by Latinos, Asians, Blacks, etc etc etc. What does this bring?
Will we be able to handle it?

This was a great day for the heart and soul of the United States of America and now its time for
Barack Hussein Obama and his advisors to govern in a very ominous time. We wish the new President the best.

And what a week of football as Kurt Warner came thru with a spectacular performance for theArizona Cardinals. A brilliant fourth quarter drive led by Warner's deft passing and excellent play calling by the Arizona staff led to victory.

Hey, the Bear is even more proud of the St. Louis Blues, who on Martin Luther King Day, came from behind to defeat the #1 team in hockey, the Boston Bruins in a shootout 5-4. Wow, these young Blues work work work! My favorite T.J. Oshie! He's going to be a super star!

Its no secret the Bear has not been in great health, but bring on the warm weather and "we shall overcome!

Tonight, as we return to the tube to enjoy the festivities in Washington, we can only say: President Obama, you need to wear a hat in that cold weather. Remember: William Henry Harrison.
Enough already! Best to the following: Danny Christian Jr, Claire Christian somewhere in Austria,
Charlie Hamilton, my dear friend, Barack and family, Teddy and family, the great conscience of the US Senate Robert Byrd of West Virginia, all my good friends. Bear Talk is back!!!!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6TH 2008

It is Thursday, November 6th, the birthday of my beloved father Al Christian and I can bet you he and many like him up in heaven, where Democrats are definitely in the majority and living it up amidst attempts by the good Lord and Angels to be bi-partisan, even though they don't mean it.

Today Barack let it all out with his pick for CHIEF OF STAFF. Excellent. Yes Rahm Emanuel from the great state of Illinois is a perfect pick. He has super knowledge of the legislative branch of the US government, he is a fighter and can be very tough with a tendency to utter expletives with rapid fire when he wants something done or to emphasize a point. He is respected by Republicans because they fear him and surely will say some bad things about him. He was a stalwart in the Clinton Administration and eventually could have been Speaker of the US House.
What a great selection.

Barack, you are off to a great start, have been briefed on intelligence the way only Presidents get briefed and you now know that we are targeted by a lot of bad people out there and must be on guard, not by putting our troops in Harms Way running over explosive devices but by training and demanding an Army which can react immediately and succinctly to any threat anywhere.

Lets get that Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force community ready to fight the right wars and protect our people on the home front with our National Guard.

Lets start giving our American people the jobs necessary to build this country, modernize it and make us an prouder USA.

Rahm Emanual is not one of these namby pamby liberals. He is a doer of the highest sort.
Good job Barack Hussein Obama!

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

I'm sitting here today just mildly reflecting on the events of November 4, 2008. What a day for the oft disappointed Democrats. No overnight extravaganzas with shenanigans being practiced before our very eyes. No more challenging of votes such as in Ohio in 2004. No more chads!
No more Supreme Court partisan decisions. This Election Day it was evident that our organization, maybe the best ever, by the brilliant Obama machine had done it's magic. Phone calls, visitations, literature drops, canvassing and follow up with transportation to the polls. It was all there and the money: Well it came in small but substantial sums, which overwhelmed the Repubs, who are not used to losing the money game to these middle class kids, grandmas, and college grads. Even Catholics dared to defy their bishops who threatened them with excommunication and denial of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, should they vote for a candidate who was pro choice. This while closing their eyes to the "lack of pro life policies" which were personified by weapons of mass destruction devestating countries which had not even attacked the US.

It was so much fun down in the Bear's War Room waiting and watching with son Danny, who is becoming almost as bad as you'rs truly in his zeal for the Democratic Party and their wondrful array of leaders: H. Clinton, J. Biden, D. Kacinich, C. Dodd, B. Richardson, just to name a few of these magnifico lady and gentlemen, who graced our primary and provided "the great Obama" with competition, which sharpened his knife for "the race for the Roses" when election time came. McCain, a fine war hero, a US Senator, with a so called mavarick bent (not anymore), who wasted his time with name calling and alledged Obama misdeeds, all a bunch of baloney, once exposed by the so called "town meetings", instead found himself facing a brilliant young pol, so cool, so collected, so ready!

The Repubs ran their campaign like they ran the last eight years of government: LAZILY!
They got what they reaped and many a Repub pro will agree that byNovember 2008, their inept leadership on just about every issue had dumbfounded an American public many of whom said:
"How could any administration be so bad?" The economy, the wars, the Justice Dept capers, the mistreatment of our wounded warriors, the never ending scandal by Repub leaders in Congress, the Cabinet etc.

So around 10 PM last night, we finally had the news of the states that would put us over the top and Senator Barack Obama became President-elect Obama. Its going to be quite a ride and will start almost immediately this week with Cabinet members being chosen, the people who will execute the laws to be passed by a stronger Democratic Congress. Yes, Demos, its now time to begin the process of cleaning up the dirty linen of another Bushie.

Health care, an end to the war (the Bear prefers two wars, not one), a fair tax system, a military which is sleek, well trained and not overburdened by assignments in places like Germany, France, Italy, all over Europe! WW2 is over! We need to attack our infrastructure in the country which is not what it should be. Our emphasis on energy must be direct and immediate.
T. Boone Pickens should be utilized before he goes to "the Happy Hunting Grounds!" Most of all Americans must be put back to work and fast! A GOOD JOB=PRIDE!


Good luck Mr. President-elect. The Bear will be praying for you each day with my favorite Saints, Michael the Archangel, Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, a man of great wisdom.
St. Anthony also comes to mind. I want to ask my Baptist brothers to "let freedom ring in all the churches" of the country with their gregorious uplifting music, Wow!

More on the Cabinet picks as they develop. A name has popped up for Chief of Staff: Rham Emanuel (great!) (An achiever!)

Finally, thank you thank you thank fellow Americans for giving us back the White House, first made the "people's house" when the first real Democrat of our life, Andrew Jackson, came rooting and tootin into Washington.

WHAT WILL THEY BE DOING? WHAT WILL THEY BE THINKING?

So many months ago, both John McCain and Barack Obama decided they would take the plunge to challenge the most powerful office ever created by man. Yes, the executive branch of the USA is so powerful because of the Constitution of the United States which gave the individual, holding this office the variety of powers that have grown stronger and stronger through the years.

No doubt about it some powerful and brilliant and not so brilliant individuals have reigned and no king, dictator, regent, czar have been able to match the significance of sheer power that the majesty of the office presents.

Sure the Bear has known for some time that his choice this year has been Barack Obama and believe me, we liked Richardson a lot and Hillary is especially revered in our cave, where we will be hibernating during the summer months, unless we head towards the South.

When I first chose to endorse Barack's bid, I was a lukewarm follower. Since about February last year, when it hit me this guy was something special, I was watching and waiting for the man from Chicago's South Side to carry the ball, overcome the obstacles of his young age, his race, his ultra liberalism and what I have found is we have on our hands one of the most gifted of Democratic candidates in recent years.

From his organization (flawless, maybe best in American History), to his rhetoric, from his almost mystical following of millions of Americans to the nasty barbs hurled his way by his opponents, most without any truth, he has stood solid and tall constantly producing a statesmanlike stature that could not be denied. Should he win tomorrow, Democrats will not be alone in their glee. Millions of our Allies around the world will know that the American public is back on course and though we do not dance to the tune of our foreign friends and adversaries, we like to think our country is respected for its government as well as it people. Lets face it, the last 8 years have been a disaster and it will be one of the new President's major efforts to bring back the luster of the Red, White, and Blue!

Oh so sad, were Repubs who had hoped to lash out at the former first lady, who were waiting to hit her with every weapon in their puny arsenals that his ascendency to the top of the heep in the Democratic Party threw them off balance as audience after audience of stellar crowds of Americans who had had enough of the worst administration in US History, listened in earnest to the message of "change", to the clairty of programs introduced by this young Senator and the race was on.

Despite the torent of failures which featured the Iraq invasion and occupation, the Katrina fiasco,
the total disregard for Congressional investigations of the destruction of the Justice Dept by the likes of Alberto Gonzalez, the total disregard for the Veteran's returning from war and the system, run by an incapable and uncaring keeper, the laissez-faire policy of our guardians of the economy, which has led to the worst situation since the Thirties that no matter who enters the White House on Jan. 20th will be greatly challenged to turn things around.

There are so many failures but for some reason, Barack Obama gives us hope. His total demenor takes me back to the brilliant FDR, who prettymuch had the same kind of situation, when he became of Commander-in-chief.

Both these men have campaigned hard and deserve our applause. Preconvention candidates as well gave of themselves and any American who criticizes their efforts wasn't watching over the last two years. The two finalistsare tired pols this evening and yet will campaign long into the night for that one more vote. They will stumble over their speeches, they will push themselves to the N'th degree tomorrow, election day and then it will be all over and one will be elected President of the United States.

While the falsehoods about Barack Hussein Obama continue to this day, I cannot say to John McCain, "Job Well Done!" To the man I hope will be our next President, Bravo Bravo Bravo, Clap, Clap Clap, Whistle, Whistle, Whistle, Go, Go, Go! You have been "A Man For All Seasons!"

This very afternoon a lady with brilliant white hair, a neat Obama tee shirt on, her little clip board, ready to capture information, stopped by our house and made me oh so proud to be a part of her team. I told to skip the rhetoric, that this family with maybe a few exceptions, is a Democratic family, proud of the traditions of Harry Truman, FDR (genuflect), Bill Clinton, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and all the way back to the great Andrew Jackson! I hope we made her day!

SAY IT AIN'T SO TORY!

Tory Holt has been a big favorite of mine since he joined our team and helped lead the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl and has been a captain to be proud of.

He is now entering that time in a football life where there is a slight downgrade in performance. H's not quite as fast as he used to be. He doesn't get open like the old days, mainly because of a number of bothersome injuries which have plagued him in recent years.
He apparently is not a happy camper.

To make it worse for the fine Wide Out, two young and fast receivers who have quality written all over them, Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton have arrived.

Now we here rumblings that Tory is upset, he is not getting the ball.
Fine: Meeting desired with Coach. Coach explains the situation. We love you Tory but times have changed. Do you want a trade?

Now, that said, if the bull continues to the press about the situation on the field, its good by to a great receiver of the past.
He is taking a very good siuation out there with Rams and new Coach Jim Haslett and interfering with progress.

So to one of my favorites: Put up and shut up or else its bye bye!
Tough love can be really tough!

We do not have time out there for nostalgia! This coach is giving us the kind of coaching we haven't had for a few years and management must and will support the coach!