Hell yes, I know! You missed the Bear, who has not blogged for some two weeks due to a major problem associated with what is known as an allorgy attack which almost put the Bear away for good. Will not bore you with the details but am now ready to once again talk turkey about a variety of subjects which are dear to your hearts.
While I was away, the campaign continues and there is good news today. My man, my candidate for the top spot, who dropped out of the race some time ago and is now sporting a sporting beard, the great Guv of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, today endorsed Barack for President and maybe, just maybe sealed the case for his being the choice for VP if Barack goes all the way! It would be a natural pairing, a Senator with a Governor, a Black/White with a Latino, a midwesterner with a westerner and a somewhat weak on foreign affairs with a giant in the international field. Sounds good to me! Will it happen?
There is a lull in this race as we prepare for the Pennsylvania primary and Hillary has been doing a good job marshalling her forces, keeping the pressure on Barack Hussein and enjoying all the commotion concerning the ReverendWright's irreverant comments about the US! So you want to blame Barack for this? Why? There are so many loco ministers, priests, bishops, archbishops and probably Cardinals out there today that we should not come undone when one of these guys or gals makes a controversial statement! Oh yea, the press just loves it! By the way, I wish Chris Matthewswould just chill out! What a panderer. I know, I'll still watch "Hardball" but common Chris, just "shut up for awhile!" MSNBC is undoubtedly for Barack Obama! Fox is for anything to the right! CNN and Wolfie are so great and my condolences on their recent tornado in Atlanta that hammered their HQ!
Meanwhile the "old one" continues his campaign to keep us in Iraq for another 100 Years and is accompanied on his "fact finding mission" (What a farce) by the world's worst, Joe Lieberman and his South Carolina Gamecock Lindsey Graham, as he tromps thru various safe havens as Iraquis continue to depart their country and many blow up each other! We really got it under control with the surge! Oh yea!
Special kuddos to the Chief of the Federal Reserve Ben Vernacke, who has stepped up to the plate to try to do something about the problems relating to interest rates. We are in one hellova mess here and its going to be awhile before the economy can come back. I have a major question:
Who the hell would want to be President after this bozo has screwed things up so badly and promises to continue his miserable administration all the way up to Jan 20 2009?
Spring Training is well on its way to its finale and the Baseball world is agog with predictions and so many sore arms. What the hell is wrong today that so many of our pitchers are always getting MRI's and ending up on the cutting table. If you go five innings you get a standing ovation! Are we sickos? The Bear is urgently preparing for the upcoming fantasy draft of April 5th in the infamous Boys Night Out Fantasy Baseball League, which has some of the most shrewd of baseball minds, matched by the Bear each spring! What a day it is for us fantasy nuts. Pleayers are bidded on starting at 9 AM and continuing thru the day until 12 teams have 23 players each with a limit of $260 for your team and its a blast, especially when you get down to the $1 bids and players. The Blue Darts, the Bear's team have a good nucleus coming back led by Alfonso Soriano, Brandon Phillips,
Shane Victorino and Eric Byrnes plus some good young savers! The Darts will be ready!
The St. Louis Blues are a major disappointment after a promising start but there is hope. This is a young team and we hockey adicts will not give up on the future of this team. They will return next season and prediction: They will make the playoffs. Eric Johnson is some rookie and more are coming! This team for some reason is not jelling. Coach Murray is aok with me but what has happend here is a mystery. Remember the movie: Mystery Alaska. Get it today if you haven't seen it.
Am currently reading two books, one which should interest everyone is:"Water For Elephants."
Don't quiz me on it! Its among the tops in the NY Times Paper Back ratings and rightfully so!
A totally different book! Author is Sara Gruen. Also reading a History rendition of Ben Franklinin Paris during the Revolutionary period. What a great leader he was and by the way, if you haven't been watching "John Adams" woe is you. This HBO feature which kicked off last Sunday with two episodes and surely will be repeated might be the greatest ever narrative in TV history. (I'm in the minority on this) Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney, along with Tom Wilkenson are magnificent. I must admit to being a Revolutionary War historian, so I am prejudiced but once when I stood on the bridge to Lexington and Concord in the Boston area, I almost lost it! What a time and what a country! Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton, Franklin, "little Jemmy" Madison, Burr (baby its cold outside), all these greats were the real McCoy, and the 13 states that started it deserve our utmost congrats. SEE THIS HBO SPECIAL, PART THREE SUNDAY AT 7 CENTRAL TIME!
Amidst all this comes March Madness and the Bear has already filled out two brackets, and picked UCLA in one and Memphis in another. Today what a game with Western Kentucky and Drake in an overtime, Western Kentucky wins with a wild three pointer at the buzzer. Is it March Madness?
You bet! Good luck to all those fine teams!
St. Louis is presently host to the Collegate Wrestling NCAA Championships and grapplers from all over the US are here in town, little fleas weighing 95 lbs and big guys in the heavier weight divisions. and there are no more dedicated sportsmen than these athletes who hit the mats and are absolutely the zenith in their devotion to their sport. As a young coach, I had to learn of their special needs and prepartion and it blew me away. We shall watch with much interest and are honored to have the great college wrestlers in our community for the weekend. Most restauranters are hoping not too many of them are making weight and not eating but then there is mom and dad. Hats off to St. Louis and this event.
Enough already: The floods are upon us, maybe the worst ever and motorists are routing and rerouting around town trying to get where their going. It will be a devestating weekend as the water in the Meremac and other tributaries around town crests so be careful out there.
Life is good, believe me, respect it and enjoy! As I blog today, it is Good Friday and as many of you can remember, it is supposed to be the bleakest of days. Not so today, March21, 2008. Played golf this morning, had a great breakfast and visited the New Cathedral. Guess what? Church be totally dark, crosses are covered, statues too, lights out, on this holy of holy days.
But soon, about 48 hours from now, just across the river at Our Lady of Snows, an early morning
mass will announce: "HE IS RISEN!"
Friday, March 21, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
THIS IS NO TIME TO QUIT!
While the Bear is a strong Barack Obama supporter and has bought into his "Hope" message, he remains a strong fan of the former first lady of the US, Hillary Clinton.
What a race this has been and what a great effort these two Democrats have given the American people, physically, mentally and politically! Hats off to both and to the Demos who campaigned and eventually dropped out of the race. Thank you for making us proud!
Now lets talk Bear Talk! The national media would like nothing better than to have Barack Obama coronated the next President of the US. They love his rhetoric, his bounce, his attitude etc etc etc.
They love his blackness, his whiteness, his middle name, his story, just about everything about him. Well, of course: the Bear does too! He's really something special!
The so-called pundits feel its time for Hillary leave the race, even if she should win a few states today, March 4, e.g. Texas, Ohio. She should be a so called "good sport" and go back to New York and be a US Senator. She should admit defeat and humble herself before the "rock star!"
The bear has one word for this thinking: "Bullshit!"
This fine lady has put it all on the line in this race and has rallied thousands, maybe millions of US citizens to her call and gone from coast to coast, appeared before every gathering, been a bozo on TV programs, accepted mimicry of her personal life and even turned the other cheek when TV people made fun of her relationship with the former President, a profoundly "hound dog in heat!"
But she has competed and battled and proved: "She's a tough young broad!" The Bear loves her!
Now, when Chris Matthews, maybe Wulf Blitzer, the newspaper media and others feel she should bow out, its time to take a stand. Your not out until the "fat lady sings!" The campagn has many other states primaries on up to the Convention, including we might add Pennsylvania!
No doubt about it, she must win today to stay viable but she should not give up until Obama has gained the necessary delegates to be declared the winner. That may take us up to the Convention.
"But what about unity in the party Bear?" We must ask ourselves: What did FDR do in 1932 when he was nominated at the Democratic Convention, not in the primary season? What did Democrats do? What did Woodrow Wilson do in 1912 when his name was called out at the Convention and the former professor was nominated? What did Demos do? ANSWER; THEY UNIFIED AFTER THE CONVENTION! Did Jack Kennedy blast LBJ when he was nominated after they had called each other names all the way up to the convention? Hell No! They joined together to win!
There are a couple of issues that the over zealous Democratic National Committee has created this year called Florida and Michigan!! I'm being nice to the Committee because I have never been more pissed at my own party! Denying these two great states their delegates for having moved their primaries up was almost sinister, but better than that, probably made for a Republican victory at least in Florida and maybe both! What the hell was on the mind of these mindless Demos to make such a decision? There may be a solution but it will be difficult to remedy this issue without each of the two sides (Clinton and Obama) yelling foul! This one will be contentious and costly! Note: If they are allowed to take their seat at the Convention and vote, it looks like Hillary would gain these seats. We shall see!
Be that as it may, Hillary, the Bear will stay with Obama but should you pull it out in the end, we will of course support you eagerly and with pride. You have upset all the "pseudo anti feminists", so called "tough people", "anti Clintonians" and individuals who do not realize you are a bright, brilliant, elegant and witty former first lady!
So, my fellow Democrats, lets campaign, campaign, campaign right on up to the Convention if necessary to get our candidate and then go on to kick Republican butt in the general election!
They deserve it! But be not afraid of the battle for the nomination! It's healthy, exciting, and we're on page one!
What a race this has been and what a great effort these two Democrats have given the American people, physically, mentally and politically! Hats off to both and to the Demos who campaigned and eventually dropped out of the race. Thank you for making us proud!
Now lets talk Bear Talk! The national media would like nothing better than to have Barack Obama coronated the next President of the US. They love his rhetoric, his bounce, his attitude etc etc etc.
They love his blackness, his whiteness, his middle name, his story, just about everything about him. Well, of course: the Bear does too! He's really something special!
The so-called pundits feel its time for Hillary leave the race, even if she should win a few states today, March 4, e.g. Texas, Ohio. She should be a so called "good sport" and go back to New York and be a US Senator. She should admit defeat and humble herself before the "rock star!"
The bear has one word for this thinking: "Bullshit!"
This fine lady has put it all on the line in this race and has rallied thousands, maybe millions of US citizens to her call and gone from coast to coast, appeared before every gathering, been a bozo on TV programs, accepted mimicry of her personal life and even turned the other cheek when TV people made fun of her relationship with the former President, a profoundly "hound dog in heat!"
But she has competed and battled and proved: "She's a tough young broad!" The Bear loves her!
Now, when Chris Matthews, maybe Wulf Blitzer, the newspaper media and others feel she should bow out, its time to take a stand. Your not out until the "fat lady sings!" The campagn has many other states primaries on up to the Convention, including we might add Pennsylvania!
No doubt about it, she must win today to stay viable but she should not give up until Obama has gained the necessary delegates to be declared the winner. That may take us up to the Convention.
"But what about unity in the party Bear?" We must ask ourselves: What did FDR do in 1932 when he was nominated at the Democratic Convention, not in the primary season? What did Democrats do? What did Woodrow Wilson do in 1912 when his name was called out at the Convention and the former professor was nominated? What did Demos do? ANSWER; THEY UNIFIED AFTER THE CONVENTION! Did Jack Kennedy blast LBJ when he was nominated after they had called each other names all the way up to the convention? Hell No! They joined together to win!
There are a couple of issues that the over zealous Democratic National Committee has created this year called Florida and Michigan!! I'm being nice to the Committee because I have never been more pissed at my own party! Denying these two great states their delegates for having moved their primaries up was almost sinister, but better than that, probably made for a Republican victory at least in Florida and maybe both! What the hell was on the mind of these mindless Demos to make such a decision? There may be a solution but it will be difficult to remedy this issue without each of the two sides (Clinton and Obama) yelling foul! This one will be contentious and costly! Note: If they are allowed to take their seat at the Convention and vote, it looks like Hillary would gain these seats. We shall see!
Be that as it may, Hillary, the Bear will stay with Obama but should you pull it out in the end, we will of course support you eagerly and with pride. You have upset all the "pseudo anti feminists", so called "tough people", "anti Clintonians" and individuals who do not realize you are a bright, brilliant, elegant and witty former first lady!
So, my fellow Democrats, lets campaign, campaign, campaign right on up to the Convention if necessary to get our candidate and then go on to kick Republican butt in the general election!
They deserve it! But be not afraid of the battle for the nomination! It's healthy, exciting, and we're on page one!
Monday, February 25, 2008
COULD IT BE?
Yes, the Bear is getting gentle vibes about a possible major victory in last night's OSCAR POOL! There is talk of a DYNASTY! Having not been informed of victory, we can only speculate on this evening but from the various results on ABC, many Bear picks marched to the stage to accept the "little fella" graciously!
It is interesting to note our home grown actors were clearly outclassed by the likes of Javier Bardem (Spain), Marion Coutillard (France), Daniel Day Lewis (Ireland), and Tilda Swinton (GB). Wow! You bet the Bear took the French bombshell. I am so tired of the Bushies and their followers down grading our allies from France. Sure their an independent lot but the newFrenchPrez has indicated: "He loves America!" Well Mr. President we "love you back as well as your past wife and your present spectacular beautiful spouse!" You've got something going big boy! And yes, thank you France for rescuing us during the American Revolution: "Vive la Lafayette!" I rented "French Kiss" with Kevin Kline today and am going to have some French Fries tonight! Emmmm!
What is alarming is the "hawkish" statement, all irrelevant, made yesterday and today about 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place "losers" who now want to "split the pot" and denigrate the winner's take!
Unfortunately that will have to come in the years to come but not the present. If you are familiar with the US Constitution, ex post facto laws are unconstitutional!
Even the blonde bombshell, seen at the Bear's Oscar gathering has come down on the spectacular winner of best actress. Many would have preferred the "washed out" McLain like
Alsheimer star Julie Christie but Edith Piat was sensational as portrayed by the vivacious Coutillard! Congrats also to the "makeup artists" from LaVie en Rose, who also gave the Bear a victory!
Most of all I want to give thanks to FDR (genuflect) whose great leadership in the 1930's gave us Social Security, whereby we have the $$$$, provided by you great youngsters of today, to allow the Bear to "make it to the moviehouses" all over the St. Louis area like the Tivoli, Plaza Frontenac, Ronnies (great memories of the old suck face Drive In Days), DePeres and other cinemas so he can make "good" choices on these many fantastic movies.
I still recommend that viewers take the time to see All Five of this year's nominated flicks as they were all very good.
Meanwhile, if we are lucky enough to emerge victorious AGAIN this year, we humbly accept our COMPLETE award!
So says the Bear on this post Oscar night getting ready to watch "Fashion Police" on E!
It is interesting to note our home grown actors were clearly outclassed by the likes of Javier Bardem (Spain), Marion Coutillard (France), Daniel Day Lewis (Ireland), and Tilda Swinton (GB). Wow! You bet the Bear took the French bombshell. I am so tired of the Bushies and their followers down grading our allies from France. Sure their an independent lot but the newFrenchPrez has indicated: "He loves America!" Well Mr. President we "love you back as well as your past wife and your present spectacular beautiful spouse!" You've got something going big boy! And yes, thank you France for rescuing us during the American Revolution: "Vive la Lafayette!" I rented "French Kiss" with Kevin Kline today and am going to have some French Fries tonight! Emmmm!
What is alarming is the "hawkish" statement, all irrelevant, made yesterday and today about 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place "losers" who now want to "split the pot" and denigrate the winner's take!
Unfortunately that will have to come in the years to come but not the present. If you are familiar with the US Constitution, ex post facto laws are unconstitutional!
Even the blonde bombshell, seen at the Bear's Oscar gathering has come down on the spectacular winner of best actress. Many would have preferred the "washed out" McLain like
Alsheimer star Julie Christie but Edith Piat was sensational as portrayed by the vivacious Coutillard! Congrats also to the "makeup artists" from LaVie en Rose, who also gave the Bear a victory!
Most of all I want to give thanks to FDR (genuflect) whose great leadership in the 1930's gave us Social Security, whereby we have the $$$$, provided by you great youngsters of today, to allow the Bear to "make it to the moviehouses" all over the St. Louis area like the Tivoli, Plaza Frontenac, Ronnies (great memories of the old suck face Drive In Days), DePeres and other cinemas so he can make "good" choices on these many fantastic movies.
I still recommend that viewers take the time to see All Five of this year's nominated flicks as they were all very good.
Meanwhile, if we are lucky enough to emerge victorious AGAIN this year, we humbly accept our COMPLETE award!
So says the Bear on this post Oscar night getting ready to watch "Fashion Police" on E!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
BOYS NIGHT OUT
Yes, while the St. Louis Cardinals and other baseball squads go thru their preparation for the 2008 season in Florida (wish I was there) and Arizona and baseball "Hot Stove Leagues" indicate their "wish lists" the "BOYS NIGHT OUT" fantasy baseball league of South St. Louis County and other nooks and crannies looms on the horizon.
On April 5th, the various owners and their associates, will congregate to draft their players.
This is a day, fantasy owners revere. Starting with the first pick at 9:00 AM, baseball players from every roster in the National League are "fair game" for these "eager beavers." This draft day continues until, well in the P.M. before each team has selected its 23 players.
The way is works is teams like our Blue Darts, Marauders, IBM Cards, Outlaws etc etc. etc will have $260 as their cap and will have to select 23 players at various positions, to make up their team. To be an owner, you really need to be well versed on the stats of great players, mediocre players and even some "bench warmers" While one player may garnish $50 or more (a stud, e.g.
Albert Pujols) many will go for $1. In order to win, you must project their stats in such catagories as Steals,RBI's, HR, Wins, ERA, etc.
So you prepare and buy every magazine on fantasy baseball (many many) and in early year, you start projecting your desired teams. Trades are offered in and out of season and the league is on-line and much information is provided which translates into many night and days of study. Its already started: Today received an E Mail from the MO Tigers, wanted to send Ryan Howard our way for Eric Byrnes (lots of SBs and HRs), Brandon Phillips (HR's and SBs) and Shane Victorino (Good avge and SB's). Well the answer was a resounding NO! Is it fun and must you know the territory, you bet! After all you just turned down a trade for the most prolific HR hitter out there today but to take him, you would have traded away SB, HR, and Avge. NO WAY!
Fantasy sports are huge, Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Racing, Golf, yes you can find a league to compete and once one becomes hooked, you are guaranteed to slavishly prepare your team for a winning season.
But beware, do not enter this hallowed ground before you know you will have to spend a goodly amount of your day, preparing to do battle with the enemy! One really neat outcome: You learn about the many players in the game you might not care about ordinarily and you become one hellova knowledgable fan of the game.
The Bear heartily endorses and can't wait for "Draft Day" to come around again this year. But you better be ready for the brilliant minds of the Hardways and Homeboys and a new entry The Tigers or else you could have a sad summer! THE BLUE DARTS FOREVER!
On April 5th, the various owners and their associates, will congregate to draft their players.
This is a day, fantasy owners revere. Starting with the first pick at 9:00 AM, baseball players from every roster in the National League are "fair game" for these "eager beavers." This draft day continues until, well in the P.M. before each team has selected its 23 players.
The way is works is teams like our Blue Darts, Marauders, IBM Cards, Outlaws etc etc. etc will have $260 as their cap and will have to select 23 players at various positions, to make up their team. To be an owner, you really need to be well versed on the stats of great players, mediocre players and even some "bench warmers" While one player may garnish $50 or more (a stud, e.g.
Albert Pujols) many will go for $1. In order to win, you must project their stats in such catagories as Steals,RBI's, HR, Wins, ERA, etc.
So you prepare and buy every magazine on fantasy baseball (many many) and in early year, you start projecting your desired teams. Trades are offered in and out of season and the league is on-line and much information is provided which translates into many night and days of study. Its already started: Today received an E Mail from the MO Tigers, wanted to send Ryan Howard our way for Eric Byrnes (lots of SBs and HRs), Brandon Phillips (HR's and SBs) and Shane Victorino (Good avge and SB's). Well the answer was a resounding NO! Is it fun and must you know the territory, you bet! After all you just turned down a trade for the most prolific HR hitter out there today but to take him, you would have traded away SB, HR, and Avge. NO WAY!
Fantasy sports are huge, Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Racing, Golf, yes you can find a league to compete and once one becomes hooked, you are guaranteed to slavishly prepare your team for a winning season.
But beware, do not enter this hallowed ground before you know you will have to spend a goodly amount of your day, preparing to do battle with the enemy! One really neat outcome: You learn about the many players in the game you might not care about ordinarily and you become one hellova knowledgable fan of the game.
The Bear heartily endorses and can't wait for "Draft Day" to come around again this year. But you better be ready for the brilliant minds of the Hardways and Homeboys and a new entry The Tigers or else you could have a sad summer! THE BLUE DARTS FOREVER!
ST. LOUIS LOVES THEIR BLUES AGAIN!
Yes, its that time of the year when the greatest of spectator sports, I'm talking about the grand game of hockey is grandeloquent in its presentation. The Blackhawks, the Rangers, the Canucks, Canadians, Stars and of course our own St. Louis Blues are skating up and down the rink faster and with more reckless abandonment than ever. Why?
The NHL Hockey Playoffs are in sight! Yep, there is nothing like it in all of sports. Once the gauntlet has been thrown and the teams, ranking in the upper eschelon have gained entrance, the playoffs signal and even greater intensity among the hockey elite.
The Bear is an admitted "hockey nut." Its the only sport I have never really physically performed but as a spectator, its my opinion, its the tops! When one enters the world of the puck, you can only say, get ready for action! On Tuesday the St. Louis Blues battled their arch rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, the hated Chicago Blackhawks in a meaningful game here in St. Louis. The puck was dropped at approximately 7:00 and by 7:00 and one tenth seconds, Dan Hynote lit into a Hawk and they were both on the ice within seconds. The 19,000 fans went balistic knowing the Blues had sent a message. Guess what? The Blackhawks shortly after, scored the first goal of the game and the Blues trailed!
But more was to come and the St. Louis Blues put on one of their finest shows as they out hustled the Hawks in every nook and cranny of the rink and put together a blistering third period, leading to a 5-1 victory. Yes, the St. Louis Blues are back after a few years of sad and crowd displeasing hockey.
The Bear wants to congratulate Versus on its television of the games nationally. This has been the first really solid effort to attract hockey fans on TV and their doing a great job with solid announcers, well versed in this game (hard to announce a fast moving game like hockey) and on solid ice with stats, players and nomenclature.
But there is no better way to enjoy the game than to be there in person and feel the atmosphere of
a hard hitting, well played match. Some of my greatest moments were spent at the "old barn" on Oakland Ave watching our Blues vanquish their opponents and of course you have those Detroit and Chicago fans, sporting their sweaters, on hand to set off Blues fans. I'll never forget son Jimmy taking on Blackhawk loudmouths, during the playoffs many years ago, following a 2-1 sudden death victory for the Blues, while I raced for the men's room, hoping not to pee in my pants from holding it, as the game went on and on. Leave my seat: Hell no! There was son five, bloodied, but supported by the St. Louis police who hammered those windy city boys out of the Arena! Wow!
The greatest athletic contest I ever witnessed took place in 1985 (I believe that was the year) when the Blues were down 3-2 to the Calgary Flames in the playoffs and trailing 4-1 late in the third period when suddenly they caught fire and caught the Flames in the last minutes of the game and won in overtime! The Arena was shaking! Blues fans were in tears. Jacque Demers was foaming at the mouth (Blues Coach) and everyone was embracing! Never have I seen such emotion, not even in a football atmosphere at the Dome, which can get very loud! It has come to be known at the "Monday Night Miracle" and will be revered by our Blues followers forever!
Hockey fans are unlike any other. They are a study in motion. If the Blues win, "we have a great chance for the cup!" If the Blues lose: "No playoffs this year!" They love their Blues like no other and recently times have been tough. But with a new owner (Dave Checketts) and a gung-ho President (John Davidson) and with a solid and brilliant coach (Andy Murray) they are now climbing in their Western Division and with some tough road games coming up, will have to reach down for an extra amount of energy to get there.
Be that as it may, on Tuesday evening on national TV, the St. Louis Blues showed the hockey world they are going to be a contender for some time to come and St. Louis is agog in hockey talk today!
Yes, says the Bear!
The NHL Hockey Playoffs are in sight! Yep, there is nothing like it in all of sports. Once the gauntlet has been thrown and the teams, ranking in the upper eschelon have gained entrance, the playoffs signal and even greater intensity among the hockey elite.
The Bear is an admitted "hockey nut." Its the only sport I have never really physically performed but as a spectator, its my opinion, its the tops! When one enters the world of the puck, you can only say, get ready for action! On Tuesday the St. Louis Blues battled their arch rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, the hated Chicago Blackhawks in a meaningful game here in St. Louis. The puck was dropped at approximately 7:00 and by 7:00 and one tenth seconds, Dan Hynote lit into a Hawk and they were both on the ice within seconds. The 19,000 fans went balistic knowing the Blues had sent a message. Guess what? The Blackhawks shortly after, scored the first goal of the game and the Blues trailed!
But more was to come and the St. Louis Blues put on one of their finest shows as they out hustled the Hawks in every nook and cranny of the rink and put together a blistering third period, leading to a 5-1 victory. Yes, the St. Louis Blues are back after a few years of sad and crowd displeasing hockey.
The Bear wants to congratulate Versus on its television of the games nationally. This has been the first really solid effort to attract hockey fans on TV and their doing a great job with solid announcers, well versed in this game (hard to announce a fast moving game like hockey) and on solid ice with stats, players and nomenclature.
But there is no better way to enjoy the game than to be there in person and feel the atmosphere of
a hard hitting, well played match. Some of my greatest moments were spent at the "old barn" on Oakland Ave watching our Blues vanquish their opponents and of course you have those Detroit and Chicago fans, sporting their sweaters, on hand to set off Blues fans. I'll never forget son Jimmy taking on Blackhawk loudmouths, during the playoffs many years ago, following a 2-1 sudden death victory for the Blues, while I raced for the men's room, hoping not to pee in my pants from holding it, as the game went on and on. Leave my seat: Hell no! There was son five, bloodied, but supported by the St. Louis police who hammered those windy city boys out of the Arena! Wow!
The greatest athletic contest I ever witnessed took place in 1985 (I believe that was the year) when the Blues were down 3-2 to the Calgary Flames in the playoffs and trailing 4-1 late in the third period when suddenly they caught fire and caught the Flames in the last minutes of the game and won in overtime! The Arena was shaking! Blues fans were in tears. Jacque Demers was foaming at the mouth (Blues Coach) and everyone was embracing! Never have I seen such emotion, not even in a football atmosphere at the Dome, which can get very loud! It has come to be known at the "Monday Night Miracle" and will be revered by our Blues followers forever!
Hockey fans are unlike any other. They are a study in motion. If the Blues win, "we have a great chance for the cup!" If the Blues lose: "No playoffs this year!" They love their Blues like no other and recently times have been tough. But with a new owner (Dave Checketts) and a gung-ho President (John Davidson) and with a solid and brilliant coach (Andy Murray) they are now climbing in their Western Division and with some tough road games coming up, will have to reach down for an extra amount of energy to get there.
Be that as it may, on Tuesday evening on national TV, the St. Louis Blues showed the hockey world they are going to be a contender for some time to come and St. Louis is agog in hockey talk today!
Yes, says the Bear!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
UNO FOREVER
If you were on your game this week, you would have known that one of the greatest events of this or any other generation was taking place at the home of such New York stalwarts as the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and yes, some of the greatest boxing matches ever.
I'm talkin about Madison Square Garden. The Bear has been to the Garden on two occasions, once briefly during a tour to "sneak a peak" at an aging Elvis, before a packed stadium and in 1976 as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention! This place exudes history!
But once a year "the Gaden" is home to the most priceless, distinguished group of yuppies, I mean puppies in all of the US, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which produces of course "The Best in Show!"
How I love these four legged cuties! I remember all my canines starting with "Yankee", later "Tickie", and more recently those two black beauties "Junior and Casey Bear", whose real names were "Junipero Serra" and "Casandra Barroness!" They weren't prize winners, just lovable, chummy, remarkable pals. I can remember when the Bear's football team would have a rough day, there was only one creature who understood the solace of the moment. In fact they were smarter than us in so many ways!
Yes, the Westmininster Kennel Club did it again this week. On Monday and Tuesday it was non stop viewing from 7-10 each night culminating in the "Best in Show" late in day two. What drama and what characters awaited your perusal! Bull Dogs, Labs, Police Dogs, Newfoundlands,
Pugs, Poodles, St. Bernards, hailing from Scotland, France, Great Britain, Asia, Belleville, IL, all over the universe!
The leading show dogs were paraded by a group of "dog lovers", fashioned in every size who proudly presented their mutts to the judge of the particular group being rated! And the judges, they ranged from elegant princes, with long dresses to the astute and dignified tux laden males and many of the later judges were on their last legs (in their 70's and 80's), just barely able to feel the many lines that make for that perfect animal, examine their teeth and send them on their way, with their masters racing them around the specified circular area designated for this major event.
The stadium was jammed as usual, even with a bad weather night, and they were cheering, clapping and roaring their approval of the special breeds being presented. Some could hardly make it around as their hair was daughntedly long, all the way to the Garden floor, which sometimes is an ice rink, when the Rangers are in town. While one or the other was presented the others sat in their boxes, almost spectators as well as participants.
And then he appeared! They always say: "You will know him when you see him!" Never had a Beagle won the top prize. Thats over a hundred years of shows! Never a Beagle. Never had those flappy, zappy ears and pristine noses found their way to the winner's circle. So many special dogs, Irish Setters, English hunting dogs, renowned animals from all over the universe but never never had a plain old beagle won it all!
As we approached the finals and seven dogs were inspected and trotted around the arena to the cheers, yes, one stood out. Hailing from Belleville, IL and now being trained in South Carolina, it was to be UNO, who would emerge as the "Best in Show." As he was led to the rostrum to be examined by the animal loving, kindly gentleman, who had been sequestered this evening, somewhere in Gotham, so he would not be influenced in his selections, a certain excitement illumnated this palace of sports, where Joe Louis KO'd Billy Conn and Frank Sinatra electrified his followers, But now the march of marches took place around the circle with the spotlight on an erect, tail straight, nose upward, ears of golden brown, "dog for all seasons!" There could be no doubt as 20,000 "dog lovers" went ballistic! What a moment in time!
Yes, you bet the old Bear came unglued and cheered lustily! But what was even better, UNO, once selected, let out with several "Arf Arfs" and danced madly, knowing he had copped the top prize.
"You had to feel so good!"
"The Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show:" Always the best dogon show of the year!
I'm talkin about Madison Square Garden. The Bear has been to the Garden on two occasions, once briefly during a tour to "sneak a peak" at an aging Elvis, before a packed stadium and in 1976 as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention! This place exudes history!
But once a year "the Gaden" is home to the most priceless, distinguished group of yuppies, I mean puppies in all of the US, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which produces of course "The Best in Show!"
How I love these four legged cuties! I remember all my canines starting with "Yankee", later "Tickie", and more recently those two black beauties "Junior and Casey Bear", whose real names were "Junipero Serra" and "Casandra Barroness!" They weren't prize winners, just lovable, chummy, remarkable pals. I can remember when the Bear's football team would have a rough day, there was only one creature who understood the solace of the moment. In fact they were smarter than us in so many ways!
Yes, the Westmininster Kennel Club did it again this week. On Monday and Tuesday it was non stop viewing from 7-10 each night culminating in the "Best in Show" late in day two. What drama and what characters awaited your perusal! Bull Dogs, Labs, Police Dogs, Newfoundlands,
Pugs, Poodles, St. Bernards, hailing from Scotland, France, Great Britain, Asia, Belleville, IL, all over the universe!
The leading show dogs were paraded by a group of "dog lovers", fashioned in every size who proudly presented their mutts to the judge of the particular group being rated! And the judges, they ranged from elegant princes, with long dresses to the astute and dignified tux laden males and many of the later judges were on their last legs (in their 70's and 80's), just barely able to feel the many lines that make for that perfect animal, examine their teeth and send them on their way, with their masters racing them around the specified circular area designated for this major event.
The stadium was jammed as usual, even with a bad weather night, and they were cheering, clapping and roaring their approval of the special breeds being presented. Some could hardly make it around as their hair was daughntedly long, all the way to the Garden floor, which sometimes is an ice rink, when the Rangers are in town. While one or the other was presented the others sat in their boxes, almost spectators as well as participants.
And then he appeared! They always say: "You will know him when you see him!" Never had a Beagle won the top prize. Thats over a hundred years of shows! Never a Beagle. Never had those flappy, zappy ears and pristine noses found their way to the winner's circle. So many special dogs, Irish Setters, English hunting dogs, renowned animals from all over the universe but never never had a plain old beagle won it all!
As we approached the finals and seven dogs were inspected and trotted around the arena to the cheers, yes, one stood out. Hailing from Belleville, IL and now being trained in South Carolina, it was to be UNO, who would emerge as the "Best in Show." As he was led to the rostrum to be examined by the animal loving, kindly gentleman, who had been sequestered this evening, somewhere in Gotham, so he would not be influenced in his selections, a certain excitement illumnated this palace of sports, where Joe Louis KO'd Billy Conn and Frank Sinatra electrified his followers, But now the march of marches took place around the circle with the spotlight on an erect, tail straight, nose upward, ears of golden brown, "dog for all seasons!" There could be no doubt as 20,000 "dog lovers" went ballistic! What a moment in time!
Yes, you bet the old Bear came unglued and cheered lustily! But what was even better, UNO, once selected, let out with several "Arf Arfs" and danced madly, knowing he had copped the top prize.
"You had to feel so good!"
"The Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show:" Always the best dogon show of the year!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
THEIR NOT BROAD WHERE BROADS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BROAD
Having just heard another rant from a would be Hillary supporter against the fine US Senator from the State of MO, our own Claire McCaskill, for her support of Barack Obama in the race for the Presidency of the United States on the Charles Brennan Show (KMOX St. Louis), I am trying hard not to explode with explatives deleted.
The Bear is a strong Demo and is a great fan of the brilliant Hillary Clinton but like Claire, is supporting Barack during the primary season. This has become one of the great battles in American political history, this race for the nomination and "Super Tuesday" did not change the chemistry of this race. The candidates are thinking Nebraski and that far northwest beauty Washington this weekend and DC, Maryland, and Virginia loom large on the horizon for more delegates. This is really something.
Now, I'm a White Guy and Barack is a Black/White Guy who has lived all over the place and most recently in the home of the Chicago Blackhawks (not loved by me) as did Hill at one time. Now, what am I supposed to do? Should I not support a Black/White guy because he's black or a lady, because she's well a girl? What the hell should I do? Maybe, support Mayor Bloomberg but of course he's Jewish and short! (He does ride the subway back and forth to work even though he's a zillionaire (maybe that should disqualify him). Lets threaten John McCain or maybe vote for him because he's, well "all white" and from Arizona. Oh, guess what Governor Janet Napolitano, is for Barack too! But Janet is presently one of the greats around the country and you said it, could be a major possibility for VP. But she is from Arizona where they have a lot of those illegal immigrants crossing he border! But their Latinos! And we wouldn't even consider my first choice for Prez, Bill Richardson (Yep, he was a Latino) And Mitt is a Morman and Huck is a Baptist Minister who lost over 100 lbs to look so sleek! But he's from Hope, Arkansas too!
Now back to the ladies of the morning who are threatening our Senator. Over the past two days at least five calls and probably more have come into Mr. Brennan, some while Senator McCaskill was on the air chastising her for not "voting for a woman!" Without being too dramatic, they have told Claire: "We're not going to vote for you next time!" "Woooooo!" Wow: Watch out Caroline Kennedy, Jean Carnahan, Oprah, Cassie Christian (she's a beauty queen), Maria Shriver. Watch out! Their coming but from where? Are they NOW girlies? Are they hotsy totsy Soccer moms?
Are they pseudo intellectual dollies? Are they left overs from Roswell?
Our US Senator, Claire McCaskill has gained national acclairm in her very first term as a US Senator by her solid and candid political prowess and some are even talking VP Candidate.
She says "hell no!" She has been a working Senator for all the people and is not one of these
shrill skanks who must have it all! Imagine being tied down to one of these feminazis! Ugh!
While they have the right to disagree with Claire's stand on the candidates, when they play the "dollie card" they urinate on the sanctification of the "Women"s Movement" which this writer supports. The Bear has in the past supported "The Equal Rights Amendment" (not sure if this is the proper way to gain acceptance as a force) but of course all women should be equal and therefore it is sheer folly when these organizations, (surely not supported by Hill) become overly aggressive.
Senator, if I could vote for you twice I would. You make me proud of the "Show Me" state.
As for the call ins and threats it is evident they are: "Not Broads Where Broads Should Be Broad!"
The Bear is a strong Demo and is a great fan of the brilliant Hillary Clinton but like Claire, is supporting Barack during the primary season. This has become one of the great battles in American political history, this race for the nomination and "Super Tuesday" did not change the chemistry of this race. The candidates are thinking Nebraski and that far northwest beauty Washington this weekend and DC, Maryland, and Virginia loom large on the horizon for more delegates. This is really something.
Now, I'm a White Guy and Barack is a Black/White Guy who has lived all over the place and most recently in the home of the Chicago Blackhawks (not loved by me) as did Hill at one time. Now, what am I supposed to do? Should I not support a Black/White guy because he's black or a lady, because she's well a girl? What the hell should I do? Maybe, support Mayor Bloomberg but of course he's Jewish and short! (He does ride the subway back and forth to work even though he's a zillionaire (maybe that should disqualify him). Lets threaten John McCain or maybe vote for him because he's, well "all white" and from Arizona. Oh, guess what Governor Janet Napolitano, is for Barack too! But Janet is presently one of the greats around the country and you said it, could be a major possibility for VP. But she is from Arizona where they have a lot of those illegal immigrants crossing he border! But their Latinos! And we wouldn't even consider my first choice for Prez, Bill Richardson (Yep, he was a Latino) And Mitt is a Morman and Huck is a Baptist Minister who lost over 100 lbs to look so sleek! But he's from Hope, Arkansas too!
Now back to the ladies of the morning who are threatening our Senator. Over the past two days at least five calls and probably more have come into Mr. Brennan, some while Senator McCaskill was on the air chastising her for not "voting for a woman!" Without being too dramatic, they have told Claire: "We're not going to vote for you next time!" "Woooooo!" Wow: Watch out Caroline Kennedy, Jean Carnahan, Oprah, Cassie Christian (she's a beauty queen), Maria Shriver. Watch out! Their coming but from where? Are they NOW girlies? Are they hotsy totsy Soccer moms?
Are they pseudo intellectual dollies? Are they left overs from Roswell?
Our US Senator, Claire McCaskill has gained national acclairm in her very first term as a US Senator by her solid and candid political prowess and some are even talking VP Candidate.
She says "hell no!" She has been a working Senator for all the people and is not one of these
shrill skanks who must have it all! Imagine being tied down to one of these feminazis! Ugh!
While they have the right to disagree with Claire's stand on the candidates, when they play the "dollie card" they urinate on the sanctification of the "Women"s Movement" which this writer supports. The Bear has in the past supported "The Equal Rights Amendment" (not sure if this is the proper way to gain acceptance as a force) but of course all women should be equal and therefore it is sheer folly when these organizations, (surely not supported by Hill) become overly aggressive.
Senator, if I could vote for you twice I would. You make me proud of the "Show Me" state.
As for the call ins and threats it is evident they are: "Not Broads Where Broads Should Be Broad!"
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