Reagans in the Mitten

Don't They Get It?

2008-05-13T10:21:00.003-05:00

The Detroit Lions are offering half-season ticket packages for the first time I can remember. Five games in each of two packages. Lower, upper, and club levels. Must be they are not selling all their season tickets! Can't imagine why. They have a veteran quarterback, great draft choices, no one left from last year's losing season, and Matt Millen at the helm. Wink, wink.

The talking heads of sports radio around here have been encouraging fans to give up their seats if they are not satisfied--looks like that is happening. The Lions will spin the shrink in sales to the weak--OK, horrible--economic conditions in metro Detroit. IMHO that cannot be the whole reason since the 55,000 season ticket holders are, for the most part, financially able to afford them. Perhaps the outrageous jump in ticket prices (ours from $70 to $90) for such a weak product contributes as well.

Also heard on the radio yesterday that a season ticket holder emailed the Lions with a complaint about his club level seats. The email was sent up the line and a response sent back down with an inadvertent copy to the customer. In essence the corporate response was, "F*** him--we'll take care of it next year!" Believable? Yes.

And yet the fans here will still support them. Go figure.

How Suite It Was

2008-05-13T10:12:00.003-05:00

Brenda took me to the Tiger baseball game Saturday versus the New York Yankees.

Her company hosted workers and their guests. Had a great time though the good guys lost. Bonderman got in trouble early again and could not last through the fifth. 5-2 loss goes in the books.

Met interesting people, many transplants to Michigan. We had a suite down the left field foul line past the foul pole. Great sunny weather but we were under the overhang in the shade. With a loud speaker overhead!

These were great seats to see how much ground Curtis Granderson covers in center field. Yankees hit a couple that he had to chase down on the fly and one that he caught on the bounce off the center field wall to hold the batter to a double--great view.

Too bad the Tigers have invested so much money and have so little to show for it at this time.

Thank you, Brenda.

The Last Lecture

2008-05-09T06:33:00.003-05:00

Randy Pauch has made his mark. He is the computer science professor from Carnegie Mellon, a father and a husband, who has pancreatic cancer. His last lecture is watched frequently on the Internet and has sparked many interviews. This book gives his viewpoints on life and the end of life. I won't attempt to summarize here -- that would be a disservice to how good the book is written.

Much of what he says he does--which he attributes to his success as a student, teacher, husband, and father--most people I know do also and they are likewise successful. I found his reflections validate my thinking.

The book is a short and easy read. And I recommend you do read it.

He's That Good

2008-05-05T17:47:00.006-05:00

A couple years ago Kathy, Brenda and I were in Evart for the Osceola County Fair and stopped to watch a gospel singing group called the Sears Trio. They have been together for a long time and Kathy remembers her dad speaking highly of them. We had heard them several times before and enjoy very much their singing. On this occasion there was also another group entertaining, the New Reformation Jazz Band. A young twenty-two year old clarinetist caught our attention playing what sounded to me like Benny Goodman. (My folks had many BG 45 rpm records, aka vinyls, which I played until the grooves were smooth and I knew every song.) We were so impressed we looked up Dave Bennett on the Internet and tried to find if he was performing locally. He has a website but performances were not convenient either in location nor date.

And then, last Saturday, Bennett, now just twenty-four, performed with the DSO. And what a performance. Classic Benny Goodman songs with his own twist in a few places. Especially Sing, Sing, Sing, perhaps my favorite, which has a couple drum solos. He had members of the orchestra tapping their feet and slapping their thighs in time with his beat. And the woman singer was a chip off the old block of Peggy Lee or Rosemary Clooney.

I will still try to see where he is performing locally--he's that good.

Season Opener

2008-04-28T17:45:00.004-05:00

We went up to the lake last Friday morning to open it for the season. Stopped first in Birch Run for a few items (outlet malls are becoming shopping malls, methinks), then for lunch and return empty printer cartridges for $3 credit OfficeMax in Midland (James' blog about his Kindle book bargain prompted this stop), and finally dropped off a watch for repair at Hick's Jewelers in Clare.

Pouring rain when we arrived so had to postpone visiting Preston, Angie's 3.5 week old newborn son, until later. Unloaded stuff, put a few things away and read for a while. No dead critters--flies, spiders, or otherwise. When the rain stopped we started the pump (did not want to get drenched in the downpour). Off to see Preston, then to Foster's for a few grocery items. Listened to Red Wings on radio that evening before turning in.

Saturday was a work day. Kathy cleaned--dusted, vacuumed, washed and scrubbed--the inside and removed the leavings of a local raccoon. I prepped the Ranger and JD riding mower for the summer. Took a spin on the Ranger to Kelvin's and Lee's but go no answer at either. We then inspected the property on our way back finding many trees down or nearly so--cleaning them up will keep us busy.

Sunday morning we picked up Kelvin and went to Barryton for breakfast. Spent extra time talking and finishing our coffees. After that we packed the SUV and took a leisurely drive home.

We have a busy summer planned for the lake -- a mix of work, play, and relaxation.

A New Author for Me

2008-04-24T08:57:00.002-05:00

I just finished People of Darkness by Tony Hillerman. Jim Bade suggested this author if I was interested in native American culture since the main character is Jim Chee, a native American who is a detective with a tribal police force.

The setting in New Mexico, outside major cities, on reservations and in desolate outposts. Chee solves a case of a murdered dying man, a box of rocks that someone is will to pay dearly for its return, and a many-years-old crime.

I found descriptions of culture, including religion, fascinating, fresh and interesting. I've already started a second Chee mystery.

MBT

2008-04-14T20:49:00.000-05:00

On Thursday we saw Meadowbrook Theatre production of Moonlight and Magnolias, a play about writing the screenplay for the movie Gone with the Wind. It was interesting how the screenplay came about and the time it took. In addition, the director and writer had little confidence in its success.

I know little about the story GWTW--from the book or the movie--except for some character names and the famous line. If I would have watched the movie or read the book before I saw the play, I would have appreciated it more.

Great acting and another great set. One actor, who played Ben Hecht who wrote the script for the movie, is Tom Whalen, who James knows from his summer work while in college. We have seen him in a number of productions but I believe this one is his biggest part. We look forward to seeing him again.

Great Minds

2008-04-11T08:10:00.002-05:00

I just finished a fascinating account of Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions by Ben Mezrich. This is the basis for the movie 21.

A group of MIT students, some undergrads and some graduate students, implement a systematic team-oriented card counting system that increases chances of beating the dealer in blackjack. As cards come out of the "shoe", team members count cards in lower third (roughly) as positive one, cards in the middle third as zero, and cards in the upper third as negative one. The greater the positive count, the greater chance a player has of beating the dealer. A computer simulation in the mid-60s produced results suggesting greater positive shoes give about 7-20% advantage to the player over the dealer, depending on the size of the positive count. As the shoe is dealt a team member keeps a running total and signals teammates to enter the play at their table and also gives verbal signals as to the positive count of the shoe. After long periods of time spent in practices, the team goes to Las Vegas and other casinos and earns tens of thousands each day of their play. Their escapades is the main theme of the book. A secondary theme is their interactions among themselves and with casino "security".

Though I have never played blackjack at a casino, I found the book interesting, informative, and entertaining. A good read. I look forward to seeing the movie.

Doubt

2008-04-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

We went to Ann Arbor last week to see Molly Thomas in the Performance Network production of Doubt. A play set in 1964 at a Catholic school and focuses on the principal who confronts a priest about his abuse of a young student. In addition the principal confronts a young teacher (Molly) about her teaching and her support of the priest, actually disbelieving the principal. Eventually the priest, under pressure, moves to another parish, and about the suspicions of the principal? We are left with doubt.

About a dozen of us went, some retired collegues of Jane Thomas and some family friends, and had dinner before. A fine production with great acting in this small venue. The set was terrific. And we found out after the performance that the production is extended for an additional week.

National Champion

2008-04-08T14:06:00.001-05:00

I must have had a brain cramp. Let me rephrase that.

Kansas, in overtime.

Final Game

2008-04-06T10:09:00.005-05:00

Now that I've done so well, LOL, let me pick the National Champion...

Memphis. Just because.

My Picks...

2008-04-02T23:23:00.002-05:00

For the Final Four games.

I'll take North Carolina over Kansas. Too much power.

And UCLA over Memphis. Too consistent.

With NC as national champion.

Shut Out Already?

2008-04-02T23:05:00.003-05:00

We had a great day for baseball at Comerica Park. Tigers vs KC Royals for an afternoon game. Cloudless skies, temps in the low 50s, not even a breeze. Cap and gloves came off when we took our seats.

Smiths went with us and we had lunch at Leo's Coney Island at the ball park (our first choice, Cheli's Bar, had a 45 minute wait 50 minutes before game time).

Seats were behind the visitors dugout, about 20 rows up, and we stayed warm in the sunshine until the ninth inning when the shadows of the upper deck finally covered us.

Kenny Rogers started for the Tigers and pitched quite well. As did relievers. They gave up four runs. But the well-paid offense produced nothing. Three hits--all by Edgar Renteria who was eliminated twice by ground ball double plays. So Royals pitchers faced on one batter more than the minimum--great pitching.

But it's always a treat for us to see the Tigers play in person.

We Can't See You

2008-04-01T09:42:00.001-05:00

We had a great time at the Midwest Regional games at Ford Field. Fairly close to the floor we have fairly good views of most of the play. But it could have been better.

The basketball floor was placed in the center of the stadium rather than in an endzone, a first of its kind. It was also raised about 20 inches above the stadium floor. Risers were built from about the 12th row of the permanent seating to near the floor along the sidelines; some permanent seats were removed to permit the risers. This provided over thirty rows from the floor to the stands on the risers. (Risers were also built from the basketball floor endlines into the endzones--not sure how those seats were distributed nor how much was charges for them, but they could not have permitted a decent view.) In addition to the spectator seats there were the obligatory many rows of tables for media and others along the sidelines.

Our view was from the 23rd row of the risers in a section roughly along a line from the center of he court through the corner of the court.We were fairly close to the court but were obstructed by those seated in front of us from a clear view of the entire court and of the full length of the players. In addition, during parts of Friday's games and during all of Sunday's game students in the adjacent section closer to midcourt than we were and in the first several rows stood so we would stand to see part of the play. That may not have been bad except the rise from row to row was about 6 inches (so many rows were placed in a rise of so few feet) and spectators in front of me more than made up for my extra elevation with their extra height.

The NCAA can boast that record crowds for playoff games were set both days, 53000 and 53500. But how can one spectate from the upper level endzone seats? Or the suites which are set along the outside walls of the stadium. And yet I read the NCAA will keep the same configuration for the 2009 NCAA Final Four at Ford Field except for some tweaking. I suppose this is more evidence (do we need more?) of NCAA greed.

I think Kathy and I can summarize our feelings about the seating. We talked about the conditions and asked each other two questions.

Q1. Are you glad we came and did you have a good time?

A1. Yes, definitely.

Q2. If you could have the same seats for the same price for the 2009 Final Four, would you buy them?

A2. No (even though we would love to see a Final Four).

A Weekend in the D...

2008-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

for the NCAA Division I Midwest Regional and a DSO Pops Series Concert.

Friday afternoon we drove downtown to the Courtyard hotel on Jefferson at Brush, about 15 minute walk to Ford Field. We dropped the car with the valet and checked in where we were upgraded to a junior suite--bigger room including sofa, this one with a view of the Detroit River and Windsor. Fourteenth floor (but that would change--more on that below). During the weekend we saw several freighters both upbound and downbound, and broken ice--several miles long-- flowing from Lake Saint Clair to Lake Erie.

Left for the 7:10 game between Wisconsin and Davidson. Met a few UW fans in hotel elevator who were surprised we would be pulling for Wisconsin--they seemed very parochial, that only they from Wisconsin would be rooting for THEIR team. But they may not be typical. We eventually went back on our word and became Davidson fans. Tied at the half we wondered if either team would shoot well. Davidson owned the second half. Baby-faced sophomore Stephen Curry took over and shot the Wildcats to a double-digit victory with a great individual performance (later he was named Most Outstanding Player of the regional). Wondering why he was playing at DC, Kathy found out he was only 5'7" as a hs junior and the "big" schools would not touch him. I think it works in his favor that he got to such a selective school. The next morning UW fans at our hotel were like rats leaving a sinking ship. A quiet, somber mood among them.

After breakfast Saturday morning we drove up East Jefferson to Pewabic Pottery to see their store. A building in front of the store is being demolished drawing interested people to take pictures. We should have had breathing masks because of the dust. Interesting store with many fine pieces by a number of different artists. A huge kiln and racks of pottery being readied for firing were found behind the retail space. I saw many pieces that I wanted but the price kept the plastic in my wallet. Then drove through Grosse Pointes and back downtown to look for geocaches. Had many options and chose one at Mariner's Church and another at the Renaissance Center--found neither; will do more research so we can grab them later. Dinner at Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen on the edge of Greektown, followed by a walk back to the hotel to dress for the DSO concert. A great concert featuring six singers belting out songs of the sixties accompanied by the DSO.

Let's get a good night's sleep. And we did, until 4 am when the smoke detector began chirping like it wanted a fresh battery and then went full blast like I was back at school! Called the front desk and was told, "Just remove the battery." I don't think so. "You should send someone up here soon!" was my reply. And a rent-a-cop showed up without a clue as to what to do. He called the front desk and, I suspect from hearing his responses, was told the same thing. Eventually, after we spent about a half hour in the hall protecting our ears from the noise, we were told our room would be changed to the twelfth floor. We packed it all up and, dressed in our finest robe and pj's, lumbered off to our new room led by one of the late night parking valets!!! Finally, back to bed.

After rising later than we planned and dressing for the day, we checked out and were given some accommodation for our inconvenience. Breakfast in Dearborn? Why not. Found a good family restaurant, Leon's, near one of our favorite burger shops, Miller's Bar. We were hoping for a good IMAX movie but nothing that interested us was playing at either the Henry Ford Museum or the Detroit Science Center. So let's just bum around Fairlane Shopping Center. Back to Ford Field where we found a parking spot where we normally park (could have used the hotel parking but thought we would get away from the stadium easier). Went into the stadium for the pregame color. And what a game! The best of the three. Close the entire game though I thought Kansas would begin to pull away from Davidson midway through the second half. But Davidson would not go away and could have won on a last second three-pointer had Kansas not played such tough defense that final 16 seconds. And, again, the star of the game was Stephen Curry. We look forward to seeing him next year.

Stopped by Pat Morrow's on the way home to pick up Tiger tickets we are buying through her son, Brian, for Wednesday's game. Let's get home and get some sleep--without a smoke alarm failure.

My Eyes Deceive Me...Or Do They?

2008-03-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Interesting misperception.
And some research on perception.

My Picks...

2008-03-20T13:43:00.004-05:00

For the sweet sixteen.

East: North Carolina, Washington State, Louisville, Tennessee

Midwest: Kansas, Vanderbilt, Southern Cal, Georgetown (Kathy and I will be there)

South: Memphis, Michigan State, Marquette, Texas

West: UCLA, Drake, Purdue, Duke

Next week, I'll give my final four.

Desert Southwest Basketball Trip

2008-03-20T08:00:00.005-05:00

On Wednesday, March 12, Bade, Dupuis, and I arrived in El Paso to bright, sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s. We had lunch at a local Mexican restaurant with Gerry McCool who graduated from Stevenson HS in late 70s. Gerry played basketball at Central Michigan, went to Chicago to podiatry school, and eventually bought the second office from his original partner in El Paso. After checking in to the hotel we took a ride along the Transmountain Road that crosses a mountain on the edge of El Paso, seeing beautiful desert mountain scenery. Later we visited UTEP to see the Sun Bowl and Don Haskins Arena--beautiful setting cut into the mountains.

It's a small world. I was making small talk with another guest in the hotel elevator. Eventually he asked me if my name is Jim. Well, yes, then if my last name is Reagan. He is Bob Langham who Brenda knows very well in the business world and was in El Paso on business.

Jeff McCool drove in from Hobbs, New Mexico to join us for the week.

Thursday we drove up to Las Cruces, NM to New Mexico State University for four quarterfinal games of the Western Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament. Winners followed the seedings. Attendance was light except for the last game of the day when host NMSU beat Idaho (located in Moscow where Joey lived). This is where Jeff played his college basketball. We met up with Dean Carmichael for dinner and the second session; Dean is a former student at Jeff's junior college who Jeff mentored mentored and now teaches in Las Cruces.

The next day we drove up to Albuquerque. Mountains on either side and desert as far as the eye could see. Four hours and nothing but desert. Actually we went through Albuquerque to Sante Fe and after seeing the state capitol had lunch on the square (plaza) and then drove back to Albuquerque. That evening we attended a college baseball game at Isotopes Park, the home of Albuquerque's AAA baseball team, between U of New Mexico and UNLV. Glad I took a jacket since the temperature dropped about 10 degrees in the hour after the sun set. Later, Mark Golda, who taught at SHS with us twelve years ago before returning to Albuquerque, joined us at the hotel for war stories and a nickel-dime poker game.

Saturday morning found us at the first of eight high school basketball final games, both boys and girls, played at the Pit, UNM's famous basketball arena. Jeff and Jim stayed for all eight games, but Ken and I took our breaks from the action. After the last game ended (Jeff's Hobbs team beat Clovis for the 5A championship) we went to get a bite to eat. And in this college and hotel area most restaurants were closed, including Fuddruckers and Burger King--amazing. Not yet ready for bed we took a ten minute drive to Sandia Casino where I lost playing video poker -- get this Brenda -- one whole dollar. Here's an industry that is flourishing! New casino, new hotel in the middle of the desert.

Sunday we drove back to El Paso through a sandstorm. Driving winds kept us from relaxing at the wheel. When we took our pit stop we got sand in our eyes and mouths. We got back early enough so Jeff could have a lot of daylight for his return trip to Hobbs. Watched a bit of the NCAA tourney selection show, then had dinner where Brenda recommended, Dominic's. Great food and ambiance. I now know why she likes this place.

Great weather through the whole trip except for the winds--sunny, temperatures from 40s to 70s, We returned Monday to 30s and snow still on the ground in Romeo.

I Can't Hear You.

2008-02-28T21:09:00.003-05:00

For many airplane trips I had tried to listen to music and podcast downloads through regular headphones or earbuds but could not hear clearly enough for my satisfaction. So Kathy bought me a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones. They worked great at home. While reading on the living room couch, I could play music throught them and nullify the television audio from Kathy's television program. Then on our most recent trip to Seattle I used them on the plane. I could clearly hear my Old Time Radio programs downloaded to my portable XM satellite receiver and podcasts downloaded to my Ipod Shuffle. Then as I worked on some writing I listened to music and the drone of the engines filtered out. Clearly a phenomenal gift. Thank you, Kathy.

A Week on the Ridge

2008-02-26T18:07:00.003-05:00

Our first stop after Amy picked us up from Sea-Tac Airport was a shopping center. I left my belt somewhere in the security area at Metro Airport--took it off to pass the screening and did not pick it up. It was quite worn and needed to be replaced anyway. So I bought a new one at Macy's. Ate at nearby Bahama Breeze and then on to Reagan house on the Ridge. Boys were still sick (flu) or just getting over it. But all were in good spirits though they needed to still sleep to fully recover. Weather would turn out to be great for the whole week--sunny every day getting warmer each day.

Monday. We hiked some local trails and took the boys to a local park for swinging, sliding, and climbing. James did some work from home since he did not feel well enough to go into office. In the evening James introduced us to Guitar Hero, an electronic game where Kathy and I played guitars, beat some drums, and sang some lyrics. Spencer joined us but Garrett was too tired and slept through our concert. Only drawback for me was the songs are all too recent--from the eightys!!! Nothing from the Golden Age of R&R, say mid-50s to mid-70s.

Tuesday. A trip to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma. Spencer especially liked the penguins and Garrett the monkeys and reindeer. A wonderful zoo, great walkways to exhibits, informative signs. I especially liked the marine exhibits which focused attention on the north Pacific and Puget Sound.

Wednesday. We drove up to Smoqualmie Pass for some sledding. Snow depth up to second story of houses. Found a Sno-park and the boys took their sleds up and down the hill. It was warming to about 40 so the snow was getting slushy and slow but the kids had a ball. We ate a late lunch at the restaurant at Summit Inn where the windows were blocked with snow and icicles you couldn't get your arms around.

Thursday. Into Seattle to Dick's Drive Inn for burger, fries, and shakes (only drawback is no special orders like 'ketchup and onions, hold the dill pickles'). Then to Green Lake Park for picnic and playground fun. Spencer loved the merry-go-round. A father wore himself out spinning it 'round and 'round to the delight of several kids in addition to his two (he was careful that the kids did hang on). Garrett liked monkey bars and slides. The day was cool, perfect for active kids. Great, large green space on Green Lake in north Seattle with diverse visiors. On the way home we stopped at a Lego store so Spencer could spend some of his Valentine gift money from Grandma and Grandpa; he got a couple pieces he has had his eyes on.

Friday. Spencer and Garrett took long bike rides with us. Our route took us to Starbucks for breakfast, then to Amy's neighbor's scrapbooking store. We stopped at a couple parks on the way home. The boys loved riding their bikes in the cool and sunny winter weather. For dinner we met James at the Crab Pot restaurant in Bellvue, a seafood eatery we went to a couple years back. Great food.

Saturday. Kathy came down with flu-like symptoms so a visit to Mount Rainier was scrapped and she slept all afternoon, evening, and night. Bike ride to a park, swinging, climbing, and running around was followed with pizza for dinner.

Sunday. Kathy was feeling much better though certainly not nearly 100% when we left early in the moring to catch our flight home. She tollerated the flight quite well, sleeping much of the way. Driving from Metro we had no snow on the ground until Shelby Twp, then deep remaining snow in Romeo.

A great trip with lots of different activities and fun with the grand kids.

Slip Slidin' Away

2008-02-20T13:06:00.005-05:00

The trip from Romeo to Detroit Metro Airport was the longest we'd ever made. It took us twice as long as usual. Got up at about 4:15 am on Sunday to check outside--forecast was for freezing rain. Nothing yet. Then a half hour later I decided to back the SUV to the garage door. Skated down the driveway to the SUV, ice covering everything. It doesn't have to be thick to be dangerous. We left about an hour or so earlier than we planned. Got onto Van Dyke and traveled between 20 mph and 30 mph down through freezing rain to Warren-Sterling Heights border. There we found roads had been salted so we could increase our speed to about 45 mph. Onto the freeway system. But wait! "I-94 is closed near the airport and will not reopen soon. Downed power line." So a slight detour. Closer to the airport temperatures rose, salt was more effective, so I could relax some. Finally made it. About two and a half hour drive.

Passenger crowds were heavy, heavier than I expected for a Sunday morning. But then, some families may have had the week off for mid-winter break and others were just starting theirs. After that, things were uneventful. Arrived to sunny, 50 degree weather in Seattle.

Snooze Through the Commercials

2008-02-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

Maybe it was the game. Maybe it's my age. Maybe it's the history. But to me the commercials during the Super Bowl were--how can I say this best--weak. The dalmatian training the Clydesdale caught my eye--very clever, had a Rocky-type story. (So did the guy jump starting the woman's car, but it was disgusting. And the disclaimer DON'T TRY THIS--who are you targeting that you need to tell them?)

The game was so-so for three quarters. Lots of records, we were told. Of the who cares? variety. Fewest possessions in the first quarter, second fewest points through . . . And so on.

But the final quarter mad me glad I watched. Well played, some great plays, and a substantial underdog victory. The Giant game plan was superb and well executed. Protect yourselves old time Giants fans--those New Yorkers will now be jumping on the bandwagon.

My Rant About Sports Announcing

2008-01-31T22:20:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one who thinks the current crop needs dusting?

The incessant chatter, droning on and on about things remotely linked to the play, irks me. Since when are announcers to fill every moment of airtime with their babble?

Why do they generalize from one play? "That was some catch; he's got great hands" Then later he drops an easy one. We teach young children in school to avoid generalizing from too little data.

We know they can read because they do so from the media guide. "Played nine sports in high school... really liked playing the net at number two doubles...partner went on to Bowdoin College after two years at Division II Hillsdale College...) Do your homework. glean information that makes sense; write notecards, if you must, and label them for moments in the game where they might be important. Like approaching a personal best; who cares that three years ago he completed 6 of 8 passes in the first quarter against Philadelphia in 45 degree weather in the fog and mist--you remember THAT game? Digest it for me, if you want, but do not read it to me.

And finally, even though they watch monitors showing the same view I see, are they watching the same game I am? Their "rush to comment" so often needs correction. Do they need bigger monitors (viewers now have big-screen TVs)? Or should they just let the picture speak its thousand words.

Kathy and I watched much of the NFL playoff games sans audio--remember the experiment a few years back with a game telecast and just the stadium microphone open for audio? Maybe the NFL could broadcast two audio tracks--one with the commentators (better yet, with choices of commentators, the additional ones the studio) and another track with the crowd noise and stadium announcer.

I expect the Super Bowl coverage to be much the same. Where's that "mute" button?

Red Wings

2008-01-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

Last Tuesday I attended a Red WIngs game, my first in a couple years. Pretty decent seats--just inside the goal line, but midway up the upper bowl. We could hear the click-click-click of puck hitting stick but not the shush of skates carving the ice.

Atlanta Thrashers' Marian Hossa scored the first three goals of the game, my first live attendance at a natural hat trick. Only one hat thrown onto the ice. Very exciting for me, though Wings fans were upset--more so with the play of the Wings than with Hossa. The Wings did not have their best game though they outshot Atlanta about 2 to 1. Even so, Atlanta continued to "stick it to them" with the Wings scoring a late goal to avoid a shutout--5-1 Thrashers.

I had heard attendance was down at JLA and it was noticeable. Bud Lynch announced throughout the game tickets were still available for Thursday so it was not sold out either. Word on the street is fans are discouraged that the Wings increased ticket prices at the same time the players agreed to a salary cap--understandable.

[There's talk about replacing JLA? Entrances are poor (the main one is outright dangerous in snow and ice), concourses are narrow, decor is concrete moderne. It's still functional. And should taxpayers finance a facility that they cannot afford to use or do not want to? It is a huge cost for so few people. (Pittsburgh is planning one at $225 million and Forbes values the franchise at $137 million. Put the franchise up as collateral--isn't that what most businesses have to do for capital investments?)]

All in all, a great night!!!

Christmas Week With Brenda

2008-01-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at Brenda's. Christmas day, of course, we just lounged around, ate dinner, opened gifts, and watched some sports.

We traveled to Stones River National Battlefield. Reenactments of the battle were staged, cannon were fired, "soldiers" explained how they felt and what they thought. A tour of the site gives a sense of the enormity of the battle, the condition of the terrain, and difficulties posed by the cedar woods.

A short way from the encampment of tents, soldiers, cannon, rifles, and wagons is the Stones River National Cemetery which has the oldest Civil War monument--quite impressive. We found a William Reagan from Indiana and an Albert Corey from Illinois listed among the buried. This experience gives me pause to reflect on how much so many have sacrificed to build this nation into what we are today.

The Nashville Zoo was bustling with zoo-goers--infants, toddlers, and kids, young people and older, all out on a cool, cloudy day to see the animals. Impressive zoo. I especially liked the Bengal Tigers, Meerkats (shown below huddling together in the cold), Grant's Zebra and the Toco Toucan. On the grounds is also a carousel and the old homestead of Grassmere. Not yet finished, the plans look to make this an outstanding zoo.

We did some shopping with Brenda and helped select some new furniture and furnishings. We did some geocaching later one nice day but had time for only one find.

Saw Purdue beat Central Michigan and the Titans beat Indianapolis Colts to qualify for the playoffs. In addition Nashville hosted the Music City Bowl between Kentucky and Florida State and for several days bracketing the game we saw fans of both decked out in their colors.

The time went by so fast, but Brenda reminded me that I gained an hour going down so it shouldn't seem that bad.