Weekend Open Thread

I'll be busy with the family celebrating the nation's birthday.

Until next time...

FYI

I knew it was either this week or next, but the official two-year anniversary was yesterday!

Wolverine Update

The script by David Benioff with revisions by David Ayer is amazing.

Comic Book Resources tells us what the gross from yesterday's opening of Superman Returns means.

Apparently, Fantastic Four 2: the Next Chapter has been renamed Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer. This could eventually lead to a spin-off series of it's own dealing with the Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd).

In Red Sox action yesterday, Curt Schilling got his 10th win and Papelbon picked up his 24th save of the season. Mark Loretta and David Ortiz went yard.

I'll be back later on.

The big question: Is Superman Jewish?

It's been a big debate.

Here's one view from the Jewish Virtual Library:

Despite his superhuman powers, Superman shared some characteristic traits with a majority of American Jews in the 1940s. Like them, he had arrived in America from a foreign world. His entire family—in fact his entire race—had been wiped out in a holocaust-like disaster on his home planet, Krypton. Like German Jewish parents who sent their children on the kindertransports, or the baby Moses set adrift in the bull rushes, Superman's parents launched him to Earth in hopes that he would survive. And while the mild-mannered Clark Kent held a white collar job as a reporter by day, the “real” man behind Kent's meek exterior was a virile, indestructible crusader for justice. This fantasy must have resonated among American Jews, who felt powerless to help their brethren in the death camps of Europe.

Superman obeys the Talmudic injunction to do good for its own sake and heal the world where he can. Siegel and Shuster had created a mythic character who reflected their own Jewish values.

Check BangitOut.com

Here's another site that's large enough to be a novel--which is more of a debate question than anything.

Wolverine: 2007

Marvel must be getting busy for 2007 with at least 4 comic book movies due out at minimum (Ghost Rider, Spider-Man 3, Fantastic Four 2: The Next Chapter, and now Wolverine)

The Hollywood Reporter has more on this.

20th Century Fox promised the gathered exhibitors a Jackman starrer titled Wolverine for next year and Jackman himself sent the show a taped promise to back up the news.

By the way, check out these pics of Superman's signal at Niagara Falls!

Anyway, for the next year, the big talk will be Spider-Man 3. At the least, Marvel will be kept busy with movies coming out with the rate of one per fiscal quarter.

Kos on the campaign bloggers:

Evan Bayh has Chris Smith who I met during the book tour and seemed like a really cool guy. And his operation is aggressively blogging and wooing bloggers.

I've never met the guy but from his work over at AAPAC, he sure sounds like a cool guy.

Tom Loftus' article from yesterday's C-J dealing with censorship.

The 2008 candidates are getting busy in Iowa.

Former Vilsack administration policy adviser Dusky Terry and Heather Matson, who ran Terry's losing primary bid for Iowa agriculture secretary this year, have joined Heartland PAC in Iowa, said the organization's Iowa political director Jeff Link.

The only other Democrat eyeing the 2008 presidential nomination with staff in Iowa is Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh. The Midwestern political director for Bayh's political action committee spends most of his time in Iowa, aides said. But Bayh's All America PAC is planning to train about 50 staff to dispatch across the country this fall.

"A good number are likely to end up in Iowa," Bayh spokesman Dan Pfeifer said.

Unfortunately, that's all I have for right now other than Ebert must really be insane for giving Superman Returns a bad review. Of course, he's the same guy that liked Batman and Robin!

What's your favorite movie based on a comic book?

Get well, Peter Gammons!

Peter Gammons has suffered from a brain aneurysm and, according to ESPN, is currently in surgery. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Peter Gammons and his family.

Other stuff...

Well, time to get some other stuff out of my system. The post dealing with sports sites being blocked was picked up by Deadspin.com. That is the same website that ran some post in March or so with two Kentuckians rapping.

Joe Piscopo is heading to Buffalo.

Craig Hansen picked up the win for the Red Sox last yesterday as they won 8-7 in extra innings.

Here's Joe Biesk's article that was published yesterday through the AP.

Daniel Chejfec, executive director of the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation, viewed the three Jewish-related sites and said they were pro-Israeli and contained nothing offensive. While employers may limit employees' Internet access, the material on the Jewish-related sites was not pornographic, Chejfec said.

"Do I believe that somebody certainly abused their privileges by mislabeling sites they didn't like? Probably," Chejfec said. "So what. There's nothing you can do about it - I wish there were, but there isn't."

Let's meet the players for Superman Returns.

Trump to build a 70-story building in Tel Aviv.

"We are developing a signature landmark property so impressive that it will set a new standard for luxury condominium living in Israel," Trump said in a statement.

"I am confident that Israel’s future can only go one direction, and that is up.”"

It's a slow news day...

Rant: The Land before Time

When I saw The Land before Time at the old Showcase Cinema in 1988 or so, I loved it even though I was scared of the T Rex at the time. But as the years went on, they released a direct to video sequel in 1994, it was okay. Then they released another sequel in 1995, that one was okay as well. But some classics should never be messed with in the way that they are messing with this one.

True, there have been over 20 James Bond films about Agent 007 but seriously, do we really need ten direct-to-video sequels to The Land before Time. Absolutely, not! When I see a movie, I usually like watching the entire series at the same time. This series--not so easy. Why, you ask? They come out with a new film each year! Instead of coming out with a new film each year, they should have made it into a TV series way back when.

Honestly, I used to appreciate the series...I have the first two in video but then, they released another one...and another. And another. The list goes on and on. Just look here:
The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure (1994) (V)
The Land Before Time III: The Time of the Great Giving (1995) (V)
The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists (1996) (V)
The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island (1997) (V)
The Land Before Time VI: The Secret of Saurus Rock (1998) (V)
The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire (2000) (V)
The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze (2001) (V)
The Land Before Time IX: Journey to the Big Water (2002) (V)
The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration (2003) (V)
The Land Before Time XI: Invasion of the Tinysauruses (2004) (V)

To make matters worse, they are doing what they should have done back in the day: airing a TV version on the Cartoon Network come 2007. Will I be watching this one? It's doubtful that I will. We're talking about a series that has been killed with as many video sequels as it has.

As the saying goes, they should quit while they are ahead. They've released so many that I still need to catch up on them--and that will be highly doubtful.

Superman Returns

I just got back from a sneak preview of Superman Returns and absolutely loved it.

For someone who never saw the original films (If I did, it has been several years), Brandon Routh does a superb job of filling in some large shoes left by the one and only Christopher Reeve (G-d bless his soul) as the legendary Clark Kent/Superman.

It's weird seeing James Marsden (Richard White) without his shades or visor from his days of playing Scott Summers/Cyclops in the X-Men films.

Kate Bosworth, usually a blonde, dies her hair to play Lois Lane. Lane, who has since moved on following the events of Superman II: The Donnor Cut, has to be rescued by Superman yet again. I've only seen Lois played by Teri Hatcher back when the TV series was on ABC but she does the role justice.

That brings me to Lex Luthor. Kevin Spacey, usually a good guy, plays the villainous criminal for a change. He didn't do a bad job either in my opinion.

Following the cast in the credits, the film was dedicated to the late Christopher and Dana Reeve. Rumor has it that it was also dedicated to Marlon Brando, who appears as Jor-El via archive footage, but I left before that appeared in the credits.

On a four star scale, I give it 3.5 stars.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

Gtownstoney wrote on BGR today:

Just an fyi,

sports.yahoo.com is blocked; as well as a few other sites devoted to UK sports

Just in case you want my reply

Sports sites?!? Now blocking that is absurd...considering how many people watch and follow sports...not to mention the number of people that play fantasy sports.

Now blocking UK sports sites...and you can call yourself unemployed soon.

How soon before Deadspin picks this up?

Jewish sites blocked?!?

I heard on WHAS-AM that a few Jewish websites were blocked by the state government. Does anyone know which ones?

Fletcher: "Lying for $2000, Trebek!"

Here's something you hardly ever read in the mainstream media: Governor caught driving $150 yards from office to house despite sidewalk. There's a discussion going on at BGR and at Think Progress.

Quotation #1:

"We want our citizens to excel in efforts to improve Kentucky’s environment...to reach beyond the legal minimum to do more for our environment than what our laws and regulations require.”

Quotation #2:

Exercise is just as essential as eating...It needs to be stressed just as much.”

Apparently, this governor's mouth isn't where it's supposed to be since the AP mentions the following.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher finishes a day at the office, but instead of walking through the idyllic scene across the street to the Governor’s Mansion, he gets into a Lincoln Town Car to be chauffeured to his door. In Kentucky, the lawns of the Capitol and the mansion are separated only by a narrow tree-shaded street, but Fletcher routinely rides to and from his office.

I walk two blocks to work (back and forth) from my father's office. I walk two blocks to lunch back and forth. The walking is worth it. Save the environment and walk as much as you can...plus, you could lose some weight while you're at it.

DVD of the week

Tragic

I don't know what's worse. Regardless, I knew right off the bat who the interviewer was referring too. If Senator Feingold wants a legit chance in 2008, he'll need to know who the A-listers are. See this interview with GQ.

Okay. Real quick: Jennifer or Angelina?

Jennifer? Jennifer who?

Oh, come on, Senator! Jennifer or Angelina?

Jennifer who?

Aniston. [silence] Oh, God. You don’t read the tabloids, do you?

Can I have a third choice? Can I pick Sharon Stone?

Bloggers Push Bayh....

Bloggers Push Bayh For President ran today. Just as an FYI, I was not interviewed for this story though I did send the author an email as soon as I heard about it. It's an article well-worth the read that I just couldn't copy and paste brief paragraphs here because of all the quotes but believe me, he's the man with the plan.

What's it gonna take?

Some are arguing that I'm just a victim of friendly fire. Well, if that's the case, I'll write a new "rap" song or a protest folk song. Who knows?!? "Lazy Fletcher." Has a nice ring to it, don't you think? It sure would be a good stunt to increase traffic and I could probably do that on my computer as opposed to back at the university in the fall--technically, it's a public university so it's state equipment...I wonder if the blogs are banned there, too? I hope they aren't because that would piss a TON of folks off.

The Bluegrass Policy Blog was once again blocked over the weekend. But why is Ann Coulter's website still blocked?!?

Wow, who would have ever thought that Jonathan Miller would be asking for a recount in an event being judged by UK voice Tom Leach as well as equipment manager Bill "Mr. Wildcat" Keightley!

Ah, the feds got involved with politics back then. Now they track our phone calls.

In the summer of 1956, playwright Arthur Miller married screen idol Marilyn Monroe in a Jewish ceremony, an event of high-level gossip for much of the world and of high-level curiosity for the U.S. government.

"An anonymous telephone call" has been placed to the New York Daily News, an FBI report notes at the time. The caller stated that the "religious" wedding — Miller was Jewish and Monroe had converted — was an obvious "cover-up" for Miller, who "had been and still was a member of the CP (Communist Party) and was their cultural front man." Monroe also "had drifted into the Communist Party orbit."

Marilyn Monroe was Jewish?!? Obviously, she converted. I never knew that. What's fascinating is, after checking the ever resourceful Wikipedia, is that all three of her husbands outlived her.

Two of the wealthiest candidates for Congress are, drumroll please, located here in Kentucky! Yep, Anne Northup and John Yarmuth are among the wealthiest candidates running for Congress. However, it should never be about wealth but about integrity and character!

Go get 'em, Joe!

This story from the WaPo will be on BGR eventually today.

Isn't blocking political Web sites something that is done in totalitarian regimes?

Turns out it also happens in Kentucky, where aides to Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who is under indictment, cut off state employees' access to numerous Internet sites one day after the New York Times quoted a local blogger as criticizing Fletcher. Mark Nickolas of the widely read Bluegrassreport.org, had accused Fletcher's administration of trying to "play by their own rules even if it's against the law."

"There is little doubt this was a deliberate banning of BGR," Nickolas wrote on his site, which was one of the first to be blocked. But a Fletcher aide told the Lexington Herald-Leader that the ban, which extends to entertainment, humor and other sites, had nothing to do with the Times story and was simply an effort to promote greater efficiency among state workers.

That's about it for now.

You've probably notice that I haven't had any script update postings lately. Well, I've been busy dealing with this censorship fight but I'll get back to writing the script will soon.

And watch out Fletch, you never know if I'll write "Lazy Fletcher."

Griffey, Dunn spoil MLB debut of Jeremy Sowers

Louisville, Kentucky native Jeremy Sowers, a product of Ballard High School, pitched five innings in his MLB debut for the Cleveland Indians. The Vanderbilt graduate struck out 3 including Adam Dunn for his first career strikeout in the major leagues.

In the fourth inning, Sowers gave up two two-run home runs to Ken Griffey, Jr. (13) and Adam Dunn (24), and picks up his first MLB loss.

Sowers was 9-1 with the Buffalo Bisons (AAA) with a 1.39 ERA and 54 strikeouts through 97.1 innings pitched.

His brother, Josh, a graduate of Yale, has been promoted to the Lansing Lugnuts in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Two things

First and foremost, I have decided against running for the state board of the Kentucky Young Democrats at the convention towards the end of July. After giving much thought to the idea, it's not in my best interest as senior year will be keeping me very busy.

Secondly, while people have been looking for much of the censorship news at Bluegrass Report, they fail to consider looking at the smaller blogs like this one. With the news of the state government blog ban (which I get hits from the state.ky.gov domain), it looks like I will likely lose page views and whatnot that I usually get every week. What does this mean? Well, a blog must have 2,500 page views a week for two straight months in a row in order to join the Liberal Blog Advertising Network--I may be a moderate but I am still a liberal Democrat. As of now, I have 2,037 hits in the past week plus the 86 hits today. If Fletcher keeps this up, site traffic goes down, and I stand to lose potential advertising revenue from the blog. That brings me to the third part...

I am seriously considering joining in on a lawsuit of sorts to get this Governor to stop acting stupid and unblock these sites. So while you still see Bluegrass Report as one of the top blogs in the state, it's time to start looking for this one for some credibility too because I am not one to be taken lightly. I am VERY SERIOUS about possibly filing a lawsuit. It's not definite yet but I am thinking about it.

Weekend Update

The soccer post was one I don't want on the blog given my hatred for that sport. Believe me, I think it's a waste of time. It's a sport that can't even get 10 anything in a span of 5 minutes. In basketball, baseball, or anything else with contact, those sports are a lot better to watch.

Anyway, I saw Click over the weekend starring Adam Sandler (SNL) and Kate Beckinsale. Overall, it wasn't that bad but I've rarely been to comedies where I cry. I'm not sure if there was a dry eye in the theatre by the time that I left.

Iowa wants a visit by Senator Barack Obama. Speaking of Iowa, it will sure be busy in July.

While they vote theirselves a pay raise every year for a "cost of living" increase, they could care less for the people that vote for them. Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh care about the people and voted in favor of raising the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour.

Indiana Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh supported the amendment to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour.

Wednesday, the vote on that bill was 52-to-46 for the amendment by Senator Edward Kennedy, but under budget rules, 60 votes were needed to pass the measure.

Indiana's Senators split on an alternative amendment, to raise the minimum wage by $1.10 in two steps over 18 months. However, that was also voted down 53-to-45.

I hope they can find the additional eight votes needed. With no doubt, I am sure that they will come January 2007!

Senator George McGovern, the party's 1972 presidential candidate, has encouraged former Senator Tom Daschle to run for president in 2008.

I don't know how I missed this one the other day but it appears that Natlie Portman will star in The Other Boleyn Girl as Anne. Eic Bana (Munich, Hulk) is set to play King Henry VIII in the Columbia Pictures film expected to be released in 2007.

Catch up with Second City in Denver, Colorado.

Manfred Mann was once blinded by the light. Whatever happened to them?

Former UK basketball star Ravi Moss is giving up on football.

"After much thought and consideration, Ravi has decided to forego the football season," Coach Rich Brooks said. "He felt that missing half the games would not make it worth doing what was needed to prepare for the season. Given the NCAA ruling, we certainly understand and wish him well. We appreciate the effort he gave us."

Enquirer editorial with regards to the blog ban.

Magen David Adom, on June 23, 2006, was finally accepted by the International Red Cross after 57 long years!

On Friday, the Red Sox beat the Phillies 10-2. Ramirez went yard twice and Gabe Kapler also went yard. Yesterday, the Sox won 5-3 after David Ortiz hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning to win it for Boston. Papelbon got the win. Lowell also went yard early on in the game.

Paid programming?!?

Not that I care for soccer but my brother, who somehow became a soccer fan at college, is furious at WHAS for airing paid programming over sports that he is driving me up a wall to where, well, you don't need to see that, but anyway, I was watching a movie on TBS, and I get kicked off the TV by my brother to watch soccer only for him to find out that it's paid programming.

And it must be noted that I hate soccer...with a passion. If the sport doesn't use hands, I don't watch it. And I don't watch NASCAR either.

RIP: Aaron Spelling (1923-2006)

TV Producer Aaron Spelling has passed away at the age of 85. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

Aaron Spelling, a onetime movie bit player who turned to television production and created a massive number of hit series, from the vintage "Charlie's Angels" and "Dynasty" to "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place," died Friday, his publicist said. He was 83.

Spelling died at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke on June 18, according to publicist Kevin Sasaki.

Spelling's other hit series included "Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," "Burke's Law," "The Mod Squad," "Starsky and Hutch," "T.J. Hooker," "Matt Houston," "Hart to Hart" and "Hotel." He kept his hand in 21st-century TV with series including "7th Heaven" and "Summerland."

He also produced more than 140 television movies. Among the most notable: "Death Sentence" (1974), Nick Nolte's first starring role; "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble" (1976), John Travolta's first dramatic role; "The Best Little Girl in the World" (1981), which starred Jennifer Jason Leigh.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Spelling provided series and movies exclusively for ABC and is credited for the network's rise to major status. Jokesters referred to it as "The Aaron Broadcasting Company."

Spelling was born April 22, 1923 in Dallas, texas, and was a graduate of Southern Methodist University.

Caption Contest

Hmmm, found this photo of our Lt. Gov. Steve Pence with Gov. Ernie Fletcher. Choose a caption!

Miller joins Chandler

The AP reports the remarks from Kentucky State Treasurer Jonathan Miller on the censorship issue. One of the sites blocked hurts the business of the Treasurer's office.

State Treasurer Jonathan Miller has asked the Commonwealth Office of Technology to restore access for his office to several Web sites that were blocked earlier this week.

"The misguided attempt to limit access to select news sites raises serious constitutional concerns," Miller said.

Miller said he is especially interested in getting access to eBay restored so that his office can monitor online auctions of unclaimed property that his office puts up for sale.[...]

"We face many difficult challenges in Frankfort," Miller said. "Censoring critical speech, however, will not assist us in moving the state forward."

Gwen Pinson, the Finance Cabinet's general counsel, said sites blocked to computers in Miller's agency had not been reinstated as of late Friday. Miller's office would have to submit a specific request listing the site addresses he wants unblocked and the reasons why they should be available.

"We don't categorically exempt anybody from the filtering," Pinson said. "And we haven't received any such request."

Okay, go back to the last paragraph again. WHY ARE THE RIGHT WING SITES NOT BLOCKED YET AND SITES LIKE THESE ARE?!?

Iron Man: Derby 2008

Iron Man is set to be released on May 2, 2008. In other words, the movie will not do well locally due to the Kentucky Derby that weekend.

Jon Favreau is directing the comic book movie based on the Marvel Comics title of the same name.

Following in the footsteps of such comic book film openings as "Spider-Man" and "X2: X-Men United," Marvel armored avenger "Iron Man" is staking out an early May release date.

The Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment film is scheduled to open May 2, 2008, the studio said Thursday. Directed by Jon Favreau, the project marks the first motion picture to be produced by Marvel under its alliance with the Viacom Inc.-owned studio.

"Iron Man," based on the best-selling comic book character, is the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment and also marks the first film project under former Marvel Studios CEO Avi Arad's newly launched production company, Avi Arad Prods.

The film is expected to be financed through Marvel's $525 million revolving film-financing facility.

Censored Updates yet again...

Ian Urbina writes about Fletcher and Mark in today's NY Times.

And to Governor Ernie Fletcher, I have a message for you. You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!

Mark Herbert, in his blog, quotes a good friend of mine, Chad Aull.

Chad Aull is a Kentucky state employee who used to read BluegrassReport.org on his work breaks. Now he doesn’t see the site by Democratic political consultant Mark Nickolas. The Fletcher administration has blocked state employee's access to that site and others.

"I thought that Governor Fletcher just decided that he was tired of being criticized and he was tired of state employees reading it, and decided to just ban it," Nickolas says.

This is far from over.

Now will someone from the state government please let me know if my blog is still blocked?

In Memory: Darryl Kile

It's been four years since one of the darkest weeks of Cardinal history.

Darryl Kile (December 2, 1968 – June 22, 2002)) played his last game on June 18, 2002, the same day that Jack Buck died. Darryl tragically died four years ago today in Chicago.

Joe Buck broke the news on Fox that day. And it was Joe Girardi who made the announcement at Wrigley:

"I thank you for your patience. We regret to inform you because of a tragedy in the Cardinal family, that the commissioner has cancelled the game today. Thank you.... Please be respectful. You will find out eventually what has happened, and I ask that you say a prayer for the St. Louis Cardinals' family."

Houston Astros: 1991-1997
Colorado Rockies: 1998-1999
St. Louis Cardinals: 2000-2002

Career record: 128-115 with 1,618 K's



The following was posted on CardNilly.com. It's so awesome yet sad at the same time. I always get chills whenever I think of DK and his short time on earth.

Did the Blog Ban end?!?

Here, There, and Everywhere

Looks like Mark is heading out of town for the weekend. So in the mean time, if you have any censorship updates, send 'em to my kydem email and I'll post what I can, when I can (all emails will be confidential).

In the mean time, I'm getting back to updating regularly. It's the least I can do given that this is, hopefully, my last summer without watching The Daily Show. At least, I get Leno and Letterman back after the 28th. And I still have one more story arc of The Amazing Spider-Man to read and that's in The Other book located at bookstores around the nation. One of these days, probably after graduation next year, I'll probably buy as many books as I can. Okay, getting back to the subject.

Ted Turner, who is stepping down from the board of Time Warner, is writing a book named Call Me Ted: The Life and Times of Ted Turner to be published in the fall of 2008.

Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was spotted in New Hampshire recently.

Ben Cardin outlines his plan for Iraq at his senate campaign site.

Apparently, Bill O'Reilly thinks that I am "stoned." Please let Mr. O'Reilly know that I have never been nor will ever be stoned in my lifetime. O'Reilly was responding to the following segment from June 13, 2006.

STEWART: Now, it's unclear whether the prisoners committed suicide as a political statement or simply because they'd lost the will to live. There is, however, a third explanation.

O'REILLY [clip]: Just hours after I left the prison at Gitmo last Friday, three detainees committed suicide.

[applause]

STEWART: I can't believe they lasted that long after an O'Reilly visit! Yes, apparently this weekend Bill O'Reilly took a visit to Guantánamo to see what all the fuss was about, even going so far as to talk with some of the inmates and to do a little research for his new book, The O'Reilly Factor for Kurds.

Yes, there was another war debate in the Senate.

In an effort to put Democrats on record before the November elections, Republican leaders forced a test vote on an amendment to demand a timetable to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq. The measure failed 93-6. U.S. Sens. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Evan Bayh, D-Ind., voted to reject the amendment.

Yep, there's no doubt that Mark Warner is running for president but something tell's me that he'll run for the Senate seat instead.

Colin Cowgill of UK and Christian Friedrich of EKU have been invited to the 2006 USA Baseball National Team Trials.

A bit late but this press release was issued last Friday.

State Rep. Peter Sullivan today endorsed the congressional 95-10 Initiative.

The 95-10 Initiative is a package of legislative proposals aimed at reducing the number of abortions in America by 95% over the next ten years.

"Too often, the abortion debate generates more light than heat", said Sullivan. "It's time foir both sides to seek out common ground and search for ways to reduce the number of abortions in our country."

"The 95-10 Initiative is a valuable step forward in the abortion debate. It emphasizes counseling and prevention, provides pregnant women with the health and nutrition resources they need, and supports efforts to promote adoption as a viable option. This initiative deserves the support of everyone who values the dignity of human life, be they pro-life or pro-choice."

The 95-10 Initiative is sponsored in Congress by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH). Several prominent Democrats have endorsed the measure, including former 9-11 Commissioner Tim Roemer, U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) and U.S. Reps. Bart Stupak (D-MI), Colin Peterson (D-MN), and Bart Gordon (D-TN).

As much as I would like to see him as a starter for the Red Sox, I find myself in agreement with Bill Simmons of ESPN.

I've always believed closers are like girlfriends: You remember the great ones, you remember the awful ones and you vaguely remember everyone in between. (You could say the same about hockey goalies and field goal kickers.) Over the past 30 years, only three closers have stood out for my beloved Red Sox: two train wrecks (Mark Clear and Bob Stanley) and one postseason hero (Foulke). We haven't had anyone who remotely resembles young Paps. Over the past 12 weeks, what is most striking is not his confounding résumé -- through 66 games, he's allowed 23 baserunners in 34 1/3 innings and chalked up 34 K's and just four walks, with 22 saves in 23 chances and an outrageous 0.26 ERA -- but the way he carries himself, the body language of the batters and his stuff.

I hate the phrase "electric stuff" because it's overused and sounds like someone is describing a bag of marijuana. But Papelbon has electric stuff. Nobody hits him. He's strong enough to pitch two innings, talented enough to dominate the same opponent three times in a week, competitive enough to embrace the role, goofy enough to shave his hair into a Mohawk after winning a bet. Basically, he has Clemens' stuff, Rivera's composure and Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn's personality. He's the perfect closer. What's happening is not a fluke.

And he knows it. Papelbon's saves unfold the same way: strike after strike, some feeble swings, at least one punchout, a giddy fist pump when it's over. He invariably strikes out the last guy for dramatic effect. My favorite running subplot has been the postgame greeting between Papelbon and Jason Varitek, who jogs to the mound with an impressed smile, followed by an awkward high five and Tek's rubbing his head like a proud dad. (You can almost imagine him saying, "Well done, Jonathan," in a stern voice, like a rich dad congratulating his preppie son on a good report card.) He's failed only one time: the eighth inning of a potential four-out save at Fenway, when the Rangers' Hank Blalock slapped an RBI single on a 1-2 pitch. Of course, the Sox regained the lead, and a ticked-off Papelbon struck out the side for the victory. It was the kind of thing Rivera would have done.

And that's the right comparison: Mariano Rivera. We have watched dozens of quality relievers over the years, but only a few were dominant forces: Rivera, Goose Gossage, Bruce Sutter, Eric Gagné, K-Rod. That's about it. You can always overspend for Billy Wagner or call up someone like Chris Ray, but how far will that get you? Can we even quantify Rivera's worth compared with that of the average closer? Was there a more indispensable player over the past decade, a bigger disparity between the No. 1 and the No. 2 guys at any other position? We rarely consider closers as MVP candidates, but name another player who came through in the playoffs more times. With the way October baseball works in the 21st century -- three rounds and 19 possible games over four weeks -- an extraordinary reliever might be the single greatest asset for any team.

The Daily Show will spoof Berkeley Pit, whatever the heck that may be.

It looks like Natalie Portman may be cast in a new movie, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, as the part of Rosa. It deals with The Escapist as the main superhero created by two cousins. This looks like my type of film.

Comedian Dan Aykroyd turns 54 on July 1st, not the 64 that Political Gateway writes.

Dick Cheney is heading for Owensboro for Ron Lewis. There's no word yet whether he intends to go hunting.

In Maryland news, word has it that Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan (D) will withdraw from the governor's race due to health issues. Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley should beat Erlich in this November's general election.

Here's an article on 2008 and domain names that is worth the read.

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) owns evanbayh.com but does not own bayh.com, a site named for the acronym of “Buying All of Your Historicals.” The site owner is a librarian who collects historical papers “by OBSESSION — just ask my wife — the poor dear ...” the site says

Hotline reports on the latest move by All-America PAC.

The big news is that Kory Mitchell, a Dem fundraiser with extensive experience in Florida and the Midwest, will become the full time finance director. Nancy Jacobson, Bayh's finance architect, will become a "senior adviser" to the PAC and direct her focus to long-term strategy and managing relationships with donors.

Bad move on Roger Waters part as much as I enjoy Pink Floyd.

Finally, the latest poll numbers for the big Senate races in 2006.

What's that?!?

DemoGog finally joins the blogosphere! You can find Demo's writings at The Agitated Grizzly. And another P1 user is now blogging at Blog Behind Blue Eyes, reminds me of a Who song.

Welcome!

Bloggers United

Mark may be taking the lead on this fight, which is very far from over, and he shows a list of sites that are still not blocked from state computers while a majority of Democratic sites are.

Drudge Report
The Republican National Committee's blog
Rush Limbaugh
Hugh Hewitt
Hot Air
Captains Quarters
Outside the Beltway

First, they went after the Democrats in merit positions. Then, they went after the Democratic bloggers.

Who's blogging the blog ban?

Political Wire
Daily Kos
Atrios
TPMmuckracker b c d
Boing Boing
Hotline on Call
Talking Points Memo b
Think Progress
Swing State Project
MyDD
Wonkette
Corante

By the way, here was Mark's 21st update on the thread. I guess this will be another investigation by the Attorney General, if not a class-action lawsuit.

There are so many implications with Big Brother's attempt today to ban political speech from reaching state employees, who presumably just sit around and do nothing except read blogs, if you believe what they're feeding the media right now. But let me throw out one question for now.

One of the early phone calls I got this morning was from a staffer in State Treasurer Jonathan Miller's (D) office, who alerted to me to this morning's state government-wide censorship of BluegrassReport.org.

Apparently, the treasurer's office is networked through COT (Commonwealth Office Of Technology) which is run by the Fletcher administration's Finance Cabinet. Presumably, so are the offices of Attorney General Stumbo (D), Auditor Crit Luallen (D), Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R), and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer (R).

My question is under what legal authority can Fletcher interfere or dictate what the staff of elected statewide constitutional officers can view? Is there not a separation of powers argument? Miller's staff reports to Miller, not Fletcher.

I would imagine that Stumbo would not be okay with such authority over his office by this corrupt administration.

An anonymous reader at 7:43 reported on BGR that it is only the Democratic blogs.

I can confirm that I found Republican weblogs that are completely accessible from state computers. So at the end of the day, to paraphrase, It's the Censorship, Stupid.

Censored Updates

Ben Chandler condemns the ban.

Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY), whose district includes the state capitol, has just come out firmly against the policy. "I believe the recent action of the Fletcher administration to block access to a handpicked number of blogs is a violation of the equal protection clause of the Constitution," Chandler said through a spokeswoman. "This flies in the face of a fundamental right of free speech."

Ryan Alessi of the Herald-Leader

In that story, Mark Nickolas, publisher of the Bluegrassreport.org blog, criticized Fletcher's administration for trying to "play by their own rules even if it's against the law."

He was referring to the state government hiring investigation, which led to Fletcher's indictment on three misdemeanor charges for political discrimination, conspiracy and official misconduct.

Nickolas is the former campaign manager for Ben Chandler, Fletcher's Democratic opponent in the 2003 governor's race.

In an interview, Nickolas said the timing is more than suspicious.

"But all this is going to do is draw more attention to it," he said. "It is an example of the low political IQ of the administration, that they think they can censor political speech to keep people in line."

Speech isn't limited because employees are free to post their thoughts on Bluegrassreport.org or other blogs on their own time, Midkiff said.

All blogs -- conservative, liberal or non-political -- will be blocked as the state's Commonwealth Office of Technology becomes aware of them, she said.

A half-dozen state employees notified Nickolas this morning that they had been blocked from seeing the site.

Shortly after Nickolas announced the ban on Bluegrassreport.org, other national blogs leaped on the story.

TPMMuckraker.com posted several items on its site and contacted the governor's office to find out about the action. Less than an hour after blogger-reporter Paul Kiel contacted the administration, state employees no longer could access Kiel's site.

In an interview, Kiel said that in his reporting on other state capitals around the state, he hadn't seen any similar actions.

He credited Bluegrassreport.org with being more aggressive than most state political-commentary sites.

"He's been pretty remarkable in that respect," Kiel said.

For more details, see Thursday's Herald-Leader.

For Immediate Release

Okay, so I've posted once on the issue already but this one is a post that is more in-depth.

The fact is that while the Fletcher administration has blocked numerous blogs on bloigger and probably even typepad, there is no justice in the fact that they haven't blocked any sites dealing with Ann Coulter, Fox News, the Drudge Report, and the list goes on and on.

When I found out that my site was being blocked by the Commonwealth Office of Technology, I was very disgusted with the censoring of this blog as well as others. If Fletcher has resorted to these tactics, he must be scared.

Peter Partker's uncle, Ben, said it the best: "With great power comes great responsibility." Maybe Fletcher should start looking into that motto because whatever he's reading, priobably "How to be a Governor for Dummies," is not helping.

If there is a class action lawsuit filed against the administration, I'll see what I can do. Given my current financial situation, I cannot do much.

I do hope that the media picks up on this story because this sort of censorship is wrong. Not only is it plain wrong, it is inappropriate. I also hope that a poress release blasting the Fletcher administration comes from the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Fletcher will not have the last laugh on the subject and this is far from over.

Censored

I wish I could be writing that I censored my own title but no, that's not the case. The Commonwealth Office of Technology has blocked several blogs including Bluegrass Report and yours truly.

Mark writes that he might follow a lawsuit. I wonder if he'll file a class action lawsuit. Anyway, here's the list of sites.

The only Kentucky-related blogs other than yours that appear to be blocked are at blogspot.com. I think it's safe to say you have been singled out.

ACCESSIBLE
NKY Politics (Pat Crowley)
http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/gov2/

BLUEgrass
http://www.bluegrass.typepad.com/

The Bluegrass Policy Blog (Bluegrass Institute)
http://www.bipps.org/blog/

The Bridge (Dr. Ted)
http://thebridge.typepad.com/thebridge/

Conservative Edge (Brian Goettl)
http://www.conservativeedge.com/

KYKurmudgeon (Larry Dale Keeling)
http://blogs.kentucky.com/kykurmudgeon/

The Rural Blog (Al Cross)
http://www.uky.edu/CommInfoStudies/IRJCI/blog.htm

BLOCKED
BlueGrassRoots
http://www.bluegrassroots.org/

The Compassionate eCommunity (Jonathan Miller)
http://compassionatecommunity.blogspot.com/

Kentucky Progress (David Adams)
http://kyprogress.blogspot.com/

Kentucky Republican Voice
http://kyrepublicanvoice.blogspot.com/

The Kentucky Democrat (Daniel Solzman)
http://kydem.blogspot.com/

This is a violation of free speech. What's next - blocking of emails?!?

Clearing the bases...

Sorry, just wait til after the 28th and I'll be regularly posting again.

In the meantime, let's clear out the bases with a grand slam (that's slang for hey, I got emails to post about and I'm gonna do that right now!).

I have my rant on today's sad Cardinal game. Anyway, to turn my attention to the Boston Red Sox while I check the scores around the league. On June 13th, the Sox lost 5-2 with Tavarez picking the loss up. Varitek went yard for the 7th time this season. Clement picked the loss up on the 14th as the Red Sox went down 8-1. Coco Crisp went yard. The Sox lost on the 15th with a score of 5-3 while Wakefield picked the loss up. The Sox beat the Braves 4-1 when interleague play began on the 14th. Jon Lester picked up the win and Jonathan Papelbon gets his 21st save. On Saturday, the Sox won 5-3. Ortiz and Youkilis went yard. Beckett got the win and Papelbon his 22nd save. On Sunday, the Sox won 10-7 against the Braves. Rudy Seanez got the win. Papelbon pitched the 3rd day in a row for his 23rd save. Ortiz, Ramirez, and Youkilis went yard. Yesterday, the Sox won 6-3. Kyle Snyder picked up the win and Mike Timlin got the save. Today, the Sox beat the Nationals 11-3. Tim Wakefield gets his 5th win.

Rove in NH. I don't know if I posted about this yet since I've been busy with work and the script.

Flag burning shouldn't be an issue. I'm actually finding myself in agreement with Sen. McConnell on this one. There's no need for an amendment--and I'll be wearing a flag shirt on July 4, 2006.

The C-J will take a closer look at global warming.

I'll be back later this week.

Script Day #7

As of last night, I added another page to the script.

For reasons unknown, I work best at night.

Script Day #6

Believe it or not but after seeing The Lake House last night, I still managed to find time to work on the script during the late local news. No writer's block yet but I managed to get another page in.

I hope to get it completed by the end of the summer.

Happy 64th Birthday, Sir Paul McCartney!

In honor of Macca's 64th, nothing would be more fitting than the following lyrics.

When I'm Sixty-Four
John Lennon/Paul McCartney

When I get older losing my hair
many years from now
will you still be sending me a valentine
birthday greeting, bottle of wine
If I'd been out till quarter to three
would you lock the door
Will you still need me
Will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

You'll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you

I could be handy mending a fuse
when your light have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings, go for a ride
Doing the garden, digging the weeds
Who could ask for more
Will you still need me
Will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

Every summer we can rent a cottage on the
Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck, and Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line
stating point of view
indicate precisely what you mean to say
yours sincerely wasting away
Give me your answer fill in a form
mine forever more
Will you still need me
Will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

Script Day #5

Wow, I go from 4 1/4 pages to 6.5 pages just like that.

When my mind is working hard, I utilize my creative side as best as possible. The fact that I haven't quit yet and have gotten this much done so far says a lot.

And compared to how far I got last summer, I'm doing a whole lot better.

Script Day #4

Got quite a few scenes done yesterday. Writing is going just fine so far.

Just like with anything, I have to do my fair share of research. For last night, it deals with, well, I can't leak that quite yet now, can I?

Until last night, I was averaging one scene a night. I got through three scenes yesterday. You want some tips? Don't write all the fancy movie angles during the first draft.

The times - they aren't a changing

Look here and here, or even my rant here. My opinion stays the same. No one is asking anyone to forget G-d.

All I'm saying is that there is no problem using CE or BCE. However, there are many like myself who are uncomfortable with using the other acronyms.

Script Day #3

While other bloggers are busy or were busy writing books, I'm busy writing a screenplay and/or graphic novel of my own.

I'm going to start blogging script updates from now on. When I say Day #3, I refer to last night. It was the third night of writing. I've written nightly during the news now for three days. It relieves some stress--that's a fact.

But to create a universe, while seeming impossible, may be harder than it sounds. That said, it's a very interesting idea that I'm going to finish. Before you write anything, you have to know the backstories, who the characters are, where they came from, what the environment is like, etc.

It's science-fiction. You'll find out more later--I cannot afford to leak plot details at this moment. I will say this and this only: To get what I visioned, I've had to change up the U.S. Constitution a little bit. Nothing to drastic, just an age requirement that is explained early on.

I set it up as a trilogy whether it's a screenplay or a graphic novel, I'll see through it to the end.

Open Thread

Discuss...

Spider-man makes a Spiderman Announcement

Yahoo's front page reports on what Spider-Man does in the second issue of Marvel's Civil War miniseries. Thankfully, they reported on it after the issue.

You want to know my opinion?!? All I can say is, don't click if you don't want to know. For what it's worth, I'm with Captain America on this one.

Vas nu?

For the record, I am not for Jim Webb in November. I wouldn't vote for George Allen either. I found Webb's cartoon to be anti-Semitic and inappropriate. Furthermore, here's what I don't understand: Kossacks yell with joy when a progressive Democrat wins the Montana Senate race...and do the same when a conservative Democrat wins in Virginia. Yet there's no room for people like Joe Lieberman who vote with the party almost 90% of the time, if not more?!? It doesn't make much sense to me why someone like Lieberman is unwelcome yet an anti-Semitic Jim Webb is?

In sports news, please go to mlb.com, and vote for Joe Mauer for the AL catcher's spot. You can read my rant from yesterday if you wish to.

I knew that Bronson Arroyo played guitar and released a CD while playing for the Red Sox. He's already getting busy while playing for the Reds.

It's one for the sports rockers as Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo shows off his pitch in a different way - headlining a concert Thursday at the Madison Theater, Covington. He'll perform tunes from his CD "Covering the Bases."

Also on the bill, Raquel Aurilia, wife of Reds infielder Rich Aurilia.

The concert was the idea of Raquel Aurilia, who is pursuing an independent career as a pop singer and last year released her CD "Finding My Way."

"When Bronson came over (from the Red Sox to the Reds), I had heard he had a CD. We ... talked about how it would be fun to do something together. I thought, 'Let's do something for the Reds.' So, here we are."

Do you blog? Unless you are one of the ones that make the big bucks, don't quit your day job anytime soon.

Iowa surprises Edwards.

Just like the DCCC with what they did in New Hampshire, the DSCC has made me angry (don't expect money from me anytime soon!). From now on, if I have the finances, I'm donating to the candidates and the candidates only. How could Charles Schumer and the DSCC endorse an anti-Semite?

It's not yet clear whether Sen. Charles E. Schumer's endorsement of James Webb over Harris Miller in today's Democratic Senate primary in Virginia will help move votes. But it did move money -- away from Schumer (N.Y.) and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee he leads.

The DSCC's decision to break with custom and wade into a primary battle on behalf of a Reagan administration official against a longtime Democratic loyalist outraged many influential Democrats, including some who raise a lot of money that now won't be going to the DSCC.

The most immediate fallout of Schumer's endorsement was the relocation of a post-primary fundraiser for the DSCC that was scheduled to be at the home of former lieutenant governor Donald S. Beyer Jr. and his wife, Megan. The longtime Democratic fundraisers are Miller supporters. The Beyers begged off after Schumer's move, for which they received no notice.

The event will be at another venue, but is likely to bring in considerably less money as irritated Miller backers join the Beyers in taking a pass on helping the DSCC.[...]

Beyer said the DSCC should have stayed out. "They've dug a hole that was unnecessary," he said. "If Harris wins, they are going to look ridiculous. They will have irritated an awful lot of people."

Allies of Joe Lieberman believe that the Senator will run as an independent if he's not nominated by the Democratic party. The Lieberman campaign has distanced themselves from Droney with regards to the campaign.

John F. Droney Jr., a former Democratic state chairman who helped Lieberman unseat Republican Sen. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. in 1988, said Lieberman should make his case for re-election to all voters in November.

"I think to be terrorized through the summer by an extremely small group of the Democratic Party, much less the voting population, is total insanity for a person who is a three-term senator," Droney said.

Droney's suggestion was not welcomed by the Lieberman campaign. The senator's staff has been trying to discourage speculation that Lieberman, who is more popular with Republicans and unaffiliated voters than Democrats, might run as an independent.

Lieberman's campaign manager, Sean Smith, and Nancy DiNardo, the Democratic state chairwoman, immediately distanced themselves from the suggestion by Droney, who has played no major role in Lieberman's 2006 campaign.

"I believe that Joe Lieberman will win this primary. He has been a good Democrat, and I believe he will remain a Democrat," DiNardo said.

I think that's all for now.

Virginia Senate Race

I know people were praising Jim Webb as an untouchable but the stunt he pulled against Miller, whether it was plagarized, was wrong, inappropriate, and uncalled for.

With 2400 of 2403 precincts reporting, 155,468 were cast:
J H Webb Jr 83,116 53.46%
H N Miller 72,352 46.54%

What a dire shame. Seriously, I would have voted for Harris Miller.

Vote for Joe Mauer

Click to see Joe Mauer's stats for this season.

Mauer is in his third season as a catcher for the Minnesota Twins. Last year, he batted .294 in 131 games. This year, he's started off very hot is leading the league with a .386 batting average. In the past week alone, Mauer has gone 15-24--for your statisticians out there, that's a .625 batting average!

Since June 1 of this season, Mauer went from .362 to .386, and that's with 3-5 at bats a game.

If the Twins are wise, they will move Joe Mauer to a different position to extend his playing career as catchers often suffer a lot of wear and tear--just look at what the Astros did with Craig Biggio. If they do that, he'll get to 3,000 career hits. He's in his third season but only his second full one, and he has 258 hits in 806 at bats (.306 AVG). It took Albert Pujols and Todd Helton only 3,003 at bats to get 1,000 career hits. Ichiro Suzuki had 26 less at bats to get 1000 hits. As hot as Mauer is right now, he'll finish the season with 226 hits over 585 at bats.

He's been nicknamed "Big Ichiro."

I don't care what you do but vote for Mauer in the catcher's spot.

More news...

Well, let's get down to action. Don't forget to scroll down to the post dealing with Jim Webb's campaign for Senate.

Karl Rove has been spotted in New Hampshire. Peter Sullivan released the following statement to the press with regards to the Rove visit.

"Karl Rove represents everything that is wrong with politics today. He places partisanship above the good of the country, he is willing to wreck lives for personal gain, and he perpetrates a foul politics of division and bitterness.

"Rove's actions in the Valerie Plame matter prove that he is unfit for public life. Anyone who releases classified intelligence for the sole purpose of intimidating a political critic shows a basic lack of honor and decency.

"I am stunned that the New Hampshire Republican State Committee would choose to honor such an individual. Karl Rove doesn't represent New Hampshire's values."

If Daschle runs, he won't be expecting support from Tom Vilsack assuming Vilsack is also running.

So NH-1 makes it's way into the Lexington Herald-Leader. Let me remind you, Peter Sullivan is running for Congress.

Robert C. Byrd becomes the longest-serving Senator this week.

Ben and Jerry. It has a nice ring to it but will it happen.

On June 11th, in game one, the Sox won 5-4 against Texas. Manny Delcarmen picked up his first win of the series while Ortiz and Ramirez go long. the Red Sox lossed 13-6. David Pauley picks up the loss.

What did Stephen Colbert learn in Chicago other than "yes, and..."

Comedian Jim Gaffigan is in Louisville this weekend and it's doubtful that I'll get to see the funnyman.

Senator Marvel?!?

So look at this Jim Webb Campaign ad:



Now look at this photo from page 122 of "How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way" by John Buscema:



What do you all think of this? I'm a fan of Marvel Comics and all but I think that mustache aside, it is EXACTLY the same picture. Jim Webb and Harris Miller are both running for Senate in Virginia for the Democratic nomination. The question is: did Webb's campaign do this on purpose or was it just an accident that it's the same picture minus the mustache?

Source

Demographics...

Please email or comment as to how often you still read this.

The only reason I ask is that I'm trying to figure out how often to update the blog over the summer without burning myself out.

Another thing, if there's anyone willing to make any contributions financially, those are always very much appreciated. My wallet is beginning to take a hit this summer--and believe me, it's not pretty.

Any confirmation on this?

Bridge: Borsch out?

Can anyone confirm this?

Weekend Update

Catching up on the news...let's get started.

Your thoughts? There's no doubt that this would be a winning ticket in my mind.

The top 50 rock songs. Here's the top 10.

The top 10 of the "50 greatest conservative rock songs," according to the National Review:
1. "Won't Get Fooled Again," the Who
2. "Taxman," the Beatles
3. "Sympathy for the Devil," the Rolling Stones
4. "Sweet Home Alabama," Lynyrd Skynyrd
5. "Wouldn't It Be Nice," the Beach Boys
6. "Gloria," U2
7. "Revolution," the Beatles
8. "Bodies," the Sex Pistols
9. "Don't Tread on Me," Metallica
10. "20th Century Man," the Kinks

Hmmm. I like #1, #2, #4, #5, and last but not least, #7.

In environmental news, check out the state of the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea has fallen over 20 metres (66 ft) in the past 100 years and is now losing about one metre each year.

As the water level has fallen, it has caused thousands of sinkholes to open up on land. The Ein Gedi resort closed some campsites after a 3-metre (10 ft) hole opened up under someone's feet. Some holes are even deeper.

On Thursday, the Red Sox beat the Yankees 9-3 with Schilling picking up his 9th win of the season. By the season's end, he'll have at least 20 wins. Varitek went yard for the Sox. On Friday, Jonathan Papelbon got the win and Trot Nixon went yard when the Sox beat Texas 4-3. Yesterday, weather forced game two of the double header to be postponed. The Sox lost 7-4. Manny Ramirez went yard.

In my mind, Curt Schilling will be inducted into the Hall of Fame even if he does not get 300 career wins. He is less than 100 strikeouts away from career #3,000. That alone will get him in the Hall.

I've always considered Anne Hathaway to be a very talented actress.

Hathaway claims film-makers work their way down a list of stars and her name is near the bottom.

She says, "I'm on the long short list. But I'm not on the short short list, which is Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightley." Although she's not usually the first choice, she insists she's thrilled to even be considered.

She adds, "I'm happy to be in the race with this level of people.

"I'm the person who gets the script three people after Natalie turns it down - that's awesome!"

Is he or isn't he? I like Tom Daschle but I really think his chances were hurt by the loss in 2004.

No, Mike Jacobs isn't Jewish, either.

Fletcher pleaded not guilty while he remains on vacation in Florida.

Evan Bayh is back in New Hampshire.

Zach Braff is coming to Israel.

Rare Saturday Post

Attention baseball card collectors: Buy it now!

Happy Birthday, Natalie Portman!

The actress, Natalie Portman, turns 25 today. I hope it's a good one.

So....

Blogger goes haywire and whats's his face was killed in an airstrike.

In other news, former Vice President Al Gore announced on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that since he became a "movie star" that he's now feuding with Lindsay Lohan.

Also, Deadspin has a major read on Grimsleygate.

2006 MLB Draft - Kentucky related Day 2

This list includes anyone from the state schools those that went to my former college of Bradley University.

Round 22
#666 Aaron Tennyson, a LHP from UK to Minnesota
#673 Michael Christl, a RHP from Bradley to Boston

Round 25
#761 Alex Jordan, a HP from Cypress College to Cleveland (Former UK player)

Round 28
#840 Zachary Dials, a RHP from UK to Toronto

Round 31
#935 Willie Mays, a from Sinclair CC (UK redshirt who transferred after 2005) to Florida

Round 37
#1101 Chris Walden, a HP from Bellefontaine HS (OH) to the Mariners (UK signee)
#1105 Michael Lane, a CF from Daviess County HS (KY) to Baltimore
#1123 Justin Marks, a LHP from Owensboro Catholic HS (KY) to Boston

Round 39
#1162 Michael Bertram, a 3B from UK to Detroit

Round 42
#1257 Sean Coughlin, a C from UK to Arizona

Round 47
#1403 Andrew McCormick, a RHP from Pikeville College to Chicago (N)

2006 MLB Draft - St. Louis Cardinals Day 2

Round 19
#586 Brandon Buckman, a 1B from Nebraska-Lincoln

Round 20
#616 Brandon Cooney, a RHP from Florida Atlantic

Round 21
#646 Mark Diapoules, a RHP from Martin County HS (FL)

Round 22
#676 Casey Mulligan, a RHP from Valencia HS (CA)

Round 23
#706 LaCurtis Mays, a RHP from Riverside Poly HS (CA)

Round 24
#736 Roberto Gomez, a LHP from Texas Pan American

Round 25
#766 D'Marcus Ingram, a CF from North Little Rock HS (AR)

Round 26
#796 Garrett Busierre, a C from UC-Berkeley

Round 27
#826 Christian Reyes, a C from Porterville College

Round 28
#856 Lucas Gregerson, a RHP from St. Xavier Univ. (IL)

Round 29
#886 William Groff, a 2B from State Univ. College of NY

Round 30
#916 Jared Schweitzer, a RHP from Kansas

Round 31
#946 Mark Shorey, a RF from High Point

Round 32
#976 Ross Smith, a CF from Dodge County HS (GA)

Round 33
#1006 Brian Schroeder, a LHP from UCLA

Round 34
#1036 Isias Garcia, a 2B from Houston

Round 35
#1066 James Rapaport, a CF from Stanford

Round 36
#1096 Adrian Alaniz, a RHP from Texas

Round 37
#1126 Logan Collier, a RHP from Guiliford College

Round 38
#1156 Scott Thomas, a C from Missouri Baptist College

Round 39
#1186 Matthew Michael, a LHP from Grand Canyon Univ.

Round 40
#1216 Tyler Mach, a 3B from Oklahoma St.

Round 41
#1246 Mitchell Canham, a C from Oregon St.

Round 42
#1275 Kyle Mura, a RHP from Loyala Maramount

Round 43
#1304 William Tores, a SS from St. Peters Prep School (NJ)

Round 44
#1333 Cameron Grant, a CF from Hermitage HS (NJ)

Round 45
#1362 John Goodman, a RHP from Georgia Tech

Round 46
#1390 Robert Woodard, a RHP from UNC

Round 47
#1418 Nicholas Addition, a LHP from Western HS

Round 48
#1446 Garry Thomas, a LHP from Pine Bluff HS (AR)

Round 49
#1474 Gary Taylor, a RF from Holmes JC

Round 50
#1502 Charles Matthews, a RHP from Athens Academy (GA)

Recap

I'm trying to get regular blogging finished earlier so I can follow the MLB Draft's resumption at noon today.

While you're waiting for Lewis Black to make another appearance on TV, check out this interview. Check out his thoughts on the news. It's pretty vulgar but here's some of the cleaner questions:

AVC: Who are your comedic influences?
LB: George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Bob Newhart, Shelley Berman.
AVC: That was quick.
LB: Well, I know them pretty well. You do enough interviews, you get pretty quick at that.

The Red Sox lost to the Yankees 2-1 yesterday and Ortiz went yard again.'

Evan Bayh and Dick Lugar weigh in on the marriage issue.

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., said through his spokeswoman that he believes the "Constitution should only be amended when absolutely necessary, not because of hypothetical situations that may or may not come to pass."

Spokeswoman Meg Keck said that means Bayh would consider amending the Constitution if the Supreme Court ever strikes down the state and national laws prohibiting same-sex marriage, but he would not support an amendment now.

Now let me have a chance to weigh in on the issue. This is pure political pandering to the right wing base of the president. He's dropping in the polls. Gas prces are rising. Military deaths are rising. It's an election year. Oh, it's a frickin' election year! That's the only reason why he's doing it. It's a political distraction to get away from the REAL issues.

Posting will resume with regular updates as usual tomorrow. In the meantime, it's day 2 of the MLB Draft.

I've voted 6 times so far. Time to vote another 4 times for a total of 10 times.

Jon Tester will be the Democratic nominee for Senator in Montana. Chet Culver should be the next governor of Iowa.

Roger Clemens

Don't get me wrong. I like Roger Clemens and all. He used to be one of my favorite pitchers but that was before he retired the first time after playing as a Yankee in New York. Those were the days when I liked the Yankees and voted in Nomar Garciaparra on the AL part of the All-Star ballot.

Heck, I watched Clemens pitch yesterday on ESPN as he started his rehab game before making his way back to Houston. Do I root for Clemens anymore these days? Rarely, unless the Astros play the Cubs even though they are becoming more of a rival in the division to my beloved Cardinals.

In 2003, I remember Bud Selig replacing Barry Zito on the All-Star team because Roger Clemens was retiring and deserved one last All-Star appearance. Heck, he got his 300th win and 4,000th strikeout in the same game almost 3 years ago (June 13, 2003) against my Cardinals!

How wrong was baseball because one year later, Clemens was pitching in the NLCS against my Cardinals. In 2003, I rooted for NY over Boston. The next year, Boston over NY despite Nomar Garciaparra being traded away to the dreaded Cubs of Chicago.

While there is no doubt in my mind that the Rocket is a Hall of Famer, he'll have to give it up sooner or later. True, Nolan Ryan pitched an MLB record 27 years but what will Roger do? He's at 22 seasons going into this one. At the end of last season, Clemens had 341 wins and 4,502 strikeouts. The standards for the Hall these days are 300 wins or 3,000 strikeouts for pitchers. Clemens is only one of 4 players to fan over 4,000. Randy Johnson is the only other active player with over 4,000. I doubt he'll ever get close to Nolan Ryan's record of 5,714 strikeouts.

For the record, he retired once at the end of the 2003 season. The second time, at the end of the World Baseball Classic in the spring of 2006. So will the 2006 season be his last? Time will surely tell.

In the mean time, I'm sure the city of Lexington has enjoyed the publicity in the past week with Clemens in town. It's the first time I know of that he pitched here since Pawtucket was in the International League (AAA) while the Louisville Redbirds (AAA) were in the American Association until the end of the 1997 season.

Some history for you: From 1968-1972, the team currently known as the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA) played at old Cardinal Stadium as the new Louisville Colonels.

I did lose some respect for him during the offseason when he signed with Houston because I thought when he said he would retire, that he would be retiring for good. After Clemens retired, I started rooting for the Boston Red Sox.

2006 MLB Draft - Kentucky related

Round 4
#112 Ryan Strieby, a 1B from UK to the Detroit Tigers
#113 Kyle Orr, a SS from Lambrick Park (UK signee) to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Round 5
#165 John Shelby, a 2b from UK to the Chicago White Sox

Round 6
#172 Jordan Newton, a C from WKU to the Detroit Tigers (could be in OF as a pro)

Round 7
#217 Theodore Yarbrough, a 1B from EKU to the Philadelphia Phillies

Round 16
#494 Paul Patterson, a RHP from NKU to the New York Yankees

Round 17
#522 Tadd Brewer, a 2B from Lipscomb University (KY)

With regards to my former college of Bradley University:
Round 4
#120 Brandon Magee, a RHP to the Toronto Blue Jays

2006 MLB Draft - St. Louis Cardinals

In the first round, St. Louis selected Adam Ottavino of Northeastern University as their first pick of the draft (#30). Ottavino is a junior RHP from Brooklyn, NY. He is the second-highest pick ever from Northeastern with Carlos Pena being drafted #10 in the 1998 draft. This season, he went 4-5 with 2.98 ERA and 120 strikeouts through 93-2/3 innings. While at Northeastern, he majored in history. He was drafted in the 30th round after high school in 2003 by the Devil Rays.

The Cardinals took Christopher Perez as the 42nd pick in the draft in the 1A round. He is a RHP out of the University of Miami where he majored in criminal justice. Perez is currently a closer, and one of the best relievers in the college circuit.

Round 2
#54 Thomas Furnish, a LHP from TCU
#74 Jonathan Jay, an OF from Miami
--Jay is a speedster

Round 2C
#76 Mark Hamilton, a 1B from Tulane
-Power hitter that hits for average.

Round 3
#106 Gary Daley, a RHP from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Round 4
#136 Edward Degerman, a RHP from Rice University

Round 5
#166 Shane Robinson, a CF from Florida State
-had a 40 game hitting streak in 2005

Round 6
#196 Floyd Norrick, a LHP from SIU-Carbondale

Round 7
#226 Luke Gorsett, an OF from Nebraska-Lincoln

Round 8
#256 Allen Craig, a SS from UC-Berkeley

Round 9
#286 Matthew North, a RHP from Deer Valley HS (CA)

Round 10
#316 Blair Erickson, a RHP from UC-Irvine
-Closer with command issues

Round 11
#346 Phillip Walters, a RHP from South Alabama

Round 12
#376 David Carpenter, a C from West Virginia

Round 13
#406 Travis Mitchell, a CF from Parkway Central HS (MO)

Round 14
#436 Jonathan Edwards, a RF from Keller HS (TX)

Round 15
#466 Lance Zawadski, a SS from San Diego State

Round 16
#496 Thomas Pham, a SS from Durango HS (NV)

Round 17
#526 Nathan Southard, a CF from Tulane University

Round 18
#556 Amaury Cazani Marti, a RF from no school (FL)

Must be doing something right...

Two days in a row with new ads going up! Well, for me this is good news! Keep those advertisements coming!!

Anyone watch the series finale of Everwood? The new CW made a mistake in cancelling the show. Some Everwood fans are mad at 7th Heaven for the cancellation but I loved watching both shows. Had it not been for 7th Heaven, I'd still be watching CBS--which I did from 9-10 when Everwood was still on Thursdays at 9 PM. The series finale was one of the best I've seen and I'll admit that there were tears on my face during the show. It was better than the finale that they gave to 7th Heaven. During the second season, I would always phone home to my folks after the show. It's a dire shame though that it got cancelled and word has it that they will not release the other seasons on DVD.

Ed, I couldn't agree more! This purge of Lieberman by those to the left of me is one of the reasons as to why I rarely visit Kos and MyDD anymore. I visit when I can but I just don't have the time to do so.

respect Chris Bowers, but this time he's missing a very basic point. The DLC is not arguing against the right to "primary" incumbents; if Connecticut Democrats want to replace Joe Lieberman with Ned Lamont or anybody else, that's fine by me. It's the national effort to dump Joe, evidenced by the heavy involvement of national organizations like MoveOn and Democracy for America, that's objectionable. And as Chris knows, much of the progressive blogosphere is nearly as obsessed with the Lamont candidacy as it is with delivering a Democratic Congress this November, for reasons that have zippo to do with the vindication of the sovereign rights of Connecticut Democrats to choose whomever they want (has anyone other than Ned Lamont himself pledged to support Lieberman if he does win the primary? If so, they're pretty quiet about it). The level of abuse being aimed at Lieberman is, quite frankly, a close second to the abuse being aimed at George W. Bush.

Let's see what the Bull Moose writes (It's a copy of the DLC memo:

"We deplore this purge effort because Joe Lieberman is an outstanding and respected U.S. Senator. He is a man of utmost integrity who speaks and governs by his values and principles, even when they lead him against the popular tide -- as he did when he went to Mississippi to fight for civil rights in 1964. He is a man who always puts his country above his party or his personal interests. Those are qualities we should cherish, not disdain, in today's far too polarized politics. We need more, not fewer, people with Joe Lieberman's character in the Democratic Party."

I support Joe Lieberman just like I support Sen. Daniel Akaka. If you've been reading this for a long time, you should remember that I endorsed Joe Lieberman for president. Joe Lieberman is why I am in politics--though I have been leading towards entertainment as of late. Joe Lieberman is a man of integrity.

Because this is a Democratic blog and one that heavily focuses on KY-3 when it can, I feel that there should be some sort of comment on this situation. The fact is, had his journal been friends-only, then we wouldn't have this mess. Would I have done this sort of thing? No way. I can't even bare to look at her HQ.

Feingold and Warner endorse the NH primaries.

Boston won on June 4th and Matt Clement picked up the win. Gonzales, Ortiz, Ramirez, and Youkilis went yard when they won 8-3 against Detroit. Josh Beckett picked up yesterday's loss to NY as the Sox went down 13-5. Mirabelli went yard with his first home run of the season.

Former President Bill Clinton used his humorous side at Princeton.

Clinton offered praise for his successor, saying President George W. Bush is trying to find common ground in the debate over illegal immigration.

On a lighter note, he told the seniors they're more interesting than the class of 1906 -- which he describes as "a bunch of boring white guys like" himself.

In a bit of irony, Clinton, a Democrat, was picked by a committee that's co-chaired by relatives of two famous Republicans.

Presidential niece Lauren Bush and Harrison Frist, the son of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, are among those who invited Clinton.

The MLB Draft gets underway at noon today.

It's not too late to vote for the All-Star game. I've now voted six times so far.

My 2006 all-star votes will be going to:
American League
First Base: David Ortiz, BOS
Second Base: Adam Kennedy, LAA or Ian Kinsler, TEX
Third Base: Troy Glaus, TOR
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, NYY
Catcher: Jason Varitek, BOS
Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, LAA
Outfielder: Manny Ramirez, BOS
Outfielder: Brad Wilkerson, TEX or Scott Podsednik, CWS
Where is Jim Thome listed?!?

National League
First Base: Albert Pujols, STL
Second Base: Chase Utley, PHI
Third Base: Scott Rolen, STL
Shortstop: David Eckstein, STL
Catcher: Mike Piazza, SD or Paul Lo Duca, NYM
Outfielder: Adam Dunn, CIN
Outfielder: Jim Edmonds, STL
Outfielder: Alfonso Soriano, WAS

And don't even get me started on Jason Isringhausen...

Bayh on the Iraq War

From ProgressiveU.org via yellow_dog2000 via original source:

At a living room event in Sioux City on Saturday night, former Woodbury County chairman Al Sturgeon told Bayh that rank-and-file Democrats still feel “outrage over this incredible debacle in Iraq.”

Calling it “the biggest political and military blunder of my lifetime,” Sturgeon said to Bayh, “I’d like you to explain your vote on the war and why you gave the president a blank check to get us into this disaster.”

Bayh calmly answered that “I wouldn’t cast the same vote today as I did then.” He noted that “the French believed that (there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq), the Germans believed that, the Russians believed that, everybody believed he [Saddam Hussein] had weapons of mass destruction.”

Bayh said if the Iraqi factions “get their political act together — and we will know this in the next six to eight weeks… if they can form a government… then there’s something to work with there.” If not, then “we’re out.”

Which side are you on?

Long weekend

If you haven't seen Keeping up with the Steins, why on earth have you been procrastinating?!? I saw it on Saturday and LOVED it! That said, if you don't understand Jewish humor, then don't plan to see it. If you do understand Jewish humor, then see it! The independent movie is only playing in one Louisville theatre, and no, it's not at the Baxter.

Does anyone know if Free Zone has been released yet? It's an independent movie with Natalie Portman.

Robbie Rudolph has replaced Steve Pence on the ticket for the GOP but question still remains as to whether Mitch McConnell has the final word.

On June 2, the Red Sox won 3-2 against Detroit with Rudy Seanez getting his first win this season and Jonathan Papelbon getting his 20th save. The Sox lossed 6-2 on Saturday and Wakefield got a loss.

Evan Bayh discusses his energy plan at Purdue.

The following joke was sent to me the other day:

Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border, take the dirt and raise the levies in New Orleans and then put the Florida alligators in the border moat!

After losing to Ball State on Friday, UK beat Notre Dame and Ball State before losing to the College of Charleston. Regardless, thanks to John Cohen for a memorable season and the best in UK history! The golf team finished 5th in their tournament.

Just thought I'd reprint some text from an email I recieved from a longtime reader.

There is one aspect of the Senate race in Connecticut on which nobody ever seems to focus. Indeed, nobody ever observes the shamefulness of Ned Lamont accepting the endorsement and support of DAILY KOS, whose founder rejoiced in the murder of U.S. contractors in Fallujah. Here is what KOS said --

"That said, I feel nothing over the death of merceneries. They aren't in Iraq because of orders, or because they are there trying to help the people make Iraq a better place. They are there to wage war for profit. Screw them."

The examples of abominable behavior on the part of KOS hardly ends here. Lamont and any other Democratic candidates accepting the aid of DAILY KOS should be looking into his/her own conscience. I gather that KOS even appeared in a commercial for Lamont.

Let's take DAILY KOS' past sometimes laudatory coverage of George Galloway as an example. Galloway recently stated that the assassination of Tony Blair would be morally justifiable. This is the same Galloway who supported Saddam Hussein and now supports the Iraqi insurgency.

My email is messing up right now for unknown reasons so I'll update again soon. At least, I was able to get from June 1st to 3rd. Okay, back to business, since email was acting up. Aother blog ad went up so please get those ordered soon!

Now here's one of the reasons why I REFUSE to donate to the DCCC. There is a four-way primary in NH-1. They exclusively endorsed Jim Craig and declared him the winner already. It's this sort of bullcrap that I can't stand within the party. For one thing, it's up to the voters to decide on the winner, not the DCCC! I've endorsed Peter Sullivan for NH-1 for Congress. Peter needs whatever money you can contribute.

Email acting up again...

Catching up....

Since I was sick on Memorial Day and very busy the other days, I'm catching up with the blog starting with last Friday's news.

On Friday, the Red Sox won 8-4 against Tampa Bay. Julian Tavarez got the win and Papelbon the save. Lowell went yard. On Saturday, they won 6-4. Schilling moved to 8-2 and Papelbon picked up his 18th save. On Sunday, the Sox won 5-4 to finish the series against Tampa. Wakefield picks up the win and Taverez got the save. On Monday, they lost to the Jays 7-6. Beckett got the loss on Tuesday as the Sox lost 8-5. Yesterday, the Sox won 8-6 against the Blue Jays. Papelbon saved his 19th game as Jermaine Van Buren won his first game of the season.

Is Obama reunning in 2008?

The next state central cmte. meeting is set for July 8th at 1 PM in Maysville.

If you've seen all the X-Men films so far, this is one you will want to read.

Bayh voted against the nomination of Michael Hayden for CIA chief.

Peter Sullivan, a candidate for Congress in New Hampshire, has unveiled his energy plan. What do you think of it?

Ian McKellan discusses X4. So does Patrick Stewart. Heck, even Halle Berry is saying X4 might happen. If you read here, Patrick would rather do X4 than another Star Trek. Avi Arad originally said "No," but I feel he has had a change of heart since then due to the interview on this site.

Wow, check this article out. You know that there was crossover action in the comics. But what about the movies? The hard part about doing it in the movies is the licensing parts.

Ignoring Paramount, we've only got a few titles owned by the same studio; the biggest obviously being Fox's* control of both the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. These are two of the four heavy-hitters within the Marvelverse, and they've worked together plenty of times within the pages of Marvel comic books. Heck, there was even a recent crossover miniseries called X4 which was absolutely glorious. Charles Xavier and Reed Richards are old friends, and their teams have worked together on many occasions. The likelihood of a full-on X-Men/Fantastic Four team-up film is probably quite low; but with several confirmed and rumored spin-offs from the X-Men films there should be plenty of opportunities for a Fantastic guest appearance. Can anyone think of any strong candidates for such an occurrence? I'd love to see Beast consulting Reed (or vice versa) in the future, for one small example.

What about Hugh Jackman, the man who plays Logan/Wolverine in the films?

"It has never been my intention to turn the Wolverine film into 'X4,' " he cautions. "That would be cashing in on the spinoff and I have no need to even do this movie from a financial standpoint. I need to do this creatively, and I feel a solo Wolverine story needs to be told."

The need to explore a Wolverine origins story has been Jackman's plan since the unknown Aussie actor was cast as the heroic hairy guy in the first "X-Men" movie.

"I'm fully aware that this character launched my career," he says. "But I'm not doing this solo film out of any nostalgia. If I feel that Wolverine didn't have a solo film in him then I wouldn't do it."

That said, he insists that a few familiar "X" faces might make an appearance. "I'm not going to count anything out," Jackman hedges.

Peter Sullivan will address the NH State Democratric Convention at around 10:30 AM on Saturday.

Bayh continues to keep his options open for 2008.

The UK BatCats will face the Ball State Cardinals on Friday at Cliff Hagen Stadium.

Paulson, the Treasury nominee, has donated to Democrats.

Dave Barry offers a tip for the hurricane season beginning today.

The South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families was able to get twice the amount of signatures needed to challenge a law for this November's ballot with regards to a certain ban.

What happens over the summer will decide the fate of several players on SNL.

Comedy Central has announced both it's summer and fall schedules. Beginning Monday, September 19, if you want to watch Scrubs in syndication, now is your chance. It's time slot will be at 7 PM. If I have nothing else to do then, I'll probably watch it. It's starting it's 5th season so I wouldn't be surprised if they get through that many seasons before midseason.

The GOP will likely concede the next election for the governor's mansion to none other than Ben Chandler.

Wednesday, June 28 is the new release date for Superman Returns.

Getting back to X3 and the possibility of X4, read this:

All four say they’d jump at the chance to return in an “X-Men 4.” Still, they profess astonishment when a reporter informs them that there’s a secret teaser clip tacked on to the film – that runs after the closing credits – and that suggests, in tantalizingly vague terms, not just where such a sequel might head, but that it is inevitable.

“Oh, really?” says Paquin, leaning forward. “You’re kidding me.”

“You’re kidding me,” repeats Ashmore, who explains he walked out of a screening of the film after 45 seconds of end credits because “I already know everybody in the movie.”

“And this is after the chess scene?” asks Stanford, referring to what only appears to be the film’s last shot.

“Wow,” whispers Ramirez.

Sounds like some Junior X-Men didn’t do their homework.

“Congratulations,” says Paquin. “You just surprised all four of us.”

I'm caught up on this blog for now. Redbirds Fun will be updated later today or sometime tomorrow.