in fine tribute to late 'Crocodile Hunter'
BEERWAH, Queensland, Wednesday, Dec. 20 — The day at the Australia Zoo turned out to be a much better excursion than I had anticipated. Crikey, it was fun!
Friday, December 22, 2006
OZ '06, DAY 12: Zoo more than tourist trap
Steve Irwin's nature park gets it right
in fine tribute to late 'Crocodile Hunter'
BEERWAH, Queensland, Wednesday, Dec. 20 — The day at the Australia Zoo turned out to be a much better excursion than I had anticipated. Crikey, it was fun!
in fine tribute to late 'Crocodile Hunter'
BEERWAH, Queensland, Wednesday, Dec. 20 — The day at the Australia Zoo turned out to be a much better excursion than I had anticipated. Crikey, it was fun!
OZ '06, DAY 11: Surfing, then best meal ever?
Gorgeous day on Coolum Beach
upstaged by dining at Augello's
SUNSHINE COAST, Queensland, Tuesday, Dec. 19 — The agenda included three main activities, and all turned out brilliant.
First, we piled four people and a surf board into Sarah and Duane's cool little Holden Astra hatchback, a relatively easy process as it turned out, and took the short drive up the coast to Coolum Beach.
The morning was glorious. Deb got situated on the sand and said, "I could do this all day."
Alas, we forgot the camera — again!
Sarah and Duane took the board out into the rolling surf. To the untrained eye, the waves seemed to be consistently 2-3 feet high, with the occasional swell to 4-5 feet. It looked perfect for beginning surfers.
Despite living near the beach most of their lives, the kids had never learned to surf, and both had the goal of "getting up" for the first time this day. Sarah came the closest, riding several waves on her knees and nearly standing a couple times. Duane had more success paddling out farther, but failed to catch a big wave.
As for me, think floundering whale. I just wanted to ride one wave while prone, but even that was a challenge. The biggest problem was my swimsuit kept falling off as I tried to hop up onto the board! I did manage to ride one, and immediately called it quits.
Next on the docket — massages. While Sarah and Duane went for a bike workout with their trainer, Deb and I visited Dynamic Massage in Mooloolaba — which is pronounced Moo-loola-ba, said as fast possible. I drew laughs pronouncing each syllable, Moo-Loo-LA-ba.
After climbing Mount Coolum the previous day, we needed to be worked over, and Jackie at Dynamic gave us great one-hour massages. We plan to go back before we leave to get loosened up for the flights home.
The great day ended on a high note. The four of us drove back to Mooloolaba to meet the parents for dinner. It was Sharon and John Kenyon's 25th wedding anniversary, and Roz and Steve Smith joined us at Augello's Ristorante and Pizzeria overlooking the beach.
Yep ... forgot the camera again!
I'll try not to exaggerate too much … so I'll simply say it may have been the best restaurant meal I've ever had!
Augello's has won a number of Australian National Pizza Championships, and if they held a world competition, they'd be a contender. Spectacular pies!
I had an "Amanti de Carni" (meat lovers) pizza, which had "bbq sauce, cheese, marinated lamb, italian sausages, bacon, salami and ham." Incredible!
Debbie had a chef's special — crab meat lasagne. It was good beyond comprehension! And Roz's chicken cacciatore risotto might have been the best dish on the table.
We're going back, for sure.
• Shocker: Surfing is a lot harder than it looks. Sarah and Duane are both good athletes and very fit, but it's a challenge for them to maneuver the board around in the waves and attempt to ride. A lummox like me has no chance.
• Aussie oddities: It turns out a summer day without cricket is like a day without baseball. I found myself missing the game on "telly," and I look forward to the resumption of the Ashes series on Boxing Day, Dec. 26.
upstaged by dining at Augello's
SUNSHINE COAST, Queensland, Tuesday, Dec. 19 — The agenda included three main activities, and all turned out brilliant.
First, we piled four people and a surf board into Sarah and Duane's cool little Holden Astra hatchback, a relatively easy process as it turned out, and took the short drive up the coast to Coolum Beach.
The morning was glorious. Deb got situated on the sand and said, "I could do this all day."
Alas, we forgot the camera — again!
Sarah and Duane took the board out into the rolling surf. To the untrained eye, the waves seemed to be consistently 2-3 feet high, with the occasional swell to 4-5 feet. It looked perfect for beginning surfers.
Despite living near the beach most of their lives, the kids had never learned to surf, and both had the goal of "getting up" for the first time this day. Sarah came the closest, riding several waves on her knees and nearly standing a couple times. Duane had more success paddling out farther, but failed to catch a big wave.
As for me, think floundering whale. I just wanted to ride one wave while prone, but even that was a challenge. The biggest problem was my swimsuit kept falling off as I tried to hop up onto the board! I did manage to ride one, and immediately called it quits.
Next on the docket — massages. While Sarah and Duane went for a bike workout with their trainer, Deb and I visited Dynamic Massage in Mooloolaba — which is pronounced Moo-loola-ba, said as fast possible. I drew laughs pronouncing each syllable, Moo-Loo-LA-ba.
After climbing Mount Coolum the previous day, we needed to be worked over, and Jackie at Dynamic gave us great one-hour massages. We plan to go back before we leave to get loosened up for the flights home.
The great day ended on a high note. The four of us drove back to Mooloolaba to meet the parents for dinner. It was Sharon and John Kenyon's 25th wedding anniversary, and Roz and Steve Smith joined us at Augello's Ristorante and Pizzeria overlooking the beach.
Yep ... forgot the camera again!
I'll try not to exaggerate too much … so I'll simply say it may have been the best restaurant meal I've ever had!
Augello's has won a number of Australian National Pizza Championships, and if they held a world competition, they'd be a contender. Spectacular pies!
I had an "Amanti de Carni" (meat lovers) pizza, which had "bbq sauce, cheese, marinated lamb, italian sausages, bacon, salami and ham." Incredible!
Debbie had a chef's special — crab meat lasagne. It was good beyond comprehension! And Roz's chicken cacciatore risotto might have been the best dish on the table.
We're going back, for sure.
• Shocker: Surfing is a lot harder than it looks. Sarah and Duane are both good athletes and very fit, but it's a challenge for them to maneuver the board around in the waves and attempt to ride. A lummox like me has no chance.
• Aussie oddities: It turns out a summer day without cricket is like a day without baseball. I found myself missing the game on "telly," and I look forward to the resumption of the Ashes series on Boxing Day, Dec. 26.
Monday, December 11, 2006
OZ '06, DAY 3: Bummin' it on Bondi Beach
Time for casual strolls in sand,
through historic neighborhoods
SYDNEY, New South Wales, Monday, Dec. 11 — The disk jockey called the weather "stinking hot," but you wouldn't have thought that while standing on the cliffs above Bondi Beach.
Bondi — pronounced Bon-Dye — is the wide crescent of shimmering sand southeast of Sydney, and the ocean breezes there made it feel like a perfect day.
Joined by our Australian hosts, Sarah Kenyon and Duane Smith, Debbie and I spent our third day down under at the beach, and then strolling a 19th Century neighborhood.
While the mercury in central Sydney hit 36 degrees Celsius — nearly 92 Fahrenheit — we enjoyed ourselves walking in the sand, on the rocky cliffs above Bondi and along the beach road packed with tourist shops.
After Sarah and Duane headed for the airport to catch their flight back to Queensland, we drove into neighborhoods ringing downtown, and checked out some very well preserved row houses from the 1870s and '80s, most of which were no more than 15 feet wide.
The narrow streets and tiny lots harkened back to a time when life's scale was indeed human. Do we really need our excesses in housing and transportation?
• Shocker: Topless sunbathers abound on Bondi Beach. The dreaded overweight-guy-in-Speedo was there, too.
• Aussie oddities: Coins here generally get smaller the more they are worth, save for the 50-cent piece, which is the largest. The $2 coin is the smallest. There are no pennies. Paper currency is all the same height, but colors and widths vary.
OZ '06, DAY 2: Worship service or rock concert?
Hillsong Church goes overboard
with raucous Sunday performance
BAULKHAM HILLS, New South Wales, Sunday, Dec. 10 — Before we left for Australia, our pastor at Grace Fellowship in Orlando, Mike Adkins, suggested that we try to visit Hillsong Church. "Their worship is something special," he said.
We were happy to discover that Hillsong was just a few kilometers from our hotel, so Deb and I got up early to make it to the 8:45 a.m. service.
Road signs pointed not to a church, but to the "Hillsong Convention Center," and the 3,000-seat facility was more arena than house of worship. There were dozens of enthusiastic young people waving traffic into the parking lots nestled between the "old" 1,500-seat church, a brand new chapel and an ice skating rink. To call it a campus wouldn't do justice to the setting … it's more like an Olympic village.
Coffee vendors selling Gloria Jean's brews were set up in front of the main entrance, but we arrived just as they were closing, so I don't know if the coffee was free or for sale.
Once inside, you walk straight into the "Hillsong Resource Center," a polite name for a huge concourse concession stand. DVDs, CDs, Bibles, books, trinkets and other "resources" were displayed on racks and tables, waiting for the faithful to make a purchase.
My guess is the coffee wasn't free.
The worship opened with a multimedia avalanche. A nine-piece band, a 30-member choir, and seven featured singers took to the wide stage under three projection screens that would do Jumbotron proud.
It was loud, it was electric, and the flock loved it (about two-thirds of the house was full). People were on their feet, literally jumping in praise of Jesus. No one sat down during the opening 20 minutes of music.
While impressive, the sheer intensity of the performance took me out of the moment … I was much more comfortable attending Mass in the back of the 2004 U.S Open press tent at Olympia Fields.
After the raucous overture, the service turned into a giant marketing opportunity, with junior pastors pushing tickets to the "Christmas Spectacular," encouraging women to sign up for the "Colour 2007" conference, and hawking a new DVD featuring kids music. Then came the call for tithes and offerings.
Too much. Over the top. And bad timing. Frankly, it was crassly commercial.
Pastor Brian Houston took the stage and began working the crowd 37 minutes into the proceedings — I know, because a giant digital clock at the back of the main floor was keeping time.
Maybe I had already become detached, but there was nothing special about the man or his message. He rushed through a few scripture verses — "Try to keep up with me if you're taking notes" — and bounced around from point to random point in his sermon on loyalty.
He did convince me of one thing — I will remain loyal to my church.
Give me Grace Fellowship's talented and tasteful worship band, Mike Adkins' insightful sermons, a chance to really listen to — and keep up with — the Word of God, and free coffee and doughnuts every single Sunday.
But I have to admit … an ice rink is pretty cool!
• • • • •
Later that day, we headed into downtown Sydney with our hosts, Sarah Kenyon and Duane Smith, and Sarah's parents, Sharon and John Kenyon. We roamed the street market in an area called "The Rocks," saw the Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House, and did a little shopping.
• Shocker: Highway tolls here are crazy — it cost us $8.80 to go to church ($6.86 U.S.)! I'll never complain about 50 or 75 cents on the East-West Expressway again.
• Aussie oddities: You get assigned seats at the movies. … "Curb" is spelled "kerb." … Hungry Jacks restaurants are owned by Burger King and serve Whoppers.
with raucous Sunday performance
BAULKHAM HILLS, New South Wales, Sunday, Dec. 10 — Before we left for Australia, our pastor at Grace Fellowship in Orlando, Mike Adkins, suggested that we try to visit Hillsong Church. "Their worship is something special," he said.
We were happy to discover that Hillsong was just a few kilometers from our hotel, so Deb and I got up early to make it to the 8:45 a.m. service.
Road signs pointed not to a church, but to the "Hillsong Convention Center," and the 3,000-seat facility was more arena than house of worship. There were dozens of enthusiastic young people waving traffic into the parking lots nestled between the "old" 1,500-seat church, a brand new chapel and an ice skating rink. To call it a campus wouldn't do justice to the setting … it's more like an Olympic village.Coffee vendors selling Gloria Jean's brews were set up in front of the main entrance, but we arrived just as they were closing, so I don't know if the coffee was free or for sale.
Once inside, you walk straight into the "Hillsong Resource Center," a polite name for a huge concourse concession stand. DVDs, CDs, Bibles, books, trinkets and other "resources" were displayed on racks and tables, waiting for the faithful to make a purchase.
My guess is the coffee wasn't free.
The worship opened with a multimedia avalanche. A nine-piece band, a 30-member choir, and seven featured singers took to the wide stage under three projection screens that would do Jumbotron proud.
It was loud, it was electric, and the flock loved it (about two-thirds of the house was full). People were on their feet, literally jumping in praise of Jesus. No one sat down during the opening 20 minutes of music.
While impressive, the sheer intensity of the performance took me out of the moment … I was much more comfortable attending Mass in the back of the 2004 U.S Open press tent at Olympia Fields.
After the raucous overture, the service turned into a giant marketing opportunity, with junior pastors pushing tickets to the "Christmas Spectacular," encouraging women to sign up for the "Colour 2007" conference, and hawking a new DVD featuring kids music. Then came the call for tithes and offerings.
Too much. Over the top. And bad timing. Frankly, it was crassly commercial.
Pastor Brian Houston took the stage and began working the crowd 37 minutes into the proceedings — I know, because a giant digital clock at the back of the main floor was keeping time.
Maybe I had already become detached, but there was nothing special about the man or his message. He rushed through a few scripture verses — "Try to keep up with me if you're taking notes" — and bounced around from point to random point in his sermon on loyalty.
He did convince me of one thing — I will remain loyal to my church.
Give me Grace Fellowship's talented and tasteful worship band, Mike Adkins' insightful sermons, a chance to really listen to — and keep up with — the Word of God, and free coffee and doughnuts every single Sunday.
But I have to admit … an ice rink is pretty cool!
• • • • •
Later that day, we headed into downtown Sydney with our hosts, Sarah Kenyon and Duane Smith, and Sarah's parents, Sharon and John Kenyon. We roamed the street market in an area called "The Rocks," saw the Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House, and did a little shopping.
• Shocker: Highway tolls here are crazy — it cost us $8.80 to go to church ($6.86 U.S.)! I'll never complain about 50 or 75 cents on the East-West Expressway again.
• Aussie oddities: You get assigned seats at the movies. … "Curb" is spelled "kerb." … Hungry Jacks restaurants are owned by Burger King and serve Whoppers.
OZ '06, DAY 1: Trip down under kicks off
Sydney welcomes travelers
— after 19 hours in planes
SYDNEY, New South Wales, Saturday, Dec. 9 — It took almost exactly 24 hours for Debbie and me to leave our house in Windermere and arrive in Australia.
We left home at 4 p.m. for a 5:55 p.m. flight to Los Angeles (two hours total). The flight from Orlando to L.A. was just over five hours, then we had a two-hour layover (nine and a half hours total). Then the flight to Sydney was just under 14-1/2 hours.
Wow … was that long!
We were in business class on the Delta flight to L.A., but endured coach on the long leg. (Many thanks to Margaret Hartmann, who was able to upgrade us from "Economy" to "Economy Plus" on the United flight … that got us a little more leg room.)
Deb was able to sleep a lot, but I struggle to get more than a few winks. I watched three movies — "Lady in the Water" (which was awful!), "The Night Listener" (not too bad), and "The Illusionist" (pretty good).
Once on the ground, we rented a car and bought a cell phone — a "mo-bile" in Aussie speak — and drove straight to Oatlands Golf Club to watch our host, Sarah Kenyon, play in the New South Wales Women's Open.
While there, we also saw Sarah Kemp, Katy Jarochowicz and Tamara Beckett, who have all stayed with us over the years.
• Shocker: I've driven on the "wrong" side of the road before, in Scotland and Ireland, and I can handle it pretty well. But over here the turn-signal stalk is on the right side of the steering column — I've been turning on the windshield wipers every time I try to signal!
• Aussie oddities: We left on Dec. 7 and arrived on Dec. 9. So, where exactly did Dec. 8 go? … Since it's summer in Australia, they are on Daylight Savings time in New South Wales, but standard time in Queensland. While in Sydney we're 16 hours ahead of Orlando time; once we get to Queensland on Wednesday, Dec. 13, it'll be 15 hours ahead.
— after 19 hours in planes
SYDNEY, New South Wales, Saturday, Dec. 9 — It took almost exactly 24 hours for Debbie and me to leave our house in Windermere and arrive in Australia.
We left home at 4 p.m. for a 5:55 p.m. flight to Los Angeles (two hours total). The flight from Orlando to L.A. was just over five hours, then we had a two-hour layover (nine and a half hours total). Then the flight to Sydney was just under 14-1/2 hours.
Wow … was that long!
We were in business class on the Delta flight to L.A., but endured coach on the long leg. (Many thanks to Margaret Hartmann, who was able to upgrade us from "Economy" to "Economy Plus" on the United flight … that got us a little more leg room.)
Deb was able to sleep a lot, but I struggle to get more than a few winks. I watched three movies — "Lady in the Water" (which was awful!), "The Night Listener" (not too bad), and "The Illusionist" (pretty good).
Once on the ground, we rented a car and bought a cell phone — a "mo-bile" in Aussie speak — and drove straight to Oatlands Golf Club to watch our host, Sarah Kenyon, play in the New South Wales Women's Open.
While there, we also saw Sarah Kemp, Katy Jarochowicz and Tamara Beckett, who have all stayed with us over the years.
• Shocker: I've driven on the "wrong" side of the road before, in Scotland and Ireland, and I can handle it pretty well. But over here the turn-signal stalk is on the right side of the steering column — I've been turning on the windshield wipers every time I try to signal!
• Aussie oddities: We left on Dec. 7 and arrived on Dec. 9. So, where exactly did Dec. 8 go? … Since it's summer in Australia, they are on Daylight Savings time in New South Wales, but standard time in Queensland. While in Sydney we're 16 hours ahead of Orlando time; once we get to Queensland on Wednesday, Dec. 13, it'll be 15 hours ahead.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Ready to rumble with 'Royale'
Finally finished reading Fleming's
1st James Bond novel, movie is next
WINDERMERE — "Casino Royale" was Ian Fleming's first novel, and it introduced James Bond, agent 007, to the world in 1953.
Oddly enough, the other 13 Bond books were made into 14 films ("Octopussy / The Living Daylights" was split into two) before "Casino Royale," so this weekend's premiere will be the ultimate prequel.
(Woody Allen and Peter Sellers did a send-up of "Casino Royale" in 1967, but that spoof doesn't count.)
The book was a fairly easy read — that took me nearly two months to complete. Students in one of my classes at Valencia Community College read three or four chapters each week, followed by eight quizzes, so I resisted the temptation to finish the book in one sitting, which could certainly be done. (I liked the book; most of my kids hated it!)
Now it's time to see the movie, which opens Nov. 17.
Unless you've been ignoring every mass media outlet for the past two months, you're aware of all the hype surrounding "Casino Royale" and the new Bond, Daniel Craig. If you're like me, you'll be looking for a theater near you with a 12:01 a.m. Friday showing.
Midnight Madness they call it, and I'll be at Universal City Walk for the first screening!
1st James Bond novel, movie is next
WINDERMERE — "Casino Royale" was Ian Fleming's first novel, and it introduced James Bond, agent 007, to the world in 1953.
Oddly enough, the other 13 Bond books were made into 14 films ("Octopussy / The Living Daylights" was split into two) before "Casino Royale," so this weekend's premiere will be the ultimate prequel.
(Woody Allen and Peter Sellers did a send-up of "Casino Royale" in 1967, but that spoof doesn't count.)The book was a fairly easy read — that took me nearly two months to complete. Students in one of my classes at Valencia Community College read three or four chapters each week, followed by eight quizzes, so I resisted the temptation to finish the book in one sitting, which could certainly be done. (I liked the book; most of my kids hated it!)
Now it's time to see the movie, which opens Nov. 17.
Unless you've been ignoring every mass media outlet for the past two months, you're aware of all the hype surrounding "Casino Royale" and the new Bond, Daniel Craig. If you're like me, you'll be looking for a theater near you with a 12:01 a.m. Friday showing.
Midnight Madness they call it, and I'll be at Universal City Walk for the first screening!
Whitaker amazing in 'Last King'
Performance as Idi Amin is mortal lock
in race for Academy's Best Actor Oscar
MAITLAND, Fla. — Over the years I have made lots of predictions — about sports, movies, life — but I rarely will commit to calling something a sure-thing, lead-pipe-cinch, mortal-lock, no-brainer guarantee.
I learned my lesson in sports on Dec. 22, 1979. For nearly a month leading up to the Holiday Bowl, I was telling anybody who'd listen (thankfully, not many did) to bet all the money they could find on BYU over Indiana. BYU was led by Marc Wilson, one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time, and they were 11-0. They won that year by scores of 48-3, 31-7, 54-14, 59-7 and 63-14.
The betting line opened at BYU minus 9, and I bet the Cougars. It moved to 11 ... I grabbed the late Kenny Hlatuch(?) at Lad's Tavern on Broadway and bet BYU again. The line went to 13, and I matched the two earlier bets.
To make a long story short — but no less painful — Wilson threw, like, a dozen interceptions, BYU missed, like, six field goals, the Cougars fumbled, oh, seven times, and Indiana ran back, like, four kicks for scores. The Lee Corso-led Hoosiers actually won the game 38-37 ... appropriately when BYU's kicker missed a 27-yard field goal at the buzzer! I lost $400 — $440 with the vig, more than I had at the time — and haven't bet on football since.
That brings me to movies. I've made only four Academy Award guarantees, and I'm 3-1.
In 1981, I said I'd never go to the cinema again if Sissy Spacek didn't get Best Actress for her performance as Loretta Lynn in "Coal Miner's Daughter." She won, thankfully.
In 1991, I said Val Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison in "The Doors" was better than Spacek as Lynn, and that he'd easily win the Oscar. He didn't even get nominated! (Oliver Stone backlash, no doubt.)
In 2001, I was taking a class at the University of Central Florida, and I wrote on a student Web site that Denzel Washington was a lock for Best Actor in "Training Day." (Part of it was he was great, and part of it was he was due, after getting screwed as Malcolm “X.”) He won.
In 2004, I — and the rest of the world — said Jamie Foxx WAS "Ray" Charles, and he'd have to win the golden statuette. He did.
That brings me to 2006, and the latest lock of the century.
Forest Whitaker will win the Academy Award for "Best Actor in a Leading Role." His portrayal of Uganda's Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland" defies description, but Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal tried when he wrote:
“Whitaker's portrait of Idi Amin is enormous, mercurial, terrifying and endlessly seductive. It's one of the great performances of modern movie history."
I couldn’t have said it better myself ... but I did say as much, when I walked out of the Enzian Theater on Saturday (and before I read Morgenstern’s review).
Whitaker has always been a good actor — if you haven’t seen him in Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,” go rent it — but he’s beyond amazing as Amin.
It’s a shame, but all the other actors of 2006 can skip writing acceptance speeches.
Forest Whitaker will win the Oscar.
I guarantee it!
* * * * *
As for sports, bet Ohio State minus the points against Michigan on Nov. 18. They won't lose on my 50th birthday ... will they?
in race for Academy's Best Actor Oscar
MAITLAND, Fla. — Over the years I have made lots of predictions — about sports, movies, life — but I rarely will commit to calling something a sure-thing, lead-pipe-cinch, mortal-lock, no-brainer guarantee.
I learned my lesson in sports on Dec. 22, 1979. For nearly a month leading up to the Holiday Bowl, I was telling anybody who'd listen (thankfully, not many did) to bet all the money they could find on BYU over Indiana. BYU was led by Marc Wilson, one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time, and they were 11-0. They won that year by scores of 48-3, 31-7, 54-14, 59-7 and 63-14.
The betting line opened at BYU minus 9, and I bet the Cougars. It moved to 11 ... I grabbed the late Kenny Hlatuch(?) at Lad's Tavern on Broadway and bet BYU again. The line went to 13, and I matched the two earlier bets.To make a long story short — but no less painful — Wilson threw, like, a dozen interceptions, BYU missed, like, six field goals, the Cougars fumbled, oh, seven times, and Indiana ran back, like, four kicks for scores. The Lee Corso-led Hoosiers actually won the game 38-37 ... appropriately when BYU's kicker missed a 27-yard field goal at the buzzer! I lost $400 — $440 with the vig, more than I had at the time — and haven't bet on football since.
That brings me to movies. I've made only four Academy Award guarantees, and I'm 3-1.
In 1981, I said I'd never go to the cinema again if Sissy Spacek didn't get Best Actress for her performance as Loretta Lynn in "Coal Miner's Daughter." She won, thankfully.
In 1991, I said Val Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison in "The Doors" was better than Spacek as Lynn, and that he'd easily win the Oscar. He didn't even get nominated! (Oliver Stone backlash, no doubt.)
In 2001, I was taking a class at the University of Central Florida, and I wrote on a student Web site that Denzel Washington was a lock for Best Actor in "Training Day." (Part of it was he was great, and part of it was he was due, after getting screwed as Malcolm “X.”) He won.
In 2004, I — and the rest of the world — said Jamie Foxx WAS "Ray" Charles, and he'd have to win the golden statuette. He did.
That brings me to 2006, and the latest lock of the century.
Forest Whitaker will win the Academy Award for "Best Actor in a Leading Role." His portrayal of Uganda's Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland" defies description, but Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal tried when he wrote:
“Whitaker's portrait of Idi Amin is enormous, mercurial, terrifying and endlessly seductive. It's one of the great performances of modern movie history."
I couldn’t have said it better myself ... but I did say as much, when I walked out of the Enzian Theater on Saturday (and before I read Morgenstern’s review).
Whitaker has always been a good actor — if you haven’t seen him in Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,” go rent it — but he’s beyond amazing as Amin.
It’s a shame, but all the other actors of 2006 can skip writing acceptance speeches.
Forest Whitaker will win the Oscar.
I guarantee it!
* * * * *
As for sports, bet Ohio State minus the points against Michigan on Nov. 18. They won't lose on my 50th birthday ... will they?
Monday, November 6, 2006
Azinger already righting ship
Forces PGA to make changes,
boosts U.S. Ryder Cup chances
The foundering ship that is the U.S. Ryder Cup team has a new captain for 2008, and already Paul Azinger is proving to be a master with the bilge pump.
Before he accepted the job, he convinced the PGA of America to revamp its point system — again — give him two more wild card selections (four), and more time to make them.
We won’t expect miracles from one of the game’s most irascible characters, but he sure is off on a good foot.
“I’m going to get the blame if it doesn’t work,” Azinger said Monday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. “I would like some of the credit if it does.”
America is waiting to give anyone some credit, as long as the U.S. team starts to play up to its collective résumé.
Azinger has the personality and slightly off-center perspective on the game to wake up the moribund U.S. players, and he has already shown that he can shake up the system.
“I like the idea of being able to pick four players,” Azinger said. “I like the idea that I don’t have to pick them immediately after the PGA Championship. I have an opportunity that no other Ryder Cup captain has had, and I really appreciate that.”
While the new points system remains indescribably convoluted, suffice it to say it is based on money earned and not top-10 finishes. In the past a player could finish 11th at The Masters and get no points, but earn points for a ninth-place finish in a run-of-the-mill PGA Tour event. Now Azinger should get eight players from the top of the heap, while holding four chances to grab, in NFL draft parlance, the best player left on the board.
Azinger is a solid choice who has already advanced the U.S. cause. Now he needs to cut into all the hoopla and distractions that surround the American squad and get his men into a position where they can just play golf.
Here are some suggestions, Paul, in case you need ideas:
• Don’t waste any mental energy on meaningless details, like picking uniforms. Two white shirts, two red shirts, two blue shirts, black trousers, black shoes and black hats. Done.
• Give the wives their badges on Monday and say, “See you Sunday.” They’re not part of the team, they’re spectators. (If you can pull off separate rooms for the troops, do it.)
• Eliminate as many outside functions as possible, starting with the so-called gala. This is a golf match, not the club’s autumn cotillion. Use that time for serious golf talk with the caddies over beer and chicken wings and yardage books. Or, better yet, make it Maker’s Mark, since you’ll be in Kentucky.
• Skip the special-guest pep talks. No former presidents, no former basketball players, no former hockey players. Give the Bush and Jordan and Gretzky families their passes on Monday and say, “See you Sunday.”
• If stumped for a captain’s choice, take the bigger hitter. Past captains have always looked first for players who can chip and putt, but it’s time we turned the big dogs loose on those Euro pattycakers. Here are some good picks right now — John Daly, J.B. Holmes (Kentucky bred, and breeding counts in Louisville), Bubba Watson and, oh, anybody else averaging 340-plus. If we’re going to lose, let’s at least go down swingin’ from the heels.
• Just in case, see if you can restore Ryder Cup eligibility to American-born Aaron Baddeley.
• While you’re at it, see if you can somehow doctor Camilo Villegas’ Colombian birth certificate. South America is still America, right? You need somebody to trash-talk Sergio Garcia in Spanish. (“¿De dónde conseguiste esos pantalones amarillos? ¿De tu hermana?” “Buen putt, Alice. ¿Tu juego del marido golf?”)
boosts U.S. Ryder Cup chances
The foundering ship that is the U.S. Ryder Cup team has a new captain for 2008, and already Paul Azinger is proving to be a master with the bilge pump.
Before he accepted the job, he convinced the PGA of America to revamp its point system — again — give him two more wild card selections (four), and more time to make them.
We won’t expect miracles from one of the game’s most irascible characters, but he sure is off on a good foot.
“I’m going to get the blame if it doesn’t work,” Azinger said Monday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. “I would like some of the credit if it does.”America is waiting to give anyone some credit, as long as the U.S. team starts to play up to its collective résumé.
Azinger has the personality and slightly off-center perspective on the game to wake up the moribund U.S. players, and he has already shown that he can shake up the system.
“I like the idea of being able to pick four players,” Azinger said. “I like the idea that I don’t have to pick them immediately after the PGA Championship. I have an opportunity that no other Ryder Cup captain has had, and I really appreciate that.”
While the new points system remains indescribably convoluted, suffice it to say it is based on money earned and not top-10 finishes. In the past a player could finish 11th at The Masters and get no points, but earn points for a ninth-place finish in a run-of-the-mill PGA Tour event. Now Azinger should get eight players from the top of the heap, while holding four chances to grab, in NFL draft parlance, the best player left on the board.
Azinger is a solid choice who has already advanced the U.S. cause. Now he needs to cut into all the hoopla and distractions that surround the American squad and get his men into a position where they can just play golf.
Here are some suggestions, Paul, in case you need ideas:
• Don’t waste any mental energy on meaningless details, like picking uniforms. Two white shirts, two red shirts, two blue shirts, black trousers, black shoes and black hats. Done.
• Give the wives their badges on Monday and say, “See you Sunday.” They’re not part of the team, they’re spectators. (If you can pull off separate rooms for the troops, do it.)
• Eliminate as many outside functions as possible, starting with the so-called gala. This is a golf match, not the club’s autumn cotillion. Use that time for serious golf talk with the caddies over beer and chicken wings and yardage books. Or, better yet, make it Maker’s Mark, since you’ll be in Kentucky.
• Skip the special-guest pep talks. No former presidents, no former basketball players, no former hockey players. Give the Bush and Jordan and Gretzky families their passes on Monday and say, “See you Sunday.”
• If stumped for a captain’s choice, take the bigger hitter. Past captains have always looked first for players who can chip and putt, but it’s time we turned the big dogs loose on those Euro pattycakers. Here are some good picks right now — John Daly, J.B. Holmes (Kentucky bred, and breeding counts in Louisville), Bubba Watson and, oh, anybody else averaging 340-plus. If we’re going to lose, let’s at least go down swingin’ from the heels.
• Just in case, see if you can restore Ryder Cup eligibility to American-born Aaron Baddeley.
• While you’re at it, see if you can somehow doctor Camilo Villegas’ Colombian birth certificate. South America is still America, right? You need somebody to trash-talk Sergio Garcia in Spanish. (“¿De dónde conseguiste esos pantalones amarillos? ¿De tu hermana?” “Buen putt, Alice. ¿Tu juego del marido golf?”)
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Tiger swings with Ellen
Even on daytime TV,
Woods meets challenge
The last time he got cheers this big was when he raised the roof with a hole-in-one at the Phoenix Open!
Woods meets challenge
The last time he got cheers this big was when he raised the roof with a hole-in-one at the Phoenix Open!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
It broken — time to fix it
USA trounced in Ryder Cup again;
changes must be made before '08
WINDERMERE — Another Ryder Cup is history, and another loss has been chalked up for the United States.
That’s three victories in a row for Europe, and five of the last six.
Clearly, something is broken, so here are five quick solutions to improve the Americans’ chances at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 19-21, 2008:
• Lose the baggage I: Not sure when the tradition of making significant others a part of the team started, but it has to stop immediately.
Wives are great — every man should have one — but their sole role at the Ryder Cup is to be the strong woman behind the man.
Have you ever seen wives and girlfriends jumping on the pile after a team wins the World Series? No. Do significant others wear matching “uniforms” at an NFL game? No. Do NBA organizations allow wives and girlfriends to travel on the team plane? Rarely, if ever. Do significant others march into an Olympic stadium during the opening ceremonies? Never.
There were reports last week that the wives were in the USA’s team room when captain Tom Lehman was addressing the troops. Has Bill Belichick ever invited the girls into the Super Bowl locker room? Yeah, right . . .
Fast-forward to Valhalla: “Here are your tickets for the week, Mrs. Woods; thank you for coming. Have fun, but please remain outside the ropes.”
(And to show I’m not sexist, there shall be no uniformed PGA of America officials walking the fairways, either.)
• Lose the baggage II: Last week, the Americans’ plane was three hours late in arriving — because they couldn’t get all the luggage on board! Do we really need different outfits for every session? Do we need those hideous plaid and tweed traveling get-ups? What about formal attire for the gala and suits for the opening festivities? Scrap them all.
The rule for 2008? One man, one suitcase.
• Motivate Mickelson: If Phil Mickelson wants to “shut it down” after the PGA Championship every year, then he should give up his spot on the team and go to the beach. In the last two Ryder Cups he’s 1-7-1; in the last two Presidents Cups he’s 3-5-2 — that’s an abysmal 4-12-3 record, totally unacceptable for someone annually ranked in the top three in the world. In 2008, Mickelson needs to play his way into shape prior to the event — assuming he isn’t fully retired by that point.
• Put on game faces: On the day the captain fills out his team in 2008, all members must stop shaving. Nothing brings a hockey team together for the Stanley Cup playoffs like a bunch of unkempt, scraggly guys in the locker room. The “playoff beard” works to bind a squad. It’s about attitude.
• Wild-card picks, not captain’s selections: WhoMever gets the job as U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2008 must review the process by which he makes his two selections. It’s time to start finding the right players, not the best players. Forget the rankings and the rules, and pick somebody who’ll scare the Europeans — like John Daly, who has never played in a Ryder Cup. Then the captain must commit to his choices and play them. Scott Verplank was undefeated and untied this year, but sat out three sessions.
changes must be made before '08
WINDERMERE — Another Ryder Cup is history, and another loss has been chalked up for the United States.That’s three victories in a row for Europe, and five of the last six.
Clearly, something is broken, so here are five quick solutions to improve the Americans’ chances at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 19-21, 2008:
• Lose the baggage I: Not sure when the tradition of making significant others a part of the team started, but it has to stop immediately.
Wives are great — every man should have one — but their sole role at the Ryder Cup is to be the strong woman behind the man.
Have you ever seen wives and girlfriends jumping on the pile after a team wins the World Series? No. Do significant others wear matching “uniforms” at an NFL game? No. Do NBA organizations allow wives and girlfriends to travel on the team plane? Rarely, if ever. Do significant others march into an Olympic stadium during the opening ceremonies? Never.
There were reports last week that the wives were in the USA’s team room when captain Tom Lehman was addressing the troops. Has Bill Belichick ever invited the girls into the Super Bowl locker room? Yeah, right . . .
Fast-forward to Valhalla: “Here are your tickets for the week, Mrs. Woods; thank you for coming. Have fun, but please remain outside the ropes.”
(And to show I’m not sexist, there shall be no uniformed PGA of America officials walking the fairways, either.)
• Lose the baggage II: Last week, the Americans’ plane was three hours late in arriving — because they couldn’t get all the luggage on board! Do we really need different outfits for every session? Do we need those hideous plaid and tweed traveling get-ups? What about formal attire for the gala and suits for the opening festivities? Scrap them all.
The rule for 2008? One man, one suitcase.
• Motivate Mickelson: If Phil Mickelson wants to “shut it down” after the PGA Championship every year, then he should give up his spot on the team and go to the beach. In the last two Ryder Cups he’s 1-7-1; in the last two Presidents Cups he’s 3-5-2 — that’s an abysmal 4-12-3 record, totally unacceptable for someone annually ranked in the top three in the world. In 2008, Mickelson needs to play his way into shape prior to the event — assuming he isn’t fully retired by that point.• Put on game faces: On the day the captain fills out his team in 2008, all members must stop shaving. Nothing brings a hockey team together for the Stanley Cup playoffs like a bunch of unkempt, scraggly guys in the locker room. The “playoff beard” works to bind a squad. It’s about attitude.
• Wild-card picks, not captain’s selections: WhoMever gets the job as U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2008 must review the process by which he makes his two selections. It’s time to start finding the right players, not the best players. Forget the rankings and the rules, and pick somebody who’ll scare the Europeans — like John Daly, who has never played in a Ryder Cup. Then the captain must commit to his choices and play them. Scott Verplank was undefeated and untied this year, but sat out three sessions.
Barbaro update: Good story in Sentinel
Orlando newspaper does fine job
with feature story on Derby winner
WINDERMERE — In a sea of ink spilled about football, football and more football, the Orlando Sentinel's sports editors found a page for Andrew Carter's fine feature story on Barbaro this morning.
If you, like me, are rooting for the horse, you'll enjoy this piece: click here.
(You might have to register for the Sentinel's Web site, but it's free, and they don't bombard you with spam ...)
For daily updates on Barbaro, check out: TimWoolleyRacing.com.
And a new program has started to find "Barbaro Ambassadors" and raise funds for equine-injury research: CampaigningForBarbaro.com.
with feature story on Derby winner
WINDERMERE — In a sea of ink spilled about football, football and more football, the Orlando Sentinel's sports editors found a page for Andrew Carter's fine feature story on Barbaro this morning.
If you, like me, are rooting for the horse, you'll enjoy this piece: click here.
(You might have to register for the Sentinel's Web site, but it's free, and they don't bombard you with spam ...)
For daily updates on Barbaro, check out: TimWoolleyRacing.com.
And a new program has started to find "Barbaro Ambassadors" and raise funds for equine-injury research: CampaigningForBarbaro.com.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
New section added: 'What I'm Reading'
Offering a real insiders view
of my coffee table, nightstand
WINDERMERE — Over there, on the right hand side of this page, you'll see a new section: "What I'm Reading."
I've always said the best ways to learn something about a man is to 1) play a round of golf with him, and 2) find out what he's reading.
Since golf takes nearly six hours — in Orlando the game can be worse than a trip to the dentist — it's easier to get to know me by the books scattered around the house:
• "Casino Royale," by Ian Fleming (1953). This novel introduced James Bond to the world, and has been made into a feature film, which will be released Nov. 17. (All the students in one of my classes are reading this with me, and we'll go see the movie as a group.)
• "The Tender Bar," by J.R. Moehringer (2005). On loan from my good friend Adam Barr — who is as erudite as they come — this memoir is touching and entertaining. At one chapter a night, I'll be done in a couple weeks.
• "The Dante Club," by Matthew Pearl (2003). I judged this book by its cover ... it was an airport impulse buy. The artwork reminded me of Caleb Carr's novels "The Alienist" and "The Angel of Darkness," two 19th Century period pieces that I loved. "The Dante Club" is on the nightstand until I finish "The Tender Bar."
• "Wild at Heart," by John Eldredge (2001). Studying this book, along with its "field manual," for my Tuesday morning men's group. Subtitled "Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul," it leads us on our quest for a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live. We'll be going on a Colorado retreat led by Eldredge in February.
of my coffee table, nightstand
WINDERMERE — Over there, on the right hand side of this page, you'll see a new section: "What I'm Reading."
I've always said the best ways to learn something about a man is to 1) play a round of golf with him, and 2) find out what he's reading.
Since golf takes nearly six hours — in Orlando the game can be worse than a trip to the dentist — it's easier to get to know me by the books scattered around the house:
• "Casino Royale," by Ian Fleming (1953). This novel introduced James Bond to the world, and has been made into a feature film, which will be released Nov. 17. (All the students in one of my classes are reading this with me, and we'll go see the movie as a group.)
• "The Tender Bar," by J.R. Moehringer (2005). On loan from my good friend Adam Barr — who is as erudite as they come — this memoir is touching and entertaining. At one chapter a night, I'll be done in a couple weeks.
• "The Dante Club," by Matthew Pearl (2003). I judged this book by its cover ... it was an airport impulse buy. The artwork reminded me of Caleb Carr's novels "The Alienist" and "The Angel of Darkness," two 19th Century period pieces that I loved. "The Dante Club" is on the nightstand until I finish "The Tender Bar."
• "Wild at Heart," by John Eldredge (2001). Studying this book, along with its "field manual," for my Tuesday morning men's group. Subtitled "Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul," it leads us on our quest for a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live. We'll be going on a Colorado retreat led by Eldredge in February.
Friday, September 15, 2006
USA 3rd in world golf race
As Ryder Cup approaches,
Americans must face reality
WINDERMERE — Sorry to have to report this, my fellow Americans, but our once unassailable advantage in golf has disappeared. The USA is now a third-world power.
Next week 12 Americans will tee it up against 12 Europeans in the Ryder Cup Matches, and the Euros are a statistically stronger squad.
Team USA players have an average berth of 28.17 in the Official World Golf Ranking, while the Europeans average 23.58. Our boys rank from Tiger Woods (No. 1) to Brett Wetterich (No. 65); Team Europe ranges from Sergio Garcia (No. 8) to Paul McGinley (No. 52). We have three players ranked lower than the Irishman.
And it's not surprising that non-Ryder Cup eligible players are the best of the bunch. The top 12 so-called Internationals, who compete against the United States in the Presidents Cup, have an average ranking of 16.08, ranging from Fiji's Vijay Singh (No. 4) to Australia's Nick O'Hern (No. 30).
The Southern Hemisphere has taken the lead in men's golf.
It's time for the PGA Tour to concede that point and allow the PGA of America's Ryder Cup to be the game's major team event. The winner of next week's matches should play the Internationals next year and start an annual competition, but that means the USA could be left outside the ropes.
Given the weakness of our team, that's where we belong.
Americans must face reality
WINDERMERE — Sorry to have to report this, my fellow Americans, but our once unassailable advantage in golf has disappeared. The USA is now a third-world power.Next week 12 Americans will tee it up against 12 Europeans in the Ryder Cup Matches, and the Euros are a statistically stronger squad.
Team USA players have an average berth of 28.17 in the Official World Golf Ranking, while the Europeans average 23.58. Our boys rank from Tiger Woods (No. 1) to Brett Wetterich (No. 65); Team Europe ranges from Sergio Garcia (No. 8) to Paul McGinley (No. 52). We have three players ranked lower than the Irishman.
And it's not surprising that non-Ryder Cup eligible players are the best of the bunch. The top 12 so-called Internationals, who compete against the United States in the Presidents Cup, have an average ranking of 16.08, ranging from Fiji's Vijay Singh (No. 4) to Australia's Nick O'Hern (No. 30).
The Southern Hemisphere has taken the lead in men's golf.
It's time for the PGA Tour to concede that point and allow the PGA of America's Ryder Cup to be the game's major team event. The winner of next week's matches should play the Internationals next year and start an annual competition, but that means the USA could be left outside the ropes.
Given the weakness of our team, that's where we belong.
Tribe should trade Triple-A teams
Yankees want out of Columbus,
so give them Buffalo right now
WINDERMERE — Read a story today that the New York Yankees want to end their 28-year relationship with the Columbus Clippers. If that's the case, the Dolans need to pull every possible trick in the law book to grab that AAA International League market.
I don't know what the Indians' contract is with the Buffalo Bisons, but I'm sure officials there would love a chance to land the Yankees.
Columbus could be a great market for Indians-ticket sales, and the Clippers will play in a new ballpark in 2008. Buffalo is 190 miles from Cleveland, Columbus 120 — an hour closer even for the pokiest driver.
Plus, there's an intangible benefit when your top prospects are just a limo ride away (Akron and Columbus) — the lazy fat-cats on the MLB roster have to keep looking over their shoulder.
Make the deal, Larry. Fast.
so give them Buffalo right now
WINDERMERE — Read a story today that the New York Yankees want to end their 28-year relationship with the Columbus Clippers. If that's the case, the Dolans need to pull every possible trick in the law book to grab that AAA International League market.I don't know what the Indians' contract is with the Buffalo Bisons, but I'm sure officials there would love a chance to land the Yankees.
Columbus could be a great market for Indians-ticket sales, and the Clippers will play in a new ballpark in 2008. Buffalo is 190 miles from Cleveland, Columbus 120 — an hour closer even for the pokiest driver.
Plus, there's an intangible benefit when your top prospects are just a limo ride away (Akron and Columbus) — the lazy fat-cats on the MLB roster have to keep looking over their shoulder.
Make the deal, Larry. Fast.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
'Hollywoodland' & 'Little Miss Sunshine'
Saw 2 new films in 2 nights,
thanks to return of the Aussies
WINDERMERE — The Australians are back in town, and that means cinema revenues are spiking.
Sarah-Jane Kenyon, the LPGA Tour and Futures Tour player who stays with us, and her boyfriend/caddie Duane Smith are spending a few days here before heading to San Francisco for the Longs Drugs Challenge and then on to Queensland.
Sarah and Duane are bigger film freaks than I am, if that's possible, so we've been hitting the multiplex hard.
Last night it was "Little Miss Sunshine," a quirky road movie that was hilarious.
Monday we checked out "Hollywoodland," which had a "Chinatown"/"L.A. Confidential" sort of feel.
I highly recommend both.
Next on the agenda? Maybe "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" on DVD.
thanks to return of the Aussies
WINDERMERE — The Australians are back in town, and that means cinema revenues are spiking.Sarah-Jane Kenyon, the LPGA Tour and Futures Tour player who stays with us, and her boyfriend/caddie Duane Smith are spending a few days here before heading to San Francisco for the Longs Drugs Challenge and then on to Queensland.
Sarah and Duane are bigger film freaks than I am, if that's possible, so we've been hitting the multiplex hard.
Last night it was "Little Miss Sunshine," a quirky road movie that was hilarious.
Monday we checked out "Hollywoodland," which had a "Chinatown"/"L.A. Confidential" sort of feel.
I highly recommend both.
Next on the agenda? Maybe "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" on DVD.
Monday, September 11, 2006
No football tradition left in Cleveland
Another Browns' season starts,
another loss dampens all hope
WINDERMERE — Once upon a time there was a real tradition of winning football in Cleveland, but, sadly, it is as long gone as leather helmets and the drop kick.
The reality remaining is one of horrible play by the Browns and little hope for the fans.
Try these stats on for size:
* Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Browns are 1-7 in season openers, and this despite the league's generosity in letting them start at home all eight years.
* Go back five more seasons, to the "Bellicose" Bill Belichick era, and the team is 3-10 in season openers (and 3-10 in home openers).
Football is alone among team sports in that the season opener really sets the tone for the whole year. If you watched that abomination against the New Orleans Saints yesterday, you saw a team that was out-manned, out-executed, out-hustled and out-coached. There was little on display to suggest that the Browns will beat anybody this season.
Why is this so? Bad coaching.
There are 18 men employed as "coaches" on this team, one for every three players on the 53-man roster!! And that's the best game-plan that they could formulate -- let our less-than-mediocre quarterback run around willy-nilly, and hope someone can catch a pass?
There have been 14 head coaches in this franchise's history, and only one, Nick Skorich (1971-74), had ever been an NFL head coach before being hired.
The on-the-job-training method hasn't worked since Paul Brown and Blanton Collier (last world championship, in 1964 — 41-plus years!).
It's time for a change! We want Jim Tressel!! (Oops, he's never been an NFL head coach ... We want Sam Rutigliano!!)
another loss dampens all hope
WINDERMERE — Once upon a time there was a real tradition of winning football in Cleveland, but, sadly, it is as long gone as leather helmets and the drop kick.The reality remaining is one of horrible play by the Browns and little hope for the fans.
Try these stats on for size:
* Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Browns are 1-7 in season openers, and this despite the league's generosity in letting them start at home all eight years.
* Go back five more seasons, to the "Bellicose" Bill Belichick era, and the team is 3-10 in season openers (and 3-10 in home openers).
Football is alone among team sports in that the season opener really sets the tone for the whole year. If you watched that abomination against the New Orleans Saints yesterday, you saw a team that was out-manned, out-executed, out-hustled and out-coached. There was little on display to suggest that the Browns will beat anybody this season.
Why is this so? Bad coaching.
There are 18 men employed as "coaches" on this team, one for every three players on the 53-man roster!! And that's the best game-plan that they could formulate -- let our less-than-mediocre quarterback run around willy-nilly, and hope someone can catch a pass?
There have been 14 head coaches in this franchise's history, and only one, Nick Skorich (1971-74), had ever been an NFL head coach before being hired.
The on-the-job-training method hasn't worked since Paul Brown and Blanton Collier (last world championship, in 1964 — 41-plus years!).
It's time for a change! We want Jim Tressel!! (Oops, he's never been an NFL head coach ... We want Sam Rutigliano!!)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Wow, I love this job!!
Teaching at Valencia Community College
has real benefits -- like 'hurricane days'
ORLANDO — Started teaching at Valencia Community College on Monday, and after two days of classes I was beginning to feel the stress of actually having a job again.
Then my good friend Ernesto bailed me out.
Down here in Florida we are now so paranoid when it comes to bad weather that the college will shut down tomorrow for a "hurricane day," even though Ernesto is just a tropical storm.
So, I'll be going to the movies!
has real benefits -- like 'hurricane days'
ORLANDO — Started teaching at Valencia Community College on Monday, and after two days of classes I was beginning to feel the stress of actually having a job again.
Then my good friend Ernesto bailed me out.
Down here in Florida we are now so paranoid when it comes to bad weather that the college will shut down tomorrow for a "hurricane day," even though Ernesto is just a tropical storm.
So, I'll be going to the movies!
Friday, August 25, 2006
PGA Tour history -- 2 aces in same round
Japan's Yusaka Miyazato
plans to 'drink much beer'
WINDERMERE -- For those of us who have played golf for most of our lives, making a hole-in-one remains the biggest thrill imaginable. (I'm still hoping after 39 years ...)
For Yusaka Miyazato, it's no big deal.
Miyazato, playing in the Reno-Tahoe Open on a sponsor's exemption, made two aces in a round of 6-under-par 66 Friday. Tour officials claim he is the first player ever to accomplish the feat. (To read the Associated Press story on SI.com, click here.)
Afterward, Miyazato told the AP that he planned to "drink much beer. Big party."
The 26-year-old is the older brother of LPGA Tour rookie sensation Ai Miyazato.
Take a look at Miyazato's historic scorecard: click here. Amazing.
plans to 'drink much beer'
WINDERMERE -- For those of us who have played golf for most of our lives, making a hole-in-one remains the biggest thrill imaginable. (I'm still hoping after 39 years ...)
For Yusaka Miyazato, it's no big deal.
Miyazato, playing in the Reno-Tahoe Open on a sponsor's exemption, made two aces in a round of 6-under-par 66 Friday. Tour officials claim he is the first player ever to accomplish the feat. (To read the Associated Press story on SI.com, click here.)
Afterward, Miyazato told the AP that he planned to "drink much beer. Big party."
The 26-year-old is the older brother of LPGA Tour rookie sensation Ai Miyazato.
Take a look at Miyazato's historic scorecard: click here. Amazing.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Getting a little TV time
Expect sparks to fly when 'Teeing Off'
during Golf Central debate segment
ORLANDO — Be sure to watch the "Golf Central" news show Wednesday on The Golf Channel, as Ken Carpenter is featured in the "Teeing Off" debate segment.
Chances are excellent that Carpenter will rip into CaptainTom Lehman's picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
"Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank? You've got to be kidding me," Carpenter said. "I'm sure the Europeans are shakin' in their spikes now!"
during Golf Central debate segment
ORLANDO — Be sure to watch the "Golf Central" news show Wednesday on The Golf Channel, as Ken Carpenter is featured in the "Teeing Off" debate segment.Chances are excellent that Carpenter will rip into CaptainTom Lehman's picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
"Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank? You've got to be kidding me," Carpenter said. "I'm sure the Europeans are shakin' in their spikes now!"
Monday, August 14, 2006
The Beatles live — 40 years ago today
Concert at Cleveland Municipal Stadium
kicked off life loving rock 'n' roll shows
WINDERMERE — When you're 9 years old, you have no sense of
history, so forgive me if I can't recall actual memories of seeing
The Beatles live.
It was Sunday, Aug. 14, 1966, and my Mom took me and my two younger sisters, Kim and Amy, to see the Fab Four at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. My uncle, Bruno Bornino, was the rock 'n' roll critic for The Cleveland Press, and he hooked us up with tickets in the baseball press box.
I don't remember anything, because the stage was out beyond second base and the sound system was awful. Wait, I do remember one song — The Cyrkle singing "Red Rubber Ball" during the warm-up set.
Read a review by one man who does remember: click here
In 40 years of going to rock concerts, I'd say the best performers that I've seen are:
Stadium/Arena Division: Elton John, The Guess Who, The Eagles and David Bowie
Small-hall Division: Bonnie Raitt, John Fogerty (Both this year! She's 56, he's 61!) and Jackson Browne.
Bar-room Division: The Stray Cats and Wet Willie.
* * * * *
Best surprise concert: One weeknight my good friend Lee Gordon and I were wandering the empty streets of The Flats in Cleveland when we heard music coming out of Peabody's Downunder, a tiny bar. We walked in — no cover — and discovered Bon Jovi playing to about 100 people. Amazing! A couple months later they did two nights at the Richfield Coliseum.
* * * * *
I'm A Believer: I also "saw" The Monkees live, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 1967. When everybody stood up and started screaming I couldn't see or hear anything, so I went out in the concourse of Cleveland Public Hall with my transistor radio and listened to a football game — the NFL / AFL Championship Game, now known as Super Bowl I.
kicked off life loving rock 'n' roll shows
WINDERMERE — When you're 9 years old, you have no sense of
history, so forgive me if I can't recall actual memories of seeingThe Beatles live.
It was Sunday, Aug. 14, 1966, and my Mom took me and my two younger sisters, Kim and Amy, to see the Fab Four at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. My uncle, Bruno Bornino, was the rock 'n' roll critic for The Cleveland Press, and he hooked us up with tickets in the baseball press box.
I don't remember anything, because the stage was out beyond second base and the sound system was awful. Wait, I do remember one song — The Cyrkle singing "Red Rubber Ball" during the warm-up set.
Read a review by one man who does remember: click here
In 40 years of going to rock concerts, I'd say the best performers that I've seen are:
Stadium/Arena Division: Elton John, The Guess Who, The Eagles and David Bowie
Small-hall Division: Bonnie Raitt, John Fogerty (Both this year! She's 56, he's 61!) and Jackson Browne.
Bar-room Division: The Stray Cats and Wet Willie.
* * * * *
Best surprise concert: One weeknight my good friend Lee Gordon and I were wandering the empty streets of The Flats in Cleveland when we heard music coming out of Peabody's Downunder, a tiny bar. We walked in — no cover — and discovered Bon Jovi playing to about 100 people. Amazing! A couple months later they did two nights at the Richfield Coliseum.
* * * * *
I'm A Believer: I also "saw" The Monkees live, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 1967. When everybody stood up and started screaming I couldn't see or hear anything, so I went out in the concourse of Cleveland Public Hall with my transistor radio and listened to a football game — the NFL / AFL Championship Game, now known as Super Bowl I.
Positive signs for Barbaro
Kentucky Derby winner walks around,
takes 1st steps on road to recovery
WINDERMERE — I'm a horse guy, have been for as long as I can remember. Since my grandparents took me to old Randall Park — before Edward DeBartolo turned it into a mall — and since my parents took me to Northfield Park on Monday nights so they could try to win a Cadillac and I could pick up discarded tickets. And surely since I worked at Northfield, as publicity director and later as a mutuel clerk.
So it warms my heart to read that Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner, is making progress in his fight to survive a shattered leg.
Your morning paper might miss the update, so here's a link to the Associated Press story on SI.com: click here
Photo finish: A Ken Carpenterism — There's never been a bad movie made about a horse. My favorite? Phar Lap
takes 1st steps on road to recovery
WINDERMERE — I'm a horse guy, have been for as long as I can remember. Since my grandparents took me to old Randall Park — before Edward DeBartolo turned it into a mall — and since my parents took me to Northfield Park on Monday nights so they could try to win a Cadillac and I could pick up discarded tickets. And surely since I worked at Northfield, as publicity director and later as a mutuel clerk.
So it warms my heart to read that Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner, is making progress in his fight to survive a shattered leg.
Your morning paper might miss the update, so here's a link to the Associated Press story on SI.com: click here
Photo finish: A Ken Carpenterism — There's never been a bad movie made about a horse. My favorite? Phar Lap
Real life interrupts game of golf
Futures Tour player Sarah Lynn Johnston
moves on after loss of friend, travel partner
WINDERMERE —— While the world of golf focuses on the big boys at the PGA Championship this week, the game rolls on along the backroads of the mini-tours and pro-ams circuits that are the grassroots of the great game.
Much will be written and said at Medinah Country Club about Tiger Woods losing his father this year, and Chris DiMarco losing his mother, and how Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley aren't there because Clarke's wife, Heather, lost her battle with breast cancer on Sunday.
Real life has a way of reminding us that sports aren't very important.
Out on the Duramed Futures Tour, Sarah Lynn Johnston knows that all too well. Bravely playing on through a season of "chaos," Johnston, 24, had a tough life lesson thrown into the mix as she tries to learn how to be a successful professional.
Read Sarah Lynn's story on TheGolfGazette.com: click here
(Thanks to Lisa Mickey at the Futures Tour for a great feature.)
* * * * *
I had fully intended to cover the PGA this week, but real-life decisions got me, too. I'm heading back to teaching at Valencia Community College, and there's much to do before classes start Aug. 28. While I had hoped to add coverage of another major to the portfolio, my time will be better spent preparing to face nearly 100 students in four classes this fall.
Plus, the view from the couch is a lot better than the view on the golf course!
moves on after loss of friend, travel partner
WINDERMERE —— While the world of golf focuses on the big boys at the PGA Championship this week, the game rolls on along the backroads of the mini-tours and pro-ams circuits that are the grassroots of the great game.
Much will be written and said at Medinah Country Club about Tiger Woods losing his father this year, and Chris DiMarco losing his mother, and how Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley aren't there because Clarke's wife, Heather, lost her battle with breast cancer on Sunday.Real life has a way of reminding us that sports aren't very important.
Out on the Duramed Futures Tour, Sarah Lynn Johnston knows that all too well. Bravely playing on through a season of "chaos," Johnston, 24, had a tough life lesson thrown into the mix as she tries to learn how to be a successful professional.
Read Sarah Lynn's story on TheGolfGazette.com: click here
(Thanks to Lisa Mickey at the Futures Tour for a great feature.)
* * * * *
I had fully intended to cover the PGA this week, but real-life decisions got me, too. I'm heading back to teaching at Valencia Community College, and there's much to do before classes start Aug. 28. While I had hoped to add coverage of another major to the portfolio, my time will be better spent preparing to face nearly 100 students in four classes this fall.
Plus, the view from the couch is a lot better than the view on the golf course!
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Out of the fire, onto the rotisserie
Fantasy league operators win lawsuit;
Major League Baseball doesn't own stats
A federal judge ruled that players' names and statistics are not the intellectual property of Major League Baseball.
Read the Associated Press story on SI.com.
Meanwhile, the 12 owners in the Lunch Pail League of Statistical Baseball Clubs rejoice!
Major League Baseball doesn't own stats
A federal judge ruled that players' names and statistics are not the intellectual property of Major League Baseball.
Read the Associated Press story on SI.com.
Meanwhile, the 12 owners in the Lunch Pail League of Statistical Baseball Clubs rejoice!
NFL realignment makes too much sense
Simple plan would stir division rivalries,
stimulate college-like regional support
WINDERMERE — While driving around town today, I was listening to the Orlando Sentinel's sports talk show, "Keepin' Score," and columnist Mike Bianchi was ranting about realigning the NFL so the three Florida teams could be in the same division and play each other twice a year.
I not only agreed with him, I came up with a plan to do it.
Here's the e-mail that I sent to Mike:
* * * * *
Mike,
I almost fainted while driving this morning — I actually agreed wholeheartedly with your notion to realign the NFL.
It makes too much sense for it to actually happen, but you are 100 percent correct.
Attached please find two charts:
* A realigned league, by division (click)
* A map showing the geographic logic of the whole thing (click)
And there is a very simple solution to the “rivalry” problem — each team can work out an annual-game contract with ONE other, nondivisional opponent.
So Dallas and Washington can play each other once a year, until either team decides to quit the rivalry. Sort of like the home-and-home agreements in college football.
If a team can’t reach agreement with a favored opponent, the league just makes its schedule, as usual. (Oakland might negotiate a home-and-home against Denver for 2006-07, and then a home-and-home against Kansas City for 2008-09, etc.)
Each team would then play six games in their division and as many as one “rivalry” game.
To take it several steps further ...
* All division winners make the playoffs, but based solely on their DIVISIONAL record. So, Cleveland could win all six of its division games, but lose its remaining 10 games, and still go to the playoffs. Ties within the division are first broken by record against all common opponents, and then by overall record. This adds MAJOR importance to the division games, building new regional rivalries and making existing rivalries (i.e., Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh) even more heated/hated. (In 2005, there was only one tie for a division title ... In 2004 there was none ... In 2003 there were two.)
* Then eight of the remaining teams with the best overall records get the other playoff spots. In theory, all four teams in a division could make the playoffs.
* Teams are then seeded No. 1 through No. 16, regardless of conference, based on record. If the two best teams are in the same conference (or same division), one gets the No. 1 seed, the other gets No. 2, etc. (Nos. 1 and 2 get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.)
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Week 1 = 8 games (4 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday ... 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 8 p.m.) The nation shuts down for a weekend!
Week 2 = 4 games (1 on Saturday, 8 p.m.; 3 on Sunday, 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 8 p.m.)
Week 3 = 2 games (Sunday, 4:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
Week 4 = Super Bowl (two teams from the same division could wind up here ...)
I’m working on Major League Baseball ... It’s a little trickier without adding two new teams, so Charlotte and Orlando are getting franchises!
* * * * *
Let me know what YOU think — click on COMMENTS below and express your views!
stimulate college-like regional support
WINDERMERE — While driving around town today, I was listening to the Orlando Sentinel's sports talk show, "Keepin' Score," and columnist Mike Bianchi was ranting about realigning the NFL so the three Florida teams could be in the same division and play each other twice a year.I not only agreed with him, I came up with a plan to do it.
Here's the e-mail that I sent to Mike:
* * * * *
Mike,
I almost fainted while driving this morning — I actually agreed wholeheartedly with your notion to realign the NFL.
It makes too much sense for it to actually happen, but you are 100 percent correct.
Attached please find two charts:
* A realigned league, by division (click)
* A map showing the geographic logic of the whole thing (click)
And there is a very simple solution to the “rivalry” problem — each team can work out an annual-game contract with ONE other, nondivisional opponent.
So Dallas and Washington can play each other once a year, until either team decides to quit the rivalry. Sort of like the home-and-home agreements in college football.
If a team can’t reach agreement with a favored opponent, the league just makes its schedule, as usual. (Oakland might negotiate a home-and-home against Denver for 2006-07, and then a home-and-home against Kansas City for 2008-09, etc.)
Each team would then play six games in their division and as many as one “rivalry” game.
To take it several steps further ...
* All division winners make the playoffs, but based solely on their DIVISIONAL record. So, Cleveland could win all six of its division games, but lose its remaining 10 games, and still go to the playoffs. Ties within the division are first broken by record against all common opponents, and then by overall record. This adds MAJOR importance to the division games, building new regional rivalries and making existing rivalries (i.e., Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh) even more heated/hated. (In 2005, there was only one tie for a division title ... In 2004 there was none ... In 2003 there were two.)
* Then eight of the remaining teams with the best overall records get the other playoff spots. In theory, all four teams in a division could make the playoffs.
* Teams are then seeded No. 1 through No. 16, regardless of conference, based on record. If the two best teams are in the same conference (or same division), one gets the No. 1 seed, the other gets No. 2, etc. (Nos. 1 and 2 get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.)
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Week 1 = 8 games (4 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday ... 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 8 p.m.) The nation shuts down for a weekend!
Week 2 = 4 games (1 on Saturday, 8 p.m.; 3 on Sunday, 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 8 p.m.)
Week 3 = 2 games (Sunday, 4:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
Week 4 = Super Bowl (two teams from the same division could wind up here ...)
I’m working on Major League Baseball ... It’s a little trickier without adding two new teams, so Charlotte and Orlando are getting franchises!
* * * * *
Let me know what YOU think — click on COMMENTS below and express your views!
Monday, August 7, 2006
Here's a face made for radio
Listen live on XM Satellite Radio,
WKNR Sportstalk 850 in Cleveland
WINDERMERE — Radio audiences will get a double dose of Ken Carpenter this week.
First there's a call-in interview Tuesday morning on Peter Kessler's "Pure Golf" program, which airs on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 146, at 8 a.m.
Then there's a regular chat with Greg Brinda and Jimmy Hamlin on the "Northeast Ohio PGA Golf Show," Friday at 7:10 p.m. on WKNR-AM Sportstalk 850 in Cleveland.
If you don't have XM, you can sign up for a free, 3-day online trial; click here.
If you don't live in Cleveland, you can try to "listen live" at www.WKNR.com, but when I tried their link today, it would not work on my Mac. (My guess is it will work with a PC, as long as you have Windows Media Player.)
We're working on setting up an audio archive on our Web site, so you can listen to all the golf jabber 24/7.
WKNR Sportstalk 850 in Cleveland
WINDERMERE — Radio audiences will get a double dose of Ken Carpenter this week.
First there's a call-in interview Tuesday morning on Peter Kessler's "Pure Golf" program, which airs on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 146, at 8 a.m.
Then there's a regular chat with Greg Brinda and Jimmy Hamlin on the "Northeast Ohio PGA Golf Show," Friday at 7:10 p.m. on WKNR-AM Sportstalk 850 in Cleveland.
If you don't have XM, you can sign up for a free, 3-day online trial; click here.
If you don't live in Cleveland, you can try to "listen live" at www.WKNR.com, but when I tried their link today, it would not work on my Mac. (My guess is it will work with a PC, as long as you have Windows Media Player.)
We're working on setting up an audio archive on our Web site, so you can listen to all the golf jabber 24/7.
Sunday, August 6, 2006
"Most Amazing Golf Facts"
The best stats so far in 2006
WINDERMERE — Tiger Woods won his 50th PGA Tour event today, and thus moves into first place on the list of "Most Amazing Golf Facts of 2006."
Here's the short list so far:
3) Justin Bolli had an incredible run in the Nationwide Tour's Price Cutter Charity Championship (July 20-23), firing four consecutive rounds of 6-under-par 66. That reads 66-66-66-66, 264, 24-under par. Amazing fact: He didn't win the tournament! He didn't even come in second! Doug LaBelle II shot 63-67-67-64—261, 27 under, and Nick Flanagan shot 69-63-64-67—263, minus-25!
2) Corey Pavin won the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee on July 30, his first victory in 10 years. He also won the Milwaukee event in 1986, a 20-year span. Amazing fact: The winner's check in 1986 was $72,000; the first-place prize this year was $720,000. That's a 1,000% increase!
1) Woods has won 50 times in 196 career starts. Amazing fact: That's a .255 batting average — terrible if you're a designated hitter, but amazing for a golfer. (By the way — Tiger also shot 66-66-66-66!! But he won!)
WINDERMERE — Tiger Woods won his 50th PGA Tour event today, and thus moves into first place on the list of "Most Amazing Golf Facts of 2006."
Here's the short list so far:
3) Justin Bolli had an incredible run in the Nationwide Tour's Price Cutter Charity Championship (July 20-23), firing four consecutive rounds of 6-under-par 66. That reads 66-66-66-66, 264, 24-under par. Amazing fact: He didn't win the tournament! He didn't even come in second! Doug LaBelle II shot 63-67-67-64—261, 27 under, and Nick Flanagan shot 69-63-64-67—263, minus-25!
2) Corey Pavin won the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee on July 30, his first victory in 10 years. He also won the Milwaukee event in 1986, a 20-year span. Amazing fact: The winner's check in 1986 was $72,000; the first-place prize this year was $720,000. That's a 1,000% increase!
1) Woods has won 50 times in 196 career starts. Amazing fact: That's a .255 batting average — terrible if you're a designated hitter, but amazing for a golfer. (By the way — Tiger also shot 66-66-66-66!! But he won!)
What are your core values?
Grace Fellowship starts 5-week series
focusing on church's foundational beliefs
ORLANDO — Debbie and I picked a perfect time to attend a new church.
We went to Grace Fellowship in downtown Orlando this morning and were welcomed by senior pastor Mike Adkins, who was starting a new sermon series, "Why You're Here," outlining the nondenominational community's Core Values.
Today we learned about "God's Presence" at Grace Fellowship, and over the next four weeks Mike will cover "External Focus," "Transformational Community," "Meaningful Ministry" and "Authentic Living."
After the series on foundational beliefs (Aug. 6-Sept. 3), Grace will host a program for new members called "The Partnership Experience."
We're planning to be there.
On the ride home, Debbie said we should write out the core values for our marriage . . .
Isn't that something that going to church is supposed to do — challenge you to take a good look inside, at your fundamental beliefs?
focusing on church's foundational beliefs
ORLANDO — Debbie and I picked a perfect time to attend a new church.
We went to Grace Fellowship in downtown Orlando this morning and were welcomed by senior pastor Mike Adkins, who was starting a new sermon series, "Why You're Here," outlining the nondenominational community's Core Values.
Today we learned about "God's Presence" at Grace Fellowship, and over the next four weeks Mike will cover "External Focus," "Transformational Community," "Meaningful Ministry" and "Authentic Living."
After the series on foundational beliefs (Aug. 6-Sept. 3), Grace will host a program for new members called "The Partnership Experience."
We're planning to be there.
On the ride home, Debbie said we should write out the core values for our marriage . . .
Isn't that something that going to church is supposed to do — challenge you to take a good look inside, at your fundamental beliefs?
Friday, August 4, 2006
Microsoft surrenders in browser fight
Internet Explorer no longer available for Macs
WINDERMERE — After purchasing a new Apple MacBook yesterday, I set about loading on all sorts of software — Solitaire XL, Microsoft Word, etc. — and was shocked when I couldn't find Internet Explorer online.
Microsoft's browser software is probably the most popular in the world, but the company no longer supports its Mac version, and stopped making it available for downlaod as of Jan. 31.
When I went to mactopia.com, I found the following message posted:
* * *
INTERNET EXPLORER FOR MAC
NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
In June 2003, the Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit announced that Internet Explorer for Mac would undergo no further development, and support would cease in 2005. In accordance with published support lifecycle policies, Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer for Mac on December 31st, 2005, and is not providing any further security or performance updates.
Accordingly, as of January 31st, 2006, Internet Explorer for the Mac is no longer available for download from Microsoft. It is recommended that Macintosh users migrate to more recent web browsing technologies such as Apple's Safari.
* * *
Wow! Not only does Goliath give up the fight, it actually recommends Little David's far superior product!
(For the record, I was looking for IE because I like to check my Web sites with various browsers, making sure I've built them properly. I also downloaded Firefox and Netscape, but don't plan to use them. Safari rocks!)
WINDERMERE — After purchasing a new Apple MacBook yesterday, I set about loading on all sorts of software — Solitaire XL, Microsoft Word, etc. — and was shocked when I couldn't find Internet Explorer online.
Microsoft's browser software is probably the most popular in the world, but the company no longer supports its Mac version, and stopped making it available for downlaod as of Jan. 31.
When I went to mactopia.com, I found the following message posted:
* * *
INTERNET EXPLORER FOR MAC
NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
In June 2003, the Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit announced that Internet Explorer for Mac would undergo no further development, and support would cease in 2005. In accordance with published support lifecycle policies, Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer for Mac on December 31st, 2005, and is not providing any further security or performance updates.
Accordingly, as of January 31st, 2006, Internet Explorer for the Mac is no longer available for download from Microsoft. It is recommended that Macintosh users migrate to more recent web browsing technologies such as Apple's Safari.
* * *
Wow! Not only does Goliath give up the fight, it actually recommends Little David's far superior product!
(For the record, I was looking for IE because I like to check my Web sites with various browsers, making sure I've built them properly. I also downloaded Firefox and Netscape, but don't plan to use them. Safari rocks!)
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Another Mac added to the family
50th birthday gift arrives early;
sleek machine does Windows, too
WINDERMERE — When your laptop fails to connect to the Internet, it becomes nothing more than a 6-pound paperweight.
My trusty Apple Powerbook, circa 2002, has been having connectivity problems, and the likely $400 repair bill seemed too high to keep it on life support.
So I requested, and received, permission from Debbie to buy a new computer.
Let me announce the arrival of the 2006 Mac Book:
I got the "white" version, since Apple is charging $150 extra just for the color on the "black" version. In fact, my "white" machine, equally
matched to a "black," actually fared better in speed tests by Apple! Identical innards, so maybe the paint slows down the "black" model.
This nifty notebook is my sixth Mac: original 128K model (1984), then a IIsi, then a Performa 6400, then the Powerbook, then an iMac G5, and now the Mac Book.
Even better, my recent decision to return to teaching at Valencia Community College made me eligible for an education discount AND a free iPod AND a free printer!! (Well, the iPod deal was a $179 rebate on a $179 Nano, but I opted for the 60-gig video iPod and had the educational-discount price reduced by $179. I paid $190 for a $399 beauty!)
Now the trick will be to keep Debbie away from the Mac Book — the new Intel processor allows stalwarts to run Windows, if they so choose.
As for me, I don't do Windows!
sleek machine does Windows, too
WINDERMERE — When your laptop fails to connect to the Internet, it becomes nothing more than a 6-pound paperweight.
My trusty Apple Powerbook, circa 2002, has been having connectivity problems, and the likely $400 repair bill seemed too high to keep it on life support.
So I requested, and received, permission from Debbie to buy a new computer.
Let me announce the arrival of the 2006 Mac Book:
I got the "white" version, since Apple is charging $150 extra just for the color on the "black" version. In fact, my "white" machine, equally
matched to a "black," actually fared better in speed tests by Apple! Identical innards, so maybe the paint slows down the "black" model.This nifty notebook is my sixth Mac: original 128K model (1984), then a IIsi, then a Performa 6400, then the Powerbook, then an iMac G5, and now the Mac Book.
Even better, my recent decision to return to teaching at Valencia Community College made me eligible for an education discount AND a free iPod AND a free printer!! (Well, the iPod deal was a $179 rebate on a $179 Nano, but I opted for the 60-gig video iPod and had the educational-discount price reduced by $179. I paid $190 for a $399 beauty!)
Now the trick will be to keep Debbie away from the Mac Book — the new Intel processor allows stalwarts to run Windows, if they so choose.
As for me, I don't do Windows!
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