October 2003 Archives

31 October 2003

Patoski Love For DEA

The Dead End Angels have gotten a nice review from Harp magazine:

I used to think there wasn’t much more to the Groobees, the alt-country rockers from Amarillo up in the Texas Panhandle, than Susan Gibson’s composition “Wide Open Spaces” that the Dixie Chicks made famous, and their kinship with Lubbock bands in being charmingly, sometimes achingly honest, if a little naive. I should’ve listened closer. While Gibson has gone on to establish herself as a respectable songster in Austin (in line behind Terri Hendrix, perhaps, but still a player) the real interesting post-Groobee action is happening 50 miles south of Austin on I-35, in the German river town of New Braunfels. That’s where Scott Melott, the Other Groobee, has been woodshedding while raising a family, reuniting with original Groobee drummer Craig Bagby, Troy Wilson, the other half of Bagby’s rhythm section, and adding Texas Music journeyman Rick Poss and writing some soulful, eminently catchy originals including “Rhonda’s Prayer” a stirring telling of The Great Fourth of July Flood of 2002, a wild tale that really happened. Alejandro Escovedo puts a light touch on the proceedings while wearing his producer’s hat, letting the songs do the heavy lifting. And lift they do. Take these guys seriously. They’re players.

That was penned by Joe Nick Patoski.

There are a lot of music writers out there who think really highly of themselves (and shouldn't).

And then there are a handful of excellent music writers like Patoski, who knows his stuff and knows how to write a review. He's always worth paying attention to.

Kudos to the guys for making an impression.

And now, I'm off to San Antonio to catch a DEA show tonight (and a good steak, I hope) at the Scenic Loop Cafe.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/31/03 11:51 | Music | Technorati | Comments (0)

30 October 2003

Another Reason To Like Caitlin Cary

Caitlin Cary is not only a GREAT musician -- she also has a great attitude about fans recording her shows:

I guess I am uniquely qualified to answer this question! I'm fine with taping and trading, and thus far it seems that my fans have been true to their word when they've promised not to try to profit from taping. I have found a few things on e-bay, and that's when I get nasty. Barring that, please feel free, and thank you for listening.

It's almost never tapers who put stuff on eBay, but jackasses who have somehow gotten their hands on a show that some taper has been gracious enough to share with other fans. And of course, those jackasses ruin it for everyone. That's one reason I'm not into "trading" the shows I tend to record. Generally, they're for my personal enjoyment, and for the enjoyment of friends I know who were there (and the musicians, if they want 'em) -- people who won't go take the things and try to sell 'em on eBay.

The Jayhawks, on the other hand, seem to have one of those annoyingly ambiguous taping policies along the lines of "Officially, our management doesn't allow taping, but if you're not a pain in the ass about it, we musicians don't really care." So, I may or may not try to stealth a recording of their upcoming Continental Club gig. That room doesn't record worth a shite anyway, so we'll see.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/30/03 21:06 | Music | Technorati | Comments (4)

Send Dr. Loomis To Africa

As an example of what can happen late at night, some time after the effects of a large Diedrich Latte (four shots of espresso!) have started to wear off, there was bedtime discussion with Callie last night.

It began with the discussion of the music from the movie Halloween (it's that time of year, after all).

And progressed to, ya know, a French Horn might be able to do some of the background parts.

To, my GAWD I hated the movie Out of Africa.

To, ya know, the soundtrack was at least tolerable. Those French horns were nice.

To, maybe a combination of Halloween and Out of Africa would be good. They could incorporate the French horns that featured prominently in the Out Of Africa soundtrack in the Halloween theme song, and about the time Robert Redford was trying to bed some chick in an African field, Dr. Loomis could burst onto the scene, warning "You've got to evacuate Africa. MICHAEL MYERS IS HERE! You've got to get OUT OF AFRICA!"

And at the end, Michael Myers and Dr. Loomis would survive, but the Out Of Africa stars would all die.

I like it. Then again, my views of Out of Africa are tainted by the fact that in college, too many chicks I was interested in almost always made that some sort of litmus test -- to get anywhere, you had to survive that damnable movie (must have been an Honors College thing, now that I reflect on it). I never did make it through the thing.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/30/03 20:46 | Other | Technorati | Comments (5)

Washington Is Best? gulp

Bill Parcells said the following at his press conference today:

"To tell you the truth, I don't think there's a better football city in the country than Washington."

He then amended that to say that the city is certainly among the best.

That sure is something for a Dallas coach to say during Cowboys-Redskins week. It should make my friend Renee happy, anyway.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/30/03 20:25 | Dallas Cowboys | Technorati | Comments (0)

Millionaire Children Sometimes Act Like Children

Jason Whitlock is not surprised that Kobe Bryant is melting down:

Kobe's been headed for trouble ever since stories started circulating that he'd severed his relationship with his parents. Dating and marrying a child when he himself was still immature was another tell-tale sign. Kids mistake a big bank account with being grown. Immature people are in a rush to be grown so they can make all the mistakes that grown folks make.

Kobe wanted to be like Mike. Not just on the court. Kobe wanted the trophy wife, the trophy kids and the trophies on his bedpost. Mike spent three years in college learning "The Game," learning the hustle. When Mike hit the NBA he was a man ready to deal in a man's world. And Mike had the good fortune of landing in Chicago, a tough city, but Pleasantville compared to L.A.

So Kobe is melting down. He doesn't know how to pacify Shaq, the spoiled, lazy, good-natured behemoth who needs honey -- not vinegar -- to bring out his best. Kobe's too full of himself to realize how much he needs Shaq. Go ask Penny Hardaway how much Kobe needs Shaq. Has anybody seen Lil' Penny since Shaq left Orlando?

I'm not suggesting that Shaq is right and Kobe is wrong. I'm suggesting that Kobe can't win this power struggle, and, particularly given his legal troubles, he shouldn't even be waging a public war with Shaq.

But as Kobe melts we're learning he's not very savvy. He tried to fix his marriage with a $4-million ring and a tattoo. I guess the ring and the tatt are supposed to remind teenage hotel clerks that Kobe is off limits. Or maybe they're to remind Kobe. Whatever.

This is all very, very sad. I pray there a few high school superstars watching this NBA soap opera unfold. You might think LeBron James is safe in Cleveland. I'm not so sure. No child is ready for NBA TV.

True enough.

Here's my more succinct but otherwise similar take from July:

Yeah yeah, I know Bryant maintains a squeaky clean image for marketing purposes.

But should it really shock us when athletes go straight from high school to millionaire status, almost overnight, with no stop at college (in Kobe's case) to do some growing up? Or, in the case of many, after making only a brief appearance in college to hone their millionaire skills a bit (and with rules being bent every step of the way)?

Shouldn't it really be more shocking that these children-millionaires, who can buy their way out of most anything and who have throngs of adoring fans who think they can do no wrong, aren't in trouble more often?

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/30/03 20:19 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (1)

Istook On Culberson

Friend Rob Booth points out this letter to the Comical from Oklahoma's Ernest Istook:

Two Democratic congressmen from the Houston area have seized on this dispute over cost estimates to impugn Rep. Culberson's effectiveness and integrity. Houstonians should see this exactly for what it is: an ill-informed, partisan attack on a respected member of Congress.

As a member of the Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives, Culberson has worked diligently to ensure that Metro reports its financial status accurately and completely, that its estimates for future grants are thorough and that the Houston area gets its money's worth from Metro. Culberson has asked the questions that others would not and conducted the research that others left undone.

His hard work on my subcommittee and, in particular, his meticulous oversight of Houston's federal transit dollars, has been admirable. He should be commended as a fine public servant who is looking out for the best interests of his constituents.

I'm surprised they printed it.

I'm also surprised that Istook will not be pursuing the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Don Nickles. Istook may not have the statewide name recognition to win that race, but he surely is as well known as Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys. Does anyone know if the Gaylord family is pushing Humphreys (over, say, Istook)?

For that matter, it's surprising that Drew Edmonson is not running for the seat, given his statewide name recognition.

I can't help but wonder if Karl Rove won't be phoning J.C. Watts and pressuring him to reconsider.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/30/03 17:05 | Other | Technorati | Comments (1)

29 October 2003

New Uniforms

Scott is all whiny about the Mavericks' new uniforms.

Personally, I don't think they're so bad.

But then, here in Houston, we have to put up with uniforms that look like they should be hanging from a Christmas tree and consumed by children:

Hi, we play for the Houston Candy Canes!

And not to be left out of the fun, the Texans have added these rather *ahem* precious red jerseys:

Aren't we two precious young men in our dashing red jerseys?!

Not to mention that *ahem* precious look on the face of backup QB Tony Banks.

Dear gawd.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/29/03 21:00 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (4)

Adrian Murrell

Bill Parcells signed Adrian Murrell today, in an attempt to bolster the major weakness that is known as running back Troy Hambrick.

He hasn't played in the NFL since 2000.

That, along with the fact that Parcells tried unsuccessfully to trade for a running back before the NFL trade deadline, tells you what he thinks of his starting running back at the moment.

My only question -- if the Boys were gonna go after guys who hadn't played in forever, why not go for broke and give Barry Sanders a call? I mean, what the hell. Maybe they did, for all I know.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/29/03 18:30 | Dallas Cowboys | Technorati | Comments (1)

A Reprieve

Well, it turns out the people who wanted us to come in and do that presentation that was stressing me out yesterday (not the work, but the fact that nothing WOULD work) have postponed it for a few weeks.

So I've gained a bit of a reprieve.

And since it's the sort of thing that's time-sensitive, I'm going to have to wait to do the bulk of that particular work until just before.

But that's fine. It gives me a little more time to entertain you fine weblog readers. :)

Okay, it gives me a little more time to watch football and listen to music and watch the damn idiots who want to run this city, and rave and rant about it all on here.

Although posting is still going to be a bit limited, because I'm planning on more music Friday in San Antonio, then of course Bedlam on Saturday afternoon, and Hurricane Kellas (my good friend Graham from London) blows in on Saturday night; we'll be attending a surfer party/fundraiser (courtesy of my boss, the surfer dude with the PhD). Woo hoo!

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/29/03 18:18 | Other | Technorati | Comments (2)

28 October 2003

Hook 'Em

Some more of Mack Brown's fine young men have had charges filed against them.

Too bad Mack didn't find out about it in time to suspend them for the Baylor game.

He may actually need them against the teams looming on the schedule. Well, he may need the cornerback at least.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/28/03 22:14 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (0)

Jayhawks Coming To Houston

I see the Jayhawks are listing a Continental Club-Houston date: 13 November.

That should be one good show. This is one of the few bands I care to go see on a dreaded Thursday night.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/28/03 22:09 | Music | Technorati | Comments (3)

Hmmm

I'm a big fan of the Nucleus software that powers this site.

It's free, fast, and powerful.

But I can't say I'm all that proud that some people have chosen it to power their websites.

Ugh.

Really classy of them to remove the link back to the Nucleus site, too. It's truly freeware (unlike some software), and there's no requirement to link back to the developer. But decent people do it anyway.

Of course, we aren't talking about decent people, are we?

(Update) On second glance, some of the pages DO have a link back to the developer page, linked from that vile flag.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/28/03 21:44 | Other | Technorati | Comments (1)

Some Days...

You just can't win.

I was busy doing research for a big presentation next week when they decided to do some rewiring in the office (taking me down, of course).

No biggie, I headed home.

Where the DSL was down. It wasn't down for long -- support actually got it fixed in no time -- but still.

Posting may be a little slow around here for the next few days as I try to make up for today's lost time.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/28/03 19:42 | Other | Technorati | Comments (0)

Millionaire Tries To Buy Mayor's Office

I love this headline in the Comical:

Candidates spend freely in quest for mayor's seat

Actually, one candidate is spending a record amount of money in the race. His name is Bill White.

The previous spending record was $4.9 million, spent by Lee Brown in 2001's election and runoff.

Bill White has already spent $6 million in this race, $2 million of it his own money.

At least he's getting more bang for his buck than that inept Democrat candidate for Governor Tony Sanchez, who also tried to buy an election. A lot more bang, actually.

I'm still waiting for my $5,000 payoff from White. I mean, if any crackpot with a website can qualify, then I want my cut, damnit!

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/28/03 18:48 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)

Thrown Back

Yesterday, I stumbled across Father Rob Johansen's Thrown Back blog.

The Catholic priest has gone to Florida to comfort the family of Terri Schiavo as they fight to keep her husband from starving her to death.

And Fr. Johansen is blogging about the experience.

It's a fascinating age.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/28/03 18:39 | Other | Technorati | Comments (0)

27 October 2003

The Houston Mayoral Race

Kuffner posts some thoughts on the Houston mayoral race, and links to this account that suggests some black activists in Houston aren't exactly enamored with Bill White.

Charles concludes that White provides a better runoff matchup against Sanchez than does Turner.

I've been pretty pessimistic this time about Orlando Sanchez's chances, because I just don't think this city with a Democrat majority is going to elect a Republican unless the city totally collapses -- and if that were the case, it would have happened two years ago, when Orlando represented the only real opposition.

But as the runoff goes, I think I'm actually a little more optimistic about a White/Sanchez runoff. I think Sanchez's turnout is going to be steady regardless. To counter that, Bill White is going to need the black vote to come out like it did last time. And I'm not so sure that's going to happen. He'll get all the voters who would never vote for a candidate with the (R) beside his name. But he needs black turnout, and I don't know that it will be there. At least not in the numbers required.

Turner, on the other hand, would almost certainly be able to duplicate Lee Brown's successful approach last time. He will get a high black turnout, and he will also get the people who will never vote for a candidate with the (R) beside his name. I think he's a sure winner against Sanchez in a runoff.

That's probably the closest thing to a prediction I'm going to offer. We'll see.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/27/03 21:52 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (2)

Chinese Objectivism?

My fortune from the Chinese place at lunch today:

It is impossible to please everybody. Please yourself first.

Someone should tell the restaurant not to encourage the nice post-Objectivist. heh.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/27/03 21:08 | Other | Technorati | Comments (1)

The Jeff And Stevie Show

The NBA season is almost upon us, and to hear the Comical tell it, everything is just gonna be swell. New coach, new arena, we're almost a world-class city!

But a more sober source suggests it all depends on whether Steve Francis buys into Jeff Van Gundy's somewhat more demanding ways:

On Houston's first day of training camp, Jim Jackson pulled Steve Francis to the side.

"He said, 'Yo, you've got to come in here and believe what coach is trying to teach us. If you try to fight it, it's never gonna work,' " Francis recalled. And thus crystallized the task for the post-Rudy Tomjanovich Rockets: trying to forge a bridge between Francis and Jeff Van Gundy. Van Gundy's penchant for disciplined, inside-out basketball -- meaning, get the damn ball to Yao Ming, would you? -- would seem to be anathema to Francis, who got the green light from Rudy for four years -- and naturally remained fiercely loyal to T up to and after Tomjanovich's resignation.

"This man [Tomjanovich] gave me the ball the first day of practice," Francis said. "And when I was going through my Meniere's [the disease that produced vertigo and migraine headaches in Francis during the 2001-02 season], he still stood by me."

Francis allows that the adjustment to Van Gundy's style was tough early in camp. Van Gundy made no secret of the fact that he thought the Rockets weren't in shape. They're now required to do seven miles on a bike three or four times a week after practice. "Go through a couple of 50 Cent and Jay Z CDs on that," Francis jokes. Practice is no longer run at a leisurely pace. And Van Gundy is demanding that Francis -- second in the league in turnovers last season -- take better care of the rock. He's played him some at two guard during the preseason.

"I haven't tried to overburden him," Van Gundy said. "My two things to him were one, he can get the same shots off of less dribbles, and two, the great players play both ends, offense and defense, and practice well. Every great player I know has done that. And if he wants to be a championship-caliber player, which I think he is driven to be, that's what he'll be. And he has been that so far. He's made really dramatic steps forward defensively."

For now, Francis says he's happy to do whatever Van Gundy asks, including being more verbal with his teammates.

"A lot of people want to say 'He's going to take the ball out of Steve's hands,' " Francis says. "Yao can't bring the ball up the basketball court. So at least I've got that job, to bring the ball up. I think things have been working out great for us."

I'm withholding judgment on this one, for now.

Me too.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/27/03 17:07 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (1)

26 October 2003

Big 12 Wrap: Week 10

It's time again for the weekly Big 12 Wrap, my whimsical look back at the week's football games in the Big 12. For those who are new, just a reminder that this is my fun little take on things and shouldn't be taken all that seriously. The order in which I list the games is a rough approximation of how I'm ranking the teams of the Big 12 (that played) after the week. Here are the games:

Oklahoma 34, Colorao 20
After seven offensive plays and two possessions, the Sooner offense had posted a score of 14-0 and it looked like this one was already over. Somewhere along the way, Colorao clawed its way back into this one, feeding on uncharacteristic Sooner turnovers, Sooner special teams miscues, and Oklahoma's inability to block the blitz for the first time all season. Jason White was battered, and even took a finger in the eye, but still completed nearly 70% of his passes. Up next for OU: the team that wears orange and actually has beaten OU the last two years. Colorao probably won't get its D back against Texas Tech.

Nebraska 28, Iowa State 0
Is there a less impressive Top 15 team than Nebraska? They win the games they are supposed to in a most uninspiring way, lose to good football teams, and managed to catch the best football team they will probably play this year (Oklahoma State) playing terrible football. Sadly, that formula may just be good enough to win the Big 12 North this year. *yawn* Nebraska's lack of team speed could be exposed against Texas next week; or Nebraska's physical lineman could push around Texas (every other physical team UT has faced has done so). That angle makes the game of interest.

Oklahoma State 38, Texas A&M 10
The most impressive road win of the week in the Big 12 comes from the Cowboys. Sure, A&M under Dennis Franchione is terrible this year. But still, Kyle Field has been a rough place for OSU to play. Not anymore. The boys in Orange are 7-0 since that stinker in Lincoln to start the season, and could set themselves up nicely in the South with a win next week against OU. A&M gets Kansas. Going into the season, who thought that might be a competitive game? A&M should prevail, with KU's quarterback out.

Texas 56, Baylor 0
It was Baylor, okay? Mack Brown could let half the team join Cedric Benson for a week off to tend to his legal troubles (some coaches would call that a suspension, but not Mack), and still pummel Baylor. Vince Young is still the team's best running back, but for some reason he lines up directly behind center. Neither quarterback throws the ball all that well. And next week's game with Nebraska could just be ugly.

Kansas State 42, Kansas 6
Kansas never really challenged in this one, and lost their fine quarterback, Bill Whittemore. That's quite a blow to a program that has made some strides this year under Mark Mangino. With games remaining against Nebraska and Mizzou, Bill Snyder still has K-State in the running in the North. But first -- practice against Baylor next week.

Missouri 62, Texas Tech 31
Here's the refrain again: against good teams, Texas Tech loses unless the offense is perfect because they don't play defense. I had a discussion yesterday with a Tech fan, and we came up with this theory about Mike Leach: we think the man only puts a defense on the field at all because he needs someone to practice against. Because it sure doesn't seem like they're out there to, say, stop the opponent. Tech faces Colorao next week. The over/under on this one could top 100 points!

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 21:58 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (0)

Coogs Come Up Short

Kudos to Art Briles and the Houston Cougars, who nearly upset #15 (and undefeated) TCU on Saturday.

The final score (62-55) was reminiscent of the old run-and-shoot days. One hopes the defense will improve as Art Briles is able to recruit some players and establish a system on that side of the ball.

But at least the offense keeps things exciting at the moment, and there's not been much excitement of any sort in Coog land for quite some time.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 17:21 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin's life is spinning out of control.

Three-first-round draft picks, down the toilet.

That's what it cost to bring this guy to Houston.

Nice.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 17:18 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

But Don't We Want To Be A World-Class City?

METRO's rail boondoggle costs too much for the amount of congestion it will relieve, argue Michael Stevens and John Butler.

Of course, without rail, we won't be able to claim we're a "world class city", or ride the train to/from our sports arenas (which might be regarded as slightly less than world-class, at least until they alleviate the mold and dead grass.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 16:22 | Danger Train | Technorati | Comments (0)

The Jury Is Still Out

So, the jury is still out on the Cowboys (in my view).

Lots of people said the game against Tampa Bay would determine if they're really good or just pretenders.

I think the answer after the game is, they are good enough to beat mediocre teams (which is half the league in today's NFL), but they have to improve a great deal to beat championship-caliber teams on the road.

I thought the defense played an outstanding game, given the field position and turnovers they had to deal with.

The offense was not good, especially the offensive line. The most interesting part of the game was when Bill Parcells benched Larry Allen. There was some question at the time whether Allen was hurt. In the postgame press conference just now, Parcells said he was not -- but something to the effect that what he was doing out there wasn't helping the team, so he replaced him. The Larry Allen/Bill Parcells battle has gone on all season -- and it's an example of how Jerry Jones giving an excessive contract to a player who is no longer a very good player is still hurting this football team.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 15:36 | Dallas Cowboys | Technorati | Comments (0)

DEA in Gruene

While Houston was getting waterlogged yesterday, Callie and I headed over to Gruene to catch the Dead End Angels playing a gig at Gruene Hall, where the weather was perfect -- sunny and breezy.

I love these weekend afternoon gigs at Gruene Hall, because it's extremely rare that one ever gets to catch a band for four hours (with no cover!), let alone the quality of bands that have graced Gruene over the years. Plus it's hard to beat Gruene in October (typically beautiful), and our friends John and Cathy joined us for a great afternoon.

The guys even broke out a new song, "Three Card Monty," which features guitarist Rick Poss on his lap steel. It's a haunting little number.

It was an inspired, fun show. I even managed to get a photo of Rick breaking out the Rickenbacker (above). He only uses the big 12-string on a few DEA songs, and somehow I've never managed to get a photo. Yesterday, I did. I think someone put jet fuel in Rick's Shiner Bock yesterday. The man was playing like he was on fire.

The evening concluded by watching the Sooners, who were not on fire, but played well enough to turn away a Colorao team that played one of its better games of the season. Not a bad Saturday.

(Update) Here's a better photo of Rick playing that same big 12-string (they cheated and used a flash).

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 14:56 | Music | Technorati | Comments (3)

Jerruh

Jerruh Jones Juliet Macur has a profile on Jerry Jones, who's become a model owner and is currently staying out of Bill Parcells' hair.

The damn fool idiot who coached the Cowboys recently doesn't think it will last:

"Jerry loves being around the players and being really involved with the team, so it'll be harder for him to stand back the longer the year goes on," says Campo, now defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. "Right now, he's chosen to subjugate himself, but I can't see him staying out of the way for very long."

I actually do, and the reason is simple: At his age and with his accomplishments, Bill Parcells doesn't have to put up with any B.S. from Jerry. And Jerry knows it.

The problem is, given the intensity Parcells brings to the job, I'm just not sure the guy lasts more than three years, maybe four, in the best of circumstances. He'll undoubtedly wear down. And who Jerry brings in to replace him, as Troy Aikman hints in the article, could say a lot about how much Jerry Jones has "changed."

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 10:14 | Dallas Cowboys | Technorati | Comments (0)

Nice Job, Fran

Dennis Franchione after A&M's latest loss:

"We're struggling a little right now. The team is frustrated, as well they should be."

Gee, ya think?

You Aggie fans must be really proud about running off R.C. Slocum about now.

OSU's big win makes the OU-OSU game next weekend HUGE. It would be a nice time for OU to break their losing streak against the only team in orange that ever gives them any trouble.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 09:58 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (3)

Wide Eyed To The Tune Of Nearly 70%

You would think these dumbasses had actually beaten Oklahoma at Boulder, the way they talked after the game:

"We wanted to make his eyes wide. We wanted to scare him, pretty much," Buffaloes defensive tackle Matt McChesney said after his team's 34-20 loss to the top-ranked Sooners at Folsom Field. "The more we hit him and the more we got to him, I think the more that happened."

White endured by far his worst physical beating the season while completing 19 of 28 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.

[snip]

"We wanted to make him unstable in the pocket," McChesney said of harassing the nation's pass efficiency leader, who has now thrown 25 touchdowns passes and just four interceptions.

Dude, if 19 of 28 for 248 yards and three TDs is your idea of rattling the Heisman candidate (who continued to pass well even after your guys poked him in the eye and it nearly swelled shut), then no wonder your team sucks so badly this season.

Most people, myself included, thought Colorao would contend for the Big 12 North this year. And they did play well on Saturday against an Oklahoma team that seemed a little off. But the record doesn't lie: 3-5, including a loss to woeful Baylor.

Gary Barnett needs fewer moral victories, and some actual wins against someone. But since he comes off like an ass so much of the time (whining about the refs, whining about the quality of the last coach's recruits, whine whine whine like a big baby), I'm kind of enjoying his season.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/26/03 09:48 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (0)

25 October 2003

Go Coogs!

University of Houston head coach Art Briles gets some love from the Star-Telegram.

It's well deserved. I'd be out rooting for those Coogs against that damn Horned Frogs invasion on Saturday night, but I have to go over to Gruene and see those Dead End Angels.

(10-25-03 Update) More love for Coach Briles and the Coogs in the Dallas Morning News today. Unsurprisingly, this is better coverage than we get from the local Comical.

How about this little slam on the parade of coaching idiots who have been through here recently:

TCU coach Gary Patterson said he thinks Briles is in charge of a program with great potential. Houston has probably had more talent than TCU in recent years, Patterson said.

"Houston has a lot of good athletes, and now that they have become well-coached, they're a good team," Patterson said.

Amen, brother. I think the Coogs are a little overmatched against TCU today, but anything can happen. In Briles we trust.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/25/03 00:05 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

24 October 2003

Think I'm Gonna Wait, This Time....

After a long (by Icehouse standards) discussion tonight, one of the Icehouse regulars declared: "You must be a psychologist" in reaction to... something I had said.

No, actually, but it's proof that there's a need for good ol' folksy advice with the passing of the Icehouse sage nearly two years ago.

Not that I'm qualified, mind you, I'm just observing there's a void at the place....

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/24/03 23:52 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)

Thinking About METRO

Friend Rob Booth has listed the Top Ten Reasons To Vote For METRO's Rail Boondoggle.

Better get over there and check it out.

One of these days. Rob's going to take a break from his day job, night/weekend small business, and political consulting, and let me buy him a beer.

Or so he says.... Maybe I'll just have to show up at his pottery business one of these evenings. But I think after the *ahem* evening my friend Monica and I had a few years ago at a similar Montrose/River Oaks joint (is it possible to get banned from a BYOB pottery place? Err, maybe), I may be permanently banned from such establishments -- on some sort of watchlist or something. *ahem* I'm thinking it might just be easier for Rob to come over to the West Alabama?

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/24/03 21:10 | Danger Train | Technorati | Comments (1)

Gawd Bless The Central Market

Unless you want to wait for an hour (or longer) at most places and be surrounded by all sorts of loud and grubby people, eating out during prime time (7-9 pm) on weekends in Houston is not highly recommended.

However, a trip to Central Market just secured us some DAMN FINE Chimichurri Tenderloin steaks, grilled portobello mushrooms, and a nice Merlot -- for less cash than it would have taken to prepare the damn meal myself.

MMMMM.... it was VERY good.

I always forget about Central Market, which is a shame, since it's only about five minutes away. The wine, of course, would have been cheaper at Spec's. But sometimes convenience is worth the premium.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/24/03 20:38 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (2)

23 October 2003

The Daily Parcells

Bill Parcells has a pretty funny checklist for his quarterbacks. Here are a couple of them that he discussed during today's press conference:

"Family, friends, relatives, agents, press, media or TV people know nothing about what's going on here. Pay no attention to them on football matters.

"I don't like celebrity quarterbacks. We don't need those. We need battlefield commanders.

Heh. Parcells rocks.

Here is a good profile on the man, and the great job he's doing so far in Dallas.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/23/03 20:32 | Dallas Cowboys | Technorati | Comments (0)

Spy Museum

My friend Renee emailed me earlier that she's going to visit this museum.

Looks cool.

The only place I've ever been to that even remotely compares is Churchill's War Museum in London. But the Spy Museum looks more cool.

One of these days Renee, Callie and I are coming for the full D.C. weekend. We'll just have to time it when someone good is playing at the Iota.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/23/03 20:10 | Other | Technorati | Comments (2)

22 October 2003

Erring On The Side Of Life

A kind reader emailed last night asking about my thoughts on the Terri Schiavo matter in Florida (background here, here, and here).

I've been slow (until now) to comment on the matter, because it's complicated, it's personal, and the intersection of personal morality, politics, and law is intricate.

And it's one of those issues that tends to bring out absolutist tendencies in people, and shouting (rather than conversation).

The constitutional issues at hand are actually the least complicated. Although liberal Harvard Law professor Larry Tribe contends the Cruzan case forbids the action taken recently by the Florida Legislature and Governor to save Terri Schiavo's life, he's misrepresenting that case -- badly. I've commented on that case over on Reductio Ad Absurdum (which is where I tend to put purely political/legal posts). In my opinion, Cruzan does not create any constitutional bar to the legislation enacted by Florida. Indeed, said legislation differs little conceptually (in my opinion) from the legislation/practices found to be constitutionally permissible in Missouri.

But should Florida legislators have acted?

There we go beyond simple analysis of constitutional law, and into the realm of politics and philosophy and personal morality.

I happen to support their action.

In reading what I have about the case, I don't think Terri Schiavo ever made it clear that she wanted her feeding tube removed in a circumstance like this. From the video I've seen, I'm not convinced she is in what I would consider a vegetative state; she seems to react to visitors. I don't trust her "husband," who seems to have so many conflicts of interest regarding her disposition that I cannot imagine why he remains the sole guardian. Given his behavior (such as refusing to let this woman's parents even see her, or allowing her to take communion), I do not believe he rightly can claim any moral authority to authorize this woman's death by starvation. And I don't see any reason to trust an unaccountable state judge's "judgment" on this matter (especially in the land of dangling chad) any more than the judgment of the state's elected representatives.

Admittedly, that's as much a personal reaction as it is analytical (which is why you're reading it here).

People who have been reading this space for a while know that I'm not particularly religious. But over time, I have come around to a fairly strong pro-life view. I just don't have it in me to determine the value of someone else's life, whether it's a fetus or an elderly person or someone in a (disputed) vegetative state. If that person can live short of heroic measures (and I don't consider food an heroic measure), then I don't think it's my decision to make for them, whatever the argument may be about quality of life (and I also don't think it's your decision to make for them either).

Maybe this view has come to me with age. And also from accumulated life experiences. When I was in college in Missouri, the fight over Nancy Cruzan was raging. At the time, I was probably more concerned with beer and chicks, but the topic came up. I suspect I was more of a right-to-die advocate then, and I'm sure I boasted I wouldn't want "to live that way." (For anyone paying attention, I'll just rescind that right now, btw). Unfortunately, most of the folks advocating her death seemed determined to substitute their judgment about her quality of life for any strong statement from her that she would want to be starved to death. I'm still convinced that Missouri courts erred in finally allowing oral testimony that once upon a time, she maybe sort of kind of almost said something negative about living in a vegetative state. But it was probably an act of compassion to let her parents let her go. These cases are tough.

I also worked one summer (back in the pre-med days, before I abandoned that track) in a rural hospital where probably 10% of the place's elderly patients came to die. We didn't have any feeding tube cases, although we had one former nurse who had consciously asked for no heroic measures to be taken. She fought for her life to the very end, and I think she was coherent, at least most of the time. Thankfully, she was able to make the decision for herself, with the support of her family.

And then there was a case that hit a little closer to home. I had a great aunt in roughly the same shape as Terri Schiavo, reliant on a feeding tube. And a couple of family members who decided they stood to benefit financially from her being out of the way -- family members who conveniently managed to get guardianship of her for themselves. And cut off her feeding tube. I was never particularly close to this woman (the opposite was true, actually), but I also refused to call what they did anything but murder. And that act probably also explains the alcoholism that one of them has had to deal with since... oh, shortly after the time they murdered her. If only that conscience had been a little more active before the murder....

That's why I prefer to err on the side of life, and not make judgments about quality of life for others. Call it an emotional reaction if you want. I prefer to call it human.

We're going to be faced increasingly with these issues, as medical technology continues to improve and the quality of our moral discourse continues to decline (I'm thinking of many so-called "medical ethicists" as I write that) -- questions about what it means to be human and what it means to live. Questions that Leon Kass would have us wrestle with, for example, if he weren't (mis)labeled a nutty luddite and dismissed out of hand.

Maybe the Terri Schiavo affair will help that conversation along. I fear that it will not. But I do applaud her family and Florida's elected officials for deciding that her life -- as it is -- is worth fighting for.

(10-23-03 Update) Roscoe Ellis comments.

(10-23-03 Update 2) Terri's family has posted several videos of her, post trauma. Whatever one may think of the quality of this woman's life, it's hard to agree that this is a persisent vegetative state. And since her husband has, to this point, refused all rehabilitative therapy for her, it's really hard to know what her potential might be.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/22/03 23:50 | Other | Technorati | Comments (8)

Check That!

If you're a Sooner fan and listen to Sooner radio broadcasts, what follows will be amusing. If not, I suggest skipping it. :)

For some years, the voice of Sooner radio broadcasts has been Bob Barry, who was once a truly outstanding broadcaster. In recent years, he's gotten a little less sharp, so much so that it's hard to figure out what's going on just from the radio broadcast. And I'm not exaggerating -- he will often say things like "Oh, the kick is blocked! Check that, the field goal is good!"

Sometimes, it's pretty bad. But he's a good Sooner guy, and loves doing the job, and nobody wants to force him out. So you just kind of smile, and think "That's our Bob Barry" (kind of like Harry Caray fans used to do, when he had become more of an entertainer than a play-by-play man).

So the last broadcast, Barry was doing his usual stammering before the start of some play, and got a little tongue twisted. Finally, he just blurted out: "CONFUSION!"

Missouri wound up getting a procedure penalty for some reason, either an illegal substitution or false start, I can't really remember. That's what Barry was referring to. Nonetheless, Bob Barry blurting out "CONFUSION!" was just unintentionally hilarious. A serendipitous moment of sorts for the Sooner radio network. :)

And for (most of) you non-Sooner fans, I'm sorry you had to wade through all of that.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/22/03 21:35 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (1)

Yelling And Screaming Is Not Coaching

After the OU game, I really had planned on easing up on Mack Brown and UT football. I figured their fans would be much harder on them than this OU fan ever could be (or cared to be -- I'm more interested in the Sooners).

But for some reason, their coaches just keep on saying stupid things (like Mack Brown insisting not only is his quarterback rotation the way to go, but he should have done it in 2001).

Or this latest from Mack Brown's longtime defensive coordinator Carl Reese:

Longhorns defensive coordinator Carl Reese said he draws up specific plans for the first five minutes of the third quarter. The goal is to limit an opposing offense to three downs and a punt. Iowa State came out after halftime with a new game plan, switching quarterbacks and going to different types of passes than the Cyclones used in the opening half.

"Iowa State wanted to go out and prove they weren't the worst team in the world," Reese said. "And we (the Texas defensive players on the field) were satisfied. I need to do a better job of ranting and raving."

I don't have the context of this quote, or the guy's tone of voice. It's entirely possible he was being sarcastic, and if someone knows that to be the case, please leave a comment (and ignore what is to follow in the next paragraph). But I think he was being serious.

And that's EXACTLY what's wrong. When OU co-defensive coordinators Mike Stoops and Brent Venables are hopping all over that sideline during games, they aren't trying to fire up their guys! They're trying to coach technique and make play calls and react to the other team's schemes. That's coaching! Not jumping around like a damn idiot, and shouting. If that's all it took to be a successful coach, that damn fool idiot Dave Campo would still be coaching the Cowboys. But generally, that sort of behavior is what tends to happen when a team is either unprepared, or not executing mentally (for some other reason).

And too much of the time, the Longhorns simply look unprepared against well-coached teams, especially on defense. Flash back to last year's OU-Texas game at the end of the second half, with OU threatening and looking like they're going to go for it on the goal line on fourth down. I told Callie that the OU offense was going to try to draw Texas offsides before the play. Sure enough, they did. It worked. The Texas players were jumping around totally unprepared for that game situation, and it showed. It's not their fault. But it's the fault of their coaches. And that's just one example. I'm sure objective UT fans can point to many others.

As I've said recently, I think Mack Brown is going to have to replace his coordinators with a younger, hungrier staff of teachers who put in long hours like Bob Stoops' staff at Oklahoma, and can convey what they figure out to college football players. There are some fiery personalities on that OU staff, yes. But if Carl Reese thinks that yelling and screaming is what distinguishes those two staffs, he's just clueless. As I said above, maybe I got the context all wrong and Reese was actually being sarcastic. I just don't think so. I could see Bill Parcells sarcastically making that kind of comment to the media, but I think Carl Reese is serious.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/22/03 21:16 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (0)

Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand stamp I was catching up on last week's Financial Times newspapers that I missed while away from the office just now, and was pleasantly surprised to find Penguin engaged in a massive advertising campaign for Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged.

The ads feature various well-known CEOs extolling the virtues of Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged.

Very cool.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/22/03 15:18 | Other | Technorati | Comments (1)

21 October 2003

Nice Job, Steve

Steve McNair It's always nice to break out the "They Were After Me 'Cuz I'm A Celebrity" card after blowing a 0.18 on the old breathalyzer.

Way to go, Steve McNair! Houston Oilers #1!

Err, or Tennessee Titans. Or something.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/21/03 21:55 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (1)

Buying Your Vote For Rail

Rob Booth points to this article on those special interests putting big bucks behind the proposed rail boondoggle in Houston.

Interestingly enough, special interests aren't always the people in bed with Tom DeLay and John Culberson, despite what the Comical would have you believe.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/21/03 20:49 | Danger Train | Technorati | Comments (0)

Less Love For The Dannyskins?

The Dannyskins brought in a couple of consultants to try and right the sinking ship: Joe Bugel and Foge Fazio. The team has backed away from earlier reports that suggested a bigger role for the two consultants.

Joe Bugel, of course, was regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in the game before moving up to take the head job for the Raiders and the Cardinals.

Not exactly a ringing endorsment for the current offensive line coach, eh?

And, as my boss pointed out earlier, that current offensive line coach would be none other than Kim Helton, the former "love coach" at the University of Houston, and quite possibly the biggest doofus who has ever coached at the place.

He always had a good reputation as an o-line coach under Don Shula, but I'm starting to wonder if that wasn't more Shula than Helton. All I know is that the guy was dumb as a rock at Houston. That's the only way to describe someone who basically doesn't recruit Texas because he's too busy recruiting Florida.

Damn idiot.

Thank goodness for Art Briles, who seems well on his way to getting this thing turned around. And you can be damn sure he's gonna recruit Texas!

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/21/03 20:36 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (1)

Heifer International

I got a catalog from an outfit called Heifer International today in the mail.

I don't really know how to describe them, but the catalog is online.

It's been a weird day.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/21/03 20:21 | Other | Technorati | Comments (1)

20 October 2003

How To Be A Snooty Austin Music Critic

Hmm... it figures that the high-and-mighty Austin Chronicle music writer would prefer two of the highly produced tracks on the Dead End Angels debut CD to anything else on the thing.

I really like how "Milk and Honey" hangs together, but this reviewer has completely missed the stronger songs on the disc (IMO).

And it's strange that he complains it all sounds the same. I would actually have argued that, if anything, the opposite is true -- there's a little too much range for listeners to fit the band in a neat little sub-genre. The (less snooty) reviewer from the Star-Telegram seems to agree with me:

Here, [Melott] writes about life's setbacks and rewards, and sings in a pleasantly raspy voice. Texas-music genre-surfer Alejandro Escovedo produced the record, a perfect match because, like him, the band easily coasts from multilayered roots-rock to straight-up country to whatever else they feel like tackling; they're pretty good at it all.

In other words, it doesn't all sound the same. Then again, I don't think the Chronicle reviewer spent much time with this disc or with the review. The hint is the misspelling of Libbi Bosworth's name. Since he reviewed her solo album way back when, you might have expected him to get that right. If he was paying any attention, that is.

After reading some of his past reviews, I think I'm ready to agree with Tracy that this particular reviewer just has a thing against Texas country music. It's probably hard to impress fellow Austin music critic types unless one is suitably snooty and pretentious. Of course, if one is going to be snooty and pretentious, one ought at least to spell musicians' names correctly!

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/20/03 22:55 | Music | Technorati | Comments (0)

BCS

The first BCS rankings are out.

The stupid thing has done a decent enough job the last few years producing a 1-2 matchup, but wouldn't a playoff make a lot more sense?

*sigh*

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/20/03 22:09 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (3)

The New WAC: SUCK?

I like the idea of adding Tulsa, Rice, and SMU to C-USA. It will give Houston some good regional competition, even if it means the conference suffers slightly because of the basketball schools that are likely to depart. And good for the ADs of those three schools, who apparently got together and decided they would call the shots instead of getting screwed (like they basically were during their last big conference shuffle).

The WAC is now looking to add some schools, and what a crap collection that's likely to be.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/20/03 22:03 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (5)

Mack Brown's Idea Of Getting Physical?

According to reports, UT running back Cedric Benson forced his way into an Austin apartment on 7 October, looking for a stolen plasma television.

No word on why exactly Benson thought his television was at this woman's place.

No word, either, on which UT booster shelled out the bucks for said television in the first place.

There's no indication whether other UT players helped Benson force his way through the door, but if not, maybe Mack Brown should consider signing them up. It sounds like the most physical blocking they've done all season.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/20/03 19:37 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (5)

19 October 2003

Big 12 Wrap: Week 9

Oklahoma 34, Missouri 13
The people who didn't think Mizzou had a chance in this one had a little surprise through much of the second quarter, as the score was tied 10-10 in Norman and the Tigers were playing very well. And just like that, OU hit a handful of big plays before the half for 21 unanswered points, the defense clamped down on Brad Smith (unlike last year when he went wild), and the game was effectively over. Jason White had an "off" night compared to previous games; he was "only" 20 of 34 for 278 yards, 2 TDs, and one interception. He should heat up again next week against Colorao (no D). Mizzou has to contend with Texas Tech.

Nebraska 48, Texas A&M 12
Texas A&M has gone from a team that couldn't play defense but could at least score lots of points under R.C. Slocum last year to a team that can't play defense, can't score points, can't handle special teams, and generally looks lost. One would have thought that Reggie McNeal might have had success much like Brad Smith had against Nebraska last week. But McNeal's offensive coordinator from last year is now on Bob Stoops's staff at Oklahoma. As if they needed any more coaching firepower. Nebraska has Iowa State next week. A&M has Oklahoma State. Poor Coach Fran.

Texas 40, Iowa State 19
Cedric Benson rolled up 140 yards rushing (along with 3 TDs), and the receiving tandem of B.J. Johnson and Roy Williams accounted for nearly 270 receiving yards, against a team that is rebuilding and was clearly overmatched (but never quit). Texas will roll up even more pretty stats against Baylor next week, no doubt. But Nebraska and OSU loom.

Oklahoma State 51, Texas Tech 49
If either of these two teams had much defense to go with those high-powered offenses, they really could give some teams fits. And when the offenses are clicking, they still can really give teams fits. The OSU coaching staff made some curious calls down the stretch in this one, as Tech made what looked like a sure blowout interesting. But in the end, Tech came up short, as usual. They have a tough trip to Mizzou next week. OSU has a less tough trip to A&M.

Kansas State 49, Colorao 20
Colorao still doesn't get its D back, but maybe Ell Roberson's cheap score late in the game (despite orders from Bill Snyder to take a knee) will get their blood pumping for OU next. Kansas State takes on Kansas in a game that should further confound the Big 12 North standings.

Kansas 28, Baylor 21
A year ago, this would have been a battle to determine the worst team in the Big 12. Now, Baylor seems to have a firm hold on that dubious honor, and Kansas is tied with Nebraska atop the lousy Big 12 North. Kansas should be knocked off its perch next week against Kansas State. Baylor will suffer the wrath of the Longhorns.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/19/03 22:35 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (7)

How To Fix UT Football?

Over at Pete's blog, I speculated earlier in the comments that I think UT's inability to perform better in recent years despite the extraordinarily high level of talent had to do with: 1) poor conditioning and 2) an older, less-than-hungry coaching staff.

The last few years, when UT plays a really physical team, they just seem to run out of gas. Or, when it's OU, get outcoached by the young bucks who serve under Bob Stoops. And their players never seem to grow. Last year, Chris Simms looked no different as a senior throwing the ball than he did when he arrived at UT (compare and contrast with Jason White, who is a senior now at OU and has become proficient at running their offense, when he was just a scrambler several years ago).

The DMN's UT writer doesn't think Mack Brown will do anything to address those problems after this season:

I think offensive coordinator Greg Davis and assistant athletic director for strength and conditioning Jeff “Mad Dog” Madden are two guys Brown would probably never fire. Brown would probably resign before firing those guys. They’ve been with him too long, and Brown trusts them too much.

If that's true, UT fans are going to continue to experience disappointment.

And it doesn't help that Mack Brown is studying the NY Times sports pages more than he's studying game film:

According to Jed Schmidt, a 29-year-old insurance agent in Austin and seven-year UT season-ticket holder, Brown called him last Monday (the week of the Texas-OU game) and criticized Schmidt. Schmidt was quoted in The New York Times saying he didn’t like the direction of the program and that he thought Brown should fire his offensive and defensive coordinators. According to Schmidt, Brown called him and left a message. When Schmidt called Brown back, Brown told him his quotes in a national publication like the Times would hurt recruiting. Schmidt said he was shocked to hear from Brown the week of the Texas-OU game when Brown had preparations for the Sooners to worry about.

I think a lot of UT fans were shocked. Mack should probably hear from them about that.

I've been away for a week and haven't had a chance to hang out in the UT fan boards to hear the gossip. I've heard the coordinators are talking as if they are feeling the heat, but who knows. The strength coach might be as important, though. Because we now know that fighting in practice (instead of, say, practicing) isn't a substitute for a great conditioning program.

(Update) Kirk Bohls also thinks that UT needs to bring in some young, hungry assistants.

(Update 2) While this season is collapsing, it's good that Mack is thinking about how to fix the 2001 season:

"After watching (Saturday's game), I wish I had continued to do what we did with Chris and Major (before Simms was named the starter) and played both of them," Brown said. The 2001 controversy was a constant issue for the Longhorns, and Brown's current philosophy of playing both quarterbacks could make for continued harmony on the sideline.

Actually, all the rotation does is ensure neither young quarterback gets enough reps in practice to be ready against a good defense. Applewhite should have played then, and Young should have gotten more snaps in spring practice, so UT might have some semblance of a passing attack when he's in the game.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/19/03 20:52 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (0)

Keeping It Close Till The Fourth Quarter

Ya know, nothing drives me crazy like coaches who carry on about "wanting to keep the game close to have a chance in the fourth quarter."

Dom Capers is one of those guys.

And it seems like about all it's good for is blowing games like this one, after the Texans led most of the day.

Meanwhile, those Boys are 5-1 after dominating a Lions team that looked more like Dave Campo's Cowboys teams of the last few years.

It's still early, and the roadtrip to Tampa is likely to bring the Cowboys back to earth, but it does show what a difference a Hall of Fame coach can make.

And no, Dale Robertson, "most people" wouldn't "take the Texans' roster" over the Cowboys', not right now. The Texans' players seem incapable of growing out of their ability to find ways of losing games they should win, especially at home. Meanwhile, Parcells has stocked his roster with past winners (Richie Anderson, Terry Glenn, Dan Campbell, Ryan Young) and has the others acting like winners. No small accomplishment. And I'd rather have winners than guys who want to keep it close till the fourth quarter.

Okay, okay -- I'll admit, I wouldn't mind seeing how David Carr would perform under Parcells, Payton, and Carthon instead of that damn Chris Palmer. :)

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/19/03 19:41 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

Belgians Like DEA

Hmm... I thought Belgium only knew about waffles and good tennis players.

But it seems that the Belgians also have good taste in Americana music, of all things.

Good for them, and good for the Dead End Angels getting some love from abroad.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/19/03 16:11 | Music | Technorati | Comments (1)

The Local Nutcase

We're equal opportunity here.

I don't understand why Dems like Chris Bell, Bill White, or Sylvester Turner would have anything to do with that crackpot who refers to herself as HouSnitch.

And I don't understand why people with whom I agree more often on local politics (Barry Klein and the Houston Property Rights Association) would have anything to do with the nutcase.

Yet here is the latest from the crackpot's website:

HOUSNITCH SPEAKS OUT

I have been asked to speak to HPRA on the "Bill White/Bill White" subject.

To tell the things that aren't getting reported.

IF you have any questions, show up...I'll try to answer them all.

When: Friday, October 17th, 2003 @ 12:00 noon

Where: Courtyard Restaurant

1885 St. James Place (just off San Felipe)

Lunch is $12.00, please let HPRA know to expect you..

I was out of town and didn't get to hear her "tell the things that aren't getting reported." Did anyone reading this have lunch with the crackpot?

I'll rephrase my original question -- why in the world would any politician or sensible political organization have anything to do with this nutcase?

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/19/03 13:00 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)

18 October 2003

Back

Hercules Glades 2003 We're back in Houston.

And exhausted.

But the time away was good.

Not entirely what we expected, but good.

The goal was to spend several nights out backpacking in Hercules Glades Wilderness in Missouri (very pretty -- just getting fall colors, as the photo illustrates). Away from people and commotion and such.

So we spent the night before in Arkansas, and heard on the tube that a man had gotten lost "near Hercules Glades Wilderness."

No biggie I figure.

Until we drive up to about twenty horse trailers and dozens of rescue vehicles at my trailhead at Hercules Glades the next day.

People. Commotion. And such. *sigh*

Turns out the missing man was a mentally disabled, 64-year old man who has trouble communicating. He wandered away from his (negligently idiotic) caregiver and had already gone missing overnight. We checked with the search organizers, and decided to hike on in and keep an eye out for him. And then we realized there was no way he could have gotten as far in as we went, so we hiked back out (with our packs) to help comb the valleys much closer to where he wandered off. Oh yeah, and it was starting to rain. Not good. I was worried the dude had worked himself into a panic, taken a tumble, and might not be found until it was too late. The wilderness is really kind of rough for a near invalid.

But late in the afternoon, a helicopter finally spotted him. He was fine. The story is here (although it's only available a week). Here's a quick summary:

For almost 24 hours, Leslie Roblyer wandered the Hercules Glades Wilderness, lost within its trees and brush.

For almost as long, dozens of rescue workers and volunteers frisked the 12,000-acre area, seeking the 65-year-old with dogs and night-vision goggles, on horseback and four-wheelers, by foot and helicopter.

In the hunt for the timid, developmentally disabled man, their voices were their weakest tool.

"You literally have to find him," said Curtis Doennig, a neighbor who joined the search Monday.

That afternoon, from the helicopter, they spotted Roblyer less than half a mile from where he was last seen Sunday afternoon in an area where rescue workers had repeatedly searched.

Normally "they don't end like this. They don't end like this," rejoiced George Baugh, assistant fire chief of the Lazy Acres Volunteer Fire Department. Baugh was one of the first people to reach Roblyer.

It was an impressive search effort.

After all that, we finally decided to head to a backpacking spot. And there was just one problem. The perennial stream I was counting on.... was dry. At which point, I just sort of had that "Eff It" attitude that has characterized recent backpacking trips. We wound up coming out, staying in civilization, and doing dayhikes over the next several days.

And caving. And playing tourist in Branson (the most efficient way of extracting money from geezers known to man, aside from Vegas) and Springfield.

It was a fun getaway. Not exactly as planned, but at least it had a happy ending. It certainly would have been below average to head out backpacking and find a dead body. *shrug*

Thanks to Dave for keeping an eye on the place for the week!

Other random thoughts:

Missouri has GREAT caves. And we toured 3 of the best.
None of you really thought the Cubs or Red Sox had a chance, did you?
You can call a restaurant Ebbets Field, but it's just not the same without Nick Russo
The West Coast may have In-N-Out Burger, but the midwest Steak-n-Shake chain gives it a good run (takhomasak!)

Must. Get. Sleep. Now.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/18/03 22:45 | Other | Technorati | Comments (5)

16 October 2003

Jinx?

I noticed that OU made the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated. The past few weeks haven't been kind to SI's most recent cover subjects -- the Oregon Ducks, Mia Hamm, and the Chicago Cubs. Will the SI jinx affect OU during this week's Missouri game?

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/16/03 21:31 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (2)

15 October 2003

Blog y'all!

I want to run and hide. I am embarassed that the state of Oklahoma has chosen "Read Y'All" as a slogan to support literacy in the state.

Increasing the state's literacy rate is undeniably important -- saying otherwise is like arguing against motherhood and apple pie. But, for the love of Pete, couldn't a better slogan have been found??? Apparently not. Instead, we're going to get treated to a promotional campaign featuring a marginally literate slogan.

And is there any wonder why Oklahoma's economic development teams are wondering why the state can't seem to combat its national image problem?

You're doin' fine, Oklahoma! O-K-L-... ah, just forget it.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/15/03 16:19 | Other | Technorati | Comments (5)

Inspirational Lyric of the Moment

"Money talks / but it don’t dance"

– "Forever in Blue Jeans" by Neil Diamond

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/15/03 11:11 | Music | Technorati | Comments (1)

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

I had the privilege to be in Pryor, Okla., last week for work, and the entire trip was made worthwhile when I saw the name of one of the local bars:

Arnie’s: An Adult Daycare Center

Yep, that one event trumps my other favorites: “Heads or Tails” (a gay bar in Tulsa) and a bar in the middle of nowhere in northeastern Oklahoma near Vinita that had a massive illuminated sign about 40 feet off the ground that said simply, “HERE IS A BAR” with a giant arrow pointing towards a crummy looking building beneath it.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/15/03 10:02 | Other | Technorati | Comments (0)

Corporate Radio Still Sucks

One of the radio stations here in Tulsa got some love from the local paper about its courageous decision to add some area artists into their rotation.

Lynn Barstow, programming director for KMYZ, 104.5-FM, "The Edge," had to rely on a gut feeling and his ears this past spring when he added three local bands -- Upside, Fanzine and TRB -- into regular rotation.

For the most part, the Edge usually only plays Oklahoma artists signed to major labels, like the All-American Rejects and the Flaming Lips.

Up until this spring, aside from Fanzine, the Edge had played Upside and TRB's music only on its locals-only show "Home Groan," which airs at 11 p.m. Sunday nights.

This spring, though, Upside and Fanzine were set to release their full-length albums -- "Scope and History" and "Roundabout," respectively -- and TRB had a four-song EP, "Where Are You Tonight?" due to be released.

Barstow recognized each group's high-quality, so he added Upside's "Dirty Hands," Fanzine's "Head in the Sky" and TRB's "Where Are You Tonight?" to the Edge's regular rotation.

TRB's lead singer Tony Romanello understood the significance of Barstow's decision.

"Anytime a major commercial station spins a local independent band it is a monumental achievement," he said. "That is absolutely unheard of." …

Romanello said Barstow's decision was bold.

"It's a nice change from the politics and red-tape of the industry: It's a tribute to the Edge actually," he said. "I find it refreshing just to know that the Edge is keeping a mind open enough to consider a wide array of music in general -- regardless if it comes from an independent local band, or a chart-topping major-label act. They are leveling the playing field, and turning a lot of heads in the process."

Three songs. Out of a rotation that’s probably about 100 to 150 songs deep. Oh, that’s courage, all right.

Don’t get me wrong -- I appreciate the station’s efforts to bring much-needed exposure to some of our area’s talented artists who might not otherwise receive major airplay. But, I think it’s sad indictment of corporate radio that adding three songs into rotation is considered a heroic act.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/15/03 09:57 | Music | Technorati | Comments (7)

Curses!

In general, I don’t think I’m superstitious. However, both of baseball’s pennant races are leading me to believe that both the Cubs and the Red Sox may indeed be cursed. As much as we might love to see a Red Sox/Cub World Series, I think we might have to prepare ourselves for a Yankees/Marlins showdown. Let the yawns begin.

Note: I’m not sure that Kevin was able to experience the Zimmerman throw-down in Game 3 on Sunday, so I have to throw him this bit of love.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/15/03 09:55 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

14 October 2003

Red River Shootout ... In The Bayou?

I have serious doubts that the OU-Texas game would ever be played in Houston because it’s simply too far away from Norman to be appealing to OU fans. But, I am glad that Houston is stepping up into the mix because it puts more pressure on Dallas to make the annual game there more economically attractive for Oklahoma – both the university and the state. While I am not a fan of either team, the game has a huge economic impact. And the state of Oklahoma is losing a ton of potential revenue by not having the game played as a home-and-home series.

But, in the end, I think everyone will resolve their differences to keep the game in Dallas.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/14/03 08:56 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

13 October 2003

Spotniks

The Tulsa World organizes a music awards contest/concert each fall (The Spotniks), and this year’s event was held this weekend at the historic Brady Theater. Sure, Tulsa might not have the same prestige as Austin or the Bay Area or other musical hot spots. But, we do have some very talented and diverse artists in the area (excluding anyone named Garth or any brothers with the Hanson surname).

Some highlights:

Those who follow the Americana music scene might be interested to see that the Red Dirt Rangers won the Best Red Dirt Act (5th year in a row – and they now earn Hall of Fame status for the category) and Brian Parton and the Nashville Rebels won Best Americana Act.

Steve Ripley, lead singer for The Tractors and local music producer, was inducted into the Hall of Fame and performed “No Depression” and one of his own songs, “Crossing Over.”

Best Local Album went to one of my favorites, Admiral Twin, for their new CD “Creatures of Bread and Wine.” Best National Album went to the All-American Rejects, which was a regretably lame CD. But, the power of MTV and its TRL teeny-boppers hold sway even here.

TRB took home the Best Rock Act. (And, FYI … the band is now offering its new EP and some other songs from their earlier albums as free downloads. I think they plan on doing this for another week or so, so get them while the getting is good.)

And, on a sad note, Rewake, the winner for Best None of the Above, played its final show on Saturday night. This percussion-driven band played a unique blend of rock/funk/jazz/avant garde. They’ll be missed.

Congrats to all the winners! And a special thank you to the Tulsa World and its entertainment staff for organizing an event that celebrates local music.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/13/03 14:06 | Music | Technorati | Comments (2)

A Blog Divided

Kevin made me promise that I wouldn’t deck the place out in orange as a tribute to my alma mater, Oklahoma State University. And, as a man of my word, I promise I won’t. I wouldn’t want to mess up the positive mojo that he’s managed to collect here at Houston’s Best Blog.

I consider it a privilege that Kevin handed me the keys to the car while he’s out communing with nature. I’ll try to provide a little bit of perspective from north of the Red River. And I promise that I’ll try to use small words for any OU grads out there.

Posted by David Hamby @ 10/13/03 12:02 | Other | Technorati | Comments (2)

11 October 2003

Backpacking

I'm heading off in the morning towards Missouri for some backpacking. After that, I'll be spending a few days in the old stomping grounds of Springfield and may or may not have net access at some point, although I'm not planning on spending much time on the net regardless.

I may have a guest blogger popping in, so check in and say hi if so. I'm hoping he won't have the place decked out in orange when I get back. *shrug*

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/11/03 22:48 | Other | Technorati | Comments (1)

Big 12 Wrap: Week 8

It's time again for the weekly Big 12 Wrap, my whimsical look back at the week's football games in the Big 12. For those who are new, just a reminder that this is my fun little take on things and shouldn't be taken all that seriously. I should note that the order in which I list the games is a rough approximation of how I'm ranking the teams of the Big 12 (that played) after the week. This week's wrap is gonna be short and sweet, because I'm heading out on my backpacking journey early in the a.m. Here we go:

Oklahoma 65, Texas 13
Oklahoma played its best football game of the year (in several years, actually), ringing up 50 for the fourth game in a row (a feat not matched by Wilkinson or by Switzer). Texas did not play well, and had little offense aside from Vincent Young's scrambles. Jason White, on the other hand, should start getting some serious Heisman consideration after going 17 of 21 for 290 yards, 4 TDs, and no interceptions. Scary thing is, White threw one ball away on purpose, and his tight end dropped a ball that would have hit him in the mouth if he hadn't batted it away with his hands. Not a bad day. And the Sooner offensive line controlled the game, especially at the start of the second half. Now Oklahoma has to avoid traps that await (Missouri next week, Oklahoma State later on).

Oklahoma State 38, Kansas State 34
Oklahoma State had excellent balance on offense, and just seemed to be ahead and in control most of this game, despite a furious Kansas State comeback at the end. Oklahoma State really needed this one to stay in contention in the South. As pitiful is the North is this year, Kansas State may still be in the running. But after losing three in a row, the team's confidence can't be too high with Colorado up next.

Missouri 41, Nebraska 24
Week after week, as Nebraska's been getting by some of college football's weaklings, I've been pointing out the Nebraska's offense is still one-dimensional, and their running backs are slow. Further, I've pointed out their defense was overrated. After Mizzou dropped 27 unanswered points on Nebraska in the fourth quarter, I rest my case. The Big 12 North is as mediocre as I've ever seen it -- and really, perennial losers like Baylor and Mizzou should show a little class and leave the goalposts alone. Brad Smith and Mizzou are dangerous -- and they have the good fortune of catching OU next, after the emotional Red River shooutout.

Texas Tech 52, Iowa State 21
Texas Tech's offense is bordering on obscene. They gained 737 yards in this one, and ran over 100 plays! Mike Leach actually ran the ball -- 31 times -- and threw it another 78 times. Iowa State just seemed to run out of gas in this one. Not surprising, considering their drubbing last week courtesy of OU.

Colorao 50, Kansas 47 (OT)
There's still no D in Colorao! But at least there's a W, and against a Kansas team that is much better than the Baylor team that beat the Buffaloes last week.

Texas A&M 73, Baylor 10
The Aggies may not be playing for much this year, but they made an emphatic statement that they will not be taking the place of Baylor in the Big 12 South's basement. A&M ran up over 700 yards, and held Baylor to 153.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/11/03 22:41 | Big 12 Football | Technorati | Comments (4)

Go Coogs

The most talented freshman quarterback in Texas does indeed play for UT (Vincent Young is REALLY good).

But the BEST freshman quarterback in Texas (Kevin Kolb) plays for the University of Houston.

How about those Coogs winning on the road at Tulane to go 5-1?!

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/11/03 17:42 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (5)

Good Idea Of The Day

I'm pulling the backpacking gear together today (roadtrip begins tomorrow), and had a good idea.

I have an old bulky cold-weather sleeping bag that I never use anymore, and it came with a compression stuff sack.

Meanwhile, the stuff sack I use for my two-person tent is really too big (because I strap the tent poles on the sides of the pack, instead of using the stuff sack.

*ding ding ding ding*

That compression stuff sack for the sleeping bag is PERFECT for the tent. No, there's no reason to compress it tightly, but it is the perfect size for the middle of the pack when compressed slightly.

Nice.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/11/03 13:23 | Outdoors | Technorati | Comments (0)

Ouch

I don't think think this guy could play for Bill Parcells:

Jacksonville Jaguars punter Chris Hanson will miss the rest of the season after gashing his leg with an ax while chopping a log in the locker room in what was supposed to be a motivational stunt.

Hanson, the team's only Pro Bowl player last season, needed emergency surgery to repair damage to his right, nonkicking leg.

Brilliant.

But even more brilliant is the fact that his coach helped arrange the fiasco:

The log Hanson was working on was put in the locker room at the behest of coach Jack Del Rio, who used the mantra "keep chopping wood" to inspire his players when they got off to an 0-3 start.

"I'll find another slogan," Del Rio said. "The message was understood."

Good idea there, pardner.

I can understand why the Jags thought they needed to boot Tom Coughlin (although he's a fine coach). But why in the world did they hire Jack Del Rio?

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/11/03 09:25 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

10 October 2003

Candy Cane, Anyone?

So, the Rockets have "upgraded" from the Pajama uniforms to ... something that resembles Christmas Candy.

Ya just gotta love this sports town sometimes.

Oh, and Gerry Hunsicker is probably going to be hired away by the Mets, who presumably will not handcuff the budget a la Drayton McLane. At least it's reassuring that the Astros plan on elevating Tim Purpura if Hunsicker leaves.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/10/03 22:22 | Sports | Technorati | Comments (0)

Time To Play The Silly Game

Okay, it's the night before OU-Texas.

Since I've been posting some of the funnier farks this week, there's no reason to stop now -- just click on the MORE link down there at the bottom to see another of my favorites from the various fan boards.

And now, all the smack talk can go away and we can get to the game.

I have to say that as an OU fan, this game has me nervous. Every year that Bob Stoops has been at Oklahoma, OU has been the underdog in this game. The experts have all made UT a favorite, and all agreed that UT had better talent. And Stoops got that chip on his shoulder, and proved 'em all wrong.

This year, OU is the favorite, and deservedly so.

And everything tells me OU ought to win this game. UT's lines have been pushed around on both sides of the ball by the only two decent teams they've played, and OU is playing its most physical football of the Stoops era. Both UT quarterbacks are inexperienced, and could have problems against Oklahoma's pass defense. And Cedric Benson continues to disappear in big games.

But just when you think you know how this crazy game is going to go, it doesn't go that way. And the only problems Stoops has had in recent years have come when he is favored against teams that have been able to pitch and catch (OSU, A&M). So we shall see.

As always, it should be a good game.

Dean Seltzer

I finally heard Dean Seltzer and band tonight, as I was sipping a couple of brews at the West Alabama.

I wasn't paying much attention to it, actually -- too busy people watching.

Now it's time to throw together some topo maps for the upcoming backpacking.

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/10/03 20:44 | Other | Technorati | Comments (0)

PDA Phones

People who have visited this site for a while know that I like gadgets.

Samsung PDA/Phone For the longest time, I've been waiting for the ultimate PDA/phone combo.

But unlike most users, who want a super powerful pda and a limited-use phone, I actually prefer a more functional phone and a slightly less functional pda.

For that reason, Treo 300 was no good. For a data device you could occasionally use as a phone -- great! As a phone -- dog.

For a while, I used a cable to hook a PDA/laptop up to a Sprint phone, and even upgraded to the 3G version of that phone later for the higher speed. The 3G phone was a CRAP phone, though, and the 3G data network was unreliable, so I largely just gave up on the whole deal, and decided to wait for 1) Sprint to get its network in order, and 2) PDA makers to get with the program.

They're getting close.

Treo 600 The latest Treo (600) is still a bit bulky for my taste, but Handspring seems headed in the right direction.

But the Samsung SPH I-500 is just a marvel. I had to take the Jeep to have its tires rotated and balanced earlier, so I played with one a bit in the Sprint store next door.

It's not the best PDA in the world. The processor could be faster, it could have more memory and an expansion slot, blah blah blah. But it's a decent pda -- as good as the Handspring Visor I've been using forever. And TINY.

Plus it's a sweet flip phone that's not that bulky even by phone standards (it's wider than my current flip, but also thinner).

It's probably not in the budget for a while, but it looks really cool. For those who care about such things. :)

Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/10/03 17:30 |