Apparently I have two votes.
Yesterday I used the State of Wisconsin Voter Public Access website to verify that I was indeed registered in Eau Claire, and to confirm the location of my polling place. I entered my first name as "Tom," and the page that appeared listed my address from 4 years ago in Madison. Under the "Registration Information" section, it said that my status was still "active."
Then I entered my first name as "Thomas," which brought up a page showing the registration information that reflects my current address in Eau Claire. And it too shows my registration status as "active."
I can only assume that this is some sort of reward for being such a good citizen - two votes!
On a different note, I came across this cool graphic from JSOnline, which shows how the state (county-by-county) has voted in every presidential election since 1964.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Badger Basketball Preview - Guest Post
Scott S. watched UW's exhibition game last night, and provides a preview of the 2008-09 season:
My disclaimer to this preview/review is that the game was played against a Division II school, Augustana, though they were a D II tournament team last year. No Badger played more than 23 minutes in the 81-57 win.
STARTING FIVE
TREVON HUGHES - The key word with Hughes is consistency. He can look dominant at times with his combination of speed and shooting range, but at other times commits foolish turnovers and terrible shots. Hughes was relatively quiet, finishing with 7 points. The key, however, was that he only had 1 turnover. He efficiently got the team into their offense, and fed the post players, who had a large height advantage.
JASON BOHANNON - I've been waiting for J-Bo to develop a midrange game as well as the ability to put the ball on the floor. He made great strides last year in becoming more than just a 3 point specialist, and appears to have progressed even further this year. J-Bo played solid D, and contributed 12 points. I was impressed most with his 3 offensive rebounds, including an athletic tip in off a Landry miss. Very poised and controlled on the court, even with the constant substitutions.
MARCUS LANDRY - Landry was simply dominant over the outmanned Augustanians. He put the ball on the floor, hit the spot up jump, and dominated in the post, en route to 21 points in 21 minutes. Landry could turn into the 2008 version of Alando Tucker, an undersized power forward who isn't afraid to bang inside. A definite possibility for Big Ten player of the year, especially since the team has other scoring options to take the pressure away.
JOE KRABBENHOFT - With the Badgers up 15 late in the first half, Krabbenhoft chased a loose ball, jumped over the scorer's table, and landed on some guy in the 2nd row. Someone forgot to tell Joe that this was an exhibition. Krabby is a glue guy, whose All-Big 10 defense was on display yet again. Probably the most consistent player on the team. Solid decision maker who is still somewhat limited offensively, but knows his role and provides toughness.
KEATON NANKIVIL - The Great Question Mark. Nankivil started at center, even though he's only 6'8. He's strong for his height, somewhat like a Mike Wilkinson type player. His skill level, however, is not near that of Wilkinson's. Nankivil didn't score in 17 minutes, but did have 7 boards. Wasn't as dominant as you'd hope against a small front line. Could be challenged for minutes by a variety of players.
THE BENCH
JON LEUER - I'd read the last few weeks about Leuer's added strength over the summer. It appears accurate. Leuer was phenomenal, banging inside, popping outside for the J, and driving inside. He held up much better on the boards than last year, and showed improved footwork as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the majority of the minutes at the 5, especially against teams that don't have a big center.
TIM JARMUSZ - Jarmusz is kind of like a younger Krabbenhoft, albeit smaller. A solid player fundamentally who will make the right decisions on the court, but not a game changer. In 14 non-descript minutes Jarmusz had 2 points and 4 boards. Ryan trusts him, which is the number one factor in the distribution of minutes.
THE FRESHMEN
JORDAN TAYLOR - Taylor was the most impressive of the freshmen, with 5 points and 5 assists in 21 minutes. I loved the lineup of Taylor, Hughes, and Bohannon on the court together. Taylor and Hughes could both get into the lane at will and either finish or dish. Taylor's game is similar to that of Hughes, a quick, strong player who would rather drive than shoot the 3. Played hard and smart, and seemed to understand the nuances of the offense. Bo seemed happy with him, so expect to see him on the court, possibly taking some of Jarmusz’s minutes.
ROB WILSON - The 6'5 swingman from Cleveland was as advertised. Wilson is a strong, athletic player whose specialty is defense. Wilson didn't seem as comfortable on the offensive end, but did attack the hoop when the plays broke down.
RYAN EVANS - Evans only played 10 minutes, but had 6 points. Very athletic at 6'6, but raw. Impressive hops who could be a surprising contributor to the team, though still wouldn't be shocked if he red-shirted.
JARED BERGGREN - I was excited to see the 6'10 Berggren play, and disappointed that he didn't appear in the first half. Only got 5 minutes and didn't do much. Still excited to see him play.
IAN MARKOFF - 7 footer played 4 minutes. Will probably red-shirt, provided the equally 7 foot JP Gavinski takes the role of "Tall 7 foot guy who has a uniform, but doesn't play."
My disclaimer to this preview/review is that the game was played against a Division II school, Augustana, though they were a D II tournament team last year. No Badger played more than 23 minutes in the 81-57 win.
STARTING FIVE
TREVON HUGHES - The key word with Hughes is consistency. He can look dominant at times with his combination of speed and shooting range, but at other times commits foolish turnovers and terrible shots. Hughes was relatively quiet, finishing with 7 points. The key, however, was that he only had 1 turnover. He efficiently got the team into their offense, and fed the post players, who had a large height advantage.
JASON BOHANNON - I've been waiting for J-Bo to develop a midrange game as well as the ability to put the ball on the floor. He made great strides last year in becoming more than just a 3 point specialist, and appears to have progressed even further this year. J-Bo played solid D, and contributed 12 points. I was impressed most with his 3 offensive rebounds, including an athletic tip in off a Landry miss. Very poised and controlled on the court, even with the constant substitutions.
MARCUS LANDRY - Landry was simply dominant over the outmanned Augustanians. He put the ball on the floor, hit the spot up jump, and dominated in the post, en route to 21 points in 21 minutes. Landry could turn into the 2008 version of Alando Tucker, an undersized power forward who isn't afraid to bang inside. A definite possibility for Big Ten player of the year, especially since the team has other scoring options to take the pressure away.
JOE KRABBENHOFT - With the Badgers up 15 late in the first half, Krabbenhoft chased a loose ball, jumped over the scorer's table, and landed on some guy in the 2nd row. Someone forgot to tell Joe that this was an exhibition. Krabby is a glue guy, whose All-Big 10 defense was on display yet again. Probably the most consistent player on the team. Solid decision maker who is still somewhat limited offensively, but knows his role and provides toughness.
KEATON NANKIVIL - The Great Question Mark. Nankivil started at center, even though he's only 6'8. He's strong for his height, somewhat like a Mike Wilkinson type player. His skill level, however, is not near that of Wilkinson's. Nankivil didn't score in 17 minutes, but did have 7 boards. Wasn't as dominant as you'd hope against a small front line. Could be challenged for minutes by a variety of players.
THE BENCH
JON LEUER - I'd read the last few weeks about Leuer's added strength over the summer. It appears accurate. Leuer was phenomenal, banging inside, popping outside for the J, and driving inside. He held up much better on the boards than last year, and showed improved footwork as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the majority of the minutes at the 5, especially against teams that don't have a big center.
TIM JARMUSZ - Jarmusz is kind of like a younger Krabbenhoft, albeit smaller. A solid player fundamentally who will make the right decisions on the court, but not a game changer. In 14 non-descript minutes Jarmusz had 2 points and 4 boards. Ryan trusts him, which is the number one factor in the distribution of minutes.
THE FRESHMEN
JORDAN TAYLOR - Taylor was the most impressive of the freshmen, with 5 points and 5 assists in 21 minutes. I loved the lineup of Taylor, Hughes, and Bohannon on the court together. Taylor and Hughes could both get into the lane at will and either finish or dish. Taylor's game is similar to that of Hughes, a quick, strong player who would rather drive than shoot the 3. Played hard and smart, and seemed to understand the nuances of the offense. Bo seemed happy with him, so expect to see him on the court, possibly taking some of Jarmusz’s minutes.
ROB WILSON - The 6'5 swingman from Cleveland was as advertised. Wilson is a strong, athletic player whose specialty is defense. Wilson didn't seem as comfortable on the offensive end, but did attack the hoop when the plays broke down.
RYAN EVANS - Evans only played 10 minutes, but had 6 points. Very athletic at 6'6, but raw. Impressive hops who could be a surprising contributor to the team, though still wouldn't be shocked if he red-shirted.
JARED BERGGREN - I was excited to see the 6'10 Berggren play, and disappointed that he didn't appear in the first half. Only got 5 minutes and didn't do much. Still excited to see him play.
IAN MARKOFF - 7 footer played 4 minutes. Will probably red-shirt, provided the equally 7 foot JP Gavinski takes the role of "Tall 7 foot guy who has a uniform, but doesn't play."
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Brewers Notes
The biggest news today for Brewers fans is that the club is ready to announce their selection of Ken Macha as Milwaukee's next manager.
Here is Macha's record as a MLB manager, 4 seasons with Oakland:
2003: 96-66, 1st place AL West
2004: 91-71, 2nd place AL West
2005: 88-74, 2nd place, AL West
2006: 93-69, 1st place, AL West
In 2003, the A's lost to the Red Sox in the ALDS, 3 games to 2. In 2006, the A's beat the Twins, 3 games to 0 in the ALDS, and lost to the Tigers, 4 games to 0 in the ALCS.
In other news, Mike Maddux may be on his way out of town, and the Brewers announced ticket prices for 2009. Oh yeah, and Prince Fielder is on the market.
Finally, this site offers a list of free agents, and rumors for every team.
Here is Macha's record as a MLB manager, 4 seasons with Oakland:
2003: 96-66, 1st place AL West
2004: 91-71, 2nd place AL West
2005: 88-74, 2nd place, AL West
2006: 93-69, 1st place, AL West
In 2003, the A's lost to the Red Sox in the ALDS, 3 games to 2. In 2006, the A's beat the Twins, 3 games to 0 in the ALDS, and lost to the Tigers, 4 games to 0 in the ALCS.
In other news, Mike Maddux may be on his way out of town, and the Brewers announced ticket prices for 2009. Oh yeah, and Prince Fielder is on the market.
Finally, this site offers a list of free agents, and rumors for every team.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Election One Week Away
According to 270toWin.com, the outcome is an Obama victory. Brad V. over at Letters in Bottles sent me a link to this site a while ago, and I've spent more than a few minutes there exploring the different tools and links.
One of the things you can do, is look at each state's presidential voting history, and what the polls in each state are saying for 2008:
Wisconsin, 10 electoral votes
-Has not gone Republican since 1984.
-In 2004, WI went to John Kerry by 4 points.
-Recent polls show Obama's lead in Wisconsin between 7 and 13 points.
Some of the so-called battleground states:
Ohio, 20 electoral votes
-George W. Bush won the state by 2 points in 2004.
-Ohio has sided with the eventual winner in the last 11 elections.
-The latest Reuters/Zogby poll shows a 5 point lead for Obama.
Florida, 27 electoral votes
-Has sided with the eventual winner in 9 out of the last 10 elections (1 exception was 1992).
-Went to Bush in 2004 by 5 points.
-The recent polls for Florida show a slight lead for Obama, but the numbers are well within the margin of error.
Pennsylvania, 21 electoral votes
-Has gone to a Democrat the last 4 elections, but Kerry won the state by just 2 points in 2004.
-At one time, the state held 38 electoral votes.
-Like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania is leaning heavily toward Obama.
Virginia, 13 electoral votes
-Bush won the state in 2004 by 8 votes.
-Has not gone to a Democrat since 1964.
-The Washington Post poll from yesterday shows an 8 point Obama lead.
North Carolina, 15 electoral votes
-Has not gone to a Democrat since 1976.
-NC went to Bush by 12 points in 2004.
-Two polls from last week gave McCain a slight edge, but yesterday's Reuters/Zogby poll gave Obama a 4 point lead.
Missouri, 11 electoral votes
-Bush won the state by 7 points in 2004.
-Has sided with the eventual winner in the last 12 elections.
-Three polls from the last few days give Obama a 1-2 point edge.
Colorado, 9 electoral votes
-In the last 10 presidential elections, Colorado has only gone Democratic once - in 1992.
-Gave Bush a 5 point win in 2004.
-About a 4-5 point lead for Obama in Colorado.
Nevada, 5 electoral votes
-Went to Bush by 3 points in 2004.
-Has sided with the eventual winner in the last 7 elections.
-Yesterday's Reuters/Zogby gives Obama a 4 point lead.
Indiana, 11 electoral votes
- Has not gone Democrat since 1964.
-Bush won the state by 21 points in 2004.
-Two polls from last week gave Obama a lead, but yesterday's Reuters/Zogby has a 6 point lead for McCain.
One of the things you can do, is look at each state's presidential voting history, and what the polls in each state are saying for 2008:
Wisconsin, 10 electoral votes
-Has not gone Republican since 1984.
-In 2004, WI went to John Kerry by 4 points.
-Recent polls show Obama's lead in Wisconsin between 7 and 13 points.
Some of the so-called battleground states:
Ohio, 20 electoral votes
-George W. Bush won the state by 2 points in 2004.
-Ohio has sided with the eventual winner in the last 11 elections.
-The latest Reuters/Zogby poll shows a 5 point lead for Obama.
Florida, 27 electoral votes
-Has sided with the eventual winner in 9 out of the last 10 elections (1 exception was 1992).
-Went to Bush in 2004 by 5 points.
-The recent polls for Florida show a slight lead for Obama, but the numbers are well within the margin of error.
Pennsylvania, 21 electoral votes
-Has gone to a Democrat the last 4 elections, but Kerry won the state by just 2 points in 2004.
-At one time, the state held 38 electoral votes.
-Like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania is leaning heavily toward Obama.
Virginia, 13 electoral votes
-Bush won the state in 2004 by 8 votes.
-Has not gone to a Democrat since 1964.
-The Washington Post poll from yesterday shows an 8 point Obama lead.
North Carolina, 15 electoral votes
-Has not gone to a Democrat since 1976.
-NC went to Bush by 12 points in 2004.
-Two polls from last week gave McCain a slight edge, but yesterday's Reuters/Zogby poll gave Obama a 4 point lead.
Missouri, 11 electoral votes
-Bush won the state by 7 points in 2004.
-Has sided with the eventual winner in the last 12 elections.
-Three polls from the last few days give Obama a 1-2 point edge.
Colorado, 9 electoral votes
-In the last 10 presidential elections, Colorado has only gone Democratic once - in 1992.
-Gave Bush a 5 point win in 2004.
-About a 4-5 point lead for Obama in Colorado.
Nevada, 5 electoral votes
-Went to Bush by 3 points in 2004.
-Has sided with the eventual winner in the last 7 elections.
-Yesterday's Reuters/Zogby gives Obama a 4 point lead.
Indiana, 11 electoral votes
- Has not gone Democrat since 1964.
-Bush won the state by 21 points in 2004.
-Two polls from last week gave Obama a lead, but yesterday's Reuters/Zogby has a 6 point lead for McCain.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Looking Ahead - Packers' Remaining Schedule
The worst Sunday afternoon of every autumn, is the Sunday the Packers have their bye week. Here's a look at Green Bay's remaining schedule and what I predict will happen:
Sunday, November 2 - at Tennessee, Noon
The Titans head into their game tomorrow night as the only remaining unbeaten team in the NFL (6-0), and hold a firm grip on first place in the AFC South. Tennessee doesn't boast much on offense, but they have one of the league's best defenses - they are allowing just 11 points per game on average. The closest the Titans have come to defeat was a 13-10 win at Baltimore October 5.
Prediction: Green Bay 20, Tennessee 21
Sunday, November 9 - at Minnesota, Noon
The Packers and Vikings hooked up for the season opener back on September 8 at Lambeau (I think there was supposed to be some sort of retirement ceremony at that game, but it was cancelled). Green Bay won the game 24-19, and the Aaron Rodgers era began on the right note. The Vikings have since then switched quarterbacks, and after starting off 1-3, Minnesota has won 2 out of their last 3 games. Only 1 loss has been by double-digits (at Tennessee).
Prediction: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 27
Sunday, November 16 - vs. Chicago, Noon (Yours truly will be in attendance!)
The Bears are currently tied atop the NFC North with the Packers (both are 4-3). Chicago's defense is not what it once was. In 5 of their 7 games, the Bears have allowed 20 or more points to their opponents (including allowing 41 points to the Vikings last week at Soldier Field!). The Bears' passing defense is the third worst in the league, which should be good news for Aaron Rodgers and the talented group of receivers around him. Surprisingly, Chicago's offense is averaging 28 points per game, good enough for third best in the league. Matt Forte is halfway to 1,000 yards (515 yards, 73.6 yards per game) and has 4 TDs.
Prediction: Chicago 24, Green Bay 28
Monday, November 24 - at New Orleans, 7:30 pm
The Saints are a different team at home (3-1) than they are on the road (0-3). The Packers' pass defense will be tested in this game, going up against Drew Brees and the #1 passing offense in the league (310 yards passing per game). Reggie Bush could be back for this game, which would give the Saints back their biggest weapon.
Prediction: Green Bay 21, New Orleans 28
Sunday, November 30 - vs. Carolina, Noon
The Panthers are 5-2 going into today's game against Arizona, but they have struggled on the road, including a 20-10 loss at Minnesota. The defense is giving up about 15 points per game, but the offense is averaging just 21 points per game. The Panthers, like the Packers, have struggled with penalties this season - Carolina has 54 going into today (GB leads the league with 58).
Prediction: Carolina 14, Green Bay 20
Sunday, December 7 - vs. Houston, Noon
Houston started the season 0-4, but has rattled off 2 wins heading into today's matchup against the Bengals. But, those wins were against the Dolphins (by 1 point and at the last second), and against the Lions (by 7 points). The Packers should have no problem disposing of the Texans at Lambeau in December.
Prediction: Houston 13, Green Bay 31
Sunday, December 14 - at Jacksonville, Noon
The Jaguars, after nearly making the Super Bowl last year, are still looking for a signature win this season. They beat the Colts on the road in week 3, but the Colts are not the same team we've seen the past few years. That being said, the Jaguars have had a tough schedule so far - losses include at Tennessee, vs. Buffalo, and vs. Pittsburgh. Out of all of the remaining games, this is the one that was the toughest for me to predict.
Prediction: Green Bay 24, Jacksonville 23
Monday, December 22 - at Chicago, 7:30 pm
I think the Packers have a better all-around team this year than the Bears, so I don't think it's impossible to sweep the season series in 2008. But if I have Green Bay winning on the road against Jacksonville, I don't think I can have them win back-to-back road games.
Prediction: Green Bay 24, Chicago 27
Sunday, December 28 - vs. Detroit, Noon
This game will be played assuming the Lions fans (those that remain) do not burn down Ford Field because their team is 0-15. Hopefully the Packers will have a playoff berth locked up and will be able to rest up for the postseason.
Prediction: Detroit 10, Green Bay 27
So from my predictions and calculations, the Pack should end the season 10-6, which should be good enough for 1st place in the NFC North (Minnesota has a pretty tough remaining schedule, though Chicago's doesn't look that daunting). This will of course set GB up for a run to the Super Bowl, where they will undoubtedly encounter Brett Favre and the New York Jets. See ya then!
Sunday, November 2 - at Tennessee, Noon
The Titans head into their game tomorrow night as the only remaining unbeaten team in the NFL (6-0), and hold a firm grip on first place in the AFC South. Tennessee doesn't boast much on offense, but they have one of the league's best defenses - they are allowing just 11 points per game on average. The closest the Titans have come to defeat was a 13-10 win at Baltimore October 5.
Prediction: Green Bay 20, Tennessee 21
Sunday, November 9 - at Minnesota, Noon
The Packers and Vikings hooked up for the season opener back on September 8 at Lambeau (I think there was supposed to be some sort of retirement ceremony at that game, but it was cancelled). Green Bay won the game 24-19, and the Aaron Rodgers era began on the right note. The Vikings have since then switched quarterbacks, and after starting off 1-3, Minnesota has won 2 out of their last 3 games. Only 1 loss has been by double-digits (at Tennessee).
Prediction: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 27
Sunday, November 16 - vs. Chicago, Noon (Yours truly will be in attendance!)
The Bears are currently tied atop the NFC North with the Packers (both are 4-3). Chicago's defense is not what it once was. In 5 of their 7 games, the Bears have allowed 20 or more points to their opponents (including allowing 41 points to the Vikings last week at Soldier Field!). The Bears' passing defense is the third worst in the league, which should be good news for Aaron Rodgers and the talented group of receivers around him. Surprisingly, Chicago's offense is averaging 28 points per game, good enough for third best in the league. Matt Forte is halfway to 1,000 yards (515 yards, 73.6 yards per game) and has 4 TDs.
Prediction: Chicago 24, Green Bay 28
Monday, November 24 - at New Orleans, 7:30 pm
The Saints are a different team at home (3-1) than they are on the road (0-3). The Packers' pass defense will be tested in this game, going up against Drew Brees and the #1 passing offense in the league (310 yards passing per game). Reggie Bush could be back for this game, which would give the Saints back their biggest weapon.
Prediction: Green Bay 21, New Orleans 28
Sunday, November 30 - vs. Carolina, Noon
The Panthers are 5-2 going into today's game against Arizona, but they have struggled on the road, including a 20-10 loss at Minnesota. The defense is giving up about 15 points per game, but the offense is averaging just 21 points per game. The Panthers, like the Packers, have struggled with penalties this season - Carolina has 54 going into today (GB leads the league with 58).
Prediction: Carolina 14, Green Bay 20
Sunday, December 7 - vs. Houston, Noon
Houston started the season 0-4, but has rattled off 2 wins heading into today's matchup against the Bengals. But, those wins were against the Dolphins (by 1 point and at the last second), and against the Lions (by 7 points). The Packers should have no problem disposing of the Texans at Lambeau in December.
Prediction: Houston 13, Green Bay 31
Sunday, December 14 - at Jacksonville, Noon
The Jaguars, after nearly making the Super Bowl last year, are still looking for a signature win this season. They beat the Colts on the road in week 3, but the Colts are not the same team we've seen the past few years. That being said, the Jaguars have had a tough schedule so far - losses include at Tennessee, vs. Buffalo, and vs. Pittsburgh. Out of all of the remaining games, this is the one that was the toughest for me to predict.
Prediction: Green Bay 24, Jacksonville 23
Monday, December 22 - at Chicago, 7:30 pm
I think the Packers have a better all-around team this year than the Bears, so I don't think it's impossible to sweep the season series in 2008. But if I have Green Bay winning on the road against Jacksonville, I don't think I can have them win back-to-back road games.
Prediction: Green Bay 24, Chicago 27
Sunday, December 28 - vs. Detroit, Noon
This game will be played assuming the Lions fans (those that remain) do not burn down Ford Field because their team is 0-15. Hopefully the Packers will have a playoff berth locked up and will be able to rest up for the postseason.
Prediction: Detroit 10, Green Bay 27
So from my predictions and calculations, the Pack should end the season 10-6, which should be good enough for 1st place in the NFC North (Minnesota has a pretty tough remaining schedule, though Chicago's doesn't look that daunting). This will of course set GB up for a run to the Super Bowl, where they will undoubtedly encounter Brett Favre and the New York Jets. See ya then!
Orson Welles
This Thursday will mark the 70th anniversary of Orson Welles' famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast, and the Journal Sentinel's Duane Dudek looks back on Welles' life, including his early years growing up in Kenosha.
For a quick Welles biography, go here.
Here is the text from the original New York Times article, the day after the event.
For a quick Welles biography, go here.
Here is the text from the original New York Times article, the day after the event.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
History In The News
Some recent articles that have crossed my path in the last week, focusing on U.S. and military history:
-This first one is from George F. Will at the Washington Post, and looks at the newly opened museum and visitor center at Gettysburg. Will highlights the important need for public history today:
Ours would be a better nation if boys and girls of all regions, and particularly the many high school and even college graduates who cannot place the Civil War in the correct half-century, could be moved, as large numbers of Americans used to be, by the names of Gettysburg battlefield sites, such as Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Culp's Hill and Little Round Top, instead of being like the visitor here who said it is amazing that so many great battles, such as Antietam and Chickamauga and Shiloh, occurred on Park Service land; and another visitor who doubted that the fighting here really was fierce because there are no bullet marks on the monuments.
-This next article is about the mystery that has surrounded the sinking of the Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley. We were actually just discussing the naval battles of the Civil War in one of the courses I'm taking this semester, so this article had a particular relevance for me.
-Finally, this article about America's final surviving WWI veteran was sent to me by Brad V. of Letters in Bottles. Frank Woodruff, who is 107, didn't see much action during WWI, but he did spend 39 months in a prison camp during WWII, after he was taken prisoner while conducting business in the Philippines.
-This first one is from George F. Will at the Washington Post, and looks at the newly opened museum and visitor center at Gettysburg. Will highlights the important need for public history today:
Ours would be a better nation if boys and girls of all regions, and particularly the many high school and even college graduates who cannot place the Civil War in the correct half-century, could be moved, as large numbers of Americans used to be, by the names of Gettysburg battlefield sites, such as Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Culp's Hill and Little Round Top, instead of being like the visitor here who said it is amazing that so many great battles, such as Antietam and Chickamauga and Shiloh, occurred on Park Service land; and another visitor who doubted that the fighting here really was fierce because there are no bullet marks on the monuments.
-This next article is about the mystery that has surrounded the sinking of the Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley. We were actually just discussing the naval battles of the Civil War in one of the courses I'm taking this semester, so this article had a particular relevance for me.
-Finally, this article about America's final surviving WWI veteran was sent to me by Brad V. of Letters in Bottles. Frank Woodruff, who is 107, didn't see much action during WWI, but he did spend 39 months in a prison camp during WWII, after he was taken prisoner while conducting business in the Philippines.
Will Ferrell Returns To Saturday Night Live...Sort Of
The funniest thing SNL has done in the last 6 years was a skit tonight which featured two former cast members and one cast member who has been around since the 1990s.
Then it was back to the lukewarm comedy that SNL has produced for most of this decade. The following is a skit from a different week, but they used the same character and jokes tonight:
What makes it even worse, is that the whole skit is a blatant rip-off:
Then it was back to the lukewarm comedy that SNL has produced for most of this decade. The following is a skit from a different week, but they used the same character and jokes tonight:
What makes it even worse, is that the whole skit is a blatant rip-off:
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Real America
The Daily Show pays another visit to Wasilla, Alaska to discover what "real America" looks like:
Monday, October 20, 2008
Weekend Sports Recap
-The disappointing season for the UW football team continued Saturday, losing badly at Iowa, 38-16. I may have been too optimistic in an earlier post when I said that I believed the team still had a good shot at reaching a bowl game this year. Should the team make Scott Tolzien the new starting quarterback? I think the Badgers are heading to a quarterback by committee approach, where whoever is playing well will get to lead the offense. The only real bright spot this season has been running back John Clay, who ran 16 times Saturday for 89 yards. For the season, Clay has 394 yards rushing on only 65 carries, which is an average of 6 yards per carry. He may be the starting tailback now if PJ Hill is sidelined with yet another injury.
-The Green Bay Packers improved to 4-3 this year with an impressive 34-14 victory over the Colts at Lambeau. The two things I took away from the game: 1) what a performance from the defense, which shut down the Colts' passing attack and provided two touchdowns off of interception returns; and 2) how great was it to watch a discouraged, dejected, depressed, aggravated, flummoxed, and angry Peyton Manning? I can't remember seeing Manning look so defeated before, and it was a nice added touch to the victory. What a strong way for GB to head into the bye week (Speaking of strong, Ryan Grant looks 100% now, and that is great news for the Packers - 31 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD).
-The other big Packers-related news item from the weekend was the latest chapter in the Brett Favre soap opera. If the allegations are true, that Favre has provided other teams with information about the Packers, it will be a devastating blow to his legacy. Charles Woodson, who is one of GB's leaders now, had probably the best response:
"He contacted them?" cornerback Charles Woodson said with raised eyebrows. "I don't respect that. If they called him and he gives them information, that's one thing. But to seek a team out, because, you know, I guess you're trying to sabotage this team, you know I don't respect that. I know he's been the greatest player around here for a long time but there's no honor in that."
-It was a busy weekend for the Brewers too. Doug Melvin's contract was extended. Dale Sveum was interviewed and told "we'll get back to you." The Brewers got back to him and said adios. And now the search is on for an "experienced manager that has a reputation for winning." There is apparently a handful of candidates that have sought out Melvin for the position. If it were up to me, I would choose either Buck Showalter or Bob Brenly. Both have demonstrated a good knowledge of the game, and both have prior accomplishments in their careers.
-The World Series is now set and it's not pretty: Philadelphia vs. Tampa Bay. Here is why I'm cheering for the Phillies: 1) if they win, then Brewers fans can say at least our team got knocked out by the eventual World Series champions (this would ideally be directed at cubs fans), 2) Tampa Bay really annoys me - from those stupid mohawks to the lame song they play after wins to shots of Dick Vitale cheering obnoxiously from the stands to Grant Balfour's ridiculous mannerisms on the mound, and so on and so forth, 3) if the Phillies win, we won't have to listen to stupid Philadelphia sports fans cry about their city not winning a championship since 1980, and 4) The DEVIL Rays have only been around as a franchise for 10 years! - there are a number of teams that deserve to win a World Series title before some team that can't even sell out home playoff games.
-The UW men's basketball team got to work for the upcoming season. The Badgers, defending Big Ten regular season and tournament champions, play their first exhibition game November 1. The Final Four this season will be in Detroit - see the rest of you Badger fans there!
-The Green Bay Packers improved to 4-3 this year with an impressive 34-14 victory over the Colts at Lambeau. The two things I took away from the game: 1) what a performance from the defense, which shut down the Colts' passing attack and provided two touchdowns off of interception returns; and 2) how great was it to watch a discouraged, dejected, depressed, aggravated, flummoxed, and angry Peyton Manning? I can't remember seeing Manning look so defeated before, and it was a nice added touch to the victory. What a strong way for GB to head into the bye week (Speaking of strong, Ryan Grant looks 100% now, and that is great news for the Packers - 31 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD).
-The other big Packers-related news item from the weekend was the latest chapter in the Brett Favre soap opera. If the allegations are true, that Favre has provided other teams with information about the Packers, it will be a devastating blow to his legacy. Charles Woodson, who is one of GB's leaders now, had probably the best response:
"He contacted them?" cornerback Charles Woodson said with raised eyebrows. "I don't respect that. If they called him and he gives them information, that's one thing. But to seek a team out, because, you know, I guess you're trying to sabotage this team, you know I don't respect that. I know he's been the greatest player around here for a long time but there's no honor in that."
-It was a busy weekend for the Brewers too. Doug Melvin's contract was extended. Dale Sveum was interviewed and told "we'll get back to you." The Brewers got back to him and said adios. And now the search is on for an "experienced manager that has a reputation for winning." There is apparently a handful of candidates that have sought out Melvin for the position. If it were up to me, I would choose either Buck Showalter or Bob Brenly. Both have demonstrated a good knowledge of the game, and both have prior accomplishments in their careers.
-The World Series is now set and it's not pretty: Philadelphia vs. Tampa Bay. Here is why I'm cheering for the Phillies: 1) if they win, then Brewers fans can say at least our team got knocked out by the eventual World Series champions (this would ideally be directed at cubs fans), 2) Tampa Bay really annoys me - from those stupid mohawks to the lame song they play after wins to shots of Dick Vitale cheering obnoxiously from the stands to Grant Balfour's ridiculous mannerisms on the mound, and so on and so forth, 3) if the Phillies win, we won't have to listen to stupid Philadelphia sports fans cry about their city not winning a championship since 1980, and 4) The DEVIL Rays have only been around as a franchise for 10 years! - there are a number of teams that deserve to win a World Series title before some team that can't even sell out home playoff games.
-The UW men's basketball team got to work for the upcoming season. The Badgers, defending Big Ten regular season and tournament champions, play their first exhibition game November 1. The Final Four this season will be in Detroit - see the rest of you Badger fans there!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Quantum of Solace - Early Reviews
The first couple of reviews are out for the latest James Bond feature, Quantum of Solace, which debuts November 14 in the U.S. So far, the reviews are good, and very good.
I skimmed the reviews, careful to not spoil any plot points for myself. The film picks up where Casino Royale left off, both in plot and style, and the new director appears to have improved upon what was established with Casino.
From James Christopher's review:
The director, Marc Forster, has absorbed the lucrative lessons discovered in Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale. He has also managed to pace his sequel much better. Royale felt slightly wheel-clamped by one too many longeurs. If anything, the crunching chase sequences in Quantum of Solace are even more magnificently dangerous. And the daredevil leaps and tumbles through glass roofs are just as sensational as the splintering high-speed pyrotechnics.
I skimmed the reviews, careful to not spoil any plot points for myself. The film picks up where Casino Royale left off, both in plot and style, and the new director appears to have improved upon what was established with Casino.
From James Christopher's review:
The director, Marc Forster, has absorbed the lucrative lessons discovered in Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale. He has also managed to pace his sequel much better. Royale felt slightly wheel-clamped by one too many longeurs. If anything, the crunching chase sequences in Quantum of Solace are even more magnificently dangerous. And the daredevil leaps and tumbles through glass roofs are just as sensational as the splintering high-speed pyrotechnics.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Read It: "Late Bloomers"
I enjoyed Malcolm Gladwell's latest piece, an article about the connections between artists and age. Gladwell's main focus is on Ben Fountain, who quit practicing law in 1988 to become a writer and didn't publish his first celebrated piece until 2006.
Genius, in the popular conception, is inextricably tied up with precocity—doing something truly creative, we’re inclined to think, requires the freshness and exuberance and energy of youth...Yes, there was Orson Welles, peaking as a director at twenty-five. But then there was Alfred Hitchcock, who made “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” “To Catch a Thief,” “The Trouble with Harry,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest,” and “Psycho”—one of the greatest runs by a director in history—between his fifty-fourth and sixty-first birthdays. Mark Twain published “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” at forty-nine. Daniel Defoe wrote “Robinson Crusoe” at fifty-eight.
The article also gave me a reason to not feel so discouraged after people ask me about the progress of my thesis work.
Genius, in the popular conception, is inextricably tied up with precocity—doing something truly creative, we’re inclined to think, requires the freshness and exuberance and energy of youth...Yes, there was Orson Welles, peaking as a director at twenty-five. But then there was Alfred Hitchcock, who made “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” “To Catch a Thief,” “The Trouble with Harry,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest,” and “Psycho”—one of the greatest runs by a director in history—between his fifty-fourth and sixty-first birthdays. Mark Twain published “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” at forty-nine. Daniel Defoe wrote “Robinson Crusoe” at fifty-eight.
The article also gave me a reason to not feel so discouraged after people ask me about the progress of my thesis work.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Check It Out: Frontline's "The Choice" On PBS
I just finished watching Frontline's 2-hour overview on the 2008 presidential campaign, which focuses on the lives and careers of both John McCain and Barack Obama. I recommend checking it out - I'm sure it will be rerun on PBS, just set your Tivos and DVRs, or you can watch it online here.
The program devotes a good amount of time to the early years in both candidates' lives, and it does a fine job of highlighting the victories as well as the missteps in both of their careers.
This review makes a good point about how the program (which ends with the announcements of the vice president candidates), is really a chronicle of a past campaign, as new issues have taken over in the last few weeks.
Here are a couple of clips from the documentary:
The program devotes a good amount of time to the early years in both candidates' lives, and it does a fine job of highlighting the victories as well as the missteps in both of their careers.
This review makes a good point about how the program (which ends with the announcements of the vice president candidates), is really a chronicle of a past campaign, as new issues have taken over in the last few weeks.
Here are a couple of clips from the documentary:
Monday, October 13, 2008
End Of Year Music Preview
The subtitle of this post is “If Only I Had Money and Time.” Here are a few bands that are appearing in Milwaukee/Madison/Chicago in the next few months.
October
14 – Ben Kweller, The Bottom Lounge, Chicago
14 – The Mountain Goats, Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
16 – Yonder Mountain String Band, Pabst Theater
17 – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Riviera Theatre, Chicago
17 – YMSB, Orpheum Theatre, Madison
18 – YMSB, Congress Theater, Chicago
31 – BB King, Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee
November
5 – The Whigs, Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee
6 – Bob Dylan, Riverside Theatre
9 – Horse Feathers, Schubas Tavern, Chicago
10 – Wolf Parade, Majestic Theatre, Madison
13 – Gov’t Mule, The Rave Eagles Club, Milwaukee
21 – Calexico, Metro/Smart Bar, Chicago
December
4 – Fat Maw Rooney, Majestic Theatre
7 – The Black Crowes, Eagles Ballroom
31 – Cake, Riverside Theatre
31 (& Jan. 2-3) – Joey DeFrancesco, Andy’s Jazz Club, Chicago
October
14 – Ben Kweller, The Bottom Lounge, Chicago
14 – The Mountain Goats, Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
16 – Yonder Mountain String Band, Pabst Theater
17 – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Riviera Theatre, Chicago
17 – YMSB, Orpheum Theatre, Madison
18 – YMSB, Congress Theater, Chicago
31 – BB King, Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee
November
5 – The Whigs, Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee
6 – Bob Dylan, Riverside Theatre
9 – Horse Feathers, Schubas Tavern, Chicago
10 – Wolf Parade, Majestic Theatre, Madison
13 – Gov’t Mule, The Rave Eagles Club, Milwaukee
21 – Calexico, Metro/Smart Bar, Chicago
December
4 – Fat Maw Rooney, Majestic Theatre
7 – The Black Crowes, Eagles Ballroom
31 – Cake, Riverside Theatre
31 (& Jan. 2-3) – Joey DeFrancesco, Andy’s Jazz Club, Chicago
Mel Brooks Offends At UW-Madison
Not Mel Brooks personally, rather a clip from the filmmaker's 1974 Blazing Saddles. A clip from the movie (which is about an African American sheriff in the old west) was shown by an instructor at a university seminar, and it apparently was not met by laughter. At least one student complained officially to the university, which had to issue an apology and a refund.
Not much detail is provided in the article, so it is hard to say in what context the clip was shown, and how the instructor integrated it in their lecture. I can certainly see how someone could find clips from the movie to be offensive (if presented in the wrong context). But it seems like this could just be another case of someone without a sense of humor (or a grasp of what satire is) just being dumb.
The article raises a couple of other questions: why didn't the person who was offended talk to the instructor about it? Presumably, these are adults - couldn't they act like adults? And what determines whether something is offensive? I'm an assistant for an instructor who has shown documentaries which contain material which could be considered offensive (language, violence), but it doesn't mean that the instructor is promoting such things.
Gene Wilder sums it up here:
Not much detail is provided in the article, so it is hard to say in what context the clip was shown, and how the instructor integrated it in their lecture. I can certainly see how someone could find clips from the movie to be offensive (if presented in the wrong context). But it seems like this could just be another case of someone without a sense of humor (or a grasp of what satire is) just being dumb.
The article raises a couple of other questions: why didn't the person who was offended talk to the instructor about it? Presumably, these are adults - couldn't they act like adults? And what determines whether something is offensive? I'm an assistant for an instructor who has shown documentaries which contain material which could be considered offensive (language, violence), but it doesn't mean that the instructor is promoting such things.
Gene Wilder sums it up here:
Sunday, October 12, 2008
UW Crushed At Home By PSU
The Badger football team got knocked out last night at Camp Randall by the No. 6 Nittany Lions. The bad news is that last night's loss was the third straight for UW and the team is 0-3 in the Big Ten. The good news is that the schedule does get theoretically easier for the Badgers.
UW has 6 games remaining and 5 of those are against Big Ten opponents - Iowa, Illinois, Michigan St., Indiana, and Minnesota. The Badgers should be able to pull out at least 3 wins from that group (2 of those games are at Camp Randall, and playing at Indiana shouldn't be tough this year).
As long as the Badgers can find a way to regroup they should find themselves in a bowl game. But it almost certainly won't be played in 2009.
Meanwhile, in light of recent events, the university might want to consider changing the promotional video that is played during UW sporting events. It prominently features the UW marching band, including a cymbals-player with a crazed look near the end of the spot. Check it out:
UW has 6 games remaining and 5 of those are against Big Ten opponents - Iowa, Illinois, Michigan St., Indiana, and Minnesota. The Badgers should be able to pull out at least 3 wins from that group (2 of those games are at Camp Randall, and playing at Indiana shouldn't be tough this year).
As long as the Badgers can find a way to regroup they should find themselves in a bowl game. But it almost certainly won't be played in 2009.
Meanwhile, in light of recent events, the university might want to consider changing the promotional video that is played during UW sporting events. It prominently features the UW marching band, including a cymbals-player with a crazed look near the end of the spot. Check it out:
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Final Grades
The Journal Sentinel hands out the final grades for the 2008 Milwaukee Brewers. Here are the team grades, and here are grades for individual players.
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