Yankees Win 13th Straight Playoff Berth

This post is mainly for Caleb, Travis and any other baseball fans who happen across this blog.

An AP story this morning says that "champaign flowed, Joe Torre cried and the Yankees whooped it up" as they clinched at least a wild-card spot and are going to the postseason playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. What other team can make that claim? Well, actually before Caleb corrects me, the Yankees' streak is one shy of tying the record-setting Atlanta Braves who made the playoffs every year from 1991-2005.

The Yanks accomplished the feat with a 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays eliminating the defending AL champion Detroit Tigers. The only downer is that the Yankees are 3 games behind the Red Sox with only 4 games to play and are unlikely to win their 9th straight AL East title.

This wild-card berth sets up a possible first-round matchup with the Cleveland Indians who are the Central Division champs.

Even the wild man, George Steinbrenner, got into the celebration when he moved to the front row of his private suite so he could interact with the fans (common people) while his team was building a big lead in the game. I know that must have been a "thrill" for those fans.

Joe Torre was quoted, "This is what it is about. It was a lot of unselfishness. There were a lot of guys who played through some injuries, played though some fatigue. And, of course, Alex -- we sort of rallied around him."

There a lots and lots of things, good things, that can be said about the Yankees, both past and present, but I don't want to bring up all of that and rub this baseball dynasty in the faces of those who are fans of other teams -- maybe I just did.

I have been a Yankee fan for almost 60 years. I deserve some sort of award. How did a Southern country boy become a fan of the hated Yankees? I really don't remember -- I guess I just got caught up in the play of those Yankee greats of the 1940s.

I actually had the pleasure of going to a couple of games at the "House That Ruth Built" -- an experience that can hardly be forgotten.

World Series -- he we come!!!!!!!!!!!

An Absolute Great Weekend

Well, it was a wonderful weekend -- the Dawgs won even though they didn't look very good in the second half. Ole Miss lost, and they looked really good. Auburn won, so one part of the perfect weekend was missing -- maybe next time.

Hope that the Bulldogs can get ready for the Gamecocks Saturday. It is the early game on TV, and I think about 10:30 because it is Eastern Time. Anyway I will watch and/or listen and pray for the best.

Another good thing about being at the game Saturday was that I got to visit for a few minutes with Heather and Trey, Tricia and Caleb, and of course, Laurette and Travis -- all authors of great blogs. If you haven't visited their blogs, you have missed some really funny stuff.

Melinda and I spent some time walking around campus, and even an impartial observer would have to say that State has a fantastic campus. I will put it up against any other. We also wandered over to the bookstore -- that is a great asset to the university.

When we entered the concession area where we go out into the stands we were given caps with the MSU insignia and "Skydawgs" below it. I am now officially a Skydawg -- our seats are above the sky boxes on the east side, but they are great seats right on the 50 yard line and really not too high up -- we done good when we picked those, and they didn't cost an arm and a leg.

We will not get to go back until the Alabama game because of other things we have to do. So we will miss UAB and Tennessee -- that is a bummer.

Just wanted to give a short report praising our great Mississippi State University and say hello again to Tricia, Caleb, Heather and Trey -- keep up the good work.

Shiver Me Timbers!

According to a news story out of London, today is the day to "put a parrot on your shoulder, strap on a peg leg, hit the rum and start bellowing "Shiver Me Timbers" for today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day.

It is that day, once a year, that you can put on an eye patch, don a tricorner hat and keep on saying, "Arrrr."

Two American friends started the day as a cult joke in the 1990s, but then it really got a send off when syndicated columnist Dave Berry got into the act.

The popularity of "Pirates of the Caribbean" and performances of Johnny Depp have certainly brought a lot more people into the celebration as millions worldwide will observe the day.

One of probably the best celebrations is in Sydney, Australia, where a harbor cruise is being staged with "flagons of grog and treasure for the dandiest outfit."

I didn't dress as a buccaneer this morning -- I really don't have much pirate stuff in my closet. And I don't think there are many people in Collierville, Tennessee, (where I work) who are aware of what a big day it is. One might get some very funny looks shopping in WalMart in a pirate costume, but on the other hand I have seen stranger costumes there.

Speaking of Depp's movies, I really enjoyed the first, but the other two left a little to be desired. Apparently there is not another in the immediate future unless it is done without Orlando Bloom, or they will figure how to get him out of his 10-year exile -- oops, did I give away something to those of you who haven't seen it?

If I am ever kidnapped and cast upon a deserted island by a shipload of pirates, I would not be disappointed if they threw Keira Knightly on there as well -- she is a very lovely looking pirate.

So "Avast, me hearties!" and have a great celebration, but just sip the rum.

Who Cares? News You Might Have Missed

God Is Sued

It has been reported that State Senator Ernie Chambers (D - Nebraska) has decided to go straight to the top and sue God.

Chambers says that this is an effort to stop natural disasters from befalling the world.

The suit asks for a "permanent injunction ordering the Defendant (God) to cease certain harmful activities and the making of terroristic threats."

Chambers also cites that the, "Defendant directly and proximately has caused inter alia (what is this?), fearsome floods, egregious earthquakes, horrendous hurricanes, terrifying tornados, pestilential plagues..."

You have to admire his use of alliteration, but this guy is a goofball.

Judgement Day could be a real thrill for him, but on the other hand God may not be able to stop laughing.

Bonds' Ball Up For Vote

Turning to the world of professional baseball, this is for Caleb, Travis and other baseball followers.

Marc Ecko, the designer of the Ecko clothing line you can leisurely shop at T. J. Maxx, has purchased the record-breaking home run ball for a figure that is just south of $1 million.

Ecko is offering to let fans choose on Vote756.com one of the following three options:

• Donate it as is to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N. Y.
• Brand it with an asterick and donate it to the Hall of Fame.
• Put it on a rocket, and blast it into space.

I kind of lean to the latter. Choose wisely because you are making baseball history.

Who cares?

Tennessee Coaches File For Divorce

Staying on the sports theme, Bruce Pearl, Tennessee Men's Basketball Coach, has filed for divorce from his wife, Kim, citing irreconcilable differences.

This follows the announcement in early August by Pat Summitt, Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach, that she was filing for divorce from her long-time husband.

Is this a coincidence or does it have something to do with Pearl's topless apperance at a women's basketball game and Summitt going to a men's basketball game dressed in a cheerleader's outfit -- short skirt and all?

Looks to me like hormones are running high among Tennessee coaches. If football coach Phil Fulmer is not careful he is going to get a divorce from the Volunteers.

This is not a pretty sight in my mind, but again, who cares?

A Sweet Football Weekend

Let me be the first to post that is was a wonderful weekend of college football.

My favorite wins and loses happened. State wins and Tommy Tuberville loses, and it was in the same game -- could it get any sweeter?

And then later on Saturday Ole Miss makes an appearance in Nashville against the Commodores, and it is a long, long ride back to Oxford.

Coach "O", if you haven't looked at the schedule, you entertain the Florida Gators Saturday in the early game. You will need lots and lots of luck in this one -- ask Tennessee.

I was just listening to George Lapides, sports show host on WHBQ (Memphis), and he made the statement that the Rebels are the worst team in the SEC. Could it get any sweeter?

Now Dawgs, don't read your press clippings before this game on Saturday. Let us not forget the Maine game a couple of years back.

I'll be there to see the Bulldogs when they meet Gardner-Webb. Hope to see some of you there.

Go Dawgs!

Why Men Should Not Take Messages

I received an e-mail this morning from my daughter, Amanda, titled "Why men should not take messages." I would post the attachment, but I am computer illiterate and do not know how to do that kind of thing. But I did want to share it with you.

The note taken by the husband and stuck to the frig said -

SOMEONE FROM THE

GYNA COLLEGES

CALLED.

THEY SAID THE

PABST BEER IS

NORMAL.

I DIDN'T EVEN

KNOW YOU LIKED

BEER.

Now, do you females really think that we are that stupid? Oh! I hear all of those "you better believe it" echoing out there in blogland.

I must take a stand for "maledom" and challenge you on this point. We may not understand all of that "female terminology" but we as a group, for the most part, can hold our own in other ways. To wit -

Males know how to get lost and never ask for directions.

Males know how to take a grocery list and bring back only two correct items.

Males know how to take out the trash, get it to the street on time while forgetting those little trashbaskets in the bathrooms.

Males know how to get at least three week's use out of sheets while the wives change them every couple of days.

Males know how to wash whites and colors at the same time thus saving water and electricity.

Males know how to burn meat on a grill.

This list could certainly go on and on, and you will probably add to the list the attributes of your significant other, but you see that males are definitely not incompetent and stupid.

Oh, by the way -

THE GYNA COLLEGES

CALLED AGAIN

TO SAY

THEY WOULD CHECK

YOUR CAR MOANS.

DOES THAT COLLEGE

DO CAR REPAIR?

Re: Previous Post

For those proofreading my post, I do know how to spell "gesture" -- I got in a hurry. Please ignore any other incorrectly spelled words and grammatical errors.

Starkville To Forgive Johnny Cash?

A note of thanks to Amanda Marble for alerting me to this news piece that I apparently overlooked. I always need fodder for my blog.

As a sort of prologue to this post I must express my opinion about Johnny Cash's singing -- I don't think he could carry a note in a bucket. However, it must be said that his fans are legion, and his songs are legend. Give the man his due.

That fateful night (for those of you who are too young to remember or those who just didn't give a whit) was May 11, 1965, in our beloved Starkville -- the home of the greatest university in the land.

Two stories emerge about the events of that historic night -- one told by Cash in his autobiography. He recounts that he was arrested by the Starkville police as he walked from his motel to a grocery store. Another version has him arrested as he picked flowers in some Starkville resident's yard.

Whichever story is true, and Starkville officials are leaning toward the latter, the arrest came after Johnny has attended a party at the Pi Kappa Alpha house as alluded to in the news story. Apparently the famed singer had consumed too many beverages or smoked something other than tobacco. It is alledged that he had been known to enjoy both of these sins.

Cash was a guest with room and board at the Starkville jail for that night where he admits he raised hell all night and in kicking the bars broke one of his toes. I'm sure most of my few readers have never seen the inside of said jail unless on a field trip for a sociology or criminal justice class.

"Strarkville City Jail", a song written by Cash, was a result of the incarceration. He later performed it for inmates at San Quentin -- appropriately enough.

So Starkville becomes known far and wide for the actions of its law enforcement finest -- those chosen to protect and serve.

Scheduled for November 2-4, "The Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival" will include some events on the State campus. Some sort of celebration will be held at the Pike House and a couple of programs including a showing of "Walk the Line" at the amphitheater are also in the plans.

The Board of Aldermen has approved closing of downtown city streets to only pedestrian traffic, and Starkville Municipal Court Judge William Eshee will review a recommendation for a posthumous pardon for the famed singer. Judge Eshee promises a "fair and impartial" review, but chances are really good that Johnny will finally get his forgiveness.

Robbie Ward, executive director of the festival and research writer at MSU, says that plans call for a ceremony on the site of Cash's arrest. Would you suppose a brass plaque is in the offing? The Reverend Allison S. Parvin, associate pastor of the First United Methodist Church, will deliver a sermon on redemption -- appropriate jesture. Ward also says a downtown concert honoring Cash's music and a sing-along of "Starkville City Jail" will be on the program.

Gosh! I am really getting excited about this. I'll bet Travis Wolfe will be there because he attends every obscure music festival, so he will not pass up a big one like this.

To finance the event, the organizers are selling. T-shirts (Black -- what did you think?) bearing the wording "Pardon Me, I'm Pickin' Flowers".

So boys and girls load up the wagons -- come November we are agoing to Starkville.

Classical Music World Loses Giant

Luciano Pavarotti, famed Italian opera star and one of the greatest classical tenors, succumbed to pancreatic cancer Wednesday at his home in Modena, Italy. He was 71.

The music world is saddened by his passing for one of the truly greats has left us. Since the mid 1960's Pavarotti's operatic tenor voice has thrilled and awed millions the world over. A huge talent and a big man in statue, he reached down into that massive frame, and some of the most majestic sounds came forth like none other could produce.

Pavarotti was the son of a Modena baker, himself an amateur opera singer. He like other kids in his town grew up dreaming of being a soccer player. Pavarotti never fulfilled that wish, but decades later he would appear at the 1990 World Cup in Italy not as a player but singing his signature tune Nessun Dorma.

Teamed with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, great tenors in their own right, they were billed as The Three Tenors. Not only known for their classical talents, they crossed over into the popular music genre as well.

In fact some opera purists criticized Luciano for his Pavarotti and Friends performances -- duets with the likes of Bono to Stevie Wonder to Celine Dion. But as a born showman this endeared him to the masses and contributed to his tremendous popularity.

Who could not appreciate Luciano Pavarotti's redition of Memory from the Broadway musical Cats? So stirring was his version that one wonders why anyone else would bother. A truly beautiful piece of music sang as no one else could.

Today Pavarotti has joined a chorus of angels making all of Heaven ring with glorious music.

Tonight when I go home I will celebrate the great master's life and death, sitting in my chair with a glass of wine (Chianti, if I had it) and listening again to the wonderful voice of a great, great tenor.

Luciano, we will miss you, but we are thankful for your musical legacy. The world is a better place for your having passed this way.

Godspeed.