Iran Coverage

I've been glued to CNN Newsroom lately following coverage of the election protests in Tehran, Iran. Just a big picture comment -- the past 12 months or so have been so historically significant. For the first time in my 22 years I started to realize I was witnessing history, and I never really felt that way about much in my lifetime. Domestically we see an African-American President; abroad, we see protests in Iran that are comparable to the draft-card burning that happened during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Muslim women are in the streets voicing an opinion that's contrary to the official government stance. They're being beaten and abused, but they're still out there. I'm not entirely sure how this will end up, although I have my suspicions. Still, with the thorough coverage on Newsroom, it's been historic to see such expression in a conservative area.

Cups, Sox on a Tear

Big news week, big sports week. Stanley Cup & Calder Cup decided on one night. The Hershey Bears have won their 10th Calder Cup title. How does ANY minor league team take home that many titles? Normally the turnover is so quick in the minors that no team can maintain that level of success. It's an impressive accomplishment.

It was obvious that the Penguins were going to win a Stanley Cup at some point - but this year!? I'm sorry, city of Detroit. Maybe Mayor Dave Bing can put on a one man show, b/c that city needs a shot in the arm and I thought the Wings would deliver.

Marian Hossa went to the Wings so he could have a better shot at winning the Cup. It was a one year contract but I hope he gets another deal in Detroit. They can win it next year - rubber match anyone?

With the Lakers well in control of Orlando, this was a welcome diversion that offered some real competition.




So these guys have been on an absolute tear lately. Eight wins against the Yankees this eyar, get the brooms. But this meek-looking millionaire had better cool it with ripping Mark Texeira. He's 'Tweeted' about Tex. Since his start-up years with Texas Texeira has been a class act. No need going after him because you didn't want to offer him more $$ than another team. Besides, the number one reason why John Henry needs to ease off the trash talking is that it isn't like the Yankees ever had a verbose, obnoxious, overly opinionated owner who uses his mouth to get himself in hot water. I can't think of-a one. Look at the Yankees recent steward and take a lesson, Henry. When it comes to trash talking, less is more.

BSOTD: What else? John Henry

Cup

Well, welcome to June. Stanley Cup and NBA Finals on the same night. I'm sure the NBA smoked hockey tonight. They're on a network (ABC) for one, whereas hockey is on cable (Versus). That and the NBA is boasting Kobe and the sweet 'Amazing Happens' ad campaign. Hockey's got...Osgood and Octopi? The latter I can get at Legal Sea Foods and the former let up 4 goals tonight. As much as the Cup can't compete with the NBA for most American sports fans, there's still something about it I find really compelling.
<------- That guy right there? Still the coolest trophy in sports. And the match-up is great. Second year in a row that Pittsburgh takes on Detroit, it's become an almost historic match -- especially if the Pens even the series this year with a Stanley Cup win. But in the meanwhile it's fun to see the home team win each of the first two wins. It feels like a torch passing type of series this year if the Pens take it. Even if Zetterberg's only 28 and Marian Hossa 30, the energy feels like it's with the Pens. If Malkin and Crosby win it this year it most certainly won't be their last.

BSOTD: Lost in the Flood

Beertrotting

I was tipped off by a friend that a package store in Ithaca sold individual beers that could be combined into one mixed six-pack. So instead of this: you can mix and match for something similar to this result: . What an amazing idea! It was a little pricey for me, coming to about $13.50 for the sixer. The novelty is worth it though, at least once. For a beer lover I'm not sure if there's anything better than bouncing from one kind 'n country to another. Because of a lengthy trip to China last summer I avoided the Tsingtao, but it was quite the globetrotting experience. Singha from Thailand, Marathon from Greece and Palma Louca of Brazil: it's no wonder I lost to a pregnant lady in the last 10k  I ran. 

Cornell Lax

About a month back I produced a package for ESPNU about Cornell lacrosse and their shot at a national title. It isn't the Super Bowl, but their program is among the national powers. One key element is midfielder Max Seibald. Link to the package on Seibald is below. Cornell takes on Hofstra in the first round of the tourney in about two hours.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4065698

BSOTD: Cover Me

Anderson Tweets

I figured out the purpose of Twitter. For my money it's a tech fad; may not disappear but I'll bet it evolves into more than what it is now because I can't figure out what kind of purpose it serves. That is, except to follow Anderson Cooper. It isn't news that this guy is a reporter's reporter, but to me Twitter has been most relevant for chipping away the divide between the news personalities, and the public that consumes their work. 

I remember reading Cooper's memoir 'Dispatches From the Edge.' He talked about graduation. As a graduating senior I can relate to the confusion he felt when he was leaving Yale. God knows I ain't leaving Yale, but I'm likewise amazed at the path he took. You don't need any Ivy League education to become a war correspondent but that's what he did. Man takes a camera and heads to the most dangerous corners of the earth without a job. Worked his way into news the hardest possible way. 

If some ridiculous website with no real obvious purpose gets me closer to figuring how this guy operates and how he puts together the type of show that serves the public the way it does, then it's okay with me. Found out what the hell Twitter is useful for. Check that one off. 

Partly Sunny, Bruce

To anyone in the central NY area, it's a pretty momentous day for me. I'm actually a little bummed that athlete (when batting) and comedian (when fielding) Manny Ramirez won't be on hand for the next 50 games to entertain. I like seeing a classic ball club like the Dodgers do well and this is going to hurt. However, PLEASE let there be a clause in his contract that docks him 50 days pay. If there is a God at University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, Scott Boras will have not gotten a clause that guarantees full pay if Manny's pinched with a PED. 

That's not why it's momentous though. It's because I'm mere hours from a couple of growlers of Partly Sunny. Talk about a summer brew, this thing is just about motivational, it's so refreshing. It's got a clean, easy finish and bites with just the right amount of citrus to it. Great combination for a hot day. It's May and CNY still doesn't have the sun, so. Whatever. Still a great beer and I'm excited to get it. 

Missed a BSOTD yesterday so today something a little different. Off Born in the USA play:

No Surrender

Bobby Jean

I'm Goin' Down

in that order. It may be the best three Bruce songs when played in a row. You'll see God. He'll tell ya to keep listening.