Onward

-What is it in the brains of extraordinarily talented people that tends to make them self-destruct at an early age? Heath Ledger would seem to have had the world at his mercy. How sad.

-So there's a deal to send some tax money back to us in order to stimulate the struggling economy. Just think how stimulated it would be if we didn't have to send so much to the various levels of government in the first place. And why do the tax refunds always seem to happen in election years? Hmmmmm.

-The Blues have 9 home games in February, 6 on the road. If next month isn't kinder to them than January, they will likely be trade deadline sellers again. As I've heard John Davidson say many times, you need to get some value for your assets before you get nothing when those assets become free agents.

-What did Rick Majerus expect would happen when someone stuck a camera in his face and asked him his views on abortion and stem-cell research...and they weren't in agreement with those of his religious employers. If I'm coaching at a Jesuit university, that's when I take the opportunity to keep my mouth shut.

-Matt Blunt's stunning announcement that he wasn't running for a second term as Missouri Governor has me waiting for another shoe to drop. It seems likely that his "I accomplished all I wanted to, so I'm getting out" is just the tip of some iceberg.

-They just announced the name of it today, and I'm already looking forward to the next James Bond film..Quantum of Solace. I didn't think I'd like Daniel Craig as 007. But Casino Royale was one of the best Bond films ever...IMHO.

-As someone born well before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, I never thought I'd see the day when an African-American (new term since 1964) would be a front-runner for President. For that matter, as a kid I thought only old, white men were allowed in Washington. We've come a long way in that regard. Whether the country is run any better now than then is another matter.

-If you're among the many who highly value prime seats at Gateway Grizzlies games, this is your official "git 'er done". Time to get those season tickets. May isn't that far away, believe it or not.

-Dennis Kucinich drops out of the presidential race. At least he didn't have to drop very far.

-Cards opening day lineup...(my prediction)
Rick Ankiel rf
Aaron Miles 2b
Albert Pujols 1b
Troy Glaus 3b
Chris Duncan lf
Colby Rasmus cf
Yadier Molina c
Adam Wainwright p
Cesar Izturis ss

Quick Hits

-I had my face fixed for Favre vs. Brady. Oh well. So, do we get another Super Bowl blowout?

-The competition is so tight, and talent so comparable in the NHL, that the Blues current swoon has to end for them to make the playoffs. This when the toughest part of their schedule is looming. My mind as a fan is still in re-building mode. So, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed if we had to unload a few players and get some picks and prospects at the trade deadline in Feb.

-I'm wondering what Dr. King would have thought of the people who heckled St. Louis Mayor Slay during his MLK Day speech.

-As blogging becomes more a "legitimate" part of electronic communication, I find I'm being much more careful about the opinions expressed herein, and enjoying it less. While I'm a trained journalist, I prefer this to not be a journalistic endeavor.

-The passing of Georgia Frontiere means there likely will be great change within the Rams organization. Let's hope it's the productive kind.

-Highway 40 shutdown...what highway 40 shutdown?

-Has anyone seen Fred Thompson?

-Somebody wrote this weekend that Chris Carpenter may be back earlier from Tommy John-surgery than expected. Let's just let him decide when.

-Bodies falling from the sky in that California plane collision. You can only hope that they were dead already.

-Is there something terribly odd about seeing Bill Clinton campaigning for Hillary? Or is it just me?

-Gee...what a bargain. Gas for under $2.85 a gallon. And nobody to check your oil.

Rolen On

-Now that the dust has settled, some thoughts on the Scott Rolen for Troy Glaus deal.

First, let me get out of the way that I think a deal had to be done. There was no way to avoid the fact that the Rolen-Tony LaRussa rift was going to obscure everything positive the Cardinals may achieve in 2008. LaRussa made it clear with his comments at the Winter meetings that he wasn't about to mollycoddle his third baseman anymore. Rolen had made it clear that he wasn't about to pretend to be happy with TLR either. The press would have had a field day with the feud, especially if there was nothing interesting (in a winning way) about the coming season. Some say the Billy Martin/Reggie Jackson Yankees managed to win despite their feuding. True. But those were the 1970's Yankees, not the rebuilding 2008 Cardinals. Those Yankees could endure a ton of distractions and still out-talent their opponents. These Redbirds have no such roster luxury.

Secondly, considering that everyone else in baseball knew that John Mozeliak was dealing from a weakened position, he got amazing value in return. If you take out the feud factor, I'm not sure the Cardinals shouldn't make this trade anyway. I'm of the opinion (even though I can't analyze his medical records and have never performed shoulder surgery) that Scott Rolen is never going to be anywhere close to the player he was in his early St. Louis days. If the Blue Jays think he can be, more power to them. I also don't claim to be an expert on the foot ailment that forced Troy Glaus into the operating room. But, it seems to be a more baseball-friendly problem than the one that's required multiple operations on Rolen. It may be over-simplification, but Glaus isn't trying to hit homers with his feet. If he hits one he can crawl around the bases. Rolen needs a healthy shoulder to swing a bat....effectively. The addition of Glaus (as long as he's healthy) gives LaRussa a lot more flexibility in building a solid lineup. Everyone knew that Rolen had become no threat to hit it deep and offered no protection in the lineup for Albert Pujols, or anyone else.

Let me go off into Conspiracy Theory Land for a second. What if Scott Rolen goes out on the Toronto field and just tears it up. What if the guy is suddenly totally healthy and smacks 40 homers...fields flawlessly...and is generally the player we all came to know and love in a Cardinals uniform? What if? Could that signal the possibility that Mr. Rolen wasn't giving his all the last few years to get under the skin of his skipper and force the Cardinals into a trade? He had a long-term deal and knew he would make the money no matter what his numbers were. Could he have been more healthy than he appeared to be? Could he have been playing well enough to be on the lineup card...but not well enough to satisfy his boss...or the fans? Would he throw away a possible shot at the Hall of Fame in order to rid himself of another manager? Seems like a stretch. But the thought has to cross your mind.

One other thing to think about if you're a Blue Jays fan. Scott Rolen has now gone through two managers and basically forced his two previous organizations to move him out of town. Jays skipper John Gibbons isn't known for his diplomatic acumen with players. He's had physical run-ins with some. So, how long will the honeymoon last if this guy looks at Scotty a little funny...or suggests that the thin-skinned third-baseman make an adjustment in his swing?...or worse, benches him without asking permission. Ohhhh Canada.

Before I sound like I'm piling on the former Cardinal, let me say that I really enjoyed Rolen's on-field approach to the game. He sprinted around the bases after a homer. Of course, everyone enjoyed the way he sucked up grounders at third. And you especially couldn't help but like him in comparison to some of the "look at me" players in today's game. But, I still like Mr. Mo's deal...and think it was exactly what the doctor (excuse the pun) ordered.

Ear to the Ground

-I heard Dave Checketts on the radio yesterday talking about the State of the Blues. What an enormously impressive guy. He is exactly like John Davidson, but from a more administrative standpoint. Each has a unique and amazing ability to say exactly the right thing at exactly the right time in exactly the right way to make you believe that the Blues have it all figured out. What's more, it appears they do.

-Are you one who thinks Hillary Clinton's emotional response to a question in New Hampshire was calculated...or spontaneous? The more I watched the video clip, the more I came to believe that it was a direct appeal to voting women...which was exactly the base that she needed to activate at the time to win. There is little about anything in politics these days that's not pre-meditated.

-One year since the Hornbeck/Ownby rescue. One can only imagine the mental challenges these kids have...and will continue to have...to deal with after what they went through.

-I'm a little tired of the Rick Majerus era...and it's hardly gotten started. The Billikens score the fewest points in an NCAA Division 1 game since the shot clock was instituted and Majerus acts as if it's not a concern...and certainly not his fault. Most of his quotes to the press about this year's team...including Kevin Lisch and Tommie Liddell who are thought of by most as high-quality players...indicate that the coach is just playing the hand he has been dealt. And he doesn't think he's got many cards worth keeping. Majerus' mantra has been....Well, we're not very good and we're doing the best we can. Really? Brad Soderberg at least was competitive with this basic cast of characters. You don't get very far as a group when your leader projects the thought that you're not worth his time. Anybody can coach great players...the great ones can coach not-so-great ones too.

-I haven't got a dog in this fight, but I can't wait to see what Roger Clemens has to say in front of that congressional hearing. The Rocket has at least tried to defend himself..which is more than Barry Bonds has ever tried to do. The lawsuits brewing between Clemens and Brian McNamee should tear a few layers of skin off the steroids monster too.

-Along that line...Marion Jones is going to prison for six months in the wake of her admissions to past steroid use. Her story goes to show that during that time a good percentage athletes thought that illegal substances were tickets to stardom and fortune....as long as you weren't stupid enough to get caught. In case you've forgotten, Jones was the cute track star that all America fell in love with as she blew away the foreign competition. Not so lovable now...but I don't hear many saying "Shame on you Marion!" Unless some shame is heaped on the cheaters, in addition to the jail time, the temptation will still be out there for the youngsters because noone ever thinks they will get caught.

-Because they will have a 100-million dollar plus payroll, and a fan base that expects competitive management, the Cardinals can't say what's really the case...the 2008 season will be one of transition to a new way of doing business and fans shouldn't expect much.

-The Rams. Wow...what a trainwreck. It appears a lot of dramatic changes are needed from the top down...but aren't imminent.

-I heard someone on the radio the other day encourage Keith Tkachuk to consider immediate retirement. While KT isn't the player he used to be...we all are getting older...he still is a serviceable player in the NHL. The guy still scores at a respectable level, gives you a physical presence, and commands a certain respect on the ice. He's not going to tear up the league anymore. But, at this point, I'd say the investment by the Blues was worth it. Whether they bring him back at the end of the contract should depend on who else is available at a similar cost. With the salary cap, it's all about the numbers.

-More hockey... I heard someone say that Chris Pronger is anxious to return to St. Louis and the Blues at the end of his current deal in Anaheim...which I think has another year after this one. Could Prongs return to the team that was so stupid in trading him to lead the up-and-coming crop of young Blues stars to Stanley Cup dreams? Hold that thought.

-We are in the process of watching the DVD collection of Six Feet Under. The show hit HBO back in '01 and ran for five seasons. It's edgy, funny, sexy, weird, captivating...and most importantly...extremely well written and acted. If you missed it, you might want to find the DVD boxed set at Best Buy. Word of caution--If you're easily offended by language, nudity, and sexual situations, cancel the recommendation.

New Year Slapshots

-Here's to you having a great '08!

-I think Barb and I may have started a new New Year's Eve tradition. A couple of medium-rare T-bones...two good movies...a cocktail and a kiss at midnight...and a good night's sleep. I'm for leaving the driving around to parties to the thrill seekers of the population.

-The Rams and Cardinals both seem to be in a confused state right now. Meanwhile, the Blues appear to have everything in focus and many great days to look forward to. Like they say, it all starts at the top.

-What a great change of pace for college football fans to have both Mizzou and the Illini to be excited about this New Year's Day. While the Illini fell flat in the Rose Bowl, Ron Zook's program appears to hold an awful lot of near-term promise. And, after thumping Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl, Coach Pinkel has things lined up for an amazing "Tiger tale" in '08.

-I've made my point before here about the recent efforts of Pat Summerall...and I'm not happy at all that he provided more evidence at the Cotton Bowl. Please understand, I have nothing against him, but somebody should ask him to bow out with his dignity.

-I think the best game on New Year's Day wasn't even a bowl game. The NHL scored many strong points for itself with the Winter Classic outdoor game in Buffalo between the Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over 70-thousand fans at Rich Stadium for this one on a cold, windy and snowy day. But nobody seemed bothered by it, least of all the players who said they loved playing the outdoor game. A specially constructed rink on top of the football field had a few ice problems during the game. But, nothing that stopped the teams and fans from having one hell of a day to remember. In case you missed it, the face of the NHL for the next ten years, Sidney Crosby of the Penguins, scored a shootout goal to win it. Maybe they should play the All-Star game outdoors each year..?? Just a thought.

-As I'm writing, crude oil prices have hit a record $100 a barrel. More reason than ever for the candidates in this year's election to be very clear about how they/we intend to get off dependence on petroleum.

-I was at a neighborhood party Saturday night while the Patriots were trying to complete their undefeated regular season. Of course, the game was on and I found myself actually rooting for New England to come back and beat the Giants. I can't believe it...but I was. Should I get a mental check-up? I really don't like much about the Patriots...except for a strong admiration for Tom Brady. No explanation other than that.

-After months of hand-wringing, teeth-gnashing, and promoting of "special coverage" on the local TV channels, the morning rush of the I-64/Highway 40 shutdown was a breeze. Monday, when more people will return to work and school from holiday vacations, might turn out to be a better test. Stay tuned.

-A neat family thing happened on the west coast Monday. Son Stewart and niece Lauren Heffernan were able to meet up for dinner and some fun in Pasadena. Lauren is working with the west-coast Clydesdales hitch and Stew is living out there while pursuing acting work. Of course, the "big horsies" were in town for the Rose Bowl parade. I'm told many pictures were taken with the floats at the parade staging area. So, we might have some to share with you here soon.

That's all for now...come back again soon.

Post-Christmas Greetings

-Our family's Christmas celebrations were warm and wonderful. I hope yours were too. Now, back to real life...and nutritional reality. I'll have about ten pounds to remind me of the season for a while.

-We took in Sweeney Todd during a few free holiday hours and found it enjoyable as well as disturbing....just what you'd expect from a Tim Burton movie. Johnny Depp was absolutely perfect as The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. His singing, altered or not, was much better than you'd expect from an actor who claims to have never sung before. Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, and the rest of the cast were outstanding as well. If you have a problem with viewing geysers of bright red blood spouting from the necks of multiple men laid back in barber chairs, then I'd think twice about going. But if you remember it's only a movie you'll be fine. Burton presents the story intertwined with the music so well that much of the time I found myself forgetting that people were singing. For many people who struggle with the notion of musical theatre, that's a strong selling point.

-The Blues and Red Wings hook up two more times before the end of the calendar year. With the Blues being the only team to have beaten the Wings more than once this year, these next few games should be interesting. The Wings are not a "beat you up" kind of squad any more, but they have the depth of talent to make you look foolish if you're not on your game...especially when their minds are on the mission. Should be interesting to see how these couple of games go.

-Strange that a tiger could get loose and kill someone at a major American zoo. The people at the San Francisco zoo have some 'splainin' to do after their big cat killed a guy, mauled two others, and had to be shot by police. Too bad for man and beast.

-2008 is almost here. Leap year and election year. Both designed to confuse the masses.

-The Patriots almost have a free pass to 16-0. Their final regular season opponent, the NY Giants, have no reason to want to play their top players in the game. The New Yorkers have already clinched the playoffs...and have no reason, other than pride, to actully win the game. Resting everybody for the sake of health makes all the sense in the world.

-When I do a commentary on this blog, I also allow those who come here the opportunity to agree or disagree by adding their own comments. Lately, for some reason known only to that person, I have been receiving comments that are not responses to my opinions, but more opportunistic swings at me personally. To whomever it is that is taking some dark pleasure in this, be it known that every comment to this blog is moderated by me. Most, in agreement with me or not, I allow to be viewed as comments at the bottom of the post. But don't be expecting to see any ugly swings at me to be viewable by others, especially if they're made anonymously.

Seasonal-Type Greetings

-Once again, I have cause to brag and am proud to announce that son Stewart has been chosen from a large field of contenders to a lead role in a west-coast theatrical production. The two-person musical, Thrill Me-The Leopold and Loeb Story, will have its Los Angeles premiere and be presented by the Havoc Theatre Company at the Hudson Backstage Theatre January 26th through March 2nd. This theatre is somewhat known for being the place where My Big Fat Greek Wedding was viewed by Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks and where they decided to turn the play into a movie. Thrill Me is based on the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, the notorious "thrill killers" of 1924 Chicago. A musical adaptation of this very weird and dark real-life story would not seem to work. But the show was nominated for Drama Desk and Outer Critics best musical awards in 2006. Stewart will portray Nathan, and be joined on stage by Alex Schemmer as Richard. To just be a working actor in the Hollywood/Los Angeles market has us tremendously excited for Stew's future. Details available at http://www.stewartwcalhoun.com/.

-Lately, I've heard a lot of talk about the poor atmosphere at the Edward Jones Dome for Rams games. Back when the team was winning, it wasn't nearly such a problem. But as someone who is part of the game-night experience at Blues games, let me offer a few thoughts. First and foremost, in order for there to be a great presentation, there has to be someone in the Rams organization who devotes full time to making sure that happens. The Blues have such a person, I don't know if the Rams do. That person must understand everything about putting on a great show and be in control of those things during each game. The ingredients?... Light, sound, music, video, scripting, timing, sports energy, the venue, personnel, and the basic format presented by the sport itself. In a dome, you are presented with a climate-controlled environment which should make it easier to make a consistent presentation. The colliseum configuration is different than a theatre, but shouldn't present a much greater logistical challenge. Having a prepared and rehearsed format in what amounts to an extra-large theatre should be rather easy to organize. The prepared script is a generic gameplan that can be altered in order to react effectively to a given moment, exciting or otherwise, in the game itself. The video and music elements should be ready to go at a moment's notice depending on the situation. Uprading the various ingredients of the presentation is really a matter of choosing the right people, understanding the sport, and coaching those people to perform effectively. The cavernous, overgrown warehouse nature of the dome itself is a problem that can only be dealt with by physical changes like video screen, audio system and soundproofing upgrades. I think a major part of the problem is that when p.a.-announcer Jim Holder says anything...it rattles around and echoes in the rafters giving the impression that the place is empty even when it's full. Technical upgrades require expenditures on the part of the city. But that will only happen if someone with the Rams understands the problems in the first place. I don't think you can say that the game atmosphere will be fixed with a better on-field product. Of course, that would help. But creating an enjoyable presentation around the game...no matter how bad...is achievable, and certainly should be expected by Rams fans considering what they pay for tickets. If being at a Rams game were simply more fun (i.e. the Blues) fewer ticket-holders would be inclined to sell off their tickets to out-of-towners.

-Rams Part 2... I understand that the half-time ceremony to honor Marshall Faulk at Thursday's game was less than impressive. Even Bob Costas' hosting appparently couldn't save it from appearing to be a slapped-together production. If I've learned anything over the past ten years, it's that to do a sports ceremony properly in this town you had better have Jim Woodcock involved. Woody is a Senior VP at Fleishman-Hillard these days and works with the Blues and Cardinals on their ceremonial stuff. He, of course, was Director of Communications and Marketing with the Blues for several years before the lockout. If there's someone else in town that has Woody's understanding of our market, its sports fans, and how to communicate effectively in a live, on-field/ice presentation, I haven't met him. Rams management--next time call Woodcock.

-Dare I say Merry Christmas for fear of someone being offended? Yes, I dare say Merry Christmas...and do say Merry Christmas. There are many reasons why one of another belief should not be offended by such a well-meaning wish. If someone choses to be offended by that, God help them... (also politically incorrect). Merry Cristmas no matter how you may observe it, or not.

Touching Bases

-An all-sports post this time. A couple of interesting and important trades on Friday night. Both took me a little by surprise..but I like them from a St. Louis standpoint. And some other thoughts.

-Jim Edmonds and cash to San Diego for minor-league third-baseman David Freese. Obviously Edmonds was a big part of some of the most fun we've had as Cardinals fans in the last decade. His spectacular play in center, his key hits at key times, his personality...are all now part of Cardinals lore. But Jimmy is not immune to time any more than the rest of us. His best days are well behind him and we were lucky enough to see him when he enjoyed the maximum benefit of his gifts. Getting his contract off the books and getting a promising...and projected by many to be a sure big-league...third sacker in return, is a smart move, especially when you're roster is over-populated with left-handed hitting outfielders. Freese, not that it really matters, is a St. Louis kid too. I'm sure we'll have a game or two in the next few years in which Edmonds will make us regret the deal with a homer, or outstanding catch. But, I say.. let the Colby Rasmus era begin.

-Doug Weight, a minor-leaguer, and a low-round pick to Anaheim for Andy McDonald. If it weren't for the NHL's salary cap, this deal would never have happened. Anaheim GM Brian Burke would have been run out of town by the Ducks fans otherwise. As much as I like what Doug Weight brought to the Blues personality-wise, it was becoming obvious that the new NHL was passing him by. Weight's skills are still considerable, but the speed of the game now is too much for his older legs to handle. McDonald has this year and next on his contract. Weight would not have been re-signed after this season. McDonald won the fastest skater competition at the All-Star game last year. He led the Stanley Cup champs in playoff scoring last year. Thankfully, he was off to a bit of a slow start with Anaheim this year to where he would even be considered as trade material. McDonald pops in a goal and adds an asssit in his first game with a Blue note on his chest. We're going to like this deal for a long time to come. The team of John Davidson and Larry Pleau has not made a wrong move in two years of maneuvering...IMHO.

-An old friend commented on this blog recently and blasted me for blasting the broadcasting job...if you can call it that...of Pat Summerall on the Rams game at Cincinnati a week ago Sunday. Essentially, I was told that because Summerall isn't a St. Louis icon like Jack Buck or Harry Caray, who also had later-in-life broadcasting issues, that I was too hard on Summerall and should let it go. Well, first off, I'm not sure why this touches a nerve with my critic, but if he had watched the same game I did, he'd wonder why Summerall was behind any microphone too. Secondly, I said nothing in my comment about Buck or Caray's elder issues. I was as embarassed for Jack as anyone else when he was declining. And I laughed along with everybody else at Caray's failings in his last few years. The difference, to me, is that Summerall simply can't do the job...he's not communicating the game effectively to the audience. At least Buck and Caray still had a grasp on the game and could tell you, albeit with difficulty, what was going on on the field. And in Harry's case, he also had become a caricature of himself that eveybody loved in spite of his problems. Buck was even apologetic at times for his struggles with Parkinson's and what it did to his broadcasts, causing us to love him even more. I have nothing against Mr. Summerall...more the people who hire him and expect us to believe he still is up to the task.

-I also was amused at the post-game rants of Rams RB Steven Jackson this past Sunday. The guy seems to be more into what's happening off the field than on it these days. A few weeks back he criticized the music played at the Dome. This week he's upset that there were more Packer fans in attendance than Rams fans...or so it seemed. Jackson said it's a joke that there was such a presence of cheeseheads for Sunday's game. Well...duh! Mr. Jackson..if the Rams were led by a future hall-of-fame QB who was about to break an all-time passing record, and if the records of the two teams were reversed, and if the Rams had a legendary past connected to one city and state where their games are a semi-religious experience, and if Sunday's game were played at Lambeau field in Green Bay, the roles likely would have been reversed. Why in the name of Vince Lombardi should Rams season-ticket holders hold on to their tickets at this stage of the season when a rabid fan from Wisconsin is ready to pay face value, and then some, to get them. Come on Steven, if Sunday's game had...oh, let's say, playoff implications...the dome would have been packed just like you would expect...with Rams fans.

-If you're thinking about last minute gift ideas, you might consider stopping by Izzy's Den at GCS Ballpark, just off I-255 at the Mousette Lane exit. The Grizzlies merchandise is always top-notch. Caps, jerseys, windshirts, t-shirts, you name it, all with the attractive Grizzly-bear logo. It's good stuff..and usually discounted this time of year. Just tryin' to help.

Mitchell-mania

-Many questions and answers remain after the release of the Mitchell Report on substance abuse in baseball. Some of my questions are:

-What will the commissioner's office and player's association do about it...if anything?

-If some named in the report were breaking federal law...will some prosecutor(s) be inclined to pursue charges?

-Will Barry Bonds say anything about it...even though it looks like he was one of many. Saying anything might get him in more trouble than he's already in.

-Will this drive Mark McGwire even further underground? He's already a hermit.

-How will we view the McGwire/Bonds era in 10 years? 20 years? Most of us already have plenty of disdain for the way we were sucked in in '98.

-Who sues Roger Clemens so he is forced to give back some money? Maybe a class-action suit by Red Sox/Yankees/ and Astros fans will do the trick?

- Will the average weight of a major league player go down 20 pounds in the next two years?

-If , as Mitchell said many times in his presentation, HGH is not detectable, what will be done about that?

-Where do the lawyers start lining up? There will probably be lawsuits upon lawsuits based on some of this information. There will likely be suits filed by players who feel there rightful roster spot was taken by somebody who was cheating and breaking the law/rules.

-CNBC is sure to be sued too by none other than Albert Pujols whose name popped up on their website before the report was released as being named in it. Then, suddenly, his name disappeared. Doh!

-Who will be the first to say that all of these guys were doing what they thought would help them compete, that fans were better entertained because of it, and we should all just chill? I can't wait for that one.

There's a lot of sorting out to do.

Lovely Weather

-Boy...ice, rain, cold, wind, sleet, some snow.... This is the stuff that, when it comes around, makes me ask myself why I choose to stay in St. Louis. Of course, there are many excellent reasons why...but I ask myself anyway. And if I hear Cindy Preszler ask me to use caution while driving in bad weater one more time...like I'm too stupid to know that...I might move to get away from her.

-The Rams made another contribution to the growing love affair between St. Louis fans and the Blues this weekend. If someone running the Gateway City's NFL team had to ask people to buy a ticket based on entertainment value alone, nobody would be showing up at the EJDome at all. Just because it's the NFL, the arrogant ownership/management gets away with putting a pathetic excuse for a product out there every week. Oooh.. I sound a little bitter. No, it's just the long-time Blues announcer in me coming out. I'm as big a fan of the Rams as anybody. But it gets frustrating to sit through the stuff we've been fed the last few years.

-Rams part deux... Pat Summerall and Brian Baldinger were the announce-team assigned to the Rams game today for Fox Sports. Baldinger does an OK job. But, Summerall, the former legendary lead-announcer for CBS needs to just enjoy the game as a fan from now on. If you watched the game, you know what I mean. He consistently got player names wrong by either misidentifying the player or mispronouncing the name. Many times he would have no clue about what happened on a play until Baldinger jumped in to help him. There were long stretches of silence, only crowd noise, while plays were unfolding...some of them big plays in the game. I'm not sure exactly why he's still doing games, except that his name brings a certain amount of prestige from the old days. Mr. Summerall, we know you've recovered from problems with substances...and that you once were the best...but none of us can go on forever. And we found out today we'll have to "enjoy" this same team when Mizzou meets Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. Whoopee!!

-What the hell?? 6 people shot...two of them killed..in separate shootings at churches today. Couple that with the Omaha mall shootings of earlier this week and you begin to wonder if the country isn't full of whackos with guns. Oh it is...sorry, I forgot. Kevlar clothing and mandatory helmets in public are on the way.

-Who knew when the Patriots beat the Rams in the Super Bowl a few years back that we were seeing the start of a dynasty? Tom Brady could get elected President if he wouldn't have to take a pay cut to accept the job.

-We watched the 1984 production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol starring George C. Scott last night. I think it's my favorite of all time. Scott was a perfect Scrooge, and the production was concise and well-acted by all. It keeps me in the right frame of mind this season...and occasionally I'm able to call on it other times of the year as well. Dickens did pretty well with that one. By the way, Scott died in 1999...what a wonderful thing to be an actor whose work lives on forever.

-When did the Mike Huckabee bandwagon get rolling? Seems like he's the fair-haired boy for the GOP right now.

-And there's something "icky" about hearing Oprah trying to talk "street" to the crowd in South Carolina who came to see her at the Obama rally. Can you get away with that these days? Change your speech pattern to match your audience? She talked white-person english to the crowd in Iowa one day...then black-person english to the mostly African-American crowd in the south the next. Seems just a little disingenous doesn't it? I guess they were accusing Hillary of the same thing a few months back. I'm thinking somebody is going to call Oprah on it at the national level like I just did.