8/24/2004
punting news
Packers address punting problem
Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune Staff Writer
August 24, 2004 PACKCAMP0824
GREEN BAY, WIS. -- After watching rookie B.J. Sander struggle through two preseason games, the Packers signed veteran Bryan Barker on Monday to give the third-round pick some competition. Barker, 40, received a contract after winning a punt-off competition in the morning inside Lambeau Field and was in uniform for the special-teams practice in the afternoon. He beat out 39-year-olds Mark Royals and Dan Stryzinski, who were with Jacksonville and the Jets, respectively, last season.
Barker, released by Washington in February, had been staying sharp by punting on a high school field in Jacksonville, Fla., where he lives. The Packers will play a preseason game in Jacksonville on Friday night.
Last season, he averaged 40.2 gross yards and 34.3 net on 84 punts for the Redskins, including 24 inside the 20-yard line. He also had the longest punt in the NFC in 2003 (69 yards).
"I was preparing from the moment the Redskins released me to play this coming season," said Barker, who also has spent time with Kansas City (1990-93), Philadelphia (1994) and Jacksonville (1995-2000).
"I didn’t know where it might be, but historically there always have been opportunities once training camp starts."
Sander, who received a $583,630 signing bonus as part of a four-year deal, presented Barker with this opportunity by averaging only 36.5 yards (32.3 net) on 10 punts in the preseason opener against Seattle and then 35.2 yards (28.4 net) on five punts against New Orleans on Saturday. Both games were in Lambeau Field.
"It doesn’t bother me," Sander said of Barker’s signing. "I still have a job to do. Obviously, I haven’t done what they’ve expected of me so I need to go out and keep improving each day."
Special teams coordinator John Bonamego, who coached Barker in Jacksonville, said this isn’t necessarily an attempt to send Sander a
message.
"We’re just trying to address what we see as a need on our football team right now and bringing in competition," Bonamego said. "We need to be able to punt the football. Field position is critical to winning games, so we’ve got to do what’s best for the Green Bay Packers."
Although the Packers have made a few minor changes with Sander’s punting style, both Bonamego and coach Mike Sherman say it has been nothing drastic. Bonamego also says too much is being made out of the fact Sander has been asked to punt directionally, something the Packers like to do.
"Frankly, the last two weeks all we’ve asked him to do is kick away," Bonamego said. "Not even place the ball so much as try to keep it on one side of the field. He’s just in a slump. He’ll work his way out of it. He’s a very talented young man. He’s just not clicking right now where he needs to be."
The addition of Barker gives the team three punters in camp. Former Australian Rules Football player Nathan Chapman, who averaged 38 yards (34 net) on three punts during his NFL debut Saturday, is considered more of a project.
Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune Staff Writer
August 24, 2004 PACKCAMP0824
GREEN BAY, WIS. -- After watching rookie B.J. Sander struggle through two preseason games, the Packers signed veteran Bryan Barker on Monday to give the third-round pick some competition. Barker, 40, received a contract after winning a punt-off competition in the morning inside Lambeau Field and was in uniform for the special-teams practice in the afternoon. He beat out 39-year-olds Mark Royals and Dan Stryzinski, who were with Jacksonville and the Jets, respectively, last season.
Barker, released by Washington in February, had been staying sharp by punting on a high school field in Jacksonville, Fla., where he lives. The Packers will play a preseason game in Jacksonville on Friday night.
Last season, he averaged 40.2 gross yards and 34.3 net on 84 punts for the Redskins, including 24 inside the 20-yard line. He also had the longest punt in the NFC in 2003 (69 yards).
"I was preparing from the moment the Redskins released me to play this coming season," said Barker, who also has spent time with Kansas City (1990-93), Philadelphia (1994) and Jacksonville (1995-2000).
"I didn’t know where it might be, but historically there always have been opportunities once training camp starts."
Sander, who received a $583,630 signing bonus as part of a four-year deal, presented Barker with this opportunity by averaging only 36.5 yards (32.3 net) on 10 punts in the preseason opener against Seattle and then 35.2 yards (28.4 net) on five punts against New Orleans on Saturday. Both games were in Lambeau Field.
"It doesn’t bother me," Sander said of Barker’s signing. "I still have a job to do. Obviously, I haven’t done what they’ve expected of me so I need to go out and keep improving each day."
Special teams coordinator John Bonamego, who coached Barker in Jacksonville, said this isn’t necessarily an attempt to send Sander a
message.
"We’re just trying to address what we see as a need on our football team right now and bringing in competition," Bonamego said. "We need to be able to punt the football. Field position is critical to winning games, so we’ve got to do what’s best for the Green Bay Packers."
Although the Packers have made a few minor changes with Sander’s punting style, both Bonamego and coach Mike Sherman say it has been nothing drastic. Bonamego also says too much is being made out of the fact Sander has been asked to punt directionally, something the Packers like to do.
"Frankly, the last two weeks all we’ve asked him to do is kick away," Bonamego said. "Not even place the ball so much as try to keep it on one side of the field. He’s just in a slump. He’ll work his way out of it. He’s a very talented young man. He’s just not clicking right now where he needs to be."
The addition of Barker gives the team three punters in camp. Former Australian Rules Football player Nathan Chapman, who averaged 38 yards (34 net) on three punts during his NFL debut Saturday, is considered more of a project.
8/23/2004
Minutes from the Republican National Convention Exploratory Committee Meeting on Gift Bags
Chairwoman: Okay, people, let's try to practice a modicum of restraint. When we were asked to come together under the auspices of creating RNC gift bags—which will be handed out nightly to delegates and assorted bigwigs as they exit MSG—I was under the distinct impression the concept had graduated to the brainstorming stage rather than remaining mired in “yes” or “no” limbo. In fact, as Republican Party interns, we're in no position to make “yes” or “no” decisions. Ever.
Intern one: Agreed. If, for whatever reason, the powers that be commanded us to commence exterminating all D.C.-area schnauzers, our only proper response would be: “How shall we stack the corpses?” So set your dissent levels to “Zero.” Now, let's hear what kind of progress you've all made.
Intern two: I've worked with Mr. Cheney's staff to help create a special one-time-only Dick Cheney-authorized fragrance for men, Charisma. We—
Intern three: Time out. I'll out myself as a dissenter right now. Gift bags, especially those that include a cologne giveaway are such a Blue State, pie-in-the-sky notion. Who are we to make the determination that a free individual needs to smell better, and thus intervene to distribute a supposed olfactory remedy?
Intern four: Indeed, America is about wallowing in your own stink if you so choose. Or pulling yourself up by the bootstraps and finding a damned shower. Or diving into one of our nation's many ponds. Let's scrap it. I've partnered with a vendor to secure a Donald Rumsfeld magnetic poetry kit, highlighting his many polysyllabic gaffes.
Intern three: No one would ever find that amusing!
Intern two: With all due respect, we were discussing Mr. Cheney's natural odor, which he has graciously allowed our chemists to harness simply for the purposes of Republican enjoyment.
Chairwoman: I think it's sexy. And this shindig needs sexy. What's it smell like?
Intern two: Turpentine. The unforgiving and rarefied musk of turpentine. With traces of cardamom and rat poison. It is elegant.
Intern three: Sybarite! The whole idea of a gift bag smacks of welfare. Our party is not about freebies. And “shindig?” Please, this convention is about earnestly and humbly gathering steam for the next four years of Republican success. You'll forgive me if I won't roll over while you attempt to turn it into a Flirtini-fueled, Hilton sister fiesta co-opted by the Sex in the City generation, sponsored by Skechers and Lizzie Grubman.
Intern five: Excuse me? Your vitriol was obscured by all of the excellent ideas spewing out of you. At least up until the Lizzie Grubman part. Isn't Bijou Phillips in our camp? Nothing in this bag is going to be flammable, is it?
Intern two: The cologne, I’m afraid. I've also been working hard commissioning an embroidered throw pillow. A replica of the note Condi wrote to GWB about Iraqi sovereignty. It's a crisp crème canvass, and the embroidery is a sturdy and majestic maroon. It’s more for show than anything anyone would find comfortable.
Intern three: I'm gagging.
Intern five: I didn't realize I'd turned the floor over to you. Additionally, I've designed a pamphlet about our party’s environmental strategy, printed on heavy card stock. There were errors in only the first fourteen batches, so we’ve managed to keep the number of copies sent to the landfill just under a million!
Intern one: Stop. What about President Bush's whole campaign of compassionate conservatism? Let's not lose sight of what got us here in the first place. You'll call me a hypocrite, but if it were up to me, we'd just forgo the whole gift bag idea and set about the streets of Manhattan on giant flotillas every evening, like a parade. Perhaps we could ride a giant papier-mâché foot up into Hell's Kitchen and distribute all the summertime talcs, fungus eliminators and ointments those people—potential voters, I might add—have most certainly gone without.
Intern six: I disagree. I say we concentrate on initiating the creation and the giving away of the biggest gift bag in the history of New York City. Show these Jimmy Choo-wearing, gay marriage-supporting, therapy-attending bastards exactly who knows how to party. Can we get an intern—I mean, an intern more junior than us—to secure the dimensions on the largest gift bag ever? Then whatever those figures are, let's double it. I want it to be something you have to plug in for chrissakes. Wheel out on a dolly. Something that once discarded, little people or trained pets could use as illicit sex tents.
Intern three: I agree with this new direction. I'd even go so far offer an appointment to the Supreme Court, Willy Wonka-style, in one random gift bag.
Chairwoman: Hmmm. Maybe we actually orchestrate peeps into those old gift bag sex tents? Funnel a little more moolah towards the reelection. Then have everyone involved arrested, of course.
Intern two: I think tucking foreign policy magic 8-balls into the bag would be cute. You know, shake it up to find out whose butt we'll kick next. Syria, Iran, Wisconsin?
Intern three: Excellent. Just make sure there's a panel that says “YOU” on it, because that's the single worst idea I've ever heard. What we need to do, finally, is get people drunk. Whether they're inside MSG, or catching talc samples in Hell's Kitchen. Alcohol—natch—free alcohol, is the oldest way to secure a vote. Let them vomit in the damned gift bag.
Intern one: Fine. Just so long as they remove their special Passion of the Christ DVD (with bonus Jesus-whuppin' footage) and the Michael Moore voodoo doll (and corresponding 347 thumb tacks) first.
Chairwoman: Forget what I said about dissent. You've challenged each other and arrived on a new plane. I can't wait until August 29th.
Intern one: Agreed. If, for whatever reason, the powers that be commanded us to commence exterminating all D.C.-area schnauzers, our only proper response would be: “How shall we stack the corpses?” So set your dissent levels to “Zero.” Now, let's hear what kind of progress you've all made.
Intern two: I've worked with Mr. Cheney's staff to help create a special one-time-only Dick Cheney-authorized fragrance for men, Charisma. We—
Intern three: Time out. I'll out myself as a dissenter right now. Gift bags, especially those that include a cologne giveaway are such a Blue State, pie-in-the-sky notion. Who are we to make the determination that a free individual needs to smell better, and thus intervene to distribute a supposed olfactory remedy?
Intern four: Indeed, America is about wallowing in your own stink if you so choose. Or pulling yourself up by the bootstraps and finding a damned shower. Or diving into one of our nation's many ponds. Let's scrap it. I've partnered with a vendor to secure a Donald Rumsfeld magnetic poetry kit, highlighting his many polysyllabic gaffes.
Intern three: No one would ever find that amusing!
Intern two: With all due respect, we were discussing Mr. Cheney's natural odor, which he has graciously allowed our chemists to harness simply for the purposes of Republican enjoyment.
Chairwoman: I think it's sexy. And this shindig needs sexy. What's it smell like?
Intern two: Turpentine. The unforgiving and rarefied musk of turpentine. With traces of cardamom and rat poison. It is elegant.
Intern three: Sybarite! The whole idea of a gift bag smacks of welfare. Our party is not about freebies. And “shindig?” Please, this convention is about earnestly and humbly gathering steam for the next four years of Republican success. You'll forgive me if I won't roll over while you attempt to turn it into a Flirtini-fueled, Hilton sister fiesta co-opted by the Sex in the City generation, sponsored by Skechers and Lizzie Grubman.
Intern five: Excuse me? Your vitriol was obscured by all of the excellent ideas spewing out of you. At least up until the Lizzie Grubman part. Isn't Bijou Phillips in our camp? Nothing in this bag is going to be flammable, is it?
Intern two: The cologne, I’m afraid. I've also been working hard commissioning an embroidered throw pillow. A replica of the note Condi wrote to GWB about Iraqi sovereignty. It's a crisp crème canvass, and the embroidery is a sturdy and majestic maroon. It’s more for show than anything anyone would find comfortable.
Intern three: I'm gagging.
Intern five: I didn't realize I'd turned the floor over to you. Additionally, I've designed a pamphlet about our party’s environmental strategy, printed on heavy card stock. There were errors in only the first fourteen batches, so we’ve managed to keep the number of copies sent to the landfill just under a million!
Intern one: Stop. What about President Bush's whole campaign of compassionate conservatism? Let's not lose sight of what got us here in the first place. You'll call me a hypocrite, but if it were up to me, we'd just forgo the whole gift bag idea and set about the streets of Manhattan on giant flotillas every evening, like a parade. Perhaps we could ride a giant papier-mâché foot up into Hell's Kitchen and distribute all the summertime talcs, fungus eliminators and ointments those people—potential voters, I might add—have most certainly gone without.
Intern six: I disagree. I say we concentrate on initiating the creation and the giving away of the biggest gift bag in the history of New York City. Show these Jimmy Choo-wearing, gay marriage-supporting, therapy-attending bastards exactly who knows how to party. Can we get an intern—I mean, an intern more junior than us—to secure the dimensions on the largest gift bag ever? Then whatever those figures are, let's double it. I want it to be something you have to plug in for chrissakes. Wheel out on a dolly. Something that once discarded, little people or trained pets could use as illicit sex tents.
Intern three: I agree with this new direction. I'd even go so far offer an appointment to the Supreme Court, Willy Wonka-style, in one random gift bag.
Chairwoman: Hmmm. Maybe we actually orchestrate peeps into those old gift bag sex tents? Funnel a little more moolah towards the reelection. Then have everyone involved arrested, of course.
Intern two: I think tucking foreign policy magic 8-balls into the bag would be cute. You know, shake it up to find out whose butt we'll kick next. Syria, Iran, Wisconsin?
Intern three: Excellent. Just make sure there's a panel that says “YOU” on it, because that's the single worst idea I've ever heard. What we need to do, finally, is get people drunk. Whether they're inside MSG, or catching talc samples in Hell's Kitchen. Alcohol—natch—free alcohol, is the oldest way to secure a vote. Let them vomit in the damned gift bag.
Intern one: Fine. Just so long as they remove their special Passion of the Christ DVD (with bonus Jesus-whuppin' footage) and the Michael Moore voodoo doll (and corresponding 347 thumb tacks) first.
Chairwoman: Forget what I said about dissent. You've challenged each other and arrived on a new plane. I can't wait until August 29th.
8/20/2004
NFL REPORT
The most-important meaningless game of the season will be played on the 27th, when the Giants and Jets go head-to-head in preseason inaction at the Meadowlands. Since the teams don't face each other in the regular campaign, ticketless fans will just have to wait for the Super Bowl. So kidding. On this day, even most diehards will likely opt for a six-pack and the sofa while relinquishing their ducats to anyone dumb enough to covet them. This means the swamp will be full of drunken interns, trouble-making foster children, Craigslist ticket trolls and penniless shlubs like me getting their Aramark on and venting half-hearted Green vs. Blue hostilities, as future waiter Ricky Ray attempts passes to future fitness club employee Muneer Moore.
Of course there'll be a few lifers (read: crackpots) in the stands admiring the synergy of the dress rehearsal: coaches sound-checking Motorola headsets, fans learning where to vomit, police horses finding out which corner of the end zone provides safest haven from a diving Justin McCareins. And like all of us, these crackpots have so many unanswered questions about the fiasco that is New York pro football in 2004. Let's take a stab at them:
1) How much attention will Bill Parcells take away from both squads?
Seriously, he's loaded "America's Team," the Cowboys, with aging, beloved ex-Jets like Vinnie Testaverde, Richie Anderson, and, er, not super-beloved Keyshawn Johnson. Every New York sports reporter, regardless of sexual orientation, chafes at Parcells' many wafflings, but ultimately genuflects and reveals their enormo man-crush when Ol' Bill so much as remembers to punt on fourth down. By axing QB Quincy Carter and giving the nod to 41-year old fossil Vinnie T, Parcells is looking squarely at the Big Apple and saying, "Here's the drama. Come get a hot scoop of it." The only thing left is for Tom Tupa to come out of retirement (he served as Testaverde's handmaiden in Cleveland and NY) and throw one of his Montgomery Burns-style ten yard bombs when Vinnie goes down for the count after Week One and ex-Yankee Drew Henson channels Ryan Leaf. But, since the Jets and the Giants will be mired in .500sville,or worse, it could all Bill all the time, even though he's 1,500 miles away.
2) What will Kurt Warner's wife wear?
This game is so prom. Someone has to thwart Jet crusader, fire helmet-wearing Eddie Anzalone in the homliest, most obnoxious fan department, and my vote is for ex-Marine Brenda Warner, who sports a crewcut and an attitude reminescent of Eileen Brennan in Private Benjamin (minus the booziness) on a case and a half of Red Bull. By now, you've already heard the tales that Brenda wouldn't shut her yap in St. Louis and it irked the good ol' boys who preferred to see Kurt quietly sulk his ass off on the sideline (c'mon, the dude was a grocery-bagger, you know he wasn't gonna stand up for himself). The NY Post reported Brenda's playing nice here though, already turning down an offer for her own radio show. Still, if she and Kurt get in the way of Archie Manning's kid's dream, watch out! It will be a cage match, and since Brenda's such a tough cookie, look for the Post to track her movements yet again, perhaps siccing perfunctory woman shooter-downer Andrea Peyser on her by October. Brenda: focus on nails as sharp as your 'do.
3) Will Jesse Palmer get a lot of action?
On or off the field? That's a cheap joke, but for a guy hedging his bets career-wise by handing out roses on ABC, the bar is already late-round limbo low. This game might be one of your last chances to see the football equivalent of Ryan Seacrest taking a knee in order to protect his God's shoeshine-white teeth.
4) Will any of these questions be about the Jets?
No. They're so boring. Let's talk instead about Giants new offensive lineman Chris Snee and the Lifetime Movie that is his existence. His father-in-law, Tom "Crotchety" Coughlin is his coach. Snee got Coughlin's daughter pregnant, then got married to her. Then got a starting job on a Giant line as porous as the soda grate at Quizno's. Snee's role? Only to protect either the oft-injured Warner, who at the spooky Jesus age of 33, is so gonna have a difficult year, or nose-scrunching franchise boy Eli Manning. If one or both go down for the count, Snee, Coughlin and the baby might be doing some quality time in NFL Europe.
And this is not even the last preseason game, as the monotony lurches deep into the first week of September, at which point all the kids should be back in school and Wayne Chrebet should be sleeping off another concussion.
_Rick Meadows, for Fittedsweats!_
Of course there'll be a few lifers (read: crackpots) in the stands admiring the synergy of the dress rehearsal: coaches sound-checking Motorola headsets, fans learning where to vomit, police horses finding out which corner of the end zone provides safest haven from a diving Justin McCareins. And like all of us, these crackpots have so many unanswered questions about the fiasco that is New York pro football in 2004. Let's take a stab at them:
1) How much attention will Bill Parcells take away from both squads?
Seriously, he's loaded "America's Team," the Cowboys, with aging, beloved ex-Jets like Vinnie Testaverde, Richie Anderson, and, er, not super-beloved Keyshawn Johnson. Every New York sports reporter, regardless of sexual orientation, chafes at Parcells' many wafflings, but ultimately genuflects and reveals their enormo man-crush when Ol' Bill so much as remembers to punt on fourth down. By axing QB Quincy Carter and giving the nod to 41-year old fossil Vinnie T, Parcells is looking squarely at the Big Apple and saying, "Here's the drama. Come get a hot scoop of it." The only thing left is for Tom Tupa to come out of retirement (he served as Testaverde's handmaiden in Cleveland and NY) and throw one of his Montgomery Burns-style ten yard bombs when Vinnie goes down for the count after Week One and ex-Yankee Drew Henson channels Ryan Leaf. But, since the Jets and the Giants will be mired in .500sville,or worse, it could all Bill all the time, even though he's 1,500 miles away.
2) What will Kurt Warner's wife wear?
This game is so prom. Someone has to thwart Jet crusader, fire helmet-wearing Eddie Anzalone in the homliest, most obnoxious fan department, and my vote is for ex-Marine Brenda Warner, who sports a crewcut and an attitude reminescent of Eileen Brennan in Private Benjamin (minus the booziness) on a case and a half of Red Bull. By now, you've already heard the tales that Brenda wouldn't shut her yap in St. Louis and it irked the good ol' boys who preferred to see Kurt quietly sulk his ass off on the sideline (c'mon, the dude was a grocery-bagger, you know he wasn't gonna stand up for himself). The NY Post reported Brenda's playing nice here though, already turning down an offer for her own radio show. Still, if she and Kurt get in the way of Archie Manning's kid's dream, watch out! It will be a cage match, and since Brenda's such a tough cookie, look for the Post to track her movements yet again, perhaps siccing perfunctory woman shooter-downer Andrea Peyser on her by October. Brenda: focus on nails as sharp as your 'do.
3) Will Jesse Palmer get a lot of action?
On or off the field? That's a cheap joke, but for a guy hedging his bets career-wise by handing out roses on ABC, the bar is already late-round limbo low. This game might be one of your last chances to see the football equivalent of Ryan Seacrest taking a knee in order to protect his God's shoeshine-white teeth.
4) Will any of these questions be about the Jets?
No. They're so boring. Let's talk instead about Giants new offensive lineman Chris Snee and the Lifetime Movie that is his existence. His father-in-law, Tom "Crotchety" Coughlin is his coach. Snee got Coughlin's daughter pregnant, then got married to her. Then got a starting job on a Giant line as porous as the soda grate at Quizno's. Snee's role? Only to protect either the oft-injured Warner, who at the spooky Jesus age of 33, is so gonna have a difficult year, or nose-scrunching franchise boy Eli Manning. If one or both go down for the count, Snee, Coughlin and the baby might be doing some quality time in NFL Europe.
And this is not even the last preseason game, as the monotony lurches deep into the first week of September, at which point all the kids should be back in school and Wayne Chrebet should be sleeping off another concussion.
_Rick Meadows, for Fittedsweats!_
8/10/2004
Please Spend Your Money
8/09/2004
Alan Keyes
You are a carpet-bagging sack of shit. Obama will eat you alive. Nice oration though, dude. Way to lay on the faux-whatever it is. Jesus balls. No one buys it. Maybe Newt Gingrich. But beyond that no one. Like you are even reading my blog, Alan. I know you are not reading this. Still, if you are, get to bed. It's after midnight.
TACKIEST NEW YORKER AWARD
Stripped from Andrea Peyser, but it stays in the NY POST family: Jasmin Rosemberg. Man, is she a shithead. Yowza.
ONLY READ IF YOU HAVE A STRONG "TUMMY"we are the hamptons, and we're hell on earth
ONLY READ IF YOU HAVE A STRONG "TUMMY"we are the hamptons, and we're hell on earth
PLEASE HELP THESE PEOPLE
fwded from Monitor's BABY LEG. thx
From: Kerri Harrop [mailto:kerriharrop@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2004 5:27 PM
To: Cherry Canoe 3; Cherry Canoe 4
Subject: Giampino fund established
As most of you know, Scott and Ali Giampino were victims of an arson
fire at their Lake Forest Park home last night. Shortly before 1 am, Ali
awoke to sounds of broken glass and fire engulfing their home. Blessedly,
they and their son Max escaped unharmed in what must have been an absolutely
terrifying couple of minutes. Their two cats, their possessions, and their
home did not fare as well – they have lost virtually everything.
They are fully insured and will eventually be able to replace their lost
possessions. In the meantime, an account has been set up at U.S. Bank and
donations are currently being accepted. The account is called “The Giampino
Fund” and you may make donations at any local branch. Please reference
account #153556105382 when doing so. And, for added reference, the account
was established by Denise Maupin – you may need to give that information to
the teller, but the account name should suffice.
Temporary housing accommodations have been arranged and the Capitol Hill
branch of Sonic Boom Records is also currently accepting donations. Since
they are without a home, the most useful donations are monetary, gift
certificates, and good thoughts. Max could sure use some clothing – he
wears a size 4T or 5T (like his daddy, he’s big for his age). Toys and
books would be useful, as well. The little guy is down with Clifford The
Big Red Dog, Tonka trucks, and stuff that is cool. Seeing that little bug
on the news was enough to make me want to buy him Disneyland if he wants it.
There are multiple benefits in the works so keep an eye out for details.
Since moving here from Chicago two years ago, the Giampinos have quickly
become beloved members of this community. I know I speak for everyone when
I say we are all damn lucky they are still with us today. It’s not gonna be
good times replacing Scott’s records or Ali’s beautiful perfume decanter
collection but we’re all sure thankful they are alive.
This fire has officially been declared an arson and agents from the
Washington Insurance Council, the Arson Alarm Foundation and the ATF are
offering a $38,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of the parties responsible for the fires. Anyone with
information should call 1-800-55ARSON.
Please feel free to forward this information. Thanks.
Kerri
From: Kerri Harrop [mailto:kerriharrop@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2004 5:27 PM
To: Cherry Canoe 3; Cherry Canoe 4
Subject: Giampino fund established
As most of you know, Scott and Ali Giampino were victims of an arson
fire at their Lake Forest Park home last night. Shortly before 1 am, Ali
awoke to sounds of broken glass and fire engulfing their home. Blessedly,
they and their son Max escaped unharmed in what must have been an absolutely
terrifying couple of minutes. Their two cats, their possessions, and their
home did not fare as well – they have lost virtually everything.
They are fully insured and will eventually be able to replace their lost
possessions. In the meantime, an account has been set up at U.S. Bank and
donations are currently being accepted. The account is called “The Giampino
Fund” and you may make donations at any local branch. Please reference
account #153556105382 when doing so. And, for added reference, the account
was established by Denise Maupin – you may need to give that information to
the teller, but the account name should suffice.
Temporary housing accommodations have been arranged and the Capitol Hill
branch of Sonic Boom Records is also currently accepting donations. Since
they are without a home, the most useful donations are monetary, gift
certificates, and good thoughts. Max could sure use some clothing – he
wears a size 4T or 5T (like his daddy, he’s big for his age). Toys and
books would be useful, as well. The little guy is down with Clifford The
Big Red Dog, Tonka trucks, and stuff that is cool. Seeing that little bug
on the news was enough to make me want to buy him Disneyland if he wants it.
There are multiple benefits in the works so keep an eye out for details.
Since moving here from Chicago two years ago, the Giampinos have quickly
become beloved members of this community. I know I speak for everyone when
I say we are all damn lucky they are still with us today. It’s not gonna be
good times replacing Scott’s records or Ali’s beautiful perfume decanter
collection but we’re all sure thankful they are alive.
This fire has officially been declared an arson and agents from the
Washington Insurance Council, the Arson Alarm Foundation and the ATF are
offering a $38,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of the parties responsible for the fires. Anyone with
information should call 1-800-55ARSON.
Please feel free to forward this information. Thanks.
Kerri
8/05/2004
Air America, Parcells Predictions, RNC Protests
WARNING: I'm not feeling super articulate today.
AIR AMERICA
What the fuck? Is this still even a radio station? The other day I got a promo CD that Artemis is putting out--the Best of the O'Franken Factor--and it is PAINFULLY UNFUNNY. Just like high school kids wrote it. Filled with a lot of painful silences. "Ann Coulter in the Green Room" --- Here's an idea. Focus on shit that people might find humorous. Christ. If I hate Ann Coulter in real life, why would I want to listen to a horribly acted "fake" Ann Coulter for like 10 excruciating minutes? Ever notice how if it ain't "political" Al Franken isn't involved? Has he had a job in TV or Film or anything where he hasn't had to use right-wing stupidity as a humor crutch? Because elements of working other angles pop up here: an unfunny Indian accent, an unfuny jewish grandpa accent and he is not successful with it at all. It's like this whole thing was written by retarded 1970s potheads. But I'm sure it is better than what the Republicans can do, as many people will smugly assert. I hate both liberals and conservatives. How does that grab ya? Neither side speaks to me, they just annoy me.
Parcells Cuts Quincy Carter
Opening the door for him to roll out the Long Island-ese once again. VINNNAYYY TEEE.
Testaverde. You are 40. it is over. you know it. Parcells knows it too but he likes to torture you for some reason. He will break your heart by putting Drew Henson in. My prediction is there will be a QB controversy all season long. If Carter doesn't take a job somewhere else, they'll probably have to call him back. DALLAS is fucking hell on earth. Their fans (especially those who live in other places) should die. Immediately.
RNC
Interesting chat with Norman Mailer and his tail-coat riding son in NY MAG this week. Mailer offers that the Republicans will probably throw in some dummy/ringer protestors to make the left look EVIL. Good conspiracy theory. I am sure they will. They've done everything else crooked so why stop now. If you see footage of folks acting up in NYC it is most likely some right wing asshole henchmen. Do NOT Vote for Bush. Please. Show up at the polls and VOTE against him. Drag your friends. Drag your relatives.
AIR AMERICA
What the fuck? Is this still even a radio station? The other day I got a promo CD that Artemis is putting out--the Best of the O'Franken Factor--and it is PAINFULLY UNFUNNY. Just like high school kids wrote it. Filled with a lot of painful silences. "Ann Coulter in the Green Room" --- Here's an idea. Focus on shit that people might find humorous. Christ. If I hate Ann Coulter in real life, why would I want to listen to a horribly acted "fake" Ann Coulter for like 10 excruciating minutes? Ever notice how if it ain't "political" Al Franken isn't involved? Has he had a job in TV or Film or anything where he hasn't had to use right-wing stupidity as a humor crutch? Because elements of working other angles pop up here: an unfunny Indian accent, an unfuny jewish grandpa accent and he is not successful with it at all. It's like this whole thing was written by retarded 1970s potheads. But I'm sure it is better than what the Republicans can do, as many people will smugly assert. I hate both liberals and conservatives. How does that grab ya? Neither side speaks to me, they just annoy me.
Parcells Cuts Quincy Carter
Opening the door for him to roll out the Long Island-ese once again. VINNNAYYY TEEE.
Testaverde. You are 40. it is over. you know it. Parcells knows it too but he likes to torture you for some reason. He will break your heart by putting Drew Henson in. My prediction is there will be a QB controversy all season long. If Carter doesn't take a job somewhere else, they'll probably have to call him back. DALLAS is fucking hell on earth. Their fans (especially those who live in other places) should die. Immediately.
RNC
Interesting chat with Norman Mailer and his tail-coat riding son in NY MAG this week. Mailer offers that the Republicans will probably throw in some dummy/ringer protestors to make the left look EVIL. Good conspiracy theory. I am sure they will. They've done everything else crooked so why stop now. If you see footage of folks acting up in NYC it is most likely some right wing asshole henchmen. Do NOT Vote for Bush. Please. Show up at the polls and VOTE against him. Drag your friends. Drag your relatives.
8/04/2004
JOVAN from GAUNT, etc...
I am writing a thing that opens in Cleveland, 1980. I contacted an old friend and associate named Jovan Karcic, who you may remember from GAUNT. Here is what he had to say... this is good.
hey dude,
nice emailing name--I went to a browns vs. jets game
at municipal stadium, the stadium was built right next
to the lake--so around playoff time, when this game
was, it was mighty cold.
I remember lots of icy
wind--the stadium had wooden fold down seats, at least
in the upper decks where we sat--definately lots of
drinking and yelling at the refs--of course we were
nearly a mile away from the action so the ref never
heard any of it--but it was good times--I'm pretty
sure it went to double overtime, with the browns
eventually winning on a field goal, though my mems may
be fogging--
it was on the site that now is the rock
hall of fame--it was gigantic--I think it sat
80,000--
also remember guys peeing on the floor of
the restroom or in the sinks--
I saw u2 there, and pink
floyd--post roger waters--I remember that they had a
really large version of the Chief Wahoo--in ready
position to slug the long ball--of course there was
super joe charboneau (sp?) who allegedly could get a
beer bottle open with his eye socket.
mostly it was about the fact that no clevo sports team
could close on a championship--there was a huge
underdog factor--'this is the year' kind of mentality,
which always left you craving more--
"no red left" when
during the afc championship game against the raiders,
as the browns were in the red zone about to score and
about to goto their first super bowl in ages, the
brian sipe pass is intercepted by jack tatum--totally
heartbreaking to a youngin' and all the family members
gathered round the t.v.--obviously all this is off the
dome, and the facts may need a little checking--maybe
you can call on your 'fact checking cuz' for that.
also I went to a dead kennedys concert in the
mid-'80's--downtown, I remember feeling that it was
kind of edgy--dark, and lots of old dirty
buildings--but the take home image of the dk show was
young jello taking off his shirt to reveal an upside
down cross shaved from his chest hair--evidentally
he's pretty hairy--and the scrawl "kucinich is god"
above the cross--it made an impression--I can't
remember if kucinich was mayor at the time, or if he'd
just left--but it was impressive. Kids were really
hyped up and seemed dangerous, in the dark hall, with
loud, fast punk playing--it was real life in an
industrial town--your own crucifucks played on the
same bill--that's all I remember about that--
I do know
that cleveland declared bankruptcy--and I think it was
during the kucinich admin--though again get the cuz on
the case.
It seems like anytime I went downtown there was
something going on--so there were people
around--though, I can remember very cold car rides
through the streets of downtown and it being totally
ghosty--sodium glow gold lights.
also in the '80's I saw the replacements at peabody's
down under--let it be was just out--I went there by
myself, and before the show this very strange music
playing loudly over the p.a. system--I was taken away
by the music--and a fight broke out near me--I saw a
fist fly through the air and connect on someone's
head--I felt the vibration of the punch in my feet
over ten feet away, while "I am human, and I need to
be loved" was oozing out the speakers--later I came to
know and love it as how soon is now?.
another thing I remembered about municipal stadium was
that there were giant steel beams, with lots of rivets
that obstructed the view of some people--so that
during a sold out event--some poor guy would have to
sit with cold steel blocking his action. peering left
or right wherever the action was.
It was also next to an airport--burke lakefront
airport I think--so during the floyd concert a plane
buzzed over the top and the crowd went nuts--perhaps
thinking it was part of the act.
there are lots of steel foundrys around so you'd drive
through town on the highway, and smell that smell, of
rotten, and sometimes see huge flames coming out a
stack--always a treat to see that--but it was really
dark, dirty around there, from the burning coal--I can
remember feeling like we were somewhere else--similar
to manchester in england.
PURE GENIUS, no?
hey dude,
nice emailing name--I went to a browns vs. jets game
at municipal stadium, the stadium was built right next
to the lake--so around playoff time, when this game
was, it was mighty cold.
I remember lots of icy
wind--the stadium had wooden fold down seats, at least
in the upper decks where we sat--definately lots of
drinking and yelling at the refs--of course we were
nearly a mile away from the action so the ref never
heard any of it--but it was good times--I'm pretty
sure it went to double overtime, with the browns
eventually winning on a field goal, though my mems may
be fogging--
it was on the site that now is the rock
hall of fame--it was gigantic--I think it sat
80,000--
also remember guys peeing on the floor of
the restroom or in the sinks--
I saw u2 there, and pink
floyd--post roger waters--I remember that they had a
really large version of the Chief Wahoo--in ready
position to slug the long ball--of course there was
super joe charboneau (sp?) who allegedly could get a
beer bottle open with his eye socket.
mostly it was about the fact that no clevo sports team
could close on a championship--there was a huge
underdog factor--'this is the year' kind of mentality,
which always left you craving more--
"no red left" when
during the afc championship game against the raiders,
as the browns were in the red zone about to score and
about to goto their first super bowl in ages, the
brian sipe pass is intercepted by jack tatum--totally
heartbreaking to a youngin' and all the family members
gathered round the t.v.--obviously all this is off the
dome, and the facts may need a little checking--maybe
you can call on your 'fact checking cuz' for that.
also I went to a dead kennedys concert in the
mid-'80's--downtown, I remember feeling that it was
kind of edgy--dark, and lots of old dirty
buildings--but the take home image of the dk show was
young jello taking off his shirt to reveal an upside
down cross shaved from his chest hair--evidentally
he's pretty hairy--and the scrawl "kucinich is god"
above the cross--it made an impression--I can't
remember if kucinich was mayor at the time, or if he'd
just left--but it was impressive. Kids were really
hyped up and seemed dangerous, in the dark hall, with
loud, fast punk playing--it was real life in an
industrial town--your own crucifucks played on the
same bill--that's all I remember about that--
I do know
that cleveland declared bankruptcy--and I think it was
during the kucinich admin--though again get the cuz on
the case.
It seems like anytime I went downtown there was
something going on--so there were people
around--though, I can remember very cold car rides
through the streets of downtown and it being totally
ghosty--sodium glow gold lights.
also in the '80's I saw the replacements at peabody's
down under--let it be was just out--I went there by
myself, and before the show this very strange music
playing loudly over the p.a. system--I was taken away
by the music--and a fight broke out near me--I saw a
fist fly through the air and connect on someone's
head--I felt the vibration of the punch in my feet
over ten feet away, while "I am human, and I need to
be loved" was oozing out the speakers--later I came to
know and love it as how soon is now?.
another thing I remembered about municipal stadium was
that there were giant steel beams, with lots of rivets
that obstructed the view of some people--so that
during a sold out event--some poor guy would have to
sit with cold steel blocking his action. peering left
or right wherever the action was.
It was also next to an airport--burke lakefront
airport I think--so during the floyd concert a plane
buzzed over the top and the crowd went nuts--perhaps
thinking it was part of the act.
there are lots of steel foundrys around so you'd drive
through town on the highway, and smell that smell, of
rotten, and sometimes see huge flames coming out a
stack--always a treat to see that--but it was really
dark, dirty around there, from the burning coal--I can
remember feeling like we were somewhere else--similar
to manchester in england.
PURE GENIUS, no?
trying to post, blogspot is too fucked up HELP
JESUS. what has happened. signing on and having this work is so UNviable.
1) james wood writes brilliantly in this week's TNR about David Foster Wallace and the problems he had enjoying DFW's latest LONG-story collection.
2) still mourning the death of NY SPORTS EXPRESS, if someone knows where/who JIM CHENEY is, can you have him email me? JEFFEATSBURGERS AT AOL DOT COM. He is the BEST!!!! I may have some leads for him.
3) PETTITTE BLEW another game while I was OFF. not that it matters. the cardinals are so insane right now.
sorry if you are tuning in and it has been such slow going. I am a dad first. Blogger second. Branch Davidian third.
1) james wood writes brilliantly in this week's TNR about David Foster Wallace and the problems he had enjoying DFW's latest LONG-story collection.
2) still mourning the death of NY SPORTS EXPRESS, if someone knows where/who JIM CHENEY is, can you have him email me? JEFFEATSBURGERS AT AOL DOT COM. He is the BEST!!!! I may have some leads for him.
3) PETTITTE BLEW another game while I was OFF. not that it matters. the cardinals are so insane right now.
sorry if you are tuning in and it has been such slow going. I am a dad first. Blogger second. Branch Davidian third.
