Sunday, February 29, 2004
'An up-close-and-personal report on the Celtics ...': Reader No. 1 actually A.) went to a Celts game B.) saw them win Friday and C.) was sort of impressed. Reader No. 1:
"1. I owe Chucky Atkins an apology. With him at the point, the team is a little closer to the uptempo Danny Ainge vision of the future, at least in the first quarter of games. But...
"2. At crunch time, Paul Pierce was back to bad habits, going one-on-one and taking bad off-balance fadeaways that rimmed out. Paul, I know how you feel after Trader Danny's demo job, but trust your teammates a little more. On the other hand, Pierce looked happier on court than in the last 2 weeks (a 20 point lead at halftime will do that for you).
"3. There's a reported Pierce gripe that the Celtics took too long to discover Brandon Hunter. I QUITE AGREE! Maybe the Celtic staff should have been reading this website, considering Hunter's remarkable college stats at a non-marquee school, and what he did in the Shaw's Summer League. You read it here first!!! ... He might be the difference between Ainge suceeding and failing...
"4. The Fleet Center on weeknights is now full of kids, including Reader #1's youngest on Friday (she wore her Antoine Walker jersey, but was tactful when Trader Danny walked past us). Credit to Celts' management for advancing this trend.
"5. This group as constituted is not a playoff team, but there are a couple of signs of hope. A lot more work to do. Giving minutes to Hunter, Jiri Welsch et al is a step in the right direction."
Hub Blog's response: Only thing I have to say relates to point #4. Glad kids are having a fun time. But their increased attendance indicates to me a lot of tickets are being given away, either by the Celts or corporate types or both.
"1. I owe Chucky Atkins an apology. With him at the point, the team is a little closer to the uptempo Danny Ainge vision of the future, at least in the first quarter of games. But...
"2. At crunch time, Paul Pierce was back to bad habits, going one-on-one and taking bad off-balance fadeaways that rimmed out. Paul, I know how you feel after Trader Danny's demo job, but trust your teammates a little more. On the other hand, Pierce looked happier on court than in the last 2 weeks (a 20 point lead at halftime will do that for you).
"3. There's a reported Pierce gripe that the Celtics took too long to discover Brandon Hunter. I QUITE AGREE! Maybe the Celtic staff should have been reading this website, considering Hunter's remarkable college stats at a non-marquee school, and what he did in the Shaw's Summer League. You read it here first!!! ... He might be the difference between Ainge suceeding and failing...
"4. The Fleet Center on weeknights is now full of kids, including Reader #1's youngest on Friday (she wore her Antoine Walker jersey, but was tactful when Trader Danny walked past us). Credit to Celts' management for advancing this trend.
"5. This group as constituted is not a playoff team, but there are a couple of signs of hope. A lot more work to do. Giving minutes to Hunter, Jiri Welsch et al is a step in the right direction."
Hub Blog's response: Only thing I have to say relates to point #4. Glad kids are having a fun time. But their increased attendance indicates to me a lot of tickets are being given away, either by the Celts or corporate types or both.
‘Potemkin bohemias’: It’s all the rage: Slap down a couple Paris-like outdoor cafes, convert a few old factories into artist lofts, attract some real live gays to your city and -- presto -- you have a hip city. Still waiting for The Simpsons to skewer this trend. ... But you know what? There really is something to Richard Florida’s theory about the ‘creative class’ and its transforming of American cities. All one needs to do is eye the ongoing changes to Southie to see it’s partially true that the ‘creative class’/Yuppies/haute bourgeoisie are having a profound impact. ... Hub Blog snidely liked Harvard economist Edward Glaeser’s observations about the ‘great dollops of hype’ surrounding both praise and criticism of Florida's theory. Glaeser’s point: sun and sprawl still count. ... FYI: Yours truly played a sideline part in this debate earlier this week. Boston’s ‘maturity’ and high cost of housing also count.
Update -- Reader No. 1 adds:
"The Richard Florida debate is exactly what the new Globe IDEAS should be doing. And it's a sign of progress that they didn't slap the 'right-wing' or 'conservative' label on Joel Kotkin, although there is certainly a Red and Blue element to this debate. I also like the way you said it's 'partially true' that urban areas are revitalized in the way Florida describes. To paraphrase Rosie O'Donnell's character in Sleepless in Seattle, 'it's not true, but it feels true.'
"Please check out: Joel Kotkin. The upshot: if the Boston area is going to remain a creative class destination, we're going to have to be a LOT more creative than the competition to justify our ridiculously high cost of living. A continuing challenge for our universities. Will our irrelevant political culture ever come around? Will it ever notice?"
‘Hubbardston barn blaze roasts chickens’: The headline says it all. Poor poulet.
Update -- Reader No. 1 adds:
"The Richard Florida debate is exactly what the new Globe IDEAS should be doing. And it's a sign of progress that they didn't slap the 'right-wing' or 'conservative' label on Joel Kotkin, although there is certainly a Red and Blue element to this debate. I also like the way you said it's 'partially true' that urban areas are revitalized in the way Florida describes. To paraphrase Rosie O'Donnell's character in Sleepless in Seattle, 'it's not true, but it feels true.'
"Please check out: Joel Kotkin. The upshot: if the Boston area is going to remain a creative class destination, we're going to have to be a LOT more creative than the competition to justify our ridiculously high cost of living. A continuing challenge for our universities. Will our irrelevant political culture ever come around? Will it ever notice?"
‘Hubbardston barn blaze roasts chickens’: The headline says it all. Poor poulet.
Saturday, February 28, 2004
'Shandi the ex-junkie Walgreens worker': There's a very erudite discussion going on over at Cos Blog. ...
‘They wanted the eyesore removed ...’: I’m actually glad they’re not tearing down the ‘rusted’ Green Line tracks near the Fleet Center for the DNC. It shows off the older, grittier side of the city. There’s a soon-to-be-lost elegance to the elevated, rickety, clanking North Station trains. I’m sure more than a few Dem visitors, coming from vapid cities desperately trying to make themselves look quaintly old, will envy us for having the real thing all across the city, not just at North Station. ... Maura Hennigan on the T’s decision: "This is a good thing. There's so much attention paid to temporary beautification. What about permanent solutions? This is responding to what taxpayers have been saying all along: They don't want their money thrown away on a four-day event." ...
... Why this embarrassment over a lot of cranes, dump trucks and ‘unsightly’ construction sites across the city during the DNC? Don’t the civic boosters realize they might actually give the “impression” that Boston is vibrant, bustling and constantly reinvesting in itself? Hello? ... One good ‘temporary’ move: Keeping the pub gates open until 4 a.m. Hub Blog approves!
‘Opposition researchers licking their chops’: Indeed. ... You know, I used to honestly think John Kerry was a moderate, at least compared to Ted Kennedy and within a Massachusetts context. Silly me. Must have been Kerry’s equivocating, pandering, habitually waffling rhetoric that threw me off. Anyway, this is the second ‘liberal’ ranking piece I’ve read in recent months. The latest is by the National Journal. No GOP attack-machine bias there. The first was by Norman Lear’s Amercans for Democratic Action. So, again, no GOP attack-machine bias there, either. ... The Journal piece mentions three other No. 1 Liberal rankings for the junior senator. Has anyone analyzed whether they coincided with, you know, past elections? If so, it would make me feel less bad about being snookered by his past equivocating, pandering, habitually waffling ways. ... ‘Maybe a one-two punch? Lefty liberal punch -- bang! -- and then the flip-flop punch -- pow!’ ...
... ‘Swank.’ When was the last time you heard that word used? I can’t remember. But I like it. A new word I’ll start overusing, pronto. Also according to Merriam-Webster: swanky, swanker, swankiest. ... Too bad ‘swanker’ isn’t a noun. ... He’s a swanker! ...
... Why this embarrassment over a lot of cranes, dump trucks and ‘unsightly’ construction sites across the city during the DNC? Don’t the civic boosters realize they might actually give the “impression” that Boston is vibrant, bustling and constantly reinvesting in itself? Hello? ... One good ‘temporary’ move: Keeping the pub gates open until 4 a.m. Hub Blog approves!
‘Opposition researchers licking their chops’: Indeed. ... You know, I used to honestly think John Kerry was a moderate, at least compared to Ted Kennedy and within a Massachusetts context. Silly me. Must have been Kerry’s equivocating, pandering, habitually waffling rhetoric that threw me off. Anyway, this is the second ‘liberal’ ranking piece I’ve read in recent months. The latest is by the National Journal. No GOP attack-machine bias there. The first was by Norman Lear’s Amercans for Democratic Action. So, again, no GOP attack-machine bias there, either. ... The Journal piece mentions three other No. 1 Liberal rankings for the junior senator. Has anyone analyzed whether they coincided with, you know, past elections? If so, it would make me feel less bad about being snookered by his past equivocating, pandering, habitually waffling ways. ... ‘Maybe a one-two punch? Lefty liberal punch -- bang! -- and then the flip-flop punch -- pow!’ ...
... ‘Swank.’ When was the last time you heard that word used? I can’t remember. But I like it. A new word I’ll start overusing, pronto. Also according to Merriam-Webster: swanky, swanker, swankiest. ... Too bad ‘swanker’ isn’t a noun. ... He’s a swanker! ...
Friday, February 27, 2004
Food fight at Harvard!: The Crimson writes on Michael Watkins’ criticism, via his blog, of recent moves at Harvard Business School. Hint: It has something to do with tenure. What else.
Update -- There's this update to Michael's blog in reaction to the Crimson piece. It's actually an interesting debate going on over there, my wise cracks aside.
Update -- There's this update to Michael's blog in reaction to the Crimson piece. It's actually an interesting debate going on over there, my wise cracks aside.
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
'Kerry loan twice as nice': This is interesting. ... Nothing surprises me when it comes to soaring Boston home prices. But ...
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
‘A habitual waffler ...’: Forget the label ‘Massachusetts liberal.’ The ‘habitual waffler’ is the only punch line the president needs. ... Or, ‘The Habitual Waffler from Massachusetts.’ ... Here’s the NYT and Globe versions. ... The ‘we-have-George-Bush-on-the-run’ line sounds like something out of Monty Python or any 1960s Zero Mostel comedy.
Update -- Coz boldly rides to the defense of Massachusetts. Then retreats. For good reason. ... We’ve all tried and tried and tried to defend Massachusetts, but it’s so hard sometimes. ... Coz points to Dick Armey’s apology to Boston, with a funny dig thrown in at the end. (I always thought it was William Buckley who made the Boston phone book crack. I was obviously wrong ... ) ... When was the last time Boston Magazine put anything substantive on its web site? This has to be a first.
Update -- 2.25.05 - A reader writes in: "You weren't wrong. Buckley was the one who first said it, and Armey probably thought he was being clever by revising it...."
Update -- Coz boldly rides to the defense of Massachusetts. Then retreats. For good reason. ... We’ve all tried and tried and tried to defend Massachusetts, but it’s so hard sometimes. ... Coz points to Dick Armey’s apology to Boston, with a funny dig thrown in at the end. (I always thought it was William Buckley who made the Boston phone book crack. I was obviously wrong ... ) ... When was the last time Boston Magazine put anything substantive on its web site? This has to be a first.
Update -- 2.25.05 - A reader writes in: "You weren't wrong. Buckley was the one who first said it, and Armey probably thought he was being clever by revising it...."
Monday, February 23, 2004
‘Decade of the Bus,’ Redux: As I've said before: Buses are a poor man’s subway. A simply executed story that sums it all up. ... Other cities are adding light rail and subways. But the MBTA is doing the complete opposite. It’s not because they’re here to serve us. It’s because they need to stretch dollars for their own long-term self-preservation, similar to the bureaucratic mindset at the Mass Turnpike. ... From a Silver Line rider: "We get the buses, and rail projects get put in other communities. Brookline has three light rail systems and stops all over the place." ...
Here's another simply executed T story, this one less infuriating in subject. T tokens are like lost socks in the laundry. I don't know how many of both I've lost over the years.
Here's another simply executed T story, this one less infuriating in subject. T tokens are like lost socks in the laundry. I don't know how many of both I've lost over the years.
Sunday, February 22, 2004
‘This is a liberal country’: A paradox of American politics is how so many Americans embrace liberal concepts but cringe at the sound and look of the outspoken liberal proponents of these policies. The chest-beating Mitchell Rofsky obviously understands the first half of the preceding sentence and hasn’t a clue about the second. ... Among the many problems with liberalism is its excesses (‘people will die’ if we cut the budget, etc.), its non-egalitarian elitism (‘Americans are so dumb’ etc.) and its hyper-criticism of Americans when liberals don’t get their way (morally demonizing the opposition at every turn, etc.) ... Rofsky neglects to mention one of the greatest triumphs of conservative thought in the 20th Century: Capitalism. Remember that evil word? It’s now just an accepted fact, left and right and across the world, that the once demonized free-market system is essential to the well-being of both the elite and the masses. ... Though I believe in many liberal policies (the right to abortion, keeping the hands of Wall Street off of Social Security, etc.), I still count myself as a moderate conservative, largely to offset some of the scarier liberal ideas that would take us over the cliff. ... Let’s not even get into national security issues. ...
... Hey, the once-Socialist India is going gaga over capitalism. Another rejection of excessive you-know-what and a triumph for you-know-what. ...
... Hey, Rofsky gleefully mentions -- gulp, for all you Bushie diehards -- how George II is embracing bigger government, comparing him to -- double gulp -- Richard Nixon. ... All is not going well for George. It’s that damn WMD issue! ... But here’s some good news for George, though I don’t think Ralph will get as many votes this time around.
‘There has clearly been a backlash ...’: I thought I sensed an anti-gay-marriage backlash in the making. This poll seems to confirm it. No doubt the Catholic church’s stance has helped shift the numbers. But, as a recent convert to supporting gay marriages, I must say I was turned off by, you got it, the stridency and silliness of the gay rights protesters (all the ‘hey ho’ and ‘what do we want’ chants etc.). They don’t want the people to have a say in this. They want the court-ordered ruling to stand. ... Non-egalitarian elitism indeed. ... The comparisons to the Civil Rights Movement also annoyed. Not surprisingly, a lot of people kind of know at a gut-instinct level the difference between fighting Jim Crow laws and permitting affluent Yuppies to get married on the hilltops of Vermont or in the seaside banquet halls of Provincetown. ... Rhetorical excesses indeed.
... Hey, the once-Socialist India is going gaga over capitalism. Another rejection of excessive you-know-what and a triumph for you-know-what. ...
... Hey, Rofsky gleefully mentions -- gulp, for all you Bushie diehards -- how George II is embracing bigger government, comparing him to -- double gulp -- Richard Nixon. ... All is not going well for George. It’s that damn WMD issue! ... But here’s some good news for George, though I don’t think Ralph will get as many votes this time around.
‘There has clearly been a backlash ...’: I thought I sensed an anti-gay-marriage backlash in the making. This poll seems to confirm it. No doubt the Catholic church’s stance has helped shift the numbers. But, as a recent convert to supporting gay marriages, I must say I was turned off by, you got it, the stridency and silliness of the gay rights protesters (all the ‘hey ho’ and ‘what do we want’ chants etc.). They don’t want the people to have a say in this. They want the court-ordered ruling to stand. ... Non-egalitarian elitism indeed. ... The comparisons to the Civil Rights Movement also annoyed. Not surprisingly, a lot of people kind of know at a gut-instinct level the difference between fighting Jim Crow laws and permitting affluent Yuppies to get married on the hilltops of Vermont or in the seaside banquet halls of Provincetown. ... Rhetorical excesses indeed.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
‘Congratulations Danny -- you've made me a Bruins fan!’: Read this article. A classic example of a non-leader leader giving a desperate, uninspired, accusatory sermon to a group of very demoralized people who have long since lost confidence and respect for those at the top. In this case, it’s Danny Ainge giving one weird pep talk to the Celts after last night’s game. From Reader No. 1:
“Give Trader Danny credit for offering interpretation-rich statements like ‘I just want the veteran guys to know this is your team.’ Is this:
“-- clueless? (given that Ainge has already surgically removed most of the veterans this season - there aren't many of them left in the room)
“-- a news leak? (i.e. the interim coach is toast?)
“-- accusatory? (i.e. it's the survivor's fault the team has gone to hell in the last month)
“Sympathy cards may be sent to Paul Pierce c/o The Fleet Center.”
FYI -- Earlier this week, Reader No. 1 also sent in some choice comments on Danny’s latest big trade. From Reader No. 1: “Well, I was almost right -- I told you the Celtics would get a real point guard before the end of the year, just not a very good one. Actually they got 2 not very good real point guards... and neither of them has a better assist to turnover ratio than the guy they traded! ... Oh yes, I forgot -- it's all about the draft picks. ... Congratulations Danny -- you've made me a Bruins fan!”
‘No doubt about it ...’: The Herald’s Tony Massarotti on this year’s Sox: They could be one hell of a team. ... Can someone tell John, Larry and Theo to just shut up? I’m tired of these guys. They all talk too much. Just now listened to Theo and then Larry on Dennis and Callahan on 'EEI. The Sox brass are overexposed. ... I’m becoming worried about this new ownership. They’re playing way too much to ‘Red Sox Nation.’ Personally, I want Red Sox Nation blown up. Get rid of the negative/contrived self-pity etc. John, Larry, Theo, repeat: Shut up. Don’t want to hear from ya until you win one. Then yap all you want.
“Give Trader Danny credit for offering interpretation-rich statements like ‘I just want the veteran guys to know this is your team.’ Is this:
“-- clueless? (given that Ainge has already surgically removed most of the veterans this season - there aren't many of them left in the room)
“-- a news leak? (i.e. the interim coach is toast?)
“-- accusatory? (i.e. it's the survivor's fault the team has gone to hell in the last month)
“Sympathy cards may be sent to Paul Pierce c/o The Fleet Center.”
FYI -- Earlier this week, Reader No. 1 also sent in some choice comments on Danny’s latest big trade. From Reader No. 1: “Well, I was almost right -- I told you the Celtics would get a real point guard before the end of the year, just not a very good one. Actually they got 2 not very good real point guards... and neither of them has a better assist to turnover ratio than the guy they traded! ... Oh yes, I forgot -- it's all about the draft picks. ... Congratulations Danny -- you've made me a Bruins fan!”
‘No doubt about it ...’: The Herald’s Tony Massarotti on this year’s Sox: They could be one hell of a team. ... Can someone tell John, Larry and Theo to just shut up? I’m tired of these guys. They all talk too much. Just now listened to Theo and then Larry on Dennis and Callahan on 'EEI. The Sox brass are overexposed. ... I’m becoming worried about this new ownership. They’re playing way too much to ‘Red Sox Nation.’ Personally, I want Red Sox Nation blown up. Get rid of the negative/contrived self-pity etc. John, Larry, Theo, repeat: Shut up. Don’t want to hear from ya until you win one. Then yap all you want.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
‘Stay calm, this has yet ... ,’ Part II: KP Dan has his spatula and is slopping it on thick and heavy, as ordered: Bambino, woe-is-us, everyone-is-laughing-at-us, etc. Not a shred of sports analysis. Good job, Dan! Lay it on thicker, heavier ... The sky is falling! ...
Dan has his schtick. I have mine. WMD Spy has not reported in ... But his last words to me were that we should start sowing seeds of Discord in Gotham. Here’s a sampling of his suggested disinformation campaign:
-- “Oh, Derek, wasn’t that A-Rod and your girlfriend I just saw coming out of ...?”
-- “Oh, A-Rod, don’t you think Derek looks kind of old these days? I think short stop ...”
-- “Oh, Derek, wasn’t that George and A-Rod coming out of a Madison Ave. advertising office together ... ?”
-- “I thought you guys were just ‘friends’ ...”
-- “Nomar has Mia after all ...”
Dan has his schtick. I have mine. WMD Spy has not reported in ... But his last words to me were that we should start sowing seeds of Discord in Gotham. Here’s a sampling of his suggested disinformation campaign:
-- “Oh, Derek, wasn’t that A-Rod and your girlfriend I just saw coming out of ...?”
-- “Oh, A-Rod, don’t you think Derek looks kind of old these days? I think short stop ...”
-- “Oh, Derek, wasn’t that George and A-Rod coming out of a Madison Ave. advertising office together ... ?”
-- “I thought you guys were just ‘friends’ ...”
-- “Nomar has Mia after all ...”
Monday, February 16, 2004
‘Stay calm, this has yet ...’: Feel like Kevin Bacon just prior to being trampled during the post-parade mayhem at the end of Animal House. Stay calm! ... But that’s what Michael Holley is wisely counseling. Holley, a true Spartan who’s trudging off to Thermopylae with “clenched teeth so the enemy can't detect the embarrassment,” explains why the Sox are still in good shape. ... Of course, the Spartans lost at Thermopylae, but the Greeks won the war because of their efforts, please recall. ...
Hub Blog’s Manhattan-based WMD Spy may be reporting in today with a very intriguing behind-enemy-lines strategy to meet this threat. Hint: It has something do with this New York Daily News headline. ...
... Even the rear-line Dan Shaughnessy may have a role in this caper. Your job, if you choose to accept it, Dan, is to keep up with the hysterical Bambino/Oh-woe-is-us act. Lay it on thick and heavy until people really do believe the ‘Sky is falling.’ Why? Because New Yorkers are now beginning to believe in their own immortality. Look at these comments from Gotham: "There are only a few things for sure in life," says one fan, "death, taxes, and the fact that the Red Sox will fall apart, as sure as the sun comes up." Says another NY fan: "The Mets and the Red Sox can't compete with the Yankees. They look like minor league franchises compared to the amount of money the Yankees can spend. There's too much mystique." ... They now believe in a mystique. Do you know what this means? It means that when we do topple them, they’re going to be so far down the tubes they’ll make the Bleeding Green mystique-floundering Celts organization look like crack shock troops in comparison. ...
Ran into a New York friend last night who I hadn’t seen in years. First words out of his mouth, ‘Sorry about A-Rod,’ followed by a big smirk. My response, ‘Sorry about your pitching staff.’ It wiped the smile off his face instantly. He then started praising Theo. ... We’re getting into their minds. ...
Update -- The Idiot Who Uses Romper Room Masks as props on ESPN is now pumping out the cliches about the Sox. ... I'm feeling better already.
Hub Blog’s Manhattan-based WMD Spy may be reporting in today with a very intriguing behind-enemy-lines strategy to meet this threat. Hint: It has something do with this New York Daily News headline. ...
... Even the rear-line Dan Shaughnessy may have a role in this caper. Your job, if you choose to accept it, Dan, is to keep up with the hysterical Bambino/Oh-woe-is-us act. Lay it on thick and heavy until people really do believe the ‘Sky is falling.’ Why? Because New Yorkers are now beginning to believe in their own immortality. Look at these comments from Gotham: "There are only a few things for sure in life," says one fan, "death, taxes, and the fact that the Red Sox will fall apart, as sure as the sun comes up." Says another NY fan: "The Mets and the Red Sox can't compete with the Yankees. They look like minor league franchises compared to the amount of money the Yankees can spend. There's too much mystique." ... They now believe in a mystique. Do you know what this means? It means that when we do topple them, they’re going to be so far down the tubes they’ll make the Bleeding Green mystique-floundering Celts organization look like crack shock troops in comparison. ...
Ran into a New York friend last night who I hadn’t seen in years. First words out of his mouth, ‘Sorry about A-Rod,’ followed by a big smirk. My response, ‘Sorry about your pitching staff.’ It wiped the smile off his face instantly. He then started praising Theo. ... We’re getting into their minds. ...
Update -- The Idiot Who Uses Romper Room Masks as props on ESPN is now pumping out the cliches about the Sox. ... I'm feeling better already.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
‘Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!’: Good. Reader No. 1 isn’t going wobbly on the Sox. When the battle is joined and the fighting gets heavy this season, will someone please escort the hysterical Dan Shaughnessy to the rear? Reader No. 1 on A-Rod:
“It has to be a good sign that the shock and discouragement in our household only lasted 10 minutes this morning. ... Maybe it was Gordon Edes' observation that no team has ever lost three 15 game winners in an offseason as the Yankees said goodbye to Pettite, Clemens and Wells. Maybe it's remembering how beat up so many great Yankees were at the end of the year (Bernie, Jeter, Giambi ain't as young as they used to be)... Maybe it was memories of Moneyball (yes, I know from the same Gordon Edes article that the A's are 0-9 in playoff elimination games). ...
“I'm sure that the Sox braintrust is prepared for weeks of angst and agony from talk radio and assorted usual suspect sportswriters. There are inevitable countermoves that will generate inevitable second-guessing from the WEEI hosts who would rather talk about the contracts and the agents than the games.
“As Bill Parcells used to say, ‘Fellas, this is why they play the games.’ Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!”
‘We are now in Sid Wicks-Marvin Barnes territory’: Reader No. 1 also retracts his statement a few weeks ago that we’re not in the ‘Sid Wicks-Marvin Barnes terrority.’ We’re there. Oh we’re there. Reader No. 1:
“This column from Hoopsworld is all over the map, but it includes the most effective critique I've seen of Jim O'Brien's coaching style, and makes a good case for my man Brandon Hunter to get more playing time.
“I stand corrected on what I wrote 2 weeks ago: we are now in Sid Wicks-Marvin Barnes territory. Has Ainge shredded his credibility so quickly and thoroughly that no one will want to coach or play here? He's blown up the team and replaced it with zilch -- and don't give us the ‘we miss Raef LaFrentz and Vin Baker’ stuff. LaFrentz was known damaged goods when he was acquired and no one expected Baker's first (and last) six good weeks this season.”
“It has to be a good sign that the shock and discouragement in our household only lasted 10 minutes this morning. ... Maybe it was Gordon Edes' observation that no team has ever lost three 15 game winners in an offseason as the Yankees said goodbye to Pettite, Clemens and Wells. Maybe it's remembering how beat up so many great Yankees were at the end of the year (Bernie, Jeter, Giambi ain't as young as they used to be)... Maybe it was memories of Moneyball (yes, I know from the same Gordon Edes article that the A's are 0-9 in playoff elimination games). ...
“I'm sure that the Sox braintrust is prepared for weeks of angst and agony from talk radio and assorted usual suspect sportswriters. There are inevitable countermoves that will generate inevitable second-guessing from the WEEI hosts who would rather talk about the contracts and the agents than the games.
“As Bill Parcells used to say, ‘Fellas, this is why they play the games.’ Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!”
‘We are now in Sid Wicks-Marvin Barnes territory’: Reader No. 1 also retracts his statement a few weeks ago that we’re not in the ‘Sid Wicks-Marvin Barnes terrority.’ We’re there. Oh we’re there. Reader No. 1:
“This column from Hoopsworld is all over the map, but it includes the most effective critique I've seen of Jim O'Brien's coaching style, and makes a good case for my man Brandon Hunter to get more playing time.
“I stand corrected on what I wrote 2 weeks ago: we are now in Sid Wicks-Marvin Barnes territory. Has Ainge shredded his credibility so quickly and thoroughly that no one will want to coach or play here? He's blown up the team and replaced it with zilch -- and don't give us the ‘we miss Raef LaFrentz and Vin Baker’ stuff. LaFrentz was known damaged goods when he was acquired and no one expected Baker's first (and last) six good weeks this season.”
‘As Bloomberg's Massachusetts masters surely intend ...’: The A-Rod deal is surely a disaster. No doubt. But fear not. We have a secret weapon wreaking havoc in New York: Michael Bloomberg. Deroy Murdock: “Michael Bloomberg is a mole who is sabotaging Gotham from within, pro bono Beantown.” ... The shame is that we could have had both Bloomberg and A-Rod in place for the coming Boston world-conquest spring offensive. We shall burn Yankee Stadium to the ground for this ... The worst part of the A-Rod setback: Dan Shaughnessy is in full Inferiority Complex mode. ... ‘Damn Yankees.’ Screw the Yankees. ....The climactic Battle for Middle Earth approaches. Remember what we're fighting against: Evil.
FYI -- Boston Dirt Dogs was on the A-Rod/Yanks rumor a month ago. At the time (I believe), good old Curt allegedly said the following about the A-Rod rumors: “After 85 years did any of you think that getting over this final hurdle and winning it all was gonna be a cake walk? No, it'll be more fun this way.”
Exactly. ... They will pay for this.
‘Danny Ainge's still-unexplained grand plan’: Might as well get the depressing posts out of the way this morning: The Ainge era: 1-8. ... ‘For all intents and purposes, the season is kaput.’ ... They’e already eyeing new coaching candidates. I like DJ, but it’s just more Bleeding Green. ...
Morale booster. Yes, it was only two weeks ago. ...
They will pay for disrupting our happiness.
FYI -- Boston Dirt Dogs was on the A-Rod/Yanks rumor a month ago. At the time (I believe), good old Curt allegedly said the following about the A-Rod rumors: “After 85 years did any of you think that getting over this final hurdle and winning it all was gonna be a cake walk? No, it'll be more fun this way.”
Exactly. ... They will pay for this.
‘Danny Ainge's still-unexplained grand plan’: Might as well get the depressing posts out of the way this morning: The Ainge era: 1-8. ... ‘For all intents and purposes, the season is kaput.’ ... They’e already eyeing new coaching candidates. I like DJ, but it’s just more Bleeding Green. ...
Morale booster. Yes, it was only two weeks ago. ...
They will pay for disrupting our happiness.
Friday, February 13, 2004
'There's something new emerging ...': From Armchair Gen. Savin Hill:
"Anyone walking around the Financial District this week, and particularly Broad Street and the waterfront top of State Street probably noticed it. The old Central Artery roadway is coming down piece by piece. The roadway above is now gone, and only the familiar faded-glory-green road supports remain. This means you can see daylight where road once was. That little glimpse is powerful, and you can easily imagine the old artery gone for good. From Broad Street I could clearly see -- for the first time it seemed -- the glinting mass of polished steel on the Acquarium and IMAX theater -- and lots of open sky beyond that. And of course, it's actually quiet down there now, no constant hiss and rumble of traffic. You really feel like there's something new emerging."
Hub Blog's response: It truly is an astonishing sight. ... Hope they don't clutter it up by trying too hard to make the new Roseway beautiful. Let's just look at the proverbial frosted cake a little longer before cutting into it, etc.
"Anyone walking around the Financial District this week, and particularly Broad Street and the waterfront top of State Street probably noticed it. The old Central Artery roadway is coming down piece by piece. The roadway above is now gone, and only the familiar faded-glory-green road supports remain. This means you can see daylight where road once was. That little glimpse is powerful, and you can easily imagine the old artery gone for good. From Broad Street I could clearly see -- for the first time it seemed -- the glinting mass of polished steel on the Acquarium and IMAX theater -- and lots of open sky beyond that. And of course, it's actually quiet down there now, no constant hiss and rumble of traffic. You really feel like there's something new emerging."
Hub Blog's response: It truly is an astonishing sight. ... Hope they don't clutter it up by trying too hard to make the new Roseway beautiful. Let's just look at the proverbial frosted cake a little longer before cutting into it, etc.
“A Sudanese View: 'Thank God for George Bush!' ”: Gotta give credit where credit is due. ... The old Dinkas saying just might be true. ... Interesting CSM blog. Wish he posted more often.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
The gay-marriage debate is over: What anti-gay-marriage genius scheduled the constitutional convention during the same week as the release of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue? ... Anna. ... Did you see the Herald's Inside Track yesterday? Can't fetch it. But it -- and not the Historic Debate -- was the big discussion around my water cooler. ... But she's just an athlete. Sure. Of course. Respect her for all the right reasons. ... Where were we? Ah, yes, history in the making ...
'The speaker tried to pull one of his patented maneuvers ...': Brighton Reader on yesterday's proceedings, not today's (haven't caught up yet):
"After watching the Constitutional Convention for a good three hours, I think the biggest loser is Tom Finneran. The speaker tried to pull one of his patented maneuvers, but lacking control of the chair and unable to coerce state senators, he failed. It was fun to watch reps hammer him, finally free to say what they really thought. El Caudillo also caught it from Republicans, especially from the Senate, who were seriously pissed at his manipulations. All this played out before a statewide audience that generally ignores how Finneran operates."
Update -- San Francisco is trying to jump into the act. The newest twist in the old Silicon Valley-128 rivalry.
Update II -- 02.13.04 - 'Finneran at his worst.'
"After watching the Constitutional Convention for a good three hours, I think the biggest loser is Tom Finneran. The speaker tried to pull one of his patented maneuvers, but lacking control of the chair and unable to coerce state senators, he failed. It was fun to watch reps hammer him, finally free to say what they really thought. El Caudillo also caught it from Republicans, especially from the Senate, who were seriously pissed at his manipulations. All this played out before a statewide audience that generally ignores how Finneran operates."
Update -- San Francisco is trying to jump into the act. The newest twist in the old Silicon Valley-128 rivalry.
Update II -- 02.13.04 - 'Finneran at his worst.'
‘The Senate compromise ...’, Part II: Everything went down to defeat. Something might pop up today, such as a new variation of the Senate compromise plan on gay marriages. ... But could it all be a stalling tactic? Scot Lehigh suggested yesterday that the real goal for some might be to procedurally kill everything, eventually, now or more likely during a second-stage non-vote after the election, and let the court’s decision effectively stand. Sure looks like it. Intentionally or not. Gay activists were quite happy by yesterday’s non-action action, FYI. ... Hub Blog senses that Finneran may be in the early stages of realizing he better embrace the Senate compromise. It’ll be interesting, if he does, to see if yesterday’s supporters of the Senate plan suddenly change their minds. ... Hub Blog senses a backlash against gay rights activists. Most voters instinctively like the idea of having a say on matters and don't like being crudely compared to segregationists. ... The ‘Hey, hey, ho, ho’ chants at the Statehouse yesterday were highly, highly annoying.
‘Liar vs. liberal’: If you’re a Kerry or Bush fan, don’t read this column. If you’re neither, enjoy. ... One quibble: Isn't trying to be all things to all people also a form of lying?
‘Liar vs. liberal’: If you’re a Kerry or Bush fan, don’t read this column. If you’re neither, enjoy. ... One quibble: Isn't trying to be all things to all people also a form of lying?
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
‘The Senate compromise appears to be gaining steam ...’: Two plans are now out there on the gay-marriage issue to be taken up today by lawmakers at our allegedly august constitutional convention, whatever. ... Constitutional Plan No. 1 (backed by Speaker Finneran): In effect an up-or-down vote on gay marriage in 2006. Constitutional Plan No. II (the Senate compromise): A vote to define marriage as that between a man and a woman, while giving gays civil-union rights.
... Here’s why Finneran’s adamant opposition to gay marriage may backfire in his and other opponents’ faces: There’s a, oh, 50-50 chance, in a simple up-or-down vote on the issue, that the public may approve gay marriage in two years. But the Senate ‘compromise’ plan, which Finneran opposes, would almost certainly pass, thus outlawing gay marriages but approving civil unions. So by risking it all on an up-or-down vote, Finneran is probably killing the only sure way to outlaw gay marriages. ...
... I’m for gay-marriage rights, but I’d vote for the Senate plan just to get the civil-union law on the books and get the damn court-imposed issue out of the way. A lot of other people would too. Others would vote for it because of the heterosexual definition of marriage. It’s a smart, practical, have-it-both-ways compromise by senators. ... Just a thought: Gay rights activists might rethink their strategy. How? By boldly supporting Finneran and Romney on the strict up-or-down vote. Think about it. It would be a huge gamble, but it could pay off in two years. It could also lose. ... I love the gamble option for purely selfish, non-civil-rights reasons. It would make the 2006 vote so absurdly apocalyptic in tone. Fun to watch and cover, etc. ... Hmmmmm. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Go for it, Speaker!
Hats off to Sen. Kerry: Very impressive wins. He’s got the nomination wrapped up by the looks of it. ... Early and obvious odds-on-favorite: Bush. But, if someone gives me decent odds, I wouldn’t mind putting a few bucks on a guy who has lived, breathed and dreamed his entire adult life about becoming president.
... Here’s why Finneran’s adamant opposition to gay marriage may backfire in his and other opponents’ faces: There’s a, oh, 50-50 chance, in a simple up-or-down vote on the issue, that the public may approve gay marriage in two years. But the Senate ‘compromise’ plan, which Finneran opposes, would almost certainly pass, thus outlawing gay marriages but approving civil unions. So by risking it all on an up-or-down vote, Finneran is probably killing the only sure way to outlaw gay marriages. ...
... I’m for gay-marriage rights, but I’d vote for the Senate plan just to get the civil-union law on the books and get the damn court-imposed issue out of the way. A lot of other people would too. Others would vote for it because of the heterosexual definition of marriage. It’s a smart, practical, have-it-both-ways compromise by senators. ... Just a thought: Gay rights activists might rethink their strategy. How? By boldly supporting Finneran and Romney on the strict up-or-down vote. Think about it. It would be a huge gamble, but it could pay off in two years. It could also lose. ... I love the gamble option for purely selfish, non-civil-rights reasons. It would make the 2006 vote so absurdly apocalyptic in tone. Fun to watch and cover, etc. ... Hmmmmm. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Go for it, Speaker!
Hats off to Sen. Kerry: Very impressive wins. He’s got the nomination wrapped up by the looks of it. ... Early and obvious odds-on-favorite: Bush. But, if someone gives me decent odds, I wouldn’t mind putting a few bucks on a guy who has lived, breathed and dreamed his entire adult life about becoming president.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
‘Hub of a culture clash’: Now this is a slightly more accurate view of Massachusetts and its politics, compared with last week’s cliché-a-thon disaster, though the clichés are still flying fast and furious. The latest article actually mentions ‘Catholics’ as being a demographic reality. ... Future-looking observation: We all know that if gay marriage is approved by 51-49 percent, it will reaffirm Massachusetts as a liberal state. But if gay marriage is rejected by 51-49 percent, do you seriously think the pundits will call Massachusetts a conservative state? It would be too mind-blowing complicated for the punditocracy to comprehend, let alone explain. ... There's a part of me who mischievously hopes gay marriage is blocked for that reason alone. Wouldn't it be great? But I support gay marriages in general principle and so ...
Monday, February 09, 2004
“Kerry’s One-word Speech: ‘Vietnam’ ”: That WaPo headline sums it up. ... The central event in all of history is now a brand. ... Don’t forget this classic headline: ‘A Response to Cancer Forged by Vietnam.’
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Smile, you're on digital camera -- and about to be expelled: The shots of the post-Superbowl riot celebrations at Northeastern are up. It's a little rat-fink creepy, but so be it. Notice in Photo 1 the other To Show the Grand Kids students taking photos. Idiots. ... When did this type of 'celebrating' start? After some Detroit sports victory in the '80s, if I recall correctly. ... Northeastern police site via JJDaley. ...
Update -- 2.9.04 - The mother of James Grabowski, who was killed at the Northeastern riot celebration, is rightly angry and in shock by the senseless events. Mayor Menino should have had the guts to pick up the phone, try to comfort her --and let her rant and vent if need be. But she simply goes too far when she says: “How many parents would have told them not to drink, behave yourself, and then left them unsupervised while they went to watch the game elsewhere? That's exactly what the city of Boston did that night.” ... Is the city now our baby-sitter/nanny/parent? Didn’t James watch a game in a dorm owned by a certain university? Why wasn’t there more problems at other local colleges? Might there be a connection here?
Update -- 2.9.04 - The mother of James Grabowski, who was killed at the Northeastern riot celebration, is rightly angry and in shock by the senseless events. Mayor Menino should have had the guts to pick up the phone, try to comfort her --and let her rant and vent if need be. But she simply goes too far when she says: “How many parents would have told them not to drink, behave yourself, and then left them unsupervised while they went to watch the game elsewhere? That's exactly what the city of Boston did that night.” ... Is the city now our baby-sitter/nanny/parent? Didn’t James watch a game in a dorm owned by a certain university? Why wasn’t there more problems at other local colleges? Might there be a connection here?
‘Ultimately purged from American corporate history ...’: A fun story on one of the most remarkable pre-Martha female sales executives in American corporate history, Brownie Wise, who literally made Tupperware a household name. Her tale will be retold tomorrow night on PBS’s “American Experience.’’ ...
One annoying aspect to this otherwise fine article, to wit: The way she’s cast as a feminist-like Heroine Up Against Male Corporate America. I like to think I know a little about Brownie. In 1999 during my old BBJ days, we produced a special supplement called ‘100 Years, 100 People,’ a review of the most influential business executives in Massachusetts in the 20th Century. Earl Tupper, inventor of burb-and-seal Tupperware, made the cut because he was from Massachusetts and his company was based here. Brownie didn’t make the list, though she was mentioned, because she never lived here and her semi-independent sales operation was based in Florida. But that’s not the point. What we found, in preparing the supplement, was just how many bitter rivalries emerged between great inventors/founders and corporate types, the never-ending backroom feuds that shaped companies’ histories, etc. The history of Corporate America is littered with tales of bloodied winners and victims of these now forgotten corporate battles. Earl Tupper was one of the winners. Brownie was one of the victims. ... Is her tale fascinating? Absolutely. Was there a gender component to her rise and fall? No doubt. But was Tupper’s brutal treatment of a business partner so unique? No way. ... Still, it’s great to see Brownie getting some much deserved credit. ...
FYI -- One of the more fascinating female executives of the 20th Century in Massachusetts, in my humble opinion, was Elizabeth Eaton Bois, who rose from timekeeper to forewoman to founder of Winship, Boit & Co., one of the largest textile companies in the state. Her achievements are more remarkable because they took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s. ... Another fascinating woman business executive was Margaret C. Carlson, the first female member of ‘The Vault’ and who helped found Five Star Reality Co. She won her backroom wars and became sole owner of the firm, later taken over by DeWolfe Co. Inc., yet another female-founded real estate company based here.
One annoying aspect to this otherwise fine article, to wit: The way she’s cast as a feminist-like Heroine Up Against Male Corporate America. I like to think I know a little about Brownie. In 1999 during my old BBJ days, we produced a special supplement called ‘100 Years, 100 People,’ a review of the most influential business executives in Massachusetts in the 20th Century. Earl Tupper, inventor of burb-and-seal Tupperware, made the cut because he was from Massachusetts and his company was based here. Brownie didn’t make the list, though she was mentioned, because she never lived here and her semi-independent sales operation was based in Florida. But that’s not the point. What we found, in preparing the supplement, was just how many bitter rivalries emerged between great inventors/founders and corporate types, the never-ending backroom feuds that shaped companies’ histories, etc. The history of Corporate America is littered with tales of bloodied winners and victims of these now forgotten corporate battles. Earl Tupper was one of the winners. Brownie was one of the victims. ... Is her tale fascinating? Absolutely. Was there a gender component to her rise and fall? No doubt. But was Tupper’s brutal treatment of a business partner so unique? No way. ... Still, it’s great to see Brownie getting some much deserved credit. ...
FYI -- One of the more fascinating female executives of the 20th Century in Massachusetts, in my humble opinion, was Elizabeth Eaton Bois, who rose from timekeeper to forewoman to founder of Winship, Boit & Co., one of the largest textile companies in the state. Her achievements are more remarkable because they took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s. ... Another fascinating woman business executive was Margaret C. Carlson, the first female member of ‘The Vault’ and who helped found Five Star Reality Co. She won her backroom wars and became sole owner of the firm, later taken over by DeWolfe Co. Inc., yet another female-founded real estate company based here.
Saturday, February 07, 2004
‘All of his jaw-jawing back and forth on the issues are just tactics‘: How can you not print an email that starts off ‘Yes, that was a not-bad recap of Weld-Kerry.’ Why, thank you, Reader No. 1. Who else? Lots on the incredibly overrated Kerry-Weld race. From Reader No. 1: “Yes, that was a not-bad recap of Weld-Kerry, notwithstanding the typical insufferable NYT tonality ('the affable aristocrat'). Excellent choice of quotes, in some cases not for their perceptiveness.
“Example: Rob Gray suggesting voiding the spending cap shows that 'Kerry will abandon his principles' gets it exactly backwards. Kerry would have been abandoning his principles if he followed the cap, and lost. Victory IS his principle and all of his jaw-jawing back and forth on the issues are just tactics.
“The story overlooks some major points on Weld that hurt him and reflected well on Kerry. I remember Weld's ‘jump in the lake'’ cited here getting negative coverage suggestive of a lack of seriousness. But more to the point (and not mentioned by the out-of-town press): Weld's Senate run capped two years of post-re-election drift, which started with him signing off on a 50% midnight payraise for the same legislators he'd bashed so effectively early in his term. The coziness with the Mass hack legislature was a
gleaming neon sign that the solution had become part of the problem (go read old Howie Carr columns -- maybe the new NYT section on 'conservatives' will turn him up).
“The result: Weld actually communicated aloofness and careerism more than Kerry in this race. He was tired of running the Commonwealth and aspired to a station in life more befitting his talent. Combine that with the Gingrich-Helms matchup (it seems some Massachusetts voters still fear those two more than
Osama and Saddam) and it was curtains for the Affable Aristocrat.
“Applying Weld-Kerry as a national lesson: Bush 2 must determine how to avoid looking more like the real Kerry has conducted his career (disconnected, Washington politician) while Kerry tries to look more like the real Bush has conducted his Presidency (responsible defender of American, and global
freedoms).”
“P.S.: 1 thing I neglected to mention but should have: if the NYT even did the legwork to determine how Weld succumbed to the Mass political establishment (thereby derailing his political career), the probability of their noting it approaches zero for obvious reasons ... "
Hub Blog's train-of-thought response: Have you ever noticed in the idealistic movie 'The Candidate' how the U.S. Senate candidate, sickened by the process that got him the seat, never says at the end he won't take office? ... Thank you, Reader No. 1.
“Example: Rob Gray suggesting voiding the spending cap shows that 'Kerry will abandon his principles' gets it exactly backwards. Kerry would have been abandoning his principles if he followed the cap, and lost. Victory IS his principle and all of his jaw-jawing back and forth on the issues are just tactics.
“The story overlooks some major points on Weld that hurt him and reflected well on Kerry. I remember Weld's ‘jump in the lake'’ cited here getting negative coverage suggestive of a lack of seriousness. But more to the point (and not mentioned by the out-of-town press): Weld's Senate run capped two years of post-re-election drift, which started with him signing off on a 50% midnight payraise for the same legislators he'd bashed so effectively early in his term. The coziness with the Mass hack legislature was a
gleaming neon sign that the solution had become part of the problem (go read old Howie Carr columns -- maybe the new NYT section on 'conservatives' will turn him up).
“The result: Weld actually communicated aloofness and careerism more than Kerry in this race. He was tired of running the Commonwealth and aspired to a station in life more befitting his talent. Combine that with the Gingrich-Helms matchup (it seems some Massachusetts voters still fear those two more than
Osama and Saddam) and it was curtains for the Affable Aristocrat.
“Applying Weld-Kerry as a national lesson: Bush 2 must determine how to avoid looking more like the real Kerry has conducted his career (disconnected, Washington politician) while Kerry tries to look more like the real Bush has conducted his Presidency (responsible defender of American, and global
freedoms).”
“P.S.: 1 thing I neglected to mention but should have: if the NYT even did the legwork to determine how Weld succumbed to the Mass political establishment (thereby derailing his political career), the probability of their noting it approaches zero for obvious reasons ... "
Hub Blog's train-of-thought response: Have you ever noticed in the idealistic movie 'The Candidate' how the U.S. Senate candidate, sickened by the process that got him the seat, never says at the end he won't take office? ... Thank you, Reader No. 1.
‘Facing ‘96 Loss, Brawling Kerry Faught to Win’: Decent recap of the ‘96 Kerry-Weld Senatorial race. ... Republicans take note: “This is a guy who can take a punch and who can overcome being behind.” Kerry critics take note: “The real parallel here is that John Kerry will abandon his principles to win.” ... It all comes back: the manufactured shrill Weld tone; the silly Brahmin hype and how the allegedly sophisticated campaign reflected the state’s deep intellectualism; the pompous comparisons to the Lincoln-Douglas debates; the broken promises on campaign spending limits; Newt and Jesse; the live-shot gentlemanly beers afterward. For pure fun, I’ll still take the ‘83 mayoral race any day. ... Great line: “Mr. Kerry, the senator who was known for something of a Hamlet streak ...” Quibble: Was known?
Friday, February 06, 2004
‘An explosion ripped through a subway car ...’: I read a column like this from Charles Krauthammer and begin to understand John Kerry’s appeal to some people. ... Then I read a story about a subway attack in Moscow and think of a similar rush-hour attack in Boston. ... And then I think of how sick I am of hearing about Vietnam (scroll down to Kerry part -- via M. Ellis). ... And that’s how Hub Blog’s mind hippty hops along.
‘They damned near passed ...’: Been real busy of late (mutual-fund scandals and things like that), but wanted to post a few good emails related to the ‘A renaissance for a city of Brahmins and beans’ earlier this week. From Lexington Reader:
“RE: E.J.'s article. You mention that Mass. voters went with the Gipper twice, in 1980 and 1984. ... But don't forget that during that same era voters also passed Prop 2 and 1/2, which put a screeching brake to the escalating local property taxes; that once Dukakis served out his second term as governor in 1990, the voters have chosen Republican governors in four consecutive elections; and that in 2002, they damned near passed a proposition that would have eliminated the state income tax entirely! Overtly liberal? Perhaps. Unpredictable? You bet. In fact, unpredictable enough that I'll bet fifty cents right now that if Kerry takes the Democratic nomination and continues to campaign the way he has, then he won't break 53% in Mass in November -- and I might even put a few dollars on a wager, with some decent odds, mind you, that Bushie takes Massachusetts outright from ‘My initials are JFK.’”
Hub Blog’s response: Tempted to take that bet. I think Kerry will win Mass. After all, the hacks will be lining up for fed jobs -- and have a powerful incentive to turn out the vote. But on the other hand, then again, etc., it didn’t work for Shannon. ... Al Gore’s state also turned on him. So it’s not a far-fetched notion. ...
‘Don’t blame me, I’m from Massachusetts’: Again, re ‘A renaissance for a city of Brahmins and beans.' Reader No. 1:
“It's always dangerous to argue without going to the data, but I think Massachusetts voted for McGovern in 1972 for one reason: Vietnam. Universities are prominent in our local zeitgeist and universities were the focal point of anti-war resistance.
“Also, Vietnam was one of the principal factors in the collapse of the old liberal Republican vanguard that played a leading role in Mass politics. The old Ivy leaguers in the suburbs just couldn't support the war and the administration that was trying to get out gracefully. Watergate finished off the Elliot Richardson wing out here, but there was trouble long before that. Actually, this was part of the reversal of roles, where a lot of ‘Reagan Democrats’ voted Republican for a couple of years as Hub Blog notes. On the other hand, that last Reagan win in Massachusetts was 20 years ago... and this is the state that's legalizing gay marriage.
“So I respectfully submit: not only is Massachusetts more liberal than when we voted for Reagan 20 years ago -- Massachusetts is more liberal today than in 1972 when we voted for McGovern!”
Hub Blog’s response: See above post and response for part of my answer. Also keep in mind the dwindling number of people who now call themselves Democrats or Republicans in Massachusetts. The majority of voters are now Independents, whom I’d generally describe as conservative on fiscal matters, liberal on social issues. There are a lot of business folks who have moved into Massachusetts in recent decades (high-tech, mutual funds etc.) who have offset the ‘70s academic tilt. ...
“RE: E.J.'s article. You mention that Mass. voters went with the Gipper twice, in 1980 and 1984. ... But don't forget that during that same era voters also passed Prop 2 and 1/2, which put a screeching brake to the escalating local property taxes; that once Dukakis served out his second term as governor in 1990, the voters have chosen Republican governors in four consecutive elections; and that in 2002, they damned near passed a proposition that would have eliminated the state income tax entirely! Overtly liberal? Perhaps. Unpredictable? You bet. In fact, unpredictable enough that I'll bet fifty cents right now that if Kerry takes the Democratic nomination and continues to campaign the way he has, then he won't break 53% in Mass in November -- and I might even put a few dollars on a wager, with some decent odds, mind you, that Bushie takes Massachusetts outright from ‘My initials are JFK.’”
Hub Blog’s response: Tempted to take that bet. I think Kerry will win Mass. After all, the hacks will be lining up for fed jobs -- and have a powerful incentive to turn out the vote. But on the other hand, then again, etc., it didn’t work for Shannon. ... Al Gore’s state also turned on him. So it’s not a far-fetched notion. ...
‘Don’t blame me, I’m from Massachusetts’: Again, re ‘A renaissance for a city of Brahmins and beans.' Reader No. 1:
“It's always dangerous to argue without going to the data, but I think Massachusetts voted for McGovern in 1972 for one reason: Vietnam. Universities are prominent in our local zeitgeist and universities were the focal point of anti-war resistance.
“Also, Vietnam was one of the principal factors in the collapse of the old liberal Republican vanguard that played a leading role in Mass politics. The old Ivy leaguers in the suburbs just couldn't support the war and the administration that was trying to get out gracefully. Watergate finished off the Elliot Richardson wing out here, but there was trouble long before that. Actually, this was part of the reversal of roles, where a lot of ‘Reagan Democrats’ voted Republican for a couple of years as Hub Blog notes. On the other hand, that last Reagan win in Massachusetts was 20 years ago... and this is the state that's legalizing gay marriage.
“So I respectfully submit: not only is Massachusetts more liberal than when we voted for Reagan 20 years ago -- Massachusetts is more liberal today than in 1972 when we voted for McGovern!”
Hub Blog’s response: See above post and response for part of my answer. Also keep in mind the dwindling number of people who now call themselves Democrats or Republicans in Massachusetts. The majority of voters are now Independents, whom I’d generally describe as conservative on fiscal matters, liberal on social issues. There are a lot of business folks who have moved into Massachusetts in recent decades (high-tech, mutual funds etc.) who have offset the ‘70s academic tilt. ...
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Goodness: Kerry actually might do it. ... But did he shoot all the twitching wounded? Edwards is still alive as a result of S.C. ... Deano: twitching no more.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
‘A renaissance for a city of Brahmins and beans,’ Part II: Adam is all over the CSM article posted below, with an excellent fisking that makes my post look Little League in comparison. ... E.J. Dionne Jr. hits a delicate chord when he writes: “The demonization of Massachusetts is really about the southernization of the Republican Party.” Quite true. Blue-Red states, blah, blah, blah. ... We were, after all, an Imperial Power waging a Capitalistic War of Northern Aggression way back when. (I’m still trying to figure out how the right-wing/left-wing intellectual baton hand-off successfully worked on that one ... Or was it vice versa?) ...
But E.J. seriously falters when he writes: “Indeed, Massachusetts voted for McGovern over Richard Nixon -- not so much because of the Harvard boutique but because the old factory towns such as the one where I grew up remained loyal to the party of Al Smith, Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy. In any case, why, in light of history, is voting against Nixon so dishonorable?” ...
E.J., please, in the future, force yourself to mention how said Massachusetts voters subsequently voted for Ronald Reagan in ‘80 and ‘84, starting a mere 8 years after the miracle ‘72 election. Let’s get this straight: Massachusetts voted for McGovern. Once. 32 years ago. It voted for Ron 24 years ago and 20 years ago, twice. What do the pundits remember? 32 years ago, once. ...
I’m not saying Massachusetts isn’t liberal. It is. Quite so. But it’s far more complicated and unpredictable than the national -- and local -- media portray it. ...
But E.J. seriously falters when he writes: “Indeed, Massachusetts voted for McGovern over Richard Nixon -- not so much because of the Harvard boutique but because the old factory towns such as the one where I grew up remained loyal to the party of Al Smith, Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy. In any case, why, in light of history, is voting against Nixon so dishonorable?” ...
E.J., please, in the future, force yourself to mention how said Massachusetts voters subsequently voted for Ronald Reagan in ‘80 and ‘84, starting a mere 8 years after the miracle ‘72 election. Let’s get this straight: Massachusetts voted for McGovern. Once. 32 years ago. It voted for Ron 24 years ago and 20 years ago, twice. What do the pundits remember? 32 years ago, once. ...
I’m not saying Massachusetts isn’t liberal. It is. Quite so. But it’s far more complicated and unpredictable than the national -- and local -- media portray it. ...
‘A renaissance for a city of Brahmins and beans’: Oh my God. Here’s a taste of how the national media is going to portray Boston next summer. Clichés piled on clichés. This sorry story starts off with how the city is “perceived” and then relentlessly builds on all those old perceptions/clichés: the “button-down reserve,” “self-flagellating Calvinism,” “Adamses, Emersons, and Holmes,” “cerebral neighbor of New York,” “probably has as many Unitarians as U2 acolytes," “America's royal family, the Kennedys,” etc. etc. ... The oh-so-tragic Red Sox are mentioned, but no curse of the Bambino! ... Did you know we’re bursting with pride for our “local son, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry”? ... Do you even recognize Boston in this article? ...
Someone should get hold of the media credentials list for the DNC and then send reporters and editors copies of: "Black Mass," "All Souls," “Common Ground,” “Mystic River,” etc. It'll give 'em a start on understanding Boston a bit more intelligently than the false-universe Sculling on the Charles Image some insist upon peddling. Come to think of it, someone should send book copies to the CSM newsroom in Boston, no less. ... I’ll have more on this subject as the DNC approaches.
Someone should get hold of the media credentials list for the DNC and then send reporters and editors copies of: "Black Mass," "All Souls," “Common Ground,” “Mystic River,” etc. It'll give 'em a start on understanding Boston a bit more intelligently than the false-universe Sculling on the Charles Image some insist upon peddling. Come to think of it, someone should send book copies to the CSM newsroom in Boston, no less. ... I’ll have more on this subject as the DNC approaches.
Monday, February 02, 2004
‘You're not supposed to go zip, zip, zip’: But the Pats did go zip, zip, zip for the second time in two Superbowls, ending two championship games on clutch Brady drives and clutch Adam kicks. This team is for real. ... Doesn’t appear to be any whining in Charlotte, based on the headlines (sign-in required). They deserve respect in return. That was one tough team. ... ‘The Monday after the Super Bowl should be a holiday.’ ... Over at Adam Gaffin, there’s a lot of funny posts: “At the house party I was attending in Somerville about fifteen of us huddled around the television and nervously held hands in a circle as Adam Vinatieri ...” ... I didn’t see the Janet Jackson boobies. Guess I was one of those guys chasing down the potato skins instead. ... FootballOutsiders have a quickie post-game analysis of their pre-game analysis. They’re rightly patting themselves on the back for predicting a better-than-expected Pats running game. The pre-game concerns about Adam’s kicking game were also on target, though not in the final analysis.
... Now we know these near-riot celebrations can turn deadly in Boston. Colleges can do more. Expulsions seemed to have worked last time around.
Update -- From Reader No. 1:
"Holy mackarel! Random Super Bowl thoughts:
"1. So much for the game following the expected pattern. At least I don't look as silly as Kevin (46-10) Mannix.
"2. Forgive me for entering the Cliche Zone, but it is great to root for professional athletes with mental toughness like Brady, Vinatieri, Vrabel et al.
"3. Not to rain on the parade but... while this Super Bowl is a wonderful win, nothing can compare to the 2001-2002 Cinderella story coming as it did after years of embarassment and frustration.
"4. Did the Panthers and the Colts switch uniforms in the last two games? Methinks Ty Law's price shot up during the near-calamitous 4th quarter (no way you go into next year with Asante Samuel and the Otis Smith-esque Tyrone Pooleat the corners). I'm sure Belicheck will be exhaustively analyzing next year's decision on the plane home from Houston..."
Update II -- We have full riot/boob discussion going on across Boston.
... Now we know these near-riot celebrations can turn deadly in Boston. Colleges can do more. Expulsions seemed to have worked last time around.
Update -- From Reader No. 1:
"Holy mackarel! Random Super Bowl thoughts:
"1. So much for the game following the expected pattern. At least I don't look as silly as Kevin (46-10) Mannix.
"2. Forgive me for entering the Cliche Zone, but it is great to root for professional athletes with mental toughness like Brady, Vinatieri, Vrabel et al.
"3. Not to rain on the parade but... while this Super Bowl is a wonderful win, nothing can compare to the 2001-2002 Cinderella story coming as it did after years of embarassment and frustration.
"4. Did the Panthers and the Colts switch uniforms in the last two games? Methinks Ty Law's price shot up during the near-calamitous 4th quarter (no way you go into next year with Asante Samuel and the Otis Smith-esque Tyrone Pooleat the corners). I'm sure Belicheck will be exhaustively analyzing next year's decision on the plane home from Houston..."
Update II -- We have full riot/boob discussion going on across Boston.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
'What's truly pathetic is ... ': Reader No. 1 has a Superbowl nomination for best original story today after weeks of hype:
"What's truly pathetic is that Shaughnessy might be above the fold tomorrow. Has he figured that if he's conventional/dull enough, the bosses at the NYT will come a-callin'? As they say on WEEI, how's that working out for him?
"On the other hand, the same Boston Globe that keeps Dan before us also brought us this helpful article on the Man Who Would Be James. Going to the source, this is my first candidate for an original article about today's game.
"Admittedly it's pretty long and you probably have to show advanced signs of NFL-obsessiveness to make it through (such as subscribing to DirecTV for the NFL Sunday Ticket, and actually watching the 'Heidi Game' replay on NFL Channel -- you can probably tell that I too suffer from this condition.)
"Pick: 22-13 Pats. I can't decide whether it will be 1 touchdown and 5 field goals or, potentially, 2 TDs, 2 FGs and a safety. Teddy Bruschi or Richard Seymour is the MVP... "
FYI -- Gotta admit, that's a pretty interesting article and web site.
"What's truly pathetic is that Shaughnessy might be above the fold tomorrow. Has he figured that if he's conventional/dull enough, the bosses at the NYT will come a-callin'? As they say on WEEI, how's that working out for him?
"On the other hand, the same Boston Globe that keeps Dan before us also brought us this helpful article on the Man Who Would Be James. Going to the source, this is my first candidate for an original article about today's game.
"Admittedly it's pretty long and you probably have to show advanced signs of NFL-obsessiveness to make it through (such as subscribing to DirecTV for the NFL Sunday Ticket, and actually watching the 'Heidi Game' replay on NFL Channel -- you can probably tell that I too suffer from this condition.)
"Pick: 22-13 Pats. I can't decide whether it will be 1 touchdown and 5 field goals or, potentially, 2 TDs, 2 FGs and a safety. Teddy Bruschi or Richard Seymour is the MVP... "
FYI -- Gotta admit, that's a pretty interesting article and web site.
Superstitious pessimism takes hold: Can anyone send me a link to a truly original article about today’s game after two weeks of hype and some of the sorriest articles I’ve ever read (link via Adam Gaffin)? I defy you to do so. Rule: Article must appear in one of today’s newspapers. Any newspaper. ... I tuned out reading about the Superbowl about, oh, 72 hours after the AFL Championship game. OK, that’s not true. I did enjoy this article about Boston’s bookies getting their clocks cleaned all season. ... The only thing to report is that my pessimism has returned. I have bad vibes about today’s Superbowl. But that’s good. I’ve been pessimistic every single game since early October.
