William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Beano Watch 10.01.2008

2008-10-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

I meant to post this Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) before Saturday's game, but life happens.

Brett (Happy Valley): Penn State 5-0 heading into the next five games, four of which are away. How do you see this stretch shaking down? Lack of any impressiveness from Wisconsin and Ohio State has me feeling good about our chances...

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:09 PM ET ) I see Penn State even money to play for the national title.

*cringe*

Matt (Duncannon, PA): Should Daryll Clark be considered a Heisman candidate?

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:13 PM ET ) See me at the end of October. The answer is a possible yes.

In September 1997, Beano suggested Mike McQueary might be a Heisman candidate.

Craig (PA): Beano, you called Penn State's first four opponents cupcakes. Care to change your statement based on Oregon State's big win (who PSU trounced)?

SportsNation Beano Cook: The point is, they were cupcakes going in. You have cupcakes every year. Joe Paterno doesn't play many tough non-league games. The Nittany Lions do play Alabama in 2010, but at the time it was scheduled Mike Shula was the head coach, not Nick Saban.

Oregon State wasn't a cupcake until they showed up and played so poorly. Then they beat USC and looked a lot better, before looking like a cupcake in the loss last week. O and about Alabama...

Jason (Birmingham): Incorrect on the PSU/Bama scheduling. It was originally scheduled before Shula and Mal Moore asked for the game to be moved from previous date which would have been under Shula. Maybe PSU should schedule Pitt, that would be a thriller.

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:44 PM ET ) Thank you.

See, Beano get your facts straight. Why would Temple West be a thriller though?

Matt (Jupiter, FL): If PSU wins the national title, will JOEPA retire?

SportsNation Beano Cook: I said before the 2007 season that Paterno's last season could be 2008. If he wins the national title, yes. Until proven otherwise I am not going to make any more predictions on that topic.

That is probably wise Beano.

Penn State Football Story: Purdue game

2008-10-06T09:30:00.000-04:00

Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football

Hey comrades!

2008-10-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

Joe McCain Says Inner Suburbs Are "Communist" - The Post
A presidential candidate's brother says I live in a communist city and used to live in a communist county. That must be why property taxes are the lowest in the region in my new home. I could not afford to buy a house in my previous municipality, but I hear that they lowered property taxes too (We Love DC).

The candidate's brother apologized. The worst part about all of this is some McCain campaigners stopped by yesterday and I had not heard the news yet. Oh that would have been fun.

Joe McCain, Communism, Arlington, Alexandria, Virginia

Not that I need an excuse to go to Union Station

2008-10-03T12:10:00.000-04:00

This weekend is the 100th anniversary celebration of Union Station. For some reason, the Union Station Web site does not mention this, but an AP/USA Today article does. Some details:

The centennial celebration is Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. The free event will feature an exhibit of historic locomotives and passenger cars from the heyday of rail travel, as well as modern Amtrak equipment. Visitors will be able to walk through the cars and even buy souvenir stamps inside an old railway post office car. Archival photos of the station will also be on display.

My parents took us to the reopening 20 years too. I love Union Station; it is probably my favorite building in the District. The National Cathedral probably places second.

Washington, DC, Union Station

Penn State vs. Purdue prediction

2008-10-03T08:15:00.001-04:00

Let's see Penn State had a fairly big game last week, at home under the lights vs. a ranked Illinois team. A week from this Saturday they head to Wisconsin for another night game. Tomorrow's game (ESPN, 12 p.m.) is also on the road -- a noon kickoff with Purdue. Based on these factors, a sluggish start by Penn State is a strong possibility if not a mortal lock. That being said, I don't think we have to worry, even if the first quarter ends with Penn State trailing. Purdue has not beaten anybody outside of their directional schedule and made Notre Dame look pretty good last week. They cannot stop the run either. My gut says a 10-point Penn State win, but my head says a bigger margin of victory. Let's say 41-21 Penn State.

Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football

R.I.P. Eddie Brinkman

2008-10-03T05:24:00.002-04:00

Eddie Brinkman, 66; Senators Shortstop - The Post
Another former Seantor has died. Eddie Brinkman was a no-hit, good fielding shortstop for most of the expansion Senators tenure in Washington. He was 66.

Washington Senators, Nats, Eddie Brinkman

Blue White Roundtable: On the Road for the first time

2008-10-02T21:06:00.002-04:00

Zombie Nation submitted the questions this week.

1. Name one unit-to-unit match up Penn State must win Saturday. How
does PSU win that battle?

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for Penn State to win the battle of kick-holding. So few people realize that how well a team holds the ball for field goal and PATs is decides 96% of college football games.

The offesnive line battle is also pretty important I understand. I think Penn State wins it easily.

2. This trip to Purdue is setting up to be a classic trap game. Do you
agree? Why or why not?

I absolutely agree that this is a trap game. Sandwich between a big night game (which is it just me, shouldn't have been quite the big deal it was given that it was only September?) and an upcoming big game on the road, Penn State will probably be looking ahead. Actually, they will probably be looking ahead at some point, as this is a noon kickoff and they will still be looking behind at the start.

3. Purdue will be doing a "Black Out" this week. Putting aside that
it's going to raise money for charity (each shirt sold sends money to
United Way), what are your feelings on other schools organizing
"[insert color here] Outs?"

I think color outs are not as big a deal as everyone makes them out to be. Are football players really intimidated when the see everyone wearing the same color? I guess it pumps the players up a bit. Before we get too proud, let's note that some teams like Nebraska and hockey's Washington Capitals get monochromatic in the stands without getting free t-shirts.

Lightening Round.

Royster over 100 yards?

Yes.

Curtis Painter throws first TD ever vs. PSU?

Yes.
Pat Devlin gets meaningful playing time?

No, unless Clark gets hurt. Have you noticed the "PLAY DEVLIN" chatter has calmed down a little bit?

The rest of the roundtable

There is No Name on My Jersey
Tangled Up in
White and Blue
Happy Hour Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation

Penn State, Nittany Lions, Illinois

JoePa presser, Butler on backpage

2008-10-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

Here is the Intercollegiate Athletics transcript of Joe Paterno's press conference yesterday. This CDT story and FightOnState.com story have links to the audio.

Woodbridge native Deon Butler is on the back page of the Philly Daily News today. During the summer he interned with the Philadelphia Police Department.

Beano is chatting at 3 p.m.

Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football

Nats chat 10.01.2008

2008-10-01T12:05:00.002-04:00

Washington Nationals - The Post
"Washington Post Nationals beat writer Chico Harlan will be online Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions and comments about the Washington Nationals."

I think The. Wash Times beat writer chats have probably ended for the season.

Washington Nationals, Nats

For the most part, I agree the coaching staff shake-up

2008-10-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

All the Nats coaches except Randy St. Claire got canned on Sunday (nationals.com). I think Pat Corrales probably should been kept around, but the others needed to go. I am also pleased that the strength and conditioning coordinator will be replaced. I have no opinion on the video coordinator.

The big problem is that Manny Acta is not the one making these decisions. A manager should get to pick his own staff, not the GM. His contract could be up next year and if I were him, I would not sign another one without the authority to name his own staff.

Washington Nationals, Nats

R.I.P. Olsson's

2008-10-01T06:45:00.000-04:00

Olsson's bookstores officially closed for good today. I bought quite a few books at Olsson's over the years and enjoyed several booksignings there too. They will be missed. I really need to see if I have the Olsson's Kermit the Frog "Read" shirt.

Overridden With Debt, Olsson's Ends Long Run - The Post
Olsson's Books And the Tomes Of Our Lives - The Post

PREVIOUSLY: Wither Olsson's

Olsson's, bookstore, bankruptcy, dc

Belated Beano Watch: 09.24.2008

2008-09-30T12:29:00.003-04:00

Is Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) jinxing Penn State and Joe Paterno already?

Alex (Allentown, PA): You mentioned Penn State as a team on the rise and a 2009 National Championship Contender. How do you believe this affects Joe Paterno's status considering he is in the last year of his contract? Does he decide when he leaves?

SportsNation Beano Cook: I think he will be back next year, I did not think that two years ago, and predicted 2008 would be it a few years back. Penn State could make a run this year given the Big Ten. I feel Penn State or Wisconsin will win the Big Ten. I am not writing off Ohio State, I am just making a prediction. I can't pick every team.

Of course, this was before Wisconsin lost to Michigan, but still Beano on the Penn State bandwagon is a scary thing.

Penn State, Nittany Lions, Beano Cook

Loverro on when it went wrong

2008-09-30T12:19:00.003-04:00

Thom Loverro: Nats return to scene of the (original) crime - The Wash. Times
While I try to figure out how and more importantly when to write about the state of the Nationals, check out this column from yesterday about when it all went bad for the Nats -- game 4 in Philadelphia. Oddly enough, my favorite scapegoat for that game and thus the season, Jesus Colome is not mentioned.

Oh and apparently, Emilio Garcia-Ruiz forgot what city The Post as in The Washington Post is in. The sports editor did not run any Nats stories while Baltimore's team was covered. Here's a hint of what to do tomorrow -- run this Chico Harlan Q&A with Manny Acta from the Nationals Journal blog.

Washington Nationals, Nats

Music Tuesday: I Won't Back Down

2008-09-30T10:15:00.001-04:00

Oh yeah, Tom Petty, half the Beatles, and Jeff Lynne. Not a bad lineup and you have to figure this led to the Traveling Wilburys.

Another Bourbon Trail article

2008-09-30T08:05:00.001-04:00

Driven to Drink in Kentucky - The Post
I really need to do this someday. Like I said, Sideways II. Come on Ombudsman, you've even got the convertible.

Bourbon Trail, Kentucky

Penn State Football Story: Illinois game

2008-09-29T12:15:00.001-04:00

This is the most I have seen of the game since ESPN and/or Comcast conspired to keep me and my family and friends from watching the game. If ESPN did this to you to, you can call them at 860.766.2236.

Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football

The power structure within the Washington Nationals

2008-09-29T08:30:00.001-04:00

After reading yet another article (The Post) on how tough it is being Stan Kasten, I decided to diagram the hierarchy of power within the Nationals franchise

The Lerners

|
V

Jim Bowden

|
V

Stan Kasten

|
V
Manny Acta

There is much to write about now that the season, a 59-102 one -- the worst in MLB, is over.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Stan Kasten, Jim Bowden

ESPN Gameplan NOT working!

2008-09-27T20:22:00.002-04:00

For the second week in a row, I'm not seeing the game. Apparently, ESPN is having trouble delivering the GamePlan feed to Comcast in Alexandria.

ESPN, Gameplan, Comcast

R.I.P. Mickey Vernon

2008-09-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

Mickey Vernon; Smooth Fielder, Hot Hitter for Senators - The Post
Mickey Vernon was one of the most popular D.C. baseball players ever and probably the best first baseman. He died this week. I don't know if this was acknowledged at Nationals Park as his death may not have been known until after the home season ended. Given that he was from outside of Philly, I wonder if there was a moment of silence for him at Citizen's Bank Park last night. Vernon was also the original manager of the expansion Senators too.

There is also a good write-up on Post-Mortem, the blog about the end of the story.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Mickey Vernon

Nats lose 100th, I lose bet

2008-09-27T06:37:00.002-04:00

Last night's 8-4 loss in Philadelphia set extended a new record for futility for the Naitonals and brought Washington its first 100-loss season in about 40 years. It also clinched, for the second season in a row, the Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge for my opponent -- Cliff. Congratulations to him. When are you going to come and redeem your half-smoke, Cliff?

Nationals Get Lost In All the Excitement - The Post
Nats secure history with 100th loss - The Wash. Times

Washington Nationals, Nats, Phillies, 100th loss

Oh, man they are not this bad

2008-09-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

Nationals Not Sure How They Got Run - The Onion

Washington Nationals, Nats, The Onion

Penn State vs. Illinois prediction

2008-09-26T12:09:00.002-04:00

The first "test" of the season is theoretically tomorrow night under the lights of a "Penn State White Out" which is of course completely different than a "White Out." (USA Today) Remember last year Illinois won 27-20 in Campaign on a day when Anthony Morelli had something like three turnovers inside the 20. Penn State's offense is much better this year, though the defense is not it would seem. Illinois offense misses Rashard Mendenhall and QB Juice Williams still lacks consistency. I expect something of a shootout in the first half, but expect the game to settle down in the second with Penn State taking over via the ground game.

Penn State 40 Illinois 24

What do you think?

Penn State's noncon schedule just got a lot better

2008-09-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

Oregon State Shocks Top-Ranked USC, 27-21 - ESPN
Yay! USC's annual egg-laying came against a team Penn State crushed earlier this month.

USC, Oregon State

Boswell on the lost Nats season

2008-09-26T06:18:00.003-04:00

THOMAS BOSWELL - Nats Are in Danger of Losing More Than Just Games - The Post
Bos spends the first part of the column writing about the failure of this season but then tries to look at the bright side in the second half. Stan Kasten quoted throughout. Is he really going to stay?

Last night's home finale was rained out. The Nats head to Philly to finish the season, needing to sweep in order for a tie in the Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge.

Washington Nationals, Nats

Blue White Roundtable: Another orange team?

2008-09-25T12:05:00.002-04:00

*warning - painfully obvious question alert* Penn State gets its first �real� test this weekend facing a ranked opponent when the Fighting [None-Offensive-Mascot]s come to town. Gaze into your crystal ball and give us a short description on how Saturday night�s events will unfold. Or if you�re lazy just fire up NCAA 2009 and tell us what the Xbox thinks.

I think the game is a bit of a shootout for a quarter or so, before Penn State settles down, starts stopping Illinois and runs the ball an awful lot. The student section will not be full at the start of the fourth quarter (or the first in all likelihood).

Saturday�s game is on the big stage at 8:00 with most of the football world watching. It�s a white out and Penn State is favored by two scores (as of Monday). Is this a lose-lose situation (the only way they could look good is by winning big) for Penn State or golden opportunity to show the world what the Spread HD is all about?

Apparently, it won't be my part of the football world as Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska takes precedence in the D.C. TV market which means *grumble, grumble* I have to get GamePlan. Anyway, I don't see it being lose-lose. An ugly win in September is forgotten in November.

Now that all the fluff questions are out of the way do Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma get significant playing time?

Well, they will not start, that much is certain. The better Penn State does, the more I expect them to play.

Lightening Round

Back in 2007, Illinois Basketball fans made my skull crack open in rage slightly angered me when they befouled the statue of Joe Paterno. Do you hate the Illini like me or not so much?

I don�t hate Illinois like you do, but maybe I should. Their program has been an afterthought all but about two seasons since Penn State joined the Big11Ten.

It�s a night game please quantify the amount of alcohol you will consume before gametime (if you don�t drink please quantify the amount of fatty foods you will eat).

Quantify? Quantity is vastly overrated � quality is the important part. I may have a serving prior to or during the game and ideally a bourbon to toast victory with following the game. The fatty foods will probably be limited to a couple of Nittany Lion franks soaked in beer and some sort of fried potato product. Granted, if I were at the game tailgating instead of watching from my couch, the quantity would be a little higher.

Put it on the line � final score: Check back tomorrow! Penn State wins though.

There is No Name on My Jersey
Tangled Up in
White and Blue
Happy Hour Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation

Penn State, Nittany Lions, Illinois