Nats commentator fired for Strasburg comments

Washington Nationals color commentator Rob Dibble was fired by the Nats for some comments he made the day that (hopefully) future all star Stephen Strasburg tore his elbow up so bad that he's going to need Tommy John surgery.  Dibbles comments:

"OK, you throw a pitch, it bothers your arm, and you immediately call out the manager and the trainer? Suck it up, kid. This is your profession. You chose to be a baseball player. You can't have the cavalry come in and save your butt every time you feel a little stiff shoulder, sore elbow. ... Stop crying, go out there and pitch. Period." 

Obviously, he put his foot in his mouth.  He made these comments before he knew the extent of the injury.  


I liked Rob Dibble.  The Nats have had some pretty horrible color commentators courtesy of MASN.  The first I can remember was in 2006: Tom Paciorek.  It seemed he didn't know much about baseball, and he definitely didn't add anything to the show.  Next came greaseballer Don Sutton.  He knew a whole lot about pitching and provided good commentary, but he was an ass and completely unlikable.  Dibble on the other hand, was a likable ass and one of the few reasons to watch a Nats game.  He will be sorely missed by me.  Apparently I'm not alone.

Newsweek commentary on Israeli Settlements

There is a new opinion piece in Newsweek about how to sell the American public on Israeli settlements. To me, this seems to be a completely inappropriate article for Newsweek.

Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories have been ruled as illegal by international organizations, and they are one of the main reasons why Israel continues to be perceived badly in the world at large.

Israeli settlements are similar to Iranian nuclear weapons: both are unacceptable, and trying to "sell" the American public on them should not be a published stratetgy in a news magazine.

On the eve of MJ's funeral, take a trip back in time

On the eve of Michael Jackson's funeral, I read some of the old reviews of Thriller, before anyone knew it would be the number one selling album of all-time. Rolling Stone said that Thriller "may not be Michael Jackson's 1999, but it's a gorgeous, snappy step in the right direction."

Another review really stuck out: the New York Times' review of Thriller. This review, which was written just shortly after my birth, I felt as though I was teleported to an entirely different era, which it was. The reviewer seems amused that "white" radio stations play this music. In closing, we are left with...

"Best of all, with a pervasive confidence infusing the album as a whole, ''Thriller'' suggests that Mr. Jackson's evolution as an artist is far from finished. He is, after all, only 24 years old."

The Iranian Election

Many are reporting that something strange happened during and immediately following the Iranian election. It seems very possible that the ruling party will remain in power, against the rule of the people. But with the blocking of most information services, it is difficult to know what's going on. And CNN, Fox, etc, are asleep at the wheel and not reporting on this. Thankfully, the BBC has some good coverage.

Will this be another orange revolution?

Did Bill O'Reilly instigate a murder?

We'll probably never know for sure, and even if he did, it is protected speech, but a doctor who Bill O'Reilly repeatedly attacked on his show was gunned down, at church, likely by a very religious person.

As Andrew Sullivan correctly points out in the link above, this is Christian terrorism, which is just as bad as Islamic terrorism.

Ed Henry is a moron

CNN's Ed Henry is a moron.  He is complaining about the answer President Obama gave to his question regarding the outrage over AIG.  

Henry asked why it took a while for the White House to complain about AIG. 

The President responded: "Because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak."

This is something that George W. Bush (and many prominent politicians) generally fail to do.  It is a good response to the question.  I want a president who does not just blurt out whatever is on his mind, like some raving lunatic (Rush Limbaugh?) when a difficult situation presents itself.

Murdoch's Embarrassment

Rupert Murdoch, owner of all things Fox, is apparently embarrassed by Fox News, especially Mr. O'Reilly.  In a new biography, in which the author was given a good deal of access to the media mogul, such things are coming to light.  He even would like to sell Fox News, but the Republican Party doesn't have enough money left over.  :-) 

Rachel Maddow gets her own show on MSNBC

Rachel Maddow, usually the guest host of Countdown when Keith is out, is getting her own show. Should be interesting. Although she is completely to the left on everything, her opinions are pretty interesting at times. I also cannot remember an openly gay host on any network.

She also frequently chats with Pat Buchanan, I hope that he is a frequent guest on her show. It could turn into a Hannity & Colmes type of show in that case, except a bit more balanced since Colmes is a weenie.

And she's replacing a horrible show, the Verdict with Dan Abrams.

Fair and Balanced on Georgia?

Watch the video and decide for yourself.  To me, it seems that Fox News freaked out when the 12 year old girl they were interviewing thanked the Russian troops for rescuing her from the Georgian military.

Inside the NFL: RIP

The best sports show on TV has just been axed by HBO.  Inside the NFL, a sports show that has run for 31 consecutive seasons, making it one of the longest running television programs in history, has been cancelled by HBO.  Hosts Bob Costas, Chris Collinsworth, Dan Marino and Chris Carter will have to find work elsewhere on Wednesdays during the season.

As Costas said during the show, this is a "bonehead decision" by HBO.  The NFL has never been more popular and many people I know look forward to Wednesdays to watch the best highlights and best analysis available for football.  Weekly segments with Peter King and other interesting interviews round out the best show on football.

Thus, after many years of subscribing to HBO, I will end my subscription with the conclusion of The Wire, the only other show I watch.  Maybe HBO will change course and come back strong, but this is not likely the case for several years with the shit they put on now.

I will miss INFL and hope that many others will too.