DECEMBER 14 2007 UPDATE
COMMITMENTS
Sorcerer
Gold-Phil New Commitments
Hannah Williams -'09 pitcher, to Fresno St. University
(Committed following two seasons with O.C.Batbusters).
Alex Robben - '10 1B/OF to U.C. Berkeley.
California Cruiser, Michelle Takeda (2008) OF joins teammate Vangie Galindo also
a 2008 OF in commiting to the University of Maryland,
Judy Betz,
2009 Graduate ,The Ashburn Shooting Stars 18U RHP has made a verbal commitment
to Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.
NEW JERSEY
BREAKERS GOLD HOUSTON
2008 C/ KELI
GAYNOR VERBALS TO UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
JENNIE FINCH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_de3HJvO-N8
Is it harder to hit a softball – or a baseball?
A Youtube link
earlier today features a video of Jennie Finch claiming that hitting a softball
is harder than hitting a baseball. It's a clip of a TV Program that's a little
over 7 min long that feature scientists at Wayne State University
trying to figure out if it is true or not. I read through many of the blogs;
needless to say, softball people agreed with Jennie who has struck out many
baseball players in previous demos.
ISF NEWS
BEIJING
PREPARATIONS CONTINUE
In eight months the Olympic Softball competition will be underway in Beijing,
China. The International Softball Federation, as a result, is continuing
preparations for the women’s fast pitch event. Presently, ISF Director of
Competition Laurie Gouthro is in Beijing, where the homologation test has been
taking place this week for the Olympic Results Information System. And, the ISF
has named Michael Hannelly of Australia as the Chief Scorer for next August’s
Olympic tournament. SPY NOTE: the wire services are reporting that the
Chinese are conducting new tests of air quality.
YOUR GOVERNMENT AT WORK
The Democratic-controlled Congress may set a record – the
number of bills passed by either House in ratio to the number which have become
law. Speaker Pelosi blames the liberal Senate, but Majority Leader Reid blames
Pelosi’s “iron rule” and disposition to passing “feel good” legislation which
she knows has no chance of Senate passage. Even such Pelosi stalwarts as Ways
and Means chairman Charles Rangel is complaining about the House failure to come
to realistic approaches to major problems. Sadly, the intramural bickering has
in fact sidelined many important issues like immigration reform.
To be sure, lawmakers were quick to seize on a headline
issue which diverts attention away from their own foibles. As early as next
Tuesday, Reps. Waxman and Davis plan to hold hearings on “the scandal” in Major
League Baseball.
To prevent President Bush from making recess appointments –
which are allowed only when Congress is not in session – Reid refuses to adjourn
for the year. He will keep the Senate in session between Christmas and New
Year. Well, not really. He will have a freshman Senator like Jim Webb show up
twice a week, bang the gavel and declare that the empty chamber is in session.
Lacking a quorum, he will then close the session.
Congress is a fickle lover. Just weeks ago, Members
virtually stood in line to praise the work of the Inspector General, who has
been cracking down on fraud in contracting for services etc in Iraq. But, now,
Congress has been given a report on the IG’s office management. Seems several
top aides have been paid more than $100,000 this year – in overtime compensation
– often doubling their salary. One diligent public servant chalked up enough
hours to earn more than $300,000. Congress did the math: he allegedly squeezed
an additional 30 weeks of overtime into a 52 week calendar.
Congress began the session with Pelosi and House majority
leader Hoyer promising to crackdown on pork barrel politics known as earmarks.
Hoyer advanced legislation this week to self-applause, while he quietly added
$90 million in earmarks for his district. The earmark champion is the earnest
Bush critic from Pennsylvania – John Murtha. Of course, Pelosi has the Air
Force fly her home to San Francisco – on a 737 jet which nominally would seat
185 people.
Nothing really changed; the guiding principal on the Hill
is still self-interest.
POTPOURRI
Ten Bears. Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a
Sioux Indian, who died this week, was an Indian actor, singer, songwriter and
advocate. He made his big screen debut in the movie
Renegades (1989) and is best remembered
for his role as elder/leader Ten Bear in
Dances with Wolves (1990).
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His songs like
"Custer Died For Your Sins" and "BIA Blues" have helped spread the
American Indian Movement's message throughout the world. He has had
featured roles in
"Northern Exposure" (1990),
"L.A. Law" (1986), and many
other television series and movies. He performed with countless
musicians including
Willie Nelson,
Bonnie Raitt and
Don Henley in large benefit
concerts for Indian self-determination, human rights and environmental
protection. He toured the world with Sting to publicize the plight of
the Rainforest People who are dying along with the Rainforests and, as
caretakers, must be protected if the rain forests are to go on providing
for all life on Earth. Red Crow was an ambassador of good will
representing the International Indian Treaty Council from the time of
its inception.
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Advice to the Florida couple who were pulled out of
the Atlantic after their plane crashed – the second time they’ve flown into the
drink in a reported 17 years: get acquainted with Greyhound.
When you really need a lightning bolt from heaven.
The Hollywood press reports that pop tart Brittney Spears is in negotiation with
with a producer and director about a musical version of the Nativity story –
starring herself as the Virgin Mary. Would add a whole new definition to
blasphemy. Ingrid Bergman was censured by Congress for having Roberto
Rossellini’s illegitimate child. Maybe Brit could be cast in a remake of
Saint Joan but this time light a real fire.
A full service condo. New project going up out our
way has residents for sale above the first floor business district. Swimming
pool on the roof; tennis out back. Pharmacy down on the ground floor. If the
drugs don’t work, a funeral home has leased downstairs. The jokes about
underground novelties are endless.
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