~ TheOldBarbershop ~: "Change" As Usual ...

"TheOldBarbershop" - created along the lines of the old barbershops, same but different, where folks would gather to visit with friends - share life experiences - tall tales - or maybe discuss politics, religion, sports, news, weather, current affairs or just about anything interesting or imaginable

- "the free right to unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion" - characters with character preferred ... "the only barbershop in the civilized world with such a veritable smorgasbord of divers and sundry features, all perpetrated by the most incomparable and sapient, albeit infamous, conglomeration of colorful characters ever assembled" ... with a little help from the misadventures of our friends in Washington, the Media, Major League Baseball, and the Atlanta Braves.

We thought it might be good to tell folks a bit about the old barbershop, its history and its barbers ... somehow I got elected ... that's another way of saying that the Southern Jackass is a whole bunch bigger than me!Miss Carol says I'm an old rambling wreck from Georgia Tech ... and all four are true, but I ain't no engineer! It ain't by intent that I ramble but as you'll see, it takes me four pages to write what others do in less than one ... advance sincere apologies! If you've read our story then welcome back! If not ... you don't know what you been missing ... Oh Boy! Please take a moment and find out why we call it Plato's Place!

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hello all

The Old Barbershop, circa 300 b.c. ... its first proprietor was also the founder of the Democratic Party though I understand he didn't attend this year's convention, some say it was due to gas prices but, I don't think he was invited ... nice fellow by the name of Democritus, though his shop didn't really start out having no name. Methinks you'll recognize the names of some the lead barbers during those early days: Anaxagoras, Empedocles, Parmenides, Xenophanes, and Socrates. Plato watched Socrates who taught him everything he knew about cutting hair ... turned the shop over to Plato and went fishing with Isaac Newton. Plato designed a complete set of new bowls ... of different sizes and shapes, and some high quality cutting tools too ... truly an advancement in the technology of the day ... and, man could he cut hair ... that was in about 387 b.c., based on some of his manuscripts recently sold on EBAY, that were so dated. He got so famous that the shop became known as Plato's Place, and the lead barbers that followed were famous too ... Speusippus, Xenocrates, Polemon, Crates, and Crantor ... every one a member of the Barbering School Hall of Fame. Plato's Braves

That's right, Plato's Place was a barbering school ... that's why some folks called it Plato's Academy ... he set the standard for barbershops ... they even had music for the barbers and patrons to listen to ... they talked about most anything and everything, including the Athens' Braves ... free candy and grapes too, same as us ... only different. Aristotle was a long time patron, cut a good head of hair, and made the hall too, but was never the Place's lead barber. Arcesilaus bought out Plato's Place in 265 b.c. ... remodeled and renamed it "The New Barbershop" ... ever since then, folks have referred to Plato's Place as "The Old Barbershop" ... it was before my time but folks say Plato hung a sign over the door to his Place ... "No free Hair Cuts" ... no, methinks that was something Polonius said to Laertes ... Plato's sign supposedly read "Let no one who cannot think geometrically enter". We looked for that sign all over the shop ... even under the floor and in the attic ... never did find it ... but, back in the Back Room under all the trash was a battered old sign ... so caked with dirt and crud that you couldn't even tell it was a sign ... not until we used some ST37 to clean it up ... "No Free Hair Cuts" ... it's true! we checked the county records and they show that Laertes owned the old barbershop long before we bought it. Dang! Double Dang!! Well that's a mighty valuable artifact ... and it would be neat to use it, but the Southern Jackass(SJA) thought it best that we hone our skills and get more patrons before adopting such a rule. Most folks would've been satisfied but finding that old sign really piqued my interest and I renewed the search for other treasures ... more money in finding such things than in barbering, methinks ... and besides, no folks to get mad when you snip off a piece of their ear. I finally found what I was looking for ... that's right, the ancient old sign that Plato hung up in the shop, back when it first opened ... "never give up" ... no, that's what I say, not the sign ... the sign reads "Let no unfair or unjust person enter" ... well, that's not exactly what folks thought it said ... but it was Greek to them so they didn't really know. old barber

Yes, I misuse and abuse this language I love ... sometimes even intentionally ... but, we must first laugh at outselves if we are to laugh with others ... and even were that not the case, folks usually see and hear what they expect and/or desire. Where am I headed? ... only TheShadow

The ShadowThe Shadow knows for sure, and he hasn't told me a thing ... there may be some misdirection for effect, but chances are it'll simply be me getting my bearings and changing course ... gee, haw, mush, whoa! We in the old barbershop like both Grand Opera and the Grand Ole Opry ... ain't much difference ... good barbershop too! Oops, almost forgot ... here in the new old barbershop, you have to stay alert ... else, no telling what you're liable to miss! We, especially me, like to embed hidden polls, audio, and video ... other stuff too! Them poles is pretty easy to spot ... you'll know when you see one ... just remember to toggle the pole to open and close. Whenever you see words in blue, likely as not there's an audio, video, or something else hidden behind it ... a single click is all it takes, well sometimes two. Speaking of getting your bearings and changing course ... you see where it says pages followed by them numbers in purple boxes ... I sometimes use multiple pages and this is just page one! Luckily for you, I'm the only one what does ...

Sometimes I think all great thoughts have done been thunk ... and all great deeds done been did ...Methinks it's as easy to become victimized by an overwhelming sense of irrelevance as it is by an unwarranted sense of relevance or self-importance ... I'm not sure which claims more victims, but there are a whole bunch of us that have tasted both ... that's for sure! ... Seems the old barbershop is all about history ... Our old friend the Christmas Stealer writes about it ... The "Weed's" dad teaches it ... Miss Carol studied it and we're all living it, whether or not we so realize. And, from a baseball perspective, for the last three years, come the All Star break, the Braves were it ... history. What we are, we are ... what we've been is history ... what we're going to be ... and do ... is history waiting to be written. As a result of what is, it's anticipated that changes are in store for the Braves ... we've already had some ... and more are yet to come, or so methinks ... ... and yes, for the old barbershop too! Dang, Double Dang! Oh the humanity!! ... There's nothing wrong with the Braves!! We can win it all, mostly with what we've got ... it's not a matter of money ... the talent hasn't disappeared ... it's the heart, soul, leadership and those things above the neck that may need fixing! We're still on the outside looking in ... but, close your eyes, use your ken ... there's nothing wrong with your vision, the picture's crystal clear ... No, I don't think this is going to be about baseball ... maybe, but rather what we've been ... what we are ... and what we can or will be. Mama always said ... and Daddy agreed ... first impressions are important, only in that they're hard to overcome ... and Daddy emphasized that it may take a man some time to establish his good reputation ... but only a moment to destroy it! Many of us can attest to the validity of that ... including me, Bobby Cox and the Braves methinks ... at least one or two Understood perhaps by few, and rejected by those who are victims of an unwarranted sense of self, is that we ourselves are the ones most responsible for the perceptions held of us by others ... Why all this talk about baseball and the Atlanta Braves here in the old barbershop? The answer is simple ... history! Jimmy Smith (JJS), The Southern Jackass (SJA) and I first "met" on a baseball blog sponsored by a "fishwrap" known as the "Atlanta Journal & Constitution" or the "AJC" ... yes, and young Matthew too. Miss Carol and I met long ago, back when Plato was still running the Shop, methinks I was intrigued by that blog ... well, to be honest, mostly it was this poor, befuddling Africian journalist from Uganda who seemed to be preoccupied with toes and their relevance to baseball performance. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed for him ... but, he had his tiger by the toe and wasn't about to let go, I thought. Because of my friendship with others from East Africa, I was aware of some of the many cultural differences, including their thinking and manner of self expression ... though I must admit that his were unique. While my experiences with them had never involved baseball ... soccer, a game of the feet, was a different story ... and of course, they were all into walking, running and bicycling. It did help explain his preoccupation with toes, I thought ... In spite of his awkwardness; his strange third person and lowercase manner of self expression ... for some reason I found him rather humorous and insightful. It wasn't until some time later that I found out that all that was but a sham ... there was no Jimmy Smith, Ugandan journalist ... that was just a character he made up to fool folks, like the screen masks the others wore, only different! His real name is James Jeffery Smith, born right there in Georgia, same as me ... his grandfather had brought his family over from Uganda back in 1941 as things were heating up in North Africa, settling in Cordele. All this knowledge he had about Africa came from what he was told by his daddy and granddaddy growing up ... and more recently, visits to his relatives back in Kampala. No matter what you may have heard, that's the real skinny! Regardless of the sham, or perhaps because of it, ... for better or worse, he's the real reason for my participation on the AJC's Braves' blog! Regarding the changing of perceptions held by others, Mama said "tain't easy McGee" Fibber McGee

... after the 'Fibber' ... "but, telling folks they're wrong is a knife that ain't gonna cut soft butter, much less the cake" ... Speaking of which, I can attest to that too ...

I knows that my abilities at self-expression are severely limited, and my bouts of "hoof-in-mouth" disease are infamous in some circles ... but, mine are always good intentions, at least I so rationalize, and do certainly so hope ... No, tain't easy McGee, but that's life and it's a ride that's been worth the taking, methinks ... and I'm appreciative of all who have tried to understand ... me, us and what we're about. I'm especially appreciative of the few crazies who have an understanding and appreciation of my own distorted sense of humor and what I sometimes try to seriously convey ... and all the resulting friendships ... goodness ... This isn't where I was headed ... how did I get here? ... or is it hear?

Yes, the insights, imagination and wit of James Jeffery Smith, the Ugandan journalist of Cordele (JJS) ... these are among my most favorite things. More importantly, he's my friend! Jimmy Smith

Nobody knows what Jimmy really looks like, at least until now ... he can say more with a couple of words and a picture than most of us can in two or three pages ... you'll find proof positive on the walls of the Shop and his frequent comments!

There you'll also find his ward and our favorite columnist, Baby Seal ... and his entourage of some very special friends! Like the wonderful Sarah Cannon said more often than I say "methinks" ... "Howdeeee! I'm jest so proud to be here!" with these two unbelievable talents ... and if that sounds contrived to you, then kiss my grits! No, I wouldn't wish my grits on anyone ... I don't eat 'em myself ... but, it's true, every word, give or take a lie or two!

Yes, the "Southern Jackass" was there too when I arrived ... No need to put up no picture, everybody knows what he looks like ... he's made sure of that and he's self named too ... did his best to convince folks he was what he seemed to be! Did a good job, he did ... some may wonder how it is that "SJA" received total and unequivocal acceptance from Bob, journalist ... while others did not? Have you ever pondered that? ... I'm sure some have and their conclusions would be most interesting. Could be it's because we're so much alike ... or maybe that opposites attract. I'll never tell ... but, I started calling him "The Southern Jackass, Most Honorable", almost from the beginning! I will tell you too that when he asked if I would like to help him fix this place up and maybe cut some hair, I thought he was plum crazy ... but being his friend, I couldn't rightly say no! It would have helped some had he told me that he was a master barber and the best danged wordsmith and story teller in the whole wide world! We're all unique ... it's just that the Southern Jackass and the Ugandan Journalist are so much more unique than others! It's hard to comprehend such creative genius ... but it's awfully easy to enjoy! ... For some strange reason, JJS gave me the title of "journalist" ... maybe because we took the Atlanta Journal when I was a little boy ... I thought it was a joke but it made me feel good that he did! The original Bob, journalist was far more of a character than a mask ... though that was never understood, for better or for worse, regardless of my repeated efforts to make it clear. However, my preoccupation with the importance of understanding meaning, motivation and intent rather than words was, and is, me ... like Jeffery says, what a man says is more than just a bunch of words strung together. The rumor that I psychoanalyze is ill founded too, a misconception and a joke ... indeed, it's something about which I know nothing, except that it's a big word ... but I do know the "why" is usually more important than the "what" ... as is effective use of the third eye and ear more important than the use of the other two, or is it four? Excluding those most severely victimized by an overwhelming sense of irrelevance, most of what the majority of us do is either agenda or self-interest driven. That's both good and bad depending on how well it's kept in proper perspective, or so I honestly believe ... of course I do support some agendae, oppose others ... stand up, stand up I say ... for that in which you believe ... better that than staying seated, methinks ... the King of England and taxes you know. "When you don't stand up for what you believe in ... it's much the same thing as standing up for those things you don't!" ... we didn't find no such sign but my guess is that Plato probably taught that in his barbering school. It seems to me that among those many forces deep down inside that causes the Southern Jackass to be what he is ... is a true blue, foursquare compulsion ... God didn't pass that around to everybody. For some, nay for many, friendships are a matter of convenience ... friends are but bedfellows based on agenda, and when the chips are down or adversity must be faced, those folks come up short, or at least those friendships become fractured ... not so with SJA and JJS ... They have that compulsion while most of us do not ... perhaps they do because we don't ... I believe we should, but I'm not sure it's a reasonable expectation. Compulsion or no, my friendships are not agenda based, and I treasure my friends ... all of them! I'm somehow reminded of having once been told of someone's disappointment in my liking folks who didn't like them ... 'twas the wrong thing to say! ...

In the Shop, I talk a lot about mirrors and self-portraits ... the perception that others have is one thing, how we see ourselves is another. The notion of mirrors and self-portraits ... seemed rather easy to grasp ... but, when you try to grab hold of it, things just ain't as simple as they might seem, ... ; Registration code (if you have it) ; Reglink opened in new frame? ; Name of new frame for reglink ; resolution (1-8) ; pause (value = milliseconds). ; Num. of horizontal tiles ; Num. of vertical tiles ; Num. steps for tile rotation (8 .. 32) ; Optional background image ; Red in background (0 .. 255) ; Green in background (0 .. 255) ; Blue in background (0 .. 255) ; Optional image over applet ; Over image X offset ; Over image Y offset ; Memory deallocation delay ; Task priority (1..10) ; Min. milliseconds/frame for sync Please download Java(tm). danged if some self-portraits aren't almost photographic in their reproduction while some mirrors give distorted renderings of reality. It's not enough to just use any old mirrors for reflection ... they must be of the right stuff and kind. I talk a lot about things of which I know nothing too, but if I didn't, I wouldn't have anything to say ... it's another thing that differentiates SJA and JJS from most methinks ... SJA's ability to reflect and look deep down inside ... and to be honest with himself ... is rare ... at least my experience has been that most either cannot or are unwilling to so do ... it is not just coincidence or happenstance that Polonius, a secondary character, is among the best remembered of the Bard's creations ... for his advice to his son Laertes ... "to thine own self be true" Why? Methinks it's because of recognition, not only of it's importance, but also it's rarity as an innate quality ... and for those who try, the difficulty lies within it's effecting ... I'm envious of this jackass, true blue and foursquare, who knows himself so well ... it's that for which I always strive but almost always fail ...

Most of us hear it ... then knowingly nod, hardly giving it another thought ... but, nothing much compares with it's profundity ... It's hard to find a post I've written that doesn't mention me mama. It's true that I sometimes take a little license when referring to Mama ... but, my mother is the picture I try to paint. She admonished me, it seems like 10,000 times, when I articulated and/or apologized for my weaknesses, limitations and faults ... "that's my boy you're talking about ... careful what you say"! She did far more than that when others joined in and articulated my weaknesses, limitations and faults! ... Now you have my perception of JJS and the true blue and foursquare Southern Jackass ... but after so writing and reflecting, I'm not sure that I can answer the questions ... truth is, I've forgotten what they were! However, it was rather obvious that them two were something other than how they were being perceived ... honest, consistent, of good heart, and opposed to apathy was the impression I then shared with others and I can assure you that I am now sure that they are indeed that ... that, and oh so much more! They're my friends, JJS and SJA ... so careful what you say!

Mother knew Polonius ... and agreed with him too ... though she would loan anyone in need anything she had, without expectation of it being returned, including money. Like Houseman's wisdom ... Mama's words weren't truly appreciated until long after they were received .. though they were the topic of frequent discussion ... Being true to yourself ... knowing yourself .. the individual behind the many masks ... it's a rare gift, perhaps the rarest of all .. the trick methinks, is knowing how to use it ... Knowing who and what we are ... recognizing our limitations ... shortcomings ... and weaknesses ... that's power that the majority of humanity does not possess. Unfortunately, those few so gifted frequently turn it into a liability rather than an asset. They allow the realization of their limitations ... shortcomings ... weaknesses ... and past failures or rejections to give them fear of failure rather than confidence in success as it should ... and when adversity is encountered, they see history repeating itself ... oftentimes giving up in frustration rather than defining and addressing the problems ... Those who confuse self-portraits with mirrors admire themselves and blindly go forth with total confidence, for they believe they possess all the answers, usually surrounding themselves with non-threatening, kindred spirits ... they are the truly enlightened! ... Say it ain't so Joe! ...

Back to the trick ... Thanks to Prince Albert Gore's invention ...

that which he purloined from Vinton Cerf methinks ... everyone has a potential audience of millions ... nay, billions I say ... and with such potential, folks can easily get disciples and a flock, no matter what it is they're preaching ... Polonius ... Mama ... Jesus Christ ... Buddha, and the Dalai Lama too ... they each said ... to thine own self be true! In plain talk, don't apostatize! Mama's admonishment was out of concern that I would allow critical self-evaluation to undermine my self-confidence, thus preventing me from being all that I could be ... and though I protested, methinks her concerns were probably well justified ... just think, I coulda been a contender ... I coulda been somebody! I'm still uncertain of where I was going and not really sure of where I've been ... but here we are, right back where we started again ... Yes, "TheOldBarbershop" is about history too ... we are what we are as a result of our experiences! Our views ... interests ... memories ... stories ... decisions ... beliefs, our likes and dislikes too ... all reflect our past history ... I hope others will share theirs with us ... in so doing, they'll be making history too ... TheOldBarbershop is diverse from most ... or I would so hope ... if not, you can rest assured that's it's soon going to be. "No Free Hair Cuts Here" ... well, maybe one or two, but everybody carries his weight ... our sign, all polished up and ready to be hung, is the one methinks Plato first so did, right here in the shop some 875,000 days ago, give or take a few ... "Let no unfair or unjust person enter." No, we ain't replacing no mirrors ... though we're going to watch them close ...

and if you can't think geometrically, that's okay ... the three of us can't cut hair neither, were it not for them bowls, but as you can see ... it was that or jail for Jimmy, SJA and me! It's done wonders for us too ... I've slept at the Holiday Inn Express twice, methinks SJA's becoming more famous than Chill Wills and jimmy smith is getting ready for a serious run for the Presidency! We truly love sports and our team(s) and that will always be on the agenda ... but for goodness sake, there are so many Braves' blogs already out there ... and Tigers ... and Mets ... and Yankees ... and Cards ... and Orioles too, just to name a few ... Ashu, our young barbering buddy from India loves Cricket and is a Manchester United fan too ... so have no fear, you can always talk sports here! Our vision is to feature a flow of diverse topics such as world affairs, politics, religion, tall tales, current events, true stories pertaining to actual life events and sports, including the Braves ... some topics that aren't presently being discussed on most of the other sites, and those which may not be warmly welcomed on many others ... topics such as those you might find if you walked into an old barbershop on a busy Saturday morning ... just a friendly and lighthearted atmosphere, with everyone being treated equal ... simply a place where folks feel welcome and comfortable discussing whatever might be on their minds ... a place that ultimately stands on no other foundation than that of the strength of it's characters and quality of it's content ... To this end we've added some "Special Features" and as with the Braves, more changes are yet to come and the future looks mighty bright indeed!

We've been truly blessed to add first Matthew then Miss Carol and now Ashu too ... to help with the barbering chores ... from three characters to six! There's always room for one or 100 more ... whether it be occasionally or all the time! You got a story to write, a memory to share ... or something important to say where comments won't do it justice, we'll find a barber's chair ... put your name on it, and figure out a way to git her did! It don't really have to be important ... What is important is that we share ... thoughts, ideas, memories, stories, and yes, recipes too ... if we don't, chances are, one day they'll be lost forever! Plato and them boys knew that. If we can bring a smile or two, maybe sometimes a tear ... cause somebody to pause and ponder ... and in the process make a new friend ... beats making money, now don't it?! Well, that's a bit about us ... folks that have read what I've writ know that Daddy said "you can't tell much about a man by listening to his well rehearsed and memorized spiel" ... he said that a long time ago but it's still true ... maybe more than ever before! For the few who have read this far ... you're either a glutton for punishment, a relative, or a throwback as rare and treasured as any antique, regardless of your age! The fad these days seems for everybody to network and add as many FRIENDS as possible ... we too want to add as many friends as possible ... we have no ads for you to see or click ... we're looking to make friends, real friends ... we hope you'll visit often and will take the time to leave a comment or two, if only to say hi, each and every time you do! Your comments are important to us barbers ... how else can we know if you want a Flattop, Mohawk or Mullet ... your nails polished or buffed? And besides, they make our day! While time changes most everything, our Proprietor's original greeting was truly

inspired ... and it's one thing that won't ... "Welcome to "TheOldBarbershop" ... characters with character preferred, ladies too ... please take a seat and wait your turn ... leaf through a magazine or shoot the breeze with a friend ... when it's your turn in the barber's chair, be ready to share an interesting story, a tall tale or whatever is on your mind ... tips encouraged and appreciated ... no topic off-limits ... if you can't behave, use profanity, pick fights or spit on the floor you will politely be shown the door" ... "Let no unfair or unjust person enter." That means we welcome all beliefs and points of view ... just keep it fair and keep it just ... that's a must! No free haircuts except on special occasions but the candy's always on the house! No matter the grandiloquence, regardless the form ... this is what "TheOldBarbershop" is to us ... this is where our passions lie ... it's of little significance whether we have a multitude of visitors each day ... or just a few ... as one good friend said, "to thine own self be true, to hell with the naysayers!"

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I knowed it, I knowed it ... Mark McGuire CHEATED ... good training for a hitting coach!!! Coach, what do you suggest I do? Well son, this is what worked for me!!

TheSouthernJackAss' Stall!	Issues Facing Sports	Thoughts From Centerfield	Barbers International	Miss Carol's Salon ...
Links To The Old Barbershop's Special Features
Humor, Satire, Tall Tales ... all with a kick ... from the one and only ...	Tiger Woods	Braves Making Noise, Covering MLB Rumor Mill	Our Man In India	Ask Miss Know It All Incident At Niihau
Barbershop's Cookbook	Barbershop Poles	Magic Moments	Gone - Not Forgotten	Non-Political Politics
... Favorite Family Recipes ... Grandma's Teacakes		Priceless!	Alex Lees

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

"Change" As Usual ...

Yesterday was the opening of the 111th. United States Congress, and instead of the nation's failing economy, or energy concerns, or war, or even our national security being the leading issues of concern, the distraction created by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's appointment of Roland Burris as replacement for Democratic President-elect Barack Hussein Obama's vacant United States Senate seat will be consuming much of Congress' time for many days to come ... Illinois Governor "Hot Rod" Blagojevich was arrested for allegedly conspiring to trade or sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to whomsoever would offer the most cash ... Blagojevich was then subsequently ordered to be released on his own recognizance by a federal judge ... federal prosecutors called Blago's actions a "political corruption crime spree" ... Obama was accused of no wrongdoing ... the 51-year-old Blagojevich was also charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Company, owner of the Chicago Tribune, in an attempt to strong-arm the newspaper into firing editorial writers who had criticized him ... additionally, he was also accused of engaging in pay-to-play politics, such as doling out jobs, contracts and appointments in return for campaign contributions ... United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald stated, "we were in the middle of a corruption crime spree, and we wanted to stop it" ... Fitzgerald called the charges against Blagojev

ich, "a truly new low" and added, "the conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave" ... federal investigators had bugged Blagojevich's campaign headquarters and tapped his home phone ... Chicago FBI chief Robert Grant said, "even seasoned investigators were stunned by what they heard, particularly since the governor had known for three years that he was under investigation for alleged hiring fraud" ... now my questions at this juncture are the following: if Patrick Fitzgerald's evidence against Blagojevich is as solid and egregious as he claims, why isn't "Hot Rod" presently locked up in some jail cell, and why haven't Illinois lawmakers taken steps to remove him from office? ... As for the Roland Burris circus ... Burris showed up at the door of Congress yesterday proclaiming himself to be the junior senator from the great state of Illinois, so appointed by the tumultuous Illinois Governor Blagojevich ... Congress turned him away at the door under the guise that his creden

tials were not in order, and Burris was forthwith jettisoned out the door into the stinging sheets of torrential, driving rain ... fouls were called, then the usual and expected accusations of "racism" were screamed all the way from the halls of justice to the rusty gates of hell, particularly by Democratic United States Congressman from Illinois Bobby L. Rush, a longtime friend of Burris, and a former co-founder of the Illinois Black Panther Party in 1968 ... but none of that is the fault of Roland Burris, he is but a puppet, as are scores of others ... by the way, Burris said he received a call from Jimmy Carter today offering his blessings and encouragement ... for whatever that might be worth ... So I offer my humble and unlearned opinion ... although Blagojevich seems to be an unpleasant and surly character, and most likely guilty of the above charges, he has yet to be tried in a court of law by a jury of his peers, nor proven guilty of any charge ... however, while Blagojevich is under investigation and facing the ugly allegations set forth by the federal government, decisions such as the appointment of anyone to a United States Senate seat for the State of Illinois, the fifth most populous state in the country, or any other state for that matter, should be put on hold until he is either cleared of all charges, or convicted of the alleged crimes ... I believe the United States Congress should have settled on that same conclusion ... the government should allow the American people to listen to all recordings and see all documents associated with the Blogojevich investigation, then judge for themselves, after all, it should be considered as public information ... the entire mess is nothing less than deceit and political corruption through and through as usual ... certainly nothing to do with "racism" ... or "change we need" ... should Roland Burris be seated as United States Senator under such questionable circumstances? ... what do you think? ... UPDATES: 1/9/09- Illinois House votes 114 to 1 on impeachment of Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich ... 1/13/09-Roland Burris will be sworn in and seated in Congress on Thursday, 1/15/09 --sja

38 comments:

sja said...: AJC's Terence Moore says Andruw Jones would be a good fit for the Braves ... why Terence, can he pitch? ...

I think the Braves most pressing need at the moment is a General Manager ...; January 7, 2009 6:50 PM
Gil in Mechanicsville said...: While I neither agree with his appointment nor condone his actions, after all, he is a Chicago politician, "Hot Rod" certainly has political acumen as he has managed to tweak the nose of the entire Democratic party by not rolling over and playing dead.

I find it to be magnificent theater and it is hilarious so many prominent Dems are eating crow.

Now, Miss Rosalynn, I have a question you can ask the Commanda for me, was he distancing himself from the other men in the room during the photo shoot in the oval office or did someone cut the cheese? Odd that all were standing shoulder to shoulder while he seemed like the red headed stepchild.; January 7, 2009 7:08 PM
BOB said...: Indeed!

To your most timely post ... and to your comment ...

I have no opinions or answers relative to the current situation or the piece of work holding the high Illinois office ... maybe some questions ...

However, I would be surprised if the Governor was not exercising his legal prerogative, if not his duty ... regardless

If that is the case, upon what grounds would the newly appointed be denied admittance?

You're guilty with the doing of the deed ... not the proving thereof ... but, the laws concerning the Governor's rights may hinge upon other things.

Who determines whether someone is seated?

If I am the duly elected Governor of the State, ... exercising my prerogative within the scope of my duties and/or authority ... under what circumstance can that be summarily overruled.

Rash decisions and egg on one's face oft times go hand in hand ...

I too think the Braves most pressing need at the moment is a General Manager ... others may well agree!

Frank may be okay as a draftsman ... but we need an architect.

A Field Manager and Hitting Coach might help too ...; January 7, 2009 7:21 PM
Rosalynn said...: Ah noticed that, too, Gil. Ah know that Jimma is afrahd of catchin' the buhd flu and he was standin' theah raght next to that Clinton boah and ya nevah know wheah that boah has been.

Ah lahk to think it was Jimma bein' a bit stand-offish ratha than those otha boahs stahin' awah from mah Jimma. Aftah all, none of them ah runnin' foah anahthang so bein' with the Commanduh should not huht anahone's chances of gettin' elected - not that that would evah happen.

Jimma alsah looked a little shoht in that photah. Ah attribaht that to all the hammahin' ovah the yeahs takin' its toll on the Commanduh's postuah.

Anotha possiblitah is that Jimma was tryin' to get outa theah with some souveneahs. He was ovah theah bah himself so he could get awah with somethin'. He still fondlah remembahs that red telephone. Ah told Jimma he could buy a red phone of his own but he alwahs is lustin' foah somethin' that he can't have - but that is anotha storah foah anotha dah.; January 7, 2009 7:28 PM
sja said...: One thing I am certain of ... I sure do admire Blagojevich's moxie, yes indeed ...

Bob you are correct in saying that one is guilty with the doing of the deed ... but with corruption being so rampant in many areas of government and in the private sector these days ... who is to say that United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is telling the truth ... or that Blagojevich actually did the deed? ... remember the great crime fighter Elliot Spitzer? ... that's why the American people need to be shown the evidence, and to be told the truth ... now that would be "change" ...; January 7, 2009 7:36 PM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: If AnDrUw is CominG baCk I wOnder iF thE bRavEs kePt WicKy's uniForm panTS? THeY aRE goinG tO neEd sOME bIG paNTs foR AndRUW. I woUld SeW uP thE poCkETS, tHouGH, aND mAkE ThEM DOUghnUT PRooF.

MaYbe ObAMA caN Use FRAnk in thE caBinet aND We Can geT a nEW GM. FrAnK coUld bE a nEgoTiatoR.

I thInK I wiLL rOOT foR thE GianTS (LOu Seal) iF AndRUW ComES baCK. I wouLDn't waNT to PaY to See hiM.; January 7, 2009 7:38 PM
BOB said...: We talk a lot about the evils of business baseball and things being better when it was a "game" ... boys of summer, and stuff like that

Well, some will say I'm prejudiced ... but, but there ain't no prejudging about it ... my Carol hit the target dead center ... folks "come see them play their hearts out" ... it's good when they win too but, we'll love and support 'em so long and the give their all, regardless of outcome.

Unfortunately, the powers that are ... are blinded by personal greed and believe their own lies ... they don't see the magic brought to the game by the youngsters ... the characters ... the boys of summer ...

The business of baseball quickly turns enthusiastic youngsters into old men driven by greed ... has killed the game of baseball and is killing the sport.

I don't want to see Andruw return as a Brave ... but, neither do I blame him for having been mismanaged, relative to realizing his offensive potential ... he was a delight to watch defensively!

Neither do I want to see the Braves paying unreasonable premiums to bring so called established stars to the team in the hope of buying a championship or two ... spend the same dollars on the best unproven potential available so as to eliminate the premium and you'll get a bigger bank for your buck.; January 8, 2009 4:34 AM
BOB said...: "Bob you are correct in saying that one is guilty with the doing of the deed ... but who is to say" ... ??

Hang 'em all Boss ... they're all guilty ... like Mama said whenever I protested my innocence in an effort to avoid punishment ... "maybe so but you're guilty of something" ... Mama knew me well!

I rather liked the notion the Republicans had a few years back with their "contract with America" ... or whatever they called it.

Methinks the current business of politics is a lot like that of baseball ... it quickly turns enthusiastic young patriots into self serving, power hungry, crooked politicians ... undermines our fabric, and is destroying the Country.

The professional politicians, like today's older than Madonna players, forget it's a team game they're playing, methinks ... they see it as a collection of individual back scratchers rather than a collective charged with the responsibility of doing what's best ... winning to them is getting elected and staying in office ... and that means giving folks what they think they want ... rather than what is needed.

Let's take the media and politics out of government ... replace them with patriotism, common sense, and a sense of duty ... and get on with the job of running rather than ruining this great country of ours!

We may not all agree on how we would best be governed ... but I'll bet most would concur that we haven't demanded high standards of excellence from those in whom we place our hopes, dreams and trust!

Like John, Frank, and Bobby ... we must take responsibility for not effectively selecting and managing our players ... certainly, we haven't demanded that those who talk the talk ...

When we gave them our vote, we expected them to play their hearts out ... to do their best in doing what's best for us ... why have we not demanded that they so do ... why have we not demanded the elimination of drug trafficking, pornography, ... terrorism, and kids carrying deadly weapons to school??

Oh but the list is long indeed ... of those things that have long gone unattended ... some are out of sight, out of mind ... but as owners, we must hold management accountable ... and so we shall!!

The time for apathy and idle chatter is over ... the time for doing is now ... there's plowing to be done, seeds to be sown and nourished ... hard work yes, ... but the reward of a truly wonderful harvest is there for the having!

Fanciful? Methinks not, the time has come ...; January 8, 2009 5:46 AM
journalist jimmy smith said...: oh, the humanity!; January 8, 2009 8:37 AM
journalist jimmy smith said...: oh, the humanity!; January 8, 2009 8:38 AM
journalist jimmy smith said...: oh, the humanity!

smoltz!; January 8, 2009 8:39 AM
Rosalynn said...: Who broke the storah about Smoltza? Ah do not believe it! Wheah was the AJC? Wheah was Boonjah? Wheah was Babah Seal? Anah otha beet writahs Ah am missin'? Good thing foah the AP oah we maght not know.

Ah will miss Smoltza moah than Andrah and Tusha combined. Smoltza wanted the bah and when Bobba gave him the bah, Smoltza was the best. That boah could make that bah dance!

Ah hope the Red Sox win a pennant with Smoltza and Ah hope the Braves finish somewheah behind the Nationahs.

And, Ah do lahk the new look of the blahg with that handsome caricatuah of mah Jimma - but Jimma is not grinnin' todah, not with the loss of Smoltza.

Let's see, Smoltza, and Hamptah, and Peavah, and AJ, and how manah moah? Mahbah Andrah can pitch some foah the Braves. Can ya sah, triple A?; January 8, 2009 8:52 AM
Rosalynn said...: Jimma is so mad! The Cahtuh Centah would have negotiated with Smoltza if Jimma had known Frank Wren was gonna mess it up. Now, Smoltza is gonna be a Red Sox playuh and he will probablah eat chowda and get fat.; January 8, 2009 11:18 AM
Rosalynn said...: Wheah ah all the bloggahs, todah? Ah am so sad with the loss of Smoltza and on top of that Ah have luhned that theah is increasin' violence at Chucka Cheese! That's raght, Chuck Cheese! What would make a momma staht a faght at a Chucka Cheese? Can't we all get along whih we ah at Chucka Cheese? Who would want to huht Chucka or anahone else at Chucka Cheese? Ah hope Obama will deal with this at his eahliest oppohtunitah.

Ah do miss Smoltza alreadah. Ah wondah how Frank Wren is goin' to spin this storah? Smoltza wants to be closah to some chowda?; January 8, 2009 11:55 AM
sja said...: The time has come! ....

Oh, the humanity indeed!! ...; January 8, 2009 12:01 PM
sja said...: The Atlanta Braves AJC widget has been placed back in the sidebar ...; January 8, 2009 12:29 PM
sja said...: It sounds as if Smoltz left on his own accord ... can you blame him? ...; January 8, 2009 12:50 PM
firefoxx said...: What an exceptional blog. Simultaneously hilarious and informative. I'll be looking in frequently. Thanks.; January 8, 2009 1:56 PM
Gil in Mechanicsville said...: "How come every time I call it a game, you call it a business and every time I call it a business, you call it a game"? North Dallas Forty

One of my favorite quotes above and so jermain to Braves baseball. Now you folks have an idea of how I felt when the Braves moved their AAA franchise out of Richmond for a few dollars more.

Yes, it's a business decision on how much you offer Smoltz but it's still a game and thus a lot of plays are made on emotion....
In the long run, it will be Atlanta that will lose on this one.; January 8, 2009 3:31 PM
Gil in Mechanicsville said...: Just makes it that much easier to become a Nat's fan....; January 8, 2009 3:32 PM
Bobby Lee Bujeau Prejean said...: I spilled steaming hot coffee with chicory on myself this morning when I read that John Smoltz will no longer be an Atlanta Brave. Steaming hot coffee with chicory should be drunk from a well bucket, not spilled in a lap.

I have had some time at the emergency room and now I feel as if I have lost my favorite Brave and a great cup of steaming hot coffee with chicory in the same moment. It appears I will also lose 2 layers of skin.

May Frank Wren always drink cold coffee from a leaky cup.; January 8, 2009 3:53 PM
carolmcbrayer said...: Well Bobby Lee, I too just lost my favorite Brave, John Smoltz. I looked kindly on Chipper for a few minutes at the start of the All Stars game. Did you see the grin he had on his face when they introduced him and he took to the field? Just like a young kid being told he was going to meet all his heroes.

Without Smoltz who is going remind Cox not to pick his nose and that baseball is a team sport?

I guess I'll have to send an email after every game listing the nose picking count and saying "THERE IS NO I IN TEAM!!! No that would mean that I would have to watch the games and I don't think that I'll go that far not even to further the cause of cleanliness in the dugout and not teaching children awful habits. Parents should unite and write a petition to the Braves asking them to please save the children of America from nose picking syndrome. This is most easily done by firing Bobby Cox.; January 8, 2009 4:53 PM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: BRaKinG NewS!

Escalating violence among adults at CHUCK E. CHEESE; 'Disturbing, bizarre trend'...

ooPs, I seE ROsaLynn beaT mE tO thiS one.

WHy wOUlD RoSaLyNN knoW abOUt ChuCk E CHEese? IS iT beCAuse oF ChEESe anD RoSaLyNN WaNts tO be a JernaliSt?

I doN't liKe thiS SmoLTz buSineSS a biT. CaRol is RiGht, oNly a loT oF noSe piCkinG neXT SeasOn. NoBody tO wAtcH.

DiD anYonE hEar That SmoLtz taLked to ChiPPer foR an HouR laSt niGht? HoW did thAt haPPen?

WhO coUld tAlk To ChiPPer foR aN hoUR?

DOEs ChiPPer knOW enoUGh woRds To tAlk aN houR?

CouLd StRaiN SomEThinG tAlKinG that LoNG anD miSS somE GaMEs.

Smoltz: "Hey, Chip."

CHiPPer: "Uh, yeah."

SmOltZ: "GoT SomeThinG tO teLL you."

ChiPper: "Uh, yeah."

SmolTz: "I'm goIng to thE Sox."

ChippER: "Uh, okAy."

SmolTz: "Don'T yOu cAre?"

ChiPPer: "Uh, yeah."

thIS coUld nOt laSt foR aN hoUR. SomEBudy iS telLIng it WrONg.; January 8, 2009 6:28 PM
BOB said...: Unbelievable!

Google doesn't realize the impact it has ... refused to accept Carol's password ... and you can see the result!

Poor Chipper ... even when he tries to stand up for his departing friend, he puts his foot in it ... I learned on my first visit to the farm that so doing wasn't a good idea ...

John is certainly a popular player ... and well respected in this household ... as always, we're on the outside looking in ... but Chipper says John doesn’t feel like the Braves are giving him the same respect as the Red Sox ...

Chipper feels that John has earned the right to have the opportunity to come back and pitch ... if he so wants ... and if he says he is healthy enough to so do.

I don't see anything to suggest that the Braves feel differently ... or that they fail to respect John and/or his focus and dedication. Well, maybe a little different ... they seem to want to be satisfied that he is healthy enough and able to effectively so do.

John certainly has value above and beyond what he brings to the table as a performing pitcher ... especially for and to the Braves organization ... a fact that ownership and management cannot fail but appreciate and recognize.

However that value is somewhat diminished when the organization's short term expectations are to be competing with the Nats for the honor of finishing last in the Division.

Chipper says "you do whatever it takes to get it done" ... sounds good ... but, context is so, so important ... just what is this "it" that you accomplish at all cost? Finish 4th?

No, it would seem that Chipper's "it" is to give John Smoltz the opportunity to try to pitch again ... if he says he's healthy enough, ... and wants to so do.

It would be nice for John to finish his career in Atlanta ... and his choosing to go to another team will undoubtedly have a negative impact that will be felt throughout the organization, the immediate reaction is but the iceberg's tip, methinks ... but, had he chosen to remain and demonstrate his ability to again effectively pitch, he would have been given that opportunity.

Chipper says "If he says he can do it, I believe him" ... and I'm sure that's true ... Chipper's certainly not by himself.

Indeed, we all want to so believe ... and I do believe that John will always do his best to accomplish whatever goals he sets for himself ... and would never count him out, never ... but, it's about birds and hands and bushes ... and John's confidence, methinks.

No, "I want a $5 million guarantee just for making the effort ... and if you aren't willing to so pay, they I'll go with the the team willing to guarantee the most because they're the ones who respect me most!" ... I don't buy it ... that's not the John we know, certainly not a confident one ... we're on the outside looking in ... seeing but the iceberg's tip!

Regardless of what you may otherwise think, Chipper's a good read ... "I’ve been reading the blogs. The silver lining we had was John Smoltz being back in the lineup this year.

We could have had that dominant guy back in the lineup. But we won’t — and for what, a couple of million dollars?"

Interesting ... actually, Chipper, methinks they offered him more that!

Interesting too was Frank's apparent unavailability for comment.; January 8, 2009 8:29 PM
Berigan said...: SJA, excellent blog! Did you know the Junior senator has built his very own mausoleum??? This just lists the trailblazer's accomplishments, the film I saw of it made the mausoleum look huge!!! Most president's have smaller ones.
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07o79c5aVddSl/340x.jpg; January 9, 2009 6:00 AM
Carol said...: It's not fair! Loose John Smoltz and get back Andruw Jones. What in the world are the gods of baseball doing to us? What else is in store for the upcoming season? Instant replays of nose picks, play by play of the nose picks? Doesn't Cox have a wife who handles the appropriate type of wifely nagging? Did she do her duty, when last summer, Bobby called for McCann to bunt? No, I did it from the stands. My brother-in-law was upset at McCann for deciding to bunt. I assured my brother-in-law that Brian was not behind that decision. I was right, Cox had decided to see "what would happen" well what happened is, of course, McCann was out long before he got close to first. As if, thanks Bobby. all the fans in the stands were wondering what would happen, we were convinced that McCann could run like the wind and knew how to bunt when no one else on the team seemed to have a clue as to how to bunt. As a coach, you can call special practices to ensure that players can do routine plays like bunts. However, I'm sure that it is more important not to insult the players by ensuring that they can earn their ridiculous salaries.

No way that I'm going to watch the upcoming season, it's going to be ugly, ugly, ugly. And when you watch it on TV you don't get to see all the fun going on on the scoreboard. Games, contests, the kids, fun facts, kissing contests. Of, course, it's far cheaper to watch on TV, water is not almost $4.00 and frozen lemonade is not $8.00 and one slice of cheese pizza is not $21.00. And hopefully, you are not watching grown, married men buying beer for young teenage girls. He got caught and escorted out along with the teenagers. I hope that their parents got called and had to come pick the girls up so that their mothers could ask -- Where in the world, did you get that outfit???; January 9, 2009 6:38 AM
Berigan said...: about Smoltz. Shocking he wouldn't take less money to play for a team with less of a chance of getting to the playoffs! Shoot, this team only has a 50/50 chance of being .500!; January 9, 2009 8:14 AM
journalist jimmy smith said...: jimmysmiththinks that chipper's thoughts do not run deep. now, that's not to suggest chipper is not smart, only that chipper (and, sadly, francoeur) is not the brightest ornament on the tree with 3 ornaments.

imagine the messes these braves will encounter with smoltz gone and beet writers must turn now to chipper and francoeur for game analysis and pithy comment.

jimmy smith is glad jimmy smith is not a baseball journalist anymore (jimmy smith is now one of the top journalists in town with all the ajc journalists now fired or retired).

and what of their leader? carol correctly points out that bobby cox is a nose picker. picking every game and in the after game interview. why doesn't mrs. cox stop bobby cox from nose picking? jimmy smith does not understand.

and is frank wren a nose picker, too? maybe frank can find a starter in there. maybe bobby will find another little division sign this season. digging for gold.

face of the franchise includes a finger up the nose.

and the other baseball blogs appear to be thriving just now. so many posts about smoltz. lots of "your and idiot" comments, too. and chop chick returned yesterday. another nose picker. away for months and returns for a few hits.

all in all, sja has built a fine haircuts and baseball blog here but not too many people have found it or care to blog with the misfits residing here. of course, it could be just that jimmy smith is odious in blog company.

still, it does appear that baseball talk is popular talk right now. these braves may be the worst in some time. hype and spin will not work now.

did frank ever make a comment? is frank in hiding? best spin remains, "john smoltz is going to the red sox to get closer to the chowder." worked with hampton and might still work for smoltz if frank says it enough.

glavine? jimmy smith is thinking this is not a likeable team. don't especially like the players now. mccann is an exception.

another season of bobby cox and this assemblage and baseball may go back shelf in atlanta.; January 9, 2009 8:35 AM
Rosalynn said...: Pegga Noonah has gone too fah! Look what Pegga had to sah about that pictuah of mah Jimma with the otha fohma Presidents:

"Did you notice how they all leaned away from Jimmy Carter, the official Cootieman of former presidents? It was like high-school students to the new girl: "You can't sit here, we're the Most Popular table.""

Pegga Noonah, that is unacceptabah! Jimma is not a Cootaman and he remains verah populah in Plains. Jimma has his own submahreen. He is a Commanduh and he desuhvs some respect.

Ah have nevah known a finah ex-submahinah tuhned govnuh, tuhned president than mah Jimma. He does not have cootas.

Befoah Susan Thrush blogs heah again Ah would lahk to suhv wahnin' to heah . . . do not sah anahthin about mah Jimma havin' cootas and Ah mean it.; January 9, 2009 8:55 AM
Berigan said...: Rosalynn, perhaps they worry about catching whatever it is that makes him say things like this....

"this fragile truce was partially broken on Nov. 4, when Israel launched an attack in Gaza to destroy a defensive tunnel being dug by Hamas..."; January 9, 2009 11:17 AM
Gil in Mechanicsville said...: I am at a crossroads today, having received another blow to my sensibilities as a life long Braves fan. It was tough on me to finally come to accept the fact the franchise I have rooted for the past 42 years moved out of town for the promise of a few dollars saved, relocating to Gwinnette. I finally to the high road and accepted the reality of it all. Now this debacle. I really cherish the friends I have made through the blogs and the many new acquaintances made but folks, my heart is no longer in it.
I think I am going to have to take a little time off for this one to stop hurting.; January 9, 2009 11:25 AM
hillbilly said...: May Frank Wren always drink cold coffee from a leaky cup.

Ha, Ha! I think you may be on to something here, Bobby Lee. A cold leaky cup of coffee in the lap just might be the reason Frank has been so.....; January 9, 2009 11:28 AM
hillbilly said...: ....uhhh,...Gutless.; January 9, 2009 11:29 AM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: HillBillEE, heY! I thiNk thE BRaves neeD somE piTchers. ThEy aRE goiNg to bE sooo bAd. McCann iS thE stAr nOw and uh, ChippEr. EsCobAr wiLL pRobably havE to gO foR a piTcher. Let'S see . . . nO piTching, nO hiTting, nO sPeed, and a nOSe-piCkeR foR maNageR. SaD.; January 9, 2009 1:33 PM
Carol said...: Miss Rosalyn, Does the President have the sub in Plains or in Americus? I understand that he resigned from the navy before he ever was captain of a sub. I mean no disrespect to the President. He is the only President that I ever spoke to directly. And while I do believe that he should honor the tradition of not speaking badly about a sitting president when a U.S. official is abroad, I absolutely admire his leadership and yours in Habitat for Humanity, a greatly to be valued movement toward humans caring about their fellow humans.

You are both to be congratulated and admired for your service.; January 9, 2009 4:55 PM
Rosalynn said...: Yes, Carah, it is true that mah Jimma did not captain a submahreen but Commanduh is a little name Ah cah Jimma when he is randa. Stih, Jimma was Commanduh in Chief foah fouh yeahs.

Ah thank ya foah the nice wuhds about Habitat. Jimma has hammahed and hammahed and hammahed foah Habitat. That boah can hammah!

Ah do not know what to think about Jimma's occasionah fo pah when he is ovahseas. He seems to fohget his mannahs. Ah think it mah be the spica food.

Ah am still mohtified about the loss of Smoltza. Mahbah the Braves haf some betta pitchas than Smoltza but Ah did not see them last yeah. Ah believe Smoltza can throw hahda left handed than some of those boahs can usin theah pitchin' ahms.

Carah, do ya have a favahraght Brave raght now? Ah know losin Wicka and then Smoltza makes it tough to choose.; January 9, 2009 5:42 PM
Carol said...: Miss Rosalyn,I guess McCann would be my favorite. I tend to like folks that seem to try and care about the team, regardless of whether they are the very best in baseball. I don't mind folks trying and failing, as long as they love and respect the game.; January 10, 2009 2:55 AM
sja said...: New blog up ...; January 10, 2009 12:50 PM