Thursday, September 25, 2003
This, from Rob Neyer:
It's no big secret that nicknames are a lost art. In fact, I've grown to hate nicknames because 1) they're boring, and 2) an unhealthy percentage of local broadcasters apparently feel compelled to use them anyway. Ugh.
But somebody in Red Sox Nation has come up with "Cookie Monster" for David Ortiz, and if you've seen David Ortiz then you know that he is the Cookie Monster. So I'll say this: if "Cookie Monster" doesn't stick, then we should just give up on nicknames, consign them to the distant past like flannel uniforms and leaving your gloves on the field when you're batting.
He really does look like Cookie Monster.
It's no big secret that nicknames are a lost art. In fact, I've grown to hate nicknames because 1) they're boring, and 2) an unhealthy percentage of local broadcasters apparently feel compelled to use them anyway. Ugh.
But somebody in Red Sox Nation has come up with "Cookie Monster" for David Ortiz, and if you've seen David Ortiz then you know that he is the Cookie Monster. So I'll say this: if "Cookie Monster" doesn't stick, then we should just give up on nicknames, consign them to the distant past like flannel uniforms and leaving your gloves on the field when you're batting.
He really does look like Cookie Monster.
Thursday, September 18, 2003
I read somewhere that the new Built to Spill album was going to be "bluesy." That can't be good.
And I like that new Outkast song, too. I really like it, in fact. The video does a fine job of matching the style of the song. (The drummer and keyboard player are cool.) And I don't know anything about Outkast.
And I like that new Outkast song, too. I really like it, in fact. The video does a fine job of matching the style of the song. (The drummer and keyboard player are cool.) And I don't know anything about Outkast.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
News:
1. The new Modest Mouse album has been pushed back to spring 2004. That sucks.
2. I passed the bar exam. Very happy I am. Very happy.
3. The new Sloan album has been released, but I can't find it in a store for the life of me. Maybe it's just in Canada? If anyone knows, post it, please.
4. How was the Built to Spill show last night, boys?
1. The new Modest Mouse album has been pushed back to spring 2004. That sucks.
2. I passed the bar exam. Very happy I am. Very happy.
3. The new Sloan album has been released, but I can't find it in a store for the life of me. Maybe it's just in Canada? If anyone knows, post it, please.
4. How was the Built to Spill show last night, boys?
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
I don't find that language disturbing. Those quoted appear to be referring to his appearance in the film, not the homosexual act. You (I'm guessing) and I do not think that appearing in a pornographic film is a mistake, but 95% of the general public does. Even if they don't think it's a sin, they might think it reflects poorly on his judgment or is degrading on some level (and is therefore a mistake). It would be unrealistic for the Tribe to say "appearing in pornography is not an issue for this organization." That's PR suicide, and I don't expect that from any for-profit organization.
Based on this quote, I think the Tribe is concerned about the film, not the act:
"From what we were able to determine, his involvement in the film was a one-time isolated incident," Farrell said.
Especially when you read this passage:
The Indians believe Tadano is a heterosexual, but Farrell said "his sexual orientation is not an issue with us . . . "
By simply signing Tadano the Tribe has made a bold statement. The Indians knew they would have to deal with it publicly (in conservative Cleveland no less), that the act wouldn't simply be labeled "sexual," but "homosexual," and that he would be forever linked to that act. But they signed him anyhow (after most every other team in baseball turned him down). No one would have said another word if the Tribe refused him also. Further, he's only a reliever, not a major, major stud. That's a fairly substantial PR mess to take on for a reliever.
Moreover, the Tribe has gone some way in breaking the sexual orientation barrier. Tadano, if he makes it to the majors, will be the first player to play AFTER admitting to a homosexual act. That's a big deal, and the Tribe should be commended. Really, I'm actually kind of proud to be a Tribe fan (now, let's just get rid of the name and the logo already).
As for Ethan's question, I don't know. I don't think it would be much of an issue, and certainly not a big enough deal to prevent teams from signing a player. As a general rule, the public is amused (not disgusted) by the exploits of its heterosexual athletes (Wilt Chamberlin, Joe Namath, etc.). But any hint of homosexual activity (e.g., Derek Jeter and Jeff Gordon) and you've got issues. It's unlikely the Indians would need to "diffuse" this situation if Tadano had engaged in a heterosexual act. The player might, but not the organization.
Based on this quote, I think the Tribe is concerned about the film, not the act:
"From what we were able to determine, his involvement in the film was a one-time isolated incident," Farrell said.
Especially when you read this passage:
The Indians believe Tadano is a heterosexual, but Farrell said "his sexual orientation is not an issue with us . . . "
By simply signing Tadano the Tribe has made a bold statement. The Indians knew they would have to deal with it publicly (in conservative Cleveland no less), that the act wouldn't simply be labeled "sexual," but "homosexual," and that he would be forever linked to that act. But they signed him anyhow (after most every other team in baseball turned him down). No one would have said another word if the Tribe refused him also. Further, he's only a reliever, not a major, major stud. That's a fairly substantial PR mess to take on for a reliever.
Moreover, the Tribe has gone some way in breaking the sexual orientation barrier. Tadano, if he makes it to the majors, will be the first player to play AFTER admitting to a homosexual act. That's a big deal, and the Tribe should be commended. Really, I'm actually kind of proud to be a Tribe fan (now, let's just get rid of the name and the logo already).
As for Ethan's question, I don't know. I don't think it would be much of an issue, and certainly not a big enough deal to prevent teams from signing a player. As a general rule, the public is amused (not disgusted) by the exploits of its heterosexual athletes (Wilt Chamberlin, Joe Namath, etc.). But any hint of homosexual activity (e.g., Derek Jeter and Jeff Gordon) and you've got issues. It's unlikely the Indians would need to "diffuse" this situation if Tadano had engaged in a heterosexual act. The player might, but not the organization.
Monday, September 08, 2003
Hey guys. Dana and I are safe and sound in Oregon. Nice drive.
The Indians signed a Japanese pitcher who appeared in gay porn. He was subsequently blackballed (and not drafted) there, so he turned to the majors, where only the Indians would sign him. They tried to keep it quiet, apparently, but Cleveland papers are now starting to pick up on the story. Feel bad for the guy, although it sounds like the organization is handling it as well as could be expected.
Oh, and I hate the Yankees also.
PS: I read Al Franken's book. It's quite funny. He has a chapter on the Wellstone memorial which is very well done.
The Indians signed a Japanese pitcher who appeared in gay porn. He was subsequently blackballed (and not drafted) there, so he turned to the majors, where only the Indians would sign him. They tried to keep it quiet, apparently, but Cleveland papers are now starting to pick up on the story. Feel bad for the guy, although it sounds like the organization is handling it as well as could be expected.
Oh, and I hate the Yankees also.
PS: I read Al Franken's book. It's quite funny. He has a chapter on the Wellstone memorial which is very well done.
