Scott Sells Out

By now most of you have heard that President Bush's former press secretary has written a "tell-all" book about his time in the White House working for W.

I'm not going to dignify the book or this scumbag by telling you the name. If you want to read it that bad, look it up yourself.

I have my own problems with W. I think he's wrong on several issues, not the least of which was/is his approach to securing the borders and dealing with illegal immigrants. My problem with McClellan writing this book is twofold. One, if he had these issues with the President and his policies and advisors, why'd you take the job to begin with, Scott? Two, did you ever speak up about the issues you had with the war in Iraq? With the slow/inadequate response to the Katrina disaster? No? Then shut your mouth, you money-grabbing pig.

Lastly, among the character traits that define who you are as a person, loyalty is one I hold in high regard. His lack of loyalty to his former boss and his silence on these issues as an employee are evidence (t0 me) that this chump is sorely lacking in any semblance of character.

Enjoy your money from this trash, Scott--you won't be getting mine.

--G

Socialized Petro?

Socialize or Nationalize....its all the same to Maxine Waters. Even Rep. Betty Sutton (D, OH-13) thinks its funny. (Catch Sutton's reaction at the end of the clip.)


- POTUS

Pregnant man spotted at Blossom Festival Parade

Contrary to GOTSOO’s post, a pregnant MAN was spotted at this year’s Blossom Festival Parade in Chagrin Falls, OH. I won’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.

- POTUS

p.s. - Yes, its sophomoric, but it doesn't mean its not funny.

Thank you

Thank you to those who have provided us with the greatest country known to man.

- POTUS

The 300

With Friday’s post, TGIF, by GOTSOO, SteakMatters has reached its 300th post. A toast of the red and a tip of the Platter to the team: GOTSOO, Lefty, and recently acquired, Big Red for the contributions. While our posts very in their frequency and in their timing, the entire Team strives to provide entertainment and insight every time we put something on the Grille, that is SteakMatters and the world wide web.

To you, the loyal readers of SteakMatters, thank you for being here for the first 300. We hope to continue serving you ‘steak and the steak experience, seasoned with politics, sports, friends and the spice of life’ for many years to come.

- POTUS

TGIF

Hey all...
I hope folks still check back at our little nook of the www. The team has been busy as hell this week--i mean POTUS hardly ever posts anyway, so that's a pretty lame excuse for him. Nevertheless, I've been busy as hell.

Sometimes I love my job--other days--my chosen profession can be a joke. I spent almost the entire day yesterday working on getting the following amendment into a pretty important piece of legislation...ready...here it is:

On line 23, before "If", insert (4).

That's it--a whole days' work shot to hell over "if" and (4). I guess it depends on what "is" is.

I got it done, but i mean really...

That success is behind me now--on to the long weekend ahead. Remember to have fun with your family and friends, drink responsibly and grill excessively. Most importantly, take a moment or two to remember what it's all about--those who have served and lost their lives in defense of our great nation.

God bless.

--G

Winds Of Change

Random Road Ramblings...(R3)

I was in starbucks recently when a amish gentleman came in to get coffee. I don't know why but I thought it funny.

2 saturdays ago FLOTUS and I were watching the ohio lottery's TV game show cash explosion. This old lady, I believe her name was Myrtle, won 50K. When asked what she was going to do with money, she said, "Do you really want to know...? I'm going to buy a new set of teeth!"

Last Saturday we were flipping through the channels and came across Cash Explosion again. This guy, I think his name was Hector, was playing in the game, when he smiled... NO LOWER TEETH! With his firstspin of the board he hit for 2300. We couldn't bear to watch any more so we don't know if he won the 50K, but let's hope he followed Myrtle's lead with the money he did win.

Heading to DC this morning while waiting to board my flight when a middle aged man sat down near me. Not next to me but about four seats over. He called his mother on his cell phone and after a few pleasentries, began complaining about his children, both of whom he claimed 'were raised in a good home, not abused, and provided with every opportunity', yet they seem to hate the family, him and just about everyone else. Also, he can't stand his wife who has some sort of chemical or other dependency. Then this topper - his children, both girls, seem to have a problem with 'keeping their zippers up"! All of this at 7:00a for all us at Gate 19 to hear.

And this one for the road: As were sitting on the tarmac waiting to push back from the gate, the dude behind me calls for the flight attendant. When she arrives he sarcastically asks if its possible to turn the heat down. She patiently tries to explain that the A/C will start working more effiecently once air bourne. He replys sarcastically with another question, "Can you shut the heat off? Or do you have a fan I could plug in or something?" To which the kind flight attended did not respond and went back to the important task of the pre-flight check.

- POTUS

To Clear Up any Confusion...

I'm getting sick and tired of seeing the leftist media report this twisted nonsense. Most insist on reporting the pregnant "man" story. For those of you not familiar with these shenanigans yet, a transexual--a woman, really because it kept all of its reproductive organs, is pregnant. Yet, all I hear about is how amazing it is that this "man" is pregnant. This is not a man, it's a woman with a beard...please give me a break.

--G

Credit where Credit is Due...

I've attended, worked at, and otherwise witnessed alot of campaign activities--and more rallies than i can count--this one is impressive. 65,000 for a rally?! Just had to give some props...

--G

On a Binge

It has been quite some time since my last post...and while there has been much to comment on, I'll stick to the basics. Bottom line, Stretch and I were in PB for our annual anniversary trip and we took full advantage of the good eats down there. PB is always interesting - and this time was no different. It started off with a bang. First day we get to the FSR and go to our favorite bar and of all people - Gordon Sumner (aka Sting) - sits down next to Stretch. He was at the hotel all weekend...pretty funny. There was another person of note at the hotel...a picture will be worth a thousand words so our technicians are working on getting it to SteakMatters.

Now for the Binge!!!!
Friday pm - Kobe Beef and Short Tips at Cafe Boloud...yes, the stuff really does melt in your mouth!
Saturday am - Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon.
Saturday pm - Fresh Pampano with Stone Crab.
Sunday am - Vanilla Bean Pancakes with fresh strawberries and cream.

Now for the Purge!!!!
The new elliptical machine comes tomorrow!
Lefty

The Bus (Better late then never....)

(Editor’s note: Originally written for publication on Friday, May 9, 2008)

I was never so happy to see a week come to end. I spent two days and one night in beautiful Columbus, OH, only to head back North to fly out to our nation’s capital for a similar time frame.

Columbus was great. GOTSOO, Boss, Sib and me had dinner at Mitchell’s Steakhouse. Located right off Cap Square, MS is the place to grab a great steak and to be seen when you in you’re in The Bus. As we were celebrating the culmination of over a year’s worth of work on a project that was taking place the next day, we decided to take some time to celebrate.

A review of the wine list presented itself with a wonderful selection from across the country and the globe. I settled on a moderately priced Cabernet by Kendell-Jackson (2005). It was an excellent choice and Stretch would have been proud.

As for the meal, GOTSOO and I debated at length about our selection: the 10oz filet under ‘Steak + Chops’ vs. the 14oz bone-in, aged 28 days, under the ‘Butcher’s Cuts.’ (The Kobe Beef selections were ruled out as we had not yet received our Tax Rebate checks.) In the end, it was not much of a debate. We both got the Butcher’s cut – mine medium (as pictured above), his medium well.

The steak was excellent. I savored each bite and as I worked to the bone, cutting with the precision of a surgeon, I was thinking of a classic oldie that goes some think like, “The closer to be bone, the sweeter is the meat….” 28 days and the bone definitely made the steak.

After dinner, GOTSO and I kicked it Ol’ School, rolling in the Caddy up to campus, to grab some drinks with the Conductor, among others, at Eddie George’s to watch the Cavs loose to the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. As disappointing as it was, by the end of the night, we found out that we were indeed older than when we started.

- POTUS

Heimlich anyone?

Tip of the SteakMatters platter to GOTSOO for his analysis of the LeBron (aka LeChoke) and the Cavs. I couldn’t have written it better – if you want to be ‘the next Jordan’ you have to win Championships.

LeChoke’s shots down the stretch were horrible through-out the series. Not just the ill-advised 3-pointers, but his too-many-to-count missed lay-ups and bricked foul shots. (We saw the same thing last year with San Antonio.) His best move in the final minute of today’s game was the dish to Pavlovic for three.

If Ferry doesn’t make some moves, get used to seeing LeChoke wearing that Yankee’s cap, but with a Lakers or Knicks jersey.

Draft Day

I'm happy to announce the addition of Big Red to The Team. Big Red will serve as SteakMatter's Washington Bureau coorespondant. A native of the Buckeye State, he is a steak fanantic, as well as a serious car guy. As a single guy, living in our nation's Capital (with roommates to split the bills), he's got plenty of time and resources to enjoy the finer establishments in and outside of the beltway.

In fact, to celebrate our draft pick, Big Red and I will be dining later this week at what he describes as the The Best Steak Joint in DC - Ray's: The Steaks.

With all this build-up, it better be good, otherwise we're putting him on waivers.

Welcome to the SteakMatters Team Big Red. We look forward to your reviews, thoughts and insights.

- POTUS

Dead

Mary Jo Kopechne is still dead...after drowning in Poucha Pond almost 39 years ago during an ill-fated midnight drive from Chappaquiddick Island with married Senator Edward Kennedy.

I wonder if he saw her face during his seizure.

Game 7 Disappointment...

If LeBron wants to be considered one of the all-time greats, he has to do what Mike did--just win championships--alot of them. If he doesn't get some help--you can forget it.

The Cavs lost a heartbreaker to the Celtics today, 97-92. The Celtics are the better team--no doubt about it. So the loss doesn't bother me too bad. The Cavs fought and hung tough, but the Celtics out-hustled them and, frankly, showed more heart.

If the Cavs have any hope of winning a championship with one of the greatest players to play the game of basketball, they've gotta give dude some help. LeBron, while amazing at times, needs help. Jordan had Pippen. Bird had Ainge (and McHale). Magic had Kareem (and Byron, and Worthy and Rambis). The Mailman had Stockton. Isiah had Laimbeer (and Salley and Dumars). Dr. J had Dawkins (and Mo Cheeks)--and Paul Pierce had Kevin Garnett. You get my point. Who does LaBron have? No one. There is no secondary scoring threat. The fact that he scored 40+ points today, while impressive, isn't all that suprising. Who else was going to score?

If the Cavs fail to find LeBron some help next year, sure, they'll make the playoffs again--because he's that great. But it's about championships, baby--not about making the playoffs. The fact that LeBron needs help was illustrated with how the Cavs (and LeBron) closed out the game. LeBron took bad shots (out of necessity) and made bad decisions (presumably because he was tired). That last shot he took was pathetic and out of frustration. He made a dumb mistake by not blocking out Paul Pierce on the jump ball between Eddie House and Delonte West--then Pierce out-hustled him to the ball. Game, set, match.

Unless Danny Ferry intends to suit up next year, he and Dan Gilbert (has anyone seen him at a single game?) need to get L.J. some help--otherwise, next year will be more of the same. And worst-case scenario, it may leave LeBron wondering if he needs to go somewhere else to win the his ring(s).

BTW--Tribe getting swept by the Reds pisses me off.

--G

Hospitalized

Senator Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, was hospitalized this morning with stroke-like symptoms. His medical condition is unclear at this point, but a statement from the hospital is due soon. Stroke--that would be a horrible way to die--almost as bad as, say, drowning.

--G

UnPatriotic Coward

This Army Sergeant refuses to go to Iraq.

This chump needs a one-way ticket to Leavenworth. The boys in the brig will like him with that pretty haircut. What a U.S.-hating, egotistical animal. I hope he rots in prison where he can spend the rest of his cowardly days reading Mein Kampf, the New York Times and having some Bubba paint his toe nails.

--G

Ohio’s next Attorney General

As it has been widely reported, after nearly two weeks of denial, Marc Dann resigned as Ohio’s Attorney General. With the departure, Governor Strickland and the Ohio Democratic Party are faced with a difficult decision – who to appoint to the position. First AG Tom Winters will fill the roll in an interim basis but the Governor will need to appoint an individual who can fill the role and run for the balance of the term come November.

Several candidates continue to have their names thrown around including current Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray; Lt. Governor Lee Fisher; and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason, among others.

Absent from the chatter is the name of the man who lost to Dann in the Democratic primary, Subodh Chandra. By all accounts he is good lawyer with experience on the local and federal level. He deserves consideration. Plus, he's already updated his campaign website to ask that he be "hired" for the job of AG.

As for the other candidates, here is why they won’t be selected or will choose not to enter the race:

Richard Cordray – If he moves to the AG’s office, an appointment and subsequent election for the unexpired term for that office will also have to take place in November. While Democrats have been able to pull in the donations recently, they would have two unexpected races to fund (AG and Treasurer), along with the SEIU’s Get Out The Vote ballot initiative on mandated sick leave – all while trying to fund the biggest, most expensive Presidential race ever. Two Constitutional seats; the Big Labor Ballot; a Presidential election year; and a desire to redeem themselves from the embarrassing defeats of Nov 2008 – do Ohio Republicans and donors need any more reason to go to the polls?

Lee Fisher – In spite of his denials, Gov. Ted Strickland continues to be a VP candidate for both BHO and HRC. As long as that talk continues, and there is even a chance that Strickland would be the VP, Fisher is staying put. And a doubt that the Governor would resign his post (creating a succession opportunity) to run as the VP candidate, after all, you and I are paying three Senators their salaries while they run for the Presidency - (good work if you can find it) - why should Strickland be any different.

Bill Mason – There’s a reason he dropped out of the Ohio AG race before in began in 2006. What that is, I don’t know, but I suspect is has something to do with things like Pat O’Malley; hiring practices; and leaked evidence and grand jury testimony. And it’s my guess that the Plain Dealer might know a thing or two. With the new ‘no holds barred’ reporting by the PD of Cuyahoga County officials, he’s not going to get too far.

As for the Republicans, things are interesting too. Their candidate will be selected by the men and woman of the State Central Committee. Let the lobbying being! Names being considered are Rob Portman; Mike DeWine; Debra Pryce; and Tim Grendell, among others.

Grendell – Doesn’t have a shot. Period. Next.

Debra Pryce – She’s retiring from Congress to spend more time at home with her daughter. She could probably raise the money, but I just don’t see her leaving her post early, which would result in a special election (no appointments for House seats) leaving the Republicans to scramble to raise money for a candidate for her House see who already arrived late to the game.

Mike DeWine – Former County Prosecutor, Senator, Congressman and Ohio Lt. Governor. DeWine’s challenge is that the selection is made by the Party’s faithful – the State Central Committee - and he has never been a darling of the Party, especially one promoting the “new” faces of the Ohio Republican Party. He could self fund the campaign, but it would be one heck of a gamble coming so quickly after his loss to Sherrod Brown.

Rob Portman – I think Portman is the best bet. He has been touted as one of the new faces of the Ohio Republican Party; he’s been on the rubber chicken circuit with the party faithful; and he’s a proven fundraiser. This would also be his first statewide race. With an eye to the Governor’s Residence in Bexley, when he runs, he gets his name out across Ohio – if wins, he wins and if he loses, still wins, because as they say in Ohio, you need to run statewide once and lose before you can win.

Stay tuned. Like the weather in Cleveland, wait 10 minutes and it will change.
- POTUS

O'Malley Resigns, Pleads Guilty to Obscenity

Pat O'Malley, now the former Cuyahoga County Recorder, resigned his post this morning in Cleveland and headed south to Akron to plead guilty to one count of obscenity. I highly recommend viewing the exclusive interview by WKYC investigative reporter Tom Meyer. (It's never good when you have to conduct an interview with your attorney sitting next to you.) While he seems truly appologic, he remains the epitomy of what's wrong with Cuyahoga County politics. Here's hoping the appointed replacement will clean house, but don't hold your breath. O'Malley, nor his attorney, would explain what the images were, except to say they weren't 'kiddie porn' (again another thing you never want to be in a position of trying to explain), but those details are expected to come out at his sentencing hearing in August. He faces up to 5-years in prison. O'Malley, of course, is hoping for no jail time. Stay tuned.

Unassisted Triple Play

If you haven't seen it, check out the Tribe's Asdrubal Cabrera's unassited triple play, only the 14th in Major Leauge history. Watch it now, before MLB pulls it from YouTube.

Ding Dong...

Hillary is dead. Edwards officially endorses Obama. Game, set, match. Something else was made official today: I know ALOT about politics!

--G

Cuyahoga County Democrat, Pat O'Malley to resign in shame

O'Malley is the latest sexual deviant to resign from office. This one seems to be over his affinity of child pornography. I'll take Marc Dann and his shenanigans every day of the week and twice on Sunday compared to some pig who gets off on little kids. I'm convinced, this world is going to shit--pardon my Spanish.

See WKYC's coverage on this story here.

--G

BREAKING NEWS: STRICKLAND COMMENTS...

After 12 days, Marc Dann bowed to pressure and resigned. Tom Winters assumes the role of Acting AG. Gov Strickland indicates that he will appoint an individual who will run for election in Nov. 2008.

BREAKING NEWS: DANN RESIGNS, FINALLY!

Still breaking. Stay tuned.

Interview with President Bush

I encourage you to take a moment and watch this interview conducted by Mike Allen of Politico.com. Watch when Mike enters the room at first--he's so nervous he has no idea what to do with his hands, or where to stand--funny.

Some moments are very light-hearted and some are decidedly serious. I particularly appreciated the moments when the President explains why he no longer plays golf. Like him or hate him--it's a good insight into the life of a president and, particularly, what makes THIS President tick. I highly recommend it.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=7801295&ch=7684298&src=news

--G

Head-Scratcher of the Day

I really don't believe some of the things I read anymore. I mean, why on god's green earth would you make such a comment? I mean, sure, I'm certain alot of married men can relate to such a comment, but for god's sake man--you're the Governor of Minnesota and being talked about as a VP candidate. Either he has incredibly poor judgment, or this guy is a clueless moron.

From FoxNews:

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often named as a potential running mate with John McCain, is catching flak about a sex joke he made prior to a fishing event over the weekend.
During a light-hearted interview with a local radio station, Pawlenty implied his wife loves fishing and sports, but isn’t as excited about marital acts.

“I have a wife who genuinely loves to fish. I mean, she will take the lead and ask me to go out fishing, and joyfully comes here,” he told radio station WCCO. “She loves football, she’ll go to hockey games and, I jokingly say, ‘Now, if I could only get her to have sex with me.’”
Pawlenty quickly reiterated that his comment was a joke, adding his wife knows he is not serious.

John Wodele, a public relations consultant, told MyFOXTwinCities that although it is never appropriate for a politician to discuss his sex life, he didn’t think it would hurt his political future. But, David Schultz, a political science professor, said it can’t help his vice presidential prospects.
The Republican National Convention is being held in Minneapolis-St. Paul in September.
Click here to read more on this story from MyFOXTwinCities.com.

--G

Greatest Internet Find to Date...

As I was searching the world wide web for the latest info on thug-for-life mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick, I ran across his MySpace Page. Absolutely hilarious. Check it out.

My personal favorites:

Where it asks his "favorite books", he writes--"I ain't no nerd".
Where it asks for his body type: 6' 5" / Body builder

Income: $250,000 and Higher

And then don't forget to read all of the comments--they are hilarious.

Of course, I still havent found the info i was looking for--I think the City Council is in the process of booting him from office--not sure of the procedures they have to go through.

Only in America.

--G

The Saga Continues...

I'll reserve comment and direct you to the Vindy's exhaustive coverage of the latest developments in this continuing saga.

--G

Mother's Day was Yesterday...

So Lebron says to Mom, Mom, sit your ass down! Classic. I had flashbacks of the 80's fight between Steve McCarthy and Tony Wilson. McCarthy was kicking the snot out of Wilson when Wilson's mom climbs into the ring, takes off her shoe, and proceeds to do what her son couldnt--beat McCarthy senseless--with her shoe.

Now, LJ's mom didn't take her shoe off, in fact, Lebron kindly asked her to sit her over-reacting can down in her seat. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl_9z35fz54). Much to LeBron's credit he diffused the situation quickly--dude show'd some class (and considerable discipline and restraint).

I have to say though, the first half saw some pretty hard fouls on the dude. If you hit someone on the street that hard, you'd catch a case for battery.

Great game--'Bron came around at the end and closed the deal. Series tied 2-2. Stay tuned, Cleveland.

--G

Obama 08

I hope you find this picture as funny as I do. I thought I'd have a little fun with this obviously awkward moment.

Ok, a Steakmatters quote competition. Here are my two entries:

1. Ummm, Senator, my eyes are up HERE!

2. And, how are the twins, dear?

--G

Murder Was the Case That They Gave Me...

I was just telling my skeptical father tonight that Cleveland is a happening place. Tonight alone, we have an Indians double-header and a Cavs Playoff game--all within a block of one another.

And then reality rears it's ugly head--exactly the kind of national attention a struggling city does NOT need. That's not to mention what a sad, sad occasion it is for the folks of this hellish Cleveland neighborhood to have to endure. I mean, really---it takes 15 dudes to beat down, piss on and strip naked a 41 year old man? Pathetic.

From FoxNews:

Cleveland Man Pummeled to Death by 15, Urinated On and Stripped in the Street
Monday, May 12, 2008

CLEVELAND — Even by tough, urban crime standards it was a grisly attack: Up to 15 people chased a man, then kicked and beat him to death on the street. Before police arrived, one attacker urinated on the victim's head.

By the time Charles Gooden Jr., 41, took his final steps, the crime-hardened neighborhood had awakened and two people, talking in matter-of-fact tones, reported a man down, his clothes being dragged off.

"You got a male being assaulted by 15 other guys. He's laying on the street," one 911 caller said.
It happened before dawn on April 27 on a street within a 10-minute drive of the city's skyscrapers, sports venues and tourist attractions, but across a chasm of poverty and crime in the most murder-ridden neighborhood in one of America's poorest cities.
Latangia Anderson, 23, Johnny Brown, 20, and Paris Moore, 19, all of Cleveland, have been charged with aggravated murder and each pleaded not guilty Monday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Bond was set at $1 million for each.

The defendants said they were unable to afford an attorney and had lawyers appointed to represent them. The attorneys said they couldn't comment on the case. Police expect more arrests.

It wasn't always dangerous along East 117th Street, where the tulips bloom late because of the cool winds off Lake Erie, one mile north. "It used to be so quiet and we were so blessed to live on 117th Street," said Irene Bennett, 78. She has lived there 40 years and, used to gunfire and loud outbursts at night, slept through the commotion of Gooden's slaying on the next-door sidewalk.

She had hoped she and her husband, now 86, would enjoy the simple things in life in their retirement: watching people pass by and planting flowers around their neatly kept home anchored by a wide porch.

"You pay for your home, you work hard, you retire and you want to enjoy, just come out on your porch and enjoy, wait for the summertime to come and sit and enjoy," she said, shaking her head lightly at the bygone dream.

The attackers sent word that anyone helping police could face retribution, according to City Councilman Kevin Conwell, who called them gang members. Like most council members, Conwell keeps in touch with police commanders, especially on high-profile crimes that worry residents.

Police haven't mentioned a motive. Conwell said it involved an argument involving a woman and a threat by her cousin against Gooden.
"He went to defend his malehood honor. He hit the cousin in the mouth. When that happened the other gang members jumped on him," said Conwell, relying on information from police and neighbors.

After the attack, bloggers condemned senseless inner-city crime. A sidewalk candle vigil was held and a memorial of stuffed animals emerged outside the Bennett house because the slaying scene doesn't have a tree to anchor the display.

The display has dwindled, according to Bennett, but still has a stuffed dog with the label "Puppy love" and another with the Gooden's nickname, Bud, written repeatedly on it.
Bennett knew Gooden as a youngster from his visits to an uncle down the street in a house now boarded up.

Poverty and drugs have left many houses in the neighborhood dilapidated. There are a few newly renovated homes and two newer ones, one with barred windows. The once-lively commercial district around the corner is made up of mostly closed stores interrupted occasionally by a barbershop or storefront church.

The neighborhood is Cleveland's murder capital, according to police spokesman Lt. Thomas Stacho, and outsiders driving the streets risk getting pegged as people looking to buy crack cocaine.

Still, Gooden's death tugged at sensibilities, including the 911 callers. "They're stomping somebody and ripping their clothes off. You need to come," another caller said. "Like 15 of them beating the hell out of him."

The emergency dispatcher asked if an ambulance should be sent. "You better bring a stretcher, too," the caller replied. "Please hurry."

--G

Barrett Continues to Feel Repurcussions

Steakmatters reported the unfortunate and shameful circumstances surrounding the resignation of former State Representative Matthew Barrett (D-Amherst). It seems the guy has been thrown under the bus by his family, too--as it seems he is no longer welcome at his father's personal injury law firm. Sad. Karma's a beeotch.

A replacement has yet to be named by Democrats.

--G

Happy Mother's Day

To all you mother's out there---have a Happy Day.

--G

Ivy League Hits the Big Apple

I asked I.L. to do a guest post on his recent trip to the Big Apple (Yankee Stadium and all). The following story is his recount of that glorious trip! Rat...

Star Date - May 3rd, New York City.
A day only a red-blooded male could love. The game plan - attend Yankee Stadium for the first time for an afternoon game between the Bronx Bombers and the Mariners and then regroup for dinner at The Palm.

We leave Grand Central for the Bronx. Easy commute up to 161st. As soon as you step out on to the platform, the grand facade of the venerable ole' ballpark stares you right in the face. I didn't realize this (suppose I should have), but New Yankee Stadium is being built directly across the street. Should be a nice new park.

Roam around the bars and souvenir shops for a couple of hours prior to game time. Stop in at Billy's Bar for a cold one. Painting of the great Yankee's captain of the '80s, Thurman Munson, hanging behind the bartender. Does anyone remember that he is from the Canton area? In fact, the old minor league stadium in Canton was named after him.

Head into Yankee Stadium and you can just feel the history of the place. Pretty darn cool for a baseball fan even if you happen to despise the guys in pinstripes. We sit in good seats, lower box, a few rows up from where Ichiro is swinging a lead pipe getting ready to lead off the game. Mike Mussina is on the hill throwing fastballs a little leaguer could catch up to, but his command and his change of speeds keep the Mariners off balance all day long. Johnny Damon gets his 400th career double and hits one over the short porch in right. Yankees win, thaaaa Yankees win. Yankees fans are the worst, by the way.

Glad I finally made it to Yankee Stadium. Great first and last trip to the House that Ruth Built.
Now for the best part of the day - dinner at The Palm.

The only decision was the 9 ounce or the 14 ounce filet. As I think about it, it really wasn't a decision at all. The extra 5 ounces were less than $1 per ounce more. How can you say no? Order the filet, medium rare. We add a couple of sides and two amazing bottles of red wine. Can't go wrong with a Groth cabernet. Filet is cooked perfectly. Savor every bite. Take in all the atmosphere and enjoy the evening. Finish the evening off at a bar on 42nd and 2nd. Bartender is from Pittsburgh. Go Browns!

Heading back to NYC again soon. Do I go to Strip House or Sparks? Such a tough life . . .

Thanks for the post, Ivy--good stuff.

FoxNews on State Representative Josh Mandel

Follow the link for this great story by Rick Leventhal.

http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=139105&referralPlaylistId=undefined


G

MSNBC's Russert: 'We Now Know Who the Nominee Will Be'

Russert says it all here.