Lake Affected

From the what!? file: I'm sure glad Congress is taking care of this issue. Unfortunately, I think my wife will be angry.

Real v. Fake: The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a whole heap of criticism and trouble after last Monday's victory over the Dolphins. The grounds crew replaced the turf after Thanksgiving weekend, when several high school games were played on the field and it had taken a severe beating. New turn was laid over the existing grass to have it ready in time for the upcoming Steeler game.

A severe downpour ensued Monday and the field became a swamp, literally. Players had trouble standing, their shoes sunk down into the grass and mud. It was the lowest-scoring Monday night game in history. The Steelers won 3-0, kicking a field goal in the final two minutes.

It may be time for Pittsburgh to return to artificial turf. Three Rivers Stadium used only astro turf, but Heinz Field has only contained natural grass. The Steelers may have to install the new field turf just so the playing surface is usable late in the season. With the Steelers playing eight regular season games plus playoff games there, the University of Pittsburgh playing its home games there, and high school games being played there, it is too much abuse. By the time, November and December roll around, the grass is so crewed up, it barely can be called grass. And this doesn't even take into account the weather, which also causes the grass to fall apart.

It may not be the best option for football purists, but with a multi-use stadium, it is the best option. Is field turf the best option for the NFL? Dome teams already use it, along with some outdoor teams. The questions is whether natural grass is a viable option for pro football. Should all teams have field turf installed?

Fully evolved: Congratulations to Derrick, who has beaten a primate in a stock-picking game. Interesting to note that Derrick tried to sabotage himself in August.

If you can beat a primate, you're not too far away from being mocked by Jim Cramer, like one particular Vanderbilt alum and Northwestern grad student.

"Truths" from Congress: I'll keep this short. Here's what I seem to learn about the SCHIP bill that President Bush vetoed, probably because he hates children. I hate children, too, apparently. Anyway:

1. You should be entitled to spend money on whatever you want. Should you choose not to spend money on health insurance, the government (Bush veto or no) will probably take care of your kids.
2. Perfectly acceptable: using a 12-year-old to push policy. Perfectly unacceptable: reporting on the kids' parents.
3. For the bad choices of the Frosts' and other families across the country, we can thank the government for making it difficult to make other choices, like smoking an occasional cigar.

Game 1: It is true that Lou Piniella violated the cardinal rule of managing for a game that might never come when he pulled Carlos Zambrano for Carlos Marmol after six innings. What hurts more is the Cubs' problems at the plate. Brandon Webb is the best pitcher in the National League, but the top five batters need to collectively outhit the pitcher.

The most interesting thing that happened came in the ninth when Jose Valverde faced Alfonso Soriano with two outs and a runner on first. Valverde threw the notorious first-pitch hitter two fastballs down Main Street. Soriano took the first and whiffed on the second. It was 0-2, and Valverde induced a game-ending fielder's choice.

Doug Davis (tonight's pitcher) seems to pitch well against the Cubs, so pardon my moderate pessimism.

On Fort Wayne: It had been 11 years since my last trip into Fort Wayne. Back then, I was there for a weekend covering IU men's soccer in a tournament at the minor league baseball stadium. I stayed at the Hilton downtown, and I noticed the dearth of food options nearby.

Things haven't changed much. Downtown Fort Wayne has all the makings of great city. One problem: There was not one decent lunch place open at noon on Saturday. The flagship state university was playing a conference "power" on the road, and you couldn't watch it at the hotel (you could watch two in-state junior college teams, Notre Dame and Purdue, play on television, but not Indiana). You'd think a drinking and eating establishment would have its doors open somewhere within walking distance of the convention center.

Congratulations: Just got back from Fort Wayne, where I saw Derrick marry the former Jenni Glenn. Joanna and I had a wonderful time, but no one in that town was happier than Derrick, who is off to Rome on Thursday.

My "bloggage" has been light thanks to a tough quarter with school, a major project coming to its head at work, and several other engagements. Derrick's was the latest, but my schedule should grow saner shortly.


As for Derrick, we'll welcome him back in two weeks!

Labels: Congratulations, Derrick Gingery, marriage

37-27.
SUPER BOWL BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stealing signs: The Patriots controversy has been beat to beyond a bloody pulp. But I keep coming back to the easy solution to the problem -- allowing a defensive player to have an earpiece on the field.

Bill Belichick isn't in favor of it, according to this Boston Globe piece, because defenses tend to substitute more. If, in the Bears' case, Brian Urlacher comes off the field because of an injury or for some other reason, who is going to have the radio connection? I think if it's easy enough for the offense to have a radio connection, then the defense can have a radio connection. Give the ear piece to whoever is going to be making the play calls.

The NFL needs to make this rule change. And I suspect after this debacle the franchises will pass it this year.

As for the mention in the Globe story that the Jaguars had trouble with their headsets during a playoff game at New England last season, that is just unacceptable. That may be more of a crime than getting caught filming the Jets' defensive signals.

Air problems: Unfortunately, I can't say I share your pain when it comes to emissions testing. But I did have to get regular tests done on some older cars I drove while still living in the Land of Lincoln. I have to say it was not a totally useless experience, other than I burned a few gallons of gas to get to the testing site. But it was quick and relatively painless.

Maybe I just was lucky and had old cars that didn't have emission problems.