A Wake-up

Tomorrow afternoon, our dear friend Mark Campbell will take the plunge into holy matrimony. As you all know, Mark is a big Superman fan-thus the reason he’s wearing his skivvies on the outside of his Wranglers-but as you will see in this video (click here for the video link). Mark is more the man of squeal than he is the man of the steel. (Thanks Brad for getting this on the web). I have watched this video clip at least 100 times and it still is damn funny-have your sound on to hear Mark’s scream as Craig douches the CCQ! Will we ever grow-up? Never!

Our best wishes to the bride (Leslie Abercrombie) and the groom.

Up, Up & Away!

Gregg Expectations of a Runaway Bride

Wednesday, I sent an e-mail to Mel that we (College of Charleston) landed Gregg Marshall as our new basketball coach. Mel’s response was “Sweet! For the next 24 hours, we would have visions of Tournament dancing, season tickets and how many Cougar Club points we would need to accumulate to get great seats at the new Kresse Arena. Former CofC Coach John Kresse announced he planned on getting his old seats back behind the bench. And we were not the only Maroons riding the wave of hope because as of 2:00 pm yesterday, a giant sigh, was heard across the peninsula as every CofC fan and alum heard the news that Coach Marshall, our hope to return the school to greatness, was headed back to Winthrop. Every one of you probably had the same response that I did; I started with quit joshing me, where did you hear that? Followed by, you are crazy; I just got the e-mail from the Alumni group this morning confirming the announcement. And then the inevitable printed work in the Post & Courier confirmed our disappointment.

There is a lot of speculation about why Marshall left, was it Sapakoff's time-lined article about the "backdoor" recruitment of Marshall, Lynne Marshall's over-exuberance at Winthrop games, a family decision, Winthrop offered more money or something else? Sapakoff's article this morning, "Marshall adds to the mess he discovered", threw a lot of jabs at Coach Marshall, but the one thing Sapakoff missed can be summed up with two words-Jerry Baker. CofC A.D. Jerry Baker was on vacation when the committee wined, dined and then spit in their palms before shaking hands with Marshall. Chucktown Sports Muckraker, Sapakoff was correct about one thing, this was a highly unusual hire, and now that the smoke has settled we see why. It is well known that Marshall and Jerry Baker have bad-blood going back over a decade, and that Baker has snubbed his nose at Coach Marshall more than once. I am sure Baker hit the roof when he came home from his cruise and found out a "collegiate-coup" hired his (least) favorite person behind his back. How much pull does Baker have in Randolph Hall? Evidently enough to get Gregg Marshall to pull a U-turn and head back to Rock Hill.

The Post & Courier is forecasting either Buzzy or Bobby Cremins to be tapped as CofC's 21st coach. The Bushido believes Cremins would be the best selection because 1) (as Mr. Glass said) we do have a PR nightmare to clean up, 2) we do need a coach with national name recognition to keep the 4 returning varsity players and recruit new players, 3) Cremins would be a nice transition to build the program for the next 6 years. That being said, the first thing the gang down on George Street needs to do is axe Baker and put Kresse in as athletic director.

A day and a wake-up

Craig's idea was to stuff Dallas' jock strap with candy. Pics from Wild Wings. I am not sure what the names of these girls are, but this is Charleston, so you could guess that at least two or more are named Lindsay, Jessica, Jennifer, Ashley, Amy or Laura.

Carolina Day!

It’s Carolina Day, a day to be celebrated by all Americans because it marks the first major victory over the ‘red-coats’ during the Revolutionary War. 230 years ago, the world’s most powerful navy came into Charleston harbor to regulate the unruly “colonists” and establish order for the crown. You can imagine the bravado of those British ships, the best in the business, flying the ‘Union Jack’ on their masts sailing off the South Carolina coast line only to see a small fort made of palmetto logs (where we got the nickname the Palmetto State) with a rag-tag group of ruffians to guard the crown's richest jewel of the South (and the colonies), the harbor of America's 4th largest city, Charleston.

Battle of Sullivan's Island
The bombardment would last for more than 9 hours, but the Patriots would stand their ground against the Empire’s finest, the small fort with the soft wood of the palmettos would ‘catch’ the crown’s cannonballs and the Palmetto Patriots would fire their own ammunition right back at the British. The Patriots lead by Col. William Moultrie would literally beat the pants off (Sir Peter Parker did indeed have the rear of his pants shot off during the battle) the greatest Navy in the world. This victory would inspire our nation to fight tenaciously to throw off the yoke of the crown and win our freedom! A freedom so contagious, so moving, that it has inspired political thinkers, leaders and movements to this very day! This my friends is why we celebrate Carolina Day!

Facts about Carolina Day

• South Carolina is known as the Palmetto state because of the Palmetto logs used to build Fort Moultrie.
  
• The fort on Sullivans Island was named for Col. William Moultrie, who led the fight against the British.
  
• Sgt. Jasper made his historical raising of the flag to give the boys inspiration during the battle. We erected a statue in White Point Gardens and named an apartment building after Jasper in his honor.
  
• The victory on this date in 1776, 6 days before the Declaration of Independence, was the first major victory in the Revolutionary War.
  
• Stan Lee did not name Spiderman's alter ego after Sir Peter Parker, but it would be a lot cooler if he did.
  
• Carolina Day and Independence Day (July 4th) are the only two days any American is legally permitted to kick the arse of any limey bastard who calls said American a colonists. (Not true, but if ever elected, I will push this Bill through Congress.)
  
• Other South Carolina victories include: King's Mountain in York County (1781), Daniel Morgan and (George's cousin) Gen. William Washington's famous victory at Cowpens & Pickens-the British were forced north to Guildford Courthouse (N.C.) and then Cornwallis withdrew to the final defeat and surrender at Yorktown, Virginia.
  

(Photos compliments of the South Carolina Historical Society, please visit their site to learn more.)

Happy Carolina Day!

Carolina Day events7 a.m.: St. Michael's Episcopal and St. Philip's Episcopal churches ring their bells.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Gibbes Museum of Art offers free tours, featuring some pieces from the Revolutionary War era.

Noon: Area churches are asked to ring their bells.

2:30 p.m.: Church service at First Scots Presbyterian Church at 53 Meeting St.

3 p.m.: Participating organizations assemble at Washington Park for parade.

3:30 p.m.: Procession from Washington Park to White Point Garden.

3:50 p.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony at White Point Garden with music by 246th Army Band.

7 p.m.: At Fort Moultrie, members of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment present living history programs, including musket firings.

7:30 p.m.: At Fort Moultrie, a program includes unveiling of an iron fence around Gen. William Moultrie's grave, with remarks by Marty Matthews, curator of research for the North Carolina Division of Historic Sites and author of "Forgotten Founder: The Life and Times of Charles Pinckney."

8 p.m.: Members of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment will offer more living history programs.

Bushido Music Review: Art Brut

As you all know the Bushido’s musical steering committee consists of Jay-“Bird” Alexander, Bob Ailstock and random late night performances on Late Night with Conan O’Brian Show. I know the Bushido music reviews have been dreadfully slacking lately. What can I say? I haven’t caught Conan for a while and Bob’s swamped in Summer school, but Jay-Bird came through with three groups (Wolfmother, Radiohead front man, Thom Yorke’s new album-I’ll write about that album once it is on the shelves July 11th-and my new favorite Art Brut) that I have to pass along to the Bushido’s readers.

Jay-Bird passed me Art Brut’s “Bang, Bang, Rock and Roll” album on the Banana/Fierce Panda label at the beginning of June and I’ve been acoustically dissecting it ever since. The band is named after the “outsider” art movement described by French artist Jean Debuffet as the art created by mental patients, prisoners and the likes of Jenkins Hall brass-mindless, brutally natural without care for presentation or acceptance. Speaking of which, here is a prime example of why Art Brut is probably the most brilliant form of art. (Reuters) Indeed, Art is subjective (open to one’s own interpretation), but this takes the cake; the Royal Academy is displaying a slate plinth (slab of stone used as a display pedestal) and the piece of wood for attaching art in the Royal Academy’s summer exhibit. What makes this odd is that there was a sculpture of a head on the plinth, but (as hypothesized by the artist, David Hensel) the sculpture and the plinth became separated during the selection process, the head was denied, the plinth was accepted. I wish I knew creating art was that easy, then again, “Modern Art makes me want to rock out”! I digress; If you like bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, Hell-Led Zepplin and Clinic, you’ll go crazy for the eccentricity of Art Brut.

These British Indie rockers are not only musically talented, but they may have the most snarky, cerebrally funny lyrics that I have heard since Louis XIV or the Darkness put out their last record. Art Brut consists of guitarists Jasper Future, Ian Catskilkin, Mikey B on drums, red-headed bassists Frederica Feedback, and singer Eddie Argos who happens to refreshingly not hide his accent, “Yes, this is my singing voice.” Their first few cuts on this album were previously released as “Brutlegs”, but now are all on the album. Art Brut’s lyrics are what make this group. After you’ve listened to the album a few times, check the words. Anytime the first song on an album, Formed a band covers the band’s desire to write the song “that makes Israel and Palestine get along”, and that is as “popular as Happy Birthday” you know you are in for a ride. Emily Kane is a song about the crush Argo had on his prep-school girlfriend and how she was the best love of his life. Rusted Guns of Milan “leave the light on” has to do with erectile disfunction without the proper lighting. One of my favorite laid-back, bubble-gum jams is the 9th track, Moving to L.A. where Argos has the intentions of partying with Axle Rose and stripping down and riding his Harley Davidson down Sunset Strip. Finally, I had an idea while listening to My little brother-yes, I was driving the Silver Surfer-I think it would make excellent background music to a BMW advertisement where a young guy pulls up in an X-3, beside a slightly older guy in an X-5 with the initial beat of My little brother in the background. (Hey, BMW rewards imagination, a guy can dream, can’t he?) They both grin and nod to one another and the two vehicles turn away heading opposite streets-both have hot chicks riding shotgun. I am still working on it.

(Photo compliments of the Art Brut web-site.)

2 days and a wake-up...we're getting closer...

Note: I received the itinary for the groomsman yesterday~Sweet! (Don't worry the photos will stay tame until Friday, when I will reveal the 'trunk-monkey' and the 'ice shower' video for the Bushido's readers. Stay tuned!

Run-off election for South Carolina's Lt. Governor race is today!

The prettiest and powerful Oz, Mrs. Jenny, came out from behind the curtain to give the nod to Horse-face yesterday in attempt to repay the favor the late, great, hmm, hmm good Governor Campbell extended to our favorite navy-blue blazer wearer. L(ead foo)t. Gov. Bauer crossed the Flo-town, Myrtle Riviera route yesterday and completed his ‘press the meat’ journey here in Charleston, walking the Cooper River (Rav-refusal) Bridge while on crutches. First place contestant Horse-face Campbell started his day Bernie’s in Cola, followed with the food court at the El Cid Mall, and will finish at a undisclosed location in Myrtle Beach-I am thinking the infamous Doll House will be his best chance to ‘press the meat’. The run-off election between “Lead Foot” and “Horse Face” is today, so by all means put on your goulashes and get out to vote, this race will be determined by who gets out to vote.

Just something to think about: Think about South Carolina’s National image if we elect “Sanford and Son” (Gov Sanford and Rep. Candidate Campbell). We will have a Governor who doesn’t wear suits, makes Time Magazine’s “3 worst governors list” (and has the gravitas to run as “a different kind of governor”)* Governor Sanford doesn’t debate, doesn’t fulfill his promise to the electorate and seems to spend all of his time making charts. If get Mike Campbell, we’ll have a guy who never worked a day in his life, (I am totally cool with this because working is so overrated), trades on Papa-Bear Campbell’s name and money. And sadly, Mike Campbell doesn’t have a college degree.

What I am getting at is in the age of business development and economic incentives to induce companies to relocate or build factories in South Carolina, it would seriously help if our state’s leaders happened to be pro-business (give tax-incentives and put on a suit Gov Sanford) and had the qualifications to be in the position they’ve reached (go finish your degree Campbell, I don’t care where it is from, just get one. And go do something other than polishing the tarnish you’ve put on your father’s good name.**

The Bushido supports our current Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer in the race. He’s actually accomplished more than having a heavy foot. Btw, I think it shows Bauer’s character to be able to laugh at himself and accept the campaign donations from NASCAR drivers. I hope you will too.

*Gov. Sanford is correctly wording his campaign slogan. He is different from Hodges, a decent Gov. who came through on his campaign promises; Sanford has nothing to show after four years of being in office other than a litany of missteps and embarrassments.
**Not only does Campbell trade on his father’s name, but he rides the tide of support from former President Bush and Lee Atwater’s wife, Sally. Lee Atwater-do you remember him? Of all the people, please tell me that history doesn’t paint Atwater a pretty memory. If so, Karl Rove will go down as a “founding father”.

(Photo of Andre Bauer compliments of GOBCweb.com)

3 days and a wake-up

(photo of Brad Hiers, Mark "the Bachelor" Campbell & Jim Trabert @ Edgewater Park Island compliments of Brad Hiers.)

If you can't take the heat...

I saw the following: “A group of Charleston firefighters says morale is suffering because they don’t get paid enough. The department pays entry-level firefighters well, but their compensation doesn’t keep up the longer they stay or the more they move up, leaving some captains earning little more than the firefighters they supervise, said Roger L. Yow Sr., president of the Charleston Firefighters Association. The organization represents nearly half of Charleston’s firefighters. Fire Chief Rusty Thomas said the city’s nearly 240 firefighters are the best-equipped in the state. He said they get annual raises and that the city just spent about $500,000 to upgrade the pension plan for firefighters.”
The State newspaper, and I couldn’t help but think, join the crowd. Sorry guys, but when it comes to a pity party you are wearing the wrong hat, we all want to make more money.

I’ll level with you fellas, I dig your work; I appreciate all that you do. I am telling you, going to the fire-station was my favorite field trip as a kid, with the big red fire trucks and the whole slide down the pole, run the siren and swing the axe into a mobile home door--I made the last part up--but everyone knows that you don’t go into firefighting for the money. You join the local fire department for the firefighter lifestyle and image: tough, hero, Dalmatian dog, shiny trucks, lots of down time to look cool in your uniform and pick up chicks, etc. Starting salary for a firefighter in Charleston is $36k a year, Captains make close to six-figures-that’s a pretty good chunk of change for Chucktown pay. Unfortunately, your union leaders (lamenting in a right to work state) in the Charleston Firefighters Association are forgetting state law prohibits municipalities from negotiating pay with “union” or collective groups and they are making you all look like a bunch of sour-grapes, which will have ramifications when you pass your boots around in the middle of traffic to raise additional funds. (Charleston Firefighters passing the boot will bring in an average of $7-$10k on the Ashley River Crossing alone in one weekend.) Basically, what I am saying is “put out those flames of discontent, quit your beachin’, and connect the dots-most people don’t have it so good”. I am hungry. What do you say Dottie? I think it might be time for one of those Firehouse steak or meatball subs tonight!
(Photo compliments of Storyplace.org)

Happy Birthday to Goldfinger!

I know this is bad of me not to have a picture of Teske on the Bushido for his birthday; unfortunately, everyone that I have of Gold-finger includes a certain ex-girlfriend of mine who recently made it explicitly clear she no longer wants to be included on the Bushido. So here is the cleverest thing that I could find to help celebrate Gold-finger’s birthday, solid-gold dancers, courtesy of the Shark’s Home page.

Countdown to Mark Campbell's wedding: 7 days and a wake-up

7 days and a wake-up until these two love-birds tie the knot! The plan is for next 7 days (and a wake-up) to post recent pictures of our bachelor Mark. The final post will be on Friday with a special link to Brad & Craig’s Ice Shower prank on Mark. I’ve watched it several times and still can’t stop laughing. Stay tuned. Also, I promise the pictures I post will not be too racy for the PG-13 crowd. (Special thanks to Bobo for the picture)

My neighbor's little bird

Doubting Thomas Higgins, must you see my moustache, my red Ferrari (with the Robin 1 license plates) and (TC) neighbor's helicopter before you recognize that Edgewater Park island is a very tony neighborhood? I have got to become friends with this guy.

(Photo compliments of Brad Hiers)

Bushido Movie Review: Syriana

After watching a devastating (10th straight) loss by the Braves last night, Craig and I decided we'd seen enough sports and decided to check out the movie he rented Syriana. Director Stephen Gaghan, who brought you the graphic insight into the inter-connected world of both the supply and demand controlling the US drug trade in the movie Traffic, is back again with a brilliant insight into the interchanges between the supply and demand of the US's biggest "addiction"-Oil. Through the eyes of an energy analyst-Woodson (Damon), CIA Operative-Bob Barnes (Clooney) and corporate attorney-Holiday (Wright), we get a raw experience of how belting off our arms and shooting "black-gold" into our red, white and blue veins affects everything from corporate and political corruption to geo-politics and religion. Indeed, in the global community we (America) are the junkies who roam the streets looking for our next fix, willing to do anything in our power to get it.

For you entranced by Fox News and walking around with your eyes wide shut, you will more than likely disagree with the anti-American undertones and how the bull (US Corporations) in the china shop don't like to play by the rules, but flick the remote and look at other channels; you will soon see that the fictional exposure of corruption and manipulation is not that far off the mark of the "handshake drugs we buy downtown". The irony is that for all of the Capitalism and Democracy we are supposedly spreading, we actually are destroying the tree of liberty with our own greed and manipulation. Then again, Fox Newsies don't have to turn the channel. Just watch your boy Bill O'Reilly for a bit. I found it hugely ironic that "Papa Bear", as Colbert refers to this 5*RAH, suggested a 7 pm curfew combined with orders for soldiers to shoot to kill anyone breaking the law or looking suspicious as a solution to tame the civil war in Iraq; ironical because this happens to be the same tyrannical governance we liberated Iraq from and which Sadaam Hussein is currently being tried for. Indeed, there was a reason Bush (41) did not over-throw Sadaam Hussein during the first Gulf War-he did not want to disrupt the balance of power in the middle-east. Hussein was a "necessary evil". And American voters crucified George H.W. Bush as a weakling for not going after this 'evil foe' of America. Why? As shown in Syriana the average American just doesn't look or care about the big picture. As Clooney’s character says in the movie, “I never wanted to know before.”

If Gaghan accomplished anything with this movie it will be to get people thinking about the interconnectedness of the world and how much validity there is in what the government and the media tell us. To get you thinking here is something from the Bushido's back burner. We keep hearing about the success of democracy and elected officials in Iraq and nothing or little about the civil war in Iraq. I think that it would be safe to assume peace is on the way in Iraq. We found out yesterday that Afghanistan’s President Karzai is tired of our sh-crap; and the Afghanis want us out. And I think Iraq is soon to follow. If the Iraqis are the success (the Administration) says their government is, they will soon negotiate peace between the warring tribes in Iraq. Once peace is in place, the U.S. really has no reason to maintain a military presence in Iraq. How hypocritical of our own 3rd Amendment would we be to force Iraqis to harbor American troops? The answer: Very, but no one would care because the perceptions will soon change for your average, yellow ribbon, Joe American who wants the troops to come home. HST had it right; fear and loathing of our addiction to oil will come into effect in both our politics and business. The Republicans will brand Democrats as wanting to cut and run, Iran will become a "more serious" threat, and our dealers (Big Oil) will need protection as they steal the most valuable resource on the planet from the deserts of Iraq, benefiting junkies (consumers) by knocking 25 cents off the price at the pump and benefiting their own gold lined pockets. The neighborhood (mid-east) will still lack infrastructure and continue to become more dangerous as those without jobs, hope or a voice will soon find crime or religious fanaticism as their only hope, which sadly is a very dangerous situation for us all. My father used to say "there is nothing in this world more dangerous than a young, impressionable man, with no hope and no job" sadly, unless we change our ways and end our addictions those words will soon be as haunting as a video left behind by a suicide-bomber. Our world has changed post-9-11; I think it is time we change as well.

BMW X5 for sale or how I learned to love the Tumeys

John and Jenny are selling (asking $22,000) their 2001 BMW X5. If interested you can check out the specs (Silver with Black Leather, premium pkg., cold weather package-heated seats etc, CD, Moon Roof,excellent condition! 102K miles 1 owner) and contact info (phone: 843-478-1815) on Craigslist (here’s the link).

As you all know, "the General" broke down a couple of weeks ago (see "Houston we have a problem"). A special thanks to Todd down at Southern Volvo for getting her fixed at a totally reasonable (1/4 value of the car) price. I digress; I didn’t have to ride the "heel to toe express" because my pals John and Jenny (the Tumeys) tossed me the keys to Jenny’s ‘old’ BMW as a loaner. Indeed, this was a very gracious gesture by two very close friends and I am grateful, however, sadly, I must resent them for letting me borrow their X-5 for a week. Let me explain.

Let me begin by establishing a couple of the Bushido's ground rules for borrowing a vehicle from someone: first, always wash, clean-out (your empties) and fill up the tank (gas and fluids-I suggest the Rain-X windshield wiper fluid if you want to go the extra mile) before you return it. Secondly, only borrow cars of equal or below the equivalent of what you are used to driving. My Volvo (Latin for "I roll"), "the General Sherman" handles all right, her take-off is roughly 0-60 in 3 minutes, and she can take a rough handling. Remember the General was once owned by Hutto, who thought he was a long, lost 'Duke boy' when he drove her. I've enjoyed "the General" for years; she's always been good to me and I am totally content with her, that is, until last week.

The reason for my discontent is simple, I was spoiled by a vehicle created by the finest engineering minds in the world, the Germans, who thought it some humorous prank to create a SUV, the BMW-X5, that handles like a sports car-damn those Germans know how to build a car-with all of the comforts and safety features of a mid-sized, luxury SUV. It was a sad day when I had to reluctantly return the key to Jenny-She actually had to pry it from my fingers, kick me in the 'junk' and wrestle me to the ground to get it-and get behind the wheel of the old Volvo. Trust me when I tell you this, having luxury (in an automobile) and losing it, is worse than never having luxury at all. Hence the mild resentment. Write that down; I'll sign it-James E. Trabert.

I am not quite sure what exactly was the catalyst for the automobile depression I experienced upon returning to "the General", but something obviously was missing. I first noticed this feeling when my phone rang, I tapped my left thumb twice, yet the music did not turn down. What the? Reality check, I actually have to reach to turn down the radio. The leather on the seats were comfortably broken in and gave off the lightest scent signaling that I was in the prescence of well crafted, double-stitched quality leather challenged only by what you would find in a Bentley. As the son of Lenny Trabert, I grew up with the Trabert family "no-head turning" mirror positioning ingrained*, however, not only was this X5 already on the money, but when reversing, the mirrors position downward so you can see any obstructions (something my father thought someone should invent a long time ago). Perhaps it was a combination of becoming accustomed to the luxury conveinences in the Silver Surfer (BMW X5) and the ego boost from people complimenting how good I looked behind the wheel or the smiles and glances from attractive females on the road and side-walks. (Trust me, this ride, especially with the moon-roof open, allowing God's flash light to shine in on the driver, attracts attention-I still have ladies ask me if I am the guy w/ the silver X5) that caused me to sigh everytime I get in the Volvo now. Or perhaps it was the mini-vacation I took everytime I cranked the engine, turned up the music (the Bushido recommends jamming to either "Wolfmother" or "Art Brut") with the windows down, moon roof open, having the sport mode on (as if a BMW needs an afterburner to launch off of the starting line) and leaving all of the stress of my so called life in the dust behind me.

Actually, I think that now I am over it. I can forgive the Tumeys for their hospitality. They've had their backsides in those supple leather seats and they wanted to show the Bushido how motivating a comfortable ride can be. In fact, if anything they lended me more than just a car. They lended me a new outlook on life. I think it is time to reinvent JET; I need to get out there and make some scratch. They have opened my eyes to the motivating secret of capitalism. What Communists out there refer to as Materialism is not just infatuation with shiny silver objects; it is an avenue of escapism, because when everything else goes to hell in a handbasket, at least you can arrive in style, fresh from a stress free vacation with a smile on your face. Sure some people can do that with focus, prayer, meditation, or exercise. But I'll take a black key with the famous blue-sky propeller insignia on it over those other options any day of the week.

*For those of you unfamiliar with this position, put the driver's side mirror's bottom right corner at the edge of your viewpoint to the left rear of the car. (You now have full left lane visibility.) Put your passenger's side mirror's bottom left corner to where you can just see the door handles on your car. (You now have full right lane visibilty.

Heels Up causes Clemson Cardiac to flat-line!

As I mentioned in my previous “Remember the Titans” post, the guys and I were headed back to the Island for the Clemson v Carolina game and as I so hopefully mentioned, anything is possible in college baseball. That is why a UNC-Chapel Hill pitcher drafted in the 46th round, would blank the top scoring offense in the country and throw the first shut-out at the College World Series since CS-Fullerton blanked the Gamecocks two-years ago. The Tarheel’s Robert Woodard (7-1) fanned 7 tigers, allowing two hits of 130 pitches, and earned his 2nd shut-out in 5 games. So Woody, why can’t you smile for the camera? The Bushido would be “doing the Charleston” on the mound after ending Tiger Tyler Colvin’s 26-game winning streak and putting Clemson in a elimination game against Cal-State Fullerton. Seriously Woody, come back for your senior year and when you play Clemson again say the following: “In your face Bobo; in your face.” For those readers concerned with Bobo’s condition, don’t worry his “Clemson Cardiac” was only a mild one. However, he did limp home to his lady with his little tiger tail tucked between his legs. Clemson (53-15) plays Cal-State Fullerton on Tuesday, the Heels (52-13) have the winner of that one on Wednesday, which not only do we own Bracket 1, but we’ve ruled both of the teams we could possibly face.

I almost forgot, the guys were in transit and missed the only two runs scored in the game. It went down like this fellas. Mike Cavasinni lead off the 3rd inning with a single, my main man Reid Fronk lit one off the wall for a double-RBI, Josh Horton followed with another double-RBI, but was thrown out for being aggressive at third. (Btw, that was a bad call, you were in like Flynn.) In closing, one thing the Bushido would like everyone to know is that we (Carolina Fans) really like Coaches named FOX (see John w/ Panthers and Mike w/Heels baseball).

Remember the Titans! Georgia Tech v Cal State Fullerton in College World Series Elimintation Game

The Bushido is in full recovery mode from Dallas' evening of debauchery. As you all know, I was a bit steamed with Ga. tech's win over my beloved CofC Cougars. Given a choice between the lessor of two evils, Clemson or Tech, I pulled for Tech. But with a loss from the Tiger Nation, and the Heels beating the Titans, today's game was a different story. Armed with a snoring Dallas Campbell, three hot subs from the Firehouse and my fellow Tarheel fan, Craig Blackmon, we buckled down to watch today's elimination game.

Remember it took the Heels extra innings to defeat the Titans. So, the Bushido pulled for Cal State fullerton to send the "I heart Tech-a-bees" home to Hotlanta. Although I pulled against Tech, I was glad to see Chucktown all-star Matt Weiter (GOOSE CREEK!) play today. Matt has a heck of a game playing both roles of starting catcher and pitcher in the 5th and 6th inning. The "buzz" on the street is that Weiter will go 1st in the draft next year. Tech held the Titans tight and kept the lead until, with two outs, a pinch hit took a wild roll off the wall at the top of the 9th, bringing in two runs and giving Cal State Fullerton the lead. CSF added one more to end Tech's chances of sticking around Omaha. Cal State Fullerton defeated Georgia Tech 7 to 5.

The game was as exciting as college baseball gets. However, our true excitement will happen in about an hour. When the Clemson v Carolina game gets rolling. I know many people think Clemson's cardiac will grab the Heels by the horns, but if I may offer this one word of advice from Yoggi Berra, "It ain't over until it's over". If CSF can flush their mistakes and turn the tide to win against Georgia Tech, than anything is possible. GO HEELS!

Happy Father's Day

If you look closely at this photo from crazysh-crap, you will see this year's Father of the Year Award winner. Although my step-dad, Dan Brown and I never had this sort of 'educational' experience, we've shared some great adventures and there are many more family trips to come.

Happy Father's Day, UPS will deliver something for you here in the next couple of days. Love you Dan! I can't wait for our next trip to Beantown to watch the Red Sox (Dan and Mom's 30th birthday present to the Bushido).

Btw, What do Jim Trabert and the 2006 US Soccer team have in common? Answer: Neither of us slipped one past the goalie this year! That’s right folks. Another Father’s Day has come and gone and I didn’t receive a card!

Kinston's Queen Jamie Pressly

To the folks at US Weekly magazine,

In your June 5th edition, "How Janet got thin", under the section of "US Hot bodies-20s" you mistakenly hailed "the Southern Star" Jaime Pressly as being from Kingston, South Carolina. I only remark on this as Ms. Pressly hails from the same former home base as the Bushido, Kinston, North Carolina. Kinston is known for King's BBQ, the Kinston Indians and producing attractive women. Please stop by next time you are headed to the beach or Camp Le Jeune. To end on a high note, great pics of Jaime Pressly and my girl Stacy Keibler.

(Photo compliments of the Free Press, visit their site to brush up Kinston)

Marcus Aurelis 16 days and a wake-up

It is time, Dallas Campbell and Leslie Abercrombie will tie the knot in 16th days and a wake-up. I showed gross poor negligence (read about it!) with my inability to aide in the steering committee for the pre-bachelor party last night due to a strained back (sorry folks at Crosby, Stills and Nash, LLC I had to sit out from work today, where's the Doan's back relief?) I am back in the saddle after a soak in the hot-tub and will steer the crew over to the Wind-Jammer (always a jam-good time) to see Cowboy Mouth. Let the imbibing of alcohol begin! We're going to get "sh-crap tooth" drunk tonight! (Photo of Jet, Mark-aka, "Idiot, excuse me Bachelor" and Brad)

It is not in my nature to be mysterious, but what happens on the beach, stays on the beach! (For the record: Mark Campbell loves his finacee Leslie Abercrombie.) That being said, when "this party needs more cowbell" we all fear the reaper of the Peacock! He who passes out first needs to have their mouth duct-taped fear the insert! Bradford is in the bathroom baking cookies. As for bottle caps of Jasper Daniels, throw it over the shoulder for good luck, because "we don't need that anymore"! Draw your own conclusions, but safety first, Yellow Cab will be called tonight.

The future is so bright I gotta wear shades!

President Bush is known for the ridiculous nicknames and comments he makes, but he had to retract one yesterday because his arrogant stench of megalomania caused him to pick on a “4 eyed Joe Hollywood” reporter from the LA Times. Peter Wallsten (the aforementioned reporter) suffers from Stargardt’s disease, a form of macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss. President Bush responded to Wallsten’s question regarding the “White House’s credibility in the aftermath of Rove having been cleared in the CIA leak investigation” by saying “are you gonna ask that question with your shades on? Because, (he-he) there’s no sun and you are addressing the President.” Dubya dodged the Q & A, but called Wallsten later to apologize about his “needling”. Wallsten’s response was “needle” away; basically I have dealt with jerks like you my entire life.
(Photo compliments of NBC News)

Editor’s Note: To the reader who commented, “Bushido- I read that article and I don't see anywhere in there that Wallsten said "I have dealt with jerks like you my entire life." He seemed to take no offense to the comment and he also said that it didn't bother him because he hadn't told anyone in the White House about his condition. When you make stuff up like this it makes you look dishonest. I don't mind your slanted views on things, just don't quote someone for saying something they never said.”

Thank you for your comment and I am glad you followed up on the article. Of course we should always question authority (even the sh-crap) that I write. That being said, I could split hairs with you regarding where exactly I used quotation marks, but that would be a waste of your and my time. Thanks again for the lecture on honesty and clarifying the post for everyone else. Finally, you may want to note that this blog is for entertainment purposes; I try to remain "unslanted" but who am I to kid? We all have biases. That being said, this should be adequate wording for the final sentence of the post; Wallsten’s response was “needle” away; or as I would have liked to imagine his response as a confident Bushesque “Bring it on”!

College of Charleston cans Coach Herrion

Herrion will not return for a 5th Season at the College of CharlestonAs you all know, I wasn’t happy with the performance (on and off the court) of my Alma mater’s basketball team this or last season. A couple of our players showed a lack of sense on King Street and ended up with bracelets from the po-pos. Yet, they were not punished by Coach Herrion because winning and a lack of discipline became the status-quo at the College. When the winning dried up and street ball became the norm, instead of the "team-play" instituted by Coach Kresse, the Maroons were not happy. When the NCAA smacked Herrion on the wrist for pitching a hissy-fit, the Maroons became pissed. You can’t piss off influential boosters and have arrested development on the team without proper punishment.

Mellen was so pissed that he swore off our team until Herrion was gone. Those of us in the Cougar Club found it less easy to throw money into the basketball program. Yet, Goldfinger held true to Herrion’s charted course. Many people speculated we would not buy out his contract because the College of Charleston is a small school of modest means and Herrion had just inked a new deal. The word on the street is that Herrion is going to cost us 1 million large. (Not paid by tax-payer money-time to hit the phone banks kids) Hopefully, a new coach will put butts in the seats because we do have a new arena to pay for and the Maroons need to love the program again.Today’s announcement just proved many people wrong. Herrion’s record was 80-38 in his four years at the College.

Possible Coaches to be tapped are Bobby Cremens (Ga. Tech’s old coach who lives on Sullivans), Buzz Peterson from Coastal Carolina, or possibly Gregg Marshall from Winthrop.Update: Click here for the Chucktown Courier article. The Bradford Report had a few comments about the changing of the guard as well

Charleston School of Law misses provisional accreditation

The ABA (American Bar Assoc.) told “Gershon’s gang” they want to see the whole enchilada before they sign off on the Charleston School of Law’s provisional accreditation. The press release and information in the paper was quite vague, issues with the Law School’s library, faculty, etc. –when the Chucktown Courier writes ‘etc’ you know the water is murky. Does this translate to bad news for the law school, the suits (founding fathers) and students with invested green-backs? Doubtful, the word on the street is that since CSOL is a “for-profit” law school it takes longer to get accreditation than if it were a “not-for-profit” law school. Then again, it may just depend on what your definition of etc, is. Don’t worry; the ABA Committee will be back in the fall for round number 2, expect a green light for the school in the fall.A special thanks to Corbett Coats (CSOL student studying abroad in Spain) for the photo of the enchilada she has while in Spain.

(80) Proof that God Loves You!

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Beer is proof that God loves man”; riding on this wisdom, I have decided to follow a strict 17 beer-a-day and pizza only diet while ingesting coffee in the mornings to fight off cirrhosis of the liver. Man I love science!

Funny story, I called my old pal J.J. Redick (the Dukester) last night to tell him the good news that Oregon State University researchers discovered that beer has a prostate-cancer preventing compound known as xanthohumol. Evidently this was the catalyst for his illegal U-turn on the highway on his way to getting a DWI. My bad J.J. unfortunately, he didn’t let me finish about our other favorite major food group “pizza” which also fights prostate cancer due to lycopene, an ingredient found in tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Thank you Jeebus!

(photo compliments of our friends over at dziadzus)

Rastamule checks in on carriage accidents and Hog Heaven

As you know we (the Royal We) here at the Bushido have so much to consider during the day and since journalism is not my bread and butter, I sometimes will lapse on ideas or ‘drafts’, as we in the blogosphere refer to them, because the day (square) job takes precedence. I had a whole rant about the Myrtle Beach bike week last month, but let it fall to the side because I didn’t have a chance to rip on the noise pollution from a rally almost 2 hours away from here. Plus, many of the FOBs make their bread and butter off of money spent by said bikers, and they are generous people.

A (FOB) Friend of the Bushido, the Rastamule did have some brilliantly insightful things to say about the rally and the “noise pollution” on his blog. Also, he did a recent post on the ‘carriage accident’ on Monday, June 12th which seems a little less dramatic than Diane Knich’s article in the Post & Courier. But let’s face it folks, we love the charm of carriages here in the Holy City so much that they are the heaviest regulated and taxed businesses on the Peninsula. And for some odd “when animals attack” reason journalists love to write about carriage accidents. The way I see it in the hierarchy of travel safety, flying is safer than driving, trains are safer than flying and carriage (buggy rides for the Bushido’s West Virginia and Jedburg readers) are the safest way to travel!*

Keep up the good work PCW!

*Since 1894 carriage accidents have dropped drastically from 452 accidents a year, to the present day 14.

Thomas Ravenel and the "Age of Nepotism"

Can you feel the nepotism? After suffering a hands down loss for his bid for the senate, Thomas Ravenel a “businesss man who comes from outside of the political process…committed to shaking up the status quo and challenging politics as usual in our State Capital” is running for the Treasury’s spot. Ravenel’s main political goal as Treasurer is to lower taxes (something our State Treasurer’s Office doesn’t handle).

Verdict: I know in the “Age of Nepotism” we love to promote families in South Carolina, but for the love of Jeebus isn’t enough to drive over the Ravenel bridge to show Uncle Artie we love him? I know that Megan and I had a falling out because she was working on T-Rav’s senate campaign and I had no love (or mercy) for young Thomas. I am sorry; I just can’t support someone who claims to be a “self-made man” who just happened to “luck” into a job selling commercial real estate straight out of college. Look T-Rav, it’s just like I told you when I met you at the Rue, when you make claims of a “self made man” and your last name is Ravenel, you piss people off who actually did work for everything they have. The sad thing is that T-Rav doesn’t even realize that he is not a self-made man. Thomas Ravenel is just another legacy riding on Daddy’s coat-tails who was born on third, but thinks he hit a triple. Good grief! Give it a rest Tommy.
(Photo compliments of Laurin Manning's blog, check out her site when you get a chance.)

Is Mike Campbell hmmm, hmmm, good for South Carolina's Lt. Gov. spot?

Mike “Horse-face” Campbell, scion of the late, great Governor Carroll Campbell threw one of his old man’s political chips on the table and received a last minute television ad from Papa Bear (Bush #41) for his bid on the Lt. Gov spot on the Republican ticket. I thought this was an interesting move considering Campbell was trying to shake the “trading on Daddy’s name” image. But let’s not forget this beauty school drop-out is a self-made man, using Daddy’s money to purchase a Wendy’s franchise.

Verdict: As much as I liked Carroll Campbell, I want a Lt. Governor with at least a college education under his belt. I know he has the pedigree, and politics is “Hollywood for ugly people”, I just can’t get vote for a guy because of his last name. Campbell had a weak (vague) plan for the Lt. Governor’s office, “Campbell wants the office to be an economic development asset” (The State newspaper, 06/13/2006) Catchy sign-design though, I’ll give him a gold star for creativity. (Photo compliments of SC DNR. There’s probably a good reason all of the photos on Campbell’s web-site are small.)

South Carolina Primary Election is Today!

Today is South Carolina's Primary Election; as of 12:00 p.m., less than 8% of the eligible voters in South Carolina have cast votes in the primary election. By all means, get out and exercise your right to vote in this wonderful Republic. I would hate to compare our voter turnout with that of a fledgling democracy (Iraq) where despite war, terrorism, and fanatical opposition, was well in excess of 80% during the last election.

I am sorry that I didn't prep you all better for this election, but you should know where I stand about those in office by now. Help us make South Carolina better and get out there and vote!

US Soccer Team lost to the Czech Republic 3-0 in the World Cup, but don't count the Americans out just yet!

The United States Soccer team dropped their first game to second ranked Czech today (3-0). What I don’t understand and perhaps the commentators (talking heads) do not understand is how our next game (on Saturday) against Italy will be an automatic ass whipping because Italy is a tougher team. All right, let’s follow the logic here. Germany is ranked #1. The Czech Republic is ranked #2. But for some reason Italy (ranked 11th) will be a tougher opponent than the 2nd ranked team in the world. I think not. Sure the U.S. has never advanced after losing its first round match, but we’ve never fielded a (men’s) team with this much talent and the 11th ranked Italians will not stand a chance against the U.S. on Saturday.

There are two reasons why the Italians will not win on Saturday.

First, the U.S. team did not play aggressively because they were nervous, the Czech’s scored in the first 5 minutes and one of the team’s leaders Landon Donovan hasn’t scored a goal in almost a year (Donovan last scored July 2005). However, on Saturday expect the team to settle down and Donovan will call Stella for tips on getting his groove back producing an aggressive level of offense that no 11th ranked team can contend with.

Secondly, everyone throughout the world knows that Americans to quote General Patton “Love to fight”. When our back are against the wall is when we do our best work. And our American Futbol (Soccer) team’s back are against the wall. But we should have expected that. Americans are a dominating people; we are the new Romans. And just like the Romans, we are not loved in every corner of the globe, partially due to our foreign policy pissing off numerous countries in the past four years. I digress; when you combine our global image with our team’s success on the pitch in the 2002 World Cup and you have a lot of pissed off plebes around the world. They want to embarrass us on the stage of the largest, most watched world-wide sporting event. But we won’t let it happen. I expect our team to settle down, roll up their sleeves, and put their boots down on these naysayers. America is here to play, and here to win.

Final advice to the U.S. team, remember the best defense is a strong offense, and heed your coaches words-don’t let the Czech’s beat you twice. To all of you haters around the world, I would like to offer some advice from my old Platoon Sergeant Jeff Houston (now Capt. Jeff Houston, USMC) “Who wants a piece!” USA! USA! USA!

(Photo of Patton from Oscars.org, please visit their site to show your support.)

CofC plays Ga Tech in the NCAA Baseball Tournament Super Regionals today at Noon!

NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament! From the Alumni Assoc Office!
Tailgating Party for the CofC Men's Baseball Team in Atlanta

The Cougars play Georgia Tech at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9 on ESPN at Russ Chandler Stadium. Saturday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m., and Sunday June 11 at 1:00 p.m., if necessary. Click to register.

Tailgating will take place two hours every day before the Cougars Play. Friday, June 9, the tailgating will begin at 10:00 a.m. at O'Keefe Gym, two blocks away from Russ Chandler baseball stadium. ( Best location suggested by Georgia Tech.) Please join the College of Charleston; look for Matt Kirkpatrick's (CofC baseball player), parent's RV, which will be decorated with CofC gear.

Directions to the tailgate: again two blocks from the baseball stadium.Coming from 75/85...get off on the 10th Street exit. The exit veers off to the right..follow 10th Street, it will dead end into the basketball arena. At the stop sign, turn right, which is 10th Street. Take the next stop light (turn left) onto Fowler Street. Go up to the 2nd left, 6th Street. Go up the hill, parking arm will be up, enter on the left. We can walk to the stadium from tailgating. Again, this will be in O'Keefe Gym.

The Cougar Club and Alumni Services will provide beverages! Please join us.The team and fan hotel is the Renaissance Hotel in Atlanta, phone number for reservations 888-391-8724 or 404-881-6000. Ask for the College of Charleston Room Rate.... $119 rate. Located 6 blocks away from Russ Chandler Stadium.Ticket packets are available for $30 ( includes reserved seats for all games). Ticket pick-up will be at Will Call. This is a limited posting, so register today and support the Cougs!

Rock, Paper, Scissors-choose wisely

I thought the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” Order was just a hoax from Mrs. Demato to get a laugh from us all today, but this evening whilst checking the news I noticed this headline “Judge: Rock, paper, scissors to decide dispute” on MSNBC. It appears that two opposing counselors in Tampa, Florida are duke'in it out over the minutiae of every aspect of the case, AVISTA MANAGEMENT, INC., d/b/a Avista Plex, Inc., (Plaintiff) vs. WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY, (Defendant). US District Judge Gregory Presnell ordered the two opposing attorneys to meet on the Courthouse steps on the 30th of this month for a game of high stakes “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. Winner takes all and decides the location of the deposition.

I know what you are thinking, this is better than the best lawyer joke on the market right now. But consider this, last year when Sony wanted to dump their art collection valued at $17.8 million, representatives from Christie’s and Sotheby’s engaged in “Rock, Paper, Scissors” combat to decide who would be the auctioneer for the collection. Christie’s won the best of three as rock always beats scissors. And Peabody thought we were the only people who played “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to solve matters. For those of you out of the loop, when we used to work together back in the day, Peabody opened a many gates due to his lack of prowess at the game of Kings.

The photo for today’s post is from Snorgtees.com, the “Choose Wisely” t-shirt is available for $16.95.

Smoked, read about it.

I know most of my readers did not attend the Citadel and probably don’t get the introduction of my post, but when you heard the words, “smoked, read about it” at the Citadel, you knew that you were a) busted, and b) done for. Since this happened to be my old roommate Akram Affanah’s favorite quote I thought that I would add it here because if there is one thing we know how to do to terrorists in this country it has to be beating the #2 out of al-Qaeda’s #2 guy. Although the 6’5” Saudi still eludes us, we have notched another number 2 man on our belt killing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (English translation: George Allan Smith, Jr. al-Deuce) in an air strike north of Baghdad. (Cue the music, “Bombs over Baghdad”. I love that song; it has to be my favorite all-time, club mix next to “December 1963”) I digress; Zarqawi a beauty school drop-out from Jordan, and what many of his bartering colleagues down at the city market in Bumfukd, Egypt referred to as “unemployable” found a calling in the terror organization al-Qaeda. A confidential source and former contemporary of Zarqawi told the Bushido, “Zarqawi has the potential to really blow our group (al-Qaeda) up!” Booyah al-Qaeda! High five and a Bushido bow to the 5-hundo bombardiers who dropped in our friends over in Iraq. I can’t wait until the allied forces kill the next number 2! By the way, does anyone know the flow chart or terrorist TO&E? I want to know who is next on the #2 list.

I know BushCo said, that we should not expect riots from the capture and death of al-Zarqawi, but I would like to offer one caveat, when deciding to kill a high-ranking member of a religious-based terrorist group, check the calendar and make sure there is no significance to the day of attack. On this day in 632, The Prophet Mohammed died in Medina.

(Photo compliments of Strategic-Air-Command)

Good news for Red Sox fans!

Delta announced that tomorrow they will begin non-stop flights from Chucktown to Beantown. Better news for Red Sox fans: Spirit Airlines will offer direct flights from Myrtle Beach to Boston beginning Tuesday, August 15, 2006 (two days before Brad Hiers 32nd birthday).

RMS Queen Mary 2's Port of Call in Charleston

The RMS Queen Mary 2 will leave Charleston this evening at 7 pm. Named after Mary of Teck, the Cunard Luxury Cruise ship was the largest in the world @ 151, 400 gross tons until Royal Caribbean christened the Freedom of the Seas @ 158,000 gross tons. The QM2 still holds the record as the largest cruise liner, but not cruise ship.

The RMS (Royal Mail Ship) QM2 always causes a commotion when she comes to port of call, as if the vessel is royalty herself. I had a chance to go down to the cruise terminal and check her out, and dang she is one big woman! Since the guys and I were dressed in Native American attire, as we looted the tea aboard the ship and threw it over-board into the Charleson Harbor, (Don't tread on my with your Stamp Tax there King George) I didn't have a camera on me, so I am borrowing a photo from T Walker.

Peabody's (Brian Waite) Birthday!

Shocking isn’t it? Brian (Peabody) Waite did indeed get married before he turned 31. As the window of opportunity was closing fast and the music about to stop, Peabody surprised us all by grabbing a chair and confidently cannon-balling into Holy matrimony with naturalist Francis Melfi. Brian held true to the pack he made with the other members of the Middleton Triumvirate and left the Bushido off the guest list.

A bright-line-ultimatum was drawn in the proverbial sand, and at very moment I knew the “Chair of Bachelorhood” was in danger of falling into the wrong hands. Risking physical danger, I used my Indiana Jonesque quick thinking (on my feet) to grab the “Chair of Bachelorhood” and escape doom as the booby-trapped walls of apartment 311 began to fall. Worry not my dear friends, as the COB was saved and now it is stored in a place. Had I not done so, the COB would have soon been destroyed (left on the curb for trash day) and we (bachelors) around the world would be faced with immediate marital arrangements once we all turned 25. Happy Birthday Peabody!

The Katie (Couric) Factor

The “Today” show and Matt Lauer said farewell to long time co-host Katie Couric yesterday. Lars asked, if I was upset that (my girl) Katie was leaving the show to host the “CBS Evening News”? Are you kidding me? For the past 15-years I have awoken to that bubbly smile and those great legs of Katie Couric, watching her return to those U.V.A. sorority girl mannerisms when she interviewed attractive men, especially the interview she did with the hunky Navy S.E.A.L. Commander all gitty and full of youthful exuberance, made me long for a chance to have Katie interview the Bushido. A dance if you will, a brief moment of laughter and playful conversation as I sit across from those “golden staircases” in the hot seat looking quite urbane until her bronzed legs, multi-million dollar smile and mellifluous voice sends my synapses into full frontal-lobe ADHD. I simply smile while distractively forgetting the answers to her questions about how Osama Bin Laden was caught. A fantastic story of friends connected, Osama is captured (after being traced by the CIA and NSA while leaving a cacodylic comment about Dubya on the Bushido) by Lt. Dan and Sniper Sam.

The Bushido wins, Trabert is a Pulitzer Prize winning hero, and Lt. Dan and Sniper Sam both receive a chest full of medals. We celebrate by going out in the cold weather of New York’s Rockefeller Plaza, outside of Studio One to throw snowballs at Al Roker and my Buckeye brother Lauer. The buzz of laughter and the cheer of the crowd fill the air! But alas, this was just a dream, a fog of God’s humor as I reach to smack the alarm for but 10 more minutes of paradise: Osama still lurks, Katie is married, JET is still far from a Pulitzer and now, we must usher in a new side-kick (Meredith Vieira) for Matt, and a new month for us all. Will I survive my now vacant mornings without the Katie Factor? Indeed, I shall; there is always Becky Quick on Squawk Box to start my day. Cheers Katie good luck in the big leagues!

(Photo compliments of the Bushido's friends over at CNNSi, (fantastic) work of photo-journalist Scott Gries/Getty Images.)

CofC Sponsored Thirsty Thursday @ The Joe!

I am reposting this as a reminder for tonight's game. In the picture is Coach Herrion and Trabert at the last one of these baseball shin-digs. See you at the game tonight!

From the College of Charleston Alumni Office: Come on out to “Thirsty Thursday” at Joe Riley Stadium as the Riverdogs take on the Columbus Catfish on Thursday, June 1!
The Alumni Association will be hosting a picnic prior to the game at Doby’s Deck at the Stadium. Picnic begins at 6:00 pm and game at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $15 per person. Limited tickets will be available at the Gate for $20.00-person, for participants purchasing tickets after May 31, 2006.
*Ticket price includes admission to the game, food (hot dogs and hamburgers) and beverages (including cold beer)!
Any questions please contact Amy Welch at welchad@cofc.edu or call 843-953-5417. If you would like to register on-line click here.