President Lee Higdon is leaving the College of Charleston

After five years at the College, President Lee Higdon is leaving us to become the 10th president of Connecticut College a private liberal arts school similiar in size to that of the Citadel. Higdon will succeed Norman Fainstein in July. The Board of Trustees will steer a committee to find the 21st president of the College of Charleston.

During his tenure at the College, Higdon oversaw the physical expansion of the school to 16 building projects, including the Nathan Addlestone Library and Beatty Center for the School of Business and Economics, the hiring of 67 new faculty members, the addition of six undergraduate degrees, five graduate degrees and six interdisciplinary minors. A businessman by trade, Higdon raised over $61 million in private funds during his tenure. His latest expansion for the school was to bulldoze the parking garage on George and St. Phillips streets to make room for retail store space with upper-class dorms built above (a mirror of King Street if you will.)

Higdon joined the College after being dean of UVA's Darden Graduate School of Business Admin and president of Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. Lee Higdon began his career working in the Peace Corps before moving into the global investment wing of Salomon Brothers (see Michael Lewis' book Liar's Poker for more information.) He left Wall Street with a fat wallet from leading the global investment banking division as vice chairman and member of the executive committee at Salomon Brothers.

My senior year at the College (Victory Lap) President Higdon tapped me to be on the President's Ad Hoc Committee for Retention. Higdon's vision for the school and standards of excellence was remarkable and it was a privilege to work with (for) him. Many of the College's family will find his departure hard to swallow, but I, for one, find it to be a refreshing strategy for success. Many executives at Higdon's level find that after 5-years at an executive position they become stagnant. That is why young lions, such as Higdon, hit the ground running, tap all of their energy by throwing themselves into making significant changes to the institution, charting a course of success that will last well beyond their tenure. And that shall be the legacy of President Higdon for the College of Charleston. The 4th Century iniative is not just one man, but it is all of us, and those who carry the eternal torch once we are gone. God Speed Lee Higdon; the Bushido will miss seeing you at the basketball games.

Early morning Bushido blogging: The Ten Commandments

Early morning Bushido blogging: His Quilt has many colors...
I know, it has happened once again; I am up late on a Sunday, can't sleep and if I could quit tossing and turning to finally rock myself into a slumber the result would be Rip Van-Trabert late to the paying job later today. The dichotomy of things on my mind both the personal and professional linger like a plague of locusts-light bulb!

To celebrate the Lenten season, ABC will not reshow the classic portayal of Moses by Charlton Heston, but will release a new version of The Ten Commandments which will aire tonight and tomorrow from 9 to 11pm. I surfed around to make sure I had the times and stars right and tripped across a Boston Globe review of which I am in agreement. Although I have not seen the show, or the new digital effects, I am not sure that I want to. The Ten Commandments are in the same category of Casablanca when it comes to remakes. Unless you have James Earl Jones playing Moses, I don't think anyone else (certainly not Dougray Scott) can carry the moxy of leadership to keep a tribe of people under control for 40-years whilst the group is lost in the desert.

Seriously, we all know the story: kid in a basket, reared as a prince, back to the peeps; let my people go free to the Pharoah Ramses, paint the door, locusts, part the Sea, talk to God via a burning bush, and then roll down the mountain with two tablets of rules. Why redo a classic? Open for your comments, wait until after you see the show tonight if you like.

Early morning Bushido blogging-Brian Lee Patterson

When keeping it real goes wrong...
While most of us were in church, sleeping in yesterday, coming back from a bike ride like the President or perhaps, getting ready for Mel and Jess' birthday party, Brian Lee Patterson jumped the wall to skee-daddy across the north lawn at the White House shouting "I am a victim of terrorism" as Smithers released the hounds on him. Patterson, 40, of Albuquerque, New Mexico wore the quintessential American attire of jeans and a t-shirt, which read, "God Bless America" for his morning exercise.

Patterson was arrested for 'unlawful-entry' and 'contempt of court' because this wasn't his first rodeo. Patterson is slated for court later today for his efforts to keep it real. (Photo AP)

Late Night Bushido Blogging-Liebermann

Graham: "Has anyone ever told you, that you have great hair? What is your secret?"
Liebermann: "I wear the President's cod-piece from his flight suit at night."
(Photo compliments of AFP/Paul J. Richards)
Senator Joe Liebermann may face his first Democratic challenge if Ned Lamont can make it on the ballot before May. Ned Lamont owns his own digital systems company with over 150,000 subscribers. Lamont is passing the petition and passing the hat to challenge Liebermann in the primary for the 2006 senatorial election in Connecticut. The Bushido's favorite sound bite from Lamont, "I won't be President Bush's favorite Democrat." Good luck Mr. Lamont.

Happy Birthday Hef

Hef celebrated his 80th birthday at the Grand Prix of Long Beach today. The octonagarian accompained by his three platinum girlfriends (Bridget, Holly and Kendra) attended the race before swinging back to the mansion for champagne, caviar and ___. (You fill in the rest.) Bravo to you, you old sailor you. Have fun motorboating around on your birthday.

Phil Mickelson wins 2nd green jacket

Phil Mickelson won the Master's Tournament in Augusta today -3, 69-two shots above Tim Clark. (Never heard of this Clark kid before today, but his shot out of the bunker that dropped into the cup caught my attention.) This is the second green jacket for Mickelson. The talk of the room at the end of the Master's wasn't how the old lefty finally has his game down to a science, but why his genes totally f'ed the youngest Mickelson when it came to looks. (This is not the opinion of the Bushido, but it was a tough crowd on Sasanqua last night for Mel and Jess' birthday.) Good job Philly!

Hef turns 80!

We celebrate the birthday of the OG-original swinger himself, Mr. Hugh Hefner. Hef turns 80 today and I am sure the party will be fanastic. Although the Bushido did not get an invite to the mansion this year (I am not worthy-thanks Wayne) I still tip my hat to the trendsetter who followed a dream all the way to the grotto. The Bushido's brother/college roommate Chad McG, aka Pit Stop, in a positive note always says, "when one door closes another opens", all I have to say to that on behalf of Hef is, "Thank God that Esquire did not give Hef that $5 raise he asked for." Hef keep the dream alive and next year (see why Hef should invite the Bushido to the mansion) please send me an invite.

To celebrate Hef will have the College rankings, Girls of the top 10 party schools which will have the FSU Cowgirls in this May's issue. I am going back to watching the letter box for my favorite gentleman's magazine-please come before the 15th. "E"-Entertainment will have a special on Sunday and Monday devoted to Hef's life, girlfriends and wives. His #1 girlfriend, Holly Madison from The Girls Next Door with Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilson has an on-line interview on Pr.com that you can read here.

Oozeball 2006

Today the CofC Oozeball tournament will take place on James Island. Directions: take Folly Rd, turn right on Grimball Rd. Turn left on Grimball Farmer's Rd-pass the school and turn right on the dirt road. Look for the ladies and the mud pits.

Confederate Clothing

The State Newspaper reported that Candice Harwick, 15, is sueing her school-Latta High School- because they forced her to change her shirt. The t-shirt had a Confederate battle flag on the front and back; Miss Harwick was asked to either turn the t-shirt inside out or to change clothes. The Southern Legal Resources (a N.C. based Southern heritage advocacy group) filed the case for the Harwick family in federal court in Florence. (Photo compliments of the SCV)

In similiar news a Kentucky student, Jacqueline Duty is sueing her school, Russell High School, in Greenup County for not allowing her to attend her junior prom because her dress was styled after a Confederate battle flag. She is suing the school for violating her First Amendment Right of Free Speach and for defamation, false imprisonment and assault. The SCV will help the Dutys pay their legal expenses. Miss Duty is seeking damages of $50,000. (Photo compliments of the AP/Fox News)
Kids give me a break, fly it at your home not on State property. How many times do we have to go over this? Btw, that dress is friggin hideous anyway.

Apropos of Time and Trabert

Earlier this morning, at two minutes, three seconds after 1:00am, the time and date was 01:02:03 04-05-06. What no buildup across the public e-mail broadcast system? Where is the end of the world doomsayers? (Rastafarians and Rastamules get passed on this go around since the number 7 was not applicable-double entendre.) I can only determine that these guys fell asleep at the wheel or the “Numbers 1 through 6 Game” is not as sexy to sell as the “Y2K Bug”. Or maybe it is because after the “Y2K” let down we are just now finally finishing our surplus of canned goods-we so carefully stored in the pantry without any electronic products in the vicinity-and are left a little jaded still after six-years. Regardless, I am really addicted to the urban legends of mis-information that people send around and I, for one, need a little Nostradamus, good luck forwards, hyped by words of doomed consequences if not forwarded to at least 10 people within the next 5 minutes. (Photo of Count Von Count courtesy of Morrison productions) I guess since the rest of the world is sleeping on this, I will have to give it the "old college try"...
Nostradamus' Quatrain #940 as translated by J. Trabert
In the 16th Century, Michel de Nostradame-better known to the modern world as Nostradamus-predicted in his poetic, yet cryptic antepenultimate quatrain (940/942) that, “On the day the world would age to the first six numerical digits of the mathematical apothecaries developed by Carlos de Norris, a state named Taxachusetts will provide universal medical coverage. A great mendacious elephant will receive a “Delayed” anathema for his legerdemain-recreant to the people and representing a diaphanous political party. A lascivious attraction of J. Trabert (a writer for the pervious political web-log the Bushido) shall announce her departure from one set of three to another set of three to host her own show. Although saddened JET will no longer awaken to Couric, there is always Squawkbox’s Becky Quick to take her place guiding us through the exchange where P-Diddy Combs was late to ring the opening bell.

Le Partie!
Finally, The Bushido who lives with another man-not in the gay sense like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon-just in the straight since like Trabert and Jamie Mellen (known as the Mel) will share a birthday with his current amorous attraction the following Monday, which will correspond to the current model of a small gauge shotgun (4/10). There shall be a great festival to celebrate the birth of the Mel and Jess on Saturday-Bushido BBQ, burgers, brews, dogs, etc-starting @ 6 pm. Please join us in the festivities. Signed Michel de Nostradamus…

If you read this post 3-times and tell a friend; you will magically have the strength of a Puma, the reflexes of a cat and the wisdom of a man.

Lindsey Lohan at the 19th Annual Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards

Saturday Jack Black hosted the slime filled Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. (Side note: I often think about how great life is because Marc Summers left Nickelodeon when I out grew the channel and now he is there to comfort me on the Food Network as an adult. I digress.) The real show stopper or probably first deposit in the prepubescent spank-bank accounts across America came from Lindsey Lohan's wardrobe malfunction as she accepted the best actor popcorn award for her role in "Herbie the Love Bug". Now I hate to be a prude when it comes to form and pulchritude, but let me remind Miss Lohan this is a children's show, not a Super Bowl half-time show. Get a grip Lindsay, if you are going to be a child's movie star, act like one. Can someone contact Marc Summers and have him give advice to have Miss Lohan curb her "love-bug".

The Florida Gators are the 2006 Men's Basketball National Champions

Florida coach Billy (the Kid) Donovan became the first coach to have played in the Final Four and won a National Championship since Dean Smith, he is the youngest coach since Bobby Knight to win a National Championship. In addition he is the first SEC Coach to win since Kentucky in 1998 and the first men's basketball championship in the entire state of Florida. The University of Florida has not seen a national championship trophy since Steve Spurrier put a trophy in the cabinet ten-years ago.

The Gators beat the 2nd seeded UCLA Bruins 73-57. The Florida Gators finish their season 33-6. Leading the Gators was fast and French Joakim Noah with 16-points, 9 boards and a title game record of 7 blocks. The Bruins' leader was Jordan Farmar with 18-points, 2 boards and 4 assists.
(Photo compliments of the Indystar.com)

Opening Day for MLB

Today was the opening day for Major League Baseball. Although the Cincinnati Reds are the oldest team in baseball a sitting US President had never before thrown the opening pitch on opening day. Today, the President broke precident and threw out the opening pitch at the Great American Ball park. It didn't help the Reds out any because they lost to the Cubs 16 to 7.

Other opening day scores:
American League

1. Boston Red Sox beat Texas 7 to 3
2. Baltimore won at home against Tampa Bay 9 to 6
3. Detroit inched out a win against Kansas City 3 to 1
4. The Angels defeated Seattle 5 to 4
5. The Evil Empire killed Oakland 11 to 1

National League

1. The Mets beat the Nats 3 to 2
2. The Braves held on to beat the Dodgers 11 to 10
3. St. Louis lost to Colorado 3 to 2
4. Milwaukee won at home against Pittsburgh 5 to 2
5. San Diegoe stuck a candle-stick in the Giants face winning 6 to 1
6. Houston won by Juan against Florida 1 to 0

The Bushido will miss you lady Bruins...see you in the fall...

(Photo compliments of BeatSC.com)

Pulling for UCLA

Pulling for the UCLA Bruins are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Bill Russell, Don MacLean, Jim Trabert and John Wooden who is pulling for the Bruins from his hospital bed. (photos compliments of Yahoo Sports, via AP Darron Cummings

Pulling for Florida

I know three people that are pulling for Florida tonight, Bucky Ryan, Katherine Gage, and this guy (see photo, compliments of the Getty Images/ Andy Lyons) Yannick Noah father of the French sensation Joakim Noah who just set the record for the most blocks in a final championship game with 5 blocks.

UCLA plays Florida for the NCAA Tournament Championship tonight @ 9:15 pm

The UCLA Bruins will play the Florida Gators tonight; game time 9:15 pm. Sportsinteraction has UCLA -1, and Florida +1, with the standard -110 to lay down a bet. (-110 means you bet $110 to win $100.) I am on the fence post with this one, I'd like to see UCLA add their 12th win to their trophy case; then again, I would like to see the Gators win their first National Championship. The only thing left to decide this question is which school has the most spirit. (Photos compliments of athalonsports.com)

Halftime Update:
The Gators are leading the Bruins 36-25 at the half. Although we were flipping back and forth from watching Jack Bauer save the world on "24" I do like what I have seen on the floor so far (and I am not just talking about UCLA's cheerleaders.) Joakim Noah had 5 blocks in the first half, setting a new record for the most blocks in a tournment game. Noah is showing he has a lot of basketball knowledge or at least that is what the talking heads on the side-lines are saying, I think he has just gotten lucky and pulled a few rabbits out of the hat.

I am sure with Don MacLean, Bill Russell, Bill Walton and Kareen Abdul-Jabaar in the stands, this UCLA team will come out of the locker room a different, more aggresive and motivated team. Go get em Bruins!

LSU falls to UCLA 59 to 45

Big Baby Glen Davis put up 14-points and 7-boards but it wasn't enough to hold off the Bruins who are on a course to add a 12th trophy to the cabinet. The Bruins led 39 to 24 at the half. In the second half LSU scored 21-points and UCLA put up 20-points. The final score UCLA 59, LSU 45. UCLA will play Florida on Monday night.
Leading scorers for the Bruins: (points, boards, assists)

1. Mbah a Moute (17, 9, 1)
2. J. Farman (12, 4, 4)
3. A. Afflalo (6, 6, 1)
4. Collison & Hollins both had 6-points a piece.
   

Leadings scorers for the Tigers: (points, boards, assists)

1. G. Davis (14, 7, 1)
2. T. Mitchell (12, 6, 1)
3. D. Mitchell (8, 1, 1)
4. T. Thomas (5, 6, 1)
   

John Wooden Hospitalized

Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, 95, was hospitalized this weekend, but the doctors say that it is nothing serious that is ailing the "Wizard of Westwood." Wooden retired after 27-years of coaching in 1975 with 10 National titles, seven of which were consecutive victories-setting a record 28 NCAA tournament wins, and a record of 620-147. Get well coach. The boys need you. The AP did report that Coach Wooden will be watching the game tonight from his hospital bed. (Photo compliments of the AP/Chris Carlson.)

Florida defeats George Mason 73-58

The young sophomore Gators of the Univeristy of Florida were to much for the Patriots of George Mason 73-59. The Patriots put up a good fight but three-point attack from the Gators wrote the end of the fairy tale for the Cinderella team from Virginia. At the end of the game Patriot's coach Jim Larranga pulled his starters off of the floor to give his champions a last standing ovation to end their season.

Florida's leaders were Joakim Noah with 12-points, Al Horford with 13-rebounds. Lee Humphrey hit 6 of 12 from behind the arc, scoring 19-points. Corey Brewer and Taureen Green hit 3 treys a piece. Florida hit 12 of 25 from behind the arc.


George Mason's leaders were Jai Lewis with 13-points and 11 rebounds. Tony Skinn scored 13-points as well. Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas both scored 10-points. Although they did not win, the Cinderellas did show that a small team, nobodies from nowhere, can compete with the big boys and knock a few blossoms off of their stem. Florida (32-6) will play the winner of the LSU v UCLA game which will begin later this evening.

Cooper River Bridge Run

The Cooper River Bridge Run will begin this morning at 8:00 am. This marks the first year the run will happen on the new Ravenel Bridge and also there is a record amount of contestants (45,500). All I have to say is look out Kenyans here I come. (Picture of Richard, our attorney Scarafile, Big Daddy Trabert, Dr. Farley and Robert-the Beaver)