Nuestro Himno (fka "The Star Spangled Banner")

Juan asked that I write a little about the "Spanish National Anthem," so, I think I will. To quote Mr. Horse from Ren & Stimpy, "No sir, I don't like it!"

There are a few things that cause some problem for me about a Spanish national anthem. First among them is the fact that no other country would want their anthem translated to another language. Would the French accept people singing the La Marseillaise in English as a sign of French patriotism? Of course not. What about any other county? Would the Ruskies be happy to hear their anthem in English? The Chinese? The Japanese? Canadians? Oh, wait...

Another problem is that these people (immigrants) come from far places to become American. Part of that process, in my opinion, is learning the language and indoctrinating yourself with the history of the United States. If you insist upon singing your own anthem, they you truly are not an American. I'm afraid that people who don't want to become American are simply using our country as a job market.

Supposedly immigrants from all over the country will walk out on Monday in support of immigrant rights. If I'm an employer for an immigrant (legal) who walks out, well, that immigrant would be looking for a job. And, if they walk out, expect a continued backlash against immigrants. The fact is, every protest and every stunt (like a Spanish National Anthem) draws more and more ire from the American public. Before long, there will be a wall between the US and Mexico because of these demands for rights.

Last thought on the Anthem, if you thought it was good now, wait until June. A remix to be released in June will contain several lines in English that condemn U.S. immigration laws. Among them: "These kids have no parents, cause all of these mean laws ... let's not start a war with all these hard workers, they can't help where they were born." I don't know about you, but I have been waiting a long time for someone to rap over the anthem.

Beilein Stays...Good?

Well, Beilein finally broke his silence and has decided to stay at West Virginia. On one hand, I am happy about that. It would be quite a blow to the program is he walked away considering where we are now...only one returning starter and not much to build on. If he left, we risked losing recruits and taking a major PR hit. On the other hand, I still question how much this guy wants to be at West Virginia. He flirted with Indiana and NC State publicly...who knows what other types of offers he entertained? Did he stay because he wanted to or because Pastilong's buyout clause was trapping him? Only John knows for sure. I hope it's because he truly likes WVU and wants to continue building the program because, if he's trapped, that's doesn't bode well for the future.

One thing that is certain is that Beilein's prestigious stature among West Virginia fans has been tarnished. Many loyal fans have turned on the popular coach, publicly calling for his departure and wanting someone who "wants to coach at WVU" to feel the position. Well, I'm not sure how likely that is. WVU has a history of getting coaches for short terms. The fact is, until Gale Catlett and Don Nehlen, the coaches bolting Morgantown was the rule, not the exception. Mountaineer fans were simply spoiled by the 24-year tenure of Catlett and 20-year tenure of Nehlen. Both coaches could have left WVU at multiple times but remained loyal to the university and the fans. That isn't the way coaching usually works.

I would venture to say that if Rich Rodriguez has a successful season in football this year, we will be facing the same anxiety with his career decisions despite his unquestioned loyalty to WVU. And, it wouldn't be a major shock if he moved on. And WVU isn't alone in this problem. Coaches are constantly coming and going all over the sports world. Look at all the changes this year alone. So, Mountaineer fans, get used to this type of anxiety. It's likely we will never be so lucky as to have another Catlett or Nehlen. But it doesn't mean we can't have more successful years.

Maybe I was Wrong...

Who knew: Beilein releases statement...
http://www.msnsportsnet.com/page.cfm?cat=netnews&story=9364

Going, Going...Most Likely, Gone

From everything I'm seeing and hearing, I think John Beilein will be leaving West Virginia University and heading to North Carolina State. An announcement could come this week but most likely will come Monday following the team's banquet on Sunday at the Radisson. Beilein, who has lead WVU to an Elite Eigh and Sweet Sixteen, has been pretty quiet on the subject. Today, Steve Lavin, who many thought was a front runner on Monday, announced he would return to broadcasting next year.

NC State has had a hard time finding a new coach to replace Herb Sendek. They have been turned down by Rick Barnes (Texas) and John Calipari (Memphis). Calipari looked like he was going to take the job...he even took his staff with him to Raleigh but decided to return to Memphis.

So, if Beilein is gone, the question then becomes who will be the next coach at WVU? Jeff Neubaurer is at East Kentucky...his name will come up of course. Huggins will be discussed but I think he's gone since he signed at KSU. Most other coaches are already tied up and it puts WVU at a distinct disadvangtage to be in the searching game this late. Beilein, for all he did, really hurt us now. Anyone have any thoughts on a coach? Sorry...I'm not available.

Anyway, nothing is certain but I would be more surprised to see him on the WVU sideline next year at this point. What a disappointment but that's life. Best of luck John...just not against WVU or North Carolina.

Beilein Update...

This is from Furfari...he probably has more contacts than anyone else in Mountaineer land and he probably wouldn't say "probably gone" without a good source to back it up...

By Mickey Furfari
For The Register-Herald

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia’s John Beilein was emerging late Tuesday as the leading candidate for the head basketball coaching job at North Carolina State.

That’s what the Raleigh News & Observer reported on its Internet web site in a short, copyrighted story.

Beilein, who has coached at WVU the past four seasons, is under contract through the 2011-12 season.

He has continually refused to comment whenever his name has been linked as a candidate for openings at other colleges, most recently Indiana.

In Charleston on Monday night for a WVU fund-raiser, Beilein told reporters: “My personal career is very, very private to me, so I’m not going to comment.”

He had said earlier this month that “you can’t control speculation.”

The Raleigh newspaper said Beilein is believed to have moved ahead of former UCLA coach Steve Lavin, now an ESPN analyst.

Herb Sendek resigned at N.C. State recently to accept another position.

That school reportedly offered $2 million a year to John Calipari a few weeks ago. But he decided to remain at Memphis.

There is a $3 million buyout provision in Beilein’s WVU contract. But the News & Observer story noted that it isn’t believed to be a deal-breaker.

Mike Parsons, WVU’s deputy director of athletics, said at 10 p.m. Tuesday that N.C. State had not asked for permission to speak to Beilein.

That isn’t mandatory, but merely a courtesy observed by most colleges in situations such as this.

“As far as West Virginia is concerned, he is still our coach,” Parsons said.A source close to the university said earlier in the evening that Beilein probably is gone but that “it’s not a done deal yet.”

That source added that if he does leave, WVU might consider Jeff Neubauer to fill the vacancy.
He was a longtime assistant to Beilein before leaving a year ago to become head coach at Eastern Kentucky.

Another possible candidate whose name has been mentioned is Jerry Dunn, current WVU assistant and former Penn State head coach.

He withdrew his name in March from consideration for the head job at Canisius.

Beilein to NC State?

Well, I mentioned this earlier today and I'll talk about it in a little more detail now: if you haven't heard, and I don't know how you wouldn't have, the rumor is that John Beilein is going to North Carolina State. NCSU will pay the $3mil buyout and take Beilein as coach and Beilein is happily going. That's the rumor and here is what I think about it:

1. This rumor started growing on Friday, April 21. Beilein was asked about it over the weekend and didn't comment. There was a fundraising dinner last night in Charleston where Beilein was asked about it by the press and he said "no comment." If he wasn't interested, why didn't he just say, "I'm committed to WVU and will be here next year."?
2. This isn't the first offer Beilein has entertained. If Indiana came up with the $3mil buyout, he would be the coach of the Hoosiers. I'm not sure he wants to be at WVU.
3. Tony Caridi sounded pretty downbeat on Sportsline. He seemed as unsure about the whole thing as everyone else. Caridi usually has inside information...if he can't deny this is true, there is probably something to it.
4. Beilein could have easily called in to Sportsline and denied the story but didn't.
5. Pastilong has been silent about the whole thing. You would think WVU would want to quash these rumors as soon as possible if they could.
6. A lot of Mountaineer fans are becoming disgruntled over the Beilein silence regardless and some are hoping he leaves (I'm not...yet).
7. Supposedly, an NC State "insider" has said that a coaching announcement will come within 48 hours...more like within 24. They've also said the $3mil buyout is not a deal breaker.
8. NC State has been rejected several times very publicly and really can't afford another offer turned down.

What does all this mean? Absolutely nothing. I do know that I would like Beilein to come back next year. I also know that I would like him to leave if he doesn't want to stay at West Virginia. I also know that it is infuriating that he won't comment, especially if he is staying. I've heard from someone who attended practice today that Beilein was a little off...but, it's not like he told the team "good luck" and walked out the door. There's just too many variables in this story.

I'm making no predictions either way. I don't believe NC State is a big upgrade for Beilein really but if he wants to leave, see ya. I would definitely wish him the best of luck but I'm not happy how this is playing out whether he stays or leaves. I know coaches have to keep a lookout for what is best for them but if he is going to entertain every offer like this, well, who needs that. If he leaves, well, a very interesting coaching search begins...

Stay tuned...

Quick Update

I'm not sure I really have the desire to update but I will anyway just because I feel somewhat obligated to...

• Had to go into work early this morning...we upgraded the e-mail server and performed some maintenance in the server room. Yeah, it was great...
• I don't know if Beilein is going to NC State or not...I'm leaning towards no but beginning to hope yes.
• Burning DVDs for the janitor isn't as much fun as it sounds.
• Do you think Barry Bonds will still be playing baseball in July? If so, I guess I'm going to go watch him at PNC...hey, it's history I guess.
• There's something wrong with my XBox...it keeps locking up. I'm not ready to buy a 360 yet though...sometime.
• I'm about sick of the construction on the interstate...I think it's somewhat pointless.
• I don't know enough about the Mollahan situation to pass judgment...maybe later.

And, that's about it...nothing exciting but an update is an update. More later...maybe.

The Pirates are HORRIBLE!

Pathetic. Miserable. Wretched. And the list goes on. The Pittsburgh Pirates are just a horrendous team at this point in time. I don't even know where to begin. They are now 5-15 in the first 20 games of the season. They are on pace for 120 losses this season. 120 LOSSES! That is completely unacceptable. This was supposedly the season that they finally challenge the .500 mark. First winning season since '92. Well, it doesn't look that way now, does it?

The Pirates have been swept in series with Houston, Milwaukee and dropped 3 of 4 to Cincinatti. Next up, St. Louis on the road. 3 more potential...err, probably losses. I don't know what happened to this team...Bay, the Wilsons, Burnitz, Castillo...this was supposed to be a good lineup. They supposedly improved pitching to help the offense. Well, the offense disappeared somewhere.

The only team with a worse record in all of baseball is Kansas City. Unbelievable. Pittsburgh will be hosting the All-Star game but I'm not sure that they will even have a player worthy of representing the city at it. What a shame. It's time for someone to take drastic action in Pittsburgh. Right now, attendance is ranked 27th out of 30 teams in the league for what is, arguably, the most beautiful park in baseball. It's just a shame.

Anyway, as far as me, I didn't do anything this past weekend really. Mowed grass all Sunday afternoon. Man, that is fun. Watched some of the NBA playoffs. I must say that the playoffs are far better than most of the regular season games because they actually play defense. And, no I haven't paid any attention to hockey...I just don't care. Other than that, not much going on.

Top 5 Reasons WVU would spy on Marshall

WVU allegedly spied on the Marshall football program. I have a hard time understanding why...but, I guess anything is possible.

5. Mistook the football practice for a basketball practice. (Why can WVU not beat Marshall in basketball? Makes no sense.)

4. Looking for the mythical hidden stash of Randy Moss.

3. Trying to figure out how to put about 30,000 more seats there. (It makes no sense to play a WVU/Marshall game in Huntington because it can't accomodate the demand for tickets.)

2. Was actually trying to spy on Matthew McConaughey and the "We Are Marshall" movie.

and, the No. 1 reason WVU would spy on Marshall:

1. Just wanted Marshall to feel good by making them think we actually needed to spy on them.

See ya September 2nd...WVU vs. Cabell County Community College...

10 Ways to Improve the Blue/Gold Game

Okay...I asked for ways to improve the Blue/Gold game and received some suggestions...so, here's the Top 10:

10. Don Nehlen calls every 3rd down and 5+ yards play (Run it up the middle...they'll never see it coming);

9. Chris Henry-like celebration following every good play;

8. Two words: Major Harris;

7. Replace pigskin with actual pig;

6. Peter Griffin lookalike contest;

5. Janet Jackson halftime entertainment;

4. Couches in the parking lot;

3. Lee Corso dressed as the Pitt Panther and the Mountaineer has live ammo;

2. Have the game make sense;

and, the obvious No. 1 way to make the Blue/Gold game more enjoyable:

1. Open bar.

Remembering Basketball...

Last night, I was privileged enough to see the Mountaineers basketball highlight video that is currently being worked on...a video very similar to the WVU recruiting video. Wow...you want to talk about impressive. The guy who does these is a genius...it was remarkable. And, of course, it makes you remember all those great games over the past four years.
15 wins over ranked opponents. Wins over Florida, Oklahoma, UCLA, Wake Forest, Villanova, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Texas Tech, Louisville, Georgetown, North Carolina State, George Washington and Maryland. 3 "1000" point scorers. 2 First Team All-Big East players. 1 All-American Third Team. 1 CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year. 10 Postseason Victories. 1 Big East Championship Game Appearance. 2 Sweet 16 Appearances. 1 Elite Eight Appearance.

What an amazing run. As soon as he finishes the video, I will definitely be getting it and making copies because it is just unbelievable. Hopefully, the program has been reignited and the tradition will continue. But, one thing is a definite: Collins, Beilein, Herber, Gansey and Pittsnogle will forever be remembered as heroes of WVU basketball.

What a Day...

Man, today is just tremendous...warmest day of the year (to date), sunny...it's just remarkable. And I'm stuck in the office...sometimes things aren't right. And, it's going to rain this weekend. If employers cared about work productivity, they would let everyone off today and make everyone work on Saturday. When do you think you'd be more productive: A warm, clear, special day when you want to be outside or a rainy, dreary day when you don't care.

Anyway, I left work early yesterday because I thought my head my literally explode. No, not Habib...I just got a horrible headache and was pretty much unproductive and thought I might be sick if I didn't depart. So, I got out of here and went home and wasted the afternoon and evening. Hopefully it was just a freak headache...I don't think I'm sick.

I can't really think of much else at the moment...NBA playoffs start Satuday. ESPN has a couple great articles on the Mountaineers...I'm too lazy to find the link for you...good luck. Other than that, have a great day...

All About Bonds...

I tried to watch Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN last night...the former Brooklyn Dodgers vs. the former New York Giants...a rivalry that stems back to 1890. But, from the onset, it was obvious that this game wasn't about the longtime rivals but simply around one person: Barry Bonds. As a matter of fact, all of baseball and ESPN is about Barry Bonds. Nothing else matters...

There's a lot of apologists out there for Bonds...but Bonds won't apologize himself. If he had been honest to begin with, none of this would be happening. One thing that is obvious, people do not want Bonds breaking Ruth or Aaron's records. Bonds claims it is because he is black. I don't believe that. Bonds says that he is getting racist hate mail. I don't believe him. I want to see the mail. He says he is receiving threats. I don't believe him. If it were true, he could turn the threats over to the police and they would act...it's a criminal offense to threaten people. Bonds claims a lot of things I don't believe.

Three years ago, everyone wanted to see these records fall. Not anymore. Bonds is a cheater. There's no excuse for taking steroids. Baseball may not have tested or had rules against steroids but that doesn't change the fact that steroids are ILLEGAL and have been for quite some time.

If Bonds had been honest from the beginning, a lot of people would have forgiven him. Don't believe me? Look at Jason Giambi. Honest guy...made fun of still but, overall, he has been given a pass. Bonds continues to lie and that is unforgiveable.

I hope Barry never hits another homerun. It's unlikely but it would be best for baseball. It would be best for baseball if Barry took his bat and went home. I just don't see that happening though because Barry only cares about one thing...and it's not baseball.

Because you care...

Pac Man Jones is in trouble...

Ways to improve the Gold/Blue Game

Oh, I almost forgot...I have a little favor to ask of the 5-7 people who read this...I want you to come up with ways to improve the gold/blue game and either comment them or e-mail them to me. For example,

No. 10: During halftime, Lee Corso and Dick Vitale are brought in for rousing competition of roshambo.

I'll post the top ten next week...Thanks in advance.

Gold/Blue...Blue/Gold? Whatever...the Scrimmage Game

Yeah...some call it blue/gold game...some call it gold/blue game. Regardless, it was today's scrimmage in which people paid $5.00 to the Children's Miracle Network to watch WVU play...well, WVU. And, boy, was it not all that exciting. But, here are the positives nonetheless: 1) Good crowd. Nice to see the bandwagoners in full force. 2) Lots of passing. And most of them were complete. 3) No major injuries. 4) Tailgaters were in full force for a practice.

Now, for the negatives: 1) The guys sitting behind me were driving me crazy. Apparently they knew everything about football and one of the guys had the most annoying laugh I have EVER heard. 2) Coach Rod's plays were not necessarily more successful than the plays the fan in the stands made. 3) The halftime entertainment has to get better. 4) Tailgaters were in full force for a practice.

Anyway, here's a few pictures for your entertainment:

The Pride of West Virginia?



Let's Get Ready to Bring on the Mountaineers...err, where are they?

Yeah, nice helmets boys...

Time to run some real plays...

Uh-oh, an injury already...is it White? Is it Slaton? No? Oh, then it's okay...

Oh, good...it's halftime...this should be exciting. Oh, it's not...hmmm...

Goodbye Milan-Puskar Stadium...see you in September for the next scrimmage against Cabell County Community College.

Doom and Gloom

Everywhere you turn, bad news. Iran has nuclear weapons (maybe), immigration, bird flu, housing "bubble," Iraq, China, gas prices, oil shortages, global warming, etc. This is the stuff we have to hear about on a daily basis...if one story gets stale, the immediately jump to the next gloomy story. And, if there is any good news, the media immediately does everything in its power to put a negative spin on it. And every news story has to include a demonstration of why America is evil and wrong. I'm tired of that...it's not true and I'm sick of hearing it.

When was the last time you didn't hear a "but" in the news...for example, "housing starts are up but the bubble could burst at anytime," "the economy grew this quarter but there are growing fears of inflation," etc. There has to be negative in everything the news reports. It's disgusting. When they don't have enough material, they make the news up for themselves. Polls and setups. Polls are not news...they are opinions that no one can certify. And, well, the media loves to set people up for a doom story...for example:

Yesterday, to test the security of your great aunt, we attempted to sneak a bomb into her house. Our operative knocked on the door and asked if we could use the phone. She let us in. At which point, we place a small explosive device under her table when she wasn't looking. Then we left. An hour later we arrived and showed her the tape. She was stunned. Everyone should take this warning seriously...your great aunt, and many other relatives, could be at risk of terrorist attack.

OK...that may not be serious but that is about what the media does...tries to sneak bombs around security or show everyone how a water supply could be tampered with. And, if they're not doing that, they're telling us how we should react to today's news...or what it means. What happened to just reporting the events and letting people figure out what that means for themselves. I don't care what Katie Couric thinks about Dick Chaney and I don't care what Matt Laurer thinks about the War in Iraq. I just want the news about this country and leave it at that.

So, until further notice, I refuse to pay attention to the mainstream news...no NBC, no CBS, no ABC...I will watch FoxNews because they do, whether you want to admit it or not, provide a fairer balance of the news. I just want to know what's going on in the world...I don't want an interpretation of what is going on in the world. Is that too much to ask?

Arr, Arr Mateys...

Apparently no one has really been paying a lot of attention...but, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 1-7 and not looking too good. I thought this was supposed to be the year they finally get back above .500 for the first time in 12 years or so...maybe compete for a playoff spot? I mean, how embarrassing is it to host the All-Star game and potentially have zero all-star players? I'm just amazed by the how poorly this team has played over the years...I don't even know if I want to go to a game this year. The only thing that comes to mind is: "Thar she blows!"

Anyway, gas prices are shooting back up and there's no relief in sight that I can see. Expect to see $3.50 sometime this summer. With the way Iran is going, we may see higher than that. Better figure out who you are going to carpool with. It's going to be a nasty summer for travel...another reason not to go to a Pirates game.

On a positive note, I think the warm weather has finally arrived and I think I'll wash my car this evening...maybe. Depends on how I feel...still trying to recover from the lack of sleep last week. More later...

Is It Time for Football?

When do the Mountaineers start? Where's the Steelers? Isn't it football time yet? I guess not...so, we're stuck with baseball for the most part. Not that I don't enjoy baseball...it's not horrible. It's just not the same as football...the most exciting thing in baseball right now is whether Bonds will be caught with a syringe or if someone will plunk him in the knee with a ball. I sincerely hope he doesn't catch Babe Ruth...but, I can't see how he can be stopped...he's part man, part steroid.

Anyway, I watched the highlight video from the 2005 Mountaineer football season...I'm just ready for football. It was such a great season...and there are so many expectations this year. It kinda scares me a little...but I'm really looking forward to it. The Blue/Gold game is Saturday...not the most exciting thing in the world but at least we'll get a chance to see Pat and Steve run...get a chance to see the kicking game and maybe even see a pass or two. Who knows...

Anyway, not going to write much more now because I'm really tired and just not in the most creative of moods...try to get back to it later...

Wow...I was impressed by Women's Basketball

Man, I only watched the last 10 minutes and overtime of the NCAA Women's Championship Game last night but I must admit that I was pretty impressed. Those girls played TOUGH basketball...they were pounding on each other...shoving, pulling, throwing down...whatever it took to establish position and the refs were calling nothing. I saw an arm drag that would have taken most people out for good and the girl came back in...it was a heckuva game.

Clutch 3-pointer takes the game into overtime...awesome. Big shots...good free throws. It was just exciting...not the blowout like we saw in the men's game. And that's probably the main difference...overtime versus a 16-point blowout. Which is better? I'm not saying I'm going to follow the girls' game more closely or anything...but for one night, they really impressed me. I wish they would have their tournament in April with the championship in May because, after last night, I probably would have watched more of theirs if they didn't go against the men's NCAA and NIT.

Really...what sense does that make? If the women's game is ever going to establish itself, they need to come up with their own time to play and not during March Madness. I believe they could establish an audience. But, as long as they compete against the big boys, they will remain a side note. The other great thing about last night's game...Duke lost.

Since college basketball is now completely done, I will write a final review tomorrow (maybe). Oh, and I was wrong earlier about Western Washington...apparently, it is Eastern Washington that we will be playing in football this year instead of Buffalo. My bad...my apologies. But still, I-AA Eastern Washington? From the Big Sky Conference? Give me a break...

The Collective Yawn

Being the bonafide sports junkie I am, it was really sad that I completely forgot that the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship was last night. I realized it was on when I checked ESPN before going to bed...and I tuned in just as the second half was about to begin. Apparently, I didn't miss much. Florida dominated the overmatched Bruins and that was that. But did anyone care? I mean, the hype wasn't nearly as dramatic as it usually is. Theories...

1) ESPN didn't overly hype the game because, well, ESPN didn't care. They are more concerned in trying to get more than 3 people to tune in tonight for the women's championship. Good luck in that.

2) Florida. UCLA. Doesn't quite have the pulling power of UNC or Duke...or a bunch of other teams for that matter. UCLA had its heyday back in the '70s. Florida is a football school. Howland and Donovan? Boring.

3) Baseball. It was opening day for baseball. The Yankees were killing the A's on ESPN2. Barry Bonds was busy having syringes thrown at him. Who wants to watch Florida blow UCLA out of the water when they can watch this stuff?

I'm anxious to see the ratings for the game because I'm guessing it was down. Maybe I'm wrong...maybe other people cared more than me but I don't think so. I'm willing to entertain other points though...oh, and congrats to Florida. Maybe they'll get over that Spurrier thing now.

Well, back to the grind...

Hmmmm....

I really have nothing to write about I guess. I could talk about UCLA and Florida in the championship game but it doesn't interest me that much I guess. I did win a basketball pool here though thanks to UCLA's win over LSU...a lunch. Big deal. I could talk about women's basketball and the fact that it could be worth watching if they wouldn't have their tournament at the same time as the men's. Why don't they wait until the end of April or something? I don't know.

But, I'm not going to...I really have nothing. The weather was improving but we may get snow tonight. There's a tornado warning out now. So, the weather is not necessarily good. Baseball started yesterday...it's a little early to get too excited though. I'll try to get up to a couple Pirates games but I don't expect much out of them. I really thought they might get above .500 this season but my optimism is beginning to diminish and they haven't even started yet.

Other than that, not much...same old stuff. Habib is still out of the office. Pretty much status quo here. We have a very busy schedule next week so I'm busy trying to figure out who is going where...I really don't feel like traveling too much. So, anyway, that's about it...an update is an update.