Geoge Tenet's Book

I preordered George Tenet's book but it hasn't arrived yet. But I am anxiously awaiting it. It looks like it is going to be quite a read. While many people are focusing simply on Iraq and Tenet's fall for the botched intelligence, I'm more interested in the thwarted attack attempts and America's work with international intelligence agencies.

What strikes me most about what I have heard so far about Tenet's book is the constant efforts by al-Qaida operatives to attain nuclear weapons. It's clear that the procurement of a nuclear weapon is not just to threaten the United States but to actually use the weapon to destroy an American city. Tenet writes that a nuclear detonation in a U.S. city is al-Qaida’s ultimate goal. How scary is that?

Folks, this is why we have to continue to fight terrorism around the globe. We are fightin al-Qaida in Iraq. We are fighting other factions there as well...but al-Qaida has infiltrated the Iraqi borders and are staging attacks against the American military in that country. If we pack up and leave tomorrow, we are leaving a country in turmoil that will quickly be divided between Iranians and al-Qaida operatives. This will become furtile training ground for the next al-Qaida attack. That is why we must continue until victory.

We must take the fight to terrorists around the world. We cannot afford to sit back and wait for them to bring the fight here. We cannot sit back and wait for another tower to fall. Or worse. If Tenet is accurate, the towers falling could pale in comparison to what al-Qaida really has in mind for this country. It's a real war...it's time we treat it as such.

Draft Day

Oh, the humanity. I missed the first 15 picks because of a prior engagement. Imagine my surprise (and joy) that Brady Quinn was still on the board. About the time I turned on the television, someone was interviewing Quinn and he looked pretty sick about the whole thing. How embarrassing is it to be in that room, expecting to be picked 3rd in the NFL draft, and still be sitting there after pick 10, 11, 12, 16, etc.

I'm not surprised that everyone passed on Quinn. He never really proved himself a big-time quarterback at Notre Dame. They made some impressive comebacks last season but they blew every big game they played. I'm sure there were a lot of crying Irish fans today. Which is very, very funny.

Anyway, I'm not going to watch much more of this draft. I can't stand listening to Boomer at all. Morton and Steve Young fighting over the Packers pick was funny but I can't stand them yelling back and forth. Mel Kiper, Jr. is full of hot air. He is extremely overrated. And why is Keyshawn there? Talk about a table full of egos. I can't handle any more. I just hope Quinn happens to fall into the second round. I doubt it though...someone will grab him. But it's still funny...

Beilein's Payout

I am at a complete loss as to why WVU didn't keep fighting John Beilein on the payout. The man signed a contract that stated he would pay West Virginia $500,000.00 per year remaining on his contract if he decided to leave. WVU would do the same if they fired him without cause. Well, Beilein leaves with 5 years remaining on the contract, owing WVU $2.5 million. Instead of forcing him to pay $2.5 million, we knock a million off. Who picks up that million? That's a lot of money. I understand the school wanting to put the entire thing behind them and move on...but, last I checked, a million dollars is a good bit of money. That's a full year of Bobby Huggins salary. I'm anxious to hear the real reason the buyout was lowered (loophole, anyone?)

In case you didn't know, the horse known as Barbaro would celebrate his fourth birthday on Sunday if it weren't for his unfortunate demise. The emotional outpouring for this horse has been absolutely ridiculous. NBC is going to air an entire special dedicated to the "spirit" of Barbaro. Nevermind the fact that if Barbaro were alive, he wouldn't even know that it was his birthday.

The NBC special is entitled "Barbaro: A Nation's Horse" and will air at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. I don't see how you make a one hour special about a horse. A horse that was injured and kept alive longer than he should have been. (I know that is mean but it's true...do you really think that horse enjoyed his last few days in a confined space, unable to move?) It's amazing what people choose to mourn and celebrate and what they choose to ignore. Absolutely amazing...

All Quiet...

I looked for something to write about yesterday but couldn't really get worked up about anything. Same for today. No fire to complain about Harry Reid saying that the war is lost despite our troops still fighting. No feelings on Hilary Clinton trying again to be from the South or Obama trying to prove he is "down for the struggle." Shoot...they even fixed the massive pothole on the interstate that was trying to destroy my car.

Sheryl Crow wants everyone to use one piece of toilet paper per visit. She says she was joking. She probably wasn't. Alec Baldwin left a voicemail for his kid that made the news. Sounded pretty mean...where's Al Sharpton? The Bulls are taking out defending NBA champs Miami...where's Michael Jordan? And the Suns are crushing the Lakers. There is justice in the world.

The Yankees are in last place despite the historic performances by Alex Rodrigueze...there is no justice in the world. Scientists may have found another planet we can all move to. It's only like 120 trillion miles away. Al Gore is afraid we might be heating it up already because we use too much toilet paper. Al Gore is an idiot.

Anyway, nothing much to write about today. Maybe something will light the fire later this afternoon...but, for now, that's all I got.

Nick Saban Can Fill the Seats

For anyone who thinks Alabama football is dead...well, don't tell the people in Alabama. 92,000 crimson and white attired people showed up to watch the Alabama spring game on Saturday. 92,000 people to watch a game that not only doesn't matter...but doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to watch. They actually had to turn people away at the gate...that's pretty crazy. Saban better produce...and produce in a hurry. Sounds like expectations are off the charts.

Boris Yeltsin passed away today. Yeltsin will best be remembered as the man who led Russia following the breakup of the Soviet Union and for having a glowing nose. When the Soviet Union collapsed, Yeltsin's immediate economic changes shook Russia to the core, creating an economic downturn more severe than that of the Great Depression. Changing from a socialist "planned economy" to a capitalist economy using "shock therapy" nearly cost Yeltsin his job but he managed to secure the support of Russia's army and maintain power. Yeltsin surprisingly resigned his post on December 31, 1999.

The NBA playoffs are underway and the most intriguing matchup to me is Golden State vs. Dallas. Dallas is clearly the superior team but Don Nelson seems to have the Mavericks figured out. Golden State is up 1-0 in the series...and, if they were to eliminate Dallas, it would be the biggest upset in NBA playoffs. And Mark Cuban's head would explode.

Lastly, sorry for not updating. I came down with a stomach flu that had me pretty miserable. Things are back to normal now and I'll try to get caught up.

This is Awesome

The commentators for this are completely awesome...love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsdes0QI4W4

Pittsburgh - Almost .500

First...I was going to write about the tragedy down at Virginia Tech but I think everything about it has been said. It was senseless and absolutely tragic. I'm not sure what kind of sick person does something like this but it's just completely insane. More details will come out as time goes on...but no one will ever make any sense of what happened.

Anyway, on to the Pirates. We're 11 games into the young baseball season and the Pirates are only 1 game under .500. And that puts them only 1.5 games out of first in the NL Central. What is amazing about their 5-6 record is the fact that they are 0-4 at PNC Park. 0-4. How is it possible that the Pirates cannot win a game at home? They are 5-2 on the road. It's a shame they have to play home games at all.

But there are a lot of negatives to the Pirates 5-6 record. First, they rank 15th out of 16 teams in the National League in batting average. They're 14th in RBIs and tied for last in runs scored. The pitching has made up for some of the lack of offense but having an ERA of 3.56 and not scoring isn't going to win many games. The Pirates still need some bats to really compete with the Cardinals. With what I'm seeing so far, I think the 5-6 is a fluke. I don't see this as the seaosn the Pirates break the 14-year curse.

Nightmare is Over

Our long national nightmare has finally come to a close. Don Imus has been fired from CBS Radio ending one of the darkest days in our nation's history. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have stood their ground against all odds to take down the media giant for his insensitive and hate-filled remarks. One of the finest hours for the civil rights movement.

Sharpton says "It is our feeling that this is only the beginning. We must have a broad discussion on what is permitted and not permitted in terms of the airwaves." Preach it, brother. Let's see...who should Sharpton take down next? Bill O'Reilly? Glenn Beck? Robert D. Raiford? His speeches are hate-filled and offensive to me. How about Al Franken? Oh, he's already off the air. But he said some things that I found offensive.

Rush Limbaugh? Of course. How about Sean Hanity? No brainer. But, you want to know who I find offensive on the radio? Al Sharpton. I'm offended by his program and I am now calling on Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to stand up for my rights not to have to listen to his garbage. It's my right as an American to ask that he be removed from the airwaves.

Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have now become to the voice of what is allowed to be said on the air. Hallelujah! What a glorious day for free speech and open debate in our country. Thanks Jesse and Al...you have ended this nightmare.

On second thought, maybe the nightmare has just begun...

Duke Lacrosse

It is amazing to me that Don Imus' derogatory comments about the Rutgers' basketball team is still the main media story considering what just went down in Raleigh, North Carolina. Charges were finally dropped against three Duke lacrosse players who were accused of sexually assaulting a black stripper. Not only were they proclaimed not guilty, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper said that his own investigation "led us to the conclusion that no attack occurred."

And let me tell you this...what happened to these Duke lacrosse players far exceeds the damage done to the Rutgers' basketball team. The Duke lacrosse team was forced to cancel an entire season. These accused players were harrassed and shamed for life because of these false charges. These players are real victims that have suffered. Not just from a few short words but from real actions that threatened their livelihoods.

This story is of far greater importance than a few comments from Don Imus. The Imus story is a manufacturered story where media wants to cover media. Imus is a big story for MSNBC because people are actually care about what the low-rated network is doing. Imus is a big story because it gives the like of Al Sharpton to shoot off his hate-filled mouth.

So, the Rutgers players got called a name...and the Duke players had false rape charges brought against them. Which is worse? Where's Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson at now? Oh, that's right...the Duke lacrosse players are white. Rutgers' basketball team was predominately black...and Imus' comments were "racist." Yeah, I guess the Rutgers thing is far worse...

The Pride of West Virginia

Adam "Pacman" Jones. Chris Henry. Former teammates from West Virginia University. Two players that had all the potential in the world. Jones, a first round draft pick. Henry, proving he is a bigtime receiver at Cincinnati. Two players who left college early (one we were a little sad about, the other -- well...). They should have been players the university could point to as success. Now, they are players that the university rather not be associated with ever again.

Jones and Henry became the focal point of the NFL's personal conduct policy. And rightfully so. These are two guys who got big money from football squads but have no idea what to do with that money. You are handing millions of dollars to people who have never had to answer for their actions in the past because of their athletic ability. Henry and, to a lesser degree, Jones were both given passes at WVU because of their on-field abilities.

Henry eventually showed his true character in his junior year at the University. I was there at Rutgers when he showed the faithful there what he thought of them and their school. He was an embarrassment and should have never played another snap at WVU. But he did. Jones better hid his true character...he seemed likeable, especially compared to Chris Henry.

But then, they get out of school and get paid. And they have no idea what to do with that money. So, they fall back in with their "homeboys" from the "hood." Jones is buying cars that are being used in rap videos. Jones is associating with drug dealers and, according to one of those dealers, is using himself. (Big surprise.)

Henry is racking up the DUI and possession charges...and providing alcohol to minors. He has no idea how to behave. And, of course, just like Jones, he has to have a gun or two for "protection."

It is insane. Jones and Henry are stupid and have gotten caught. But there are dozens of other athletes across the NFL, NBA, etc. who are doing the exact same things but they have better protection. I'm glad the NFL is stepping up...and the NBA has been too. It's time for someone to school these athletes about society and their role in it. It has gotten out of hand. All I know for now is that two athletes who could have bestowed pride on the University's football program have now become the Disgrace of West Virginia.

Al Sharpton

Let me start out by saying I am not much of a Don Imus fan. I watched his show many times several years ago because it was better than Today but I never really like him too much. He's hard to listen to. And he probably stepped over the line with his recent comments about the Rutgers players (even though, when I watched the game, I thought they looked pretty rough. I almost wrote about how rough both teams looked.) I think it was a joke that was offensive. But I don't think Don Imus is a racist. But the man who is leading the crusade against him is...

Al Sharpton is, at best, a man who incites hate against white people and, more particularly, Jewish people. This is hardly a man who can claim the high moral ground when it comes to race relations. Let me point out a couple incidents in Sharpton's past:

1987: Tawana Brawley. Sharpton insisted that a 15-year-old black girl was abducted and raped by a group of white men. He singles out Steve Pagones, a young prosecutor. A grand jury, who thoroughly examines the evidence in the case, determines Brawley made the incident up. Brawley refuses to testify but claims the "defense fund." Pagones sues Sharpton for defamation and eventually wins a $345,000 verdict for defamation. To this day, Sharpton refuses to recant his slander or to apologize for his role in the affair.

1991: A Jewish driver in Brooklyn kills Gavin Cato, a 7-year-old black child, and antisemitic riots erupt. Sharpton races to pour gasoline on the fire. At Gavin's funeral he rails against the Jews for having "the blood of innocent babies" on their hands. He mobilizes hundreds of demonstrators to march through the Jewish neighborhood, chanting, "No justice, no peace." A rabbinical student, Yankel Rosenbaum, is surrounded by a mob shouting "Kill the Jews!" and stabbed to death.

1995: When Freddy's Fashion Mart raises the rent on his subtenant, a black-owned music store Sharpton uses it to incite racial hatred. "We will not stand by and allow them to move this brother so that some white interloper can expand his business." Sharpton's National Action Network sets up picket lines; customers going into Freddy's are spat on and cursed as "traitors" and "Uncle Toms." Some protesters shout, "Burn down the Jew store!" and simulate striking a match. "We're going to see that this cracker suffers," says Sharpton's colleague Morris Powell. On Dec. 8, one of the protesters bursts into Freddy's, shoots four employees point-blank, then sets the store on fire. Seven employees die in the inferno.

Here's another good article to read about Sharpton: Al "anti-Semitic" Sharpton

Al Sharpton is in no position to judge anyone. For Sharpton to be considered a "civil rights leader" is a discredit to the entire civil rights movement. Sharpton is a divider of the worst kind...looking to make race an issue in every argument in hopes of continuing a riff between the sects of the American population. Indict Don Imus as you will...but don't let Al Sharpton be the judge and the jury.

Attack of the Virus

It was a typical Sunday. Easter lunch followed by a short trip home. No big deal. Before I could sit down to read the news, my cellphone rings. It's work. Hmmmm...I'm not on call. What could this be? So, despite my better judgment, I answer the phone.

"Hello?"

"Mike?"

"Yes."

"We have a problem." dut dut duuuuhhhhh

After a few minutes on the phone, I determined that I have to travel into the office. A virus has apparently infiltrated our formerly impenetrable network of firewalls and antivirus servers. A worm. An ugly little worm. And it was spreading...quickly through all of our offices.

Obviously, the first question that comes to mind is why didn't our antivirus catch this? Well, it appears this is a variation on a previous virus. We had updated our definitions last on April 4th. The update that would have caught this virus was put out on April 7th. Oops. One of the first things I noticed was that our Windows Server 2000 machines (yes, we still have them) were rebooting. Hmmm...so, I took them off the network and began applying Microsoft updates and antivirus updates. After some serious frustration, we were able to get them working again.

Then we attacked the Server 2003 machines and got them patched and working. Meanwhile, the antivirus server that would be pushing updates to all the client PCs was in quite a bit of turmoil. After some serious revamping, I was finally able to get it stable to the point that it was pushing out the clients. After having this office and our southern command firmly under control, we began working on the outer offices. Eventually, we were able to get them stable and their antivirus servers to a point they would push updates today.

Needless to say, this virus infiltration cost me 12 hours. I was here until 3:00 a.m. last night. But, the reward is this morning as our users login none the wiser. While I still think we have remnants of the worm attempting to make its way around our offices, luckily our virus updates are being pushed before it can attack the machine. So far, not a single call. It seems to have targeted Windows 2000 and 2003 Server first though...but it attacked XP too. What great fun it was for all!

The Double Standard

Alright...I'm about sick of people ripping Bobby Huggins for leaving Kansas State but treating John Beilein and Billy Gillespie (and other coaches that moved) like gold. What did Bobby do wrong that these other coaches didn't?

Let's see: 1) Kansas State took a chance on Huggins? Big deal. You take a chance on every coach you put on the bench. West Virginia took a chance on Beilein. Obviously Beilein's character doesn't have the flaws that Huggins has shown. But who cares? A lot of coaches get removed from jobs and find jobs elsewhere (Gary Barnett, anyone?) but, when they move on from those schools, it's business.

2) He was only there one year? Well, Beilein was here five years...Gillispie was at A&M for 3 years. Do you think that makes a difference to incoming freshmen that just signed LOIs? Does that make a difference to people like Jamie Smalligan that sat out a year and is now a senior that wanted to play under the Beilein system? Where's the outrage at Beilein? What about those players? Davin Bawinkle doesn't care if Beilein was here 5 years, 10 years or 1 year...all he knows is that the coach he came to play for is gone.

3) He didn't have any reason to move? BS. Gillispie had no reason to go to Kentucky. Beilein had no reason to go to Michigan. Huggins has a lot of reasons to come to West Virginia. He has friends here. He has ties here. He was born in Morgantown. He played at WVU. What more reasons do you need? He called it his dream job. I never heard Beilein say "coaching at UM is my dream job." If he did, it is understandable why he left. But it's not...so Beilein had no reason to move. Huggins's reasons are obvious.

There's a definite double standard out there. ESPN and the likes applauded Beilein's and Gillispie's moves. Even though they had less reason to move the Huggins. And Huggins gets ripped a new one for following his dream. That is not very fair. I wasn't sure how I felt about Huggins until I heard his press conference yesterday. I like the guy now. And I'm tired of everyone jumping on his back for doing the exact same thing coaches do every year...reason or not.

That Didn't Take Long

Well, Bobby Huggins is "officially" the 21st West Virginia basketball head coach. And, boy, is reaction split. People either love him...or hate him. And there's plenty of both. With a coach now named, everyone is turning to the players and recruits. Who's coming? Who's leaving?

Out of all the returning players, Jamie Smalligan probably suffers the most. He's not very athletic and I don't see how he will fit into the Huggins system. He can't transfer because he has already transferred once and he is a senior. He's stuck. Darris Nichols is good enough to play for Huggins. So, that's the seniors next year.

As for underclassmen, I just don't know. A guy like Bawinkle might be better off getting out of town. I just don't see where he's going to fit into the new system. Shoot, even current WVU assistants have said that the current players were signed for their ability to play together, not because of athletic skill. Bawinkle definitely fits that description.

Alexander, Smith, Butler -- and to a lesser degree -- Ruoff should be able to adapt to Huggins' style. Jonnie West will obviously be sticking around but I'm not sure where he fits in. That should be very, very interesting. The jury is still out on these other guys...I've heard Thoroughman should be able to play for Huggins. Just don't know enough yet...

As for incoming, as of today, John Flowers still plans to come to WVU unless he is instructed otherwise. He hasn't talked to Huggins yet though. According to a DC paper, if Huggins says he can't use him, then he would consider following Beilein to Michigan.

The biggest question out there is what happens with Michael Beasley. In an interview with CBSSportsline.com, he said he's unsure about going to Kansas State now. The question really is whether K-State will release him from his Letter of Intent or not. That will be an interesting saga. If he specifically asks to be released, I can't imagine telling him no...but, I guess that's their right if they want to.

Another big question sits in Huntington...well, two of them. First, Pat Patterson. He hasn't signed any letters and still hasn't made his decision. Huggins is a master recruiter and could pull off quite a move by grabbing Patterson. The other is O.J. Mayo. It's highly, highly unlikely that Mayo would shun USC and Los Angeles to come to Morgantown. But, remember, O.J. was going to go to Cincy until Huggins left. Huggins and Mayo have a close relationship...it will be interesting to see if Huggins even attempts to go after O.J. this late. And, once again, you have the LOI situation.

Regardless, the next few weeks will remain interesting as Huggins determines who stays and who leaves. And, even if you hate Bobby Huggins, you might at well get over it because he is the new coach of West Virginia. And he wins. You might not like how he wins...but he does win. This could be WVU's best chance for that long awaited national title...like it or not.

Bobby Huggins - The Rumor Mill

Things are evolving very, very quickly and there appears to be a growing chorus that believes Huggins is indeed coming to Morgantown. The announcement could come as early as tomorrow and there could be a recruit or two that signs with WVU following the annoucement. Of coures, that is all rumor.

Some more rumors to pass along that probably aren't true...but, hey, why not post them? Pat Patterson could be among the recruits that sign with WVU following the announcement of Huggins. Patterson hasn't committed to any school but wasn't sure about the Beilein system (no stars). Huggins could sign Patterson and make him the center point of the new offense. (Highly doubtful)

The #1 high school recruit in the nation will follow Huggins to Morgantown. Michael Beasley was solely going to Manhattan to play for Huggins...now that Huggins is gone, there's no way he goes to Kansas State. (Don't see this at all...)

In lieu of paying the $2.5 million dollar buyout for John Beilein, Michigan has agreed to play WVU in a home-and-home series in football. Even though Michigan has said they will not pay the buyout regardless, this arrangement was made to remove the burdon from Beilein. (Utter crap, I would think)

In addition to $1.4 million a year for Huggins, WVU has agreed to facility upgrades, private workout area w/equipment for Huggs only and a new Director of Basketball Operations. (I can believe that one)

Oh, and as I was writing this, this article was put on the Internet: http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6648384

He's Gone...

Thousands of Mountaineer fans are on suicide watch today as John Beilein made it official yesterday that he is indeed leaving West Virginia University for the University of Michigan. Shocking? No. Disappointing? Yeah...probably. So, I've heard anger, shock, dismay, doom and gloom since the announcement. Very few people think West Virginia can continue to play basketball at a high level without Beilein. I think that's wrong. West Virginia lucked into Beilein...but there's no reason they can't find another coach that can lead the Mountaineers. Here's some of the top choices:

Bobby Huggins - It didn't take long for the Huggins' fans to come out and demand Pastilong call Bobby. The Hugginites think Bobby can do no wrong. Well, guess what...he can. The type of players Huggins attracts aren't necessarily the image the university wants. Do we need another Adam Jones or Chris Henry? What about another Jonathan Hargett? And Huggins' own character is questionable. He's a good coach and can probably win at WVU...but at what price? Seriously.

Jeff Neubaurer - He knows the system...he knows the system...he knows the system (repeat as needed). Who cares if he knows the system? Do you think Michigan cares that Amaker and Beilein run different systems? Playing style changes...so, I don't see that as a major positive for Neubaurer. On the other hand, Neubaurer did recruit several of the current players, which is good. And Neubaurer has been successful at Eastern Kentucky. But he has only 2 years of head coaching experience. Personally, I think he's the frontrunner at this point.

Travis Ford - Ford is a young coach from UMass that raved about the "atmosphere" in the Coliseum and word is that he has expressed interest in the job. Ford has no ties to West Virginia so there will be that fear that he will leave if a bigger job is offerred. Well, guess what? Most coaches will...we can't pick a coach that we think will die at WVU. Anyway, Ford could be an intriguing choice. He's turned around the UMass program and could continue the success at WVU. He's definitely worth a look.

Jerry Dunn - Yeah...why don't you just cut the program now and bring back track? Dunn is your choice if mediocrity is your end goal. He's a "safe" hire because he knows the program and he knows the players. But there's a reason that Penn State fired him...it's called losing. I just think this would set the program back...let's call Gale Catlett.

Mike Carey - Giving the job to the women's basketball coach doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Carey has never coached men's basketball at a high level and, let's face it, the guy is a jerk from what I understand. I know people who knew him when he coached at Salem and they say he is just horrible. And, as for character, Bobby Huggins might be better. On the other hand, Carey has been successful with the women...he's really turned around a dead program at WVU. I think we should just let him continue to work on them.

Me - A lot of upside. Nice guy. All-knowing...all-seeing. Will personally bring back the box-and-one. Already has assistant coaches picked and one of them actually plays basketball. But not much experience at this level of basketball. Still, probably towards the top of the list.

The Real Victim

Obviously there are reports that Coach Beilein is leaving. Of course, there were "reports" that Rodriguez was leaving too and you know how that worked out. But if Beilein does leave, we can all agree that it impacts the Mountaineer players, coaches and fans. But there is a victim that many people might not be thinking about today...and that is: Pat Beilein.

Pat's acting career was just getting started in West Virginia and now his dad might jump ship. It's obvious that both he and Mike Gansey have talent in making WV Lottery commercials, and I was hoping for a series. But with John leaving, how will West Virginians react to seeing Pat trying to sell West Virginia Lottery tickets? My guess is negatively. So, I'm guessing the WV Lottery will drop him as a spokesman for their product. And, since Pat has no connection with Michigan, there's no way he gets an endorsement deal there.

So, Pat Beilein is the real victim if John leaves. I hope Coach Beilein will be able to live with himself after ruining his son's only chance to become a big star. Thanks a lot, Coach.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY5JUSGeiuk

Potholes Are Eating My Car

I'm not sure what the deal is but the potholes right now in Fairmont are worse than I ever remember them being. I can't find a good road to drive on at the moment. It's like the City of Fairmont, or the State of West Virginia, buried landmines throughout all the roads in West Virginia and they have all gone off.

You would think I-79 would at least be maintained but I know that I have to avoid a crater on the northbound entrance ramp at downtown that would eat your average-sized F150. Trying to navigate around it, I have to prematurely enter the interstate area below the average speed. I am surprised I haven't been run over yet...multiple times. I'm tired of pulling my car out of giant holes in the middle of the road. It's very bad.

I'm not sure what the deal is. The State is happily wasting millions of dollars building a four-lane to Yann's Hotdogs but they won't patch the roads the citizens use every single day. Seems that priorities are out of order here. I shouldn't have to worry about busting a tire every time I try to drive somewhere. No one should. Let's fix the roads...please.

Deja Vu

Michigan is meeting with three head coaching candidates this week, including WVU's John Beilein. Whether true or not, the West Virginia radio stations are blowing up that Beilein is the first choice and that Michigan is going to make a big run at him. Beilein, as always, is silent on the topic.

It will be interesting to see if West Virginia comes up with a package again to keep Beilein around. I think it is essential if WVU wants to stay on a national level in basketball that they keep John here because he saved WVU basketball from becoming a complete non-factor. However, much like with Rodriguez, West Virginia has been reluctant to restructure contracts every year.

Personally, I think West Virginia can keep Beilein if they commit to some facilities changes. The Coliseum is a great place for basketball, so I'm not suggesting doing much with it. But some programs need another place to practice and/or perform. In addition to the men’s basketball team, the Coliseum floor is the practice area for women’s basketball and volleyball. And although wrestling and gymnastics each have their own practice facilities, they still hold their competitive meets at the Coliseum. Throw in the fact that a handful of physical education classes are taught on the Coliseum floor, and you have no less than six different groups using the space.

Wrestling and gymanastics just received brand new practice facilities and men's and women's soccer just received a new stadium. Football has received considerable increases in funding over the past few years to make it a national powerhouse. But, while these programs receive funding and achieve success, the basketball program has achieved great success without much additional support.

If WVU wants to stay on the national scene in basketball, they need to find a way to show some support to the program. I think that is what will keep John Beilein at West Virginia. Otherwise, it will be Hail, Hail to Michigan...the Champions of the West.