Ostrich of the Year Award

[pravata]

Regarding the use of amphetamines and increasing penalties on the players, John Moores, majority owner of the San Diego Padres,

"If they're doing it, I don't know when they're getting it or how they're taking it," he said. "And I don't know if it affects their performance. I have absolutely no notion about that so I don't know if it's even a problem. I don't have enough information to know if it's dead-on right. I'd like to see some data."
The Link

Some data,... here's player A's production while on greenies for 60 days, here's his statistics while not hopped up, for 60 days.   They should get right on that.

[Lefty]

Especially galling given that San Diego/Southern Cali is one of, if not *the*, main gateways for various smuggled pharmaceuticals procured in Mexico, as noted in the Grimsley affidavit.

[Foghorn]

Quote:
Regarding the use of amphetamines and increasing penalties on the players, John Moores, majority owner of the San Diego Padres,

"If they're doing it, I don't know when they're getting it or how they're taking it," he said. "And I don't know if it affects their performance. I have absolutely no notion about that so I don't know if it's even a problem. I don't have enough information to know if it's dead-on right. I'd like to see some data."
The Link

Some data,... here's player A's production while on greenies for 60 days, here's his statistics while not hopped up, for 60 days.   They should get right on that.

Anyone know when his birthday is?  I'd like to send him a copy of Ball Four as a present.

[Limey]

I think I know a gazillion people who openly admit that they're "useless" until they've had their first cup o' joe in the morning.  How much of a stretch is it to think that a player might be able to perform at a level, and maintain that level, by taking speed?!!!

Was there any follow-up question?  "With all due respect, Mr. Moores, you know you're talking bollocks, right?"

[VirtualBob]

Quote:

Was there any follow-up question?  "With all due respect, Mr. Moores, you know you're talking bollocks, right?"

You know, this post got me to thinking about how useful that Brit dry sense of humor can be.  Case in point:  The phrase "With all due respect" can be (and I suspect often is) used in cases where it is quite clear that the speaker believes that absolutely no actual respect is due.  Much more satisfyingly subtle than the direct, American approach of calling someone out.

[Limey]

Quote:
You know, this post got me to thinking about how useful that Brit dry sense of humor can be.  Case in point:  The phrase "With all due respect" can be (and I suspect often is) used in cases where it is quite clear that the speaker believes that absolutely no actual respect is due.  Much more satisfyingly subtle than the direct, American approach of calling someone out.

Ironically, for all the (not unjustified) stereotypes of the overly polite Brit (see Grant, Hugh), our press is much more intrusive.

Case in point, Jeremy Paxman is the BBC's answer to Larry King or Barbera Walters.  He refuses to accept a bullshit answer to one of his questions and will pummel the bullshitter until they either answer or are shown up to be full of it.  Paxman isn't unique in Limeyland, but he is at the head of the class.  This isn't O'Reillyesque shouting down in favour of expounding his own opinion, this is dogged pursuit of an answer to a question.

The Best of Paxman

The difference over here is that there seems to be a fear or lack of will on the part of the media to do a truly hard interview on anyone.  I think they're worried about losing access, which is a shame and a disservice to the public.  In the UK, if a politician, for example, refuses to engage Paxman or one of his ilk, they are presumed to have something to hide.  People go on Paxman's show because they want the credibility that comes with it.  Here, the Kings of this world will sacrifice credibility for the "get".

Could you imagine if Paxman had moderated one the of Bush-Kerry debates?  I think both would've been gibbering wrecks at the end.  But you would have something more on which to judge the candidates than their carefully prepared talking points.

In a similar vein, each week the Prime Minister is subject to open questioning in the House of Commons.  There, he/she is lobbed softballs and hand grenades in varying proportions and has to face down the rowdy crowd.

Blair under the cosh.