t-and-f: Masterstrack.com goes whole blog!
Y ask: Happy New Year! Out with the old, in with the blog! You're all welcome to visit the Next Big Thing on the Net -- my version of a Web log. This online diary replaces my old Guestbook, which became laden with disguised commercial links. (Spammers have discovered that they get free links to their sites posted by signing guestbooks.) Sorry, Fred Urie. Your 17 posts are history. Although I remain a wholehearted supporter of this Yahoo Groups (egroups) forum, I'm gonna be doing most of my musing now on my Web log. I'll be freer to express myself, and more self-indulgent. (It's the nature of the blog beast.) But you'll have the ability to comment on my rants as well. Among my first screeds: A critique of Ross Dunton's embryonic WMA world masters seasonal performance lists. I don't pull punches. Check out: http://masterstrack.com/blog/ Masters track will never be the same. Ken Stone http://www.masterstrack.com
t-and-f: Fox's Man vs. Beast
Don't know if anyone else caught this or not, but Fox is apparently working on a Man vs. Beast reality show. Here's a blurb from the CNN article: -- In addition to the midgets vs. elephant battle -- in which the two teams will compete to see who can pull a DC-10 across a desert field fastest -- highlights of the hour include 132-lb. hot dog-eating champ Takeru Kobayashi trying to outswallow a 1,000 lb. Kodiak bear, and world-class sprinter Shawn Crawford racing against a giraffe and a zebra. Also planned: a sumo wrestler vs. orangutan tug of war, and a chimp vs. soldier obstacle course race. Celeb commentators will be on hand to offer play-by-play, including Carl Lewis and Michael Buffer (Let's get ready to rumble!). - I guess we can't complain that track doesn't get any prime time coverage anymore. Adam
t-and-f: Re: St Johns and Title IX
At 08:57 PM 1/4/2003 -0800, t-and-f-digest wrote: The problems faced by today's men are a mere piffle compared to what women had to endure then. gh As they say, two wrongs to not make a right. I disagree with Ed Grant that Title IX belongs on the ash heap of history, but he's right that it is now being interpreted inappropriately. Richard McCann
RE: t-and-f: The best non-Olympian and a new category
How about Pete Pfitzinger in the marathon? One of the best quotes I ever heard was before the '92 trials race. The funny thing is I can't remember if I heard it or read it, but nevertheless, the pundit in question was talking (writing) about the favorites and added, If I were one of the favorites, I'd want to see a stake through Pfitzinger's heart before the start of this race! Cheers, Buck -Original Message- From: Bill Allen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2003 10:17 AM To: Valerie Manning; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: The best non-Olympian and a new category With the nominations we currently have before us, I'd vote for Fonville, Varoff, Dodds and Williams in about that order. Now, how about Olympians who rise to the occasion? That is, athletes who, either not sure bets or wholly unexpected, come along every four years and make the team. I think George Mattos (pole vault, 1952 and 1956) is the clear winner in this category. Randy Williams (1972 and 1976) and Frank Wykoff (three times, 1928, 1932 and 1936) are contenders. (Multiple-year qualifiers such as Oerter and O'Brien, not to mention Lewis, were sure bets or too close to sure bets to be eligible for this category.) Bill Allen - Original Message - From: Valerie Manning [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 03, 2003 5:01 PM Subject: t-and-f: The best NON-olympian? Hello all, This is not a test or competition, I am just curious... Who do you think is the best American track and field athlete to compete in the trials, but never make an Olympic Team? Maybe even break it down by sector (thrower, jumper, middle distance, Long distance, sprinter, hurdler, male, female) Thanks, -Valerie
Re: t-and-f: The best non-Olympian and a new category
From: Jones, Carleton [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Jones, Carleton [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 11:51:42 -0700 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: t-and-f: The best non-Olympian and a new category How about Pete Pfitzinger in the marathon? One of the best quotes I ever heard was before the '92 trials race. The funny thing is I can't remember if I heard it or read it, but nevertheless, the pundit in question was talking (writing) about the favorites and added, If I were one of the favorites, I'd want to see a stake through Pfitzinger's heart before the start of this race! I believe Buffy said that, season 3, episode 7. gh
t-and-f: re: Fox's Man vs. Beast
Fox also did a bit on Race Walking this past Sunday night on Malcolm in the Middle. It was well done, rather funny and tastefully done - something NBC can't manage to pull off. Featured in the episode were US Team members Curt Clausen, Philip Dunn, Sean Albert Susan Armenta. An interesting comment from the RW List on this show - Isn't it ironic that we saw more of our national racewalkers in a sitcom than we saw in all of the Olympic coverage?. I guess we could add print media and quality of coverage to that statement too! MJR
t-and-f: AOW
Thought the list may be interested in the news that ultradistance runner Ryan Rau, USATF's most recent Athlete of the Week, was written up in a small paper called the Detroit Free Press as a result of his being honored. You can check out the grassroots good news at: http://www.freep.com/sports/othersports/line4_20030104.htm No word on when the paper might be running an insert devoted to a photo spread of the mascot, however. Word has it they've got paparazzi on the lookout to catch the blue beast sharing a beer with E. Garry! Best, Jill M. Geer USATF Director of Communications
t-and-f: USATF News Notes: January 6, 2003
Contact:Jill M. Geer USATF Director of Communications USA Track Field (317) 261-0500 x360 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.usatf.org USATF News Notes Volume 4, Number 2 January 6, 2003 = In this edition: = - Race walking goes prime time on FOX = Clausen, race walking featured on FOX sitcom The sport of race walking and several U.S. race walkers made their prime-time sit-com debuts Sunday night in FOXs broadcast of its hit series, Malcolm in the Middle. Thanks to the assistance of technical advisor Curt Clausen, Team USAs 1999 World Championships bronze medalist in the 50-kilometer race walk, Sundays episode of Malcolm had as its main storyline Malcolms father, Hal, taking up the sport. The shows writers wanted to incorporate race walking into the show and called Clausen in the fall at the ARCO Olympic Training Center, where he lives and trains. Clausen read the script and made suggestions for how to incorporate information on race walking rules and technique into the show. I read the script, and it was hilarious, Clausen said. It didnt make fun of race walking as much as it could have. I suggested some things on the script. It was a lot of fun. Clausen headed to Los Angeles, where he taught four key actors in the sitcom how to race walk, and he appeared in the several scenes. Teaching the actors to race walk in a manner befitting a sitcom proved an integral part of the process. The director said it had to look funnier, so we exaggerated the motions a little more, Clausen said. It actually looked pretty good on film. The episode chronicled the race walking obsession of Hal (Bryan Cranston) after he sees a group of walkers including Clausen and fellow Team USA athletes Susan Armenta, Philip Dunn and Sean Albert striding through a park. So inspired does Hal become that he immerses himself in walking, studying tapes to perfect his technique and speed. He even dreams one night of being a secret weapon for the Army during World War I, race-walking important documents across enemy lines. Hal is foiled in his attempt to overtake the fastest walker in the group, a man clad in a full-body blue spandex suit and aerodynamic helmet, until he realizes by studying a videotape that his nemesis has both feet off the ground the deadliest of sins in race walking. Haranguing the man with the insult of Jogger!! while wearing his own red-flamed bodysuit and helmet, Hal keeps pace with him until, in a moment vaguely reminiscent of Sergei Eisensteins 1925 classic film Battleship Potemkin, the two men barrel toward a baby carriage and fall to the ground rather than injure the baby. Malcom in the Middle is part of FOXs highly rated Sunday night comedy lineup that includes The Simpsons and King of the Hill. # # #
t-and-f: Mascot
To back Jill up on this one, they have the right idea on the Mascot, no matter how sick it turns your stomach. While attending a college basketball game last night, the school's Mascot entered the stands. One large section was devoted to a local CYO girls team that played during halftime. Those kids spent a good 10 minutes of the 2nd half playing with the Mascot and enjoying themselves at a game that would have held no memory or meaning at that point (other than the halftime game) as the home team was getting killed. These kids will come home from that game with a good memory of a fun experience, one the college game could not provide. This is the point of the Mascot, whatever they decide to call him/her/it. If they really were able to get it for free, its even better, as there will only be a gain financially from it. One question, will the Indy staff be taking turns inside the costume?? If so, I assume James will be exempt! MJR
t-and-f: Chicago increases registration cap
PRESS RELEASE LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon THE LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON INCREASES REGISTRATION CAP; Race will increase the field to 40,000 participants Chicago (January 6, 2003) The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon announced it will increase its registration cap from 37,500 to 40,000 participants. For the past two years, the previous cap was filled at least six weeks prior to Race Day. Registration began January 1 for The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, which will take place Sunday, October 12. In response to the popularity and continuing growth of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon we are pleased and excited to offer this event to a record number of participants in 2003, said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. We have taken the appropriate steps to determine that we can confidently increase the participant totals to 40,000 and continue to produce a world class event that offers a safe and enjoyable experience for our participants, spectators, and residents. With its impressive growth and top-quality elite field, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is unquestionably one of the most acclaimed races in the world. From 1993 to 2002, the number of registered runners grew from 6,941 to its maximum 37,500 ? a staggering 540% increase. The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon was one of the largest marathons in history with 31,106 finishers. Runners came to Chicago from all 50 states and 66 different countries. With 65% of the marathon participants arriving from outside of Illinois, the Marathon is one of Chicago's most recognizable tourism vehicles. International participation has increased from 322 people and 39 foreign countries in 1996 to 2,852 runners representing 66 foreign countries in 2002. In addition to the amazing growth of the field, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has become one of Chicago's favorite annual traditions with one million spectators lining the 26.2-mile course in 2002. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has proven to be one of Chicago's most successful events, said Jim Law, executive director, Mayor's Office of Special Events. Anything we can do to open this up to more visitors and their families from around the world so that they too can see the beauty of Chicago's neighborhoods and lakefront is a win for everyone. The Marathon is open to runners who can complete the course in less than six hours. For information call (312) 904-9800. Registration can be completed online by visiting www.chicagomarathon.com. Registration will close September 5, 2003 or when the cap of 40,000 runners is reached, whichever comes first. There will be no race weekend registration. # # #
Re: t-and-f: Mascot
You left out one important detail: Was the mascot you saw last night anywhere near as hideous as the one USATF was given? If not, then I beg to differ with, If they really were able to get it for free, its even better, as there will only be a gain financially from it. That overlooks the possibility that USATF could actually be hurt financially from it if it makes a joke of the sport and drives some fans away without attracting others... How much revenue does USATF draw from children in the form of spectators??? Is there any market research that indicates youth participation will actually go up as a result of mascots? Dan --- Michael J. Roth [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To back Jill up on this one, they have the right idea on the Mascot, no matter how sick it turns your stomach. While attending a college basketball game last night, the school's Mascot entered the stands. One large section was devoted to a local CYO girls team that played during halftime. Those kids spent a good 10 minutes of the 2nd half playing with the Mascot and enjoying themselves at a game that would have held no memory or meaning at that point (other than the halftime game) as the home team was getting killed. These kids will come home from that game with a good memory of a fun experience, one the college game could not provide. This is the point of the Mascot, whatever they decide to call him/her/it. If they really were able to get it for free, its even better, as there will only be a gain financially from it. One question, will the Indy staff be taking turns inside the costume?? If so, I assume James will be exempt! MJR = http://AccountBiller.com - MyCalendar, D-Man, ReSearch, etc. http://Run-Down.com - 10,000 Running Links, Fantasy TF @o Dan Kaplan - [EMAIL PROTECTED] |\/ ^- ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) _/ \ \/\ (503)370-9969 phone/fax / / __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: t-and-f: Mascot
I replied in private to Steve, but I see his response was also addressed to the list, so I will repeat my question to him. Should I be familiar with the Philly Phanatic? I'm guessing baseball? At any rate, my point still stands about first having to show that mascots (any mascot, let alone a butt ugly one) have a *positive* effect on finances. I know a lot of people will point to the Big 3 pro sports and their heavy use of mascots, but I'm not so sure that's a valid argument. Staying close to home, look at the Portland Trail Blazers. They have gone years without a mascot (they had some hill billy sasquatch thing back in the 80's that I'm not sure would count as a mascot), yet they've been among the most profitable NBA franchises and last I saw were something like the 2nd or 3rd most profitable franchise in all of pro sports. (As an aside, this is yet one more reason why I believe most journalists are non-thought capable idiots. They love to harp on the Blazers huge payroll, but they never bother to mention that they typically earn more money on that investment than teams with half the payroll. Simple arithmetic.) Going a step further, the Blazers decided to add a mascot -- a very ugly and heavily ridiculed one, no less -- and this has become easily the worst year in franchise history in terms of public perception. Obviously that is not all due to the mascot, but you can certainly make a strong case that stop gap measures which by themselves offer nothing positive certainly do not help to cover up a bad situation. Unfortunately, that sounds very similar to what USATF is attempting to do in a no financial cost endeavor. Dan --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 1/6/03 6:43:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You left out one important detail: Was the mascot you saw last night anywhere near as hideous as the one USATF was given? If not, then I beg to differ with, If they really were able to get it for free, its even better, as there will only be a gain financially from it. That overlooks the possibility that USATF could actually be hurt financially from it if it makes a joke of the sport and drives some fans away without attracting others... How much revenue does USATF draw from children in the form of spectators??? Is there any market research that indicates youth participation will actually go up as a result of mascots? Dan Dan, The Philly Phanatic is not exactly attractive. Steve S. = http://AccountBiller.com - MyCalendar, D-Man, ReSearch, etc. http://Run-Down.com - 10,000 Running Links, Fantasy TF @o Dan Kaplan - [EMAIL PROTECTED] |\/ ^- ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) _/ \ \/\ (503)370-9969 phone/fax / / __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
t-and-f: re: Mascot
The Mascot has an equal stupidity look, but kids don't know the difference, so the point is moot. Mascots attract kids, there is no debating this, anything to the contrary is pointless banter. Whether the children are spectators or contestants (we're not talking Millrose here, but JO meets for appearances) this is a positive financial opportunity for USATF TnF as a whole. Kids will have something else to remember outside of the events they contest. The money to be made from pictures w/ the Mascot is huge, especially if it goes back to the Grass Roots programs (Associations), where it should. This is not an issue of youth participation numbers, as Mascot will not be at local/yocal meets (for the most part), but at Nationals where it will be an attraction piece. For years it has been difficult to make TF fun for kids, this is a good step in that direction. It just seems like another case where no matter what USATF does, people are going to crucify it. MJR
Re: t-and-f: re: Mascot
Mascots attract kids, there is no debating this, anything to the contrary is pointless banter. I take it that's your way of saying you can't support the statement? I still haven't seen any evidence provided for the position that a mascot will directly help USATF financially. We already know it's done a disservice to the organization in terms of negative publicity -- and no, that has absolutely nothing to do with no matter what USATF does, people are going to crucify it; it's simply an awful mascot -- so I'm assuming there has to be some market research indicating that that factor can be overcome by having pictures taken with kids. Makes perfect sense. Go after the people without money and alienate the paying customers who might even be participants. Dan --- Michael J. Roth [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The Mascot has an equal stupidity look, but kids don't know the difference, so the point is moot. Mascots attract kids, there is no debating this, anything to the contrary is pointless banter. Whether the children are spectators or contestants (we're not talking Millrose here, but JO meets for appearances) this is a positive financial opportunity for USATF TnF as a whole. Kids will have something else to remember outside of the events they contest. The money to be made from pictures w/ the Mascot is huge, especially if it goes back to the Grass Roots programs (Associations), where it should. This is not an issue of youth participation numbers, as Mascot will not be at local/yocal meets (for the most part), but at Nationals where it will be an attraction piece. For years it has been difficult to make TF fun for kids, this is a good step in that direction. It just seems like another case where no matter what USATF does, people are going to crucify it. MJR = http://AccountBiller.com - MyCalendar, D-Man, ReSearch, etc. http://Run-Down.com - 10,000 Running Links, Fantasy TF @o Dan Kaplan - [EMAIL PROTECTED] |\/ ^- ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) _/ \ \/\ (503)370-9969 phone/fax / / __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
t-and-f: double-checking tv times at www.tvguide.com/listings web site
if you want to double-check the tv schedule times from the www.ncaachampionships.com website, you can go to www.tvguide.com/listings website and do a search (it's on the left side of the main page) for ncaa cross country, and it should tell you your local times/stations for rebroadcasts of the ncaa xc champs g ps in oregon/washington here are the upcoming dates/times (obviously they're PACIFIC TIMES) Wed 1/83:00 PM Cross Country: NCAA championships Channel 34 Fox Sports NW Tue 1/142:00 PM Cross Country: NCAA championships Channel 34 Fox Sports NW Geoff Thurner Assistant Director/Publications Coordinator University of Oregon Media Services - Athletics Len Casanova Center 2727 Leo Harris Parkway Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 346-2250 Fax: (541) 346-5449 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.goducks.com GO DUCKS!! - GO DUCKS!! - GO DUCKS!!
