Archives---July, 2006

July 31, 2006

...Victory!  Or at least one more win than anticipated, as nephew Ridge and grandpa---constituting the whole of the Suttle World Senators  notched their first post season win in franchise history only to be eliminated by the top seeded Hurricanes in a mercifully mercy rule shortened game in the semi final round.  Missing ace starter Jon Yardley, the Senators sent gramps to the mound for a stellar performance that included a complete game win, a dinger and three RBIs.  Nephew Ridge contributed both at the plate and defensively in the win over The Hustle.  And so Wiffle Atlanta ends a rather successful 2006 season.  Props to Commissioner Jordan and all others involved in this year's endeavor.

...8 days til the run-off election, and all polling data (all being that which has been conducted by Matt Towery's folks) shows Hank Johnson cruising to an easy win over incumbent clown Cynthia McKinney.  So desperate is the McKinney camp, the Rep will appear at the first of two debates between the two candidates tonight a 7:30.  In another brilliant strategic move, the McKinney camp has taken to airing radio spots in which the police pummeling pol questions Johnson's past personal financial problems.  Paraphrasing the old punch line: damn sister, I don't think I would have told that.

July 30, 2006

...The seemingly endless month of July (to be followed by August---the year's longest month along with February) draws to a close with the Wiffle Atlanta World Series beginning at noon.  The Suttle World Senators, sans their ace Jon Yardley (who in a dumbfounding decision prioritizes his son's 5th birthday above Wiffle Ball) face a surging Pirates club in what will most certainly be a one and done situation.  The tournament is a single elimination format with the first round played by the bottom four teams.  Emerging winners will face the top two seeds in round two, leaving only two teams standing for the championship game.  Is it too late to get those "Wait Til Next Year" shirts printed?

...Third World day two.  While Suttle World has a hunch that those in the know would consume tap water without hesitation, a boiled water alert remains in effect for all of DeKalb County, the home of Suttle World Headquarters and third largest county in the state of Georgia.  The Reader's Digest version for former denizens of the ATL is that a 48" inch valve of great import failed at the Faster and Louder reservoir and treatment facility off Tilly Mill Road (en route to the former Bruner and/or Woood Hawlllloh zone) Friday night.  Said valve has been repaired, but one cannot speed up the clock that must pass an established length of time and indicate good clean H2O at adequate pressure pulsating throughout the county wide system.  The current advisory calls for residents to boil water to be used for drinking, dish washing, etc.. to be boiled for 30 minutes prior to use.  By Suttle World's calculations, a 10 gallon stock pot would yield 2 tablespoons of water after the evaporation of 30 minutes of boiling.  The all clear is expected tomorrow at the latest.

...If cuzin Bill and Wikipedia say its true, then it must be that CBGB has announced it will close indefinitely on Halloween ---October 31, 2006.  Bill relates that proprietor Hilly is yanking out the urinals and heading to Vegas to set up shop.  It is sad, but the Dodgers and  Giants along with Ebbets Field and Polo Grounds are gone.  It was a good run, and dude finally reaped his reward of success.  Ironic that after surviving the maggotry for over two decades, he's being run out by do gooders to house more of the few bums that still inhabit the Bowery.  The club's web site, nor any other research reveals plans for the music bill/schedule during the last week or night of the closing.

...Speaking of Wikipedia---the wealth o' info site also contains a rather detailed, heretofore unknown entry on The Dictators that would appear to be a fairly accurate accounting of the band's whacky hijinks the past 30+ years. 

July 29, 2006

...Pressing duties of the morning result in a bleated and shortened update for today.  Also belated is the noting of Cory Pavin and the 26 he put up on the front side Thursday at the PGA tour stop in Milwaukee.  26 is sick, extra-terrestrial, higher spiritual plane stuff.  26 is the age at which driver licenses should be handed out not the number in the "out box" on a scorecard.

July 28, 2006

...Publication may prove difficult, as Suttle World (and its home phone service) is at the mercy of Comcast that has provided an intermittent internet connection for the past 12+ hours.  Resetting, rebooting, regurgitating, etc.. seemed to have fixed the problem this morning until the nice Comcast man on his spiffy cherry picker decided to fix what wasn't broke and currently stares at the poll outside in a stupefied manner.  In all fairness, this is a rare situation.  Connectivity has been dependable for the past three years or so since signing up with the cable giant.

...Speaking of three years, the third anniversary of Suttle World's grand presence on the web has been overlooked---principally due to the incompetent Suttle  World staff.  It is believed the milestone was passed on July 17.  Three years of drivel with more to come.  Such a deal!

...Another anniversary overlooked, and ironically coincidental to the Suttle World birthday, is the anniversary of the first marriage from a previous life (26 years prior).  The second trip around the block would appear to be heading in a more productive, healthy manner.

...From the mailbag comes a shout out from one Stephen J. Ryan, a/k/a Stiiv Ryan of Wreck Creation fame.  Suttle World can set its calendar by the every six week email out of the blue from someone who has stumbled across the Hillbilly Dictators Jihad.  Seems as though the Wreck Creation crew began as Teengenerates in training in NYC in the mid 70's and cover a number of The Dictators tunes and similar bands of great glory.  More details to follow.

...In other music news, cuzin Bill is pimping tomorrow nights appearance of Three5Human at Smith's Olde Bar.  The band's most recent release, Flying Below the Radar, is on the label of the Atlanta based multi-media giant Anaphora Music with whom Mr. Bill is affiliated.  Though his official old fart status has been suspended, past commiseration with other old fart brethren has long lamented the lack of any good new acts.  Ergo, his enthusiasm, fiduciary interests notwithstanding, is a strong motivating factor to attend, especially given the "early bird special" start of 9:00 and offer to be put on the guest list.  

July 26, 2006

...Kofi Annan contends that the death of three UN "peacekeepers" was a deliberate act by Israel.  George Steinbrenner wants a new ballpark.  Suttle World once again suggests that the area around 42nd and 1st would be a perfect location.  A forum for the world's various nation states to discuss their interactions would seem be a good idea, and could be accomplished in the De Gaulle Ballroom of the Paris Holiday Inn Express.

...Exactly when was it that the senior circuit became a farm system for the American League?  And are MLB's guys in the white lab coats with the specimen cups afraid to go to Detroit---home of the 43-119 2003 Tigers. 

...One week until Suttle World is oriented.  This assumes those in charge can find the correct location and/or have disclosed same to attendees---far from a certainty, given the GPC folks have yet to get anything right in the administrative department to date.  Disinterested, incompetent folk with a chip on their shoulder are always such a pleasure with which to deal.

July 25, 2006

...Hectic schedule, but not a complete washout today, as once again cuzin Matt comes to the rescue with yet another stellar installment of

July 24, 2006

...Props to Chris DiMarco for his emotional run Sunday, but Tiger rolls in an eagle at #5/10:30 am EDT, and one could have turned off the TV and washed the cat or some such with full confidence about Woods winning his 11th major.  Was the gentle surfer aware that Tiger only used the driver once during the 72 holes of the championship?  If not, the gentle surfer was not watching or is deaf and without closed captioning.  Despite the 487 references, what was not mentioned was that Tiger could not have used the driver as caddie Steve Williams had broken it going upside the head of a photographer half way through the second round.

...Suttle World has an idea in the foreign policy department.  Given that Syria is funneling all the cash and weaponry to Hezbollah, how about sealing the Syrian/Lebanese border that appears some 300 miles in length?  Of course this would necessitate an international effort, given he US can split the atom, walk on the moon and put on Super Bowl half time shows, but is incapable of controlling its own borders.  Just an idea that also affords a nice segue to the dual fence, pit bull border strategy concocted by Suttle World last weekend.  Here's the deal:  we've got both way too many pit bulls and illegal aliens.  So, instead of building one big mother of all fences, how about two not so great barriers with the US's population of pit bulls housed between.  Those who make it through both fences are greeted with a warm handshake, Neosporin, gauze and a green card.  Those who fail cut down on the dog food budget.  It would work and provide some programming for ESPN2 to replace the World Series of Dominos.

July 23, 2006

...Tiger is in the last group as expected, but leads by but a single stroke in the 135th British Open Championship.  Yes, boys and girls, its the fifth and final High Holy Day of the 2006 sports calendar with 8 players within four of the lead.  Just watch and enjoy the spectacle as the summer wanes into its final month.  For those determined to head to the betting cage, Tiger is 8:11 to win---not terribly attractive.  Though dissimilar, Peachtree Old Fart Golf Classic invitees should be highly motivated by the links style play as it prepares for glacier golf in a few short weeks. 

...Speaking of the Second Annual POFGC, Suttle World has surveyed in great detail the most impressive web site of Green Mountain National Golf Course, and by all appearances, this track would truly rise to the status of "one of the finest challenges in golf..."---a moniker obligatorily hung on every cow pasture with 18 sticks in the ground in the country.  Suttle World was particularly struck by the course description/depiction including a brief narrative of each hole, and how it would kick Suttle World's ass.  "Number 11 - A tricky 320 yard drive beneath migrating geese and around a grove of 100 foot tall hardwoods is required on this hole.  The par four then requires only a 220 yard uphill approach to the eight tiered green where no putt over 10 feet in length has ever been made in the history of the course." Suttle World is unsure as to whether its bag has the capacity to carry enough sleeves of Ram X-outs to endure the challenge, but is boning up on the part of the rule book regarding the playing of a provisional ball.

...Other must see TV this week includes the National Awards Show Awards, hosted by Regis and Rula Lenska.

July 22, 2006

...Ernie stares down Tiger with his own 65 Friday and is a single stroke behind the leader as the R&A looks on in horror at a red number being required to make the cut.  Tiger has never failed to hold a lead in a major after two rounds, and no one has won consecutive British Opens since 1983.  Either Woods or history has to blink, and the stare down should prove most entertaining.  Montie could make a charge, but at the Sizzler buffet instead of the Claret Jug per:  usual.

...Blessed relief in the climatology department.  Some scattered showers today are promised to be followed by breathable air and a respite from the oppressive heat of the last week or so.

...If publishers and or authors would make "acknowledgments, prefaces, forwards and introductions" chapters 1, 2, 3, etc... they might actually get read.

July 21, 2006

...Looking more like the BC Open as opposed to the Open Championship, an even 50 in the field of 156 put up a red number with round two already underway this morning at Royal Liverpool.  Tradition certainly has its place, and the Brits place it way up on the list (note the failure to master HVAC engineering as an example), but the R&A might wish to introduce some high tech features---namely water.  Suttle World can see the sprinkler heads on TV.  Feel free to turn on the spigot.  Doing so would affect the growing of grass in the fairways as opposed to the dried peat bog conditions that appear to be the current situation.  Regardless, its the British Open, so it must be fun, and fun will be had by all at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor Saturday and Sunday mornings en route to determining a champion.  And is it just Suttle World, or does a meticulously lettered notice on manual scoreboards around the course apologizing for technical difficulties seem a bit odd?  

...Tight schedule for all denizens of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor results in a brief update today.  Go Israel, and Suttle World reminds the powers to be that porcine blood is still a biological weapon worthy of consideration.

July 20, 2001

...And they're off, and running in the British Open Championship heading towards the fifth and final High Holy Day of the 2006 Sport Calendar with the final round Sunday.  Over 25 hours of live TV coverage are to be had the next four days (TNT--Thu and Fri; ABC---Sat and Sun).  Suttle World does not wander to the betting cage for golf, but finds both K. J. Choi and John Daly attractive at 125:1.  And while it would seem that Tiger is rested, tanned and ready to add another major to his resume, it is noteworthy that no one has won consecutive British Opens since Tom Watson nearly 25 years ago.

...Congratulations to President Bush for finding his veto pen.  Unfortunately, the president got so excited about finally locating the writing instrument that he lost upon taking office, that he used it on the first bill to come across his desk after the discovery.  Suttle World is so easily confused.  Its OK to toss frozen embryos in the dumpster but not use them for stem cell research.?   Suttle World does hasten to add that this relates to federal spending on research that Suttle World is not fond of in the first place (filed under inappropriate use of taxpayer funds/government---let the private sector do the research and reap the rewards in terms of profit for "ground breaking" treatments).  But at least the pen has been found, and Suttle World advises the White House to keep a close eye on it in case, say, another $200 billion agriculture bill comes bumping along. 

...Two miles baby!  With the luxury of a bit more time this morning, Suttle World extended its now daily vigorous constitutional by an additional 800 meters to the two mile mark.  Nothing to write home about, so to speak, but Suttle World is reasonably certain it has found its current level of competency.  

July 19, 2006

...A runoff! A runoff!  Only 47% of the 65,000 voters who cast ballots in the Democratic primary yesterday voted for the incumbent idiot, Cynthia McKinney, and forced a runoff with former DeKalb County Commissioner Hank Johnson.  Finishing only three and a half points ahead of Johnson, there does indeed appear to be some hope in once again unseating the disgraceful Representative from Georgia's fourth Congressional District.  Meanwhile, Republicans showed they aren't quite as stupid as would appear after wrestling control on the Capitol by giving a resounding "getouttaheya" to Ralph Reed in his bid to seek the Lt. Governor post.  Suttle World is pleasantly surprised.

...Props to pops.  Buck O'Neil makes two plate appearances last night in Kansas City at the age of 94.

...South Carolina's finest, Mickey Spillane, has been removed for a pinch hitter, going on the permanent DL yesterday at the age of 88.  The kid from Brooklyn who grew up the be the best selling cops and robbers novelist of the post war era, and creator of the infamous Mike Hammer, remained diminutive despite his larger than life persona.

...At least Woody Paige gets it (no doubt after thieving same from Suttle World).  Its not the 5 games that are the Braves biggest obstacle in taking the National League Wild Card slot, its the 7 other teams ahead of them.  True, none are very good ball clubs, but the Braves have no bull pen, and as much fun as a good "pennant" race would be, it remains doubtful in the view of Suttle World.

July 18, 2006

...The big general primary day in Georgia is officially off and running.  Suttle World knows this to be a fact as it heard the head octogenarian in charge make the declaration at Brockett Elementary School at or about 7:00.  The entire spectacle is wrong on so many levels, not the least of which is Suttle World's distaste for primary elections in the first place; but the most salient issue on the ballot would appear to be a non-starter in that the woman in the clown suit with a dad that spells religions rather well, yes, that Aunt Jemimah wanna be, Cynthia McKinney will receive the Democratic Party's nomination and be re-elected in November.  No ground swell has formed to re-replace the most insignificant member of the House of Representatives who seems destined to continue to not represent the citizens of the 4th US Congressional District of Georgia.  It is both a sad day, and one which reaffirms Mr. Barnum.  Suttle World did its part and cast a ballot for Hank Johnson, and also stipulates that stranger things have been known to happen.

...One last thought before leaving the polling place.  Compared to the rhetoric of 19th century American politics, today's so called "attack ads" are as mild as David Gates.  That being said, Suttle World does not remember any more brutal character assassination than has gone back and forth in some of the state's current contests.  Its amusing, sad and further reaffirming of Mr. Barnum.

...In a different section of the stranger things have been known to happen department, the Braves suddenly find themselves 5 games and 7 teams behind the Wild Card spot in the National League.  Uncle John still has two weeks to make a deal, and the ball club still needs to get to .500.  Then we can talk.

July 17, 2006

...Suttle World too was unaware that Hoyt Axton co-wrote SOTD with John Kay until this morning.  And as we all know Hoyt Axton's mama wrote Heartbreak Hotel.

...With a small turn out of only two Senators, the home team faired poorly in a long hot relatively unproductive day that was fun nonetheless.  Gene, the human gopher ball machine, Suttle threw but two bad pitches that are landing at about the same time as this publication, and the Expos went on  win the completion of the game started two weeks ago in the gym.  Now 1-4, the Senators look towards the TBD post season tournament to avenge their poor showing to date.

...For the record, little mention has been made of the current turmoil/war in the middle east only because Suttle World does not have a salient take, excepting, of course, its strong pro Israeli bias.  It would seem that all that needs saying/knowing has been spoken or written.  Suttle World is dumbfounded as to why a non-oil dependent Russia would not sign off on the G-8 agreement that included calling out Syria and Iran.

...It would normally be the lead, but limited skills and photographic gear just don't do the "new bath" in the west wing of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor justice.  Nonetheless, here are a few before, during and after pics for the gentle surfer's viewing pleasure.  The NYC theme just sorta fell into place as the decor was affected.  And, for the record, the "after" pics are not true afters in that switch plates and a few other minor details require further attention.  Major props to the world's greatest wife and general contractor, Yolanda, for her innumerable pain taking ergs put into the re-do.

July 16, 2006

..."Its a new car!"  Spouse Yolanda departed stately Roberts/Suttle Manor in the trusty Hajmobile yesterday afternoon only to return in a spiffy periwinkle 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser with a mere 7000 miles on the odometer and still reeking of new car smell.  There was no intent in trading vehicles when the day began (or at least that's her story and she's sticking to it), but such is life in the fast lane which are the dynamics of the oversupplied late model used car market.  Turned out to be a good deal, and we had no problem with disposing of the body in the trunk, given Monday is trash day.

...The Suttle World Senators return to action in Wiffle Atlanta play this afternoon, with the entire squad presumed to be intact.  With several games still to be made up and only 2 weeks remaining in the regular season, the action may start coming fast and furious if the various parties can find agreement of said contests.

...Props to nephew Ridge for the use of his MP3 player and  Wiffle Atlanta's Ralph Kramden Yards for the use of the lovely 400 meter standard government issue track that has eased the tedium of the recent exercise campaign embarked upon by Suttle World.

July 15, 2006

...Curtis LeMay would be proud.  Secretary of State Roberts is of the considered opinion that there is no problem currently ongoing in the middle east that cannot be solved with a few nukes.  Suttle World views the strategy as having some flaws, not the least of which is that one cannot "bomb them back into the stone age" if they already dwell in that era.  Despite the war that now racks the region, at least nephew Ridge will be able to sit on the porch with his grandchildren gathered around and regale them with stories of BITD when gas was only $4.50/gallon.

...Rah home team.  Never say never and various other clichés, but facts are facts.  No team with a 10 game lead at the All Star break has ever failed to win a pennant.  That little piece of history combined with the fact that the Mets and Cardinals are the only "good" ball clubs in the National League makes the continuation of the Braves division winning streak that much more unlikely.

...Those of the opinion that golfers are not athletes should consult with a certain 17 year old young lady with a body fat percentage roughly equivalent to a boneless, skinless chicken breast who withdrew yesterday due to heat exhaustion. 

...What did tornados sound like before there were freight trains?

...No doubt the finishing accoutrements will be put in place in the "new" bath in the west wing of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor this weekend with fine pictorial depictions to follow.

...Belated shout out to JP, Thunderbolt, Patterson who was kind enough to reply to email sent along with the July pic of the month.  JP was duly impressed with the pic, adding that it would make for a good "cover shoot."  JP also relates that he, Ross the Boss and whomever else composes The Thunderbolts (think I got the name right) have a new label and will release a new CD this fall with some live dates to follow.  More info as it becomes available.

July 13, 2006

...A belated celestial AMF to Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd fame---doubtlessly the most boring band in the history of "rock n roll."  The good news is that his own work can be quite appropriately played at his own funeral.  Certainly such a force in elevator music for future generations will be missed.  Suttle World regrets Barrett's passing in that he failed to put the toothpaste back in the tube before his departure. 

...Classic and long overdue SOTD---why would this one hit wonder not have made anybody's list?

...Perhaps Suttle World is blinded by its own bias, but the "scandalous" behavior of the administration comes down to Bob Novak "outing" Valerie Plame by thumbing through Who's Who---confirming what everyone who is anyone in Washington already knew because Joe Wilson spent years introducing his wife as a CIA employee in DC's elite social circles.  What's up with that (rhetorical)?

July 13, 2006

...Jack Webb would not have been pleased.  "Just the facts, mamm.  Just the facts," that where few and far between in yesterday evening's community meeting regarding the status of Tucker High School.  The event began in a timely fashion with the introduction of the superintendent, several school board members and other state pols seeking reelection/nomination in the July 18 primary, and continued with a series of folks vaguely alluding to "solutions" for the "school."  After about 45 minutes of cryptic talk---all beginning with "I'm so glad to be here this evening," (a abject lie in that none of the couple hundred in attendance wanted to be there) some mention was made of what exactly required solving.  Yolanda and I endured the tedium for nearly an hour, and escaped with some cursory knowledge:  1)  Believe it or not, the school board retained a contractor the redo the entire HVAC system for THS that wasn't quite up to the job, and walked off in late June.  2)  During this time, asbestos was discovered.  3) All of the heinous fibers have been abated.  4)  Classes will begin as scheduled.  4)  A good faith effort has been made to exterminate the insect and rodent population that evidently exceeds that of the student body.  5)  The cafeteria that failed health department inspection last year has been upgraded so that those in charge might try the novel approach of holding food at acceptable temperatures.  A reasonably orderly Q&A session followed, and upon departure Suttle World regretted not having gotten in line to ask as to whether stately Roberts/Suttle Manor could be of help if DeKalb County would just let us have our money back and we'd then gladly remove the burden of another student from the school as repairs are affected.  Appropriately preceded by niceties, it would have been well worth the wait.

...Condolences to neighbor Cindy for the loss of her uncle, Richard Keith, who left this mortal coil Sunday following an extended battle with cancer.  The dismay of the incredible shrinking family is one with which Suttle World can relate, being able to survive a rather hideous power tool accident, and still have the ability to count living relatives on both hands.

...A belated unfortunate announcement that the Brain Surgeons have once again cancelled their Atlanta gig in early August and all other shows during the first two weeks of the month.  Suttle World has yet to get an explanation, but would be willing to bet Ross has a chance to play some mega gigs in Europe.  The closest our buddies will get is now is Charlotte on August 16---a date that Suttle World is doubtful of making.

July 11, 2006

...Seen yesterday in a suburban Paris Target ("just behind the burning Peugeots off La Rue d' Mit)h; ask for Donna"):   Zinedine Zidane and Jean Van de Velde picking out matching towels for the apartment they are going to share.  The world's most watched sporting event decided by a 3 foot putt contest.  Genius!  At least French athletes are creative in surrendering. 

...On deck tonight, the community meeting at Tucker Middle School, regarding the condition of Tucker High School and the possibility of it being unready and/or unfit for use come the start of the first semester in mid-August.

...It would appear as though the second annual Peachtree Old Fart Golf Classic is indeed going to come off in Vermont next month.  At this writing the dates are set for August 9-13.  More details to follow.

July 10, 2006

...A warm welcome home to nephew Ridge who returns to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor following a week plus with buddy Alex in Savannah to visit with niece Jessica.  Props to Mr. and Mrs. Alex for the transport back from the coast delivering a Ridge who appears tanned, rested and ready to battle an acute case of asbestosis when classes resume (as to when and where remains uncertain due to the THS troubles) in a short six weeks.

...Further proving Atlanta to be the biggest bush league city in the country:  try finding supply lines for a sink and toilet at 8:00 on a Sunday evening.  Exasperated at the lack of purveyors, a slight change was made from one water closet to the other to at least test the newly installed fixture.  And so with great anticipation, the three denizens of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor gathered in the lavatory of the west wing to behold the experience.  The line was attached and water turned back on.  The tank of the toilet filled without runs, drips or errors.  Once filled with 1.6 gallons of water, the flow stopped and the St. Vidas dance busted loose as the first ever flush of the porcelain convenience evacuated in the designed matter (with water swirling in a clockwise manner---an issue of concern given the Spanish lettering on the packaging leaving us to fear we had bought a southern hemisphere model). 

...Props the Georgia's own Allen Doyle as he racked up a win in the Senior Open yesterday.  With the victory, Doyle set a number of USGA records that, along with Loren Roberts' 62 on Saturday, will stand for some time to come:  ugliest swing, man and personality to win an Open Championship.  Those who share in the romantic notion that Doyle is finally getting his due in terms of recognition and money are sadly mistaken.  Suttle World strongly suspects that Doyle built a Rockefeller sized fortune at various points of the Caribbean long before he started the geezer tour---taking wheelbarrows full of bucks off of unsuspecting, drunker than they are rich American tourists.  "Yall need a fourth?"  Two weeks til the British Open and the final High Holy Day on the 2006 Sports Calendar. 

...For the gentle surfer's Monday reading pleasure comes yet another installment in.  Monday is also email catch up day.

July 9, 2006

...Some final baseboard finishing and then the setting of the grand new fixtures and the week long project that is the bath rehab should be completed just in time for the anticipated return of nephew Ridge this evening.

...In the torch and pitch fork department comes rumblings of a community wide uprising over the dilapidated state of Tucker High School (est. 1918).  Seems as though behind schedule summer repairs of the schoolhouse's HVAC system turned up some dreaded asbestos in the past week or so and leaves opening day (August 14) in serious doubt.  Obviously the store bought air handling system has to be fixed, but the raising of the "a" word is the real problem.  The school is over 80 freaking years old!---of course there's asbestos in there, and much like the hibernating grizzly bear, won't bother the gentle surfer if the gentle surfer doesn't bother it.  Still facts, such as  asbestos not being more pathogenic than any other similar fibrous materials (see fiberglass insulation), won't confuse many who will no doubt demand the building be burned to the ground (figuratively of course, given the sucker's stuffed full of asbestos).  A community meeting with the powers to be is set for Tuesday.  This would be an amusing state of affairs if not for the pending teen daycare, errrr.... educational, needs of nephew Ridge, a proud member of the Tucker High class of 2009.

...Italy is an unattractive -160 favorite at the betting cage this afternoon, but remains Suttle World's pick to win it all.  It has been a somewhat entertaining World Cup, but Suttle World can patiently wait another four years until its pulled out of the attic (in the box behind the Christmas lights) again.

...Credible (source escapes memory at present---email for details) research indicates that roughly one in 500 American college students is infected with HIV.  This is not good.

July 8, 2006

...What with saving drowning little babies and resuscitating the general public in designated areas to be performed, the Saturday morning update is short to accommodate the call of duty.  And for only $55---such a deal!

...Progress on the bath rehab in the west wing of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor made less progress than anticipated yesterday, but it is time that can easily be made up with a bit of extra effort today.

...Given the uncertainty of the timing of the return of nephew Ridge, there is an equal deficit of certitude with regard to the Suttle World Senators participating in Wiffle Atlanta play tomorrow.  Ace, Jon Yardley, is out of town on business.  Consequently, we have the Suttle World Wiffle Alert System in effect and will begin pestering potential reserve list names in short order.

July 7, 2006

...The conversation shifted and never afforded an opportunity for Suttle World to offer an answer to the rhetorical question posed by wife, cum general contractor/Latino day laborer, Yolanda, as to whether it was possible for the Democratic party to implode, or at least develop a fissure creating a vacuum to be filled by a viable third party.  The short answer is no, at least not in the foreseeable future.  Nonetheless, the table is set for the beginning of a few visible cracks.  Scenario:  from both a historical and present day perspective, Democrats should have every reason to believe they will wrestle back control of one if not both houses of Congress in the coming off year elections.  Still, when all the ballots are counted on November 7, Republicans will maintain their narrow majorities despite presidential approval ratings near the freezing point (F) largely because Democrats aren't for anything.  The fallout will be a bunch of very pissed off members of the blue man group---creating further stress on the duct tape that holds together the disparate micro-groups that is the party.  Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, there are a few principled folks who though they enjoy winning, do not take much pleasure in victory at the expense of a 25% increase in federal spending.  So, in the short run, little changes, but that's akin to stagnation---a long term disrupting "force."

...Belated judicial notice is served that Bill Safire took credit (on MTP last Sunday) for Spiro Agnew's "nattering nabobs of negativity" speech previously attributed by Suttle World to Pat Buchanan.

...The Braves bat rack would appear to have vanquished the demons of suck from the club house, but they should find themselves a good dozen games behind the Mets come the All Star break.  It is difficult to foresee this bullpen overcoming such a disadvantage.

...Demolition, wall paper removal, priming, painting of walls, ceiling and trim (not to mention to ever popular re-grouting of the bath/shower) completed.  Floor, baseboard and fixture installation are on deck as the race to complete the bath rehab prior to the return of nephew Ridge continues.  Yes, this time we took before and during pics. 

July 6, 2006

...Props to Viacom for joining the 21st century by beginning to stream some of their programming.

...Drug warriors can proudly point to another notch in their belts:  North Korea testing delivery systems for their nuclear weapons.  Many a gentle surfer may have pondered how a nation that is so poor could afford to develop a nuke program.  Simple, counterfeiting and drug running.  Just another name to add to the list of luminary terrorist groups and cartels that utilize to Uniform Criminal Code of the United States for fun and profit.  Given the linkage, is it such a stretch to begin considering U.S. citizens who are illegal drug users to be designated as enemy combatants and held indefinitely, without charges or due process at a vacation retreat in Cuba?

...The long hot summer of mascot rage continues.

July 5, 2006

...Thunderstorms were infinitely more welcome and spectacular than any fireworks display in the vicinity of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor last night.  And no 19th inning Rick Camp pinch hit home run was involved in the postponement of any of the various displays rained out by the untimely precip.

...Otherwise the day proved anything but a holiday as work continued on the bath rehab in the west wing of the Manor.  Wall spackling and priming complete along with ceiling painting completed.  This might well explain the inability to affect movement of body parts superior to the diaphragm, but Suttle was not involved in any of the aforementioned activities.  Reports regarding the actual erg expender are still forthcoming.

...Another Fourth of July come and gone, and still no t-shirt. 

July 4, 2006 Independence Day

...A bit under the weather as the holiday is upon us.  That's a bit more than most, all of whom are under the oppressive climate that will bring the mercury peaking at the 100º mark for the first time of the year.

...Some recommended reading for your holiday include the ever popular Declaration of Independence, dated today but ratified on July 2, and then a brief essay/narrative that defines what Suttle World believes to be an ideal that the framers envisioned when crafting the Declaration and then again when creating the Constitution some 15 years later.  A little ditty by Jarret Wollstein.

July 2, 2006

...Out of heya:  one sink, one vanity, one medicine chest, one toilet, one teenager and sundry hardware and accessories.  Now the challenge:  replace all the gear, paint, lay flooring, sell house and move prior to return of the kid.  Perhaps just completing the bath rehab will prove enough of a challenge.  As most are aware, smell is the sense most linked to memory, and unseating a 20+ year old water closet  really triggers the remembrances:  MARTA elevators.

...The Suttle World Senators (the page is really coming along) will, unfortunately, be no shows this  afternoon for Wiffle Atlanta play as both nephew Ridge and first half MVP John Yardley are otherwise preoccupied with travel and the like.  Seems as though a mid-season meeting of the minds would facilitate getting make up games played (the Senators confess to being behind 3.5 games after today's play, 1.5 of which are of its own doing) and any other salient issues before the league.

...Suttle World did advise that it would be worth the wait, and res ipsa loquitor.  Aside from Dad atop the Great Wall of China in a Dictators t-shirt, this is greatest pic in the history of Suttle World.  Suttle World is of the most fervent hope that the burgeoning High Velocity Wrestling enterprise remains up and running until a return visit can be made to the western North Carolina satellite offices.  Saturday nights would most certainly afford an rather pic rich environment.  Perhaps worthy of video production.  In fact (the staff in the creative department is really buzzing now), one wonders as to whether a documentary featuring the HVAC contractor's basement duckpin lanes, Putt-Putt (Fayetteville, NC is the home of the game) and a night at the House of Pain would make for a decent indie.  Look out Cahn.

...Deciding an elimination game in a quadrennial event with penalty kicks at a 24 x 8 goal is dumber than dirt.  Memo to FIFA:   check out a Stanley Cup overtime game, and play on.  Start taking folks off the field.  Make somebody score!  Not to mention that one that has the time to be a soccer fan is most likely also one with plenty of time on one's hands.  What's the hurry?  Suttle World stipulates that more entertainment value has been found in this World Cup than any in memory, but this mystery time at the end of each half has got to go too.  Spare me tradition (or whatever reason is behind the idiotic status quo), the ref has a freakin Madonna mic hanging off his dome.  Just stop the clock when appropriate for God's sake.  Closing on a more positive note:  from the little Suttle World has observed, the refereeing would appear to be pretty good, in that replays tend to show foul calls, etc... to be correct in what would seem to be a rather demanding job, given the amount of real estate and players to police.  We'll get to offsides later.

...Should be most interesting as the ladies play 36 to finish the US Women's Open today.  A cursory glance does not show any early/third round coverage, with NBC set to crank up the signal from Newport at 3:00.  

July 1, 2006

...Nearly 300 million Americans will celebrate a pseudo long Independence Day weekend---up slightly from the 2.5 million that inhabited the colonies at the time the Declaration of Independence was ratified on JULY 2, 1776.  During the holiday the nation will consume over 150 million hot dogs and nearly 700 million pounds of beef.  The numbers on alcohol intake (and the resultant crinkled automobiles) are equally as staggering, and provide prima facie evidence to further prove the Suttle World Dog Food Theory of Life.

...The Ridge Roberts 2006 World Tour continues this morning as he and buddy Alex depart for a week in Savannah to visit with his sister,  niece Jessica.  Yet to be claimed are pics taken on the recent trip to North Carolina, including the mother of all pics that will have all gentle surfers flocking to Henderson County as many weekends as possible to take in the advertised Saturday activities.  Yeah, its a shameless tease, but makes the "Live Bait and Game Room" signage on the  cinder block building in Siler City look like just another Stuckey's billboard along the highway.

...Memo to Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi:  first, nice hair dude.  And now that you've had a chance to bump around Glacerand, if we toss in a couple spins on Space Mountain would you consider beefing up your military (up to and including developing a nuke) and bitch slapping North Korea?  We'd be much obliged, given that we have a number of quagmires of our own with which to deal.  Actually, the Elvis deal is pretty cool.  Much like the story that would read:  "The German Prime Minister and President Suttle made a visit to the former site of the Berlin Wall and then on to marvel at a burnt out night club in Stuttgart where The Dictators thought about playing a gig in 1978." 

...As mentioned in email earlier this morning with cuzin Moke, it is obvious from Suttle World's view of some of the US Women's Open yesterday that Walter Lorys is not running the show.  Taking relief from a body of water inside a bunker indeed.  "Play it where it lies," and "hey, you girls hurry it up down there, heya!?" (see:  Mystery Valley, #15, c/1976)

   
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