Jul 19, 2008 | 5:46 PM
Category:
Sports
Michelle Wie, playing her best rounds of this year and the best she has played in a long time, was disqualified from the State Farm Classic after today's round for failing to sign her scorecard after concluding Friday's round.
This strange episode is yet another in the saga of an otherwise talented golfer. She has been playing golf since the age of 10, and has played professionally since the age of 15. Now 18 and a Freshman at Stanford University (she has taken a leave for the Spring and Summer Quarters and will return in the Fall Quarter), it appeared that the form she showed in 2005 and 2006 was returning.
Then this happens.
“She was like a little kid after you tell them there’s no Santa Claus,” remarked Sue Witters, the LPGA’s Director of Tournament Competitions, as she described what happened after she disqualified Wie.
Her novelty, that of her age, has all but worn off. There are many 18-year-olds playing on tour, and several have won tournaments. She will have to go to LPGA Qualifying School if she wants a full tour playing card for 2009. The only way she can avoid that is to either win a lot of money or win a tournament this year.
As a professional but a non-LPGA Member, she is limited to playing in no more than six LPGA events per year and only on sponsor exemptions. She can play in an unlimited number of non-LPGA events, provided she qualifies for the events or is given a special exemption by the event's organizers.
Tournament sponsors of PGA and LPGA events have come under increasing criticism from others for granting her one of their four available exemptions, under the claims that allowing her to participate takes away opportunities from more deserving golfers.
Wie is a competitor, and she possesses phenominal physical talent. But she hasn't closed the deal when it comes to tournaments she was leading or in contention for, and it has usually been caused by mental errors in her game or instances like this one today.
My questions to you, the Blogosphere, are as follows:
- Is this a case of talent wasted?
- Has there been too much pressure of playing adults at a young age, resulting in what for her are immature errors?
- Is there too much hype based on her skills relative to her young age?
- Will she ever decide to attend "Q-School", as it is called?
- She has never won a 72-hole stroke-play event at any level. Will she ever win one?
Discuss.
Jul 18, 2008 | 8:54 AM
Category:
News
"ATM! ATM fix everything!" Remember that commercial for VISA a few years back?
Evidently, thieves in Dallas sure remember it and think so, because these things are being hit with exponential frequency. As soon as some of the folks stealing ATM's get caught, others rise up to take their place.
*WARNING! SARDONIC SATIRE FOLLOWS. TONGUE FIRMLY PLANTED IN CHEEK.*
I say it's time for Homeland Security to get involved. They could set up checkpoints before you enter the parking lot of the 7-11. Your vehicle would get searched for large chains and cutting devices.
Inside the store, full body frisking and scanning for weapons would be in order before entering the "Sterile Area" where the ATM is located.
The shop managers could stand at the ready with M-16's and German Shepherd dogs, ready to fire if anyone breaches the perimeter or pulls out weaponry.
*END OF SATIRE*
Seriously, let's hope no one innocent gets hurt or worse. This is some pretty dangerous stuff at present, when you think about it.
Jul 13, 2008 | 9:50 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Miss USA, Crystle Stewart of Houston (Miss Texas this year), fell down during the Evening Gown portion of this year's Miss Universe Pageant.
This is the second year in a row that a Miss USA fell down during this part of the competition.
Jul 10, 2008 | 12:22 AM
Category:
Traffic
Hi Chip,
I have a question that is more like a request/suggestion/idea for you and the Web Team.
Sometimes, you shoot a "tease" with where you will be flying to review construction progress/road closure updates around the Metroplex for the next morning's show. For example, one time you teased the Wycliff Plaza construction, and I was waiting for you to show the lanes the next morning. However, Breaking News happened, and I don't believe you were ever able to show it because of the priority of the coverage, which is perfectly understandable.
My suggestion is this: When something like that happens, or even if you are able to show it but it may not be in the hour that we are watching (because we have to leave to get out in the traffic, as was the case with me that morning), is it possible to have an archived page on the site where we can see the video? On a morning when Breaking News takes precedence, you could shoot the construction video and narration later and post it on the site.
You could call it something like "Chip's Road Construction Video" or "Chip's Road Update Video".
Please let me know if this would be possible.
Jul 6, 2008 | 12:11 AM
Category:
Entertainment
I decided to wax nostalgic with this entry, in light of the fact that we are now fully into the Summer Travel Season.
I remember my experience of flying Non-Rev for the first time several years ago. I had a lot of fun, with the added adrenalin rush of not knowing if I would make the flights, and which flights I would make. (I did make all of the flights I planned.) Having only flown Positive Space before then, this was definitely an eye-opening experience.
Since then, I have taken many more trips this way, so it has become a normal routine for me.
NOTE: I'm not going to divulge any information on specific carriers or employment, so please don't ask. Sorry, but this is my secret life, after all.
I was in the air every day - Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, as I traveled to multiple cities on the East Coast and back.
Before the trip, I read and studied up on threads on the board, the information on the back of the pass, and information on the airline's website, about all that would be expected of me, so I would know what I needed to do and not feel like I was lost or out of place.
For those of you who may be doing this in the future, here are a few things to keep in mind that will make your experience the best:
- Pack Patience. If you've flown ever Standby for an earlier flight, put in for a bump from one flight to another, or put in for an upgrade from Coach to Business Class or First Class before, you know that you need to be patient in waiting for your name to be called, and you need to make sure you're where you need to be in terms of having signed in, checked in, and on the lists when you need to be. The same thing applies here. If you've never done any of the above, then you need to be patient while your requests are processed.
- Space Available means Space Available. You have to select your flights carefully. If you don't know how full a flight will be, or you are unsure as to whether space will be available for your flight, you may have to choose the earliest flight and work down the schedule. If you only choose the last flight of the day and it's full, then you won't be able to get on, and if you're trying to get back home, you would then have to wait until the next morning before trying again. If you're on an airline that uses connecting segments and for some reason the last flight is late, then you would miss the connection and have to wait until the next day.
In some cases, you could even have to fly in a different direction to start off before flying to your intended destination. I remember someone posting on a bulletin board that sometimes to fly from Hawaii back to the Mainland USA, you have to fly to Japan first, since more space is generally available on those flights (and subsequent connecting flights from Japan to the USA) versus direct flights back.
In this country, I've flown east a few times to catch flights heading back west, as seats were limited for direct service where I needed to go.
- Be Low-Key. You have to be clandestine and quiet in your actions. If for some reason you get bumped at the last minute after boarding, you have to quietly get your things and exit the aircraft. If you're asked to gate check your bag, do so without any issues. Since you will more than likely be boarding last, you may be getting a seat in the rear of the aircraft. If the airline has open seating like Southwest, you should proceed to a seat in the rear. Back there, you may encounter employees and/or their pass travelers.
Quietly go about your business while onboard the aircraft. Don't demand anything from anyone (remember how much you paid for the travel - nothing), and always follow Flight Crew instructions. Humility goes a very long way here.
One thing that I found as interesting the first time is that employees, even those of other carriers, can spot other people traveling NRSA (Non-Revenue Space Available) because of the way they act and dress (some carriers have specific Dress Codes for pass travelers).
I remember a Deadheading Crew Member asking me if I was on a pass, because they couldn't help noticing how I was being very quiet and low-key. I said, "It's that obvious, eh?", and they replied, "Ummmm, YEAH", but they said that I was doing all of the right things. Being spotted is really a good thing, because when you've been discovered, the employees treat you like family and can help you greatly if you need any assistance or guidance.
- Represent. What you do during your travel reflects heavily on your relative, friend, spouse, or significant other who secured the pass for you. In most cases, the airline's policy allows for significant disciplinary action (up to and including termination) against the employee whose pass travelers cause problems or violate regulations or policy. Think about it as a reflection of the employee's judgment in the company's eyes. If they exercise poor judgement in allowing someone onboard who will behave poorly, then what kind of judgement do or will they exercise in the course of their work?
- Enjoy the trip! It is, after all, free, which means more money for other expenses when you arrive at your destination. There is nothing like hitting a local watering hole after touchdown with extra coin in your pockets.
Have a great time if you are traveling this season!
Apr 28, 2008 | 7:31 AM
Category:
Sports
I'm back from vacation, and ready to blog again.
The Cowboys drafted the latest talent from the grand game of College Football. Recall that in a reply to another post that I stated that there were three main areas of need for this team. In order of importance, they were:
1. Cornerback.
2. Wide Receiver.
3. Running Back.
If it were possible to find some folks who could help with the non-existent return game and other Special Teams units, that would be a bonus. So, how did the team do?
Cornerback
Jacques Reeves left in Free Agency, but at best, he was a Nickel Back who was continually burned in coverage. While the Adam "Pacman" Jones melodrama hasn't been fully played out, it could payoff in the long run on several fronts.
With the second of the First Round picks, Mike Jenkins of South Florida was selected. He is an excellent value pick with great speed and coverage skills, and should be an immediate starter.
Orlando Scandrick of Boise State was selected in the Fifth Round, with better speed than Reeves, plus outstanding Special Teams skills. He holds the school's record for blocked kicks with seven, four of which were returned for scores (the last four were blocked last year, also a school record). He can elevate and attack the kick at it's highest point. There may be some off-field issues that need to be addressed, but the Cowboys have been better than most of the other teams at helping players accomplish this.
Drafting to fill this need means that Anthony Henry can be moved to Safety, where depth is needed after Keith Davis left in Free Agency to the Dolphins. Scandrick will probably replace Davis as the "gunner" on the punt and kickoff coverage units.
If Pacman is reinstated by the NFL, Dallas' biggest trouble area may finally be resolved. And it'll be just in time, because they'll need all the help they can get. All of the other teams in the NFC East drafted potential playmaking Wide Receivers to bolster depth they already had at those positions (something I'll talk about in a bit).
Grade: A
Running Back
After Julius Jones left in Free Agency, this position needed immediate emphasis. With their first selection in the First Round, Felix Jones of Arkansas was taken. He played a similar role to Marion Barber in college (and is roughly the same size), but many scouts feel that he will instead be a complimentary player to Barber. Look for him to spell Barber and to also contribute greatly on Special Teams as a kickoff returner. He has excellent speed to get into the open field, which should make for better starting field position and hopefully even a few scores.
In the Fourth Round, the team's choice was, well....Choice. That is, Tashard Choice of Georgia Tech. Choice is physically similar to Julius Jones, but with more toughness. He prefers to run North and South up the middle, and has a good feel for his blocks, which makes him an excellent downhill runner and good for 4-5 yards on First Down. He'll have to improve his pass-catching skills, but that can be addresed with some coaching.
The big concern is whether Barber will be happy with the money he will be paid this year. Only time will tell.
Grade: A
Wide Receiver
No players were selected at this position. This is a glaring omission, even with what was considered a talent pool that was not deep. Lots of money has been invested in Tony Romo to throw the ball and Flozell Adams to protect him when he does. But he needs more people available to throw to.
While Stephen Jones said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News, "You can't make something out of what's not there," there actually were value picks available in later rounds, and every other team in the division picked someone of quality at the position (WAS picked two of them).
New Orleans probably made the steal of the draft by trading into the late Seventh Round for Adrian Arrington of Michigan, the hero of the Capital One (formerly Florida Citrus) Bowl. He scored the game-winning TD (his second) with 4:12 remaining against Florida, part of a 9-reception, 153-yard day.
To be fair, the Cowboys did try to trade up get someone, but there were no takers, which is why they kept trading down. Maybe they didn't want any more folks with off-field issues (which would explain why Arrington's teammate, Mario Manningham, wasn't taken). And they tried, with no success, to make a blockbuster deal for an experienced Pro Bowl receiver to pair opposite Terrell Owens.
So they will go with the same folks they have from last year, but are positioning themselves to make drafting this position a priority for next year. Maybe one of the undrafted players will be looked at in Free Agency, although there aren't really enough of them left that fit the type that the team are looking for.
Grade: C-
With the WR search over, the team selected Tight End Martellus Bennett from Texas A&M to be a road-grading blocker to replace Anthony Fasano (traded to MIA), and Defensive End Erik Walden from Middle Tennessee State for depth at that position. Considering the trouble in getting a WR, these were probably the best available choices once the other primary needs were met.
Overall Grade: B
We'll see four years from now if these were good choices, but on paper, they look very good. Now its your turn. How do you grade the Cowboys Draft?
