Who is on First?

Ah, baseball--the sport that has endured walk-outs, steroids and crazy antics of players and fans alike.  I started thinking about it after seeing the advertisement for Ken Burns' documentary, The Tenth Inning.  Ken must love baseball because this is his 2nd documentary on the sport.

I grew up in a baseball family not because of my father, but my mother, who loved it.  My mom was a fan of the National League and during every World Series the television would be on and my mom would be rooting for the National League team.  She, of course, had her favorite team--the L.A. Dodgers.   I know one of the highlights of her life was going to a Dodger's game when we lived in California.  She could scream and yell at Umpires and players alike with the best of them.

Got me to thinking about the old Abbott and Costello routine of "Who's on First".  This routine evolved from early burlesque sketches around the turn of the last century.  Abbott and Costello paid $15 to writer (Michael J. Musto) to write the script and for years performed the routine to live audiences, radio and in movies. I read that each time it was performed, it was a little bit different but always a big hit.

The skit became so well known that in 1956 a gold record of  it was placed in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.  If you know the routine, it is fun to watch it again.  If you have never seen it before, here's your chance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sShMA85pv8M

Is it Ever Too Late?

Recently I had a mild brain dysfunction and agreed to join a local "Beginner's Running Group".  I showed up with my friend and colleague ready to start doing something I have never enjoyed my entire life--running. 

The first day of the class I noticed the average age of the group was probably 35 which should have been a sign for me to return home and watch exercise videos to see how other people do it...but no....I don't go home.  I listen to the Running Coach and start my first day of running.  At the end of the hour workout I am still standing although my lungs and heart are screaming obscenities at me.  I go home, collapse and have dreams about the Olympics.

The next workout day arrives and I commit  to going back and this time the workout is even harder, however a couple of people closer to my age have joined the group so I am no longer feeling like the paramedics are there just for me.  Off I go with the large group of people and soon I am at the back of the pack reminding myself that there was a reason my 4th grade coach advised me to find another interest besides Track.

Now I am in week three and I am feeling like I can remove the EKG machine I have been pushing around the track during practices.  I even thought about signing up for a 2K next month.  I am either experiencing a Runner's High or delusional thinking.

I am writing about my experience to encourage you to never be afraid to go out and do something ridiculous.  I run a 40 minute mile and have other runners constantly asking me if I am okay and it takes me 30 minutes after the group finishes to remember my name and where I live, but I wouldn't quit if they took me out on a stretcher because it makes me smile to think I actually joined a Runner's Group. 

I miss George W.

Since George W. left office Washington has not been the same.  Oh sure, Joe Biden has put his foot in his mouth a few times, and the Democrats and Republicans continue to do things that are borderline idiotic, but George...he made life interesting and funny almost every day.  I wonder who he is entertaining these days.

I got nostalogic today and looked at this video from David Letterman about George's Top Ten Moments.  I have to admit I got a little misty looking at the video and remembering just what an impression George W. made for the United States to the entire world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCnjuJ1pbmc&feature=related