Oregon's Spring Football Game

Tomorrow, Saturday May 1st is Oregon's Spring football game. In reality it is nothing more than a glorified inter squad scrimmage to end Spring football practices. Why do we fans make so much of it then? (see posts below) Why travel three hours from Medford to Eugene and then three hours back? My wife thinks it's silly we fans put so much emotion into a game where Oregon essentially "is playing itself."


It's May, and it has been four loooooong months since the last game of the season at the Rose Bowl on January 1st. It will be another loooooong four months till the first game in the fall. If you are a football "junkie" it is our only real chance to get a "fix" to hold us through the Summer. It's also a game where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and not worry about winning or loosing. You can watch specific players and see how they are doing. I will be watching the quarterbacks to see who will replace %*&^%$#@. What can I say....... I do love it ! Go Ducks !

Oregon's Spring Football Game ( & Baseball Game)

P K Park (baseball) with Autzen Stadium (football) in background



Autzen Stadium (football)



Baseball suites at P K Park


This Saturday, the University of Oregon Ducks will hold their Spring Football game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The Oregon Club of Southern Oregon is sponsoring a bus trip to Eugene for the football game and an Oregon baseball game after the football game. Last night I received in part the following email from the Oregon Club of Southern Oregon :

Hello Ducks,

The bus trip details are below:

• 9:00 AM- charter Bus leaves *************** parking lot in Medford at *********
Medford, OR 97504
• 9:30 AM- bus stops in Grants Pass at***************,
Grants Pass, OR 97526 (donuts will be provided on the bus)
• NOON- arrive at Autzen Stadium- There will be several game day events
• 2:00 PM- Spring Football Game (entrance requires a donation of 2-3 cans of food)
• 4:45- take the short walk over to the new PK Baseball Park for the 5:00 Duck game v. Washington State
• 7:30 or when the game is over-board the charter bus for the approximately three hour return trip to Grants Pass and Medford

There will be donuts provided on the bus. Also, there will be a Duck football game on the TVs playing from this previous season once everyone is picked up in Grants Pass. MEET ME AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF PK PARK (baseball park) before the start of the baseball game around 4:50 -5pm. I will give everyone their food and drink voucher that you can use at any of the concession stands during the game. Everyone will be split up into two groups of 18. The first group of 18 will watch the first 4 in a half innings in the baseball suite and then we will switch and the second group of 18 will watch the last 4 in a half innings from the baseball suite. The baseball suite will have beer and snacks as well. There is a beer garden in PK park just past first base in foul territory.

I also received this email from the Oregon Athletic Department:

The Ducks will hold their final intrasquad football scrimmage of the spring from 2–4 p.m. Saturday in addition to the school’s baseball team hosting Washington State in PK Park at 5 p.m.

The annual Spring Game presented by Bi-Mart culminates the Ducks’ off-season football drills, in addition to providing the backdrop for the tribute to recognize active armed forces troops and their families who are serving or have returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan......

The Moshofsky Center will open at 10 a.m. and will feature live music, interactive games and information tables providing an outreach for veteran service organizations and active military personnel as part of the “Support our Troops and Families” tribute.

Food and beverages will be sold in the Mo Plaza at the east end of the Ducks’ indoor facility.

In conjunction with the event, the Duck Store in the northwest corner of the Moshofsky Center will sell specially-designed t-shirts donated by Nike beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, with all proceeds from the sales forwarded to families of deployed troops and returning veterans. In addition, a military discount of 20 percent will be offered to all past and present military personnel and their families on merchandise at the Moshofsky Center Duck Store only. (The specially-designed t-shirts and a few other items will be excluded from that discount).

Gates into Autzen Stadium will open at 1 p.m., with a donation of three non-perishable food items requested for admission. Last year, more than 22,000 pounds of food was generated for Food for Lane County from Oregon’s final spring scrimmage.

I am really looking forward to the trip and both games ! Go Ducks!!!!

Nike Donating Commemorative T-Shirt for Oregon's Spring Football Game

The following is part of a PR release from the Oregon Athletic Department.

Here is a look at the mock up of the specially designed t-shirts donated by Nike that will be on sale Saturday at the Moshofsky Center Duck Store location. The cost per shirt is $12 with all proceeds forwarded to the families of deployed troops or returning veterans.

The Ducks will be kitted out in special uniforms for the event and will hand off their jerseys to military personnel at the conclusion of the game.

The game is dedicated to the men and women of of the United States Armed forces and their families

The annual Spring Game kicks off at 2 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN2. A radio broadcast will also be available on KUGN 590 AM (Eugene), KCUP 1230 AM (Newport), KSKR 101.1 FM (Roseburg) and 95.5 FM (Portland).

Gates into Autzen Stadium will open at 1 p.m., with a donation of three non-perishable food items requested for admission. Last year, more than 22,000 pounds of food was generated for Food for Lane County from Oregon’s final spring scrimmage.

The Duck Shop at the Mo Center will have 20 % off on Saturday for members of the military, their families and veterans. (Some exceptions in merchandise including the commerorative T-Shirts)

A big thanks to Nike for doing this and a big thanks to the members of our Armed Forces for keeping us free and the sacrifices of their families.

Go Ducks !

University of Oregon Cleared by Oregon's AG on Mike Bellotti's buyout.

Oregon's Attorney General issued the following release today:

ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN KROGER RELEASES REVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON'S CONTRACT WITH FORMER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MIKE BELLOTTI

The review found no criminal wrongdoing, but deficient legal representation

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger today announced that a Department of Justice review found deficient legal representation, but no criminal wrongdoing in the handling of former University of Oregon Athletic Director Mike Bellotti's contract.

On March 29, 2010, Attorney General Kroger ordered a review of the events related to Bellotti's employment as Athletic Director after learning that Bellotti had worked without a written contract. The purpose of the review was to determine whether there was (a) any evidence of criminal conduct or other illegal behavior warranting criminal investigation; and (b) to assess the quality of legal services rendered to the UO in connection with Bellotti's employment as AD.

In summary, the review found:


No evidence of criminal or other intentional wrongdoing. Accordingly, no criminal investigation is warranted at this time.
Evidence of deficient legal representation. The most significant legal error disclosed in this review (and in the parallel internal audit conducted by the Oregon University System) was the failure to reduce the terms of Bellotti's employment contract as AD to writing. Uncertainty as to key terms - including the amount of compensation due and the duration of the agreement - created substantial legal risk for the UO.

In view of the resulting legal risks, the UO's decision to resolve the dispute for $2.3 million (plus interest on a portion) was not unreasonable.
Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department's mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

I knew it all along but Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, a Democrat, was just trying to get some political mileage out of it.

Thanks Mike Bellotti for everything... we Duck fans will miss you !

Obama To Wall Street: "I Do Think At A Certain Point You've Made Enough Money"

PRESIDENT OBAMA: "Now, what we’re doing, I want to be clear, we’re not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that's fairly earned. I mean, I do think at a certain point you've made enough money."

(Click on the title to watch the video)

"Smart Aleck-in-Chief? "

By DANIEL HENNINGER of the Wall Street Journal:

There may be good reasons for Obama to go negative, but doing so could wreck his presidency.

Here's a quiz: For which of the following reasons is the 44th president of the United States bad-mouthing Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, bankers, mine operators, insurers, Glenn Beck, the tea party, the Supreme Court and whoever he hammers as we go to press:

a) He's rallying his base.

b) He's rallying the Democrats' base (one overlaps but does not equal the other).

c) He's changing the subject from 9% unemployment.

d) To reverse his sinking approval ratings.

e) It's what Saul Alinsky would do.

f) It's what Barack Obama likes to do.

Astute readers instantly saw that the answer is, all of the above.......

*********************


There may be any number of good, political reasons for Mr. Obama to let it rip. But let's cut to the real reason this is happening. The answer is (f): It's what Barack Obama likes to do.

And it's a mistake.

Even Achilles had a heel, and Mr. Obama's may be his decision to be his own Saul Alinsky. Defining, demonizing and making a mockery of one's opponents was one of Alinsky's main rules for community organizers. But community organizers, though often charismatic, can also be annoying jerks.

(To read the rest of Mr HENNINGER's column click on the title for a link)

Big Brother and the Nanny State

Liberals never tire of telling us how to run our lives, raise our children and use the power of government to enforce their will. Santa Clara County (south of San Francisco) in California has passed a law banning McDonald's from giving out toys with their "Happy Meals." The "Health Department" of the county will enforce the law with hefty fines for any McDonald's that violates their edict.

Hey Kids, Santa Clara County is surrounded by 7 other country's with lots of McDonald's. Click on the title above to locate one near your home.

What next, banning "Egg McMuffins"? For me, the "Egg McMuffin" is the delicacy of Western Civilization. I do love them.... you will NEVER take my "Egg McMuffins" from me.

Obama and the "Race Card"

Once again President Obma is attempting to divide the American people Today he told the American people:

"It will be up to each of you to make sure that young people, African Americans, Latinos and women who powered our victory in 2008 stand together once again...."

No code words here, just blatant racism ! He has used class warfare to divide us and now race and gender.

Imagine if a Republican had said it will be up to each of you to make sure that senior citizen, Whites, Asians and the men who powered our past victories stand together one again...."

The cry from the left would have been immediate and would be all over the mass media.

It's time Americans of all races, Republicans, Independents and Democrats denounce this demagogue.

Oregon's New Basketball Coach, Dana Altman !

It looks like a done deal. Pat Kilkenny's private jet is flying from Indianapolis, Indiana to Lincoln Nebraska as I type this at 12 noon PDT. Is he going to pick up Dana Altman and fly him and his family to Eugene Oregon? Developing....?

UPDATE: The jet landed in Lincoln, Nebraska and was there for 25 minutes and is now headed for Eugene, Oregon, home of the University of Oregon Ducks ! Should land in Eugene between 5 and 6 PM tonight. Thanks, Pat Kilkenny for all you have done.

(Click on the title above to track Kilkenny's jet )

Dana, you are going to love being a Duck!

Dana Altman: New Oregon Basketball Coach?

Multiple media sources are reporting that the head basketball coach at Creighton in Omaha Nebraska will be the Oregon Ducks new basketball Coach. Developing......Go Ducks !

(Click on the title above for the Oregonian's story)

Wikipedia article on Dana Altman:

Dana Altman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Born June 16, 1958 (1958-06-16) (age 51)
Place of birth Crete, Nebraska
Career highlights
Overall 409-243 (.627)
Championships
MVC Tournament Championship (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007)
MVC Regular Season Championship (2001, 2002, 2009)
Awards
MVC Coach of the Year (2001, 2002)
Big Eight Coach of the Year (1993)
SoCon Coach of the Year (1990)
Playing career
1976–1978
1978–1980 Southeast CC
Eastern New Mexico
Position Guard
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1980-1982
1982–1983
1983–1986
1986–1989
1989–1990
1990–1994
1994-2010
2010-present Western State (asst.)
Southeast CC
Moberly CC
Kansas State (asst.)
Marshall
Kansas State
Creighton

Dana Altman (born on June 16, 1958 in Crete, Nebraska) is currently the head coach of the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team. His total record in 21 seasons as a Division I head coach is 409-243.

Although his four-year tenure as K-State’s head coach only produced one NCAA Tournament appearance, Dana Altman will be remembered most for his uncanny ability to win close ball games, and for pulling off some of the biggest upsets in school history.

Altman’s teams were a remarkable 28-13 in games decided by six points or less, which included a 6-1 mark in one-point games. His 1992-93 club perpetuated a K-State tradition. Picked to finish last in the Big Eight, Altman’s Cardiac ‘Cats won 11 games in the final minute, earned the school’s first Top 25 ranking in five seasons, finished 19-11, reached the championship game of the Big Eight Tournament and returned K-State to the NCAA Tournament for the 21st time.

Altman’s peers named him Big Eight Coach-of-the-Year in 1993 and he capped the season by upsetting No. 6 Kansas 74-67 in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

The following season, he made it two in a row over KU when he upset the No. 1 ranked Jayhawks 68-64 on ESPN in Lawrence. His 1993-94 squad finished the season with a 20-14 record and advanced to the NIT Final Four in New York City. Following the season, he accepted the head coaching position at Creighton University in his home state of Nebraska.

During his time at Creighton University, his athletes had earned three All-American honors on the court and three other Academic All-America laurels in the classroom. Three players he coached at Creighton, Kyle Korver, Rodney Buford, and Anthony Tolliver, have played in the NBA.

Altman was named Valley Coach of the Year twice; 2001 and 2002. Altman was a finalist for the prestigious Naismith National Coach of the Year and named the NABC District 12 and USBWA District VI Coach of the Year in 2002-03.

Altman became the 14th head coach in Creighton history following the 1993-94 season after four years as the head coach at Kansas State. Hired on March 31, 1994, Altman inherited a team that posted a 7-22 ledger the year before his arrival and led the Bluejays to a slightly improved 7-19 record in 1994-95 before his 1995-96 squad jumped to 14-15. In 1996-97, Altman’s team was 15-15 and followed with another substantial jump to 18-10 and a bid to the NIT in 1997-98.

Altman arrived at Creighton after compiling a 68-54 record in four seasons (1990-94) at Kansas State University. During that time, Altman led the Wildcats to three straight postseason tourneys and was named the Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year after leading KSU to a 19-11 record and an appearance at the NCAA Tournament in 1993.

On April 2, 2007, Altman announced that he would become the head coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks, in a deal that was rumored to be $1.5 million per year, 5-year contract. Only one day later he had a change of heart and returned to Omaha and his team at Creighton, citing family reasons. He became the first coach since Bobby Cremins to renege on a marquee job and return (Cremins accepted the job at South Carolina and returned to coach Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets).

On February 5, 2009, Altman won his 300th game as Creighton head coach. In his first 13 years at Creighton, Altman ranked third all-time on the coaching victories list in the 99-year history of the Missouri Valley Conference, trailing only Hall of Fame coaches Henry Iba and Eddie Hickey. His record in 16 seasons with the Creighton Bluejays was 327-176.

Altman is also an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America
Head coaching record
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Marshall (Southern Conference) (1989–1990)
1989–1990 Marshall 15-13 9-5 2nd
Marshall: 15-13 (.536)
Kansas State (Big 8 Conference) (1990–1994)
1990–1991 Kansas State 13-15 3-11 8th
1991–1992 Kansas State 16-14 5-9 7th NIT 2nd Round
1992–1993 Kansas State 19-11 7-7 5th NCAA First Round
1993–1994 Kansas State 20-14 4-10 T-6th NIT Final Four
Kansas State: 68-54 (.557) 19-37 (.339)
Creighton (Missouri Valley Conference) (1994–2010)
1994–1995 Creighton 7-19 4-14 T-9th
1995–1996 Creighton 14-15 9-9 T-5th
1996–1997 Creighton 15-15 10-8 T-6th
1997–1998 Creighton 18-10 12-6 2nd NIT First Round
1998–1999 Creighton 22-9 11-7 T-2nd NCAA Second Round
1999-2000 Creighton 23-10 11-7 4th NCAA First Round
2000-2001 Creighton 24-8 14-4 1st NCAA First Round
2001-2002 Creighton 23-9 14-4 T-1st NCAA Second Round
2002-2003 Creighton 29-5 15-3 2nd NCAA First Round
2003-2004 Creighton 20-9 12-6 T-2nd NIT First Round
2004-2005 Creighton 23-11 11-7 T-3rd NCAA First Round
2005-2006 Creighton 20-10 12-6 T-2nd NIT Second Round
2006-2007 Creighton 22-11 13-5 2nd NCAA First Round
2007-2008 Creighton 22-11 10-8 4th NIT Second Round
2008-2009 Creighton 27-8 14-4 T-1st NIT Second Round
2009-2010 Creighton 18-16 10-8 4th CIT Semifinals
Creighton: 327-176 (.650) 178-107 (.624)
Total: 409-243 (.627

Oregon's Quest for a Basketball Coach (UPDATED 4/23/10)

****I must be strange. I am enjoying the University of Oregon's long quest for a new basketball coach. The hour-by-hour updates from the Eugene Register Guard newspaper's website, the Portland Oregonian newspaper's website, Duck Sports News.com and from my friend "IaHawkDuck". Googling the new names of possible coaches as their names are mentioned. Oregon donor, booster and former AD, Pat Kilkenny(picture above),leads this quest for a basketball coach flying across America in his private jet in constant communication with Phil Knight and Oregon Assistant AD Joe Giansante. (and assumable the U of O President)This is a “road picture”. It’s like that commercial they show during football season where a ref, at a football game, looks into the replay screen on the sidelines and looks into a bar where a lot of fans are enjoying the game and they ask the ref to send it into overtime. :) More chicken wings please! Folks, the search just went into overtime. Enjoy it while it lasts. What coach will get the honor to coach in the new area, "Matt Court", (picture above) named for Phil Knights son. Where will Pat Kilkenny jet to next? He has already been to Spokane Washington, Indianapolis Indiana, New York City , El Paso Texas and St. Louis Missouri.... where next? Wheels up ...... I think I will make another pot of coffee! Let's Go Ducks!

(Click title above to track Kilkenny's jet)

UPDATED (4/21/10) Pat Kilkenny's private jet is headed from his home in San Diego to Dallas, Texas ?????

UPDATED ( 4/22/10)"Back on the road again" Pat Kilkneey's private jet is now headed from Dallas, Texas to Indianapolis, Indiana ??? ( It is now in Indianapolis)

UPDATED (4/23/10) Buzz Williams at Marquette ??? (love the name) or Brian Gregory at Dayton ?????? developing......

(Click title above to track Kilkenny's jet)

"Hoppy, Gene and Me" by Roy Rogers

For a real treat this Saturday afternoon or any day click on the title for a link to a youtube video of Roy Rogers singing "Hoppy, Gene and Me" with great video of Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Recorded by Roy in 1974 it was a fitting tribute to a simpler time ,now unknown, to many young people. Yes, I was a "saddlepal to Hoppy Gene and Me."

It seems like only yesterday that we rode the range together. Praire skys and tumbleweeds, just as far as we could see. Then, you grew up and drifted on. But I know you will remember, when you were a saddlepal of, Hoppy, Gene and Me.....

Missouri's Mike Anderson to Oregon? ( Update: NO!)

JUST DO IT ! Be a Duck !

Oregon is talking to Missouri's basketball coach about taking the job at the University of Oregon.

(To read more about coach Anderson click on the title for a link to his Wikipedia page)

UPDATE: Looks like Anderson will staty in Missouri. I have been to Missouri and in fact Uncle Sam made me live there for 3 months. Anderson make the wrong choice.

It's Hard to be Humble !

From JAMES TARANTO of the Wall Street Journal:


The Web site of Foreign Policy magazine describes an exchange that underscores one of President Obama's least attractive qualities:

Obama said Sunday that the United States is still "working on" democracy and a top aide said he has taken "historic steps" to improve democracy in the United States during his time in office.The remarks came as Obama met with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. . . .
The presidents had a very lengthy discussion of issues of democracy and human rights," NSC senior director Mike McFaul said on a conference call with reporters Sunday. "Both presidents agreed that you don't ever reach democracy; you always have to work at it. And in particular, President Obama reminded his Kazakh counterpart that we, too, are working to improve our democracy."...McFaul said. "[Obama's] taken, I think, rather historic steps to improve our own democracy since coming to office here in the United States."....

What rankles, though, is Obama's habit of putting down America while praising himself. The laughable assertion that Obama has taken "historic steps to improve our own democracy" shows not humility but an extreme vanity. A truly humble president would occasionally evince some doubt as to whether he is worthy to lead America. Obama seems to doubt whether America is worthy of being led by him.

Chip Kelly to Afghanistan with USO

That's right, Oregon football coach, Chip Kelly is going on a USO trip to Iraq and Afghanistan to visit U.S. troop next month after the Spring Game. That game will also be dedicated to those same troops. The spring scrimmage will recognize and highlight the U.S. Armed Forces. The Oregon players will wear specially designed-jerseys for the game which be given to the troops after the game. Special tee shirts will also be sold at the game with the proceeds going to our troops. Military equipment and vehicles will be on display at the game. Hey, I remember when the left wingers at the U of O wanted to disarm the campus statue of the Pioneer Father and kick ROTC off campus too. There is a reason I love Chip Kelly ! Go Ducks!


This news just reinforces my post here on February 22, 2010 when I wrote that Chip Kelly reminds me of Duke Wayne. (click on title for link)

"Kid in Candy Store"

Saturday I was a "kid in a candy store" when I found out they were closing our local Hollywood Video store here in Medford. My wife and I were out shopping at Fred Mayer when I saw the sign over at Hollywood Video which said "store closing" and another sign that said "all DVDs $5.99." I said to my wife let's go, and she knowing it would be a long long visit said: "you can take me home first." So after we finished our planed visit to the library I took her home and raced back to the video store. When I got to the store they were in fact closing the store and everything except some new Blu-rays and some very new DVDs were on sale. All of their regular used inventory of DVDs used for rental and classified under "Drama", "Action" "Comedy" etc. were on sale for $5.99 each OR 3 for $15.00. Newer rentals were 3 for $20.00. However I was looking for the old classics. Unfortunately they had stacked many DVDs three deep and not in alphabetical order. I went through every DVD in "Drama" and "Action and spent a lot of time in the comedy section. I found and purchased the following "gems:"

"Avalon"***** (1990)Barry Levinson's semi autobiographical story about a Jewish immigrant family in 1940's/50's Baltimore by the same director who did "Dinner." I watched it last night and even though my family is not Jewish I really identified with the family and what it was like growing up in the 1950's with a family who's father owned owned a TV store. The movie dramatically and lovingly shows the disintegration of the large extended family in America and what we have lost as we moved to the suburbs and built our lives around television.

"The Man Who Would be King"**** (1975) film adapted from the Rudyard Kipling short story of the same title. It was adapted and directed by John Huston and starred Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Saeed Jaffrey, and Christopher Plummer as Kipling (giving a name to the short story's anonymous narrator).
The film follows two rogue ex-non-commissioned officers of the British Raj who set off from 19th century British India in search of adventure and end up as kings of Kafiristan.(from Wikipedia)

DC 9/11: Time of Crisis***** (2003) Is a made for television movie which re-enacts the events of the September 11, 2001 attacks as seen from the point of view of the President of the United States and his staff. It was directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith and starred Timothy Bottoms as President George W. Bush.The film opens on the morning of September 11, 2001. United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is hosting a breakfast for a number of members of the United States Congress. The purpose of the breakfast was to procure an increase to the defense budget, with Rumsfeld claiming they will soon need the money as something big is likely to occur soon given the rise of Islamic Extremism against the United States.

While the aircraft have been crashed into the World Trade Center, President Bush is at Emma E. Booker Elementary school in Florida. White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card informs Bush that "a second plane has hit the second tower, America is under attack!". After 8 - 11 Minutes President Bush prepares to leave the school, he interrupts a reporters question so as to not alarm to school children as to the events unfolding in New York City.


Vice President Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice in the PEOC, are informed that a rogue plane is headed for Camp David President Bush orders Rumsfeld to take the nation to Defcon 3 and put the military in high alert. He discusses the situation with Vice President Cheney and order the grounding of all Civil aviation. He leaves Florida on Air Force One headed for Washington DC. While in the air, Naval Intelligence uncovers a credible threat against "Angel" (the days codeword for Air Force One). The President escort Fighter wing is notified to be on the highest possible alert status.

The United States Secret Service is evacuating all non-essential personnel, While Cabinet members are escorted to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center. Vice-President Cheney and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice are informed that there is an unresponsive aircraft headed for Camp David. Cheney orders the fighters to attempt contact, however if the plane doesn't respond or turn around it is to be shot down. The plane disappears off radar with Cheney assuming he has ordered the deaths if 200 or more US Citizens. President Bush is apprised of the situation and is told reports from the FAA are suggesting that the Air Force didn't shoot down the plane but a group of passengers learned of the event in New York and took matters into their own hands. President Bush wants to be back in Washington DC, and after conferencing with the DCI and other members of his cabinet, he orders the Secret Service to fly him home immediately.

President Bush arrives at the White House that evening and addresses the nation, informing them that they are now in a war on terror. Over the next hours and days, Bush meets countless times with his cabinet to determine an appropriate response, which ultimately lead to his declaration of "if you're not with us, you're against us" and the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq.(from Wikipedia)

Charles Krauthamer, Fred Barnes and Morton Kondracky are listed as advisers. I was expecting a cheaply made for TV movie and was very moved by the movie. I miss George W Bush!

"World War II When Lions Roared"****(1994) This is a three hour TV miniseries about the relationship between Winston Churchill (Bob Hoskins),FDR (John Lithgow) and Stalin (Michael Cain) during World War II. The production values are minimum but it is very interesting for World War II history buffs and the acting is outstanding. Deals primarily with the correspondence and meeting between the three "lions."

"Shag the Movie"****(1989)is a comedy film starring Bridget Fonda, Phoebe Cates, Annabeth Gish, Jeff Yagher and Scott Coffey.The movie takes place in the late summer of 1963 and is a combination of "American Graffiti" and Where the Boys Are."The film is a lighthearted story of four teenage girlfriends of various temperaments who escape their parents for a few days in 1963 for adventure in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they meet boys. The trip is spurred by the upcoming marriage of one of the girls, Carson. Their story chronicles their last good-bye to girlhood, and entree into womanhood. Filmed primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with a scene filmed at the late Skyview Drive-In located in Florence, South Carolina.Though it was not a big hit when initially released, in recent years it has become something of a cult film to fans of beach music and the Carolina Shag. (from Wikipeda)

Helen of Troy(1956) A Warner Bros. epic film, based on Homer's Iliad. It was directed by Robert Wise. I picked out this movie for sentimental reasons. As a kid,I saw this movie in 1956 with my parents and two of their friends, at the ADA Theater in Boise Idaho. It's one of the few indoor movies I saw with my father. It was one of the first, if not the first, of the large spectacular movies with a cast of thousands made in the 1950's in glorious color to get people away from their TV sets. Warner Brothers also promoted the movie heavily on their TV shows.Better movies on this subject have been made but you always remember the first.

I am sorry that Hollywood Video is closing but the last few times I have been there the place was dirty and run down. About two years ago they closed the Blockbuster store nearby. We rarely rent DVDs at stores anymore since we signed up for Netflix and since the sale of DVDs has become relatively inexpensive. We must not be alone.

My DVD collection is now somewhere over 700. Just think, in the 1950's only "Movie Moguls" who owned studios had collections this large. To see my movie collection click on the title above for a link

Oregon AD Mike Bellotti Deserves the 2.3 Million Dollar Buyout of his Contract !

As Oregon's football coach, Mike Bellotti, led the Oregon Ducks to the "Golden Era" of Oregon football. In 2001, he led Oregon to be the Number 2 team in the nation with a win over Colorado in the Fiesta Bowl. He beat Michigan at Ann Arbor and dominated Oregon State and Washington. I will always be grateful for his skill as a coach and his character as a person. He shaved off his mustache at one point to show empathy for a friend who was undergoing cancer therapy. He stepped down as football coach to become Oregon Athletic Director at the height of his career so that his offensive coordinator could become head coach and not be lost to another school. If he had stayed on as football coach he would have earned a lot more than the 2.3 million and if he had been fired he also would have been given more than that amount under his contract.

As Oregon President, Richard Lariviere, said at his press conference on Tuesday, Mike Bellotti is an "iconic" figure at Oregon.

That is why my overwhelming feeling in watching the Larivier/Bellotti press conference was one of great sadness.I have now watched it at least three times and I can't get over that feeling of sadness each time I watch it. Mike looked so sad and hurt during President Larivier's prepared statement ( reproduced below ) and as one reporter described it.... he looked like a "statue" sitting there next to the U of O President. Mike deserved better, and he deserves the 2.3 million dollars in severance pay.


As much as it hurt to watch the press conference it was absolutely necessary to clear things up and attempt to stop the bleeding that has occurred to Oregon athletics since the buyout was announced. On April 1, 2010 I listed 6 questions that needed to be answered. The Larivier/Bellotti press conference answered most of them as follows:

1.Was Mike Bellotti fired at AD or at least pushed out the door ?

Answer:

He was probably "pushed out the door." President Larivier said in his prepared statement:

Mike Bellotti and I have discussed these challenges. He is a great Oregonian, and a very good man who has served the university with integrity.

It was clear, however, that while he had tremendous success coaching he did not find as much satisfaction being athletic director. It was also clear to me, despite sound fiscal management and the highest football season revenue production ever, that the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics would increasingly need an individual with experience handling the financial and business aspects of a complex program in order to fulfill its obligation to be a self-sustaining program, a point of significant importance to me and the University of Oregon.
Mike told me about the opportunity to take a position with ESPN, and the possibility of a broadcasting career and returning to college football. I told him I believed it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a very short window

If we are to believe Larivier he wanted a new AD with financial and business experience and was going to make a chance at AD sooner or later and the ESPN job offer to Mike Bellotti was an easy way to make the change now. He hinted at the press conference that he told Mike that he should take the ESPN offer because he may not be AD in the long run.

On question that skeptics could ask.... is did Lariviere come up with the idea that he wanted a change at AD after the fact to justify the 2.3 million buyout which would not be legally justified if, in fact, Mike was leaving voluntarily ? However, I take the man at his word.

2. Why no written contract..... as an attorney I find this inexcusable ?

Answer:

It is inexcusable and as a result Mike Bellotti has been hurt. It is still unclear who is at fault but I am more interested in seeing that it not happen in the future. Mike is a proud man and deserved better. I do applaud President Larivier for finding a way to get Mike what he deserved.


3. The 3.2 million dollar "golden parachute" as originally explained was an agreed payoff whenever Bellotti left the AD regardless of how long he was AD and was negotiated to get him to step down as head football coach. This is never mentioned in this letter and apparently there was no clause as there was no written contract. Did Pat Kilkenny negotiate such a provision in an oral agreement ?

Answer:

In President Lariviere's statement he states:

I cannot speak to Mike’s transition from coach to athletic director because I wasn’t here, but I can say that he was promised greater financial guarantees than I had been made aware of until that moment. I determined it was in the university’s best interest to expedite the transition and negotiations commenced to develop a separation agreement

.

Translation: since I, the President of the University wanted a chance at AD, I felt obligated to pay Mike Bellotti the balance of his contract which works out to 2.3 million dollars. Thus, we don't need to go into what other terms may or may not have been in the oral contract.


4. If an employee voluntarily terminates their employment before there employment ends they normally don't get the rest of the contract unless they are fired or there is a provision in a contract guaranteeing it.

Answer:

If we are to believe Lariviere, and I take him at his word, Mike Bellotti did not "voluntarily" terminate his employment.

5. What donor(s) are paying the 2.3 million dollars and do they know it and have they agreed to it. I am a very small donor to the Duck Athletic Fund.
Will my donation and other similar donations be the ones used or will it come from a donor(s) who agreed to be responsible for this specific expense?

Answer:

The answer to this question was somewhat ambiguous, but in the question and answer portion of the press conference, President Lariviere seemed to say it was coming from specific donors who knew where their donation was going and not from general donations to the Athletic Department such as the donations required of season ticket holders for "donor seats."

6. Will this deprive the Athletic Department of of donations for other projects or uses ?

Answer:

President Lariviere in his written statement:

Questions have been raised about the fund source for this separation agreement and how it affects other athletic department priorities like ensuring a self-supporting athletics program, repayment of bonds for the arena, and hiring of a men’s basketball coach. Those obligations will not be affected by this payment. No student tuition or state funds are or will be used to pay for this separation agreement.

He also said the funding would not come from the 200 million dollar endowment fund set up from Phil Knight's donation to allow the University to build "Matt Court."



In conclusion, it is time to move on and wish Mike Bellotti success on ESPN. Mike will always be a Duck ! Thanks Mike for the memories of many great football seasons.

Statement from University of Oregon President Richard W. Lariviere regarding negotiated buyout agreement with Mike Bellotti

April 6, 2010

Public officials and the media have raised reasonable questions about the University of Oregon’s separation agreement with Mike Bellotti. I want to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mike Bellotti’s resignation and negotiated buy-out.

When I arrived at the University of Oregon nine months ago, I knew we had an excellent and committed faculty, outstanding alumni and supporter base, and an unsustainable funding model for the academic side of the institution. I was pleased that the university had established a self-sustaining athletic program knowing how hard it is to do this.

As I got to know the state of Oregon, its leadership, and the university, I realized how much work is ahead to achieve sustainable funding for both the academic and athletic programs. Mike Bellotti and I have discussed these challenges. He is a great Oregonian, and a very good man who has served the university with integrity.

It was clear, however, that while he had tremendous success coaching he did not find as much satisfaction being athletic director. It was also clear to me, despite sound fiscal management and the highest football season revenue production ever, that the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics would increasingly need an individual with experience handling the financial and business aspects of a complex program in order to fulfill its obligation to be a self-sustaining program, a point of significant importance to me and the University of Oregon.

Mike told me about the opportunity to take a position with ESPN, and the possibility of a broadcasting career and returning to college football. I told him I believed it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a very short window. We discussed the future of the athletic program and in that context he told me about the conversations he had with former administrators about the athletics director position. I cannot speak to Mike’s transition from coach to athletic director because I wasn’t here, but I can say that he was promised greater financial guarantees than I had been made aware of until that moment. I determined it was in the university’s best interest to expedite the transition and negotiations commenced to develop a separation agreement.

The agreement, which has been publicly shared, was necessary since there was no written contract in place, and because there were different understandings between the parties regarding the institution’s financial obligations. Furthermore, because I had made the decision that the university needed new leadership within the athletic department, an agreement was necessary to affect this transition. I signed the agreement, based on the advice of counsel, to protect the university’s interests, to ensure a smooth transition within the athletic department and to fulfill, as best I could determine, the institution’s financial obligations to Mike.

$2.3 million is a lot of money. But it is a fair settlement based on the commitments made to Mike before I got here. While no one can dispute that Mike Bellotti is an outstanding football coach, a committed employee, and a tremendous leader, serving as athletic director requires a unique set of skills. I believe Mike Bellotti has been unfairly portrayed in the media and I want to make it clear that I encouraged his move to ESPN and I made the decision to secure new leadership for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. I take full responsibility for the ambiguity around Mike’s departure.

Questions have been raised about the fund source for this separation agreement and how it affects other athletic department priorities like ensuring a self-supporting athletics program, repayment of bonds for the arena, and hiring of a men’s basketball coach. Those obligations will not be affected by this payment. No student tuition or state funds are or will be used to pay for this separation agreement. It is clear that the institution did not follow acceptable business practices regarding employee contracts. I have made it clear to all appropriate staff at the university that this type of situation is unacceptable under my administration and it shall not be repeated. I welcome enthusiastically the Oregon University System’s internal audit regarding this issue.

I am acutely aware of the university’s responsibilities as a public institution and am committed to ensuring that the University of Oregon meets its obligations to Oregonians. A successful athletic program does not and should not compromise that academic goal — success in one need not come at the expense of the other.

Oregonians have tremendous reason to be proud of the University of Oregon, its brilliant academic programs, and its athletic successes. The quality of both academics and athletics has grown dramatically in recent years because of the university’s success in securing non-state resources. The university is committed to achieving financial stability and improving the quality of the institution Oregonians deserve. Our business practices will reflect this commitment. This is a moment of opportunity and promise, not a symptom of distress. Oregonians can be assured that these issues have my full attention.

Bob Novak's book:" Prince of Darkness"

Last Saturday I picked up a copy of this book at the library and have not been able to put it down. As a political junkie I have followed politics for the last 50 years and Bob Novak gives a fantastic review of those major political events of the last 50years and gives a great deal of insight into the people who covered those events and the politicians who made news. Bob also settles a lot of "scores" with people from LBJ to a surly clerk at the Willard Hotel in Washington DC. Novak describes what it was like in Washington DC from the 1950's up to the present. You learn that the press has been liberal and biased for a long time and Novak noticed this long before he became a conservative. He admits voting for JFK and LBJ. As someone who followed Novak's writings, since the Evens and Novak column first started, reading the book is like a trip down memory lane for me. You relive all the old political battles from oh so long ago. Bob was not any easy guy to like for many, and he admits that, and so many other flaws like drinking too much.Bob was a pessimist and cynic who loved America but hated it's government. If you are a political junkie run don't walk to your nearest library or bookstore.

Bob Novak died earlier this year of brain cancer and political reporting is a duller place without him. However, his parting gift to us was this book. I miss him.

Who will be Oregon's New Basketball Coach ?

Only The Great Karnak knows!

For you young kids that don't remember the Johnny Carson Tonight Show this from WikiAnswers:

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson sometimes featured "The Great Karnak", in which Carson 'divined' the answers to questions he had not seen before, which had been placed in an envelope and hermetically sealed in a mayonnaise jar and kept on Funk and Wagnall's porch since noon the day before... One of Carson's best characters! (IMHO)

Hint: could he be coaching in the Final 4 games tomorrow..... could be an interesting weekend.

Was Mike Bellotti Fired ? (or pushed out the door)

I have been very supportive of Pat Kilkenny, Mike Bellotti and the University of Oregon Athletic Department. But they have some explaining to do ! Below is a complete copy of a letter written yesterday to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education by Melinda W. Grier, the attorney for the President of the University of Oregon, outlining the circumstances of the University of Oregon paying Mike Bellotti 2.3 million dollars as part of a "golden parachute" when he decided to "resign" as Athletic Director to take a job as an analyst for ESPN. The letter raises more questions than it answers.

1. Was Mike Bellotti fired at AD or at least pushed out the door ?

2. Why no written contract..... as an attorney I find this inexcusable ?

3. The 3.2 million dollar "golden parachute" as originally explained was an agreed payoff whenever Bellotti left the AD regardless of how long he was AD and was negotiated to get him to step down as head football coach. This is never mentioned in this letter and apparently there was no clause as there was no written contract. Did Pat Kilkenny negotiate such a provision in an oral agreement ?

4. If an employee voluntarily terminates their employment before there employment ends they normally don't get the rest of the contract unless they are fired or there is a provision in a contract guaranteeing it.

5. What donor(s) are paying the 2.3 million dollars and do they know it and have they agreed to it. I am a very small donor to the Duck Athletic Fund.
Will my donation and other similar donations be the ones used or will it come from a donor(s) who agreed to be responsible for this specific expense?

6. Will this deprive the Athletic Department of of donations for other projects or uses ?

There may be some reasonable answers to all of the above and if there are we need to have them ASAP. The Athletic Department and the University of Oregon have a major PR disaster on there hands and it could get worse. The Oregon Attorney General is investigating and so is the State Board of Higher Education. The U of O President needs to cut his Asian trip short and get back here to take charge of the situation and we need some answers. A press conference by Bellotti and Kilkenny would be a good start.

I don't have a problem with Mike Bellotti receiving the 2.3 million dollars considering his service to the University of Oregon but I do have a lot of questions as to the process.

George Pernsteiner
Chancellor, Oregon University System
111 Susan Campbell Hall
Eugene, OR 97403

Paul Kelly, Jr.
President, Oregon State Board of Higher Education
c/o Garvey Schubert Barer
121 SW Morrison Street, 11th Floor
Portland, OR 97212

Dear President Kelly and Chancellor Pernsteiner:

In recent days, there have been a number of reports in the media concerning the separation agreement reached between the University of Oregon and UO Athletics Director Mike Bellotti. I have prepared this memorandum and chronology of events in an effort to clarify the series of actions that led to the creation of this agreement.

In November 2008, Mike Bellotti expressed interest in exploring a potential transition from his position as Head Football Coach to the role of Athletic Director with Chip Kelly, then Offensive Coordinator, assuming the head coach position. President Dave Frohnmayer authorized then Athletic Director, Pat Kilkenny, to explore the possibility with Bellotti. Kilkenny had agreed to serve as athletic director through June 2009 but did not desire to extend his contract beyond that time.

Kilkenny and Bellotti explored the potential transition with Kelly who was interested. President Frohnmayer and Athletic Director Kilkenny announced the succession plan December 2, 2008. The date of the transition was agreed to be subject to Bellotti’s decision when he wished to step down as coach. Kilkenny and Kelly negotiated the terms of Kelly’s subsequent contract as head football coach, which they memorialized in a term sheet agreement signed in December 2008.

In March 2009, Bellotti indicated that he was considering stepping down as head football coach prior to the beginning of spring term. Bellotti decided to initiate the transition at that time, rather than waiting until 2010 or later, in order to make an announcement prior to the end of winter term so that the football players would learn of his decision before they left campus for spring break. Bellotti believed it was critical to inform the team of his decision before spring practice began. During the week of March 8, 2009, Bellotti talked with President Frohnmayer as he was making his decision, envisioning a meeting with the team Friday, March 13.

March 12, Bellotti informed Frohnmayer that he had decided to go forward with the transition.

Spring term was intended to be a transition period when Bellotti and Kilkenny could overlap and Bellotti would have a chance to orient himself to the athletic director position. Frohnmayer authorized Kilkenny to negotiate a salary for Bellotti. The first-year salary negotiated was intended to transition Bellotti from his compensation as head football coach, slightly over $1.9 million in 2008-2009, to his athletic director’s salary. Bellotti and Kilkenny agreed Bellotti would be paid $975,000 in salary during the first year (April 2009-March 2010). They discussed additional compensation during that first year only that would be equal to the difference between his salary of $975,000 and his previous year’s compensation.

When President Lariviere took office in July 2009, he assumed that contracts with Bellotti were in place and had no conversations with Bellotti about his contract. A spokesperson for UO misspoke when she told a reporter there had been conversations between Bellotti and Pres. Lariviere regarding Bellotti’s contract to assume the position of athletic director. During early winter, Bellotti told President Lariviere that ESPN had approached him to consider a position as a color commentator. Bellotti had provided color commentary on Oregon Sports Network UO football game broadcasts during the fall and had received acclaim for the excellent quality of his work. At this time, President Lariviere determined that it was in the university’s best interest to expedite this transition and find new leadership for the athletic department. He subsequently began to negotiate with Bellotti regarding the terms of their mutual agreement for Bellotti’s separation of service.

When I learned of their intent, I began in earnest to search for a term sheet or other memorialization of the terms of Bellotti’s agreement. I had previously made requests but had not received anything, although there seemed to be a general assumption that such a term sheet existed. The terms and conditions of all UO unclassified employees, including coaches, are covered by extensive Board Administrative Rules, UO Administrative Rules and policies. Most employees, including most coaches, receive an annual notice of appointment, which they are asked to sign and return. A few employees, including a few coaches whose employment agreements contain terms in addition to the standard terms and conditions, are given more extensive contracts in lieu of standard notices of appointment. Until those more extensive contracts are fully negotiated and executed, the terms of employment are those in Board and UO Administrative Rules and policies and provisions contained in the agreed to term sheets.

It became apparent that no one could produce a term sheet. Kilkenny had negotiated salary, and there seemed general agreement that Bellotti’s first-year salary April 2009 – March 2010 would be $975,000; thereafter, it would be $675,000 per year. There was not agreement regarding other terms or conditions. It was Bellotti’s belief that, during the first year of his contract (April 2009 – March 2010), he would receive the additional compensation equal to the difference between his previous and current year’s compensation. This belief seemed reasonable in the general context of the discussions that occurred in the spring of 2009.

There was not general agreement around other terms. Bellotti believed he was promised a five-year contract. Kilkenny was not authorized to negotiate the length of the agreement. Frohnmayer had no conversations with Bellotti regarding the length of his contract. I recalled general discussions, not necessarily with Bellotti, of a three-year term. Employment contracts longer than three-year’s duration require approval of Chancellor Pernsteiner. Our office was not asked, as would be standard, to prepare a request for Chancellor Pernsteiner’s approval. As a result, President Lariviere assumed a contract term of three years, of which, Bellotti had already served one year. The $2.3 million represents the two year’s salary remaining on a three year contract at $675,000 per year plus the additional first-year compensation that was as yet unpaid. A separation agreement containing those terms was signed by both parties and publicly disclosed upon its execution.

Although the sum paid to Bellotti is large, it represents an amount that is consistent with President Lariviere’s best assessment of what would be due Bellotti. This is especially true for a long-time employee such as Bellotti who has served with such distinction and who is held in high regard.

Some have raised concerns that taxpayer funds will be used to pay this settlement. That is not the case, nor will Athletic Department operating funds be used. The UO will rely solely on donor funds for the payments to Bellotti.
I also want to assure you that President Lariviere has made clear his expectation, which I strongly support, to make certain that any conditions beyond those contained in a standard notice of appointment will be memorialized in writing.

Sincerely,
Melinda W. Grier
General Counsel

I ask you is this any way to run a railroad !

Oregon Duck Spring Game Update

The Spring Game will be broadcast live on ESPN 2.

According to Rob Moseley in today's Register Guard:

Before the spring game, a four-hour fan festival with the theme “Support Our Troops and Families” will be held in the Moshofsky Center at 10 a.m. Armed services personnel as well as representatives from the Red Cross and various veterans’ organizations will be in attendance.

For the game, the Ducks will wear specially designed jerseys. Nike is also donating 5,000 T-shirts to be sold at the game, with proceeds to be forwarded to families of deployed troops and returning veterans.

The genesis for the tribute was in part a funeral attended by coach Chip Kelly in January. At the service, for “huge Duck fan” U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Lengstorf in Roseburg on Jan. 16, Kelly was struck by how the 24-year-old Lengstorf was not much older than most of Oregon’s players.

“It puts it in perspective, what we do and why we’re allowed to do what we do,” said Kelly, who keeps the program from Lengstorf’s funeral on his desk. “There are people overseas in every branch of the military fighting for our freedom. I don’t want to say we take it for granted, but we go about our daily lives and do what we do, and forget about those people.

“I thought, what can we do? What small token can we do to recognize

them?”

24 year old Sgt. Joshua Lengstorf was killed Jan. 3 while serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife and 1 year old daughter.

Click on the title above for a link to a heartbreaking news story about the soldiers funeral in Roseburg earlier this year.

Family and friends of Sgt. Joshua Lengstorf have created the Josh Lengstorf Memorial Scholarship Fund. To honor his love for the Oregon Ducks, the fund will help enable an Elkton High School student to attend the University of Oregon.
To make a donation in the memory of Lengstorf, checks made out to the “Sgt. Josh Lengstorf Memorial Fund” may be sent to: Sgt. Josh Lengstorf Memorial Fund, care of Amanda Durrant, P.O. Box 2452, Roseburg, OR 97470.

Thanks coach Kelly for making the Spring Game very special this year!