Yumpin’ Yemeni!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
That crash of a Yemeni passenger jet -- which had been banned from l’aerospace francaise because of safety concerns — reminds me of one of the basic tenants of flying:
Never fly on any aircraft with a scimitar painted on it.
From Bill Mann's dcweasels.com
BREAKING NEWS:
FRANKEN CERTIFIED; OFFICIAL US SENATOR IN MINN. DEMOCRATS GET 60
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that Democrat Al Franken be certified as the winner of the state's long-running Senate race.
The high court rejected a legal challenge from Republican Norm Coleman, who minutes later conceded the race to Franken.
Justices said Franken is entitled to the election certificate he needs to assume office. With Franken and the usual backing of two independents, Democrats will have a big enough majority to overcome Republican filibusters.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Oakland Raiders team up with AirAsia
The Oakland Raiders, The Team of the Decades, are proud to announce an unprecedented sponsorship with AirAsia, the largest low-fare airline in Asia. The Raiders, long recognized as the organization that helps further football’s popularity worldwide, will team up with AirAsia to serve and expand the franchises’ global fan base.
Highlighting the sponsorship is an AirAsia A340 airliner named “Xcellence” that is adorned with Raider marks and imagery, including the Raider shield on the tailfin and an eye patch on the nose of the plane. AirAsia will also host a “1,000 Seats Courtesy of AirAsia” web-based contest in which students will be chosen at random for the opportunity to win free tickets to Raiders home games. Program and contest details will be made available on Raiders.com and AirAsia.com.
“We are absolutely thrilled with our new relationship with AirAsia,” said Raiders Chief Executive Amy Trask. “It is a unique and audacious relationship between two truly global organizations. As always, we eagerly seek creative opportunities to serve and interact with our fans throughout the world and we are delighted to work with AirAsia on this creative endeavor.”
An industry leader in providing content for international fans, The Silver and Black maintains a global presence and communicates worldwide through the team's official web properties which feature original and translated content in six different languages - Tagalog, Japanese, German, Chinese, Spanish and English. The Raiders became and continue to be the first and only NFL team to produce a full-content independent Spanish language web site. The Raiders have a fan following throughout the world and have increased the NFL's popularity worldwide by playing in American Bowls in London, Barcelona, Tokyo and Mexico City. Information on the sponsorship with AirAsia is available on all six of the Raiders’ multilingual web properties.
AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with 122 routes covering more than 65 destinations. Within seven years of operation, AirAsia has carried over 70 million passengers and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to 80. The airline today is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries, China, India and Bangladesh. This is further complemented by AirAsia X, its low cost long-haul affiliate carrier that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia and the UK.
“This is a very meaningful moment for all of us in AirAsia,” said AirAsia Group CEO Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes. “We are very excited to associate ourselves with a great, iconic team like the Oakland Raiders as they reflect our own endeavor for excellence. This is AirAsia’s latest effort in boosting our brand globally via our extensive route presence across Asia. With AirAsia’s Airbus A340 Oakland livery plane, we would be able to deliver just that and further enhance our brand. Despite not operating into the US yet, AirAsia has already captured the attention of the US public and Aviation week’s Laureate Award that we won recently is a testimony of that.”
The Raiders are celebrating the organization’s 50th season in 2009 and begin the campaign on Monday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers on September 14. For tickets call 1-800-Raiders or visit Raiders.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
SF BAY AREA'S Best HotDogs---Summertime Yummies
SAN FRANCISCOHotdogs are universally loved, and this being the beginning of Summer, nothing brings more culinary satisfaction than a wonderful grilled hotdog.That is, ofcourse, assuming you like your 'dogs grilled. Some people prefer the boiled or steamed method. I'm of the "don't care" persuasion, although I have a preference for grilled, thank you.
Chicago and NY are noted for their classic hotdog variety, but the Bay Area is catching up to this classic American food item that's satisfied all of us for many years.
Here's some places that are pretty good in no particular order:
KASPERS Hotdogs (Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, Eastbay) To many, this is the BEST hotdog in the Bay Area. The original store was on upper Telegraph ave in Oakland,(no longer there) but there remains the second-oldest outpost on Macarthur blvd in the Dimond district. Loyalists know the difference between the "K" Kaspers and "C" Casper's, (it's a family deal)--Kasper's dogs are steamed and if prepared right, have a nicely-textured taste and aroma. The classic Kasper's hot dog consists of, in addition to the hot dog & bun: sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, old-style mustard (think French's), relish, and for some arcane reason, salt & pepper. The hot dog is key and I think it's excellent: great "pop" as you bite through the skin, and a yummy consistency of meat and the scent of Vienna sausage. Simply devine. There are several "C" Casper's throughout the Eastbay area.
TOP DOG, (Berkeley, Oakland) Another institution for hotdog lovers. The original is on Berkeley's Durant ave., just off Telegraph near the Cal campus. Any true hot dog loving fan NOT giving them 5 stars is out of their mind! Wide selection of dogs are ALWAYS grilled to perfection, served on great buns. They have a superb selection of mustards, self serve kraut, and yes, a touch of Berkeley included: communist manifesto notes are pinned inside on a wall. All this in the tiny cramped Durant institution that's been there for as long as I can recall, from the same grilling dude. NY couldn't do it any better than this.
WHAT'S UP DOG!, (various SF locations) Excellent, succulent sausages grilled to perfection, similar to a 'Top, but more of a variety. Very much Chicago-like. I grabbed a Chicago Style Featured Dog and an order of Garlic Fries, and while neither one individually was a 5-star punch, I was impressed with how they complemented each other. Must have been the combination of the seasoning. I'm definitely going to need to come back a few times, and try to sample the dog selection... see how they measure up as a team. But so far, What's Up Dog gets a solid recommendation. The one on Beale st, near the Transbay terminal has cool, outdoor seating and the lines are not as long as they are at other locations.
FATT DOG, (SF locations) Nice, incredibly satisfying selection and very, very good. I liked the beer-soaked sausage, an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade, great!) and a fistful of napkins. Carefully tuck the paper napkins into the collar of your shirt, making sure to cover as much material as possible. Because once you bite into your brat, you WILL get doused with dog juice. And you will love it. Just be sure to order one extra for the road.
COSTCO DOGS, (various Bay Area locations) Some say the best $1.50 investment in America. I've seen people line up at their San Leandro store just to order this particular dog. It's steamed and very large and served on a roll as opposed to a bun. Standard french mustard. Most Costo dogs are Hebrew National and all-beef, so a little touch of NY greets your mouth as you devour this frank. Order the diet-coke for a buck extra--can't beat it.
SAAGS Sausages, (various Bay Area locations) One word. Divine. Try their smoked brat at an Oakland A's game and you'll be hooked forever. The Saags sausages are the specialty dogs served at the Coliseum and AT&T Park, although you can buy them in stores and grill them yourself. I prefer the ballpark method because they just seem to taste better. How good? While covering an A's game a couple of years ago, I skipped the "free" dogs provided to the media, and went downstairs to purchase two brats. Damn, put that mustard on with onions and baby, you're King of the world! Heartburn later, but instant heaven.
I haven't mentioned Nathan's of NY, although you can purchase them in some stores, they simply don't taste like the real deal you get on Coney Island. But that's just me.
I'm sure you all have your favorites, so if I missed one you like, or you know of any in particular, please do mention, and NO ketchup allowed! Ketchup on a hotdog is like mayo on a pastrami.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Howard Stern's Return to terrestrial radio? Bet on it-- The Thursday buzz
SAN FRANCISCOOK, Howard Stern fans, go ahead and digest this as you sip that fourth cup of 'joe on another gloomy SF day.
Word in NY, sent majestically my way, via the strong rumor mill, is that Howard Stern is mulling the veal real possibility of returning to that desert oasis called terrestrial radio. Seriously, and how's that for a nice 'bababooey'?
Stern's deal with Sirius satellite radio is near expiration, and already the NY media is in deep speculation mode as to where the "King of all Media" will wind up. Or whether he even wants to get back to the radio business at all. Let's answer both questions.
First off, yes, Stern is coming back; radio is his life-blood and where he can dish out his assortment of lesbian jokes, Joan Rivers-"isms", and how bad Gary's breath is.
Many moons ago, Stern left CBS and got a huge chunk of money, (about $500 million and stock options, although about "only" $100 mill was up front) from Sirius in the days before the collapse of the US economy and the current dire straits.
A time, 2006 to be exact, when satellite radio was hotter than hot and people could actually buy cars and, for about 12 bucks a month, listen to their favorite jazz, sports-talk, country music, and oh, yeah, Howard Stern.
2006 seems like ancient history, and the novelty of satellite radio has waned considerably. It doesn't help matters that one of its biggest boosters, (GM) is in the financial tank, and a healthy dose of subscribers have stopped the service. Of course, when you lose your job and stop making your car payment, it's hard to listen to "Jimmy Galley's Top 40 countdown", even without commercials.
Unless of course you're the King of All Media.
Stern still has a loyal fan base and millions of listeners, from the streets of Manhattan to the City by the Bay.
There's been talk in industry circles about the possibility of Sirius/Stern charging a "premium" fee, (say, $15 a month) to finance 'his Howardness extended stay on satellite, but given today's economy and advertiser uncertainty, I doubt that idea has any 'legs, (pardon the Stern pun)
More thah likely, if Stern were to re-emerge on commercial radio, (and I think he will) a major syndicator will work the deal. There was talk that CBS was very interested, but without Mel Karmazin, ( Sirius' chief suit and a Stern ally) at the helm, that's unlikely.
Another strong candidate mentioned was ABC, but given the financial state of Citadel, which owns ABC radio and some affiliated stations, that's also a long shot.
My guess would be that some big radio syndicate, like a "Talk Radio Network" or "Jones Broadcasting" would be major players. For one, they have a bevy of big stations in big markets and the financial ability to meet Stern, and more importantly, his crafty agent, Don Buchwald's money stratus.
There are some naysayers that insist that Stern would never return to the broadcast arena he so ardently detested, and what about the "swear words?" Please, be serious.
For another glob of money he really doesn't need, and the chance of getting back the buzz; the daily content of Stern chatter that has eluded him during his satellite reigh, Stern will make a deal under the right circumstances. So, can't use the "f"-word--big deal.
Why? Because making movies takes too long and prevents a real "shock jock" from maintaining his trade.
Howard's 'shtick is based mostly on topical matters, with assorted celebrity guests, semi-nude women, Robin, and his stable of regulars, minus Captain 'Janks, (mr. phoney phone-calls, who was recently busted)
Radio is his therapy, and more importanly, a venue to air his occasionally hysterical, neurotic rants.
Expect to hear Howard back on terrestrial radio sometime in 2010 and have a 'bababooey of a day.
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Phil Tagami--Oakland's Urban Renaissance Leader Supreme
OAKLAND
Phil Tagami is busy. What else is new?There's relentless meetings and schmoozefests with Jerry Brown, ( a close bud of the current AG, and ex-Mayor of Oakland) frequent back and forths with staff and city people, and don't forget dinner and wine please. And who is he 'kibitzing with tonight? Could be anybody from politics to real estate. Tagami wouldn't have it any other way.
He is Oakland's pre-eminent mover and shaker. Most would call him a 21st-century developer. Stop. Tagami prefers "restorer".
Tagami's the man behind the recently renovated Fox Theatre; his ornate offices are in the city's iconic Rotunda building; a blighted drab ediface until Tagami bought it and made it look like a mini Taj Mahal.
Now Tagami has his sights set on the old, Oakland Army base. Tagami's firm, California Capital Group, and its partner, AMB Property Corp., are one of two finalists to bid for the rights to develop the city-owned site. The Port of Oakland owns a separate 157-acre parcel that's part of the base and is also slotted for redevelopment.
Proposals for the city-owned site include combinations of office, retail and logistics space. The area is critical to helping the Port of Oakland expand its business and move goods.
Tagami wants to develop the site into a "working waterfront", with land-based infrastructure as the central theme.
Recently, I caught up with one of Oakland's big hitters.
You're endorsing Don Perata for Mayor. What does he bring to the table? Over thirty years of hands on experience. Pragmatism and a keen operational manner that is about getting things done.
There were rumors that you yourself were going to run. True or false? True, if you listen to the chatter around the campfire I have been considering running for the past 12 years...maybe someday I'll do it when the kids are grown.
How do you rate Ron Dellums performance? There's a feeling in the city that he's been thoroughly ineffective, especially in terms of leadership. Your thoughts. Each Mayor brings their own unique perspectives, assets, and liabilities to the job. I think Mayor Dellums wants what is best for Oakland and has been in many cases unfairly characterized as disengaged. I generally agree with his opinions and when we have disagreed have done so in civil manner. Do I think he could be more visible, Yes.
I am open to promote within but may be one that would support a choice that would be aligned with the rank and file than an "administrator". We need better command and control on the street on the "corners" if you will. I personally do not think OPD has an image problem. Oakland has an image problem and primarily due to the "more than our fair share" of knuckleheads that test our police officers every day.
How important is the OAB as a "working waterfront" for the city in the future? Oakland is the hub of the Northern California mega region comprised of 200 cities and 33 counties. We are the gateway to the far east and the path to market for California's agricultural export where roads, rail, and port come together. We need to restore the tradition of good paying indutrial-based jobs in Oakland.
How important do you regard that both the A's and Raiders can remain in Oakland? I believe that we should work with the teams to see if they can call Oakland home but live in an era of diminishing supremacies and have severe limitation what we can do to help.
The schools here. Is there any hope? Yes, if we focus the kids agenda-- not the adult one.
What will a Don Perata do for Oakland that other Mayors have not? Good question. Let's get him elected and we will see possibly the strongest of the strong Mayors for Oakland. The future looks bright for Oakland.
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Friday, June 5, 2009
Air France Flight 447 Mystery and Media Coverage
SAN FRANCISCO--
The only thing we know for sure is that a catastrophic event took down Air France Flight 447 over the Atlantic Ocean. Was it an accident? Was it terrorism? We may never know.
Now comes the news from the Brazilian air force that debris picked up Thursday near where officials believe the Airbus crashed into the Atlantic was not from the plane.
"It has been verified that the material did not belong to the plane," Brig. Ramon Borges Cardoso told reporters in Recife, Brazil, about the material recovered Thursday. "It is a pallet of wood that is utilized for transport. It is used in planes, but on this flight to Paris, there was no wooden pallet."
The announcement left open the question of whether other debris that had not yet been plucked from the ocean might be from the plane.
As the mystery of AF flight 447 intensifies, media coverage has become more pronounced.
Although President Obama's speech in Egypt and his subsequent trip to Germany dominated the network news, the tragic events involving the downed Air France jetliner received extensive play, particularly on the net, and in French media quarters.
The BBC sent a huge team of reporters and technicians to the scene, as did CBN, the Canadien Broadcasting network.
Most of the news networks here in the US have concentrated on the Obama visit to the Middle East and Germany, but the latest developments of the Air France tragedy have altered the coverage.
Fox News' Geraldo Riveria and Greta Van Susteren are said to be mulling plans to go to the scene for further, expanded coverage.
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Thursday, June 4, 2009
Oakland Raiders Step Up Big-Time With $$ To Eastbay Youth Fields
RICHMOND, CA
The Richmond Children’s Foundation, and its partners, the City of Richmond and the Association of Sports Field Users will receive a $200,000 grant from The Oakland Raiders as part of the National Football League Grassroots Program, it was announced today.
The grant, awarded by the Raiders, the NFL Youth Football Fund and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), is part of the NFL Grassroots Program awards. It will be used to install artificial turf at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park football field. This new football field will be at the heart of the Nystrom United Revitalization Effort (NURVE), a community effort to revitalize the Nystrom neighborhood. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park is the primary community facility that serves numerous youth in this area. The football field will link two adjacent schools and will serve as the centerpiece of the neighborhood.
“It is our great pleasure to once again work with the NFL Grassroots Program to provide a place for the community to engage in outdoor activity,” said Chief Executive Amy Trask.
The NFL Grassroots Program, a partnership between the NFL Youth Football Fund and LISC, the nation’s leading community development support corporation, has resulted in the construction or renovation of 170 football fields nationwide in the past decade. In the last 11 years, the NFL Youth Football Fund has granted over $25 million to revitalize playing fields in underserved neighborhoods. Fields are newly built or significantly renovated, with improvements such as irrigation systems, lights, bleachers, scoreboards, goal posts and turf. Grassroots grants are issued once established funding thresholds are reached for each project.
“These fields help us make an impact where assistance is most needed and provide a tangible sign of our Youth Football Fund in action,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who also is a member of LISC’s national board of directors. “We are proud to support projects that give youngsters a safe place to play and bring families and neighborhoods together.”
LISC identifies local, nonprofit, neighborhood-based agencies which have an interest in building or refurbishing football fields in schools and parks in underserved neighborhoods. Through the program, the local agencies are provided with the necessary financing and technical assistance to improve the quality and safety of fields in their neighborhoods. The local agencies oversee the construction, maintenance and programming of the fields.
“At LISC, we are focused on helping distressed communities become good places to live, work, do business and raise families,” said Michael Rubinger, LISC president and CEO. “We call it Building Sustainable Communities, and developing sound recreational opportunities is a key piece of our work. The NFL has been a committed partner in helping make that happen.”
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