Alex Jones freaks out Piers Morgan (and everyone else)

Notorious conspiracy theorist loses it on national television.

Alex Jones is a central figure in the contemporary field of conspiracy theories. His radio show has taken over a huge segment of what used to be Art Bell's audience, back in the day. His websites and podcast and articles are nutty, sure, but you would hardly have expected the kind of insane ranting that he burst into when interviewed by Piers Morgan.

Some people - including no less than Glenn Beck - are wondering if Morgan invited Jones on his show specifically because he knew Jones would freak out, thus discrediting Second Amendment fanatics everywhere. It's not an implausible theory, which says more about Piers Morgan and the insatiable hunger of the 24-hour news cycle than it does about Alex Jones.
 
Jones has always stuck up for the lunatic fringe. In 1998, he helped rebuild the Branch Davidian church after the ATF destroyed the first one in the standoff with David Koresh. Next, Jones hit the big time when he advocated that a government conspiracy was behind the Oklahoma City bombing. 
 
It takes a special kind of person to position white power zealots as the underdog, and champion their cause in public. In fact, no less an authority than the Southern Poverty Law Center has Jones on their list of bad guys for his constant effort to "appeal to the fears of the antigovernment Patriot movement."
 
Not only is Alex Jones a fan of the Second Amendment, he fervently believes that it is the only thing that will stand between us and tyranny. I mean this literally. Jones has long forecast a military takeover of our nation which will only be defeated by "true patriots" and their stockpiles of guns. Jones is vehemently opposed to any form of gun control, which he sees as the first step in the long slide into complete totalitarianism. 
 
Long story short, if America experiences another Civil War, Alex Jones will be at the helm.
 
Even given his history, Jones' lengthy angry violent rant at Piers Morgan was over the top, even for him. Morgan later commented that he found Jones "terrifying," "an advertisement for gun control," and that "it was based on a premise of making Americans so fearful that they all rush out to buy even more guns."  
 
If Jones was seeking a national stage, he sure got it on Morgan's show. And I suppose we shouldn't be terribly surprised what happened when he did.

Essential food for runners

Oranges, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans and salmon

 

Hitting the pavement, treadmill or trails consistently can be tolling for runners. It's important to provide your body with the nutrition it needs to keep your runs long and strong. Here are some of the best foods runners can eat to obtain the most nutrition and energy for runs of any distance.

Oranges

In addition to offering more than day's worth of vitamin C, fresh oranges also help hydrate thirsty runners. Have an orange before, during or after a run to help fill a void between meals, increase cell hydration and replace collagen in muscle fibers that break down during runs. Added bonus: oranges are a natural breath freshener! Who needs a stick of gum when you have a fresh orange to enjoy?

Eggs

Eggs provide runners with a portion of daily protein while the amino acids help repair muscles after runs. Try an egg or two day, in a variety of ways: poached, scrambled, boiled, sunny side up...the list goes on and on! Added bonus: eggs will help you feel full longer so you won't snack when you're not hungry.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt, especially the non-fat, plain varieties, has three beneficial elements: protein, calcium and carbs. Its thick, creamy consistency give it more sustenance than regular yogurt and you can add practically anything to a serving to yogurt to make it a healthy snack or meal. Add fresh berries, raw nuts and a little bit of honey for a sweet treat or use it as a sour cream substitute in guacamole or on baked potatoes. Added bonus: Greek yogurt with honey is a great energy gel replacement, before or after a run. 

Beans

A great source of iron, protein and fiber, beans make the perfect addition to a salad or soup. Pinto, lentil and garbanzo beans are easy to find and cook. Try making your own bean dip by mashing pinto beans, adding a little non-fat, plain Greek yogurt, a little cheese and spices: yum! Hummus is also a great dip with veggies and whole wheat crackers. Added bonus: canned beans are cheap and easy to use immediately; no cooking required!

Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fats, which help reduce inflammation throughout the body and maximize bran function. In addition, salmon is an excellent source of protein, a variety of essential minerals and vitamins A, B and D. Added bonus: like beans, you can buy canned salmon in water to add to salads, sandwiches and more. 

Sketchy Sketches: The Woes Of A Sound Engineer

Taken from a sketch comedy show in Quebec called (unfortunately) "LOL," this clip gives a much more realistic behind-the-scenes at what it is like to work as a sound engineer. Work that board, sound monkey!

Sonics NEXT season

'First and goal at the one'

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Sent this to Jill Bames:

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A question I've never gotten my ethical bearings on -- the potential move now of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle.  As you see it, should a Seattle basketball fan feel sheepish about the situation in general?  

The new franchise will, or won't, be (or feel like) the Sonics on a civically psychic level?  

Certainly you have a strong perspective on the general issue of sports teams relocating, the ethic that applies, and the tendency for it to turn out to be emotionally satisfying, or to manifest good karma so to speak, or not ...

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I'm looking for something a little more satisfying than "hey, they did it to us, so why should we feel bad about doing it to them?"  If I accidentally cut a guy off in traffic, and that guy jumps out of car and starts hollering at me at a stoplight, and I lower myself to his level (meaning the level he was at during that incident, not during his life generally!), then I'm not going to feel good about my decision that night.

We certainly know how we felt about that Oklahoma City businessman hijacking the Sonics -- especially right before the big emergence.

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On the other hand, if the city of Sacramento is in a position --- > like they're customers who simply choose not to purchase enough pickle sandwiches to justify having Chik-Fil-A set up a chain in the area, then that's another thing.  Is Sacramento getting its team yanked for refusing to kowtow low enough to the NBA?  I dunno.

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Would muchly appreciate anybody being able to give us a rundown of the state of their franchise.  I can see they have a huge young center, DeMarcus Cousins, who gets 17-18 points and 10-11 boards.  He looks like he's a 12-week diet away from a bodybuilding competition.

Tyreke Evans scored 20 per ballgame as a 20-year-old and now gets 15; perhaps there's a pattern emerging here as to the classic NBA dry rot with young players needing a compass heading.  Are Cousins and Evans potentially players the Sonics* could win their next conference with? 

Only one other guy that Dr. D has a nodding acquaintance with.  I think their kid Isaiah Thomas once said that if Larry Bird were black, he'd be just another good guy.  And with that I'm a leeeetle bit more in need of help myself, than able to offer any.

What, exactly, would it take for the Kings to become a powerhouse franchise?

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No doubt, the NBA arranged for the Sonics to keep their nickname, and to stay at the front of the line, if they didn't squawk about the Thunder.  Is Stern going to make sure their draft envelope has a bend in the card, do you think?  We mean the question seriously.  

Trades these days seem to be prearranged out of the commish's office.  They've set up about 8 teams with twin marquee players, or that's my impression, and it would be nice if we're on the agenda to get a Chris Paul type parachuting in.  We wonder whether the NBA is incentivized to feature the Sonics, to say hey look, if you lie back and enjoy it you'll be glad you did.  

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They're bringing Big Bad Kevin back, right?  And Frank Hughes was always one of my very favorite sportswiters, a model of what a young, SportsCenter-type beat writer should be.  Totally plugged in, very good judgment, can hang around the ballplayers and not fret about the fact that --- > to the players, he's a geek.  Because he is secure in what he does.  Reminds me of Geoff Baker to tell ya the truth...

A delightful bit of serendipity that he works his ESPN gig out of Sacramento these days, or do we have that right?  He used to.  Wonder if Seattle has any shot at getting him here to cover the Sonics.  Frank Hughes rox.  

Every pro sports franchise should come with its own Geoff Baker, John Clayton or Frank Hughes.  I think there's a Frank Hughes inside Jason Churchill somewhere - that's the kind of place we always thought he was headed, at some point.  :- )  The two even look alike.  

Alternatively, Chris Hansen could give Silentpadna a call.  There's plenty of time for Russ to come up to speed. 

Nothing like Live At the Hardwood,

Dr D

 

Stacked fields in the Houston Half Marathon and Marathon

World record holders present in Texas this weekend.

Though 2013 is fresh and in its youth, the year’s marathon action is ready to start in a strong way. This Sunday marks the annual Chevron Houston Marathon and ½ Marathon, and the fields ready to toe the line in all four races are definitely stacked.

On the men’s side of the ½ Marathon, Atsedue Tsegay Tesfaye, the 4th fastest to ever run a half marathon, is flirting with the notion of tackling the world record. The record is 58:23, which was set by countryman Zersenay Tadese in 2010.  If Tesfaye can break the record, he will be given a $50,000.00 prize bonus. His competition includes Deriba Merga, Luke Puskedra and fan-favorite Meb Keflezighi.

On the women’s side, runner up from last year’s Chevron ½ marathon Caroline Kilel is leading the field. She will be challenged by last year’s marathon champion Mamitu Daska, as well as American Lisa Uhl and Claire Hallissey of the Great Britain.

The men’s full marathon field is going to be led by Ethiopia’s Bazu Worku, who has a PR of 2:05:25, which he set in Paris in 2010. He will be competing with last year’s marathon runner-up in Debebe Tolossa, as well as another sub 2:06 marathon runner in Teferi Balacha. They will be challenged by Americans Andrew Carlson, Fernando Cabada and Sergio Reyeys.

Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopian, known for being 2011’s NYC Marathon runner-up will lead the women’s field on Sunday. She will be dueling with Merima Mohammed, who has the fastest PR in the women’s field. Tara Moody will be the top runner from the U.S. competing this Sunday.  She will be battling it out with country woman Amy Hastings for the top U.S. finish, but unlikely to be competing for the win.

One interesting tidbit for this weekend’s full marathon is the rabbit situation for the American men. Most races are run with pacers to help try and pull the lead pack to a certain time, but with the top Americans in this race being a far spot back from their African competition, a pacer leading the field at 2:12 clip has been set-up by Fernando Cabada and Sergio Reyes. According to letsrun.com, the runners decided to act on their own accord to make sure they competed to their best at the Houston Marathon.

You can stream the marathon this Sunday, January 13, starting at 8 a.m. EST from the Let’s Run website. 

Where we're from, Mary Jane has always been legal

Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado

When many out-of-towners dream about a ski getaway in Colorado; names like Aspen and Vail grace their thoughts. Though both resorts boast incredible terrain, great nightlife and a plethora of activities on and around the mountain, what they lack is a taste of the that true local feel. For those wanting to experience a genuine Colorado staple, their best bet is to brave the infamous Berthoud Pass and head to Winter Park Resort.

Located in Grand County, Winter Park Ski Resort is made up of three connected mountains: Winter Park, Mary Jane and Vasquez Complex. Winter Park itself is the family-friendly, learning area, littered with green and blue runs. For those looking to get a few longer runs in, while experiencing some decent trees and bumps, Vasquez Complex is a step to the next level. The most hidden gem though, annually rated in Ski Magazine’s Top 10 mountains for tree skiing, is Mary Jane. With an absence of groomed runs and an endless amount of hidden powder pockets, Mary Jane is the place you’ll find savvy locals and short lift lines on a true deep snow day.

What makes Winter Park Resort so special (besides Mary Jane Side) is that locals and tourists alike often overlook the resort. This leaves fresh snow for those in the know, even days after the last storm. Lift lines rarely exist (even on weekdays) and it’s possible to get a beer and a pizza for a decent price after your runs.

Along with skiing, Winter Park offers a great deal of things to do both on and around the resort. Both Mary Jane and Winter Park Base offer great après-ski bars and cafes, such as the Cheeky Monk Café or Lime American Bistro. If you haven’t completely satiated your snow fix, Winter Park also offers tubing between the base and the Cabriolet Lift that runs late into the night.

For those looking to hit the town, The Pub and Ullrs offer the best nightlife in Winter Park. Head to The Pub on Tuesdays for cheap tacos and beer, and get ready to dance to live music at Ullrs every Wednesday for ladies' night. Along with watering holes, the town also offers a great, diverse mix of food which encompasses all price ranges. To get the full Winter Park experience, a trip to Hernandos Italian restaurant is a must.

Don’t let the bright lights and tourist attractions trick you. If you want to ski great pow, save a few bucks and get a real sense of Colorado, make your way to Winter Park Resort. Don’t let recent regulations make you think otherwise, because in Grand County, Mary Jane has always been legal. 

Pop Culture Happenings: Honest Inception Trailer

The fans of the beloved Screen Junkies have been clamoring for an "Inception" spoof for a long time. Christopher Nolan's much loved film has a lot of complications that make it easy for parody. I will give them this: the characters do sure talk a lot about how even they don't get the plot. But then again, that is kind of the point of the film. Either way, funny stuff.

Pulling At My Heartstrings: Two Cats One Bowl

This video is not as NSFW as you might think by the title.

Oh No They Didn't: Celebrities Read Mean Tweets

Twitter. What a strange thing. On the first 11:35 p.m. airing of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Jimmy took to his old staple of having celebrities read mean tweets about themselves. I only wish I was half as entertaining on social media.

Michael Morse 101 - the Traffic Jam at 1B/DH

Shed Smoak and Carp, use a 5-to-make-4 with RF and C

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Q.  Rauuuuuul, and Kendrys, followed by Michael Morse, followed by who?  Adam Dunn?  I'm pretty sure Boog Powell is still alive.

A.  Before we wave Morse's code off as too staticky, let's remember from whence we came. They ARE making offers* on him.  

How they would configure is not very relevant to whether they will import a cleanup hitter, of one type or another, to play 1B/DH.

Look, if it were a deal for Billy Butler rumored, we wouldn't even be talking about the amputations implied, right?  You slough off the guys worse than him, and move on.

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Q.  ::BONK:: My head just hit the desk.  Dr. D is going to argue in favor of another DH?  Perhaps he is collecting a 2013 Mariner-DH Chess Set?

A.  ::winning smile:: Everybody has the other side of this one.  You know what transpires when the blog-o-sphere all rallies to one side of a question that can be argued two ways.  You got it.  Dr. D taps the ball gently over the LF scoreboard, rounds third, jumps wayyyyyyy high into the air and stomps on home plate as hard as he can.... 

The spiral fractures are as entertaining as anything else would be, right?

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Q.  This would be two DH/1B's imported for one year?  What's the point of that?

A.  You are just not used to fluid rosters, babe.  Paradigm Shift Alert ...

Texas and Anaheim buy cleanup hitters for seven years at a time.  Billy Beane can't do that, so he gets 30 homers and 100 RBI out of Josh Willingham for one (1) season.  Then he sheds Willingham and brings in Johnny Gomes, who racks up a 140 OPS+ for one year, and Gomes is pushed off the 20-m high dive into a Yosemite Sam bellyflop into the apple tub below.

Manny Ramirez ... Kilos KaiHuey ... David DeJesus for one (1) year ... Seth Smith came in last year ... 

Going back further there were the 38-year-old Giambi for a year, there had been the aging Frank Thomas, in 2011 there was Godzilla for one (1) year, there was Nomah, there was Matt blinkin' Holliday for one year ... do we have to go on?

Teams are used to marrying the big names.  Billy B dates them.  The M's don't need to run the double-reverse every single drive, but they can have it in their playbook to roll out when the end zone is yawning unprotected.

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Q.  So a Morse scenario means a 1-year plan?

A.  Zduriencik was clear when Prince turned up his nose at us.  "Whether it's now, or next winter, or whenever, we'll get our man."  Let's be super clear:  Mike Morse and Kendrys Morales are kicking the can down the road one year.

NEXT

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