Bartman won’t cash in.

by Homer2680

Steve Bartman has refused yet another offer to cash in on the moment he became the most famous — or infamous — Chicago Cubs fan in history.

Bartman friend Frank Murtha says that Bartman won’t accept an offer of $25,000. For the money, all Bartman would have to do is attend the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont and autograph a photograph taken of when he tipped a foul ball that seemed destined for Cubs’ outfielder Moises Alou’s glove during a 2003 playoff game with the Florida Marlins.

Bartman was vilified by Cubs fans, who thought that he helped prevent the team from reaching the World Series. Alou has made conflicting statement on whether he would have caught the ball.

Bartman has declined all offers to appear or make money off his brush with fame.

A few tips for you rookie waterfowl hunters

by Steve Remington

Making a good shot is one of the great joys in waterfowl hunting.  Everything else - scouting in the off season, building blinds, setting decoys, calling, getting a flock to put their feet down in your decoys is what your building up to with all the hard work associtated with waterfowl hunting. 

How do you become a good shot? How can you turn misses into hits? What can you do to improve your accuracy and hold your own with more seasoned shooters in the blind or out in the field??

Good shooting is a mix of coordination, concentration and confidence. Good shooting is more instinctive than mechanical. It’s a skill that is honed by  coaching and lots of practice, similar to other athletic endeavors.

Here’s a list of some tips for becoming a better shot the next time you and your buddys are trying to stack em up!!

Tip No. 1: Make sure your shotgun fits.

Before buying any shotgun go through the motions, dont worrie about looking weird in the sporting goods store, practice swinging the gun to your shoulder, most sporting good stores have mounts all over, pick a mount and swing the gun like your going for the shot, make sure the sights are comfortable and the gun is the right length.  And alot of people dont think about the 25 degree mornings and how many layers they have on and wonder why there missing that honker coming feet down into the spread..as you increase the layers of cloths, your range of motion changes, so just a few things to think about when your looking at buying your new shotgun

Tip No. 2: Practice shooting in the pre-season.

Theres alot of hunters out there that think they can pull their gun out the weekend before opener and head into the field and put the smack down on some geese or ducks…. you might be hunting with one in your group.. hes usually the guy swearing alot.. complaing about the sun in his eyes.. or his sight must have been knocked around on the hike in…. But what it comes down to is being ready.  One of the best ways to get ready for opening morning is to dove hunt in the off season.. keeps you on your game trying to drop thoese tasty little guys out of the sky, but if you live in Michigan like I do thats not an option… damn hippies, so the next best thing is to grab a few boxs of shells and head out to the shooting range or to an open field with some buddys and shoot the hell out of some clays, you would be suprised once opening day comes and that first flock comes in feet down that you wont have a problem dropping what your after. 

 

 

Don’t get in a hurry.

So many hunters rush taking a shot, which most of the time result in seeing the butt of the bird as it flys away…..  Take your time… many hunter think if they dont quick shoot the birds will flare and you will miss your oppurtunity, but thats not the case at all, be patient pick your bird aim and let er rip!! When hunting out of a layout blind hunters tend to pop out of their blind uncontrolled and try to shoot throwing them off balance, when your in your blind keep your right hand on your gun and your left hand on the door, when your ready to take the shot lift the door with your left hand sitting up, dont worrie about the right door that will open with your body as you sit up, grippen your gun picking out that duck or goose and squeezing the trigger, you will find that you limit out alot more if you can learn to control your movements when your going for the shot.

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Tip No. 4:

Shoot one bird at a time.

I know Im guilty, ecspecially when the birds are right in your face and you just let the bb’s fly at the flock.. then I sit back scratching my head when I dont see a bird drop…. and in the heat of the moment its a hard thing to rember, when I first started hunting waterfowl I didnt have someone tell me that,  I figured the bb’s spread out.. and theres alot in there. I should be wrecking a few at a time.. hahha no.. you need to pick out a bird and stick with it, imagine that its the only bird in the sky, and once you see it bounce off the ground, swing and go for another.. dont take your eye off that bird till u know its down.. Ive lost a bird or two that way, thinking I rocked it then swinging to go after his buddys only to look back and watch the goose that I could have swore was dead fly off… not a good feeling

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Tip No. 5: Shoot the trailing bird in a flight.

Take the last or highest bird in an incoming fight. When ducks or geese are about to land, most hunters focus on the closest, lowest, easiest shot, and two or more hunters wind up shooting at the same bird.  while others flare off and get away, Instead, take a trailing bird with the first shot. Then your shotgun will be in the right place to shoot flaring birds on the second and third shots. Also, you’ll have the braging rights with your buddys because you dropped the birds know one else could shoot..

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Tip No. 6:  Don’t stop swinging

Stopping the swing with the shotgun is one of the most common reasons for missing ducks and geese. You have to follow through with your shot! next time your on the golf course.. try stopping your swing mid way and see what happens, it screws up your timing and coordination. The same thing happens when you stop swinging your shotgun. Keep the barrel moving after firing. follow thru and you will see more birds drop to the ground !!

 

Just get out there and try it, you can read books, tips, watch videos but intill you get out there and learn for yourself you wont know what there talking about.. it takes thoese miss’s on easy shots that you should haved dropped that bird,  takes getting busted by a flock coming right in, takes learning the decoy spread and what works with the wind condition.  am I calling to much? or not enough? am I flagging to much and their flaring?? But it will be the funest learning experience you will ever have !!!!!

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The Banded Bird Constitution

by Steve Remington

Its a dilemma as old as goose hunting itself: a banded bird claimed by more than one hunter.  How do you decide who is the rightful owner of the band if the bird was possibly tag-teamed?  Never again will you let someone take advantage of you, or your band, because you didnt know the rules.

 

FOREWORD

 

            These rules are definitive and binding.  The following will ultimately state the rightful owner of the band beyond any further questioning.  By reading and/or possessing this Constitution, you officially forfeit your prior right to argue, and agree to concur to the statutes within its determining factors.

 

            These articles are designed to be considered in the order presented; the case listed first will take precedence over any other cases beneath it, unless otherwise stated.  Only in the instance an exception is established or the article does not apply, shall one continue to the next article. 

 

ARTICLES:

(1.1)         If the two claiming hunters are using different size shot, the rightful owner will be determined upon cleaning of the bird.  The hunter whose size pellets are found in the bird is the just owner.  If the bird is to be mounted, refer to 1.3

(1.2)         If no pellets, or both different sizes of pellets, are retrieved; refer to 2.1.

(1.3)         The duty of pellet retrieval is now in the hands of the taxidermist.  He should already be familiar with this Constitution.  In the rare case that he is not, present it to him.  Upon his reading, he is officially bound to concur to the clauses (refer to Foreword).  The taxidermist must keep and make present the crucial shot pellet.  Upon presentation of this determining piece of evidence, the rightful owner will pay the taxidermy cost.  A generous tip is imperative, as well as, understood.

 

(2.1)         2 or more eyewitnesses testimonies will resolve the dispute if, and only if, they reach a unanimous decision on which of their buddies made the killing shot.  If even only witness disagrees, all testimonies are void, unless one of the witnesses was filming the kill sequence.  In this case, refer to 2.2.  If  there was no video camera present, continue to 3.1

(2.2)         In this instance, either hunter can challenge the witnesses rulings.  Until inspection of the video tape all further testimonies will be suspended.  If all witnesses concur after review of the tape, the ruling stands.  If just one is indecisive a hung-jury results, and no decision can yet be ruled. 

(2.3)         A video ruling CAN later be overturned once the video has been edited and reviewed and a larger screen (slow-motion is a plus). This act requires all the eyewitness who were present at the time of the kill, as well as, 3 additional outside viewers to all agree unanimously.  The 2 hunters are not allowed to vote, but are allowed to plead their cases to their peers (slow-motion again very crucial).  If a unanimous decision is reached the winner is allowed to permanently string the band upon his lanyard. 

 

(3.1)         If the tag-team kill took place between a guide and a guidee (paying customer), the guidee claims the band, unless other previous arrangements had been discussed beforehand. 

            *Note:  guidee and guest are not one in the same.  Guests

            are defined as INVITED, while, guidees are defined as

            PAYING.  Therefore guests are NOT protected under this

            guide/guidee clause. 

(3.2)    If none of the previous laws have resolved the band

           ownership dispute, the hunter who treated for ALL of the

            mornings sausage biscuits, coffee, beef   jerky,

            Butterfingers, Dr. Peppers, honey buns, PowerAdes, and

            necessary

            tobacco products takes ownership of the band by default. 

(3.3)     If for some completely unknown reason you did not stop

            for gas station munchie food before daylight you should:

                        a. Be ashamed of yourself

                        b. Admit that you are hunting un-Americanly

                        c. Refer to Article 4.1

 

(4.1)     Whichever hunter is wearing the most facepaint at the time

             of tag-team   kill acquires the band if Articles 3.2 or 3.3

             do not apply.  If facepaint was not being worn during the

             hunt, (again un-American) continue to 4.2.

(4.2)     The final determining factor to ensure that the proper

             hunter obtains his benefit of wearing the band around his

             neck like the gold medal that it truly is, must be postponed

             until the bird-banding information has been received

             through the mail.  Both hunters shall guess where the bird

             was originally banded.  This act must be documented,

             signed, and witnessed.  Upon learning the location of this

             crucial determining factor, the hunter whose guess was

             closer prevails.  In the case of a tie, which is defined as

             both hunters guesses having less than 100 miles of

             difference in distance, refer to 4.2 Discrepancy

             Amendment I for the Fairness Clause.

 

(4.2 Discrepancy Amendment I.)

            To establish a Fairness Clause in 4.2, a 100 mile cushion is

 allotted to cover the size of the city or province where the bird was banded.  When the hunters distance guesses have less than this required 100 mile pad, Exception 1-A will take precedence over Article 4.2. (continue to Exception 1-A)

 

(4.2 Exception 1-A)

            To fairly validate the Fairness Clause of 4.2, Exception 1-A states that a witnessed 2 out of 3 tournament of Rock, Paper, Scissors will be required to finalize the winning hunters right to permanently sport the band around his neck.  At this point, the unluckier of the hunters shall:

  

a.       Congratulate his buddy

b.      Understand that he can never again dispute the Constitution’s decision, as doing so shall result in:

            Purposely never again being saved

            any coffee or hot  chocolate.

            Being required to pay for all the gasoline

            until his lesson is learned.

            Being stricken to the bad side of the blind

            indefinitely.

            Being denied SHOTGUN privileges in the

            truck until  further notice. (refer to The

            OFFICIAL Rules of  Shotgun for

            verification)

c.       Realize that he should have shot straighter and sooner because in the sport of goose hunting, you do not get a medal (metal) for second place!             

                      

The Maine Turnpike Exit Numbering System

by Steve Remington

The present Maine Turnpike Exit numbering system has been in effect for several years now so most people who travel in Maine know it. However, I feel it is worthwhile to let folks know that the Exits are numbered based on the number of miles the exit is from the southern entrance to of the pike. The exits used to be sequentially numbered and it is possible some advertising materials may still have the old numbers. Visit the Maine Turnpike Web Site for the latest information - select Travelers Services for exit info.

So You Want To Get Away From It All In Maine

by Steve Remington

Not for everyone, sporting camps, or wilderness camping in Maine provide a great way to really get away from ones “normal” routine. In places like these you don’t run out for a loaf of bread or quart of ice cream. Trips to town take the better part of the day and you had best have a complete shopping list!

One of the oldest and most respected wilderness camping locations is north of Oxbow Maine. The Oxbow checkpoint, where the pavement ends, is your point of departure for the Libby Camps. Oxbow checkpoint is one of ten checkpoints operated by the North Maine Woods - Multiple Ownership - Multiple Use Management Area organization. The private forest landowners and state governmental agencies cooperating in this program are dedicated to helping visitors have a safe and pleasant trip in the area, plus provide valuable information on forest resource management and recreational use.

Once passing Oxbow checkpoint it is a 25 mile trek over logging roads to Libby Camps. Libby’s is on the shores of Millinocket Lake north of Baxter State Park. Libby Camps is a multi-generation operation that has catered to hunters, fisherman, naturalists and families for well over 100 years.

If you want a unique and memorable Maine experience then I highly recommend it - its not for everyone but it just may be for you - go for it.

Knight Rider NBC This Fall

by Steve Remington

Trailer for the new Knight Rider.

As part of its announcements for the 2008-09 season, NBC has confirmed that a series version of the revamped Knight Rider, which aired as a TV movie/back-door pilot in February, will be part of the Fall line-up. It’s currently scheduled for Wednesdays at 8pm.

“We saw it with Terminator [The Sarah Connor Chronicles], and we saw it with Bionic Woman,” said Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC, during the network’s upfront presentation in New York. “Big openings, big branded titles, draw open the tent, and the show didn’t deliver on that $10 million pilot. What we’re doing with Knight Rider is we consciously delivered it on air so that we had nine months to make sure that series is great.”

Here’s the network’s official description: “On the heels of NBC’s hit movie, the iconic 1980s television classic comes roaring back to life as an updated drama series showcasing the new customized KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) Ford Mustang. As the sequel resumes, KITT is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body – thanks to its creator’s work and nanotechnology – is capable of actually shifting shape and color. It is the ultimate car – and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.

“Knight Rider stars Justin Bruening (Cold Case), Deanna Russo (NCIS), Sydney Tamiia Poitier (Veronica Mars) and Bruce Davison (Breach). David Bartis (Heist, The O.C.), Doug Liman (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Bourne Identity) and Gary Scott Thompson (Las Vegas, The Fast and The Furious) are executive producers and David Andron serves as supervising producer and writer. Based on characters created by Glen Larson, Knight Rider is from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.”

Noticeably absent from the announcement: Who will perform the voice of KITT. There was a last-minute recasting for the TV film when Will Arnett was forced out due to a conflict of interest; Val Kilmer redubbed the car’s lines only a couple of weeks before air date. Kilmer has been cast in a mini-series slated for fall 2008, XIII, so his availability – even for a role you can literally phone in – is unclear.

What does the Hoff think about this?  See the article I found below.

The actor insists the new incarnation is doomed to fail without his star name attached.
Bitter Hasselhoff, who played Michael Knight on TV from 1982 to 1986, says, “It’s going to miss the target a little bit… It’s like have Indiana Jones without Indiana Jones.”
Hasselhoff recently told WENN he’ll have nothing to do with the TV series because producers ignored his ideas for the project’s hit pilot and ousted him as a guest star.
Hasselhoff claims he came up with the idea of reviving the franchise and even presented TV bosses with a plot treatment for the show.
But when producers decided to take a different direction for the TV pilot, which aired in America earlier this year (08), and cut Hasselhoff out, the Baywatch creator decided he wanted nothing to do with the new Knight Rider.
He revealed, “They asked me to come in and do a cameo and promote it and I said I would. But it was not what I had in mind.
“I didn’t get a chance to see the show until the final product and it was clearly not what it could’ve been. It was someone else’s vision.”

I’m Willing – Are You?

by doodaa

One of my favorite ways to get away from it all and relax is fishing. I don’t care what I catch either, as long as I have a fish willing to put up a fight. I prefer to take on big fish, but even the little scrappers are fun - especially on light tackle. I know this might sound a little crazy, but one of my favorite fish to catch is gar. They are pretty willing to jump on a lure, and put up a great fight. But I have always just let them go, after the catch. That might change…

I did some reading on the ‘net, and evidently gar is pretty popular table fare. I, like so many others, have always considered gar “trash fish”, and full of bones. I even went as far one time to take home a chain pickerel I caught, cleaned it, and baked it. A chain pickerel (jackfish to some) is a southern cousin of the northern pike. People eat pike, so I thought a chain pickerel would be good to eat, too. It was. Very tasty, in fact. Flaky, white meat. But full of tiny bones that I had to pick out as I ate the meat. It was way too much work for me to try again. I assumed a gar filet would be full of bones, too. But I was curious, and it turns out gar filets come off the bone boneless. But how do you get to the meat?

From what I’ve read so far, once you breach a gar’s armor-like scales, it’s all down hill from there. The recommended tools for the process include a hatchet, tin snips and a filet knife. The meat is likened to chicken in texture, and without a fish taste. Gar connoisseurs recommend cutting the filets into chunks, battering them up and fry away, just like other fish.

I am a person who will try pretty much any food at least once. If I don’t like it, I won’t ever eat that particular dish again. So, I am going to catch, clean and then fry up a gar. I know to some of you this might sound like a waste of time and effort, but I am hoping that the end result will be a welcomed surprise.

So, stay tuned for an update to this particular blog, and if any of you are gar eaters, then post up your favorite method of cooking them…

doodaa

Sports Highlights and Headnotes: July 21, 2008

by Jason A. Hendricks

What’s making sports news today?  Well, it isn’t Greg Norman.  It seems that after Norman failed to win the 2008 PGA British Open, that he has once again been left in obscurity.  It was a good run, though, and well worth a mention.  It actually had me keeping up on Golf without Tiger Woods.  Who would have thought something like that was possible?  Here’s the latest headlines from around the sports world.

The Sporting News:

• Report:  Josh Childress Weighing Greek Offer
• Wardrobe Malfunction Fine Tossed By FCC
• Mets Top Reds In 10, Grab Share of East Lead
• Redwings Resign Howard, Ericsson
• Miles’ Walkoff Slam Give Cards Sweep of Pads

From ESPN:

• Source:  Saints Acquire Shockey For Draft Picks
• President Gives U.S. Olympians Rousing Send-Off
• Blister Still Plagues Cubs’ Wood, DL list Likely
• Valuev, Ruiz set August Date For WBA Heavyweight Title Rematch
• Report:  Celtics To Keep Key Reserves, House, Allen.

“Affliction: Banned”

by Norm

Sounds like there first event was a good one.  Arlovski managed to get a knockout, Bartlett did the same.  Of course I had to take a double take as I ready the story on mmafighting.com this morning.  You see, Tim Sylvia, former heavyweight champion also was scheduled to fight in this premier event.  Tim and I have known each other since the third grade.  So, needless to say whoever he fights I am in Tim’s corner.  Also, as friends do, he sometimes just gets my goat.  I don’t always agree with his style of fighting.  I mean, he’s not the most exciting fighter in the world 95 percent of the time.  I know he has taken a lot of slack and I hear people say all this stuff all the time.  Even though I don’t understand or agree with his style all the time.  He is a former champion, he defended that title and the man is a bad ass.  I was shocked to hear he lost this fight in 36 seconds however.  That Fedor I would say has to be the top heavyweight to knock Tim down and place him in a rear naked choke in that amount of time.

Tim, keep up the hard work.  It’s been a rough road the last few bouts but us maniacs are still proud to have you represent us in the MMA bud.

Introducing The Oklahoma City Thunder…That’s right…Thunder

by Jason A. Hendricks

Oklahoma City has finally come up with a name for their new NBA franchise.  The franchise, itself, isn’t new-the former Seattle Supersonics, but now they have a new city, a new name, and possibly a new commotion from NBA fans.

Oklahoma City unveiled their new team name, The Oklahoma City Thunder.  If you think that sounds like an Arena football team name, your not alone.  Some NBA fans have even gone on record to state that the new team name sounds much like a team that would be featured in the WNBA.  That’s a pretty harsh analysis, yet one has to wonder how this will effect the marketing.

I recently posted about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s new uniforms and colors.  The black and white structure just doesn’t play to the “Thunder” name, but I guess I will just have to wait and see how this all comes together.  We all know that NBA team names and uniforms are not the basis for a successful team. That will only be measured in wins, something the previous Seattle Supersonics had a hard time doing

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