Steve_Chenevey's Blog

I didn't know Tim Russert well... in fact, I only spoke with him on a few occasions but we shared two passions, journalism and sports.  The first time I met Tim was at the very first Washington Nationals game at RFK, the game where the President threw out the first pitch, when baseball returned to Washington.  Strangely enough, I bumped into Tim in a very crowded restroom and watched as he very politely engaged in conversation with every fan who approached him.  I kept thinking, "how awkward is this, that people would approach him in an overcrowded public restroom?"  One person even asked for his autograph.  But Tim talked to every single person, and not just a casual "hello" or "thank you".  He talked to them as if he enjoyed it.  It was a chance to talk politics... and baseball.   I thought, "this is how a person of his stature should act... wouldn't it be nice if everyone was so friendly... so courteous to complete strangers."  I mean, the guy was waiting in line in the bathroom!  And by the way, this was no suite level, it was right there with the rest of us, all baseball fans sharing the same space on that night.  

Tim was an amazing journalist, and one who always seemed, to me at least, to come across as just one of the guys.  Someone you wanted to like... and wanted to listen to no matter what he was talking about.

I ran into Tim at a few more Nats games over the past few years and most recently at a Capitals Playoff game.  I reminded him of our first awkward bathroom meeting and we shared a laugh.  A laugh that was quickly interupted by someone else wanting to say hello... to shake his hand and ask for an autograph.  Of course, Tim was quick to oblige.   Like I said, I barely knew him, but it's amazing how much you can learn from someone in such a short amount of time simply by how they present themselves to others.   That's what I learned from Tim... and that's what I'll always remember...

I had the distinct pleasure last night of attending an event honoring the legendary Quincy Jones (who produced, among many, many other things,  Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" cds in case you forgot) for his continued work and support of Special Olympics.  It was also Quincy's 75th birthday.  Among those in attendance were Colin Powell, former NBA star Sam Perkins (fresh off his Fox5 Morning News apearance), Special Olympics head Tim Shriver, his brother Mark and numerous members of Congress, businessfolk & philanthropists (plus a birthday phone call to Quincy from Stevie Wonder). 

It had the look and setting (an opulent Embassy Row area home) of a huge fundraiser, but it wasn't.  The event was to drum up awareness of Special Olympics on a global basis, in part to convince more African participants to step up and compete in the games.  Many African families (and in some cases entire nations) struggle with the shame of having a child with developmental difficulties.  The goal is to have them celebrate the strengths of these children in part through Special Olympics. 

It's an opportunity that is close to me, personally, as I have a close relative who is rather severly developmentally disabled.  I learned, however, that Special Olympics has events even for those with near-zero motor skills.  It's a fascinating concept and proof that through the right encouragement we are capable of so much more than we may think. 

I was honored to be around such great people, including some of the athletes who won gold medals in the recent games, and I encourage you to help out, or at the very least learn more about Special Olympics.  A great start is with their official website:

http://www.specialolympics.org  

     ...then love 'em or hate 'em, take a minute today to remember the man who invented them.  Myron Cope died this morning at the age of 79.  To anyone but a Steelers fan, Myron Cope was a tiny little man (5'4") with an annoying voice who said the strangest things during football games.  "Yoi!" "Double Yoi" "Cleve Brownies and Cincy Bungles, n'at..."    His accent was strong, his high-pitched voice cut like Franco Harris in his prime, but darn it if the little guy didn't grow on you.  As a kid growing up in Western Pennsylvania and well into my adulthood, the only way to watch a Steelers game was with the sound on the tv turned down and the radio (and Myron) turned up.  Who cared if the timing was a little off, Myron usually was too.  But we listened -- partly to be entertained -- partly to see what he would say next -- partly because we knew we were one syllable away from an audio train wreck, but that was the beauty of Myron. 

     If you ever listened to a Steelers game on the radio, or heard one of his calls on an ESPN highlight, then you understand.  If not, then you missed out on a slice of Americana -- one definately not cut from the mold that produced so many modern day sportscasters.  Myron was odd, he was different, and had probably the most loyal group of fans I've ever seen.  Players came and went, Myron stayed.  He announced Steeler games for some 35 years and even in his final days it was standing room only for his live post-game radio shows. 

    I had the chance to meet Myron several times over the years and he always entertained me, although I'm pretty sure never intentionally.  My favorite "Myron moment" came at Steelers training camp in 2002.  We were in the media room waiting on Coach Cowher for his morning briefing.   There was a stand-up cooler by the door filled with water/gatorade/soda (pop)/etc. -- so Myron walks in wearing the ugliest purple-ish colored Bill Cosby sweater, reaches into the cooler and somehow, from somewhere, pulls out a beer.  One of the veteran journalists who was standing beside me and saw it along with me turns and says, "Geez Myron, it's a little early isn't it?"  To which Myron replies in his trademark stutter, "Well.. they... they... they didn't have any Diet!  Zoinks!"  That was Myron.  In his world it made perfect sense.

     Myron Cope, who invented the Terrible Towel and coined the phrase "Immaculate Reception" died at the age of 79 --- fitting perhaps as 1979 will always be known as the year Pittsburgh was the City of Champions.  Yoi! and Double Yoi! indeed. 

Ok, I'm just as shocked as the rest of you.  To be honest, I lobbied for Gregg Williams for the reason of bringing some consistency to a team that, well, let's just say "change" has been an understatment for the last decade.  Still, they were on a roll and headed in the right direction, and the players supported him, and the defense seemed to be their foundation, and... and i'm over it now. 

Daniel Snyder is going to do what he wants.  Period.  If he felt Jim Zorn was the best "yes-man" available then that's why he hired him.  If he felt Zorn was the best "low risk fall guy don't-blame-it-on-the-owner-when-things-go-south" candidate avaiable then that's why he hired him.  But forget about all that for a minute.  Zorn is the man.  Let's look at why this can work. 

As a purely offensive guy playing in the NFL, coaching in college & coaching in the NFL, he brings a much-needed change to the Skins.  Greg Blache has been helping to run the powerful Redskins defense for four years.  I don't expect much to change there.  But the Skins DO need a change of offense and I welcome the help.   

Zorn wants to run a West Coast offense.  Let me give you two reasons why this will work.  Chris Cooley and Antwan Randle El.  Cooley is a monster anywhere on the field and Randle El is much better suited for shorter passes -- a buddy of mine coached him in Pittsburgh and said he had the best hands he's ever seen & was quickest after the catch.  Both are perfect for the new offense.   

Finally, look at pedigree.  It's true that Zorn has never been a coordinator at the NFL level (he was at Utah State) but he has coached for the last 7 years under Mike Holmgren.  You tend to pick up a thing or too from your head coach and other Holmgren proteges include Andy Reid, Mike Sherman, Brad Childress, Ray Rhodes, and Steve Mariucci.  Yeah, Zorn's a long-shot, but a long-shot with a pretty good pedigree.  Not to mention his Seahawks have been to the playoffs 5 straight years.  Knowing the amount of change we've come to expect from the Redskins (6 head coaches in 9 years) I'd rather watch a guy with zero expectations try to prove himself than a proven veteran come here and not live up to the lofty expectations of Redskins fans who want a Superbowl now.  

    Think back to when you were 22 years old (or look ahead if you're not there yet).  How much money were you making?  Personally, I was trying to figure out how to spend my whopping $12,000 a YEAR salary (welcome to the real world of television) -- not that treating myself to Taco Bell on Wednesdays wasn't a luxury mind you.   But this isn't about me -- in fact, it's about a level of athleticism, celebrity and yes, money, that few people will ever understand.  The question is, is it worth it???

   Washington Capitols superstar Alexander Ovechkin's new contract extension calls for a whopping $124 million dollars over 13 years.  Sure, we can break down the money -- he'll make roughly $115,000 a GAME (chew on that with your nachos) -- or over the course of a year roughly $26,000 a DAY -- meaning Ovie will earn my yearly salary as a 22 year old in approximately 11 HOURS.  My guess is he can afford to skip the Taco Bell.

   So why do I actually applaud what seems like a ridiculous amount of money being thrown around???  3 reasons:

1) Sports salaries are out of control.  I think most are overpaid and it's harder to be a fan these days HOWEVER believe it or not this contract extension is already a bargain by today's standards and a few years from now it will be a huge bargain

2)  Owner Ted Leonsis is clearly making an investment in the Capitols and the team's future here in Washington.  Yes, one man does not make a team and the Caps need to get help for Ovechkin to be competitive, but there is no one in hockey except Sidney Crosby to build the future of a team around better than Ovechkin

3)  He is one of the three best players in the game.  Period.  Go to a game and watch how the speed and level of the game elevates when Ovechkin touches the puck.  Simply amazing to watch.

Feel free to sound off if you disagree.  But do yourself a favor and watch the kid on the ice first.  He can flat out play and DC should be more excited to keep him around.

    When Metro proposed raising rail fares the overwhelming response from riders was, "if we're going to pay more, at least become more reliable."

    Metro's own statistics now show the rail service is actually LESS reliable than it was a year ago.  During the afternoon rush hour in November 2006 Metro's rail service was on time 88% of the time.  One year later, in November 2007, the trains were only on time 83% of the time (and only 80% of the time overall for fiscal year 2008 which began in July)!

    Metro has set a goal of 95% reliability.  Do you think they'll meet that goal?  Will they be able to increase reliability at all?  Can they do it without raising your fares again?   Sound off on your thoughts... your bad experiences... or if you think Metro is doing a pretty good job. 

    Alright, put on your debating caps it's time to talk Iowa.  With no incumbent candidate this will be one of the hottest Presidential races in a long, long time.  Without siding with a particular candidate (we'll leave that up to the people of Iowa to decide) I ask you for your thoughts on the actual PROCESS involved.

   Many top analysts will tell you that whomever wins in Iowa will have the inside track on their party's nomination for president.  Iowa, folks... Iowa!  The state with the population roughly equal to Montgomery, Prince George's & Fairfax Counties (3 million people).  A decision made by a caucus turnout roughly equal to the population of Arlington (100,000 people)! 

   I love the "old time" politics -- town hall meetings/getting to shake hands, etc., but it blows me away that this can make or break an election.  Do you think too much weight is put on the decision Iowans make? Is there a better way for the system to work?  And just for fun, who's process do you think works better in Iowa?  The Republicans secret ballot?  Or Democrats open lobbying and "discussion"?

   With candidates' camps offering daycare services, free rides to the polls and lots of snacks and sodas for potential voters - should be fun to see who comes out to support whom.  Think about it and discuss.

     Had enough football yet???  Before the Redskins even call a play in Seattle, we will have watched 62 college football teams play in Bowl games (with the National Championship game next week).  That's a total of 64 teams going Bowling - out of about 130 total teams playing major college football.  Uh, can you say weak matchups?

    Sure it's driven by money.  Look at the names of the bowls for proof - the sponsors run the show.  It's not like the schools are going to turn down millions of dollars, however, just for showing up.

   SO -- should we bring one of these post-season spectacles to DC?  That's what city councilman Jack Evans proposes.  And why not?  It'll bring attention and big-time college football (other than MD of course) to the District.  But before you get too excited, let me share this.  While the teams may show up for the $$$ the fans typically don't.  Take a close look at the highlights from this weekend's games.  Notice anything?  A lot of empty seats.

  I just got back from Florida late last night.  I went to the Outback Bowl yesterday to watch Tennessee beat Wisconsin.  I didn't have a vested interest in either team just thought it would be something nice to take my parents to for New Years.  I expected a sell-out with two rabid fan bases doing battle.  Instead, I bought tickets 20 rows off the field for $10 each because nobody wanted them, saw much less team sprit than if it was one of the team's home games, and stared at more than 20,000 empty seats at Tampa's stadium (they've had bigger crowds for Univ. of South Florida home games than these two top-20 powers battling).

 So would it work in DC?  Sure we have a good football town (re: Redskins) but it's cold in December and January and if our "Congressional Bowl" features teams like Mississippi St. vs. Central Florida (just an example - that was this year's Liberty Bowl match-up) would anybody here care???  I think it's an entertaining idea, and credit the councilman with points for trying, but unless you land a marquis matchup I don't see it working.

Upset about metro's proposed rate hikes?  Think it's a good idea?   One thing to keep in mind is this is one change that is likely to affect just about every person in the greater DC area.

Regardless of your position on the issue, your chance to sound off is rapidly approaching.  Whether you ride the bus or train everyday, every once in awhile, or, quite frankly, not at all, you can let metro know how you feel about the rate increase beginning tonight.

The first of 6 public hearings this week will be held tonight (Tues.) at Bechtel Conference Center in Reston at 7pm.  Subsequent hearings will be in DC, Rockville, Arlington & Landover.

And let us know what you think about the fare increase proposal!  Do you agree?  Would you pay more to ride?  Will you cut back on your ridership?  Do you feel your hands are tied?  Let me know what you think...

Not the way you want to end a season - with what would have been the winning goal overturned at the end of the game to knock the team out of the playoffs.  I heard so many people on the metro last night saying "we had it", "you know we won", and "he never touched the ball", but all for naught.  What really hurts is having the championship here in DC this year and not being able to be a part of it.   In my 5 years in DC I've really become a fan of what I think may be the most under-appreciated sports team in town - yet consistently one of the best. 

In addition, a number of the players have been great friends of Fox 5, helping us out with a variety of projects and charity ventures.  So to Bobby, Ben & everyone else, congrats on a great season and we'll hope for better results next year.

Yes, I was THAT kid in the 80's.  I loved Van Halen.  I wanted to be Eddie Van Halen and started playing guitar because of him.  The first riff I learned was Panama -- I was so stoked to figure out how to finger-tap the opening of Eruption -- and I was a little disappointed with the keyboard-heavy 1984. 

Which is why it's tough to admit that after sacrificing sleep to see the "new" old Van Halen last night at Verizon Center, I didn't come away all that impressed.  Maybe it was because the seats weren't the greatest - or the sound wasn't the cleanest - but i'm pretty sure it's just because David Lee Roth just didn't impress me as much as I thought he would.  It's great to have him back in the band and granted, these guys are no kids, but I really wanted Dave to run around and go crazy like the old days and I felt he was pretty darn subdued. 

On the positive side, Eddie's 16 year old son Wolfgang, who took over the bass duties more than held his own, holding down the low end and the high vocals.  Word from backstage is that mom Valerie Bertinelli was there too - running around backstage after the show & keeping an eye on Wolfgang.   Eddie's chops are still better than most guitarists of any age, and hey, they did sell out Verizon Center.  More 80's memories next week as the Police & Springsteen head to town. 

     I have to be honest.  Gurvir put me in a lousy mood this morning when she reminded me that we'll be turning the clocks back this weekend.  Perhaps you heard the collective groan coming from Tony and myself at the time. 

     I don't know why it affects me but I'm not one of these people who sees fall as a beautiful change in the seasons as we transition into winter.  Sure, the leaves are pretty - I was in Ohio last weekend and the colors were breathtaking.  But I just love the sunshine and have a hard time dealing with darkness coming so early in the day.  Tony says sunset today is at 6:10 so with the time change look for the sun to set around 5pm on Monday. 

    I don't understand why in the 21st century the time change is still needed, but for those of you who enjoy this time of year, well... enjoy it!  Maybe it's because I grew up in the snow belt but I'm happy with about two weeks of winter a year.  I'm with Julie Wright -- thinking warm thoughts until we get the sunshine back! 

   Have a safe Halloween.

Help me out with this one because i'm at a loss and I'd love to have some more info to help me understand this issue.

Mayor Fenty decided that the district taxis will now use a meter-based fare system instead of the old zone system.  I'm not debating this issue, although if you read my previous post I think I made my opinion pretty clear.  Councilman Berry says the meter system will hurt those travelling from SE to NW dc.  I am not disputing this.  He says it will benefit tourists who travel short distances.  Again, I do not disagree.

Here's what I don't understand.  Taxi drivers are planning a one-day strike on October 31st to protest the switch to metered fares.  The taxi commission says rider fares will likely actually increase under the new system.  So why the strike?  If the fares are higher would the drivers not make more money?  Or doesn't the system work that way.  Any cabbies out there who can explain?   And residents what do you think?  Personally, I don't think either system is perfect but I feel a little better at least knowing what I'll be paying and not having to play the "guess my fare when we get there" game anymore.

Ok, maybe you have your preference.  Maybe you drive a taxi for a living.  If you do please explain to me why in the world you are so supportive of the zone fare system in DC?  I can't for the life of me figure out how it helps anyone other than perhaps the drivers make money.

Look, I understand we all need to make a living but if that's the case just let us know so we know where our money is going.  I've been in DC for five years, I look at those laminated 'zone' maps every time I'm in a cab and I still get charged a different amount every time I go to the same place!  It's become a bit of a joke among my friends where we'll place side bets as to what the fare will be.  There is no reason why a ride to Verizon center costs $8 to get there and $12 to get home with the same number of people in the cab!  Yet this happens all the time!  

So I remain a proponent of the meter system unless you can prove me otherwise!

Here's part of the copy from a story on what a Texas-based Pizza chain is doing:

"A Dallas-based pizza chain says it will take it's "Pizza for Pesos" campaign nationwide.  "Pizza Patron" will soon accept pesos OR U.S. dollars at all 65 stores across the U.S."

The pizza chain started the 'experiment' earlier this year at one of its stores near the Mexican border -- accepting pesos as payment, then later converting the currency.  Has it worked?  The pizza chain says its business is up 35% in the last year and its planning on expanding.  Opponents, however, say the practice is Un-American.

So, is it Un-American to accept pesos as payment?  or smart business?   Your thoughts?