The fastest woman on earth
Good Thursday morning evening everyone! Today happy 28th birthday wishes go out to IndyCar driver turned national celebrity Danica Patrick. Born in Joliet, Illinois Patrick excelled in local go karting as a child and with the help of incredibly supportive parents launched a career into the junior series of American open wheel racing. A relatively unknown commodity as a rising racing driver, Danica jumped to international prominence in 2005 when she qualified seventh for the Indianapolis 500 and was four laps from winning the event in her first attempt. Although the past five years have not delivered the wins that many expected, her triumph at the 2008 Japan Indy 300 makes her the only female racing winner at any top level of open wheel competition in the world. With the IndyCar season gearing up this month, hopefully Danica will finally cash in on years of potential.
On to your Thursday news-
1) In an effort to force Democrats into a potentially politically fatal vote, Senate republicans added a series of ridiculous amendments to the reconciliation bill that will go before the House next week. Among the inane provisions is the addition of a program that would provide Viagra for pedophiles. Of course nobody wants this, but in order for the Dems to support the championed Health Care bill, they must now vote for this as well. Political tactics like this are exactly why faith in Congress is near record lows. I fully expect a compromise to come from this and despite these attempts, feel that this could blow up in the authors’ face.
Come on folks
2) Yesterday in Mesa, the Chicago Cubs moved one step closer to narrowing their rotation as Sean Marshall turned in an excellent outing in a 12-1 win over the Rangers. Although the front end of the rotation will likely determine the Cubs postseason faith, it will be the fourth and fifth spots that get the North Siders to October. Once Ted Lilly returns, the Cubs could definitely use a second southpaw in the rotation and Marshall not only provides experience but apparently a new found level of command. I have always liked Sean and really hope this is finally his year to break through as a solid Major League starting pitcher.
Congrats Sean!
3) In some good news out of Halas Hall, Chicago Bears former All-Pro center Olin Kreutz is recovering well from bone spur surgery and is expected to make a fully recovery before spring practice begins. This is fantastic news. Although Kreutz is a step below his Hall of Fame peak, he remains one of the most consistent of the five men paid to protect Jay Cutler. At some point the Bears will need to replace Kreutz as the anchor of the offensive line, but next year is not that time. Given his great prognosis, I fully expect Olin to have a huge bounce back and be ready for the team’s preseason opener in August.
Big scary man
4) Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley crammed his foot further down his throat yesterday, calling himself “baseball’s Kanye West.” For those who do not remember, Kanye was the artist who interrupted the MTV Music Video Awards by informing award winner Taylor Swift that she did not deserve to win. Of course the President even chimed in- calling Kanye a jackass. And this is who Bradley says he is like? First of all, Kanye is actually well respected within his profession and is talented. Moreover, others enjoy working with him- they just think he is socially inept. Bradley, on the other hand, is hated by literally everyone who has ever played with him and tanks in key situations. At least we know Milton’s analogy skills have gone the way of his hitting.
Ok, why not
Have a good Thursday readers!
