90% of the Game Is Half Mental: And Other Tales from the Edge of Baseball Fandom (Paperback) newly tagged "new york yankees"
90% of the Game Is Half Mental: And Other Tales from the Edge of Baseball Fandom (Paperback)
By Emma Span
Buy new: $10.12
First tagged "new york yankees" by Paula Span
Customer tags: humor(3), sports(2), baseball(2), new york city(2), baseball memoir(2), women sportswriters, mlb, new york yankees, baseball movies, sports writing, new york mets
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On The Road: Biking With Kryptonite and Mace Gear
Yesterday, we took a look at a neat cell phone signal booster to kick off our week featuring products that make life better while traveling. For many of us, our primary means of getting around is a car. But in the Bay Area and many other cities, biking is a great, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to commute. No matter what bicycle you own or use, it’s safe to say that there are a few basic concerns- theft, comfort, and safety among them. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at some of the latest bike helmets later this month, but tackling the other two issues today.
Kryptonite is the biggest name in bike locks, so it seemed only fitting to try out one of their highest-security looks, made especially for expensive bikes or use in areas where bike theft is common. On their security rating scale of 1-12, this look rings up at 12, and offers anti-theft protection of up to $3750 in the USA. In other words, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit 1415 is a serious piece of equipment.
We tested the lock throughout San Francisco, using the lock on our electric bicycle, and can happily report that it was never stolen. Less happily, our backs are a bit strained due to sheer load of the lock, which weighs in at a whopping 12 pounds. That’s a lot of lock, featuring a nicely-sheathed chain made from triple heat-treated boron manganese steel, with giant links that defy any of the usual attempts to pry or cut. But a chain is only as good as it’s lock, and this lock is also pretty secure- keys instead of a combination, and a hardened disc-style cylinder, with reinforcement to prevent drill attacks as well. We liked the inclusion of 3 keys, one of which offers a neat LED light built-in, and the fairly simple lifetime key replacement service (with easy online registration). We would’ve appreciated a simpler process for registering for the anti-theft protection as well though, as there are a few hoops (15 day limit post-purchase, the need for a copy of your lock AND bike purchase receipt, mail-in only). At $100, and available widely online, this may be more bike lock than most people need- but it’s great for those who love their bikes.
Regardless of your ride, you should look good while biking. More than that, you should simply not be wearing street clothes for your longer rides- sweat and mud ensure that a change of clothes is a good idea at the very minimum. Mace Gear makes a range of apparel, including helmets and gloves, elbow and knee pads. If it’s good enough for BMX and professional mountain bikers, it’s definitely good enough for your country strolls (or city rides).
We tried out the Mirage Jersey (new for 2010) and Gloves, as well as the Drogue Shorts (also new this year), all in black. Part of their Urban collection, all three items offer a few color/style choices. All of their gear is available directly from their US distributor online, or from any of their dealers internationally.
Our favorite of the three was the gloves ($35)- nice snug fit, patent rubber and synthetic leather are strong enough to hold up to a fair bit of friction and weather, and the fingertips were well-lined with sweat-absorbing material that allowed us to keep our grip easily. They are also lightweight, so your hands won’t be hindered. The shirt is similar- similar to a sports jersey, it’s made from 100% polyester, antimicrobial, and dries extremely quickly. The fit is close to that of a normal T-shirt, though a bit tighter around the neck. Ours had a large logo in the middle that we didn’t love, but the other versions do not and offer decent artwork instead. We could have used some customization options and a slightly lower price, but as a nice base layer, the Mirage Top gets the job done. $60.
Last up are the Drogue shorts, and quite distinctive- plaid, and fairly casual, they are also quite long… and the sizing is way off, a medium is gigantic (perhaps a 36 waist) and unfortunately no size guide is available. These feature a water repellent coating, which worked pretty well even in the rainstorms and wet weather that San Francisco has been facing recently. We liked the lightweight feel and nifty rivets, although there is one odd one at the bottom of the zipper that both looks and feels strange. A slightly more elastic waist and cuffs would have been appreciated, but they do a decent job of combining an attractive cut and pattern with highly functional materials. $80.
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Why Is Everything Cool In New York A Secret?
For as long as there have been New Yorkers, there have been New Yorkers complaining their city ain't what it used to be. Where has all the coolness gone? Recently the quest for cool has become even harder, as the city's best happenings don't want you to know about them until they've already happened.
Of [...]
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LEAP's Dispatches from the Front Line...March 2010
March 2010
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Dear friends:
Freedom of speech is an invaluable and fundamental element of democracy, and LEAP's speakers are committed to speaking out about their personal experiences serving in the "war on drugs." Recently, active duty Canadian police officer and LEAP speaker David Bratzer was scheduled to speak on a panel at a City of Victoria harm reduction forum. Victoria Police Department leadership intervened, ordering Bratzer not to speak at the forum.
Constable Bratzer has spoken policy about drug policy on many occasions, including a Senate Committee meeting in Ottawa. He speaks on his own time, out of uniform, and always clearly states that his views do not reflect those of the Victoria Police Department, but the department said people would be "confused" if Bratzer were to speak on an issue of public policy at the forum.
The criticism of harmful and ineffective drug policy by the law enforcement professionals tasked with upholding these policies serves the public interest. It is crucial to protect the rights of law enforcers to publicly express their views on drug prohibition, especially in relation to harm reduction. If you believe censorship is unfair, please visit www.CopsSayLegalizeDrugs.com/FreeSpeech and add your name to the petition supporting cops like David Bratzer who speak out against unjust and ineffective drug policies even while they risk their lives enforcing them.
LEAP is at the forefront of drug policy reform, and our speakers have a credibility that cannot be ignored. Recently, an anonymous donor pledged to match, dollar for dollar, all donations made to LEAP up to $50,000. This is a wonderful vote of confidence in LEAP and a perfect opportunity for you to see your donation doubled! Please support our work by making a contribution to LEAP today. Here are just a few of the issues our speakers have been working on…
-LEAP Staff
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Slowly, Limits On Pot Are Fading
USA Today speaks to Judge Jim Gray in a front-page feature article
James Gray once saw himself as a drug warrior, a former federal prosecutor and county judge who sent people to prison for dealing pot and other drug offenses. Gradually, though, he became convinced that the ban on marijuana was making it more accessible to young people, not less.
"I ask kids all the time, and they'll tell you it is easier to get marijuana than a six-pack of beer because that is controlled by the government," he said, noting that drug dealers don't ask for IDs or honor minimum age requirements.
So Gray -- who spent two decades as a superior court judge in Orange County, Calif., and once ran for Congress as a Republican -- switched sides in the war on drugs, becoming an advocate for legalizing marijuana.
To continue reading the article on Judge Jim Gray, please click here.
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Vote to Change Drug Policy in America
LEAP speaker and former U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist Larry Talley's idea - legalize the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana - is currently in first place in Change.org's Top 10 Ideas for Change in America, a national competition to select the best ideas from across the country and turn them into reality. Please take a moment to read Larry's idea and cast your vote! Voting ends on March 12.
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Fighting a Losing Battle
Peter Christ in The Leader-Herald
After 20 years in law enforcement, Peter Christ is familiar with the war on drugs.
Christ said as a police officer, drug arrests were the only arrests that made no difference to his community. When the media speaks of drug-related violence, he said, what's really happening is money-related violence. Eliminate one kingpin of the drug trade in a certain area and violence escalates until a new one is found, he said.
"It's a failed policy," he said. "You arrest one, but the market is so big and there's so much money there that their spot gets filled quick."
Christ pointed out that even prisons are not drug-free. He said the war on drugs is simply another word for prohibition, and because of free choice, prohibition simply does not work.
"If people want to do something, they're going to find a way to do it," he said. "If we can't even keep drugs out of prison, how can we keep them out of a free society?"
To read the complete article on Peter Christ, please click here.
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The Fake Weed Fight
The American Prospect speaks to Norm Stamper
The Prospect asked LEAP member and former Seattle police chief Norm Stamper a few questions about liberalizing drug policy, K2, and what fake pot suggests about a misguided war on drugs.
When people think about police chiefs, liberalization of drug policy is probably not the first thing that jumps to mind. So why are you against drug prohibition, and what prompted you to join LEAP?
My first epiphany was back when I was a rookie beat cop back in San Diego. I had arrested a 19-year-old, a young man who was in possession of marijuana, not a saleable amount, in his own home. But given the circumstances, I kicked in his door, I chased him to his toilet, I scooped up a handful of soggy seeds and stems and a few leaves. And I took him to jail.
On the way to jail, he's sitting in the backseat, and I'm thinking, "My God, I could be doing real police work." And it kind of hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm going to spend a couple hours, minimum, writing case reports, an arrest report, impounding the pot, and booking him into jail. . .
To continue reading Norm Stamper's interview, please click here.
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Join the LEAP Rapid Response Team to help shape the conversation around the world.
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LEAP's Top Bookers
LEAP is fortunate to have incredibly dedicated volunteers. Over the past three months we have been running a contest to see which of our volunteer venue bookers could secure the most presentations for LEAP, and we are pleased to announce the winners:
Matthew Rifkin, First Place
Hilo, Hawaii
Favorite thing about booking for LEAP: "Telling people who I call that a police officer wants to talk about legalizing drugs… say WHAT?"
Katharine Celentano, Second Place (tied)
Irvington, New York
Favorite thing about booking for LEAP: "Impossible to choose, as there are so many excellent arguments for legalization and so many reasons why LEAP is integral to ending prohibition. What originally sparked my interest: the criminalization of addiction - a health condition - is cruel and ineffective, an egregious trespass on human rights and dignity. Booking for LEAP partially eases the heartbreak of watching what some of my friends have gone through. I feel an urgent need to be part of the solution, and helping LEAP is part of that solution."
Lindsay Akin, Second Place (tied)
Heflin, Louisiana
Favorite thing about booking for LEAP: "The feeling of accomplishment I get from knowing we are truly making a difference. I could not be more proud to be a part of this organization."
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Remembering Jerry Paradis
We are all saddened to say goodbye to Law Enforcement Against Prohibition board member Judge Jerry Paradis, who passed recently from cancer. Jerry's rare combination of expertise and compassion will be impossible to replace.
Having presided over 1,000 drug-related cases in the Provincial Court of British Columbia before his retirement in 2003, he came to realize that drug policy, not simple drug use, was responsible for so much unnecessary death, disease, crime and addiction. Working within the constraints of the legal system he was able to combine his sensible, empathetic side with the intellectual rigors of jurisprudence.
Above all, Jerry was a kind, thoughtful and supportive friend. He had a wonderful, down to earth quality that made people gravitate to him and respect his judgment. He played a pivotal role in stabilizing LEAP and helping it to remain vibrant.
He will be missed.
- Jack Cole, Executive Director
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All of this work happens because of generous donations from our supporters.
Your gift to LEAP is tax-deductible. Donate now to show your commitment to ending the war on drugs.
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Law Enforcement Against Prohibition is an ever-expanding group of criminal justice professionals and civilian supporters calling for an end to the war on drugs. Trained criminal justice professionals are available to speak to your club or association about their experiences in the drug war and the need to create drug policies that stand the test of reason. Invite a speaker to your town today.
You received this e-mail because you are a supporter of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. We need help growing our all-encompassing movement of citizens who want to end the failed "war on drugs," so please invite your family and friends to learn about LEAP.
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