that’s how many days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. and not a moment too soon, really. as such, a few baseball-related nuggets for a historic tuesday.

+ according to LENIII, the twins appear close to signing reliever eric gagne. this would have been better news back in 2003, when gagne was in the middle of a three-year run as (arguably) the most dominant closer in the game. since then, things have gotten a little less rosy: Tommy John surgery, a subsequent elbow surgery, back surgery, an awful stint with the Red Sox, being mentioned in the Mitchell report, and a bad 2008 with the brewers in which he lost the closer’s role in may and posted an ERA of 5.41. however, he seemed to regain some decency after the all-star break, with 20 Ks in 27 innings and a WHIP of 1.07.

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Hat tip right off the bat to Matt Cassamassina’s video games blog over at IGN. Major kudos for finding this . . . ahem . . . gem.

I don’t even know if I can write coherently on this subject. If you’ll simply navigate your way to the website for Crystal Head Vodka (yes, seriously), you’ll be treated to a video featuring none other than Dan Akroyd. He will talk about the paranormal, the crystal heads, . . . he’ll talk a lot. And quite honestly it sounds like the best damn informercial you’ll ever see. Because it is. As Dan pours himself a shot of what he refers to as “Triple-Herkimer-Diamond-Filtered, Newfoundland-Deep-Aquifer-Pure-Spirit Vodka”, I’m sure you’ll agree. Go watch this video. Now.

Besides… IT’S VODKA! IN A GLASS HEAD!

I don’t know what other conclusion to draw after hearing ESPN NFL analyst Shaun King say the following about McNabb on-air the other night. It’s probably a bit of a paraphrase, but close enough for my purposes.

“Donovan McNabb can beat you three ways: He can beat you throwing the ball; He can beat you running the ball; And he can beat you with his mind.”

Umm. Really? Just flat out with his mind?

I know what King was getting at, of course, but c’mon – if you’re gonna be on tv, you should probably plan to be at least a little bit more clear with your points. Then again, I’m enjoying the idea of Donovan knocking back tacklers with merely an outstretched palm.

Cracks me up. Good for him for doing it.

In case you hadn’t notice, our 43rd President has been on a grand farewell tour over the past several days. Giving several speeches, holding his final press conference (which brought the total up to 9 for his eight years, right?), and tonight he will give his farewell speech to the nation.

Most of our recent presidents have given a televised farewell speech (In the last 30 years only Bush’s father didn’t). Tonight’s promises to be yet another speech in defense of the Presidents record and to combat the information (and misinformation) from his critics.

The effort to spin Bush 43rd’s legacy has gone to the extent of the White House website (www.whitehouse.gov — don’t type “.com”) publishing a 52 page document titled: “Highlights of Accomplishments and Results — The administration of President George W. Bush”
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