Of junior women, old poems and a couple of ditties

Interesting question from an Irregular in the IGBT last night about the junior women, who beat Japan yesterday for their fifth win in a row at the worlds.

It had to do with why so few seem excited, or even impressed, with what the young women are doing.

(They finish their second round with a game against the U.S. this afternoon, will finish first or second in their second-round pool and will play a quarter-final on Friday, by the way).

It’s blatantly unfair, as others pointed out; if it was, say, the pucks there’d be people flying down to Chile, the highlights would be all over the television and in the papers and on the radio.

Guess there really are three factors at work here, they’re all explainable although that doesn’t make them right.

Women’s sports get short shrift in the media a lot of the time, women’s basketball in particular. It’s wrong, as I say, but most of the decision-makers in the Toronto media are middle-aged men who have some, um, history and favourites that they tend to pay closer attention to. Guys like me have to do a better job hammering home the good stories out there and work harder to get them in and in the week that this team’s been playing, most of us haven’t done a very good job.

It also speaks to the power of television in the consciousness of fans. Not sure there even are highlights available – FIBA’s broadcast arm will be streaming the playoff round, I believe – and if nothing can be shown, in some instances it’s like it never happened.

And, sadly, it’s basketball and there’s still quite a ways for that sport to go. And it’s international basketball and there’s a long way for that sport to go. And it’s junior women’s basketball being played by unfamiliar athletes and there’s a huge way for that to go.

None of this is right, of course. It’s a good story that should probably have been told better over the last few days.

As I’ve said to a couple of bosses over the years, everyone’s going to have the usual fare, giving them more of it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference. I think what makes a media outlet stand out is the add-on stuff, educating readers as well as entertaining them and sometimes we do a very good job.

Sometimes we don’t.

Not sure how this is going to play out over the weekend but we’ll do our best to keep them out there for people to learn about.

Oh, and another thing on this team, or the Canada Basketball junior women’s program in particular:

Four years ago they finished fourth in the world, success this time around really shouldn’t catch too many by surprise, they’re building quite a stable of outstanding young women players, this is just another step in the development.

That answer the question?

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Hey if you folks at City Hall – well, at least those of you who might be related to the Boss Man – are reading this, this is what she looks like.

You’re welcome.

You probably could have found out yourself by stopping by your local library branch and checking out a book. Just sayin’.

Now, don’t talk so much.

-

France 106, Canada 44

Um. Ouch.

But while, no, it’s never, ever a good thing to get drilled by 62 points I’m not sure there should be panic in the streets over the first exhibition game the senior men’s team played.

First game in Europe after travelling. A veteran team that’s been working out for a while getting ready for EuroBasket 2011. A Canadian team that’s not close to the one that will try to qualify for the Olympics later this summer. Lots of things.

No, it’s not good. But it’s certainly not the end of the world, nor necessarily a sign of things to come.

-

So, football’s back, or so I read, and that means it’s back on TV, and that means theme songs, and that means my somewhat odd mind starts thinking of them and it’s funny but the two best – by far – are the football ones.

Agree?

Tough question is which is better?

This one?

Or this one?

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We got Griff involved – surreptitiously, of course – in the IGBT thing last night and he’s providing some helpful info through his tweets.

Makes a guy, seeing as it’s baseball and all, make some crack about us being Tinkers to Evers and all we need is a Chance and everyone goes: “Huh?”

Here you go, this might be the first poem we’ve linked to here.

Anybody get "gonfalon" without a quick Google search?

Didn't think so. Good word, though.

-

Someone out there has to tell me what useful purpose raccoons serve.

Oh, I know about the food chain and all that crap about things being on earth so there’s an orderly string that’s followed but every single morning I get to the deck to do this labour of love and find half a dozen or so pieces of freshly laid sod turned over at the corners because the little vermin have been gobbling bugs or just toying with me.

Yes, we’ve tried bug spray and anti-raccoon repellent and all number of things.

If they don’t watch out, I’m letting Super Dog deal with them and then they’ll be sorry.

Or maybe they’ll just stare at her, send her scurrying to the comfort of her couch and go on making my life miserable.

-

Folks, I’m a tad disappointed over here.

Mail’s way, way down which means either you’re all on vacation or there are no more questions to be answered and I’m not sure I believe either of that.

Click. Write. Send.

Thanks.

-

I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing tomorrow, or even later this morning and my life tends to be a jumble of last-minute decisions about what to do.

But I do know – or hope to know – where I’ll be a year from today to the day.

That’d be in London because today’s one year out from the start of the 2012 Olympics.

Did you know that?

Kind of caught me by surprise, should probably start thinking about it. And counting down the days to when I might get to Olde Cheshire Cheese place again.

-

 

 

 

Comments

[john]

Hey Doug,
Good for the girls! Being in the top 5 in ANYTHING in the world is an accomplishment and everyone should be proud of their achievement.
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Have to go with Junior on the theme song as it was his. If Joan Jett performed her rendition it would have won easily. Faith just doesn't have the edge for that song.
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There is no reason for Raccoons to live in the city. None. Unless Superdog is large and viscous enough to take them down with a single snap, I would keep her indoors. Most are disease infested and the result will be a large Vet bill. Those who protect the vermin conveniently disappear when it comes time to pay for the damage they cause. On a positive note a family of them would make a nice winter coat.

[Lorie]

Oh Doug!!!
Poetry! Margaret Atwood! Women's Basketball! The Old Cheshire Cheese pub! This has got to be my favourite blog post ever! Could only have been improved if you'd included a link to a favourite operatic aria. But there's always tomorrow. Ahh...what the heck. I'll do it for you. :) Cheers! And Bravissimo! And Go Canada against the U.S. today!!!
http://youtu.be/BX1ljYx3g3k

[Striker 77]

Doug!

You brought back some PAINFUL memories for me! A few years ago, I laid sod in my enire backyard... I was so proud of myself ( I am no professional landscaper) so, when it was done and looked so nice I was pretty content. (I know its not that hard to do, but still) The next morning dozens of corners were rolled up.. i FREAKED out because my perfect lawn was being ruined! I quickly put all the corners back in place and started asking around and was told that I probably had what they call "grubs", which the racoons just love. So, the next evening, when it got dark, I sat on my deck with a flash light in one hand and my hose in the other, and I was ready to defend my lawn. My wife comes out around 10 ish saying, what on earth are you doing? I guess I looked pretty ridiculous... But I was ready for them!

Of course, as soon as I went to bed, our little friends came back and did their thing... I was inconsolable... I put some plastic pegs down in the rolls to keep them down, that sort of worked... Just ask where you bought the sod and they can supply you with them...

Painful memories, indeed...

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
Maybe if the Junior Women wore lingerie they'd get better coverage from the local media. After all, didn't the local media give lots of coverage to the daughter of the wouldn't know what Margaret Atwood looked like,library-hating politician who tried and , eventually, made the women's lingerie football league. You do have to give him some credit though. His, less is more, attitude doesn't just apply to the city , it also applies to his own daughter.

[LeeZ]

I lived in Toronto for 20 years, until 1989. I thought I left the city in good hands. During my time there, we had some good mayors, including Crombie and, yes, Sewell. But much to my horror, you dweebs seem to have elected some big fat tub of fascistic goo! Alright, I want a show of hands: who among you voted for Fat Bastard? Come on, fess up, SOMEBODY must have voted for this sad sack of you know what. Do the honourable thing come next election: recognize your mistake and send him packing back to his cave.

[doug]

the more "dumb and dumber" open their mouths the better for all as their act is becoming tiring already and just exposes their true ignorance.....in regards to racoons and grubs had them a few years ago, this solution worked, go to Home Depot, Rona and buy the cheapest sheets of 4x8 lattice you can, lay them on the lawn at night, infected area which is usually and in our case was isolated spots...the racoons can't lift them or get to the grass in the morning just sett hem aside, it works as it allows the grass to root...that dude that sings Frank Sinatra was on America's Got Talent last night, he has it made even if he is gone...imagine a frank Sinatra imitator like this guy, start cashing the cheques young man you have hit the lottery...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dewU2zQgz9k

[Dave]

Doug, questions re: the Men's team.

It has been reported that Tristan Thompson is going to sit out the Olympic qualifiers. The stated reason is to "rest". There is a lot of confusion out there as to what the "real" reason is - is it because the national team won't give insurance, because the Cavs won't let him, because he is afraid of injury before he signs a contract or because he really would rather just rest rather than represent his country? Or is it because of Leo Rautins?

- Insurance? Given the NBA lockout, national programs have to pay significantly more than they expected for player insurance (previously, the NBA would cover 1/3 of the cost, FIBA 1/3 and national teams 1/3). It has been reported that Joel Anthony and Rautins Jr. are insured, so is it the case that Team Canada will insure everyone that wants to play, or is there a specific issue with Thompson?

- Contract? It seems to me that since he made himself available to be drafted and since the Cavs drafted him based on a guaranteed salary structure, he is entitled to that guaranteed contract. Is this the case, or could the Cavs renounce him if he were injured this summer? Why is this not a risk for Joseph, Valenciunas, Kanter etc.?

- Lockout? Even if TT could be comfortable he would get his contract in any case, is he being advised to sit out because of the lockout? If the NBA misses an entire season, he may want to go and play in Europe and certainly would not get any contract of that nature if he were injured. But other first round picks are participating with their countries - Kanter and Valenciunas among them.

- Tired? I don't think anyone is buying the excuse that he wants to "rest" while his countryment get mopped by other countries that have all of their NBA talent participating. He is a 19 year old professional basketball player, a few more games of basketball is not going to hurt him.

- Rautins? Don't get me wrong, I like Leo. But there is a growing sentiment that he really rubs some players the wrong way and that this may be dissuading NBA players from playing for him. Obviously Sam Dalembert is one of them, but also Steve Nash. Is there anything here?

- Bad team? Being the "Man"?We in Toronto know all to well how NBA players don't like to play for rebuilding franchises if they can help it, and also how they may tend to sulk if they are not starters. Is TT sitting out because he just does not want to be part of the growing pains and losing that is sure to come with the Canadian team? Does he not want to potentially come off the bench in favour of Anthony, Bonner (if he gets in) or even Canadian mainstays like Jessie Young? He's really not that polished yet and can't shoot free throws, so it's forseeable that he's not a starting big for this team. Would that be a blow to the ego of a kid just drafted 4th overall? If none of the other reasons holds water, isn't this something that needs to be asked?

Hope to get a response on this. There is a story here that Canadian basketball fans are interested in and want to get to the bottom of - the other day Rautins Jr. publicly called out NBA players who aren't participating with the team on an interview with the Score. So there is obviously some dissatisfaction with the team members - not sure if it is just with TT, or also with Nash and Joseph and also Dalembert. What is the deal??

Blogger's note: People tend to forget that Nash blew off the 2002 worlds -- Jay was the coach, by the way. But that's doesn't fit into the commonly-held opinion so it's left out. As for the rest, I'll find out when they get back.

[ditch]

I cannot fathom the mind of a man who, with a smarmy, sweaty smile, proudly slobbers "I'd close that library in a heartbeat." What a pud.

[Peter]

Hi Doug, Thanks for the blog.

Not being from Torontot, I'm curious what the Margaret Atwood story is all about. Did they use the wrong picture at a public event or something?! These people have google, right?

Blogger's note: Short story, councillor brother of library-closing, service-cutting Mayor ripped Atwood for -- shockingly -- opposing closing of buildings that promote literacy and then made some dopey comment that he wouldn't know Margaret Atwood if she walked by him on the street. Here's this morning's tome: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1031073--constituents-to-ford-lose-our-library-and-lose-our-votes?bn=1

[Thane]

Since you're talking about the NFL, I suppose you're a fair person to ask this to..

One thing I don't get. If the players disbanded their union, how on earth did the NFL and the players' union manage to reach an agreement? Don't you need a union to do that?

Blogger's note: I think the easy answer is the whole thing was before the courts still when the new deal was struck

[Mike kovacs]

Anyone who thinks raccoons are cute does not get out enough. I can see where the man with a shovel is coming from. Changing course, Doug what is the TOD's record when you do an IGBT? Are you bad luck?

Blogger's note: Not sure, think I might be 1-2. Not great, I know

[Lorie]

If you'd like to read a most satisfying skewering of The Brothers Ford, Star reporter David Olive has written this in his most recent blog:
http://thestar.blogs.com/davidolive/2011/07/twin-freaks.html

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

There is no chance that the Brothers Ford will read your column and learn something: Doug is too busy closing libraries and he doesn't want to hear from anyone who isn't a duly elected official. Which means of course that he doesn't want to hear from you or a whole bunch of constituents for that matter...and Rob is too busy multitasking --driving, talking on his cellphone and flipping the bird to mothers accompanied by 6 year olds--aka "having misunderstandings," (seriously "Your Honour", what is the misunderstanding? That you were driving while talking on your cell phone? Or that you reacted to someone giving you a thumbs down to that action by giving them the finger?) Do Torontonians a favor will you Ford Boys and have another Double Big Mac Supersized meal for lunch today...

So glad I left T-dot years ago.

marc in panama

[Steven]

We found the best way to get rid of raccoons is by pouring ammonia into a pan and leaving it in our backyard overnight for two or three nights. They hate the smell. I would love to send a question to the mail section but the only thing I'm curious about is what happens to the draft if there is a lockout. I often wake up in the middle of the night pondering this question. Okay, I'll send it in. I'm sure you must know the answer.

Blogger's note: If I don't know the answer, I'll make it up. Not to worry

[doug]

to all the music lovers out there...to little or no fanfare Dan Peek has passed away..I know many are saying who??...well he was part of a trio that wrote and performed some classic tunes...here is one, R.I.P and thanks, listen to this song and it will be in your head for days...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoVFd-KKKmw

[VikZ]

I had to fend off a raccoon at my job at the tennis courts for three weeks! This raccoon came out as early as 3pm, it was aggressive (it would charge and attack you), and it wouldn't leave. I had to spend most of my shifts holding a broom to fend him off, and we even hit him by throwing a huge log at him and he still stuck around because people kept leaving food around. I only assume I stopped seeing him because a raccoon that tries to live in the daytime can't survive for long.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Palin, Boehner, Ford... it's all just one big happy tea party these days, isn't it? Even the Mad Hatter would cringe at the goings-on. Beyond creepy, it's downright nightmarish.
Thanks @doug, for that breath of pure fresh air that is Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. What a story. What a set of chops!
And your appreciation for the good old days of music (Mamas & Papas, Monterey Festival, etc. during last night's IGBT) got me reminiscing about what was so fascinating, watching the evolution of music starting back in the mid- to later 60s. First off, music was literally just starting to get plugged in. (Anyone recall Dylan being crucified because he had the audacity to go 'electric' in 65?) Electronics went from amps to 'moogs' in a heartbeat. The studio became a living music laboratory – it was all entirely new. Jug bands added orchestras. Blues met jazz met country met R&B. Every single week, amazing new offerings would hit the charts and the record shops.
But maybe the biggest factor of all was the simple reality that air travel came of age at the same time. Up to that point, it was mostly bus trips; bands were fairly localized, and travelled pretty much on their own. The few that flew privately early on didn't fare too well. R.I.P. Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Otis Redding, Patsy Cline. But musicians took full advantage of the burgeoning commercial air travel business starting in the mid-60s, getting together every chance they got. Voila: Music explosion, and birth of the rock fest. Amazing times. Those of us who were lucky enough to be in just the right place at just the right age to see and hear and appreciate it all as it unfolded are some damn lucky boomers, that's for certain.
And thanks @lorie for what might be the best Bugs Bunny segment of them all. Cheers!

[Jay Menard]

Nobody's commenting on the football videos? OK. I'll go first, then. Faith Hill with the volume off in a landslide. Not a fan of her music, but while she's not so easy on the ears, she's certainly not too hard on the eyes.

[Jonny citizen]

for the pests destroying our property, honestly I don't know if there is anything better than a good whack to the head with a shovel. As for racoons, I have no idea. I'm talking about the mayor and his brother.

[ikonn]

@Steven, does that work for deer?

[Franksie]

I know I'll be flamed for this, but it's a comments section in a blog for opinions and such. I find it funny that people who dont actually live in the city can make such bold statements about "what's right" and "How stupid the Mayor is" etc. I'm a Toronto Lifer who has had to see our city being taxed to death, stifiling of Garbage last year and having the only accomplishments in the last 8 years being a continuation of Queen st. and a green bin for food disposal. There is a reason why David Miller and such is not in office anymore and its because he appealed to a small minority of Toronto, and for the most part Toronto (Which includes Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York and East York) were truly sick of it. A harsh reality is that in the past 8 years our city is in a deficit and has absolutely nothing to show for it.

As cool as it is to mock someones appearence, size etc, its extra annoying to have to hear people base their opinions solely on that.

[Rchak]

Raccoon's are nasty, and a pain; one thing my family did when they kept digging up our new grass rolls were to sprinkle dried hot pepper bits all over the lawn. They stopped briefly after that. Try it =)

[john]

It seems to me that Literacy and Books have become intertwined. Just because the number of people who buy books and newspapers are declining rapidly, doesn't mean people are becoming illiterate and to connect the two is self-serving at best. People can read, they just get their material on the internet. For those who are trying to save Libraries, there are new items out called the “Kindle” and the “IPAD” that are making books obsolete.
You can blame the two Knuckleheads who have the thankless job of trying to balance the budget of a city bankrupted by years of poor leadership and special interest groups, but instead maybe the change should just be accepted. Like long division and cursive writing, things become obsolete. Perhaps Miss Atwood, who I have most definitely heard of but would not know her to see her either, should spend more of her energy making positive change and helping transform Libraries into something that will be relevant in 30 years.

Blogger's note: Except that "kindle" and "IPad" come with a cost

[Paul B]

we knew when we were choosing Ford, that he was not the best, but the problem remains that there really was no one who was. the lesser of the evils was chosen.

the racoon in Doug's Mississauga backyard could have won that election.

[Boko]

Hey, bosses. I read Doug's blog every day. I don't read the rest of the sports section every day (I have another blog for the Argos & the NFL). Doug, I'll read about them here, please & thank you.

Doug, I once read of a simple solution for keeping wildlife (I don't mean SuperSon) off your property ... Use that stuff for lines on a football field in our high schools (chalk? lime? whatever.) to draw your border. The critters come along, lick it, and hate it's dryness. They never come around again. I think it was for managing a skunks problem, but I imagine it'll work for racoons, too.