Thursday, January 31, 2008
World Almanac Blog 1971 Poetry Pulitzer
The 1971 Pulitzer in Poetry was won by William S. Merwin for the Carrier of Ladders. This book is not available at my local library but I can get it from the Grand Rapids library. A used copy can be had for $ 2.93 @ Amazon.
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
World Almanac Blog 01/30/08
The busiest port in the U.S. for 2005 was the Port of South Louisiana with 212,245,241 tons. Top Great Lakes port was Duluth with 44,721,871 tons. South Lousiana ranked 9th globally. This blogs home, Muskegon MI, ranked 118th with 2,063,473 tons
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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
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World Almanac Blog Car Production
A look at some car production figures starting on P. 73. In 2006 Japan produced 11,484,233 cars to the United States 11,351,289. In 2006 30.1 percent of US cards were imports. The Toyota Camry was the top selling car at 448,445 while the Prius was 20th at 106,971. Reports indicate that in 2007 Toyota (9,497,754) outproduced GM (9,369,524)
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For Obama
After his South Carolina victory Obama said, "It's about the past versus the future. It's about whether we settle for the same divisions and distractions and drama that passes for politics today, or whether we reach for a politics of common sense, and innovation - a shared sacrifice and shared prosperity. That's it we've seen the recent past and it is ugly, belligerent and not successful.
In Florida Mitt Romney said about McCain “But those three pieces of legislation, those aren’t conservative. Those aren’t Republican.” That's the present, pointless and holding us back.
I read recently this phrase. What is needed is not post 9.11 thinking but post 9.11 creativity. I don't think that Obama will be a one man silver bullet. I do think that he can be a vessel for creative thinking that will get us to move forward.
John Kennedy once said, “The world is changing. The old ways will not do!” This in response to Harry Truman. Well in response to Clinton(s), McCain and Romney I say get out of the way!
Monday, January 28, 2008
BookSeller Trivia
While listing a book I found this little sticker in it. Don't think it exists anymore. Address is between east 8th and 9th streets. I am working to see what more I can find out.
World Almanac Blog 01/28/08
Appointed by Franklin Pierce James Guthrie served as Secretary of the Treasury from 1853 to 1857. He was a Kentuckian who served in the Kentucky house and senate, and served as a Democratic US Senator form 1865 to 1868. During his cabinet time he worked to pay off US debt.
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Sunday, January 27, 2008
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
Packer Free Agents
Here are the Packers' free-agent lists for 2008:
Unrestricted free agents (7): LS Rob Davis, TE Ryan Krause, QB Craig Nall, CB Frank Walker, C Tyson Walter, LB Tracy White, DT Corey Williams.
Restricted free agents (2): DT Colin Cole, RB Vernand Morency.
Exclusive-rights free agents (6): S Atari Bigby, RB Ryan Grant, WR Carlyle Holiday, TE Tory Humphrey, FB John Kuhn, WR Ruvell Martin.
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Running Report
Date | Distance | Time | Effort | Route | Comment |
1-25-08 | 1.2 miles | 20:00 | 6/10 | Mcracken | Paced so I would last 20 minutes. Falling snow and 20 degrees |
Friday, January 25, 2008
Goal Report 25 January

I set some goals for 2008. Here's how I am doing:
- Adventure Race: Completing a feasibility/ due diligence phase to make sure I have all the gear etc. It's looking like Adventure race #1 for me will be in June.
- Poetry: Been poetizing this week. May go to an open mic and read some tonite.
- Organize Books in basement: This is where I keep my business inventory, no progress this week.
- Purchase a Pop up: We went to a RV show over the weekend which helped us narrow in on what we want.
- Training: Completed a strenuous hike while geocaching.
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
World Almanac Blog Ocean Fishing
On P.93 an interesting breakdown of fish caught by ocean. In 1990 23,195,275 metric tons were caught in the Atlantic Ocean. In 2005 this figure was up to 23,700,863. Compare this to the Pacific Ocean numbers of 52,590,922 and 68,004,136.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
World Almanac Blog: Army Enlistment
Since Bush became President the US Army has grown. In 2000 there were 471,633 soldiers. By 2007 there were 510,024 troops. 422,260 of these are enlisted personnel. (P.121)
Offseason Basis
"The identity of our football team will always be built around our offensive and defensive lines, and we need to improve the run-blocking. That will be a primary focus of ours in the off-season."
Mike McCarthy
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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World Almanac Blog Unabomber
This week in 1998 Theodore Kaczynski plead guilty to bombings that killed 3 and injured 2 (P. 490). Prior to life in jail the unabomber lived in a Montana cabin.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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– Text late Sunday night from Packers middle linebacker Nick Barnett, to Yahoo's Michael Silver expressing his anger (and status as perhaps the only hot person in Green Bay) about the outcome.
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JOE DOUGLAS
Packers review


After a day or two to get less passionate and emotional here's my look at the NFC title loss to the Giants.
My 1st key was pass protections. This was taken care of well, with only 2 knockdowns and 2 pressures, no sacks.
2nd was hit Manning. This did not go well. Kampman didn't do much KGB has one great play and the rest didn't show. This is supposed to be a team strength in quality and quanity but it didn't seem like that Sunday.
I always want TD's over FG's. This game we got a pair of each. One TD in place of a FG wins the game. Greg Jennings caught one ball, Ruvell Martin had a big drop, these guys are TD makers and didn't play well. Kudos though to Mason Crosby who kicked off well and was dead straight on 2 fg's.
3rd downs- The offense was 1-10, yes 10%! That cascades, more FG's, more time on the field for the defense, few plays made!
The return game. Tremon Williams did give the team a short field for their 2nd td. Koren Robinson looked pretty lost, having trouble catching the ball etc.
What concerned me most was the QB play. Favre looked old and not just on the last pass. He looked done in by the weather. When he moved and threw it didn't work. The legondary gun slinger threw about a 5 yard pass to a TE on 3rd and 15.
I heard Ron Wolf say recently that Favre tilts the field in his favor. Certainly in this game he did not as the little Manning beat him.
I don't know that he should retire or that it Rogers time, but this is most questions I've ever had about him.
So as it ends the leagues youngest team made it to the conference title game and lost. Sure, they're young and should be back. Then again sometimes opportunities are less frequent than you think they should be.
Days
On January 17 1773 he and his crew became the 1st to sail below the Antarctic circle. In his journal he wrote, "At about a 1/4 past 11 o'Clock we cross'd the Antarctic circle for a Noon we were by observation four Miles and a half South of it and we are undoubtedly the first and only ship that ever cross's that line."
On January 18 1778 Cook and his expedition discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Of this he wrote, "Morning of the 18th when an island was discovered bearing nebe and soon after we saw more land bearing north and entirely detached from the 1st..."
Whose had better days than these?
World Almanac Blog 01/22/08
On P. 388 in the list of associations and societies the Colonial Dames XVII Century, Natl. Soc. are found. To join "Documentary proof of an ancestor's service prior to 1701 is required." An ancestor who was a colonial governor, signer of the Mayflower compact etc. Retroactively elite, eh?
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Monday, January 21, 2008
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World Almanac Blog 01/21/08
It's a federal holiday so there is no mail. Looking on P. 371 there is an interesting chart that considers postage rates historically. It goes back to 1851 when the rate for a one ounce letter was .06 or in 2007 dollars $1.48. In 1971 when I was born it was .08 or .41 in 2007 dollars. It's now .41 cents.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Packers/Giants Stats
19 Packers sacks allowed 3rd fewest in league.
53 sacks by the Giants league leading.
9-2 Giants records with 2 or more sacks.
Week 2 Favre was sacked just once.
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
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A Salute to Francis Joyon
Overall this is the 2nd fastest round the world voyage as Joyon edged the 58 day mark set by the late Steve Fosset and crew on Cheyenne, but short of the outright mark held by Bruno Peyron and crew on Orange II.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
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William Hazlitt
NFC Championship keys

1. Pass Protection: Pass rush is Giants strength. If Clifton and Tauscher play well the game changes.
2. Hit Eli: Rush him and hit him. I'm still not convinced Eli will not crack.
3. 3rd Downs: Pack was 7/10 last week. That keeps drives going and lets you score 6 straight possessions.
4. Big return play: Blackman is game time descsion and would increase chances in this area. Will McCarthy onside kick, or call a fake?
5. Score TD's not FG's Last week Crosby kicked extra points and nothing else. Keep his work load down to win.
Giants QB's Since 1992
The list includes Super Bowl winners Jeff Hostetler and Phil Simms, Kerry Collins who took the Giants to the Super Bowl and Kurt Warner who was a Super Bowl winner and MVP with another team. Eli Manning was the 1st pick overall. Jesse Palmer aka the Bachelor was one, along with FSU alum Danny Kanell. The list ends with Dukie Dave Brown and Buckeye Kent Graham.
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Friday, January 18, 2008
Goal Report: 18 Janury
- Race in 5K runs: Ran the Sgt. Preston on New Years day. Plan one a month until June. Will travel to Chicago for the Shamrock Shuffle- an 8k- in March.
- Blogging regularly: I've been working on the world almanac 5 days a week entry, the Packers and their success are a constant topic and I am working to find original quotes to post.
- BookScoutLookOut: The book selling business is growing, best month ever in sales and month is just half over.
- Pass NREMT Written: Studying is going well. I have achieved 80% or up in reviewing key areas like airway and cardiology.
- Organize Books: Re shelved all my books in library. Now need to do same in basement, this will make book sales much easier.
- Weekly Goal Report: This is the 1st one, so not up to speed yet.
- Travel: We have Disney reservations for December. Going to RV show this weekend to look at pop ups. Have not had success turning our vouchers into a trip.
- Reading: Read more classics. Haven't read a one to date.
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Packers V. Giants All Time

Dating back to 1929 the Packers are 30-22-2 against the Giants. FYI the ties came in 1942 and 1947 in the Curly Lambeau era. Lombardi lost only once to the Giants, Bart Starr was 4-2 against the NYG as coach, Forrest Gregg (right) 1-2 including a 55-24 loss in 1986 when Giants coach Tom Coughlin was a Packers assistant.
World Almanac Blog: National Lakeshores
The US has 4 areas designated as National Lakeshores. All are in the Great Lakes region with Michigan having 2 of them: Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Info from P. 456.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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Charles Lindbergh
World Almanac Blog House's Top Vote Getter
Starting on P. 432 there is a section on the 110th congress. Representative Denny Rehberg (R) of Montana won the most votes in any house election, 239,124. He is in his 4th term. Being Montana's solo congressman he had a whole state to draw from. Earl Blumenauer (D) of Oregon's 3rd district received 186,380 votes most of any candidate in a multi district state. He was elected to the house in 1996. His district includes the east portion of Portland.
Favre V. The Giants


Brett Favre is 4-2 against the Giants. The wins came in 1995, 1998, 2001 and this season. He's thrown 9 TD's to 9 different receivers. Only Tyrone Davis who caught 2 passes in the '98 win has more than 1 TD against the Giants. In the September game Franks, Lee and Driver caught TD's as Favre was named NFC offensive player of the week.
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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Blog that Dopesheet NFC Championship

- Green Bay's 12 titles is no 1 all time, Giants 6 titles is 3rd.
- Last year both teams were 8-8 and after 4 tiebreakers the Giants went to the post season.
- Favre is 12-9 in the playoff, 2-1 in NFC title games with a 2 game winning streak.
- V. Seahwaks GB converted 7-10 3rd downs season high.
- From 1933-1969 appeared in the NFL title 13 of 36 years (36%)
- Frank Walker, Charlie Peprah, and Ryan Grant are ex 'G Men'
Great Giants Staff
During the 3 year period the Giants won the NFL title in 1956 beating the Bears 47-7 and lost the title game in 1958 23-17 to the Colts in OT.
World Almanac Blog: America's 33rd largest city
On P. 626 Albuquerque is listed as having a population of 384,915 in 1990. By 2006 this had grown to 504,949. No other New Mexico city if over 100,000. Per P. 595 this makes it the 33rd largest American city. The city is 180.6 square miles and the Mayor is Democrat Martin Chavez (P.545).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Running Report
Date | Distance | Time | Effort | Route | Comment |
1-15-08 | ----- | 15 | 7/8 | Mcracken | Paced so I would last 15 minutes. Next week 20. |
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Packers/Giants Championship History
1938 @ Polo Grounds L 23-17 Playoff record crowd of 48,120
1939 @ Milwaukee State Fair Park W 27-0 1st shutout in an NFL title game
1944 @ Polo Grounds W 14-7 Don Hutson kicked both extra points
1961 @ Lambeau W 37-0 Lombardi's 1st title, Hornung 19 points
1962 @ Yankee Stadium W 16-7 Taylor 85 yards, Nitschke MVP
World Almanac Blog: Johnny Podres
Podres is listed as the 1955 World Series MVP on P. 898. passed away Sunday at age 75. Additionally he won 148 games and pitched for the Tigers.
New 24 Hour Solo Record
Record: Outright Singlehanded 24 Hour World Record
Yacht: "Sodebo" 105 ft Trimaran
Name: Thomas Coville FRA
Dates: 5th to 6th January 2008
Start position: 49 degrees 05.73'S; 23 degrees 05.35'E on 5/01/08
Finish position: 48 degrees 50.52'S; 38 degrees 50.19'E on 6/01/08
Distance sailed: 619.3nm
Average speed: 25.8 knots
Comments: Previous record: 2006 "Brossard"60ft Tri, Yvan Bourgnon, SUI, 610.45nm, 25.76kts
John Reed
Secretary to the WSSR Council
Monday, January 14, 2008
Healthy
New York Football Giants
The 'football' Giants began play in 1925 so had to distinguish themselves. FYI New York Football Giants is still the teams legal corporate name.
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
World Almanac Blog 01/14/08
With snow falling we turn to P. 288. Here it says that a blizzard warning occurs when there are winds of 35 mph+ and enough falling or blowing snow to reduce visibility to less than 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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Packers advance
What they survived was being down 14-0 after 4 minutes. In that span they mishandled the opening kick, Ryan Grant fumbled after an awkward pass and he then fumbled again. Down 14-0 after 4 not quarters minutes!
From then on the Packers scored on 6 straight possessions winning what seem like a second game 42-6 for a final of 42-20.
Coming back from the fumbles Grant set a team record with 201 yards averaging 7.4 a tote. As an aside do you pull a running back with 2 fumbles in under 4 minutes? Would you pull a QB with 2 picks in the same time? I think the answer is a double no and thankfully McCarthy agreed.
What a time for the defense go give up 200 yards a season low.
Grant set a team playoff record with 3 TD's and the team set a new rushing mark with 234 yards.
Bigby flew around hitting hard. Favre completed a pass underhand. Jennings caught 2. Bubba Franks making a play and Favre urging the challenge.
All positive memories setting up a memory opportunity for next week.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
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Friday, January 11, 2008
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Divisional Playoff Keys
Experience: Let's begin with something that I think is a key but in a different way. If Greg Jennings drops a pass is it due to lack of experience. Some would say yes. If he hauls in a bomb what is it due to then? Really experience doesn't matter, talent does.
Game of parallels: There's the cross pollination between teams, the Holmgrem connection thread etc. On the field this is true, too. There's Favre and Hasselback both Holmgrem pupils. Kampman and Kearney top rushers 12 and 14.5 sacks respectively. Barnett & Tatupu play making middle line backers. Charles Woodson and Maurice Trufant top corners. Ryan Grant and Mo Morris lesser known backs. These will affect things like turnovers (QB's, CB's), 3rd down (DE's), and 3rd down (MLB's)
Return Play: Nate Burleson returned a punt and kick for a TD. Can Williams and Robinson out produce him?
Kicking: Rookie Crosby v. experienced Brown. Still not comfortable in the cold. Of course Brown is wearing heated warm up pants so is he comfortable?
Turnovers: Interestingly both have 24 turnovers while Seattle has 34 take aways to Packers 28. Woodson maybe key to this area.
3rd down: Packers offense converts 43% vs. Seahwaks defense 35% Seahawks offense 35% vs. Packers defense 33% Here's where the multiple receiver short pass plays come in.
World Almanac Blog Bonus: Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary died in New Zealand at 88. You'll find Hillary on P. 700. Here is an interesting note that when Hillary and Norgay climbed Everest it's height was measured at 29,002 feet. 2 remeasuremants with newer technology now show Everest as 29,035 feet high. Highest mountain in Hillary's native New Zealand is Mt. Cook at 12,349 feet.
World Almanac Blog Mary J. Blige
Singer Mary J. Blige known for her album My Life was born today in the Bronx NY in 1971 (P. 209). Per Page 263 Blige won a 2006 Grammy for R&B Vocal performance for "Be Without You" and for her album "The Breakthrough"
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
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Sir Winston Churchill-
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Comparison
World Almanac Blog French Guiana
Reading a book that has the author in French Guiana. P. 773 tells us that French Guiana is an overseas department of France. Population of 203,321. European Space Agency has a launching center there and shrimp fishing is a key industry. It is located on the NE coast of South America between Suriname and Brazil.
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Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Withdrawal in Disgust not the Same as Apathy Part......
Last 2 of 3
World Almanac Blog Clinton's New Hampshire History
Hillary Clinton won a "surprise" victory in the Democratic Presidential Primary. Per P.536 New Hampshire has seen previous victories by Bill Clinton. He won the state in 1992 garnering 209,040 votes and in 1996 getting 246,166 votes. Hillary has now bested Bill as he finished 2nd in the 1992 version of this primary.
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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Benjamin Franklin
Global Weirding
An increase in severe or unusual environmental activity often attributed to global warming. This includes freakish weather and new animal migration patterns.
As in thunderstorms, tornado warnings and 50 degree temperatures in a Michigan winter.
World Almanac Blog Sound of Music
Today I opened to P. 232 to find that the American Film Institute ranks the Sound of Music as the 40th best movie of all time. It is also in the National Film registry. On P.261 it shows that Sound of Music was best picture in 1965 and Robert Wise won best directory.
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
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Monday, January 7, 2008
Wild Card QB's
Courtesy
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World Almanac Blog OSU/LSU
P.929 is the start of the Almanac's college football section. Here we learn that LSU shared the national title in 2003, while OSU won it in 2002. In polling after last years bowl games OSU finished 2nd with LSU in 3rd. LSU beat Notre Dame in last years Sugar Bowl 41-14. The year before OSU beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl 34-20. In 117 years of football OSU has 780 wins, while in 113 years LSU has 680 wins. Troy Smith of OSU won last years Heisman while Billy Cannon of LSU won in 1959.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
Holmgrem now a Seattle Man
He now has 9 years in Seattle. He's won 79 games and has a .564 winning percentage. He's gone 3-5 in the playoffs and reached the Super Bowl once.
Holmgrem was in Green Bay for 7 years winning 75 games and reaching 2 Super Bowls. His post season record was 9-5.
So although there will be re-match/reunion stories Holmgrem is now a Seattle man come to play the Packers, in perhaps his final game?
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Favre Playoff #'s: Before & After?
From 1993-'97, Favre owned an 8-4 post-season record, threw 23 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions, and his rating was 92.0.
In those seven playoff appearances since the Packers' last Super Bowl, Favre was intercepted 16 times (six against the St. Louis Rams in 2001), threw 11 touchdown passes and had a passer rating of 70.8.
Friday, January 4, 2008
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World Almanac Blog: Error
P.967 Here it states that the 2007 America's Cup was won 5-0 by Alinghi over Emirates Team New Zealand. This is in error as the score was Alinghi 5 ETNZ 2. The Cups in 2003, 2000 and 1995 were also one sided white washes. In 1992 Italy won a single race to America 3's 4 races.
Iowa #'s
Republican Turnout 108,000
Total 347,000
Registered Voters 1,800,000
Turnout 19%
Bully for the Democrats I suppose. But sure seems like a lot of work to attract 19% of the state's voters!
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition
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Thursday, January 3, 2008
Honors to Bigby and Jackson

Atari Bigby named NFC Defensive player of the month for December
Brandon Jackson voted Rookie of the Week
This Day in Brett Favre TD History-Playoff Edition

January 3 1999 This is the last second loss to the 49ers on a Young to TO pass. It also turned out to be Holmgrem's last game as coach and was the end of any Packer dynasty thoughts.
Favre had a pair of TD's to Antonio Freeman. The 1st was 2 yards, the 2nd a 15 yarder. He completed 20 of 35 for 292 yards.
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World Almanac Blog 01/03/08
P.29 Warren Avis died April 24 2007 in Ann Arbor MI. The car rental company is his namesake. Avis idea was to rent cars at airports instead of downtown locations as was common. He was born in Bay City MI. The 1st Avis was at Willow Run airport.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sgt. Preston
Last 5k was 44:33 and last in my age group.
Off to a running start in 2008!
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World Almanac Blog Rose Bowl History
Yesterday USC whipped up on Illinois in the Rose Bowl scoring 7 TD's and gaining 633 yards. This sent me to P. 929 to look at past Rose Bowl's. Going back 40 years USC is 13-5, winning in 5 straight appearances from 1975 to 1985 (coaches included McKay, Robinson and Tollner). They lost 2 in a row in 1988/1989. From 1996 to 2004 they did not appear.
In that same period Michigan appeared 16 times winning just 4. They won 2 straight in '93 and '98 coached by Moeller and Carr respectively.
Ohio State had 8 appearances with a 3-5 mark. In 4 games from 1975 to 1985 they were losers. These 'L's' were divided between Hayes and Bruce. Interestingly current coach Tressel has not coached a Rose Bowl.
USC's overall Rose Bowl record is 22-9, while Illinois had lost their last 2 Grandaddy of them All games by a combined score of 94-26.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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World Almanac Blog 01/01/08
P.292 Vanderbilt MI holds the record for coldest ever temperature in Michigan at -51° F. This occured Feb 9, 1934. Located off I 75 Vanderbilt was settled on land owned by the famed Vanderbilt family whose Michigan Central Railroad passed thru the area. With a population of just under 600 it's located in Ostego county.