Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

I feel like Charles Ingalls today. Instead plowing the field I'm tilling the lawn. I already chopped down two trees. I'm going to build a patio. I've never built one before but if I can build airplanes I can build a patio.

I went over to Orbit Rental this morning to rent a tiller. I was going to hire someone, anyone. Jeri kept insisting that I hire some one. I figured I can do this. I told the rental guy what I needed and what I was trying to accomplish. He asked me"Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" "I don't have a clue what the hell I'm getting into but what the heck, I'll give it a shot." "In this heat?" he said. "Yeah, I know."

As Ralph Kramdon was wont to say "Me and my Biiiiiiiig mouth." It's turning out to be one hell of a job. I'm about two thirds complete. I feel like I just went 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao. There's no turning back now. I'm going to see this through. But damn it's hot!

Randy

[dagosd2000]

Vernon with Dan Hanley Senior in October 2002.

Bennie, thanks for posting this. This was the incident I was referring to at the top of page 826. You can't see it but the roped stancheons are between Pops and Vernon. Vernon just leaned over and pulled Pops toward him for a great photo. If you look just to the left you can see the green blazered secret service wannabe who was just pissed off that Vernon made him look like an a**hole, which is exactly what he was. I mean, the event was breaking up, nobody was asking for autographs anymore and everyone was just sitting around talking. The guy needed to drink a gallon of lighten-up. I'll always remember Vernon Forrest for being accomodating, not to mention being a damn good fighter.

Scartissue

Great shot. Great commentary.

[kikibalt]

I feel like Charles Ingalls today. Instead plowing the field I'm tilling the lawn. I already chopped down two trees. I'm going to build a patio. I've never built one before but if I can build airplanes I can build a patio.

I went over to Orbit Rental this morning to rent a tiller. I was going to hire someone, anyone. Jeri kept insisting that I hire some one. I figured I can do this. I told the rental guy what I needed and what I was trying to accomplish. He asked me"Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" "I don't have a clue what the hell I'm getting into but what the heck, I'll give it a shot." "In this heat?" he said. "Yeah, I know."

As Ralph Kramdon was wont to say "Me and my Biiiiiiiig mouth." It's turning out to be one hell of a job. I'm about two thirds complete. I feel like I just went 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao. There's no turning back now. I'm going to see this through. But damn it's hot!

Randy

Randy, I have a mule you can borrow....

[Expug]

I feel like Charles Ingalls today. Instead plowing the field I'm tilling the lawn. I already chopped down two trees. I'm going to build a patio. I've never built one before but if I can build airplanes I can build a patio.

I went over to Orbit Rental this morning to rent a tiller. I was going to hire someone, anyone. Jeri kept insisting that I hire some one. I figured I can do this. I told the rental guy what I needed and what I was trying to accomplish. He asked me"Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" "I don't have a clue what the hell I'm getting into but what the heck, I'll give it a shot." "In this heat?" he said. "Yeah, I know."

As Ralph Kramdon was wont to say "Me and my Biiiiiiiig mouth." It's turning out to be one hell of a job. I'm about two thirds complete. I feel like I just went 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao. There's no turning back now. I'm going to see this through. But damn it's hot!

Randy

I wish I was out there with you Randy.
I would give you a hand. I worked construction for years. Ive done all kinds of fun things including pouring concrete.
Ive worked alot of road construction , concrete, asphalt etc etc. I know what its like to operate a jackhammer on the tollway at 5am. My present occupation is alot better.
We would have a good time building your patio. Jeri might get a little mad with us not getting anything done because of all the boxing talk, but we would have some laughs my friend.

[dagosd2000]

DINNER AT DIAMOND JOES

The Bella Napoli was Al Capone's favorite resaurant. Operated by my grandfather,Diamond Joe Esposito,on Halsted Street in Chicago the Napoli featured the finest Neopolitan cuisine in the city. Capone traced his ancestry back to Campania like my grandfather's .Diamond Joe and Capone were "paisan".("Hey goombadil?") My father would tell me Capone would be eating the noodles with his body guard Machine Gun Jack McGurn sitting in the chair next to him,but with one eye open. McGurn didn't eat. He was watching the door.

When Jack Dempsey was going to give it another shot with Tunney for the title at Soldier's Field,Al Capone wanted to interfere. Capone was a big backer of Dempsey. He threw his muscle into a deal with Jack that would have him winning back the belt. An offer he couldn't refuse?

To put Jack at ease a meeting was arranged at the Bella Napoli. Capone knew Tunney wouldn't do the waltz with anything like a fix,so Capone was going to arrange to reach the referee. Dave Barry was a last minute selection for the fight because putting together a big match like that in Chicago was something everyone knew Capone was going to get involved with.

But all was a mute point. Evidently Dempsey told Capone he didn't want any part of robbing Tunney of the championship. Jack ,they say,didn't think he had much of a chance anyway. He was hating training camp and couldn't come around like he wanted .He'd also promised his wife that this would be his last fight.

Fight fans always admire the toughness of the Manassa Mauler.Yeah, you've got to be pretty tough to turn down Al Capone.

[dagosd2000]

I feel like Charles Ingalls today. Instead plowing the field I'm tilling the lawn. I already chopped down two trees. I'm going to build a patio. I've never built one before but if I can build airplanes I can build a patio.

I went over to Orbit Rental this morning to rent a tiller. I was going to hire someone, anyone. Jeri kept insisting that I hire some one. I figured I can do this. I told the rental guy what I needed and what I was trying to accomplish. He asked me"Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" "I don't have a clue what the hell I'm getting into but what the heck, I'll give it a shot." "In this heat?" he said. "Yeah, I know."

As Ralph Kramdon was wont to say "Me and my Biiiiiiiig mouth." It's turning out to be one hell of a job. I'm about two thirds complete. I feel like I just went 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao. There's no turning back now. I'm going to see this through. But damn it's hot!

Randy

I wish I was out there with you Randy.
I would give you a hand. I worked construction for years. Ive done all kinds of fun things including pouring concrete.
Ive worked alot of road construction , concrete, asphalt etc etc. I know what its like to operate a jackhammer on the tollway at 5am. My present occupation is alot better.
We would have a good time building your patio. Jeri might get a little mad with us not getting anything done because of all the boxing talk, but we would have some laughs my friend.

I can watch construction workers work for hours on end. I know if I saw Brian and Randy pour concrete,doing road construction,operating jack hammers,and digging ditches in the hot sun I would have a very good time. Besides,I've got some wonderfull stories to share.

[dagosd2000]

Here's my flower contribution. Those yellow flowers(don't know the name)are unique to the Bavarian Alps. Below ,I'm drinking a tea made from those flowers. The pretzel tasted better with a beer, as you can tell from my expression.

Rog is already relaxing there while two others struggle to the top. This is like Scott making it to the South Pole only to find Amundsen already there.

Bennie 'Ol Chum
These dudes were racing up the mountain along with about 100 others that day. The altitude was over 10,000 feet. I was out of breath going up to the top of that mountain in the cable car.

As far as comparing Scott and Amundsen,I think it's closer to coming home from work and finding your best friend in bed with your wife.

[dagosd2000]

Racing up the side of a 10,000 foot mountain. I think getting hit in the head by Kenny Norton would have been a much more enjoyable experience. Germany. 2009

[Expug]

I feel like Charles Ingalls today. Instead plowing the field I'm tilling the lawn. I already chopped down two trees. I'm going to build a patio. I've never built one before but if I can build airplanes I can build a patio.

I went over to Orbit Rental this morning to rent a tiller. I was going to hire someone, anyone. Jeri kept insisting that I hire some one. I figured I can do this. I told the rental guy what I needed and what I was trying to accomplish. He asked me"Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" "I don't have a clue what the hell I'm getting into but what the heck, I'll give it a shot." "In this heat?" he said. "Yeah, I know."

As Ralph Kramdon was wont to say "Me and my Biiiiiiiig mouth." It's turning out to be one hell of a job. I'm about two thirds complete. I feel like I just went 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao. There's no turning back now. I'm going to see this through. But damn it's hot!

Randy

I wish I was out there with you Randy.
I would give you a hand. I worked construction for years. Ive done all kinds of fun things including pouring concrete.
Ive worked alot of road construction , concrete, asphalt etc etc. I know what its like to operate a jackhammer on the tollway at 5am. My present occupation is alot better.
We would have a good time building your patio. Jeri might get a little mad with us not getting anything done because of all the boxing talk, but we would have some laughs my friend.

I can watch construction workers work for hours on end. I know if I saw Brian and Randy pour concrete,doing road construction,operating jack hammers,and digging ditches in the hot sun I would have a very good time. Besides,I've got some wonderfull stories to share.

My hard hat is still hanging in the mudroom closet.
Its a nice reminder of where I dont wanna have to return.
Nothing against construction work, its good honest ball busting and good guys with alot of laughs,but nevertheless, there are better ways to make a living.
One of the last jobs I was on,a guy named Salvador accidently hit me with a flying axe right in the side. Luckily, it was the blunt side that hit me ,not the sharp side. He was knocking out some loose brick from a wall and lost it while he was swinging full force. I wasnt mad. He didnt mean it. But in retrospect, he probably shouldnt have been swinging that thing. He was missing two fingers on his hand. Its tough to get a good grip.

[kikibalt]

Promoter wins libel action against ex-boxing champ

LONDON (AP) — Former world heavyweight champion Herbie Hide has been ordered to pay $57,720 in libel damages to boxing promoter allegedly by London's High Court.
In a television interview in July 2008, Hide claimed that Warren had bribed Johnny Nelson to retire and give up his WBO cruiserweight title so that Enzo Maccarinelli, a boxer Warren promoted, would gain it without having to fight him.

Hide was found guilty at an earlier court hearing. At Monday's proceedings, Judge Patrick Moloney determined the amount.

Moloney also granted an injunction preventing Hide from repeating the libel. The boxer took no part in the proceedings.

Hide twice held the WBO heavyweight title, most recently in 1999.

[bennie]

Racing up the side of a 10,000 foot mountain. I think getting hit in the head by Kenny Norton would have been a much more enjoyable experience. Germany. 2009

Don't the young make you sick.

[bennie]

Me trying to look cool off the West coast of Ireland a few years ago. Note the can of Bud.

[bennie]

Also in West Ireland, in County Mayo. Check out those 'tasteful' brown shoes. I'm a dedicated follower of fashion.

[dagosd2000]

Racing up the side of a 10,000 foot mountain. I think getting hit in the head by Kenny Norton would have been a much more enjoyable experience. Germany. 2009

Don't the young make you sick.

And feel old

[kikibalt]

[Expug]

Also in West Ireland, in County Mayo. Check out those 'tasteful' brown shoes. I'm a dedicated follower of fashion.

Great shots Bennie.
My Wifes Family comes from Mayo. Ive been there and its beautiful.
My Family comes from Sligo. Not quite as scenic.

[kikibalt]

My daughter Linda and son in-law Ray were involved in an auto accident on the West 91 Freeway in Riverside, Ray was driving my son James truck, he got clip on the rear which cause him to lost control of the truck thus over-turning, don't know all the details yet, just that Both Linda and Ray are at the Riverside Community Hospital, Connie and I are going there now...

[Chuck1052]

Sorry to hear that, Frank. Best of luck to your daughter and son-in-law.

- Chuck Johnston

[kikibalt]

we're back home, as we were driving to Riverside Linda called me on my cell, said that Ray was been release from the ER, and that James got there to drive'em home and for us to turn around and come back home.
Ray was X-Ray and no broken bones were found, was told to follow up with his doctor, Linda decided to wait and go to the Queen of the Valley ER (West Covina) where she is at as I write this.

James truck? JUNK!

[kikibalt]

Sorry to hear that, Frank. Best of luck to your daughter and son-in-law.

- Chuck Johnston

Thanks Chuck...

[raylawpc]

we're back home, as we were driving to Riverside Linda called me on my cell, said that Ray was been release from the ER, and that James got there to drive'em home and for us to turn around and come back home.
Ray was X-Ray and no broken bones were found, was told to follow up with his doctor, Linda decided to wait and go to the Queen of the Valley ER (West Covina) where she is at as I write this.

James truck? JUNK!

I'm glad to hear everything is okay with your daughter and son-in-law.

[kikibalt]

we're back home, as we were driving to Riverside Linda called me on my cell, said that Ray was been release from the ER, and that James got there to drive'em home and for us to turn around and come back home.
Ray was X-Ray and no broken bones were found, was told to follow up with his doctor, Linda decided to wait and go to the Queen of the Valley ER (West Covina) where she is at as I write this.

James truck? JUNK!

I'm glad to hear everything is okay with your daughter and son-in-law.

Thanks Tom, Ray and Linda seem to be ok, externally they have scrapes and bruises, hopefully there will be no internal damage, we'll fine that out in the next few days, thanks again.

[Randyman]

we're back home, as we were driving to Riverside Linda called me on my cell, said that Ray was been release from the ER, and that James got there to drive'em home and for us to turn around and come back home.
Ray was X-Ray and no broken bones were found, was told to follow up with his doctor, Linda decided to wait and go to the Queen of the Valley ER (West Covina) where she is at as I write this.

James truck? JUNK!

Frank, I'm sorry to hear that your daughter and son in law got in an accident but I'm glad to hear that they are (relatively) okay. Sorry about James truck too. Keep us posted. Them Freeways are a bitch.

Randy

[Randyman]

Me trying to look cool off the West coast of Ireland a few years ago. Note the can of Bud.

Bennie, you are cool! Nice shot.

Randy

[kikibalt]

we're back home, as we were driving to Riverside Linda called me on my cell, said that Ray was been release from the ER, and that James got there to drive'em home and for us to turn around and come back home.
Ray was X-Ray and no broken bones were found, was told to follow up with his doctor, Linda decided to wait and go to the Queen of the Valley ER (West Covina) where she is at as I write this.

James truck? JUNK!

Frank, I'm sorry to hear that your daughter and son in law got in an accident but I'm glad to hear that they are (relatively) okay. Sorry about James truck too. Keep us posted. Them Freeways are a bitch.

Randy

Thanks Randy, hopefully they will come out ok. Yeah! James is out a truck, he already turn it into his insurance, and we'll see what he can get out of them so he can buy another one.