Spartan Strong
State of the Union, Fabulous Fish, Nickel Creek, Tim McCarver, The Heat is On
Welcome to my weekly newsletter. I hope you enjoy the picks and pics.
Fave Five 21: Spartan Strong. Ten-part Tale (State of the Union), Fabulous Fish (Brophy Bros., Spencer Makenzie’s), Bluegrass Breakthrough (Nickel Creek), Cardinal Catcher (Tim McCarver), Ripped-off Radiators (The Heat Is On)
My home state of Michigan suffered another senseless tragedy in East Lansing last week. Following the mass shooting in Oxford, Michigan in 2021, I hope that this time our elected representatives will make changes to our state’s gun laws. The fact that a gun rights group threatened recalls should not deter taking action.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Spartan Nation has come together. Here is but one example:
'Free mom hugs' show Michigan state students they are loved
Heather Stallone and Marissa Gilson stood near the Rock on Michigan State University's campus Wednesday, each holding up identical signs they'd printed out that morning.
"Free mom hugs," the signs read. "Just tap my shoulder. I will hold tight until you let go, just like a mom would do if she were here. #SpartanStrong #SpartansWill."
Stallone, a business manager with MSU's Department of Plant Biology, had no idea if any of the students at the Rock grieving the murders of three classmates would be open to a stranger's embrace, but she's a Spartan and a mom herself — so she had to do something, she said, in the wake of Monday night's deadly shooting on campus.
"Some students just were looking at me like, 'Is it OK?' and I just opened my arms up," Stallone said.
The pair hugged hundreds of students and parents, some sobbing in their arms for a minute or more before they let go.
"I have to say that my arms hurt still two days later," Stallone said. "They kept apologizing to me because they were hugging me for so long and it just … it was heartbreaking. You could tell that that's exactly what they needed. They needed that embrace of a mom to just reassure them that they were going to get through this."
My twin daughters, Kathy and Tracy, are MSU alums. They were horrified by what happened at their alma mater, and heartened by the vigil that took place one week ago when Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Coach Tom Izzo spoke.
Kathy visited us in Santa Barbara over the weekend. On Sunday, without any planning or coordination, she and Tracy both dressed exactly alike:
I have many fond memories of going to East Lansing while they were there, including:
Attending folk music concerts at Ten Pound Fiddle
Seeing great shows at Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Running into Spartan athletes at Pizza House
Enjoying Sesquicentennial Swirl ice cream at MSU Dairy Store
Tailgating before MSU football games
My best memories involve Michigan State basketball. Along with 40 million other basketball fans, I enjoyed watching Michigan State win its first NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 1979 behind the incredible talents of Magic Johnson and Greg Kelser. But I didn’t become a true Spartan fan until 20 years later, when MSU started a run of three straight Final Four appearances. In 1999 I was at the Midwest Regional in St. Louis when the Spartans beat Oklahoma and Kentucky to win it. I didn’t make to St. Petersburg for the Final Four, but I was in Indianapolis the next year to see MSU win its second national title. And I have been at all six Spartans’ Final Four appearances since then. Barb and I were in Washington, DC when MSU earned it most recent trip:
Barb and I are also fans of the University of Michigan, so it is always difficult to decide which team to root for when they play each other. On Saturday, they met in Ann Arbor, the first game for MSU after the shooting. The Michigan fans were great, and I was happy that Michigan won to keep their slim tournament hopes alive.
Crisler Center glows green before the game in support of Michigan State surviving a mass shooting earlier in the week. Michigan vs. Michigan State in Ann Arbor on February 18, 2023.
A moment of silence was observed, followed by the University of Michigan band playing “MSU Shadows,” the beautiful Michigan State University alma mater.
Last night, Michigan State beat Indiana, 80-65, in an emotional return to the Breslin Center. Indiana showed great character by wearing Spartan Strong shirts:
Here’s hoping that both Michigan and Michigan State make the field of 68 and that both of them make good runs in the tournament.
Book Best Bet
State of the Union: A Marriage in Ten Parts by Nick Hornby
From a previous Fave Five:
Nick won the 2019 Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for his work as executive producer State of the Union. He wrote the book on which the series is based. Barb and I are watching it now on Sundance Now and really enjoy the 10-minute episodes.
This is another great book by Nick. It’s only 144 pages and can be read quickly. It’s very entertaining, as are both seasons of his TV adaptation. I recommend the book and both seasons of the show, available on Sundance Now and AMC+.
From Amazon: Tom and Louise meet in a pub before their couple's therapy appointment. Married for years, they thought they had a stable home life--until a recent incident pushed them to the brink.
Going to therapy seemed like the perfect solution. But over drinks before their appointment, they begin to wonder: what if marriage is like a computer? What if you take it apart to see what's in there, but then you're left with a million pieces?
Unfolding in the minutes before their weekly therapy sessions, the ten-chapter conversation that ensues is witty and moving, forcing them to look at their marriage--and, for the first time in a long time, at each other.
True story: One of our editors read Nick Hornby’s entire novella-esque exploration of marriage while getting a pedicure. Which is to say, it’s quick, sharp, and absorbing, and it fits in a small handbag. — goop
Witty and intimate. — WNYC
Consisting almost entirely of witty repartee. — Kirkus reviews
Restaurant Recommendations
Fabulous Fish
California has so much to offer, including fresh seafood served close to the ocean. During Kathy’s recent visit, we visited two great seafood restaurants.
Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant 119 Harbor Way. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Kathy wanted to have lunch here on Saturday, so she joined Barb and me right on the dock in Santa Barbara Harbor. This is a very popular place, so we spent the 45-minute wait walking along the waterfront.
I had Brophy’s New England Clam Chowder and the Hot Combo: Shrimp (8), Steamed Clams (4), Oysters Rockefeller (2), Steamed Mussels (4), Baked Clams (2). Everything was excellent.
From owner John Bennett: Founded by and still operated by the Bennett Family since its opening in 1986. Our family is originally from New York, moved to Boston, and settled in Santa Barbara in 1980. My brothers and sisters all graduated from Santa Barbara High, and most still participate with the restaurant in some capacity. You probably will meet one of us while here.
We are a casual seafood house that is located right on the dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor. You'll find a bustling scene of fishermen, young professionals, and sand-sprinkled beachgoers nearly every night of the week at this true-blue waterfront institution. Dungeness crab cocktail, oysters on the half-shell, and fried shrimp round out the "small" menu offerings. Fresh fish specials, such as grilled white sea bass from local waters, mahi mahi dusted in Cajun spices, and pan-blackened local yellowtail are highlights on the "long" menu. No matter what, libations are always in order at this locals' favorite gathering place. Everyone is welcome at Brophy's.
Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company 806 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
On Sunday we all drove to Ventura so that our grandson Julian could attend the Great Train Show. He wanted to buy most of the trains he saw there, but we were able to get of there and head to lunch at a place that Matt had been to before that he said had great fish tacos. I ordered two:
World Famous Fish Taco: Grilled fish topped with chopped cabbage, cilantro, and bell peppers perfectly spread across a flour tortilla. Brooklyn Style: Our signature Spencer Sauce mixed with our Sweet Chili Fire. Becomes a medium heat fusion that takes your food from great to incredible! Spencer Sauce: Created over 20 years ago, a special blend of seasonings mixed with mayonnaise and sour cream as the base.
Ahi Taco: Seared Ahi tuna topped with chopped cabbage, cilantro, bell peppers and our Brooklyn Style sauce perfectly spread across a flour tortilla.
Matt was right. These were both delicious, as were the hot sauces.
From co-owner John Karayan: My wife Jennifer and I own and operate Spencer Makenzie's Fish Company. Being a family-owned seafood restaurant, we named it after our two oldest children. Our son Spencer and our daughter Makenzie.
Spencer Makenzie's Fish Company, LLC, started out as a fairground and festival concession trailer in May of 2007. Its popularity was quickly established with attendees at events such as The Ventura County Fair (where we won the Best Food Concessionaire Award), The Aloha Festival and The C Street Long Board Classic.
The concept for the restaurant and trailer had been an idea of mine for 20 years. During that time, I perfected our Ceviche and Giant Fish Tacos into the unique recipes that have become "the Spencer Makenzie way". When Jennifer and I started creating the full restaurant menu our main goals were to offer high quality, healthful food at consumer-friendly prices. We wanted to provide a tastier, healthier alternative to the so-called "fast food" of the taco/hamburger chain variety. All of our tempura is hand dipped to order and is served crispy, hot and delicious.
We use only sushi grade fish in our seafood menu items. That's why it always tastes so fresh. Our vegetables are bought from produce wholesalers that are known for the freshness of their products. Ninety percent of our sauces and 100% of our salsas are homemade, and so is our clam chowder.
Along with health consciousness, going "green" is very important to us as well. All of the cooking oil we use (which is 0 trans fats) is turned into biodiesel fuel for vehicles. Our plates, cups, and utensils are biodegradable/compostable.
Our restaurant offers diners a warm welcoming experience with friendly waitresses and a laid-back vibe. Customers listen to mellow acoustic music from singers such as Jack Johnson, Bob Marley and Colbie Caillat. Spencer Makenzie's has quickly become the regular meeting place for friends, families and business associates. We take pride in making our customers feel that they are always welcome-and part of the Spencer Makenzie family. We regularly have people driving from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, just to get their "Spencer Makenzie's fix".
Marvelous Musicians
Nickel Creek (Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, and Sean Watkins)
Chris Thile's 42nd birthday was Monday and Sean Watkins’s 45th birthday was Saturday. I heard “Out of the Woods” on WUMB in Boston and bought Nickel Creek's first album in 2000. I saw them perform at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan on July 10, 2014. I have seen various combinations of the Watkins siblings, including Watkins Family Hour, Works Progress Administration, and I'm With Her. Two singles from Nickel Creek's forthcoming album Celebrants (coming March 24, 2023) have been released so far: “Strangers” and “Holding Pattern.” Videos for both are below.
From Wikipedia: Nickel Creek (formerly known as the Nickel Creek Band) is an American bluegrass band consisting of Chris Thile (mandolin), and siblings Sara Watkins (fiddle) and Sean Watkins (guitar). Formed in 1989 in Southern California, they released six albums between 1993 and 2006. The band broke out in 2000 with a platinum-selling self-titled album produced by Alison Krauss, earning a number of Grammy and CMA nominations.
Their fourth album This Side won a 2003 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Following a fifth studio album and a compilation album, the band announced an indefinite hiatus at the conclusion of their 2007 Farewell (For Now) Tour. Following numerous solo projects from the band members, Nickel Creek reformed in 2014 with announcement of a new album and subsequent tour.
The Watkins and Thile families met after Sean Watkins and Chris Thile had mandolin lessons with the same music instructor, John Moore. Sara Watkins studied with Moore's bandmate, Dennis Caplinger. The band name comes from a song by Byron Berline, who was Sara Watkins' fiddle instructor.
Strangers
Holding Pattern
My Playlists
Nickel Creek
Watkins Family Hour: Sara and Sean Watkins
Works Progress Administration: Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, Luke Bulla, Glen Phillips, Benmont Tench, Greg Leisz, Pete Thomas, and Davey Faragher
I’m With Her: Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan
Sports Star
Tim McCarver died last week. He caught Hall of Fame pitchers Bob Gibson for the St. Louis Cardinals and Steve Carlton (a former Cardinal) for the Philadelphia Phillies. Tim was a Hall of Fame broadcaster who talked a lot but knew what he was talking about.
In 1963 Tim took over the catching duties from Gene Oliver, who was traded in June. I moved to St. Louis that year and the first MLB games I saw were at the old Busch Stadium (originally Sportsman’s Park). It was Stan Musial’s last season and Tim’s first as full-time catcher. After I moved to New Jersey in 1964, Tim helped the Cardinals win the 1964 World Series over the New York Yankees by hitting .478 with a homer and 5 RBI. In 1967 he hit .295 in the regular season, culminating in a second World Series win. In the 1968 World Series loss to the Detroit Tigers, he hit .333.
After moving back to St. Louis in 1970 I remained a New York Mets fan until 1973, when I had a press pass that let me into all Cardinals home games. I used it frequently and fell in love with the team. Tim had been reacquired by St. Louis before that season and resumed his role as a team leader. After a terrible 5-20 start to the season, Tim addressed the media and boldly predicted that the team was not done, and that the fans should not give up on them. The team then went on a tear, taking over first place on the day before the All-Star break in a win over the Dodgers on July 22 in front of a sold-out stadium. Unfortunately, Bob Gibson tore the cartilage in his knee while running the bases in August, and the Cards finished 1.5 games behind the Mets for the Eastern Division title.
I will remember Tim as a great catcher, clutch hitter, team leader, and baseball guru.
Bob Gibson is the luckiest pitcher I ever saw. He always pitches when the other team doesn’t score any runs.
I remember one time going to mound to talk with Bob. He told me to get back behind the batter — that the only thing I knew about pitching was that it was hard to hit.
From Remembering Cardinals great Tim McCarver by Ben Hochman:
From age 18 to 81, McCarver’s admiration for Gibson was genuine. He loved that man. McCarver was behind the plate for so many of Gibson’s iconic moments, from Game 7 of the 1964 World Series to Game 7 of the 1967 World Series to Game 1 of the 1968 World Series, when Gibson struck out 17 batters in a shutout win. Their friendship transcended race and also set an example to Missourians in the 1960s — if Gibson and McCarver could be great friends, why couldn’t other Blacks and whites?
From Wikipedia: James Timothy McCarver (born October 16, 1941 in Memphisl died February 16, 2023 in Memphis) was an American catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) and television sports commentator who played from 1959 to 1980 for four teams, spending almost all of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. A two-time All-Star, he helped the Cardinals to the 1964 World Series title, batting .478 in the Series, including a three-run home run in the tenth inning to win Game 5. In 1966, he became the first catcher since the 19th century to lead the National League (NL) in triples with 13. McCarver was runner-up for the 1967 NL Most Valuable Player Award, behind teammate Orlando Cepeda, after batting .295 and leading NL catchers in assists and fielding percentage.
Traded to the Phillies after the 1969 season, he was later re-joined by pitcher and St. Louis teammate Steve Carlton, becoming his regular catcher as the team won three division titles from 1976 to 1978. After increased use as a pinch hitter in his last several seasons, in September 1980, McCarver became the 18th major league player to play in four decades.
After his playing career, McCarver became a television color commentator, most notably for Fox Sports after previous stints with the other three broadcast networks. He eventually set a record by calling 23 World Series as well as 20 All-Star Games, earning three Emmy Awards in the process. In 2012, McCarver was named the Ford C. Frick Award recipient. He was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016, and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tim McCarver, decorated baseball broadcaster and Cardinals great, dies at 81 By Richard Deitsch and The Athletic Staff
McCarver as a broadcaster was a revelation when he entered the booth — a thinking person’s analyst. Even his critics — and he had many of them for his tendency to over-talk in a broadcast — would concede few were better at first-guessing as a baseball analyst.
The most famous example came in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. With Diamondbacks on every base and the Yankees’ infield playing in, McCarver told the audience that Yankees closer Mariano Rivera’s cut fastball ran inside to left-handed hitters, often resulting in broken bat hits to the shallow outfield. On the next pitch, Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez broke his bat on an inside pitch from Rivera. The ball flailed over New York shortstop Derek Jeter to end the Series.” In 2013, Joe Buck told me, “I’ve learned more from him than anybody I have been around in this business, including my father (Jack Buck).” What a baseball life.
Picture Pun
The word on the street is that these are hot.
