Isolation Thought

I saw Lurch's speech at the DNC on Thursday. Although it was delivered well, I thought it was an odd speech coming from a Democrat. Fairly militaristic with tax breaks for small business and extremely patriotic. That certainly doesn't sound like the most liberal guy in Congress to me. However, my mental adding machine kept ringing up those numbers. With a Republican congress, I'm not sure any of that plan gets done.

Having said that, the speech pleased the ABB (Anybody But Bush) faction to no end. I'm not sold yet that the undecideds are swinging towards Kerry. Bush is probably gonna take the gloves off soon and the free-for-all will begin. As I keep saying, you cannot underestimate the power of the incumbent. That was in plain view for Bush's visit to town today, when I saw the most menacing of helicopters patrolling the skies along Ridge Road, apparently looking for snipers. I must say, even Cheney has to feel better about his debate after viewing Edwards on Wednesday. Apparently that jury box was too big for Edwards.

All in all, a most satisfying week of political viewing, and it's about 4 weeks until the R's go to NYC.

Meal of Links

The conservative movement among priests.

Mixing art with politics. The Alice Tully Hall gets a mention, and I've always liked the way that sounds.

It appears that a gene may cause myopia. Too much close work, TV and reading help it along. Genius Doc advises kids to play outside.

Exercise Yard

It looks like the end for Mike Tyson. Of course, this is boxing and he may come back. But once the PPV crowd abandons your fights, it's time to hang 'em up.

Visitor

31 Down: Actress Zellweger (5 letters) Answer: Renee

Isolation Thought

"Hope is on the way." Uh-oh. After Day 3 of this Democratic convention, I'm gettin' a bad feeling. The spider sense is definitely tingling. Maybe John Edwards speech was supposed to be a given that it would be good, but I felt he didn't do that good of a job. I am sure the anti-war Dean faction of the party was thrilled to hear that the D's would increase military spending and troop size.

I didn't like Edwards delivery yesterday. It's silly to walk into a room giving the thumbs up sign with both hands. But if you're gonna do it, at least, do it in a masculine way. How prissy did that look last night?

I love Edwards' "Two Americas" speech, especially after I've heard it 200 times. "I'm the son of a me-al worker." But in Jim's America, I don't stop people who are on their way to the late shift and console them. We don't sit around the kitchen table and talk issues. And as a single person, where are my tax credits, for cryin' out loud. And "We will destroy you.", yeah, I'm talking to you al-Qaida, sounded as if someone just double-dog dared him to a war.

I'll give you the fact that he was supposed to be an appetizer to the main course, Kerry, this evening, but jeepers. What was supposed to be a lock yesterday, proved to me once again, you can't win games or the most important election of our time on paper.

Meal of Links

You can drive around with me if you want to hear NPR's Bob Edwards on XM.

The world's oldest brewery found in the Andes. Lost Incan relative of Norm Petersen found nearby.

Pakistan arrested some terrorist.

Exercise Yard

The Thorpedo says, "Sure, I've swum against dopers. Of course, I've whipped their ass."

Visitor

41 Down: Emilio Estevez cult film (7 letters) Answer: Repo Man

Isolation Thought

John Kerry speaks at the Democratic National Convention tomorrow. He must have a better week than this. Uh, he bounced it in.

Or this costume, straight from a Woody Allen movie.

A smattering of DNC Celebrity Sightings:

Larry David

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!!!

The Black Eyed Peas

Non-voter Affleck

Andre 3000

Michael Moore

Meal of Links

Pierce Brosnan is leaving the James Bond world behind.

I knew squirrels could talk!! Although they speak English to me.

Oil prices reach their all-time high.

Exercise Yard

Lebron and Boozer are teammates again.

Visitor

9 Across: Philadelphia athlete (5 letters) Answer: Eagle

Isolation Thought

What a wonderful day for DVDs. First of all, "Sledge Hammer" is out today. And, unbelievably, MGM bites the bullet and finally admits that "Showgirls" sucked.

During a lull in the convention broadcast today, C-Span ran Hubert Humphrey's acceptance speech from 1968. I really couldn't concentrate on substance too much, because HHH would make a point, the audience would applaud, and then the damn band would constantly play a fanfare, ta-da-a-a-a-ah. At one point in the middle of his speech, he thanked LBJ, "Thank you, Mr. President". Then the band rolled right into an extended version of "Happy Days Are Here Again". It was very funny. It was as if the bandleader said, "We are getting paid to play and, by God, play we will."

And what was with gas prices today? We saw a BP in Stow at Noon today at $1.69. Heading back at 1:00, it was $1.85.

Meal of Links

Roy Horn calls it quits. Although it might be entertaining, I think it would be tough to maneuver a wheelchair around all those tigers.

WTF? 192,000 people die in hospitals each year because of medical errors.

Real Networks adds to the confusion of digital music.

Exercise Yard

This Free Times article bringing out the race card on the Carlos Boozer fiasco infuriated me to no end.

Visitor

54 Down: 1960 debate participant(5 letters) Answer: Nixon

Isolation Thought

Not that I keep track of these items, but this is the 100th Anniversary edition of my blog. I got some affirmation from the urban community about my car. While I was pumping gas, a mover named Mustafa told me:

a) I was the man.
b) I had a sweet car.
c) "What is it? German?"

The Democrats hold their convention this week in Boston. I have been watching these things for a long time and I kind of miss the conventions that used to be the final hurdle in the nomination process. I hate it when Kerry has been the known candidate for months ahead of time. You always knew who the candidate was in the past, but there was always a threat that some crazy nut would derail the whole thing by having his state vote for Governor Brown of California. I think the Plain Dealer had a quote where it is more of a trade show than a convention these days. The candidate and platform are determined well in advance and it's become an opportunity for major party donors to advertise their wares. But, I will be watching.

Here is the who's who of convention protestors.

Meal of Links

Halle Berry has been making dumb career moves since the Oscar win. And she seems to be wearing more clothes. Her co-star, Sharon Stone, seems to be wearing less clothes.

The 9/11 Commission report corrects myths about that day.

Ricky Williams pulls a Bison Dele.

Exercise Yard

The potential fight of the year, Gatti-Dorin, was pretty much the disappointment of the year. Gatti KOs Dorin with a body punch. I love Gatti and it was a great punch, but it was like when Scott Elarton pitches for the Indians. Lots of anticipation, inevitably ending in disappointment.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Isolation Thought

OK, I'm back. Gee, you step away for a few days and you can miss a lot. I was at a wake last night and the lines were unbelievable. It reminded me of the time I stood in line for Prince tickets at the old May Company downtown. I went during lunch and I think in the hour I was there I moved a few centimeters. Anyhow, while in line a guy parked in the "Reserved for Clergy" space. He didn't look like clergy, but no one stopped him. I filed that away for future funeral home parking jams. But the line was so long, the funeral director actually came out, as if we were in line at the Regal, and asked if anyone was there to see "Dr. Weaver". Two people raised their hand and got ushered in. All I could think of was "poor Dr. Weaver". Then, of course, I mentioned we might be able to use the word "Weaver" as some sort of password to move up. Alas, we didn't.

But what else is happening? Well, you turn away for an instant and Kylie Minogue wins a best ass contest, Tara Reid and Lindsay Lohan take their implants shopping, and it's been scientifically determined the only survivors of a nuclear blast will be cockroaches and, of course, Dick Clark.

In other news, take the time to get the free day pass from Salon (I do it all the time) and read about Bobby Fischer. I am surprised that Eddie Money is not playing the Ohio State Fair. Saratoga's racing season begins Wednesday.

Meal of Links

All-time freak for $1,000, Alex..

Martha Stewart wants to go to prison now. She'll be out by Christmas.

How to play your computer tunes on your stereo.

Exercise Yard

The "Security Blimp" makes its first voyage over Athens.

Visitor

32 Across: Immortal name in Yankees broadcasting (3 letters) Answer: Mel

Isolation Thought

Last night, I saw Los Lobos put on a fine show over at the Beachland Ballroom. It was hot. Not in the sense of hot licks, it was hot because it was about 90 degrees in there. I believe I was sweating from my ears. Not only did I get to play Mr. Humidity, but some clown runs into me with his wheelchair. "Put a horn on that thing."

The show was cool because they respected us by not playing the obligatory "La Bamba". They even dedicated one of my favorite tunes, "My Generation" by The Who to Cleveland's own Frank Yankovic. Yes, "America's Polka King" and sometime shoplifter got his props yesterday. Way to go, Los Lobos!!!

Meal of Links

Here is what the British are wearing to the Olympics. Including the thongs made by Ben Sherman.

Scientists finally get to play with Kennewick Man. Can he be funnier than the 2000 Year Old Man?

Sandy Berger forgets he had documents from the National Archives and sets off the latest Clinton scandal and Clinton hasn't been the President for a long time. An excellent summary of debunking partisan arguments in the case.

Exercise Yard

The future is now, as the Indians recall their next star, Grady Sizemore.

Visitor

45 Down: "Legs" rock band (5 letters) Answer: ZZ Top

Isolation Thought

XM Satellite Radio has given me the opportunity to hear some talk radio not broadcast here in town. Well, used to be not broadcast, I guess. My favorite conservative Laura Ingraham finally has her show on locally, from 9 a.m. to Noon on 1420. I disagree with a lot of what she says, but I find her a lot more entertaining than Limbaugh. For one, she has guests, and her bumper music is a lot better. And she does the best Susan Estrich imitation.

I'm afraid that Air America is almost unlistenable. Al Franken's show is a train wreck. I think my best description is it sounds like bad local NPR. There is absolutely no fizz in his soda. I've heard him sing badly, and, at times, it sounds like he's trying to entertain instead of listening to his guests. He'll last through the election, but I'm not sure about the inauguration.

Meal of Links

Linda Ronstadt dedicates "Desperado" to Michael Moore at a Las Vegas show. People get pissed off and the Aladdin gives her the boot. Meanwhile, Wayne Newton is still packin' 'em in at the Stardust Hotel.

The cruelest cut of all.

Easiest way to get on TV in Atlanta? Lead police on a chase? No, that's so west coast. Threatening to jump from a highway overpass seems to bring out the cameras.

Exercise Yard

The strangest picture of Gail Devers I've ever seen.

Visitor

Special Dead or Canadian? Guest
65 Across: Lorne of "Bonanza" (6 letters) Answer: Greene

Isolation Thought

Here is something you don't hear too often. Alligator as weapon. It takes a unique individual to own an alligator. I have enough trouble with animals I don't own. I have a squirrel who has decided to bury all of his food in my yard. He seems to be digging these holes way too deep. Or too deep for my taste. Looks like I'm gonna have to go Yosemite Sam on him.

Meal of Links

Beware of "The Hives". New album out soon.

A la carte pricing for cable TV is being debated. Of course the cable operators love charging you for "Discovery Kids" and the "Eternal Word Network".

Jet Blue and Southwest Airlines are duking it out for low-cost airfare supremacy.

Exercise Yard

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. almost became a crispy critter today. This incident will probably prevent Nextel Cup drivers from moonlighting elsewhere for racing gigs.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Isolation Thought

The Winking Lizard has something called "A Shot in the Dark" tonight. Something about blocking off the street and having a band, etc. Might be worth checking out.

On another note, whatever happened to Taylor Dayne? Not a fan, but faded awfully fast, eh?

I said the other day that the President of Slim-Fast was a big Democratic donor. He is, but he sold out to Unilever in 2000. Blame the AP. Other statements still apply.

Meal of Links

How Universal Movie Studio tours have evolved over the years.

"Searching for Bobby Fischer"? He's busted in Japan for a false passport. The greatest chess player ever (not even close) might be one of the strangest persons ever.

I watched Lance pretty much bury the field at the Tour de France. The crowd this year is absolutely insane, and I'm not so sure a rider won't be knocked down.

Exercise Yard

The Tribe hit eight home runs last night. Obscured by the fact that "J.J. Putz" pitched for Seattle.

Visitor

33 Across: Pitcher Herb of the '20s-30s Yankees (7 letters) Answer: Pennock

Isolation Thought

My car remains a hit with the youth of America. Shouts of "Hey, Mister" are being shouted in my direction constantly. They don't know it's after I've cursed them for being too slow or too ignorant.

Meal of Links

A primer on movie cameos where celebrities play themselves. One of my favorites is Bert Parks in "The Freshman". His version of "Maggie's Farm" still kills me.

Stephen Hawking changes his mind about black holes. Or maybe they left him out in the sun again.

Before we get all hot and bothered over Slim-Fast canning Whoopi Goldberg, keep two things in mind. The Slim-Fast President is a major Democratic donor, so using the old tired "work of another conservative" argument doesn't work. Number two, the free speech argument always rings hollow in these cases. Companies don't like it when a spokesperson brings negative publicity unrelated to the ads themselves. OK, you hate Jared on Subway ads. Well, he's not out sleeping with goats in public (as far as we know), he's just annoying on their ads (and is coming back, I hear). Pick Kobe or Fuzzy Zoeller or Madonna, now it happens to be Whoopi. You do something stupid in the employ of a company you advertise for, you're gonna get canned. You are there to potentially increase, not decrease sales. Now if you want to debate the hire in the first place, I'm game.

Exercise Yard

Add Torrie Edwards to the list of dopers. Hate to keep harping on it, but track and field in this country is dead. I happen to like it a lot, but this scandal will take it even further out of the mainstream.

Visitor

33 Down: "Steppenwolf" author (5 letters) Answer: Hesse

Isolation Thought

I see that my favorite gas station, Sheetz, has a slight problem in western PA these days. It's called salmonella. Man, they have good food there. Maybe it was one of their secret ingredients! But their concept is pretty cool, and nothing beats ordering food at the gas pumps. Glad to hear it was from an outside supplier. I think I'll wait till this clears up before I order from there. I mean, I'm loyal, but not insane. My college dining hall once had a salmonella outbreak. It was not pretty.

Meal of Links

Dan Neil talks about "chick cars".

Courtney Love, my Parisian friend, has finally entered "an institution". C'est la guerre.

All of a sudden, Bush remembers he has twins. Kerry calls up Coors.

Exercise Yard

Bob Feller, noted Bitterman, is still pissed at Muhammad Ali. He holds a grudge with the best of 'em.

Visitor

59 Across: 1979 Best New Artist Grammy winner (9 letters) Answer: Rickie Lee

Isolation Thought

I saw "Anchorman" today. This time at the Hudson Regal there were three people, unlike the private "Starsky and Hutch" showing on my previous visit. And it was free popcorn day. The movie is really funny. Cameos by Jack Black (he may be insane), Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins are great. Ferrell's weatherman with an IQ of 48 is hilarious. The trailer for this one absolutely sucked. It gives no clue as to how funny this movie is.

Meal of Links

I'm beginning to think Ken Jennings might be the devil. He reminds me of Hal from 2001. "Sorry, Dave."

The average price of an apartment in Manhattan is $1 million. That is 21% more than last year. Is there a money tree growing in Brooklyn?

Jerry Hall's albatross wins a big race. No, I didn't win. Tried an exacta with Queen Noor's bird and got busted.

Exercise Yard

Omigod, Senator Ditka? This would be the real-life version of Senator Blutarsky.

Visitor

21 Down: Irish nationalist Robert (5 letters) Answer: Emmet

Isolation Thought

I thought John Edwards was a good choice as VP. But, man, that "60 Minutes" interview with the Kerrys and the Edwards was almost unbearable to watch. I thought they sounded like they were married. Edwards kept interrupting the boss man. Teresa Heinz Kerry broke into "Getting to Know You" and hopefully that ends her appearances for a while. She can be termed, and I'm being kind here, a liability at this point. She talks way too much and has her facts wrong. Sit her down!!! Please don't let that woman screw it up.

Meal of Links

Whooping cough is making a comeback. Be on the lookout for scurvy.

They are now working on contingency plans in case the election needs to be postponed. Is this country driven by fear or what?

Lea Fastow goes to jail. She serves now, so her husband can serve later.

Exercise Yard

Both Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery bombed at the Olympic Trials. Let the BALCO questions begin.

Visitor

8 Down: Actor Guinness (4 letters) Answer: Alec

Isolation Thought

Last night you had the choice of two guitar virtuosos in town. Eric Clapton at Gund Arena or Dave Alvin at the Beachland Ballroom. Those two old SOBs can still play, but my brother and I opted for Dave. He used to be with The Blasters, but has now sort of morphed into this roots rock, folk, Americana style of music. Don't for one minute think that means wimpy. That guy can still rock. It was a great show at, as Dave says, "One of my favorite places in the lower 48." I'll be heading there to see Los Lobos next week.

Beware of the limoncello. An outstanding concoction. Not sure it goes well with beer, but picture melted down Lemonheads, then frozen, and mixed with hard hitting vodka. I imagine myself during a crisp November day watching NCAA football, while having a taste or two of this drink, sadly watching my favorite teams wallow in defeat.

And the Carlos Boozer situation still won't die. This may explain Boozer's stab in the back of the Cavaliers. He may not be the person we thought he was.

Meal of Links

Phil Spector News Update: Phil is now suing his former attorney, Robert Shapiro. Phil's new preliminary hearing date for murder is October 20th.

Is John Edwards too cute to be elected? I have voted for Betty Montgomery. Case closed.

As everyone knows, I'll watch just about any sport. Name it. Putt-Putt Championship. Seen it. Paintball Championship. Taped it. Little League Home Run Derby (A former event so over the top, even Little League officials discovered they had a conscience). Wagered on it. So when does the new Roller Derby come on?

Exercise Yard

"Flying Phil" is now the world's fastest centenarian. As I sit in a chair...typing...eating a peanut butter cookie or three...on a nice, sunny day. Maybe there is a limoncello record I can attain.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Isolation Thought

Just kind of a lazy day today. So, let's hop around and see what's happening.

Tony Twist, ex-hockey player, wins $15 million lawsuit for his name appearing in the Spawn comics. That's your artistic license flying out the window.

I can't believe ANY of those charges against those Adelphia bastards got tossed out.

Los Alamos seems to lose secure information as many times as I lose socks.

Tony Blair almost quit last month. He needs a visit from Clinton.

George W. Bush's military records are "damaged". Ah, the power of the incumbent.

Meal of Links

Pete Townshend is pissed off at Michael Moore. He's tired of getting fooled again.

The "Frugal Gourmet" goes to that big kitchen in the sky.

Here comes the "October Surprise".

Exercise Yard

The Carlos Boozer situation still hasn't calmed down. The Cavs are stupid and Boozer's a liar are about the only things we know for sure. Here's an explanation and a question about the ethics of the situation. Just for the record, Rob Pelinka is Boozer's agent. He's a Michigan man from their 1989 championship team and also played with the Fab Five. Oh, he's currently Kobe Bryant's agent, as well.

Visitor

6 Across: Movie role for Skippy (4 letters) Answer: Asta

Isolation Thought

I was at the Indians game this afternoon with a bunch of people from work. It was the worst game I've seen this year. We got beat by Rico Rodriguez, a former Tribe pitcher, who only threw a three-hit shutout. And Scott Elarton is now one game from tying a major league record for most starts to begin a season without a win, now at 14. As I said when we got him, "He has no noodle." Bah!! The highlight for me was the Smoothie Drinking Contest between three kids. Easily causing massive, near-fatal brain freeze (who thinks up these stunts?) amongst the contestants, I was rooting for the Asian boy (I called him Kobayashi), who clearly won, but was declared a co-winner by the judge. And my choice onion lost to ketchup in the Hot Dog Race. It was the suckiest game that ever sucked. Bah!!

Then I'm kicked in the gut when I find out Carlos Boozer signs with Utah. Oh, that'll go over well. Plus, the contract is as front-loaded as Pam Anderson, so we got problems in River City. That begins with P and rhymes with Z, and that's about the only way we keep Boozer, by trading Z. Bah!!

Meal of Links

What is up with Bowie? Now word has it that he had heart surgery in Germany last month. See, it all started with that damn lollipop to the eye. Or was it Kevin Spacey walking his dog (OK, we didn't forget about that already, did we?)?

Tinseltown doesn't even make up shit anymore. We give you Police Academy 8. I guess sound effects guy needed work. The sound I hear is the audience retching.

Washington, DC doesn't even make up shit anymore. We give you Terror Alert 8. Come on, this is not politically motivated? What better way to knock the D's off of the front page than with a good old terror alert. One in which the color doesn't even change. BTW, Roy G. Biv is pissed at that. Ridge's briefing today apes the Ashcroft briefing of late May, a la Jayson Blair. They are so tired, they had to go back to a worn out script.

Exercise Yard

This day is not getting better. My favorite player on my favorite hockey team, Joe Thornton, decides to sign with some damn Swiss team. WTF? Bruin GM Mike O'Clueless says he didn't know anything about Joe leaving. Someone may want to wake this dude up. Only the fourth Bruin to leave since the end of the season. Glen Murray will be No. 5. Wake up, clown. Bah!!

Visitor

3 Down: "The Simpsons" neighbor Flanders (3 letters) Answer: Ned

Isolation Thought

I see that Lurch picked this guy to be his running mate. How did they keep that a secret? BTW, I don't see anything wrong with trial lawyers. "You put the balm on? Who told you to put the balm on? I didn't tell you to put the balm on."

I think John Edwards is a pretty good choice. I think the D's can deflect a lot of criticism of the choice quite easily. Tha issue of inexperience is easily turned around by telling the R's that their experience certainly didn't prevent the mess we're in now, did it? And so on. It's gonna be an ugly campaign, but the next 120 days should be pretty entertaining.

Meal of Links

Macy Gray got naked on stage in the UK. I don't think that's a good kind of naked. Go to page 2.

Speaking of naked, my favorite female athletic body, German long jumper Heike Drechsler, is skipping the Olympics at age 39.

Looks like Kenneth Lay will be indicted. Finally. I'm placing all jurors on notice. Do not let this crook off.

Exercise Yard

If it's July, it must be Lance time. Great thing about Lance is he always gives credit to his team. Always. Interesting article on how the Outdoor Life Network pretty much turns all of their programming over to the Tour this month. See Jason Lee's OLN Cyclysm commercials here, under "Words from the Messenger".

Visitor

59 Down: Singer Sedaka (4 letters) Answer: Neil

Isolation Thought

As Governor Tax is asleep, Pennsyylvania just passed legislation authorizing 61,000 slot machines. That number would place it only behind Las Vegas. Expect one in Erie when combined with racing, would just about bring the death blow to Thistledown.

The PA vote now puts Maryland on the hot seat.

And what about Atlantic City?

Meal of Links

A flattering review of what I drive, the Scion xB. In other news, I have been named substitute driver for the Krazy Kops.

J-Lo would rather vomit than have sex with her first husband. That is a sign it ain't workin'.

The BBC is ordered to revamp its websites.

Exercise Yard

Kobayashi is, once again, the hot dog eating champ. This year, he wolfed down 53.5 in 12 minutes. I am pretty sure I've not eaten 53.5 hot dogs in the last year.

Visitor

11 Down: Demi of "Ghost" (5 letters) Answer: Moore

Isolation Thought

Sean Penn was on the "Charlie Rose Show" last night and offered a terrific interview regarding Marlon Brando. I am assuming it will appear on the archives page, but Michael Moore is on there from Thursday's show.

Meal of Links

Free speech vs. Internet. Always a delicate subject, but free speech needs to be protected.

Just in time for July 4th. The Talking Hot Dog Condiment Holder.

Some guy's idea of the worst album covers ever.

Exercise Yard

It's the 2004-2005 Cavs Dance Team. If this lovely lass (Go to Audition Gallery 1...Photo 7 of 20, definitely "Dream Workshop" material) didn't make the team...well...it's a farce. I think she might be Amanda, one of the winners.

Look for C2 vs. Pepsi Edge during tonight's NASCAR race, the Pepsi 400, at Daytona.

Visitor

31 Across: Six-time all-star Rusty (5 letters) Answer: Staub

Isolation Thought

I had to have a root canal today. Originally, I thought it might have been a minor problem, but it gradually transformed into today's episode. Not a painful procedure at all, but the drugs like Vicodin are there to help you if you need 'em. Vicodin makes me feel goofy (er?), so I try not to take too many. I don't want to turn into Matthew Perry or anything.

Meal of Links

Today's crazy person is Dagmar Celeste. Or should I say, Father Celeste.

Cassini probe reaches Saturn and starts snapping pics like Wang from "Caddyshack".

Apparently, Johns Hopkins had an auction where the winner could have dinner with Tony Bennett. Tony says, "Uh, no.", but eats dinner high up on a hill. Actually, high on a different floor.

Exercise Yard

Sportscenter, for some unknown reason, will have live music acts in late July. Alanis, Kid Rock among others. Now if they'd just get rid of Berman.

Visitor

17 Across: Steed that won the 1977 Triple Crown (11 letters) Answer: Seattle Slew