Poor Timing

Chicago RB Benson arrested on intoxicated boating charge
April Castro, AP

The officer had to use pepper spray to subdue Benson. He then refused to leave the officer’s boat and authorities had to drag him to a car to be taken to the Travis County jail, the authority said.

The 25-year-old has done little since the Bears took him with the fourth pick of the 2005 draft.

As a rookie he couldn’t beat out Thomas Jones and rushed for 272 yards in nine games. He was more effective the next season while sharing time with Jones, going for six touchdowns and 647 yards.

Last year, Benson took over as the featured back after Jones was traded away. He rushed for 674 yards, four touchdowns and 3.4 yards a carry before going on injured reserve in November.

In three years with the Bears, Benson has rushed for 1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.8 yards a carry. He’s also missed 13 games

When your ability to carry the rock is in serious question you should probably take your BWI(boating while intoxicated) with little or no resistance.

The Bears took Tulane running back Matt Forte in the second round of last week's NFL draft.

Here's nfl.com's analysis of Forte:

Matt Forte (RB)
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 222
College: Tulane
Conference: Conference USA
Hometown: Slidell, LA
High School: Slidell HS

Pick Analysis: The Bears get a player to compete with Cedric Benson for carries. Forte was the focal point of the opposing defense every week and still put up numbers. He's a high-character guy and will have a chance to upgrade the running game in Chicago.

Weekend Round Up

Should you want to leave your house this weekend, here some events going on around LA.

FRIDAY, MAY 2nd

a) Music, booze & dinosaurs: First Fridays at the MNH

7:00pm-10:00pm, MUSIC:
Akron/Family and The Dodos;
DJ sets in the African Mammal Hall by Carlos Niño and Morpho

6:30pm, DISCUSSION:
“How Does Evolution Build a Complex Brain?”

5:30pm, TOUR:
“Tour of the Ancient Latin American Hall” led by Karen Wise, Ph.D. (Curator in charge of Archaeology)

Admission:
Adult $9, students (w. ID) $6.50, Members FREE.

b) Margaritas: Cinco de Mayo on Olvera Street

10:00am - 10:00pm

Entertainment will include traditional folkloric music and dance, piñata breaking, and a display of traditional Mexican dresses.

(I know, Cinco de Mayo on the 2nd.)



SATURDAY, MAY 3rd - Kentucky Derby Day - Seems like some mint
juleps should be worked in.

a) Exercise & Pizza:

Free lawn bowling in Beverly Hills. Lessons, pizza & beverages will be provided.

10am-3pm

b) Beer & Ponies: Microbrew festival at Santa Anita Race Track

The festival is usually in the infield. The Derby will be simulcast & betting windows will be open.

FYI: There is live racing at Hollywood Park this time of year but Derby Day is family day (yes, family day at the track)

c) Music: Hammer Museum, Westwood, Spring Festival of World Music

"Co-presented by The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Department of Ethnomusicology and the Hammer Museum. A lively series of international rhythms, sound, and dance, featuring performances by UCLA students and faculty."

2pm - Music of Brazil Ensemble
2pm - Music of India Ensemble
3:30pm - UCLA Near East Ensemble



d) Art Opening: Peter Gronquist: The Revolution Will Be Fabulous A weapons of mass designer show

7–10pm

e) Party: Swinghouse Studios Welcome Summer Warehouse Party

9pm-2am

Performances by Astra Heights, Oliver Future, and
Electric Touch

Admission:
$10, includes free Tito's vodka, Caramba tequila & Barefoot Wine wine

Swinghouse Studios
7175 Wiloughby, Hollywood 90046

SUNDAY, MAY 3rd

a) Food & Cults: Brunch with the Scientologists

10:30am-2:30pm

$30

Green Wave in the News

Southern grace, Yankee spirit
N.E. students aid Tulane renaissance
Peter Schworm, Boston Globe, 5/1/08

Two-and-a-half years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, vast sections remain damaged and half-deserted, and many fear the Crescent City will never be quite the same. But Tulane has not only recovered from the storm, it has rebounded to new heights that place it among the country's most sought-after schools.

Tulane's newfound level of popularity sprang from an aggressive post-Katrina marketing campaign that sought to let families know that New Orleans was safe, and let students know the city needed their help. The overwhelming response from civic-minded students has elevated Tulane's national stature and selectivity, and marked a major milestone in the school's, and the city's, recovery.