Gauging the incorrectness (Jack Bog's Blog)

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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on January 18, 2013 10:45 AM. The previous post in this blog was Portland City Hall shocker. The next post in this blog is Muni bond hanky-panky gets boost from Oregon Supremes. Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.

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« Portland City Hall shocker | Main | Muni bond hanky-panky gets boost from Oregon Supremes »

Friday, January 18, 2013

Gauging the incorrectness

How much trouble will we get into if we start referring to Portland city commissioner Steve Novick as "Napoleon"?

Posted at 10:45 AM | Permalink

Comments (33)

I don't see a problem

Posted by jimbo | January 18, 2013 10:56 AM

Only a little...

Posted by It's Mike | January 18, 2013 11:00 AM

A paraphrase of the Mae West quote might be highly inappropriate...

Posted by cc | January 18, 2013 11:01 AM

No more than usual.

It's flat brilliant.

Posted by sally | January 18, 2013 11:03 AM

He's going to bring you up short if you do.

Posted by Cary | January 18, 2013 11:08 AM

Sorry, Jack, I think that nickname went right over his head.

Posted by cc | January 18, 2013 11:11 AM

I'd hold off thinking too hard about a nickname. Something will come up that's more appropriate and way better than this. Just give it a little time.

Posted by Alice | January 18, 2013 11:19 AM

Didn't Napoleon just leave as head of PWB, or was that Boss Tweed?

Posted by Mr. Grumpy | January 18, 2013 11:27 AM

The nicknames always seem to have a better ring to them if you incorporate their first name somehow. "Nurse Amanda", "Fireman Randy", "Scoutmaster Sam", etc. I do like the direction you are heading in because Napoleon reflects both his mercurial/ dictatorial disposition as well as his short stature. He also looks like Napoleon. Maybe call him "Emperor Steve" if you want to P.C. it a little?

Posted by Usual Kevin | January 18, 2013 11:36 AM

Besides, Napoleon was a Leo, and Novick is an Aquarian. On that basis alone, I'm not convinced this is a great idea. You could end up with an Aquarian uprising on your hands.

Posted by Alice | January 18, 2013 11:39 AM

Maybe "Steve Napole-vick"?

We have Mayor Char-Lie, Nurse Amanda, and Legend Dan, but then Jelly Fish.

Posted by Jack Bog | January 18, 2013 11:39 AM

Besides, Napoleon was a Leo, and Novick is an Aquarian. On that basis alone, I'm not convinced this is a great idea. You could end up with an Aquarian uprising on your hands.

I don't know, that's a little complex...

Posted by cc | January 18, 2013 11:45 AM

Well here's a fun fact: Napoleon was really around 5'7". Not short at all for the time. The diminutive description is frankly false. At his autopsy he was measured by English standards, which caused him to lose about 4 inches.

Anyhoo, as a "vertically challenged" Italian, I prefer the nicknames bestowed on me such as: Napoleon, Benito, Little Guinea, Little General..., so I would hope someone strong enough to consider himself a leader would not be flummoxed by mere monikers.

And he can always seek counseling with the organization I founded in the 70's: "S.H.R.I.M.P.S." Short Humans Representing Insecure Minute Persons in Society. For those of us who liked to jive, but measured under five-foot-five.

And now my little break is over. Back to work. Short day today for me. Like everyday.

Posted by PDXLifer | January 18, 2013 11:54 AM

Captain Hook?

Posted by cc | January 18, 2013 11:55 AM

Napolean had his Waterloo. We have the Water Bureau.

Posted by Bill McDonald | January 18, 2013 11:59 AM

Let us hope he won't turn out to be the Admiral's follower.
If so, I have a name.

So far good at the halt of Washington Park reservoir project.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/portlandcityhall/2013/01steve_novick_delays_spending_o.htm

Posted by clinamen | January 18, 2013 12:03 PM

I will add not only hope but pressure/encourage council not to continue on the Admiral's destructive path! In my opinion, the economy of what is left here depends upon changing the course of the Admiral's ship!

Posted by clinamen | January 18, 2013 12:10 PM

Having advised not thinking too hard about this, I wouldn't want to myself, but what about Rear Admiral Novick, or Commander Novick? The naval theme 1) acknowledges Novick's debt to his predecessor, Admiral Randy, and 2) befits someone born under the sign of the Water-Bearer.

Posted by Alice | January 18, 2013 12:16 PM

Napolean, that is OK, for Imperial Leader is taken back in D.C.

Posted by vperl | January 18, 2013 12:18 PM

His campaigns into areas hitherto unconquered by the City of Portland remind me of Napoleon, but his wit reminds me of David Brent from Ricky Gervais' "The Office."

Posted by Garage Wine | January 18, 2013 12:21 PM

Mini - Randy

Posted by x-portlander | January 18, 2013 12:33 PM

I'm fond of "The Littlest General".

Posted by Larry Legend | January 18, 2013 12:43 PM

I thought Sam was the rear admiral...

Posted by tankfixer | January 18, 2013 12:57 PM

Putznick!

Posted by Dave A. | January 18, 2013 1:02 PM

I still like Mr. Novickall

Posted by Tim | January 18, 2013 1:30 PM

How about Rigoletto?

Posted by Valley Man | January 18, 2013 2:22 PM

Would Nappy Novick work?

Posted by Abe | January 18, 2013 2:24 PM

The real Napoleon's nickname was The Little Corporal. To be nice, Novick's nickname could be The Corporal.

Posted by lw | January 18, 2013 2:30 PM

What could possibly be un-PC? Napolean was a great man. His flaws and failures are vastly outweighed by his contributions- the Napoleonic code, his policies laying the basis for later separation of church and State, and introducing the metric system. Like Alexander before him, he just over-estimated himself, and his power to bring his brand of civilization to the rest of the world. Mountains, and weather elements got in his way, and things became messy.

Posted by Gaye harris | January 18, 2013 2:31 PM

Everybody's nuts over Novick

Posted by todd | January 18, 2013 2:53 PM

"How much trouble will we get into if we start referring to Portland city commissioner Steve Novick as "Napoleon"?"

Yes - Which Napoleon in govt are you referring to? Besides the real Napoleon actually did something worthwhile when he kicked out the king.

Posted by Steve | January 18, 2013 3:28 PM

I think Usual Kevin is right that the nickname works best if it has part of the real name in it. Then I think it should tie into something significant the person did here in Portland. For Steve, the most noteworthy thing he's done is to have one of his ads for senator go viral. Therefore, I'd call him Viral Steve.

It sort of connotes something that spreads out to many and if you've seen the word count in his policy writings, that sure fits.

Viral Steve. That'd be my pick.

Posted by Bill McDonald | January 18, 2013 4:27 PM

...and if you've seen the word count in his policy writings, that sure fits.

Yeah, but, Bill; you're a cheap date where "word count" is involved...

...leaving aside the CDC stuff.

Posted by cc | January 18, 2013 9:47 PM

In Vino Veritas

Charamba, Douro 2008
Horse Heaven Hills, Cabernet 2010
Lorelle, Horse Heaven Hills Pinot Grigio 2011
Avignonesi, Montepulciano 2004
Lorelle, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2011
Villa Antinori, Toscana 2007
Mercedes Eguren, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Lorelle, Columbia Valley Cabernet 2011
Purple Moon, Merlot 2011
Purple Moon, Chardonnnay 2011
Abacela, Vintner's Blend No. 12
Opula Red Blend 2010
Liberte, Pinot Noir 2010
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Indian Wells Red Blend 2010
Woodbridge, Chardonnay 2011
King Estate, Pinot Noir 2011
Famille Perrin, Cotes du Rhone Villages 2010
Columbia Crest, Les Chevaux Red 2010
14 Hands, Hot to Trot White Blend
Familia Bianchi, Malbec 2009
Terrapin Cellars, Pinot Gris 2011
Columbia Crest, Walter Clore Private Reserve 2009
Campo Viejo, Rioja, Termpranillo 2010
Ravenswood, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Quinta das Amoras, Vinho Tinto 2010
Waterbrook, Reserve Merlot 2009
Lorelle, Horse Heaven Hills, Pinot Grigio 2011
Tarantas, Rose
Chateau Lajarre, Bordeaux 2009
La Vielle Ferme, Rose 2011
Benvolio, Pinot Grigio 2011
Nobilo Icon, Pinot Noir 2009
Lello, Douro Tinto 2009
Quinson Fils, Cotes de Provence Rose 2011
Anindor, Pinot Gris 2010
Buenas Ondas, Syrah Rose 2010
Les Fiefs d'Anglars, Malbec 2009
14 Hands, Pinot Gris 2011
Conundrum 2012
Condes de Albarei, Albariño 2011
Columbia Crest, Walter Clore Private Reserve 2007
Penelope Sanchez, Garnacha Syrah 2010
Canoe Ridge, Merlot 2007
Atalaya do Mar, Godello 2010
Vega Montan, Mencia
Benvolio, Pinot Grigio
Nobilo Icon, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2009
Portuga, Rose 2011
Revelation, Chardonnay, Pays d'Oc 2010
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 2005
Monte Alto, Tinto Reserva 2005
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cabernet, Indian Wells 2009
Espiral, Vinho Rose
Vin-Koru, Pinot Gris 2011
14 Hands, Hot to Trot Red 2009
Rodney Strong, Cabernet, Sonoma 2009
Abacela, Vintner's Blend #11
Portuga, White 2010
La Bourgeoisie, Red 2009
Januik, Red 2009
Three Rivers, River's Red 2008
Kirkland, Alexander Valley Merlot 2008
Muga, Rioja Rose 2010
Quinta das Amoras, Vinho Tinto 2009
Mauro Molino, Barbera d'Alba 2009
Garda Chiaretto Rose
Columbia Crest, Two Vines Vineyard 10 White
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley 2009
L'Hortus, Rose de Saignee 2010
Maculan, Pino & Toi 2008
McKinley Springs, Bombing Range Red 2008
Trader Joe's Pinot Gris 2009
Montes Alpha, Cabernet 2007
Gran Sasso, Sangiovese, Terre di Chieti 2009
Garda, Classico Chiaretto Rose
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 1999
Picos del Montgo, Tempranillo 2008
Chateau de Montmirail, Vacqueyras 2008
La Granja 360, Syrah 2009
Montgras, Carmenere Reserva 2009
Lange, Pinot Gris 2009
Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet 2008
Kirkland, Pinot Grigio 2010
Trader Joe's Coastal Syrah 2009
Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2008
Trader Joe's Coastal Chardonnay 2009
Vieux Papes Red
Domaine de l'Aujardiere, Chardonnay 2009
Santa Rita, Cabernet, Medalla Real 2007
Penfold's, Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2008
Guild, Red, Lot #02 2008
Dievole, Dievolino Sangiovese 2008
Laforet, Burgogne Chardonnay 2009
Columbia Winery, Merlot 2007
Bonterra, Cabernet 2008
Elk Cove, Pinot Gris 2009
Maquis Lien 2006
Scott Paul, Pinot Noir, Le Paulee 2007

The Occasional Book

Neil Young - Waging Heavy Peace
Mark Bego - Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul (2012 ed.)
Jenny Lawson - Let's Pretend This Never Happened
J.D. Salinger - Franny and Zooey
Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol
Timothy Egan - The Big Burn
Deborah Eisenberg - Transactions in a Foreign Currency
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. - Slaughterhouse Five
Kathryn Lance - Pandora's Genes
Cheryl Strayed - Wild
Fyodor Dostoyevsky - The Brothers Karamazov
Jack London - The House of Pride, and Other Tales of Hawaii
Jack Walker - The Extraordinary Rendition of Vincent Dellamaria
Colum McCann - Let the Great World Spin
Niccolò Machiavelli - The Prince
Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus - The Nanny Diaries
Brian Selznick - The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Sharon Creech - Walk Two Moons
Keith Richards - Life
F. Sionil Jose - Dusk
Natalie Babbitt - Tuck Everlasting
Justin Halpern - S#*t My Dad Says
Mark Herrmann - The Curmudgeon's Guide to Practicing Law
Barry Glassner - The Gospel of Food
Phil Stanford - The Peyton-Allan Files
Jesse Katz - The Opposite Field
Evelyn Waugh - Brideshead Revisited
J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
David Sedaris - Holidays on Ice
Donald Miller - A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Mitch Albom - Have a Little Faith
C.S. Lewis - The Magician's Nephew
F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby
William Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Ivan Doig - Bucking the Sun
Penda Diakité - I Lost My Tooth in Africa
Grace Lin - The Year of the Rat
Oscar Hijuelos - Mr. Ives' Christmas
Madeline L'Engle - A Wrinkle in Time
Steven Hart - The Last Three Miles
David Sedaris - Me Talk Pretty One Day
Karen Armstrong - The Spiral Staircase
Charles Larson - The Portland Murders
Adrian Wojnarowski - The Miracle of St. Anthony
William H. Colby - Long Goodbye
Steven D. Stark - Meet the Beatles
Phil Stanford - Portland Confidential
Rick Moody - Garden State
Jonathan Schwartz - All in Good Time
David Sedaris - Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
Anthony Holden - Big Deal
Robert J. Spitzer - The Spirit of Leadership
James McManus - Positively Fifth Street
Jeff Noon - Vurt

Road Work

Miles run year to date: 21
At this date last year: 52
Total run in 2012: 129
In 2011: 113
In 2010: 125
In 2009: 67
In 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269