Dumb Talk

Rush Limbaugh still doesn't believe women can drive: Danica Patrick takes sexistfire

Danica Patrick has enough on her mind just keeping her race car on the track.
NASCAR
Rush Limbaugh is condemning Patrick for her support of President Obama'scontraception rule."What do you expect from a woman driver? I don't know whyeverybody is so shocked," he said.
Fox San Diego sports anchor Ross Shimabuku finds it unattractive that Patrickknows that she's sexy. What?
Women's Media Center/YouTube

Danica Patrick faced wrecks to finish 38th in a frustrating first Daytona 500 for her on Monday night. Now, the auto racer faces sexist attacks from commentators.

Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh is condemning Patrick for her support of President Obama's contraception rule: "She said, 'I leave it up to the government to make good decisions for America.' …," Limbaugh mocked. "What do you expect from a woman driver? I don't know why everybody is so shocked."

With a little bit of reflection, one could find better words to describe Patrick. How about talented? What about pioneering? Or brave?

This sexist comment is nothing out of the ordinary for Limbaugh, but it seems ridiculous for him to dismiss Patrick as a "woman driver" — just as it seems unfair to simply sum her up as "sexy."

Patrick recently commented on the objectification of women in the sports industry. "I don't quite understand why when you're referring to a girl, a female athlete in particular, that you have to use the word 'sexy,' " she said. "Is there any other word you could use to describe me?"

Yes, Patrick is young and pretty, and sure, she also plays up her sex appeal for monetary benefit. At the same time, Patrick is causing a stir within the racing industry for, fittingly, her racing. In the male-dominated fields of both IndyCar and NASCAR, Patrick is holding her own while breaking boundaries for other women.

So I think, with a little bit of reflection, one could find better words to describe Patrick. How about talented? What about pioneering? Or brave?

But Fox 5 San Diego sports anchor Ross Shimabuku joked that he had one that "starts with a 'B,' and it's not 'beautiful,' " complaining that Patrick's comment proves that she "always has a chip on her shoulder, trying to prove something."

Shimabuku has since apologized for the remark, and his station suspended him for a week without pay.

One might think that sports commentators would have learned by now that it pays — literally — to err on the politically correct side when speaking on the air.

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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