Thursday, September 18, 2008

A Can of Shut-Up Juice

Miami Dolphins Linebacker and Resident Big Mouth, Joey Porter is yapping his mouth again, this time against New England Patriots Quarterback Matt Cassel. Porter has already claimed victory against the Patriots, claiming he will treat him like a back up.

So let's get things straight, Joey Porter has led the Dolphins to 1 victory since his arrival in Miami. And that 1 win should have been a loss. So far this season, The Dolphins have lost to the Jets who lost to the Patriots. The Dolphins also lost to the Cardinals, where Joey Porter and his Defense must have missed the plane, because the Cards were just running drills against them.

I am all for Athletes being confident. I am for them saying outrageous things. But do not open your mouth unless you can back up what you say. Here's my advise, don't report it, it's not newsworthy.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Football '08

I am wrong 48% of the time, which means I will get half of this right. So without further ado, my predictions for the 2008 NFL Season:
NFC -- AFC
East
Eagles --- Patriots
Cowboys --- Bills
Giants --- Dolphins
Redskins --- Jets

North
Vikings --- Steelers
Packers --- Browns
Lions --- Ravens
Bears --- Bengals

South
Bucs --- Colts
Saints --- Texans
Panthers --- Jags
Falcons --- Titans

West
Seahawks --- Chargers
Rams --- Raiders
49ers --- Broncos
Cardnals --- Chiefs

Super Bowl:
Chargers / Seahawks
Champs - Chargers

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

No Shame

Last week, I went away on vacation. I was on a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas, just a short getaway for me and the better half before she starts school up again. One thing that caught my eye on our vacation is how people have no shame. Let me preface this by saying, I can't stand how society sells unhealthy images of what less than 1% looks like into the main stream. However, people have to realize that not everything is for everyone.

The itsey bitsy teenie weenie bikini might be okay for some, but it isn't recommended for most. On my vacation too many women were wearing things that were inappropriate for their age, size or shape. If you have a bathing suit that's two years old and it doesn't fit you anymore, it's time to get a new one. If your gut is hanging out, you might want to get a one piece or a tankini or something else to cover up a little.

A little common sense goes a long way, of course I am probably giving too much credit to people. Just because something is in fashion, doesn't mean it's meant for everyone. And if you are going to hang out in the sun, especially in the Caribbean, 2 simple words - Sun Block.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

That time of the year

As the dog days of Summer approach, I am happy to say NFL Training Camps are opening up all around the Country. I know it's smack down in the middle of baseball, but something about Football Season gets me more excited.

As an Eagle Fan, we are always use to being the Brides maid, but never the Bride, could this be the year we win the big one? I will give my predictions at a later time, but right now here are some observations:

I hate to start with Brett Favre, but it seems quite topical. I think he will stay retired. His massive ego won't let him "come back" with the Packers as a Back up. The Packers will not trade him to Detroit, Minnesota or Chicago. I see 4 places where he could help them this year: Kansas City (I personally thinks this makes the most sense, but I don't see KC doing it.) Baltimore, they paid a lot of money for Joe Flacco and they seem to like his progress. Washington, Daniel Snyder wants to win now, will do what it takes do to so, thankfully, as an Eagle fan he knows NOTHING about football. Tampa, BF claims he doesn't want to play there. Stay Tuned for as the Favre Saga continues.

Recent trades of Jason Taylor & Jeremy Shockey: Washington's Defense gets a bolster from Taylor and he made an average Miami Defense Good. Shockey seems excited to play in the Big Easy, but is he fully healed from his season ending injury?

The NFC East should be the Best division in the NFL, but the AFC Central is the most intriguing. Pittsburgh is always competitive; Cleveland is coming off their best season in YEARS; Baltimore rid them self of an average coach and replaced him with an unproven guy; Cincinnati has the Offense, but lacks the depth in Defense. This could be 4 teams within 1 game of each other in the standings.

Will Adrian Petersen have a Sophomore slump? Will Darren McFadden be this year's Peterson? How long can LT go playing at that level? Is Atlanta the 32nd best team in the NFL? Will Miami triple their win total from last season? Will Detroit ever make the play offs again? Will Arizona finally live up to the hype? Will Strahan's retirement hurt the Giants (or help it)? Speaking of the Giants, will they FINALLY lay off Eli Manning? Can The Patriots put it together and win another Super Bowl?

That's a lot to digest, so chew it up and will post my follow up on the NFL soon.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Brett Favre - Enough is Enough

I am sick and tired of this whole Brett Favre fiasco. For the last several years, at the end of the Super Bowl, it was time for will he or won't he retire. Like all great competitors, he always had that itch to play. After a few mediocre seasons, it looked like BF was going to finally hang up his cleats at the end of this past season, but something odd happened, Green Bay became good again.

Personally, I felt they became good despite have BF, a gunslinger behind the center, as their QB, but who am I to judge? GB was winning close games and BF was making less mistakes. The final month of the season, it was obvious, BF reverted back to what he became the past few seasons and watching the NFC Championship game, I knew he would not lead the Packers to the Super Bowl. Instead, BF's last pass was picked off and run the other way for the game winning touchdown.

BF announces his retirement a few months later in a tearful press conference, but still the talking heads felt he would be back. BF thought about coming back and GB officials were heading down to his home in Mississippi to make the formal announcement, but BF got cold feet and didn't want to come back.

So now, 2 weeks before training camp, after GB set their team up ABF, good ole BF wants to come back and wants to be a free agent. Claiming GB has only spoke half truths about the time line of his coming back.

Well, let me see if I can put this in prospective. BF retired, claims he was "forced" to retire by him employer for 16 years. However, this same employer stood by him and his decision making lack of ability for the last 3 years, putting the franchise's best interest on hold.

BF wants to be free to go "anywhere" he wants. Why would GB let him go to a divisional rival and take the chance he would lead the new team over GB.

I feel bad for GB GM, Ted Thompson, anything he does will bite him in the ass. Although, I would love to see BF standing on the sidelines with a head set, tutoring new QB Aaron Rodgers, that won't happen. Why should BF give back to the team that has stood by him and treated him like a better person than he is.

Thompson should let BF go and stand by Aaron Rodgers. If BF goes to a rival, so be it. If Rodgers leads the Packers to a divisional title and BF doesn't make the playoffs, it will expose BF for the farce he has become. Whatever the outcome is, Ted Thompson should have his resume ready to go.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Here's an idea

This past weekend, I watched one of the greatest sporting events ever, Roger Federer / Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Final. Nadal won this 5 set classic in a true test of fortitude and gumption. One of the things I have really liked about Tennis is their System of Challenges/Instant Replay. If you are not familiar with it, each player gets three challenges per set and the pin-point accuracy determines if a play was in or out.

This got me thinking on how to improve baseball. Over the July 4th weekend, I watched parts of 4 baseball games and Each game the umpires made an inaccurate call, one of the calls actually changed the total complexion of the game.

So here's my idea, lose the umpires. If the television cameras can make a call on one or two angles and it is the correct call, why put pig-headed, egomaniac, bigger than the game umpires out there.

First off, I was taught the strike zone when I was playing little league when I was 7, however day in and day out, the strike zone changes. With the cameras showing the game, I can call balls and strikes in the comfort of my own living room.

Second, a catch is a catch, a trap is a trap, if the human eye can't make the right call first, the cameras show it in 5 seconds.

Third, players and coaches argue calls with the umps, they take a lot of time out of the game, but the umps provoke the arguing by not calling the even and fair. The amount of time it takes coaches and players to argue a call, the replays have shown the accurate call.

Why do you think baseball games aren't shown on the big screens at the stadiums?

If Major League Baseball wants to win fans back, it's simple, be the first league that gets rid of those umpires and their inflated egos and let technology take over

Monday, June 30, 2008

Too Much News

In today's world, every where you turn around there is information about every possible thing you can imagine at our disposal. There are dozens of cable networks dedicated to happenings around the world, sports, entertainment, weather and every other current event, past event and future event. But is there too much news?

Several years back, before the Internet, cell phones with cameras, access to a gazillion TV and radio channels, how did we hear what was going on around us? Sure there were "underground" newsletters and such, but the mass majority didn't know what was happening until it already happened.

With all that has happened in the last 10 years, many people have been made into credible analysts. As a society we take the word of people who have no right to be speaking as facts. Forget about every politician have a closet full of skeletons, every body in the world does. But it's time for us to syphon out what is crap and what isn't.

So before you turn on Oprah and listen to her spout about something or turn on a Bill O'Reilly or Nancy Grace, realize who is paying them to say what they say. And TMZ is just a fad, in a few years it will be as yesterday as the current fashion.

Friday, June 6, 2008

The Return of Blind Melon

13 years after the death of Lead Singer Shannon Hoon, Blind Melon is back together. The surviving members of the original band got together with new lead singer, Travis Warren to release a new album and tour. "For My Friends" was released back in April.

Blind Melon never got their due when the original band was performing. They played in the back drop of Nirvana, Sublime and Pearl Jam. Here's hoping the reincarnation of the band makes it big.

I recently purchased their new album, the second album I purchased in more than 5 years. I am not much into today's music. I think it lacks something and I can't put my finger on what? When I originally got into Blind Melon, the band had already broken up. Listening to their first 3 studio albums, their music talked to me. Something in the lyrics and music struck a chord. I am hoping "For My Friends" does the same thing, 12 years later.

I've always felt a connection to Blind Melon and here's hoping it continues.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

A Few Things...

It's been almost a month since I last posted, let me get you up to date:

We have our first Black Presidential Candidate in Barrack Obama. I am not a fan of his, I don't think he was the right choice for the Democratic Nominee, but compared to to his opponent, he is the better choice. Time will tell.

Gas has soared to $4.00 a gallon and Food Prices are at an all-time high. Will "W" go down as the worse President EVER?

Big Brown is a Belmont Stakes Win away from the Triple Crown, the first in 30 years, and I am rooting against him. I don't like his trainer, I want to tweak him on the nose.

Joakim Noah has to be either the dumbest man alive or the most arrogant. He got cited twice on the same weekend for - An Open Container of Alcohol, Drug Possession and Driving with a suspended License. Does he think he is better than everyone else and he doesn't have to follow any rules? I was always a fan of the way he played, but his game didn't seem to translate to much in the NBA. For some reason I thought he was a little more mature, I guess I am wrong.

Congrats to the Red Wings on winning the Stanley Cup. Hey Boys, shine it up nice and good, because it's coming home to Philly Next Season.

I think Jason Taylor will wind up in Dallas this coming season and reunite with Zack Thomas.

Finally, The NBA Finals start tonight and I just have to say, I HATE KOBE BRYANT. I think he's an arrogant, obnoxious, insincere dude. Hey Kobe, if you want to take the edge off in Boston, may I recommend an Escort Service and not a Teeny Bopper from a Spa.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

It's Still A Game

Over the last few weeks, people have been so critical of Baseball Players celebrating or showing emotion on the field. I believe they claim it's damaging to the game. The key word here being, IT'S A GAME! How many people get paid for playing a game? Me personally, if I was getting millions of dollars to play a game, you bet your ass I would be celebrating every little accomplishment.

In all seriousness, if that's possible, I don't see the big deal. I don't think anyone is showing anyone else up. If a batter wants to stare at a homerun he just crushed 500 feet, so be it. The pitcher shouldn't be upset at the batter, he should be upset at himself for giving up the hit. If a pitcher wants to celebrate striking out a .222 hitter, he should be able to. If the hitter has a problem with it, maybe he should get a hit off him so he can celebrate.

I have no problem with celebrations in any sports. It's a game, all I ask is to keep it positive. I draw the line on celebrating someone getting injured. I always hated the athlete who takes himself seriously. (Right Homerun Champ?)

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The NBA - BLAH

I have to preface this by saying, I am really trying to watch the NBA playoffs, but I am just having the hardest time getting through 2 minutes of it. The other night, I flipped the channels and they were reviewing a play in which the clock was never turned on. Under 5 seconds left, the Detroit player raced down the court, passed the ball to another who heaved a three pointer. My eyes told me there was no way this made it in the right time, but apparently the refs can't look at a replay at this time.

2 days later the commissioner says, the call was wrong, but the refs were right in getting to their decision. HUH? If the call was wrong, the call was wrong. This play might have cost Orlando the game, who knows, but it's another reason to not watch the NBA.

While I am talking about hating on the NBA, I have to talk about one of my least favorite players, MVP Kobe Bryant. He comes off as an arrogant jerk who cares more about Kobe Bryant than anyone or anything else. Every time I see him in an interview or watch him doing something, it looks insincere.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Looking into the Future

Tonight The Phillies and Mets play and it will be Johan Santana facing Cole Hamels. The two top left landed pitchers in The National League Face off in this intense rivalry. Nothing will make me happier than Santana getting hit all over Citizens Bank Park.

This pitching rivalry could be around for the next 5 years and it reminds me 20+ years ago with Steve Carlton and Nolan Ryan. Ryan was thought as the better pitcher, but when Carlton was on his game he was unstoppable. And when these two faced each other, it was even more exciting.

I don't think Santana will have the impact all of the talking heads seem to. He's a great pitcher and still relatively young, but there is a huge difference pitching in Minnesota and pitching in New York, for their Second Favorite Team.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Beware the Ides of April...

Or as most call it, Tax Day. With everything bad going on in the economy, it will be really interesting to see what American's spend their tax returns on. I for one will be paying my credit card down. I would assume most Americans will be doing that too. So even though I wonderful leader is giving everyone a $600 rebate, I am sure it will backfire and most people won't buy something (made from China) instead they will just pay down what they can.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Spring Time Means...

The Start of another Baseball Season. So even though we are 2 games into the 2008 campaign, I thought I would give my predictions for the up coming season:

American League:
The East will be business as usual, The Yankees and Red Sox will be battling out for the top spot and the Orioles, Rays & Jays will be battling for the third spot. The Central will be a little more competitive, The Tigers got a lot better this off season, The Indians will be a year older and the White Sox are hoping to bounce back from an awful season. And Finally out west, Seattle and LA should be battling out until September.

National League:
The East is interesting with the Mets adding the best pitcher and giving up nothing to get him, The Phillies have improved their NL East winning team. The Braves and Nationals will make waves and the Marlins have one of the best young players in the game on their team. The Central could be the most mediocre division in baseball, where any of the 6 teams could win. The West will be the most competitive.

Predictions:
NL East - Phillies, Mets, Braves, Nationals, Marlins. Central - Reds, Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals, Pirates, Astros. West - Padres, Dodgers, Rockies, D' Backs, Giants.

AL East - Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Jays, Orioles. Central - Tigers, Indians, White Sox, Royals, Twins. West - Mariners, Angels, A's, Rangers.

Playoffs - Phillies, Reds, Padres, Dodgers // Red Sox, Tigers, Indians, Mariners
World Series - Padres - Mariners
Champions - Padres

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Lack of Respect...

Being a Temple University Alumni, I can truly appreciate it what it is like to be disrespected. Yes it is a great institute of higher learner. Yes we have had some great alumni, Bob Saget, Katherine Morris from Cold Case and of course our most famous alumni, Bill Cosby. But what is Temple mostly noted for? Well in the sports world, 2 things:

1. A Lousy Football Team
2. Our Former Coach barging into than UMass head coach John Callipari's Press Conference, threatening to kill him.

Temple is the ugly step child of the City of Philadelphia, is it because it is the biggest public university in Philadelphia? Maybe. But I can't think of one good reason we are not playing in the Big East, instead we are playing basketball in the Atlantic 10 and Football in the MAC. Why doesn't the Big East want us? I am tired of them saying our football team, that's a load of crap. They keep Providence in and their basketball team hasn't done much.

I believe in Fran Dunphy. I think he is a tremendous coach and I will not be surprised if he takes his current team far in the NCAA tournament. I also really like Al Golden, I think he has a good thing going with the Football Team and I think it's just a matter of time before he surprises EVERYONE and Temple makes it to a Bowl Game and becomes a legitimate football team.

It's time for Temple to step it up and show the Country what we are all about.

Friday, March 14, 2008

March Madness is upon us

I probably blog about this every year, but I really love this time of the year - College Basketball is in its second season of Conference Tournaments, getting ready for the field of 64 or 65, whichever you prefer. Spring Training is in full bloom, everyone is getting ready for the season and even Billy Crystal is getting a chance to play.

The NHL and NBA Seasons are coming into crunch time and both the Sixers and Flyers are making that playoff push. The NFL is in the midst of Free Agency, teams are trying to get better. Yes, spring is in the air. In another week or so, it will officially be here.

This is a great time of year for sports fans and non-sports fan alike.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Autism

Tonight I was watching Larry King Live, something I very rarely do. It was an hour dedicated to Autism. A mysterious condition that hits 1 our of 150 children in our Country. 1 OUT OF 150. Over the last several years I've learned more and more about Autism, but I still have a lot more to learn.

The thing I can't comprehend is every one seems baffled about Autism. How does someone get it? Are they born with it or do they develop it? Can it be treated? Can it be prevented?

On tonight's LKL, Holly Robinson Peete, Toni Braxton and Doug Flutie were on. Each have a child with the disease, each with a similar story. Jason McElwain was also on. For those of you who don't know watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fw1CcxCUgg

Every time I hear about this story, I get choked up. It has to be the most heart warming story I have seen in a long time. More importantly it puts a face to Autism. I hope they can find a cure in my lifetime.

Monday, February 18, 2008

I've seen it all

What a perfect Florida Spring Day. The Rain has subsided and the sun is peaking through the clouds. I am looking out of my window at work and I see a woman walking a pink stroller down the street. What a perfect day for a walk. I've noticed this woman on several occasions walking her stroller around the neighborhood.

As she walks by the window, I see something I didn't expect to see inside the stroller. She is not walking a baby, but a dog. That's right she is walking a dog in a stroller. Let me say this again, A WOMAN IS WALKING A DOG IN A STROLLER.

I am not a dog owner, but I was always under the impression, it is good exercise for a dog to walk on its own. Here's an obvious question, if a dog is in a stroller and they have to go to the bathroom, do they just go? Do you think this woman, puts the dog on the toilet in the house to take care of their business? I wonder if she spoon feeds the dog? Maybe I am missing something??

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Enough is Enough

I am not a fan of the NRA. I am against the Second Amendment, people do not have the right to bare arms. The irresponsibility of people is reason enough for me to say the amendment should be amended. This week, the second massacre in a University within a year took place when a mentally unstable person opened fire and killed innocent people. My problem with the NRA is where are they to take a stand? Psychos are shooting people in schools, malls and even on street corners. Hey NRA step up to the plate and help the situation.

I am willing to bet the majority of members of the NRA are responsible People when it comes to their guns and these aren't the people killing innocent people for no reason. But the fact guns are so easily available, anyone can get their hands on one, two or 20. Some one needs to be responsible and I propose it be the National Rifle Association.

To posses a gun is a privilege, not a right. It's that simple. I can only hope our next president takes a stand and does something positive and protect innocent people.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Enough is Enough

I am sick and tired of our Government getting involved in Sports after the fact. Right now Roger Clemens is in the middle of a Congressional Hearing Concerning Alleged Steroid Use. And I have to tell you, WHO CARES. I won't be sleeping at night any better if he did it or not. As far as I am concerned, it's a big waste of Time and Tax Payers Money.

With all of the problems we are facing in our Country, Sports should be very low on the totem poll. I love sports as much as the next guy, but there is a time and a place for it. Let's look at this rationally, People don't hate Barry Bonds because he allegedly took steroids, they hate Barry Bonds because he is an A-Hole.

I am convinced there is more cheating, lying and rule breaking than anyone can every imagine in Sports of all levels. I am positive more officials gamble on the sports they officiate than anyone can imagine. If Congress wants to clean up Sports, there is a simple step Eliminate Sports Gambling.

I know this sounds like an impossible task, but that's sort of my point. Eliminate Point Spreads/Injury Reports and anything else that is related to Gambling. And than Tax it. Every bet that is made, there is a 45% fee from the book. This way legal gambling wouldn't be able to handicap properly and it wouldn't be so easy for people to place bets. As for the illegal betting, it would be very hard to stop that, but without all of the information available, it would make it much harder.

Gambling will always be around with Sports, so there will always be cheating. For anyone who is naive enough to think Sports is Honest, than go ahead watch congressional hearings on Baseball and Steroids. Rally behind Arlen Spector as he goes after the New England Patriots and The NFL. Convict NBA Referee Tim Donaghy for fixing games and realize he is not alone.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Super Tuesday and Super Eli...

Today we will be one big step closer in choosing our Next President. With 24 states voting, a clearer picture will develop. On the Republican side, John McCain has started to gain some momentum. According to some polls, he doubled his closest rival, Mitt Romney in support. Today should put McCain over the top as the GOP Candidate.

The Democratic Side is a lot more interesting. Both Hillary and Obama are neck and neck and I doubt either will garner overwhelming support over the other by days end. I have my scorecard and I am ready for the Super Tuesday's End Results.

I couldn't go any further without saying I told you so. No, I didn't think the Giants would beat the Patriots, but I have been saying all along, Eli Manning is a very good Quarter Back. New York is a tough place to play and he cemented his legacy in the NFL, New York and especially to all the doubters. It took his brother 9 years to win 1 and Eli did it in 4.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Super Hype

4 Days and counting to the Super Bowl and I don't really care. I should, it's the culmination of a record-breaking season. The 18-0 Patriots against the over-achieving Giants, New York vs Boston, all the hyperbole and all of the cliches, who cares?

My Prediction:
Patriots 38
Giants 21
MVP - Tom Brady

The Patriots than will kick Mercury Morris out of his kitchen!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

A Slice of Democracy

Today was the Florida Primary elections. And for some stupid reason, only one of the parties were campaigning here (I don't think I'll ever truly understand why Democratic Party takes it out on Americans?) It got me thinking about how can our Country improve and who could lead us to that improvement. We have such problems with the Economy, the Dollar is weak, The Housing Market is slumping, Gas and Food are out of control. Our Education System is not up to par. Our Health Care System needs a complete overhaul. We are fighting a war for oil, yet we are paying more money than we ever had, does this make sense?

The short of it, our Country is in disarray. Our President has done a horrible job in the oval office for the average American. There is no middle class anymore and we are all struggling to get by. I wish I could right a few lines to solve all of the problems, but I wouldn't even know where to begin? This is what I know, Things stink and they have to change. We need to do the complete opposite of what we are doing.

For every Conservative who cannot stand the sight of Bill Clinton, just remember, how things were prospering under his reign and look at the current leadership in office now and see where we are?

I had a hard time voting today, I don't know if anyone can help us out of the problem we are in. I think every candidate should stop making hollow promises and honestly take into consideration what most Americans are going through now.

Friday, January 25, 2008

What I Learned This Week...

This is what I learned this week:
1. Love Bill Clinton or Hate Bill Clinton, our Country had a $2.5 Trillion Surplus, not a $2.5 Trillion Deficit
2. Maybe Jim Brown should put himself in Tiger Woods Shoes' for a few weeks
3. Ron Paul makes more sense than the other Republican candidates combined
4. Roger Federer is human
5. Maybe we should give Eli Manning a little more credit and Brett Favre a little less
6. Al Davis is senile and should probably leave the Raiders to someone who is a little more in tune with 2008
7. Pitchers and Catchers Report in a month
8. I wish the WGA and the Studios would settle their strike
9. Big Companies really don't like the little guy and want to take advantage of us any and every way they can
10. If I see someone lying in bed dead, don't call Mary Kate Olsen or for that matter her sister

Monday, January 14, 2008

The Mighty Dolphins

Today is the 35th anniversary of the Miami Dolphins capping off their 17-0 perfect season. Any time a team wins a championship, its a tremendous feat. But a team going undefeated in any sport is special.

In sports, a lot of time it comes down to dumb luck and it's generally even, you make a play, you miss a play. But to have everything go your way, is an incredible thing. Were the 72' Dolphins the best football team ever? Who knows, but they have the resume to stake their claim.

The 2007 Patriots are flirting with destiny. Some are arguing they are the best team ever. All of the bounces have gone their way. Their mistakes have been minimal compared to the other teams'. I still think they will lose either this week against San Diego or in The Super Bowl. I just believe the law of averages will catch up with them.

Until than, It's been an incredible journey. Much like it was in 1972 for the Dolphins.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

The Process Begins...

Today is the Iowa Caucus, the first step in electing the new president of the United States. I don't understand what a caucus is and why we still have it, but for whatever reason, this is what Iowa does to nominate their parties' representation.

I look at all of the candidates and its pretty easy to find faults with each. Some of the faults are warranted and some are just ludicrous. But there is no one who stands out as the next President of the United States.

So let the democratic process take its first step and I can't wait to see how this all plays out.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Outdoor Hockey

Happy New Year! Hoping 2008 is better than 2007

On January 1st, NBC and the NHL played their hopefully annual "Winter Classic" featuring Sidney Crosby and The Pittsburgh Penguins and The Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo. There was something about watching a hockey game in the elements that made the game a little more fun. Both NBC & The NHL did a great job in the broadcast. But the atmosphere stole the show. 70,000+ screaming fans, falling snow and ski-caped goalie made a lasting impression and reminded me what the NHL has to offer.

Hockey isn't for everyone. But if the NHL can carve more of a niche and get more casual fans to tune in, they will be on their way to better fortunes. If you missed this game, you really missed out on something different. And as for the hockey itself, the elements added to the excitement. When The Penguins scored in the first minute, to my surprise, I thought it could turn into a scoring-fest, but just one other goal in regulation was scored, which is what I thought what was going to happen.

The NHL couldn't ask for a better outcome - 1-1 tie in regulation, scoreless, exciting 5 minute 4 on 4 overtime period and the game ended with a shoot out, Sidney Crosby beating Ryan Miller to win the game.