Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Sometimes food can be better than sex and other weekend observations

Hi There. I know when you read the title of this entry, the overwhelming majority will disagree. However if you attended the Taste of the North Country I think it might sway a few of you towards my thinking. As a hard core foodie and Food Network addict, it was awesome. I saw and spoke with a lot of friends I haven't seen in a while as I sample some seriously good stuff. I was in heaven. I have a strategy when it comes to Taste of the NC. First, I look for a real good soup. Next is barbecue. Either ribs or pulled pork, doesn't matter. One more entree, this year it was really delicious crab cakes and finally it's dessert time. Something with chocolate is a given. Throw in a fruit dessert and then search out bread pudding. Also don't be afraid try something you wouldn't normally order out. All this food talk is making me hungry.
I was grocery shopping and what did I find in the cereal aisle? Toaster Pastries with fiber in them. That's as bad as organic Oreo cookies.
If I hear any more Mets fans complaining about the ceremonies at Shea's last game, I'm gonna hurt someone. Look it wasn't gonna top what the Yankees did. They did do it with class though. When Dwight Gooden was introduced I was so pumped up. Dr. K was back for one more house call wearing the right scrubs. True Mets fans like myself loved seeing Dave Kingman, Willie Mays, Wayne Garrett and others comeback. I wish Nolan Ryan and Jerry Grote would have been there, but I guess you can't have everything. Having all the players step on home plate one last time before Tom Seaver threw that last pitch to Mike Piazza. Nice touch.
I owe Billy Joel an apology. I read a review of his August concerts at Shea. Roger Daltrey appeared and did a couple of Who songs; even broke a guitar up for old times sake, but my wish came true. Paul McCartney did come back and played a couple Beatles songs with the Piano Man as the last numbers in the show.
The Monday night comedies on CBS were on per usual. I could relate to Leonard's girlfiend on "Big Bang Theory." Some differences you just can't overcome in a relationship. Regis Philbin was funny on "How I Met Your Mother." Jake on "Two and a Half Men" so much reminds me of the son of a co-worker here at the radio station.
If snack cakes and donuts were considered vegetables, I think Brian would eat more vegetables.
Happy Birthday Festus...Leccese out.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Upset Special Time and other observations

Hi There. Well its Thursday and its time for some picks and previews. O.K. here we go, the latest edition of "Opie's Upset Special." We had the first setback of the 2008 season with Houston Texans unable to defeat the Titans, but we're still perfect in the college ranks. That's where we'll begin. It's Big Ten time and I gotta go with those Northwestern Wildcats in a win over my Dad's favorite Big Ten squad the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Wildcats will be among the elite this year in the Big Ten along with Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Joe Pa's Nittany Lions. Now for the pro upset special. Take the Ravens over the Steelers Monday night in the 'Burgh. Willis McGahee and Ray Rice pound it past a battered Ben Roethlisberger and no Willie Parker. The Steelers are trying to find their identity.
Want more football? You got it. South Glens Falls at Glens Falls on WWSC Saturday afternoon. Neither of these teams couldn't establish a passing game and they played horrendous 3rd quarters. It ended up costing both of them the game. Bad weather is predicted and the team that holds on to the football and throws it better will win. You'll see a lot of 8 men in the box trying to stop the run defenses. Other games of note.
Moriah at Ticonderoga. Section 2 D schools should make the trip to Sentinel field and watch this game. You'll be playing either one in the regionals.
Amsterdam at Burnt Hills. The winner will take first place in the A Northwest Division.
Hudson Falls at Cobleskill. The Tigers have to rebound. They did not play well last week in Schalmont and the schedule only gets tougher for HF.
Saratoga Springs at Shen. Its a rivarly game and next to Schuylerville and Burnt Hills, the Blue Streaks are best team in the WCKM listening area.
Rennselaer at Fort Edward. Could be a Class D sectional final preview.
Warrensburg at Whitehall. The Burgers win, they got a spot in the Section 2 playoffs and a 3 game winning streak heading into the Lake George game next week.
Tamarac at Fonda. The surprising Bengals have only given up 6 points in their 3 wins. The Braves dropped from Class B to C and have been distroying their opponents. We'll see how legit Mike Dubray's alma mater is in their first real test.
F.Y.I There's been a change to the WWSC broadcast schedule for next weekend. They've moved the Lake George/Warrensburg game from Saturday Afternoon in Warrensburg (during garage sale weekend) to Friday Night in Lake George. We'll still be airing that game and we've added the Cambridge at Hudson Falls game Saturday Afternoon October 4th at 2pm.
It was great to the see the ownership of the Lions finally wake-up from that coma and fire Matt Millen. At least we've still got the Rams left in the NFC to pick on.
Now for a non football item. Monday night the comedies were on CBS and were solid all the way round. I didn't watch "Worst Week." I stuck with "The Big Bang Theory," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Two and a Half Men." At least their will be no writers strike this year. Martin Mull stole Two and a Half Men as the pharmacist. Cough Syrup, Charlie.
Finally, a last word on Shea Stadium. It's a dump, but it's our dump and we'll miss it...Leccese out


Monday, September 22, 2008

Who Needs Eldrick and other weekend observations

Hi There. Is it just me or are the Emmy's becoming just like the Academy awards? TV shows and performers I've never heard of that are on cable are getting nominated and winning. I thought that's what the "ACE" awards were for. How come the 4 major networks can't come up with innovative shows like "Entourage" and "Mad Men." Instead we get stuck with "Dancing with the Stars," "Wife Swap," and "Deal or No Deal."
On to sports. I'm getting this out of the way early. Note to Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. As a former NJ resident and big fan of your football team. Take my advice. Bench QB Mike Teel, and save your season. I knew it would be a down year, but 0-3? You're killing me Scarlet Knights, you're killing me. Not even the Mets are doing that.
Speaking of the Amazins' I'm officially naming their bullpen "Three Mile Island." Talk about meltdowns. Twenty Nine, count 'em 29 blown saves.
O.K. so I was wrong about the Fuzzy Cubbies and Rays.
Even the biggest Yankee haters could not have disliked the pre-game ceremony before the last game at Yankee Stadium Sunday night. The moment that touched me the most was seeing Thurman Munson's son Michael wearing the number 15. He looks a lot like his old man. The other was the reaction by the crowd when Bernie Williams was introduced.
Well they'll say farewell to Shea on Sunday and as a Mets fan I've been ready all season for the moment to happen. It won't have the history and flair for the dramatic that the festivities in the Bronx had, but Shea has its own special spot in New York sports history too. I'm holding out that Paul McCartney shows up and sings the National Anthem or does a Beatles song for old times sake.
You didn't have to be a golf fan to get caught up in the Ryder Cup excitement. I was flipping back and forth between the Giants/Bengals game and the golf. The matches played Sunday had every element that makes sports great. I think Paul Azinger did play to the crowd way too much. He owes Nick Faldo an apology for going over the top. I don't need a flat screen with Hi-Def. I need picture in picture so I can watch 2 things at once. David Feherty wrote a column in the recent edition of Golf Magazine and he called Tiger Woods "The Golden Gimp." I don't feel so bad calling Tiger, "Eldrick the Gimp" anymore. I actually feel vindicated.
My man EK over at Bristol Tech radio let me down the other day. He said that "Field of Dreams" was over rated. You want to know what's over rated? "The Godfather" movies.
Dust off the water cooler Dan and John, because its premiere night on CBS and "Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother" are on. I might have to threaten you with the SlapBet Commissioner. I finally lost an Upset Special, dang those Houston Texans...Leccese out.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Upset specials and HS Football Preview

Hi There. Well its time for a little football here in the Greenhouse Effect. We'll start with "Opie's Upset Specials." We're a perfect 4 for 4 on the season and we kick off Week 3 with your college upset special. The Commodores of Vanderbilt knock off Eli Manning's alma mater the Ole Miss Rebels. Vandy doesn't have a prayer normally in the SEC but like I them against the Rebels. I saw them 2 weeks ago when they played South Carolina. Now for your pro upset special. The Tennessee Titans are 2-0. However they won't become 3-0. Take the Houston Texans. They disappointed everybody in Week 1 and after all that has been going with the distruction caused by Ike. The Texans rally everybody like the Saints did with Katrina and win one for the Gulf Coast. So its Vandy and the Houston Texans.
Now onto the High School scene. You get two games on WWSC. We start Friday Night with Glens Falls at Amsterdam. The Rugged Rams are 0-2 on the year after losing to Bishop Maginn and Troy and I have this gut feeling that Glens Falls is going to feel the rath of Amsterdam. We'll see how really good the Indians are tommorow night.
Saturday its Queensbury and S.Glens Falls. If the Spartans can keep the Bulldogs offense off the field by methodically running the double wing and eating up the clock, they'll win. S. Glens Falls will have to put up enough points to force Queensbury to throw the football, which they'd perfer not to do.
Other interesting games this weekend.
Hudson Falls at Schalmont. The Tigers escaped with a win over Albany Academy 14 - 13, and the Sabres are much improved. Important game for Hudson Falls.
Warrensburg at Saratoga Catholic. The Saints play their first home game in 20 years under the lights at East Side Rec in the Spa City and it will be interesting to see what Burger team shows up. I can't believe they put up 40 against Salem.
Salem at Ft.Edward. D-North be all screwed up if the Generals win and spoil the Forts home opener. Salem first 3 games are the 3 games that count in the division standings that determine who makes the playoffs. Ft.Edward is in if they win.
Bishop Gibbons at Greenwich. The Witches could be easily 2-0. They went to Canjo and beat the Cougars last week. Derrick Pittis is an athlete for the Griffins that Greenwich has to stop if they want to get to 2-1. One more thing. The Tamarac Bengals football team is 2-0 and haven't surrendered a point on defense this year. Something must be in the water down in Clums Corner.
Enjoy the football...Leccese out.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Sometimes I amaze myself and other weekend observatios

Hi There. Well we've made it halfway through September and can you believe there is officially only 7 days left in the summer. After having now 2 straight weeks of my upset specials coming through (Thank you Maryland and the 49ers) I've decided on a new challenge. I'm going to Washington DC and offer my services to Jerry Manuel and tryout for a spot in the Mets bullpen. If John Carney and Jeff Feagles can kick and punt for the Giants and they're 44 and 42 years of age respectively, why not let me pitch? A 42 year out of shape radio announcer who hasn't played organized baseball on any level since he was 10 years old. I can't be any worse than Heilman, Feliciano, Schoeneweis, or Sanchez are already. Did I miss anyone?
I told you the Browns and Vikings were overrated.
The St.Louis Rams are so bad that the Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake Spartans would have given the Giants a better game yesterday.
Hey Packer fans, do you miss Number 4 yet? Aaron Rodgers has looked pretty good so far. O.K. he's played the Vikes and Lions but Brett the J-E-T lost to a QB who last started a game his senior year of High School.
That must have been some tackle that knocked down and took out Charlie Weis.
I watched Saturday Night Live and yes Tina Fey is a dead ringer for Sarah Palin. I could only take about 30 minutes because Amy Poehler got on my nerves. Michael Phelps, one piece of advice for you. Stick to eating and swimming please. I'll have to ask Shawn or John on the sister station who or what is a Lil Wayne?
Has Norv Turner stopped whining about the two calls in the Chargers/Broncos game yet? Norv, if your sieve of a defense hadn't given up that 2 point conversion or that last second TD pass at home to the Panthers, your team would 2 and 0. It's nice to see your stud LB Shawne Merriman finally having knee surgery after four yes four doctors told him so.
Bernard "Putt" LaMay Memorial Field was dedicated Saturday and now I can finally stop talking about how great the place is. On a side note: Brian officially went into the record books Saturday as buying the first hot dog, the first slice of pizza, and the first order of nachos at the new concession stand at Putt LaMay Field. Did I miss any other items on the menu? It couldn't happen to a more worthy individual. My Smart Water is getting warm...Leccese out.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Upset Specials and HS Football Preview Week 2

Hi There. Well its Week 2 of HS Football and I'll preview the games we're doing on The Mighty 1450 in a minute. But first, it's time for "Opie's Upset Specials." Last week 2 for 2. The state of NC came through big time with both E.Carolina and the Panthers winning. Remember, these are for entertainment purposes only. I don't want you going broke, having expensive cars or homes repossessed, or that drop dead gorgeous girlfriend or spouse leaving you because you listened to my picks and can't take care of her in the manner she's accustomed. First the college upset special. Take the Maryland Terrapins over the Cal Bears. The Bears are 2-0 and last week spanked Washington State last week 66-3 and the Terps turtled (Get it, Terps Turtled) in a horrible loss over Middle Tennessee State. Ralph Fridgen is treading on thin ice at Maryland and he needs this win bad. Last year they were struggling before knocking off Rutgers on the road. Maryland bounces back and Cal is no USC when it comes to traveling cross country to play a road game. On to the pros, The 49ers head to Seattle, grab an exta large coffee or latte and beat the Seahawks. The Seahawks looked awful in a loss over the Bills. The 49ers didn't do much better at home losing to the Cardinals, but the Seahawks are like the Browns. Way over rated. So its Maryland and the 49ers.
O.K. on to the HS Preview. You get two games this week on WWSC. Friday night Ft Edward at Lake George. Bottom line is the team that stops the run better wins this game. Both teams have outstanding backfields. Tyler Carpenter and Ray Cummings for the Forts and Caleb Meroski and Jake Nelson for Lake George. It will also be interesting to see the "Pistol" offense that Lake George employs. Saturday's Game is Scotia at Glens Falls. Both teams got taken out behind the woodshed in losses to Burnt Hills and Lansingburgh last Friday night. Hopefully they'll play better. The Indians will be playing with a lot of emotion since not only its their home opener, its the dedication of Putt LaMay Field and the place looks great. The best games of week are easily these two Friday night. Lansingburgh at Burnt Hills (two class A contenders) and Hoosick Falls at Schuylerville (the best teams in C north). Granville at Cambridge on Saturday looks intriguing. One last thing. With 17 games left in the regular season I'm feeling a whole lot better about the Mets and their 3 1/2 game lead over the Phillies this year, then I did with them and the 7 game lead they had last last year. Got to go, Rutgers is playing tonight on Bristol Tech...Leccese out.

Monday, September 8, 2008

I got them both right and other weekend observations

Hi There. Hard to believe that I got both of my upset specials right. I admit I'm no Nostradamus, but I was feeling real good when I saw E. Carolina 24 W.Virginia 3 Saturday and when the Panthers knocked off the Chargers in the final seconds yesterday. Trust me midnight will be striking any time now. On to other football observations from the weekend. We'll start with Week 1 of the High School season. Class A is definitely the toughest of the bunch. Bishop Maginn and Lansingburgh are strong again, Burnt Hills has the best QB in the area in Paul Layton and don't ever ignore Amsterdam. Glens Falls is in that second tier with Gloversville and Averill Park. Glens Falls also has a brutal road schedule. They opened with Lansingburgh, and they head to Amsterdam and Burnt Hills later in the season. I also think C North is going to be rough again. Schuylerville is primed to make another run. They blanked Corinth, but Corinth made some mistakes that cost them the game. Hoosick Falls got off to a fast start beating Cambridge, who just reloads. There is a sleeper team and that's the Golden Horde of Granville who knocked off Stillwater. You have to feel for the teams in D North. With Lake George ineligible for post season play, there's only 3 division games. Right now Whitehall and Warrensburg are behind the eight ball after only one game. Warrensburg's playoff hopes could be down the tubes after this weekend if they lose to Salem. Moving on to the NFL, where the Jets and Bills are salivating and thinking division title now that Tom Brady will be on the shelf healing. Big deal, you beat the Dolphins and Seahawks. I'll still put my money on Bill Belichick and the Pats to win the division no matter who their QB is. I'm hoping the Pack beats the Vikings tonight. The Vikings are getting a lot of love because of Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen. The only way I become sold on the Vikes is if Fran Tarkenton or Tommy Kramer starts at QB for them and that's not gonna happen. Tavares Jackson, I don't think so. By the way, is it just me or do the Minnesota boys have some ugly looking uniforms. They're giving the Titans a run for their money in the ugly uni department. As a fan of both the Mets and Giants, my biggest fears are coming from the city of Philadelphia. The Phillies line-up is the best in the National League and the Eagles have too much talent on both sides of the ball. Now onto some random thoughts of nothing. People tell me I have to eat more vegetables. Unfortunately all the vegetables I like are bad for me. Peas, corn, butternut squash, eggplant, white potatoes. What's next sweet potatoes? That's probably on the list too. Here are two people that I like but for some reason most everybody else can't stand: Bryant Gumbel and Nancy Grace. Mutley is the coolest cartoon dog ever drawn. Better than Scooby Doo, Astro Jetson, Huckleberry Hound, etc. Has anyone ever eaten a Yodel's snack cake by taking off the chocolate coating first, then unraveling it? There is something odd in seeing Dick Vitale in the same Basketball Hall of Fame class as Patrick Ewing, Pat Riley, Adrian Dantley, William Davidson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Why is it that even if you own a copy of a movie on DVD, you'll still watch it when it's on TV? If you make a S'more with a chocolate bar that has nuts in it, is it still considered a S'more?...Leccese out.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Upset Specials and some other random thoughts

Hi There. It's Friday, its football season and that means I'm proud to present the season premier of "Opie's Upset Special." Each week I will give you an upset in both the college and pro ranks for entertainment purposes only. Trust me if you take the chance on any of my picks, you'll end up broke and your hot trophy wife or girlfriend will leave you. First your college upset special: East Carolina over West Virginia. The Pirates knocked off Va.Tech last week and I'm thinking they go 2 for 2 at home over the Mountaineers. Now for your pro upset special. The Carolina Panthers defeat the San Diego Super Char-gers. Here's a preview of what's going on in Week 1 of the high school football season. Tonight there's some good openers. Hudson Falls at Ravena, Glens Falls at Lansingburgh, Saratoga at Ballston Spa, Corinth at Schuylerville and Spa Catholic at Canajoharie. As for the game you'll hear on Talk 1450 WWSC tomorrow at 1pm. A traditional match-up between Ft Edward and Warrensburg. Fort Edward lost a lot of yards and points scored to graduation, but Bob Phillips, Tyler Carpenter and Ray Cummings make for a nice returning backfield as the Forts to try to 3-peat in Class D. The line should be O.K as 3 starters return. Warrensburg has a new coach and a new offense in place but the numbers are tight and they've already got some injuries. They do have 2 decent Qb's in Tom Holmgren and Brendan Frye and it should be interesting how Mike Leonbruno uses them. Logan Rock is a horse and will carry the running load for the Burgers. Well the Giants won and I'm very happy right now. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.


Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Ready or not its time for some football and other observations

Hi There. Its September 2nd and once again I have to ask those questions that always come up this time of year. Where did the summer go, and is the track really closed til next July? The past week was spent visiting high schools watching practices, talking to coaches, and preparing for football season. I saw 12 teams scrimmaging over a period of 12 hours Saturday. I guess when your not married or dating you can do that without any of the consequences or dirty looks you'll get from the wife or girlfriend. (Sorry Pete Tobey, I feel your pain.) Watching practices and scrimmages this time of year you're not looking for breakout performances, you look for little things that might give you a feel on what you can expect during the regular season. Here some initial impressions on some of the teams I was able see.
Greenwich, Warrensburg, and Granville are short on numbers so if one or two injuries occur it might spell doom for the season.
Fort Edward maybe better than expected, but its important that their sophomores and freshmen contribute right away. Tyler Carpenter will have big year for the Forts.
Lake George has everybody back and they should be better. I felt they didn't tackle well in the scrimmages Saturday night. They've got a great starting backfield with Caleb Merosky and Jake Nelson.
Glens Falls and Corinth maybe the best teams locally. They both have tough openers on the road. The Indians head to Lansingburgh and Corinth plays at Schuylerville so this will be a real good test for both squads.
Hudson Falls has the potential to be very good. I know Joe McMurry is back and the line is big and tough, but there are other unknowns that haven't made me sold on Tigers just yet.
Queensbury if they can find the backs to make the Double Wing work, they may surprise some people. However, John Irion told me he has some concerns about the depth on the O-line. He wishes he had more of it. I was caught off guard when I saw the blue helmets they were wearing. It's going to take a little time getting used to.
South Glens Falls has to play some big time D. They lost 70 percent of their offense to graduation. Having Joe Collier and Mustafa Choukier in the backfield is a start. If the offense can come together, you never know.
Whitehall has decent numbers and it looked like they've abandoned the double wing for a more wide open spread offense. D North is wide open.
and finally there's Spa Catholic who might steal a game or two. Unlike Hoosick Valley and Cairo-Durham who were bigger schools, the Saints join the D ranks in their first year of Varsity since the 80's.
I've been talking about the construction at GF High of Putt LaMay field all summer long, well during my travels I discovered that other schools have done improvements to their football fields as well. Fort Edward tore up its old field and put in some beautiful new grass. It will be ready for the home opener on September 20th and it has the potential to be as nice as HG Moran Field. Also South Glens Falls has installed new bleachers and a new press box to improve the viewing pleasure of the Bulldog faithful.
Now to get away from football and on to other things. After reading CE Skidmore's column Saurday in the Post Star, I think "Black Coffee in Bed" is a much better Squeeze song than "Tempted."
You think after what happened to Dick Cheney, John McCain would have thought more carefully than choosing a running mate whose hobbies include hunting?
Is anyone paying attention the US Open Tennis or the PGA Tours' FedEx Cup? I didn't think so either.
When I buy a bag of Hershey's Miniature's, I eat the Mr Goodbars or the Krackels first.
Is there any way that CBS could bump up its season premiers of its Monday night comedies? The water cooler has gotten a little dusty and I need a fix of "Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother." Leccese out.