Upset Specials and Tommy Boy

Hi There. The weekend is here and that means its time for your upset specials. For the pros, normally I stay away from the Giants, but it's a pick em game on the road in Philadelphia against the Eagles across the parking lot from where the Yankees/Phillies game 4 will take place. Go with the Giants. Now for the college upset special. This should be a heck of a game at Autzen Stadium where the Oregon Ducks, who have the ugliest unis on the planet thanks to Nike founder and alum Pat Knight are playing the USC Trojans. Go with the Ducks ugly unis and all to win as a home underdog and squash the Trojans national title hopes.
On to some high school football. We are not doing a game this week on WWSC and here's the main reason. Logistics. We had 2 playoff games available. Greenwich/Spa Catholic or Hudson Falls/Lansingburgh. Neither of which are easy to reach or get good cell phone service from. Now if Hudson Falls wins, we will go to Schenectady for the Class B Final. We also had one crossover option that in a normal year would be good game to do, but not this year. I thought at the beginning of the year that I didn't think there would be a team like Hudson Falls from our listening area to make a run at the State Finals and its held true. Well basketball and hockey seasons are a month away.
Finally the PC police are at it again, and this time it revolves around the late Chris Farley and a Directv commercial with David Spade. If you've seen it, it features a memorable scene from the movie "Tommy Boy" where Farley is doing "Fat Guy in a Little Coat" and there's Spade watching and promoting Directv and at the end he says, "That never gets old." Its exploiting a dead guy, that's tasteless. Give me a break. The spot is hysterical and it was a great scene that showed off Farley's comic talent. His weight, combined with the addiction to drugs and booze led to his tragic, untimely death. Lighten up people and enjoy the humor.
So if you're at some Halloween party this weekend and some guy is dressed as Billy Mays carrying Oxy-Clean, that could be me. Now there's a real example of somebody making fun of and exploiting a persons' untimely death.
Don't forget to turn back the clocks, check those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and enjoy that extra hour of sleep...Leccese out.

Rain, Rain go away and other thoughts from the mind of the Garden Boy

Hi There. I know usually I produce an entry Monday, but I needed a little extra time to think. First for the upset specials 1 for 2. Kansas fell short to Oklahoma, but the Bills had a big win over the Panthers. In other news, did I call it or what? Yankees in 6, Phillies in 5. Should be a great battle. Now for the World Series prediction. It goes 6 games. I'm leaving you hanging on who'll win. Bud Selig and his cronies should figure out some way that the World Series should begin earlier and not end on the 5th of November.
My cousin Andy Basso and his son Brent came up for the weekend. Checked out the Phantoms game Friday night and Brent competed in the Head of the Fish regatta in Saratoga Springs. Saturday was one of those cold, rainy days that seemed to last forever. It was too long a day. When I got home from the football game we did on WWSC it was about 5:30 and as soon as I got out of that long, hot shower, I fell asleep on the couch. I will say that Brent was a trooper. He's not a big hockey fan, and he had to put up with his cousin and Dad catching up during the game. I'm proud of that kid. He's a senior in high school, just became an eagle scout, and he wants to be a doctor.
Steve Phillips checked himself into rehab for a sexual addiction. Did he go to the Wilt Chamberlain Clinic? Is it some 12 step program or do you take high school health class over and they teach you about abstinence.
I'm not ashamed to admit this, but I watched "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" last night. I'm a hard core Peanuts fan and I'm fascinated with the life of Charles Schulz. My sister thinks I'm the real life Charlie Brown. (personally I'd like to think I'm Schroeder).
I thought I was an intelligent person who appreciates smart comedy. I'm having a hard time understanding "Community" and "The Office."
Who had it worse, the Oakland Raiders who lost to the Giants and Jets by a combined score of 79 to 7 this year or the Corinth Tomahawks, who in the past 2 years have lost to the Chatham Panthers by a combined score of 132 to 20.
This could only happen to the Clippers and maybe the Nets and Timberwolves. Blake Griffin the number one pick in the NBA draft is already out for 6 weeks with a broken knee cap. If it wasn't for bad luck, the Clippers would have no luck at all. I'm so excited the NBA is back... NOT!!!!!!!
Many Rangers' fans like myself are mourning the loss of Bill Chadwick, "The Big Whistle." Former NHL referee and color commentator for those Rangers broadcasts on Channel 9 with Jim Gordon I would watch as a kid. Good times and even better memories. Could I hop in the DeLorean and go back to some Saturday night about 34 years ago to see a Rangers/MapleLeafs game from the old MapleLeaf Gardens and watch The Big Whistle interview King Clancy? Dad please just let me stay up a little longer. I'll go to bed at the start of the third period, I promise.
I'm going as Billy Mays for Halloween this year. Upset specials on Friday...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and other stuff

Hi There. Well the weekend is here and its time for your Upset Specials. Last week 0 for 2. Remember these are all in the name in fun and don't blame me if you actually take my advice and end up losing. First the college upset special where we go the Big 12 where the Kansas Jayhawks are home underdogs to the Oklahoma Sooners. Now if a healthy Sam Bradford was playing, no chance in hell would I pick Kansas. Well, no Sam Bradford, so Rock, Chalk Jayhawk. go with Kansas. For the pro upset special, lets take the Buffalo Bills over the Carolina Panthers. T.O. has a big game and defends his quarterback...again.
As for high school games this weekend. Not a lot of great match-ups. One intriging one is Corinth/Chatham. Last year Chatham won 70-20 and this will be a battle between Josh Keyes of Chatham and Jordan Charbonneau. Wish this game could have been in Corinth instead of down in the Capital Region. The game we are doing on WWSC Saturday, Hudson at Hudson Falls. The BlueHawks are very athletic and should give the Tigers a run for their money.
Hard to believe but Morgan Pavlot is gonna be 4 years old tomorrow...Leccese out.

Lucas actually caught the football and other observations

Hi There. Before we get to Bearskin Bowl 4, we'll talk about the weekend that was. Upset specials tanked. Lost on both Army and Da Bears. Rutgers tanked. Giants tanked. I thought the Bills/Browns game was ugly, we had a repeat with the Jets/Bills. I'll repeat what I said to all the Jets fans who have anointed Mark Sanchez saint hood, rookie quarterbacks will stumble along the way and have bad games like that.
Then there was my latest attempt in the kitchen. I discovered that trying to make homemade cider donuts is hard! It was a total culinary disaster. I may try it again sometime. For now, I'll leave them to the experts at Hicks and Saratoga Apple.
First we had David Letterman, now Steve Phillips at Bristol Tech. I'll never understand why someone would want to cheat on their wife or husband. My dad said it best to me to one day. Be totally sure that he or she is the right one and get it right the first time.
Is the NBA sure they want to bring back its real officials? Look it won't make a difference who is making the calls. The officiating in the Association just plain sucks and is the worst of the 4 major sports. Oh and they've finally admitted that you can take 2 steps now before putting the ball on the floor and traveling maybe called.
Was the guy who created the hoax with the helium balloon in Colorado wearing purple sneakers waiting for aliens to come get him? His family actually appeared on Wife Swap. The dumbing down of America continues.
Finally onto the Bearskin Bowl. Thanks to everyone who showed up. The miracle occurred and Lucas (that would be me) caught a pass. Yeah it was for only 5 yards and a 2pt conversion, but I have to give Doug Duell all the credit. Everyone who went out for a pass caught one and he found us open. He spread the wealth. Would we have liked to have won of course, but that isn't the point of game. It's about raising money for a good cause and having fun doing it. What's next for Lucas and his mediocre athletic ability? Playing in the Lake George Booster Club basketball tournament just after the new year. Hopefully I'll score some baskets this year. I better start practicing so I'll be ready. New upset specials and other football previews Friday...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and some other observations

Hi there. We kick off the weekend entry with your Upset Specials. There are some seriously good rivalry games in the college ranks Saturday. USC/Notre Dame and Texas/Oklahoma. Neither of which I'm touching with a 10 foot pole. Here's your college upset special. Take the Black Knights of the Hudson, that's right Army over the Temple Owls. Now for your pro upset special, we're on the midnight train to Georgia where da Bears will beat the Falcons Sunday night.
Earlier in the week I brought up Rush Limbaugh and furor over him being involved with a group of investors that is looking to buy the St.Louis Rams. The PC police have won again and he was dropped. Look, we all know that 99.5 percent of politically driven talk show hosts are bitter blowhards with incurable foot in mouth disease. What's more disturbing is free publicity Rush and all the nay sayers got from this. Enough with the conspiracy theories please.
World Series predictions. Yankees in six, and Phillies in five.
I'm predicting 5,500 attendance for Phantoms/Rats Saturday night at the Civic Center
Love this quote from Rangers coach John Tortorella, "A pat on the back is just few feet away from a kick in the ass."
Lots of great high football match-ups this weekend. Lake George/Rensselaer, Hoosick Falls/Corinth, Niskayuna/Troy, Saratoga/Shen, Granville/Cambridge, and some others. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.

Frost was on the windshield and other observations

Hi There. Had to bring the ice scraper out from the garage this morning. It was definitely cold this morning and I felt like I was coming down with one. First the upset specials. Another 1 for 2 week with UConn losing a close one to Pittsburgh, but you gotta hand it to the Bengals who pulled one out in last minute to beat the Ravens.
How bad was it for the Bay Area football teams? The 49ers and Raiders lost by a combined score of 99 to 17 and it would have been worse if Eli had played more than a half. The Raiders are so bad that if they took on Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake, my money would be on the Spartans.
Aren't you glad the Browns/Bills game wasn't on Sunday or Monday night?
Now for an another edition of The Greenhouse Effects' "You Make the Call!" Whose unis are more uglier. The choices: The Seahawks alternate Day-Glo Lime green jerseys or the Denver Broncos AFL throwbacks with the vertical striped socks.
You know your football team is having a good day when the Presidents Cup golf matches are more compelling to watch and you don't want to switch back and forth between the two.
Rush Limbaugh wants to buy the Rams and people are upset because?
Just want to take this time to thank the RedSox, Cardinals, and Twins for playing and don't forget to take a copy of the home game before you leave.
For all those critics of the Metrodome, it was 33 degrees outside at game time in Minneapolis last night. Hope Target Field has seat warmers as one of its fan amenities.
I'm fascinated that everyone has an opinion about David Letterman's recent troubles. One report I've read has people urging Dave to enter a sex rehab clinic. PETA wants him to be a spokesman to promote having your pet spade or neutered. I could name about 10 to 15 NBA players who would be better choices for that job.
Then there's Jimmy Kimmel who obviously isn't taking heed of what Dave did. He's supposedly dating the head writer on his show.
No truth to the rumor that Mike Dubray is in training for the US Olympic Beer Pong team.
I would love to see a new "Vacation" movie with a grown up Rusty on a trip with his family paying a visit to see Clark and Ellen at their retirement community home somewhere in Arizona and then going to Wally World. No cousin Eddie please.
Finally, the place in South Carolina where my folks may build a home made the paper Saturday. It was an alligator attack on one of the golf courses. When I was there last month, I saw a gator on the course that I played. I read an article that stated people actually feed these reptiles. What are these folks thinking? I'm sorry, but this is not a case where your little kid says, "Daddy, can pet the kitty or puppy please?" Where was the late Steve Irwin when we needed him?...Safe from gators, Leccese out.

Upset Specials and its, "Hammer Time!"

Hi There. We'll get to the upset specials in a second, but first we know the Bay Area is a little strange but what's truly going on there?
First there's Michael Crabtree who finally realized that holding out and blowing a big first round draft choice paycheck is not the smart thing to do. Mr.Crabtree was insulted because he felt he was worth more than the Raiders first pick Darius Heywood-Bey. He finally got a deal done with the 49ers and who helped in brokering the deal? MC Hammer! I can just see it now, Hammer explains deferred money to Michael and says, "Can't touch this." The other strange thing coming out of San Fransisco this week happened at Harding Park, a beautiful municipal golf course where they are playing the Presidents Cup. Michael Jordan is one of the honorary captains. He was seen walking the course, smoking a cigar. Since it is a public place, technically its illegal to light up there and some of the idiot PC police were actually thinking of charging him with a crime. Look there's a lot worse that goes on at a golf course, and my friends are guilty of this. Loading up a cooler with cheap beer that Dubray drinks, sticking in the golf cart and playing a round while getting a buzz on.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Michael Vick is getting a reality TV show.
The pickings must have been real slim when President Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize. Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and that ultimate fascist Michael Savage will have a field day over this choice.
From the home office in Pottersville, New York enough with David Letterman and his private life.
If there is only one good reason to see the movie, "Couples Retreat" its because Peter Billingsley directed it. Who is Peter Billingsley you ask? It's Ralphie from "A Christmas Story."
Alright now on to some football. Some great high school games this weekend that have play-off implications. Cambridge and Hoosick Falls, Glens Falls and Queensbury, Saratoga and Ballston Spa. Now for the upset specials, we'll start with the pros. There are some brutal games this week but we have to pick one and here we go. Take the Bengals over the Ravens. Yeah you heard right the Bengals over the Ravens. Now for the college. Once again not a lot out there that catches my attention but I'll throw my dart (its not always poison) at the UConn Huskies to beat the Pitt Panthers on the road at the ketchup stand (a.k.a Heinz Field). Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.

Opening night observations from Section P and some other stuff

Hi There. Hoped you enjoyed the weekend. We'll talk about the Phantoms home opener later on, but other observations first. Had another week of going 1 for 2 on the upset specials and so far this year I'm 3-5 through the first 4 weeks. Lost on Mississippi/Vandy, won on Broncos/Cowboys but that one had me sweating bullets like everyone else who picked Denver. O.K. through the first 4 weeks of the NFL's regular season here are a couple of observations. The Saints are the real deal. Everybody who questioned the Giants receivers and the Patriots in general should know better, and what's gotten into the Titans? Jeff Fisher is a heck of a coach but somethings' not right in Nashville? Now this maybe a good thing for the NFL, its nice not to hear the word parity bandied about as much. There are some read good teams and some real bad teams out there.
My choice for coach of the year among the local high school football teams. Mario Torres of Granville. The Golden Horde are 5 - 0 with 2 tough games left on the schedule, plus they play in a division with Cambridge and Hoosick Falls. I also don't want to leave out a good Corinth team. The C playoffs in Section 2 will be 3 weeks of all out war with only one team left standing.
The Mets season came to an end yesterday. That's the good news. The bad news is no matter how many changes to the roster are made, they still have to play their home games at CitiField. Now for more good news for all you readers out there. You'll won't be reading my hatred of the ballpark for at least 6 months. One more Mets note, I read somewhere that a home uniform change may occur. I'm dreading this one, another tribute to the Giants or Dodgers is in the works. To Fred and Jeff Wilpon, please sell the team.
Do we have to place blame for Chicago not getting the 2016 Summer Olympics? It's not worth it to host. Putting a burden of even more debt on an already overtaxed public is not worth it. Let someone else have it and deal with the aggravation. Just ask Atlanta. Personally, I blame Oprah and not President Obama or former President George W Bush. The Brazilian delegation brought Pele along with their president. We should have countered with Michael Jordan or Coach Ditka.
Finally onto the Phantoms home opener. Tough loss. Great crowd, great atmosphere, saw a lot of my old friends, classy opening ceremonies although I wish some mention of the Redwings should have been in the script and the spotlight put on those banners. Now for the downside. I have an aisle seat and across in the next section there was a hyperactive child who was jumping up and down and dancing non stop. To make matters worse, he had these sneakers that constantly lit up. Thank god there was no one around with epilepsy. Those shoes could have caused seizures. I was also surrounded by some of the many people who made the trip up from Pennsylvania and one kid was wearing a costume of "Phlex" the mascot. How much will the cost of therapy for that kid run someday? If this keeps up all year, I might be searching for a therapist. Monday night comedies on CBS and who cares about Packers/Vikings and more mentions of #4...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and what were the Seahawks thinking?

Hi There before we get to the Upset Specials here's got a couple of random thoughts from the week.
If you had Kathy Ireland outlasting Chuck Liddell in your "Dancing with Stars" office pool...You lost! She should now audition for that roll in "Necessary Roughness II, I've got eligibility left." She may not be able to dance, but she'll always be my favorite Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.
I know we've seen some ugly looking throwback uniforms in recent memory, but none could be as bad as the alternates the Seahawks wore over the weekend. Was that day glow lime green? They used to have the coolest looking helmets and unis. Go back to the silver and blue. The teal doesn't cut it.
How I Met Your Mother was awesome. Especially the doppelgangers. I've thought about some for some of the guys here at the radio station. Nice haircut Cloutier. Never drink Dubray. Sexually promiscuous Leccese, and finally Sidekick Miner. O.K., I have way too much time on my hands. I was wondering if the actress who played Ted's date was the same one who was "Crazy Rose" from Two and a Half Men.
On to the Upset Specials. For the college we go to SEC where Mississippi is favored on the road over Vanderbilt. Take the Commodores. For the pros, the Denver Broncos are home underdogs to the Cowboys. Knowshown Moreno has another big day and Broncs go 4-0 on the season. Quick re-cap Vanderbilt and the Denver Broncos.
Hudson Falls and Cobleskill Saturday on 1450 WWSC. See you at the Phantoms game...Leccese out.