Saying Farewell to 2010 and the final batch of Upset Specials

Hi there. Well here we are on the verge of another new year and the chance for some renewed optimism. We'll start with the final edition of "Opie's Upset Specials!" Yup this is last batch as this is the final week of the NFL regular season. So far 2 for 3 with wins for Syracuse and the Bengals, Giants took the gas pipe and we have one unknown since Notre Dame won't play til later today. For this final week, another 4 pack. Pro pick one, Browns over the Steelers in Cleveland. Pro pick two, love the Dolphins who are 6 and 1 on the road but only 1 and 7 at home to beat the Patriots in Foxboro. Two Bowl Picks: TCU over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl and Michigan State over Alabama in the Capital One Bowl.
This was the first year in a long time that WWSC didn't broadcast any Grandstanders hockey and there was a good reason. Location, location, location. If the games were at the Civic Center we would have tried to do at least one day, but with the Phantoms home, the games were at the Rec Center. Besides being cold, the Rec Center is a logistical nightmare. With all the technological advances, you still can't get cell service in the building. That's a big strike against us broadcast wise. The occasional home game is O.K., but having to spend between 5 and 6 hours for the two games we would normally do is tough.
I want to comment on Brett Favre, but this is a Jenn Sterger free zone.
Heading back to the chiropractor for some treatment on my back, which is acting up again.
I didn't comment on this last week, but what am I gonna do on Saturday mornings when I get off the air at 9am and head home or to the gym for combat class? This weeks sign of the apocalypse came when I heard the news that my favorite personality on Bristol Tech radio, Erik Kuselias is leaving for of all places The Golf Channel. E.K. gonna miss you. Why couldn't you stay and permanently replace that guy who starred with Zach and Slater on "Saved by the Bell, the College years" who co-hosts the morning show. Oops, my bad, wrong Golic.
Note to Rob Botruck, voice of the Phantoms. When you go over the pronunciations of players names with Dan before the game, also go over the names of the ref and linesmen. You butchered one real bad Wednesday night.
Why would anybody want to drop Nicole "Snooki"Polizzi enclosed in glass ball to ring in the New Year? That's crazy. Dropping her on her head to ring in the New Year, now that I would pay good money to see that happen.
I've made my resolutions for 2011 and they are the usual. Lose weight and eat less and healthier. Save more money. Golf more. Make time to visit my family more often then just seeing them at funerals or weddings. Head down to South Carolina and relax for a couple days at the family compound on Fripp Island, and one more. I'm gonna try harder to ignore the people and stuff that surrounds me that drives me insane and not comment about it. Just keep my mouth shut, put my nose to the grind stone and work just a little harder and not be distracted.
Finally thanks to all you loyal readers for overall another good year. "The Greenhouse Effect" is just another diversion from life's daily grind. Looking forward to another crazy, up and down 2011 and hope you can join me on the e-ticket ride...Leccese out

Skyping Christmas, Upset Specials and other stuff

Hi there and Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Joyous Festivus and Holiday Salutations from the home office in Chestertown. First up on this Christmas Day is a stocking full of Upset Specials. 1 for 3 last time out with both the Vikes and Navy losing and the Jets winning. All right this week got a 4 pack for you. Two pros and two bowl games. Bowl game picks. Like K-State over the 'Cuse in the Pinstripe Bowl and the Golden Domers of ND over Miami in the Sun Bowl. For the pros, I haven't used my Giants upset special yet, so I'll take 'em over the Pack at Lambeau. My second pro pick is the Bengals knocking off the Chargers at home in Cincy.
I've made many strides in embracing technology this year. Got a new cell phone and I now text and take pictures using the phone. Bought a new car with sensors everywhere, I even managed to transfer points from 2 old Subway cards to a new one. Impressed yet? Now its Skype. My folks are in NC at my sisters and we are doing Christmas this year using video hook up on the lap tops. This thing is totally cool. What's next, we'll figure that one out at a later date. I guarantee it is not gonna be Facebook, so don't get any ideas.
I'm still trying to figure out what really happened in the last 8 minutes of the Giants/Eagles game. Did the Giants suddenly play that badly or did the Eagles all of sudden play that good and were toying with Big Blue the whole time?
Did we really need to see Rex Ryan and his wife on video talking about foot fetishes? How does this stuff show up and where do they find it? It would have been a lot funnier if Tom Coughlin was the one caught on a video with his wife. Since it is Rex Ryan, just seems like another normal day at the Jets offices down in Florham Park.
It's nice to know that the Mets are flying so well under the radar this off season that Norad and the Defense department can't detect them.
Let me get this straight. So these kids from Ohio State will be suspended for 5 games next year for selling and trading stuff they got for playing and winning in various games. They the traded stuff for services at a tattoo parlor! Body art for Christ sakes! Pathetic if you ask me. About 20 years ago, Rick Telander wrote a great book about college football called, "The One Hundred Yard Lie." I might have to read it again.
One more college note. A couple of Mississippi State basketball players got into a fight with each other in the stands watching another tournament game in Hawaii. I saw the clip and I don't whether to laugh or shake my head at it all.
No matter how much layering you wear and how warm you may think you may be, the Glens Falls Rec Center is one freakin' cold building to watch and broadcast a hockey game from.
Its been a couple of years since I last saw him, but when Joe Patterson's picture was shown in the Post Star upon the announcement of him becoming Phantoms coach earlier this week, I didn't even recognize him. I thought he looked kind of like one my co-workers who works Saturdays and no it is not Chip or Gonzo.
Enjoy your Christmas and Boxing day...Leccese out.

Sunday Brunch, Upset specials and some random thoughts

Hi there. Shopping is all done, and I'm just enjoying some scrambled eggs and toast while killing time til the Giants/Eagles game. First order of business. Upset specials. Went 1 for 2 last week. Lost on the Da Raiders, won on da Dolphins. O.K. now for this weeks selections 2 pro and bowl game. First choice, Jets over the Steelers for no reason than they've never won in Pittsburgh, and there is a first time for everything. Well almost everything. Second upset special. Vikings over the Bears Monday night and the only reason why is they are playing that game at home outdoors. The way the Vikes used to play them. Now for a bowl pick. Navy over San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday.
In looking over the bowl match-ups. Utah and Boise State who have 3 losses combined will play against each other in the Las Vegas Bowl Wednesday night, while a 7-5 Michigan team gets a New Years Day trip and a million dollar bowl pay off in the Gator Bowl against 8-4 Mississippi State. Huh?
Yes, I'm thrilled that the home game the Vikings will be playing at the University of Minnesota is outdoors. I think its great. And what's even better is they will be having their 50th anniversary celebration as well. The best cold weather team of all time was the Bud Grant coached Vikings of the late '60's and '70's.
I want to know the guy who went to a Las Vegas sports book and placed a crazy bet that a rookie quarterback from Fordham would make his first NFL start before Tim Tebow. He's a rich man now.
Note to all the Tim Tebow naysayers. Does the name Doug Flutie mean anything to you?
The UConn Huskies womens basketball team will play against Ohio State and try to tie the UCLA mens record of 88 straight wins. On any level that kind of streak is legit.
If Michael Vick is in so much debt, how come he managed to save enough money to buy a 90 thousand dollar Porsche as a gift for his finace and not tell the people he owes he did it.
Last Saturday 112 thousand fans crammed into Michigan Stadium to watch an outdoor college hockey game. You think that the NHL might be able to add 50 thousand temporary seats to Heinz Field for the Caps/Pens game on January 1st.
Last Saturday I also watched not one, but two must see sports documentaries. First up was "Lombardi" on HBO. Unbelievable. The second was on ESPN. I'm not calling them Bristol Tech this time. The 30 for 30 film "Pony Excess" on the SMU Mustangs of the 80's was just phenomenal! Yes, both of those films were that good!
So the Big Ten(who will soon have 12) is thinking of not naming its two divisions "Legends" and "Leaders" after all. I was listening to the radio the other day and someone suggested the "Bo" and "Woody" divisions. Sure, I'm all in favor but only if Michigan plays in the "Woody" division and Ohio State is in the "Bo" division. My sick, perverted mind loves that one. Besides when I think of the name Bo, Schembechler doesn't come to mind first. The last names of Jackson, Diddley and Duke are ahead of him on my list.
I wonder if HBO is having second thoughts of doing that "24/7" series on the Outdoor Classic now that the Caps have lost 8 in row.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. The NHLPA has named Don Fehr as its new executive director. I'm convinced that Don Fehr, to get even with all the kids who picked him last all those years ago is trying to ruin all of pro sports. First he messed up baseball and now he's getting his grimy little fingers into hockey. I would never call for a lockout or not play a season, but I were Gary Bettman, I would definitely consider it now that Don Fehr is leading the players.
The Phantoms finally win 2 in a row and the Christmas break comes and they don't play for a week! Talk about bad luck.
Finally, I thought it couldn't get any worse than Train's "Hey Soul Sister." It has and it comes in the form of a song by the Plain White T's called, "Rhythm of Love." Leccese out

Upset Specials and my thoughts on Jimmer Fredette

Hi there. Well its two weeks til Christmas and excitement of the "Hometown Classic" has died down a few decibels. More on the game later. Upset specials first and it was another 0 fer last weekend. Nebraska...loser. Florida State...loser. Last but not least Panthers...loser, but at least it was close. Now for this weeks. 2 pro for you loyal readers since the college season is over except for the bowl games. First pick, Da Raiders over Jacksonville. Last time I picked Oakland in an upset special, it was reluctantly, well they "reluctantly" put up 59 on the Broncos in that game. This time its a lock. Second upset special. The Dolphins over the Jets.
As much as I enjoyed seeing Rex Ryan humbled Monday night, as a Giants fan who has seen his team get humbled not once, but twice at home by the Titans and Cowboys the true test of how good the Jets are will be how they get off the mat against Miami. Games like that happen. Its happened to the all the so-called "good teams" this year. Your team is 9-3 Jets fans and look who you've lost to. Ravens, Packers and Patriots. All play-off caliber teams!
Honestly Yankee fans, did you really think that Derek Jeter wasn't going to re-sign? You know they were gonna get the deal done. Didn't you?
Sorry Colin Cowherd, I disagree with you that Yankee/RedSox hot stove news and signings are good for baseball.
Sylvester Stallone will be inducted into the boxing hall of fame for his contributions to the sport with the "Rocky" movies. People are in an uproar. Why? They should also induct Robert DeNiro and "Raging Bull." Even baseball's stuff shirts lighten up and allow contributions to the sport in their hall. John Fogarty's song "Centerfield" was given that accolade this year. I stopped being interested in boxing when Mike Tyson hooked up with Don King and his downward spiral began.
If the Islanders played the Phantoms, who do you think would win? Think about it.
Now for thoughts on Jimmer Fredette. He's a great kid who's got his head on straight. Covering and broadcasting Glens Falls basketball games his senior year was like covering a bunch of rock stars. If Glens Falls was playing, the gym would always be packed. Home or away. I even criticized him for one dumb play. It was in the state championship game against Peekskill. Jimmer had the ball with 17 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. He didn't milk the clock down to 10 seconds before making his move and shot. Threw up a 3 with time left and missed. Peekskill would get the rebound and make a shot before the buzzer went off. 4 point swing right there. I remember talking to him after one game and the amount of "Player of the Game" plaques he got over the 4 years from us could probably fill up all of the wall space of a small apartment. We were joking around and I said to take one with him to BYU so he wouldn't forget us. I also said it should be a football plaque because he was one heck of a tight end and linebacker. He was that good of an athlete. I didn't go Wednesday night. I watched at home. Dave Strader was calling the game and the chance to hear him do play by play was worth driving home for. I thought the game was good. I think it would have been nice for the Glens Falls band to be wearing BYU t-shirts and playing all of their stuff they do if the game was being played in Provo. One more note. With the charity auction taking place, I'm gonna miss the 2 by 4 that Jim Duggan signed for us. It's been in the office that I share with Dan and Mikey since last March when I did the appearance. I think Clay even put it on the payroll and signed it up for the 401K program. Its been around that long...Leccese out.

The Doctor is in and Upset Specials

Hi there. Well the best news in a long time was the return of Dan to his post next to Cloutier on the morning show. I don't know how he does it for such a long period of time? The radio station has been like a sports teams' disabled list. One person goes on and as soon as they're healthy another takes his or her place. Dan is back, but Dave Thomas is on the shelf again with his knee acting up. Mikey has been sick, Pete's battling respiratory problems, and D.A. is always complaining about something being wrong with him. I might be the healthiest of them all and I'm popping glucosamine pills like M@M's for my sore knees.
Upset special time. Last weekend was a total loss. 0 for 3. Michigan, the Carolina Panthers and my CFL pick were all losers. This week here we go. Another 3 pack. Two college and one pro. Big 12 Championship game. Go with the Nebraska Cornhuskers over the Oklahoma Sooners. In the ACC title game put the ranch on the Florida State Seminoles over the Virginia Tech Hokies. Pro upset special. I like the Buffalo Bills beating the Minnesota Brett Favre's.
Would the so called tape head "experts" at Bristol Tech have their lips surgically removed from the buttocks of the SEC and Big 10 conferences please! Enough already. I want to throw up. How come nobody says that the Big East is really competitive this year? So they don't have any teams in the top 25. All they do slam the conference saying they don't deserve a spot in a BCS bowl. I would like to take the 2 by 4 I got from Jim Duggan and knock some sense into Herbstreit, Corso, and the rest their cronies on Game Day. When the Big 10 or SEC is having a down year, its because the conference is really tough. Not the Big East though. They say the conference sucks.
Who cared about LeBron James returning to Cleveland anyway. We're talking about the NBA people!
I actually watched with interest the announcement of where they'll play the Soccer World Cups in 2018 and 2022. And you thought I didn't like soccer. I was actually disappointed that the U.S. lost the 2022 bid to Qatar.
I thought the Phantoms would be bad, I didn't think they would be this bad!
There's something wrong when the Yankees decide start being fiscally responsible and have chosen Derek Jeter as the first contract to try it out on. They must have forgotten about Carl Pavano and A.J Burnett.
Get ready Glens Falls, Jimmer Fredette and the BYU Cougars are coming to town!..Leccese out.

Thoughts of giving thanks and upset specials

Hi there. Well I survived another holiday unscathed. My giving of thanks later on. Upset specials first. Last week another 1 for 2 weekend. Win on Oregon State, lose on the Broncs. Now for the this weeks'. In the alternate universe known as, "Leccese Bizarro World" tomorrow's Michigan/Ohio State game would end in a scoreless tie with no overtime. Well in the real world someone has to win. My college upset special is the Wolverines knocking off those annoying Buckeyes. Now for the pro, some interesting match ups and for some unknown reason I like the Panthers over the Browns. Plus one more for you. In honor of the Canadian Football League final this weekend its the, "Pete Tobey" upset special. Love the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Montreal Alouettes. Pete is the high school football writer for the Post Star and he does a great job. He also happens to be a CFL fan like me. Sorry about your Stamps, Pete.
Here was the only football score I truly cared about yesterday. Middletown South 20, Middletown North 7. Go Eagles!
There's a part of me would love to make the trip the Hartford on Sunday to see the Phantoms play against the team formally known as the Hartford Wolfpack now known as the Connecticut Whale.
I've been asked by family members what I want for Christmas this year. I've said nothing. There is nothing I really want or need.
I kind of felt sorry for the Mets. On the day they announce Terry Collings as their new manager, the Yankees still managed to steal the back pages of all the NYC tabloids over the Derek Jeter negotiations. If I were the Metropolitans, let 'em have it and just go about your business under the big radar that is the Bronx Bombers. Fix the ship Sandy, and win some games. Then they'll notice.
I know its been a year since Eldrick's fall from grace, so please stop harping on him for not really telling us the truth. It's nobody's business but his.
If there was a mental condition called, "clinical frustration" I'd be the poster child for it and visit a therapist and ask for prescription medication with minimal side effects to combat the malady.
Everybody has been asking me what's going on with Dan. Here's what happened. We'll all know about his high blood pressure scare. Well the combination of the medicine he's been taking along with the stress involved affected him to the point where it made him ill and he needed to take some time off. He's been feeling a lot better and is this close to coming back. Trust me, we all miss him. I found a photo of the two of us that was taken 20 years ago horsing around on the ice after a Redwings game. We weren't making a lot of money and we didn't know any better. There are moments when I think I was better off then, than I am now as I look out at the 25 thousand dollar SUV I bought 3 months ago and I go over my 401K with my Dad.
Finally, I'm thankful for an understanding family and group of friends who make me feel like I belong, although in most cases I don't. I'm thankful that in a time where the economy is down and hasn't yet rebounded, the company I work for has bucked the trend and been successful. I'm also thankful to live in a country although far from perfect, is better than an overwhelming majority of the places. Remember this quote from Phil McConkey, "The Grass is always greener my a--." Leccese out.

Love handles don't help my putting and Upset Specials

Hi there. It's another Friday and that means "Opie's Upset Specials." Last week 1 for 2. Syracuse knocked off my boys from Piscataway on a last minute field goal and the Patriots won thumping the Steelers in the 'Burgh. As for this weeks, your college upset special has the Oregon State Beavers defeating the SoCal Trojans in LA and as for the pro, I'm liking the Broncos over the Chargers.
After watching the Giants/Cowboys mess (and boy was it a mess!) you'd think that after spending 1.6 BILLION dollars to build a new stadium the Giants and Jets could have hired a decent electrician to keep the lights on or the greatest groundskeeper to have a grass field instead of this pro-turf crap that is popping up everywhere.
I think its kind of neat that Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field are hosting college football games this weekend.
I love this controversy over Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars. As long as the public gets to vote, you know the worst dancer won't always be kicked off the show. It's like when fans get to pick the All-Stars in baseball and basketball.
For a country that fought for its independence from a monarchy almost 240 years ago, why did NBC do an hour long special on its "Dateline" show about the engagement of Prince William?
This week sign of the apocalypse. Schools are banning cupcakes from being brought into class when a kid celebrates his or her birthday. It promotes childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is caused by parents who don't tell their kids to go outside and make them run around and play instead of being on cell phones or playing video games. It's also caused by lack of portion control, and the convenience of eating at a fast food restaurants a majority of the time. We love to blame everyone and everything for what's wrong with kids. It starts with the parents.
Finally a quick thought on some news from the PGA tour. First Eldrick the gimp is now on Twitter. Also some thoughts from John Daly who had surgery to lose weight. He blames his new found skinniness on his putting troubles, claiming the love handles gave him a spot to put his elbows which helped his putting. Funny, no matter what weight I've been at, my putting has never been affected. It just sucks whether I'm skinny or a few pounds over...Leccese out.

Upset Specials

Hi there. With Dan being out sick its been a crazy week and when he returns, I'll bring back the "A" material. But for now I'll hit on two things "Opie's Upset Specials" and the Phantoms. Upset specials first. Last week when 1 for 2. Won on LSU over Alabama and lost on the Bills. College upset special. I've decided to use my once a football season Rutgers upset special this week and they are home dogs to the 'Cuse. They haven't played at home since the Eric LeGrand injury. This week they lay it all on the line and take out all the pain and tears against the Orange. Now for the pro, take the Patriots on the road in Pittsburgh over the Steelers. This should be one heck of a football game.
Now for my take on Greg Gilbert firing. I know the overwhelming majority of fans wanted him gone because the team was under performing. Congratulations either the genie in the bottle granted your wish or Santa Claus came with an early Christmas present. This team isn't very good to begin with. When it comes to prospects, the Flyers are ranked in the bottom third among NHL teams. Last year if you remember they traded their first round and a third round pick to Anaheim for Chris Pronger. It's hard to have a barn full of thoroughbreds when you not given any horses to fill it. One more thing before I go. Stop your whining about their not being a coaches show! Doing one is not on the job description they give you when you get hired...Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and more raking the yard

Hi there. Another rainy Friday and we kick off another compelling edition with, "Opie's Upset Specials!" We are on scary good roll having won 7 of 8 and are now 9 and 10 at the midway point of the year. Well we'll be going over the .500 mark with these two picks. College upset special first. Take the LSU Tigers over the Crimson Tide of Alabama. For the pro, the Buffalo Bills have been this close to knocking off the Chiefs and Ravens the last two weeks and I like the Bills to get there first win over Da Bears in Toronto.
Other things. We start off with politics where our new Governor elects' girl friend is that smokin' hot Martha Stewart wannabe Sandra Lee. I can see it now. Coming to the Food Network it's, "A Semi-Homemade Inaugural Ball."
I'm not making this up. A guy in Nebraska dressed as a breathalyzer machine for Halloween gets busted for driving under the influence.
Here's another good one. Victor Gradowski is being inducted into White Castle's "Cravers Hall of Fame." He achieved this dubious honor by eating at the restaurant every Friday for 4 straight years. Nice to know he set his sights high.
Got to love the city council in San Francisco. They've passed a law banning toys from being included in kids meals that are considered not nutritious. You want to know why people aren't voting? That's why. Instead of working to solve real problems like crime, budget deficits, improving education and infrastructure, our lawmakers are passing legislation banning Happy Meals. Are cracker jacks included in this law, because its a coated popcorn and peanut snack that includes a surprise for kids!
Had a McRib the other day. Still holding out hope that someday the fried apple pie will make a breif comeback too.
With no hockey or high school football this weekend, got to finish raking those leaves and white pine needles. Remember to turn back the clocks before you go to bed Saturday night and "Adopt a Child" kicks off Monday...Leccese out.

A sense of emptiness and other observations

Hi there. Well another season of high school football on the Mighty 1450 WWSC has ended. It was an interesting year to say the least. Thanks to all the coaches for the help as always. I don't have the same enthusiasm for the upcoming high school basketball and hockey seasons that I do for football season. As soon as the school year ends in June, I start thinking about the schedule of games we will do on the air and waiting in anticipation for that first practice in August.
A couple of notes on that last game we did Thursday night. Those orange numbers could be hard to see at times on the black jerseys that Schuylerville wears. I got to give Greg O'Connor credit, there was about 3 or 4 times during the game where his quarterback had me totally fooled on the ball fakes. In fact on the second play from scrimmage, the refs were fooled as well and they blew the whistle thinking the play had stopped when in fact the Schuylerville QB pitched the ball to the other back and was running down the sideline for a touchdown. I also noticed that both teams were well aware of the others' return game on kick-offs.
Another perfect 2 for 2 weekend on the upset specials. Tulsa knocked off Notre Dame and the Pack beat the Jets. so after a horrible 2 and 9 start, in the past 4 weeks I'm a smoking hot 7 for 8.
Pondering the Notre Dame tragedy. Forget about the 50 mph winds for just a second. Why was the kid 50 feet in the air in the first place? Did he really have to be that high up to film practice? Practice, we're talking about practice.
Loved the throwback unis worn by the Patriots and Calgary Flames this past weekend.
How come whenever the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium is talked about, it is often referred to as "Jerry Jones' 1.1 billion dollar Taj Mahal or football palace."? Maybe I've missed hearing it during a broadcast, but the New Meadowlands Stadium cost 5oo million dollars more to build than Jerry's place and whenever the Giants or Jets play at home I never hear the place referred to as, "The 1.6 billion dollar facility that John Mara, Steve Tisch and Woody Johnson built."
Anytime the Cowboys have a bad year like the one they are having this year, I think of my favorite Wellington Mara quote, "It's nice to see arrogance humbled."
Watching Brett Favre sadly reminds me of seeing Johnny Unitas when he played his last year for the Chargers or Joe Namath with the Rams.
My gut feeling is that the majority of Mets fans' like Sandy Alderson accepting the job as the Amazin's GM, but he won't survive in New York.
The World Series is great feel good match up between the Giants and Texas Rangers. Unfortunately feel good match-ups don't drive television ratings, which are down 25 percent.
When I go to a sporting or any event at the Civic Center, I go to relax and have a good time. I don't want to be bombarded by protesters or volunteers for candidates running for political office telling me I should support their man or woman as I'm approaching or entering the building. Take the hint. Go away!
The Civic Center had an almost too nice feel to it Saturday night. Who ever thought that any visit by the Rochester Americans would have that. I used to love when the Amerks would come and play the Redwings. A couple Booster Club buses filled with their fans and that, "We hate you and you hate us" play-off type atmosphere no matter time of year it was.
More on the Phantoms. You want to why attendance is down. A few thoughts. The team isn't very good and sorry all you Greg Gilbert haters, its not completely his fault! Also, who thought up the ticket price structure. The seats behind the goal should be the cheapest in the building, not the second most expensive. Also, could the on ice promotions people return the "Chuck a Puck" contest to between the second and third periods instead of it taking place after the game.
I like Phlex as a mascot. Anything is better than Chilly.
I hope that animal rights group doesn't get their pants up in a bunch over that clip of Zenyatta's trainer giving her a beer as part of her lunch on the "60 minutes" feature done about her last night.
We're in a economic recession and I wonder if some unions really know that.
Note to the editor of the PostStar. I'll start voting when I hear a candidate talk to me about the issues that matter to me and want to do something about them with reasonable, common sense solutions. Just like that female whom I would like to go out with, I haven't met one yet...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and Random Thoughts waiting for the Great Pumpkin

Hi there. Yes even pumpkin patches have wireless Internet connection and so we kick off this edition with "Opie's Upset Specials!" Last week another 2 for 2 weekend. Wisconsin barely got by Iowa and I reluctantly took the Raiders over the Broncos. Well the da Raiders reluctantly put up 59 and lit up the Broncos. So after a slow start I been 5 for 6 the last 3 weeks. This week we're gonna get a little risky, no 3 point spreads this time. Going with the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes heading into South Bend to beat the Golden Domers and for the pro, take the Packers over the J-E-T-S Jets.
What was more shocking? The Raiders 59 points or the Browns spanking the Saints.
The Association kicked off another season...Boring!
I think Mets fans were celebrating more over the fact that the Yanks and Phils lost, than the Rangers and Giants fans were that their teams' won the pennant and are playing in the World Series.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. The season finale of "Jersey Shore" was the most watched show in the history of MTV.
It's nice to know that Charlie Harper isn't much of a character stretch for Charlie Sheen.
Only in New York City could a tree house in a backyard be illegal. Apparently a women spent 5g's to build a tree house for her 3 daughters to play and hang out in. A neighbor complained saying the tree house was unsafe and there was no construction permit. Since the neighborhood is in a historic landmark district, a permit was needed. A permit to build and occupy a tree house! This woman had to spend another 5g's to defend the tree house. Luckily, the Landmark Preservation Commission had some common sense and granted the tree house a permit. And we want to know why our kids are becoming screwed up, robots. Too much structure and not enough letting kids daydream and just be kids. We think they have these problems like ADD, ADHD, OCD or they are Bi-Polar. We send them to therapist who give them all these drugs to calm them down and balance the chemical imbalances. Parents, kids are going get scrapes and bruises when they fall down. Kiss the boo boo and put a band aid on it to make it better They'll be picked on by other kids and will get into the occasional fight. But eventually they make up, calmer heads prevail and act like nothing happened.
I know Halloween is supposed to be a fun holiday for kids, but there is something disturbing about seeing pets in costume. Even adults getting dressed up can be a sad exercise and I shake my head sometime. If you have any leftover Snickers' on November 1st, I'll be glad to help dispose of them in a safe and proper manner...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and other thoughts

Hi there. Friday's arrived and that means, "Upset Special" time. College upset special takes us to the Big Ten where the Wisconsin Badgers fresh off the big win over Ohio State hits the road to Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City and knocks off the Iowa Hawkeyes. As for the pro, lot of pick 'em games and some of the other lines are brutal this week. If I have to pick a game, which I do. I reluctantly go with the Raiders over Denver.
Couple of other things. That World Series prediction I made. The Curse showed its ugly head. So much for Yankees in 5 and Phils in 6.
So Tuesday night I tune in to Spike for the Scream 2010 awards and specificially for the "Back to the Future" tribute. It was great except for one little thing. Who stepped out of the DeLorean when it drove out on the stage none other than David Spade. He did the introduction of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Man I can't stand that guy. Miner thinks I'm jealous cause he got the same thing that Dubray has with women. He's probably right.
Speaking of Dan, last night was the annual Bearskin Bowl, now the Ray Chandler Memorial football game in Lake George between the Lake George and Warrensburg faculty. Had a blast as always but with Dan's recent health scare I was worried about him. He was fine and felt great afterward. I hope the swelling has gone down in his hand after he blocked that pass that Doug Duell threw. Thanks to everyone who showed up and watched. Playoff football from Hudson Falls tomorrow on 1450 WWSC...Leccese out.

When this blog hits 88 miles per hour you're gonna see some serious... and other observations

Hi there. 1 for 2 on the upset specials. Winning the college, and losing on the pro. Having spent most of weekend watching or listening to football games one thing happened in each game it was the one thing you didn't want to see. A player taken off the field on a stretcher immobilized due to a possible head or neck injury. I saw it at the game we had on WWSC Friday night and while watching the Giants/Lions game Sunday and then listening to the Rutgers/Army game Saturday. It puts into perspective how violent football and the collisions really are in the game. I hope all three of those young men are going to be all right, especially the Rutgers kid who right now is paralyzed from the neck down.
There's nothing better than having both Michigan and Ohio State lose on the same day.
It's official. The tie-breaker formula for determining the Section 2 football play-off seedings are as confusing the BCS formula. So Glens Falls with a 1-4 record in A Northwest is in and Granville who goes 3-3 in C North is not. Huh?
How can you not like Glens Falls mayor Jack Diamond who volunteers his time and works on the chain gang at Glens Falls High School football games. You'd never see Bob Regan on the sidelines doing that.
Aren't you glad you're not playing football in Section 7. Ticonderoga had to play at Tupper Lake on Friday night and drive there in a snowstorm. The one year I did football on the radio up there we had wind, rain, and freezing cold, but luckily no snow. A few years back we did a regional football game in Ausable Valley. It was sunny that day but when you looked west there was a snow covered Whiteface Mountain staring at you from a distance.
My first impression of the Phantoms this year. Johan Backlund is going to have nightmares with the amount of rubber he's been seeing.
I'm not much into politics, but I was thinking about the governor's race. I would be a little apprehensive about voting for the candidate who was a former state D.A. Remember what happened to the last guy we elected governor who had that job. That's how we got into this mess to begin with.
Am I the only person who is happy that we've had no increase in the rate of inflation? If we only increased spending every year by the rate of inflation, we'd be better off. But that's too easy for the budget makers on any level of government to understand.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Jackass 3D made 50 million dollars at the box office this weekend.
Another sign I'm getting old. My favorite movie of all time is celebrating its 25th anniversary later this month by releasing all 3 movies on Blu-ray.
This is a plea to the CEO of Tiffany and Company. Would it be possible to take the blocker off your employees work station computers that allow your employees to read blogs like this one? My cousin works for you and you've blocked access so she can't read "The Greenhouse Effect" during a break. I need all the readers I can get and its not like some porn site that Cloutier would view.
Finally, Saturday I was at the funeral for my Aunt Jo. I've often said that when one of my family members pass away I feel empty like their wasn't closure. I wish I could have done one more thing or spent that extra time with them. But not in case. I had closure with her and went to this somber occasion to celebrate her life knowing everything will be O.K. I spoke with my aunt about 6 weeks ago and we just talked on the phone catching up. You name it, we talked about it. I found out a couple days later she was going in for surgery and unfortunately she past away due to a stroke while recovering in the hospital. She didn't want me or any of my cousins to worry, so she didn't tell us. That's the kind of person she was. Always worrying about us and being their for us. There's this old saying about it takes a village to raise a child. In my family that village was and continues to be the size of Manhattan. The aunts, uncles, and cousins always looking out for us and each other, making us better, more complete people. Understanding those quirks and the eccentric qualities (especially mine) that may not make sense to most folks. I'm lucky to have them all. Hopefully the next I travel to Connecticut or anywhere on family business, it won't be for a funeral. To quote my aunt, "Happy Thanksgiving Everybody."Leccese out.

Upset Specials and another reason why I need a girlfriend

Hi there. Rainy Thursday night and we kick off the weekend with your upset specials and last week had the first 2 for 2 week. Dodging the raindrops we open with the college. Heading to Texas and we're giving you a Big 12 minus Nebraska and Colorado soon upset. How 'bout them Cowboys as in Oklahoma State knocking off the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Now for the pro. Sorry Coop, but I like the Bucs over the Saints.
Here's your MLB Championship Series predictions. Yankees in 5, Phils in 6.
Is there anyway the Wilpons could convince Bobby Cox to delay the retirement for a few more years and come and manage the Mets?
Two classy moves by MLB teams this past week. Number 1 the Giants who in the middle of their celebration in beating the Braves stopped and honored Bobby Cox with a tip of the cap and a round of applause. Number 2 the Rangers who instead of dousing themselves with champagne, went with the Ginger Ale so teammate Josh Hamilton (who has overcome both drug and alcohol addiction) could be a part of it after beating the Rays.
There are a lot of happy fast food loving fans drooling right now with the announcement that McDonalds is bringing back the McRib Sandwich next month. Yo Ronald, how 'bout bringing back the Cheddar Melt Sandwich and the fried apple pie too. Love that rye bread bun!
Finally, my niece Morgan Pavlot is turning the big 5 years old in about 10 days. So the other day I talk to her and ask what she wants as a present from Uncle Kenny. This is where being married or in a serious relationship with a female comes in handy. The girlfriend or wife could pick it out and get for me. I get the card and we both look good.
Football in Corinth Friday night and Dan will be filling in for me Saturday at Glens Falls while I attend a family function. Stay dry and hopefully I'll get back in time for opening face off against the Devils...Leccese out.

Game On! and other weekend observations!

Hi there. Finally a 2 for 2 upset special weekend! The 'Cuse knocked off S.Florida and Eagles beat the Niners.
With no football game to call Friday night and the Yankees in a travel day, I got to watch my favorite college team from Piscataway NJ come from behind again and beat UConn. Huskie coach Randy Edsell must feel like the Twins do when they play the Yankees.
You want to know who is the most popular player on a football team? The backup qb.
So the old ball coach Steve Spurrier had a little magic left in him when the SC Gamecocks beat the Crimson Tide of Alabama. Nick Saban was left wondering if Forrest Gump had any eligibility left.
I said some prayers and unfortunately they weren't answered when the new polls came out and the Buckeyes from Ohio State were at number 1. I am so sick of Bristol Tech and CBS and their lips being surgically attached to the buttocks of the SEC and Big Ten conferences when it comes to college football.
I have a question to ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Who came up with the schedule that has the Giants playing only one divisional game in the first half of the season?
From the what can I do for an encore department. Ranger rookie Derek Stepan scored a hat trick in his first NHL game against the Sabres. Lets hope its not the only 3 he'll score this season.
Nick Johnson must feel like the most forgotten Yankee alive after seeing Lance Berkman come through for them against the Twins. One more thing Yankee fans. Has Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson make you forget Damon and Matsui yet?
Can someone explain to me the big deal about Glee?
My folks are back home for about 2 weeks and I discovered they have this guilty pleasure. I saw them watch this show on the History Channel called, "Swamp People." I thought I was bad when I admitted watching Brett Michaels on "Rock of Love."
The southern fortress of solitude in South Carolina is finished and the closing takes place sometime next week.
If CBS wants to add a soap opera back to its day time lineup, it should consider the latest Brett Favre drama with all this stuff and allegations regarding Jenn Sterger and a massage therapist. Not even the greatest creative writer of my lifetime would ever think up that stuff.
Every once in a while I'll check out the WCKM facebook page which by the way you can click on at the top of the WCKM website homepage. Have you noticed its either all about Mike Dubray or Cloutier getting ragged upon...again.
Have you been talking to my mom Chip? People really do read the "Greenhouse Effect." Maybe more people would if we posted on the WCKM Facebook page that Mike really writes it and show a picture of him at his workstation typing away.
Blossom and Sheldon, now that's a funny couple.
Time for this weeks sign of the apocalypse and we have 2 of them. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has a dating show in the works. (I think we should sign Cloutier up as the dirty old man suitor and see how long he lasts). The other is that Mike Myers is going be the voice of Pepe LePew in a live action movie. Mike, do your fans a favor. Remember you tried that once in, "The Cat in the Hat." Mel Blanc must be turning over in his grave...Leccese, I mean Dubray out.

Upset specials and a few words of wisdom from "The Ladies Man" Mike Dubray

Hi there. Are you ready for some football? First the upset specials. College is up first and I like the "Cuse" as in Syracuse heading down to Tampa and winning at South Florida. Pro upset special. Eagles Sunday night over the 49ers. By the way odds makers must be sniffing glue or liquid paper again. They actually had the Bills favored over the Jaguars.
Doc Halladay pitches a no-no in his first play-off start against, "The Big Broken down Red Machine." Doesn't get much better than that now does it?
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Lady Gaga and Yoko Ono did a duet together on stage in London.
Hockey season is here and already the Phantoms' parent club has goaltending problems. Michael Leighton has an achy breaky back and is out 6 to 8 weeks.
Have a recommendation for everyone. Go to Post Star dot com and the Phantoms Forum column. Tim McManus' podcast this week features Dan. It's an interesting interview and you'll enjoy it.
More props to the Post Star and Pete Tobey's column about the small numbers certain football teams in the area have.
There was a story that came out of British Columbia earlier in the week where 100 women got into a brawl while watching a male entertainer perform. The booze was flowing freely and this all happened during a fundraiser! Dubray was telling me this used to happen to him all the time (that is many women fighting over him) when he wasn't involved in a serious relationship. Now for some words of wisdom from Mike, "Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers; what you do today, might burn your a-- tomorrow." Glens Falls and S.Glens Falls Saturday on the Mighty 1450...Leccese out.

You've turned 60 and now need hip replacement surgery Charlie Brown!

Hi there. Where to start. I first want to apologize to all the people who listen to WWSC and to our games on WWSC. We had a serious transmitter malfunction caused by all the rain we got late in the week and were unable broadcast the two football games we had planned for Friday and Saturday. This was the first Saturday in either September or October in a long time that I had the afternoon off from calling a football game. I got a lot accomplished at home with tearing down the garden and taking apart my raised beds, but I missed being at Hudson Falls. I felt like Charlie Brown because the games we would have done ending up being good ones. Lake George driving for the winning touchdown in the last 2 minutes and Granville picks off a pass inside their 5 yard line to get an important win. Then Saturday the Tigers handed a very good Schuylerville team their first loss of the year. Good Grief!
Upset specials. Another waisted 0 for 2 weekend. Stanford at one point was beating Oregon but the Ducks rolled on to win easily. As for the pro, I've admitted on more than one occasion that I'm a loyal Giants fan. I'm also a realistic Giants fan. I didn't expect that Sunday night. I'm glad they won, and with all the talk about the pass rush, the secondary played a heck of a game. The offensive line though is finally starting to show their age and Brandon Jacobs has got to have some sense knocked into him and realize that he is a straight ahead, hit the hole hard and run over someone with his size runner. He's not a cutback, make a move runner.
Tiki Barber got booed at halftime and deservedly so. He could have said those words any other week and not have the towns people go after him with pitch forks and torches. But the week he was being honored with 29 others in the first Giants Ring of Honor was bad timing.
Omission from last weeks pleasantly surprised list of high school football teams. The Whitehall Railroaders. 3-1 with 2 winnable games left on the schedule. Could be a number 2 seed in Class D.
On to the New York Mets. Cleaned house yesterday. Omar and Jerry, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Thanks for trying though. As for Fred and Jeff talking about these last 4 years and the pain and suffering they experience with every loss and how the Mets are a family business. You want to talk about family business, The Maras owning the Giants are a family business. They're proud of their history, even the 18 years of lousy football that I grew up with in the entire decade of the 70's and the first part of the 80's. You two are ashamed of the Mets and its history! From that joke of a ballpark tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers that you built with the rotunda honoring a great man who never played for the team, the stupid upper deck that hangs over in right field, and other moronic features, to the black caps and hideous looking plain white unis with the stupid stripe that the team primarily wears at home. The one thing I do have compassion for with the Wilpons is the Yankee factor. No matter how the Mets go about things with the new GM, most Met fans see how the Bronx Bombers do business and want them to do it that way. That is win at all costs. And there is nothing wrong with that. I think that the Mets should be more fiscally responsible and cut payroll saying only the Yankees can be the Yankees. Look at the model of the Minnesota Twins or Tampa Bay Rays and use their success as the new template.
I was cleaning out my desk at home and discovered some interesting items in one of the drawers. I found 4 or 5 decks of playing cards and this bag with a bunch of collector pins from various hockey teams and events I've attended. It's amazing some of stuff you that didn't remember having.
My favorite comic strip Peanuts turned 60 last weekend. Charlie Brown and his friends are on the verge of collecting social security. Must be harder to kick that football Chuck, and I bet the little red haired girl has lost her luster by now...Keep hanging out in the pumpkin patch Linus, you dirty old man...Leccese out.

Soggy and I mean soggy upset specials

Hi there. While we write through the rain drops, we delve into this weeks upset specials. First the college. Stanford is a 7 point underdog heading to Eugene Oregon to take on the Ducks. Stanford is legit and I think they'll win outright. Andrew Luck is one heck of a QB. Now for the NFL. What odds maker in their sane mind thinks the Giants are 4 points better at home against DA Bears? I know there will be some big ceremony announcing the Giants Ring of Fame at halftime, but remember the last time the G-Men played a game with a special significance. The Panthers spanked them last December. Take the Bears. I also think some consideration should go to the Redskins who are 6 point dogs as they head to Philly and the Donovan McNabb welcome home dinner. Stick with the Bears though.
Unless your last name is Brees, Brady or Manning (not Eli) the most popular player on any football team is the back up QB.
What did Granville do to anger the schedule makers this year? After their game at Lake George, the combined records of the last 4 opponents the Horde will have faced is 10 and 2! I hear Mario Torres is a nice guy.
The Tamarac Bengals are 4-0. Who'd a thunk it.
Good match ups this week in Class D. The top four teams are all playing each other. Cambridge/Rensselaer and Whitehall/Fort Edward.
I hope the sick individuals who caused that kid from Rutgers to commit suicide get charged with murder or some sort of crime for what they did and not get just a slap on the wrist.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is going to write a book! Hope there's pictures in it so the people who will actually buy it will be able to follow along.
Hope to see you at the games in Lake George and Hudson Falls that we're doing on the Mighty 1450 WWSC this weekend...Leccese out.

What day of the week is it, I have to ask?

Hi there. This weekend was such a blur! I do know that I went 1 for 3 in the upset specials. Cowboys won over the Texans and the college upset selections were a bust. Ole Miss put up 55 on Fresno State and the Boston College offense didn't bother to show up at home against Va Tech. So for the year after 4 weeks, I'm 2 and 7. Remember as much as I take picking the games somewhat seriously, they are basically something fun to get you into the weekend.
I knew I was really tired Saturday morning when I skipped the green tea for a large coffee from the fast food place across the street from the radio station. I like coffee but only on that rare occasion. Saturday morning was one of those rare occasions.
We've made it through the halfway point of the high school football season and here's a list of the teams that have caught my attention so far this season. Troy, Burnt Hills, Amsterdam, Schuylerville, Cambridge, Chatham, Albany Academy, Schalmont, and Hoosick Falls.
These are the teams that have been a pleasant surprise: Lake George, Queensbury, Tamarac, Greenwich and I'll include Glens Falls in the mix.
Teams that have been a disappointment: Granville and Hudson Falls.
Had a great time in Schuylerville and at Hickory Ski Center Sunday. Hopefully Mike will put some of the photos I took from those places on our facebook page. It was tough missing Taste of the North Country. I'm also proud of the fact that between the cider and donuts and a beer tasting going on at the Ski Center, I didn't partake in any of them while at was those places.
The only down side of the weekend was I wish more people would have showed up at the football game we did in Warrensburgh Saturday. Friday night under the lights at S.Glens Falls was amazing. It was a packed house.
Here's some advice to all those people who I saw protesting both in front of the Civic Center and up the hill by the traffic circle downtown Sunday afternoon. Look in the mirror and say to yourself, "I really need to find a hobby and get a life!"
Lindsay Lohan has officially become what I like to call a "multiple train wreck."
One more sports note. It was in last Tuesday's Post Star. It was announced that the Hartford WolfPack are being turned over to new managment and will change their name sometime this season to the Connecticut Whale. The man behind this change is one Howard Baldwin, the same man who nearly 40 years ago founded the then New England Whalers of the WHA, moved them to Hartford and owned the team for 15 years before selling in 1988. I'm curious and need to know why he is doing this? There's a part of me that thinks he is totally nuts. At the same time the idea that the man who first brought major league pro hockey to Hartford back in 1974 has come back and is trying re-ignite the fan base who very much still do love their Whalers and I happen to be one of those fans, is intriguing. Have "Brass Bonanza" digitally re-mastered and get ready to crank it at the XL Center...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and Uncle Pete, what is a MILF?

Hi there. Happy Friday. Upset specials kick off this entry and you get 3 for price of 2. 2 college and 1 pro. First the college. Heading to beautiful Chestnut Hill in Boston Mass where the BC Eagles play the VaTech Hokies in the house that Doug Flutie built. The ACC is down overall this year, (although Miami had a nice win last night over Pitt) and in the game BC is a home underdog to Frank Beamers boys. Eagles win. The other college upset special comes to us from the alma mater of one Eli Manning. The Ole Miss Rebels taking on Fresno State. The Bulldogs are like Boise State in the fact they're not afraid to take on anybody at anyplace. Like the Bulldogs in a mild upset. Now for the pro. This may not seem like much of an upset but in the battle of Texas, go with the Cowboys over the Texans on the road in Houston.
Other stuff. I almost had a heart attack yesterday morning when I heard Pete utter the term MILF on the air when I filled in for Dan who was on his way to the doctor. He almost killed two of us at the same time. Good thing Dave Thomas wasn't listening, he might have had the hat trick! The best part was Pete really didn't know what it meant! The other thing that was racing through my mind at the time was hearing the news story about how Katy Perry was apparently wearing something a little too inappropriate on a Sesame Street segment with Elmo. Parents were upset. The dirty, raunchy, sarcastic side of me was in 5th gear thinking of stuff. Brilliant stuff I might add.
Last nights "The Big Bang Theory" season premiere was fall off the couch histerical. Could they either move it back to Monday nights or flip flop it with TJ Hookers' new show so it doesn't conflict with "Community" on NBC?
I forgot to mention this Monday, but Saturday morning it was really neet seeing all those people lined up down Glen Street wrapping itself around Oakland Street near the bridge waiting on line to buy tickets for the BYU/Vermont basketball game in December. You know this will be a sell-out. I find it hard to believe that Jimmer Fredette's dad Al had to wait online to get more tickets. Why is everyone so upset with Joe Torre? He goes Mike Francessa's afternoon talk show on WFAN and was asked about the Mets manager job. His reply was that he would be curious if the job became available. How is that insulting to Jerry Manuel?
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Keanu Reeves said he would like to make another sequel to "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." No, anything but that. I can picture it now. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are back as the Wild Stallions in "Bill and Ted Bury Rufus!" Personally, I'd rather see a sequel to "The Replacements."
I don't like writing or discussing politics in the "Greenhouse Effect" but "Real Time" with Bill Maher is one funny show even without all the political discussion.
So Wednesday morning I go to try again for the upteenth time to make friends with the weights and take "Body Pump" at the gym I work out at. It was sunny when I got there. Little did I know that while class was going on, the heavens opened up and their was a rain shower. No confirmation that a level of H-E-double hockey sticks froze as well.
Busy weekend ahead. Football games Friday night and Saturday afternoon on the Mighty 1450, then Sunday remotes in Schuylerville and Warrensburg. See you around...Leccese out.

There's been a lot of ugly football so far

Hi there. Its been one of those odd weeks that are pretty much hard to describe. First we review the upset specials and after 3 weeks I'm 1 and 5. Northwestern beat Rice and the Rams took the gas pipe against the Raiders. Still lots of time and picks left to get back to the .500 mark.
There is a part of me that is so glad to see both the Vikings and Cowboys at 0-2.
I didn't get a chance to comment on this last week, but sometimes you have wonder how competent NFL officials really are when the Lions and Calvin Johnson got completely hosed on that TD call in the Bears game that would have given them the win. I thought the rule was the ball must cross the plane of the goal line, and the receiver must have possession of the ball in the end zone? He did both. So he was down, the play was supposedly over and he dropped the ball. The official claimed no touchdown because the process wasn't complete. Huh? The process wasn't complete! What completes the process? Doing a dance so the official can give Johnson a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty? Sometimes the rules in the NFL are interpreted so ridiculously to the letter of the law.
It's deja vu all over again. Last year it was Erin Andrews and this year its Ines Sainz. However, how seriously can you take the Azteca network? They sent one of their eye candy reporters to a Super Bowl media day wearing a wedding dress and having her propose to Tom Brady? No one was right in that whole mess. The Jets behavior. The NFL. Most of all Ms. Sainz herself who got her more than 15 seconds of fame over this whole thing.
How soon will be it before Notre Dame wins a big game and Brian Kelly gets a 10 year contract extension like Charlie Weis got ? I give Mike Lupica credit for coming up with that one.
My fantasy hockey draft is tonight. I'm starting to get the NHL/AHL itch. My early take on the Phantoms is the parent club in their desire to win the Stanley Cup has traded away too many draft picks leaving the cupboard bare for Greg Gilbert.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Hulk Hogan is going to star in a tv show where he is going to rule and preside over sibling disputes. I love the Hulkster, but its time to just go to the old wrestlers home and hang out with the rest of the aging Hulkamaniacs.
After watching the season premiere of "Two and a half Men," I think it's time to end the
shows run.
Can't wait to see the new Wall Street sequel, "Money Never Sleeps." Note to Michael Douglas. Get better. I know you can beat this cancer. Greed is good...Leccese out.

Upset Specials and "Game Over, Jacks Win!"

Hi there. It's gonna be a short and sweet entry number 201. Upset specials. First the college. In the battle of the, "My football teams' smarter than your football team." The Rice Owls host the Northwestern Wildcats and are a touchdown home underdog. Take the Owls outright. Now for the pro, take the St Louis Rams over the Raiders on the road in Oakland.
For a couple of years my friends have been encouraging me to join in one of those office pool type things where they do pick football games. So I finally say yes and guess who won the first week? Give it up to Leccese! Some of the same friends are in my fantasy hockey league. Just to remind you guys, who was lasts years' champion? It's the year of Leccese and I'm looking for a repeat.
One more thing before I leave. 10 years ago I was at East Field doing baseball play-by-play when the Adirondack Lumberjacks won the Northern League championship in a 3 game sweep. My last out call sounded like John Sterling on a caffeine and crack binge. I think I might just have to wear the championship ring I got just for this one day. Where does the time fly?
See you in Fort Edward for high school football on Saturday...Leccese out.

Another milestone in the history of, " The Greenhouse Effect"

Hi there. Well we've reach another milestone in the history of the "Greenhouse Effect" This is edition number 200! I remember when the idea to write the blog was given to me. I thought Dan and Mike were one cashew short of a can of mixed nuts crazy. However I've come to love writing it and look forward to every Monday or Friday when I can get creative.
It's been a relatively calm week. Upset special wise went 1 for 2. The Texans upset the Colts, however Miami did lose to the Buckeyes.
O.K. football fans, its only 2 weeks and it is not time yet to threaten to jump off the tallest building or highest bridge you can find ending your life because your favorite team sucked after only one or two weeks. Virginia Tech fans, you maybe the exception. Lose a tough one to Boise State and then get humiliated at home by James Madison. There is room on the ledge for you.
I watched a couple minutes of the Boise State/Va Tech and I've got to ask who is coming up with these double bag, beer goggle ugly futuristic uniforms that these teams come out with and wear? It was bad enough when the Mighty Swoosh people punished the Oregon Ducks by having them wear the duds all year long, but now all the big time U's whose apparel are under the control of Pat Knight will wear some form once this year.
Between the blowhards that are the New York Jets and the blowhard that is Ray Lewis, I hope tonight's Ravens/Jets game ends in a scoreless tie. Maybe that will shut em both up for one brief moment.
I might be the only one who'd rather watch the Pirates/Mets than either Monday Football games tonight.
I had a Dubray moment. Friday night I was chopping peppers and putting them in a freezer bag. I thought I had thoroughly washed and cleaned my hands. Wrong! That was one pretty painful sensation I felt as I removed the contact lens' from my eyes later that evening.
When is the new tv season starting? I could use a fix of "How I Met Your Mother" and "Big Bang Theory" real bad.
I find it hard to believe that a school the size of South Glens Falls has only 27 varsity football players on its roster.
I forgot to set my DVD on record so I could watch the VMA's last night on MTV. What am I gonna do now? I am so pathetic.
Upset specials and edition number 201 on Friday...Leccese out.

Upset Specials time!

Hi there. Well from what I've been hearing, last nights Saints/Vikes affair was just as ugly a game as the high school one we did on WWSC. John and I got the better of the deal not having to suffer through the performances by Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews. I love the Lake George Drum Corp. Last nights Corinth/Lake George game had 9 turnovers. 7 fumbles, 2 interceptions and a blocked punt. It wasn't pretty, but when you in look in the "W"column it still counts.
On to this weeks upset specials. I'll open with the pro upset special. There are some intriguing match ups making this a fun opening week. I'm throwing a dart blindfolded (Oops sorry didn't mean to graze you Darrin) and it hits the Houston Texans as home underdogs knocking off the Colts. If this game was played in Indy, I'm no where near that game. Now for the college upset special. Big time games played by big time programs in Week 2 like Michigan/ND, Penn St/Alabama, Oklahoma/Fla. St., and I'm picking one of them. In the great state of Ohio in the capital city of Columbus, the Miami Hurricanes will defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. I'm not making this up. You can buy a KISS snuggie. We're talking about a stinkin' bathrobe that you wear backwards people!!!!!!
Enjoy the football and I'll see you at Queensbury High Saturday...Leccese out.

You can feel the change in the air already

In honor of the 100th episode of, "No Reservations" I shall begin this entry the way Anthony Bourdain opens his show. I'm Ken Leccese. I write a blog, call sports on the radio, I cook, I garden and I'm hungry to meet a really attractive intelligent women and.....never mind.
It was not a good start to the upset specials. UConn got thumped by Michigan, and SMU tried to make a comeback but fell short against Texas Tech. Hey its early and next week I get to pick a pro game.
I think everyone who was at the "Jug Game" was stunned how Glens Falls played and won it. They beat up Hudson Falls playing the Tigers' game and the play of the Indians' offense and defensive lines were just impressive. We gave the Player of the Game plaque to one those lineman, but entire group truly deserved it.
Picked my new Nissan Murano on Tuesday and I must say it is one sharp looking SUV. There's something about the black cherry color that makes it even more sweeter looking. It also has a lot of horsepower in that engine and at times I feel like I'm holding it back when I'm driving.
The way the Padres are taking the gas pipe having lost 10 in a row, I might have to rethink that National League manager of the year award to Bud Black and give to Dusty Baker of the Reds.
I didn't realize that the U.S.Open tennis tournament is going on.
Trying to figure out the dumber move in college football. BYU deciding to become an independent or the Big 10 plus 2 divisional alignment where they do not having Michigan and Ohio State in the same one.
Rutgers beating up on some 1aa team doesn't really count as far as I'm concerned.
Saw this movie in its entirety the other day and I must say that "Role Models" was one funny flick.
You want to know the best bun to put a burger on. Take my advice. If you can find them, Anzio and Sons Ciabatta rolls. Put your best juicy, beefy goodness with a slice of cheese and some bacon between the toasted top and bottom parts. One bite and you'll be in heaven.
If I had known that it was my friend Monica's birthday the other day, I would have wished her one. Nobody tells me anything at the gym.
As summer comes to a close, I actually made it to the track and went to a Valley Cats game. I just wish I had played more golf. There's still a little time left for the golf though.
Got another crazy week ahead. Filling in for Cloutier in the co-host chair for 3 days. Then not one, but 2 football games this week. I haven't had a normal on air week in nearly a month...Leccese out.

Are you ready for some football and the anticipated return of "Opie's Upset Specials!"

Hi there. Well the calendar has turned the page to September and it means that football is back. So how does WWSC kick off the year with its first broadcast? With the "Jug Game!" If we didn't do that game, I would be exiled back to Section 7 to broadcast high school football.
Let's cut to the chase and may I have a drum roll please. Here it is, the long anticipated return (O.K. knock off the chuckling back there) of "Opie's Upset Specials" Every week during the regular season I give you two upsets to be on the look for. One college and one pro. Since the NFL gets underway next weekend, you'll get 2 college picks. Pick number 1. I'm heading to the big house in Ann Arbor Michigan where the Rich Rodriguez Battan death march is underway. Well the pace picks up a bit as the UConn Huskies knock off the Wolverines. Game Number 2 is Sunday where the Mustangs of SMU have some fun with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Here's the happy recap. UConn on Saturday and SMU on Sunday.
Enjoy the weekend and I'll see you at the Jug Game! Leccese out.

3 football scrimmages, 2 trips to the fair and I bought a new SUV (sung to the tune of "The 12 days of Christmas")

Hi there. It's been one heck of a busy week. I filled in on the morning show over on the sister station while John Pratt went to Florida on vacation. I'm not making this one up. He threw his back out the first full day he was there. I have three injury theories. Number One. He bent over and pulled something when he went to raid the mini-bar in the frig. (John, you do know you have to pay for the food and drinks that you take from it.) Number Two. He got whiplash from going too fast on the spinning tea cup ride; and number three: their was an unfortunate incident on "It's a Small World."
Did a lot of people watching this week. I hope Mark Griffin and I weren't the only ones who took notice of the fact that the scariest looking people on the planet can be found at a county fair. Man, talk about one heck of a freak show. You saw them in their glory. Checking out the exhibits, playing games, riding the rides along the midway and eating anything fried or on a stick. Diet, exercise, moderation and sense of style are some of the words not to be found in those folks vocabulary. I also kept a promise to a friend and went to the resort he owns to see a band play. Observing people in that element, watching them drink adult beverages and what happens during and afterward is a trip. It makes for great material in this case for the blog or my stand up act. What is it about the songs, "Sweet Home Alabama" or "All Night Long" by ACDC. I don't get it. Note to the bartenders. Tell the boss to add Guinness to beer list, please.
I watched 3 football scrimmages Saturday and was at the Section 2 football media day at UAlbany Sunday. A couple of observations. Hudson Falls looks potentially good; and Section 2 Class D teams here's a warning. Moriah from Section 7 is a big team with big numbers. There is a good chance they could make a third straight trip to Syracuse. Be afraid, be very afraid. As for media day, I was disappointed that no teams from our area showed up. I go so I can talk to coaches and get rosters from those schools who will be on a game of the week against one of the locals we cover.
You want to know how big "The Jug Game" is going to be. Here's how big. They were taking pre-orders on t-shirts promoting the return of the HF/GF game at Hudson Falls' scrimmage and they were expecting the shirts to sell out.
I feel real bad for the Nationals because after all the protecting, babying, pitch counts, and limiting of innings, Steven Strassburg still has to undergo Tommy John surgery.
With all of the kaos that I encountered this week, I managed to buy the replacement for my Saturn Vue. I really wasn't thinking seriously about a new or pre-owned SUV, but this particular vehicle fell into my lap and I couldn't say no it. It helped that it was one of the models I liked and was considering buying anyway. Thanks Cloutier, I'll tell Chris Della Bella to send you the finders fee for that sale.
Eldrick and Elin got a divorce. Excuse me for yawning. Moving on.
Paris Hilton got arrested for cocaine posession. That's not hot.
Note to NYRA. You were this close to having a perfect weekend. Great weather, big crowds, amazing finish in the Travers, and Rachael Alexandra. Persistantly spoiled the party with an amazing stretch run in the Personal Ensign. To quote Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much."
Garden update. Harvested potatoes (yessss!) and more peppers. I'm thinking homefries for breakfast. I'm getting sick of seeing zucchini. I would like to see some red tomatoes and eggplant real soon. To quote Judge Smails in Caddyshack, "Well, we're waiting."
In the next entry, the long awaited return of ,"Opie's Upset Specials!"
See you at the Jug Game...Leccese out.

Stop nagging me about not being on Facebook!

Hi there. There is nothing better on a rainy day than sitting in front of my laptop typing away creating another riveting entry in "The Greenhouse Effect." Sometimes I feel like Stephen J. Cannell at the end of all his tv shows when he's meticulously finishing a script and he rips the final page from the typewriter and in the end it says "A Stephen J. Cannell Production" with the music stinger.
Where to start. Thanks to everyone who participated, contributed money, and volunteered their time to help us with the go-cart race. Next to Bowl for Kids Sake, its my favorite thing we do charity wise. I rode the carts after it was over and I felt for the drivers. Those go-carts could haul and you got pretty rattled around making turns and you could see the rubber coming off the tires.
I'm not backtracking on my opinion of Rex Ryan, but I'm going to defend him. We've all heard about his overuse of salty language on "Hard Knocks," but I think he should tell Tony Dungy to just bleeping shut up and go bleeping away. When did Tony Dungy become such a hot piece of bleep and the moral conscious of the NFL? If it weren't for Peyton Manning you'd still be nothing more than a choke artist coach who constantly whines about things being unfair. Remember, Chucky Gruden took the same Bucs team he had the year before to a SuperBowl win the next season.
Watching Brett Favre's return to the Vikes and the scene that was made on his arrival at training camp kind of reminded me of that white Bronco driving down I-5 in LA sixteen years ago.
The two best sports writers hands down are Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom and I always try to read their columns whenever possible.
The feistiness, denial and just plain stupidity Roger Clemens is showing these days must be making Donald Fehr and Marvin Miller proud. If Clemens does take a hit over these allegations, I hope its with the same piece of broken bat he flung at Mike Piazza.
Been to 4 high schools to watch football practice and talked with coaches about the upcoming season. Hudson Falls looks good and they've got numbers that a lot of schools wish the Tigers had. Lake George, Warrensburg, and Glens Falls are all young and raw. I was shocked by numbers at Lake George. They were down, but they also didn't have freshman practicing with the varsity.
My friend Mike Rowe was back in town for a wedding and he took time to teach the fitness class I take at the gym. It was just like the good old days when you didn't want to miss one of his classes and you were jokingly scolded for not showing up. A bunch of us combat veterans were there and we had a blast hanging out.
Dave Thomas will be filling in for me this week while I go across the hall and do the morning show on the sister station. I also have two days at the Washington County Fair. I promise that there will be no eating of deep fried Oreo's this year not even if Lisa Robertson or Patricia Kara showed up with them and personally fed them to me. Eating those things that morning were like the classic SNL "Little Chocolate Donuts" commercial with John Belushi.
Finally, a note to my all caring friends and younger sister. Quoting Susan Powter, "Stop the Insanity!" No more mentions, suggestions, or dropping of hints that I should come into the 21st century and join Facebook. It's not gonna happen! Now if you go to the top of the website, you'll see that WCKM and WCQL is on Facebook. I've checked out the WCKM page and discovered that many our staff has befriended it. Why? I don't get the whole Facebook/Twitter thing. If a current friend or family member wants to get in touch with me, they know where I am and they have my e-mail address and cell phone number and can either text or call me. If any of my former high school or college friends wanted to find me, don't you think they would have stayed in touch after all these years or found me by now? All they have to do is google my name if they remember how to spell it. I've made big strides this year in getting a new cell phone. I know how to text, I can download ringtones and I just learned how to send photos to peoples' phones and e-mail addresses.
Jug Game in two weeks...Leccese out

Just call me "Hands of Stone" and other observations

Hi There,
Before we get to the other stuff, I'll start off with what happened Saturday night. Went with Dan and the Ashs' to Joe Bruno Stadium to see the Valley Cats play the Staten Island Yankees. If you've never been to a game at HVCC, go. It's a nice minor league ballpark and the prices are fair. The highlight of the trip was dinner at Ted's Fish Fry, which is one of Miner's favorite places. Now for the low lights. First, I directed the driver to the wrong entrance. Then Yankees got clobbered 11 to 2 and to top it off my mediocre athletic ability got showed off. During the game a foul ball goes over our heads, takes a bounce off the walk way, hits a light pole and comes back our way. It was beggin' for me to catch it and be a hero. But nooooo! I had the ball in my sights, hits my outstretched left hand and I couldn't snag the dang thing. Now you know why I don't play softball or give massages. Hands of Stone. Those who can't play the game either end up broadcasting or keeping score. I do both.
Football and other fall sports get under way and for me the first thing when I go check out practices is always look at the numbers of kids playing. Especially with smaller schools like Warrensburgh and Fort Edward. Two or three key injuries and the season teeters on the brink of extinction. Its harder to get kids to make that kind of commitment to football. With jobs, girlfriends, the so-called extreme sports and computers; the desire to actually do 2 a day practices, hit the weight room, make football not an easy sell. I know kids who play often tell me they'll go knocking on their friends doors begging them to try out and join them on the team. There is something still cool about wearing a varsity jacket right?
How many straight years can Mets fans endure the wheels falling off the bus? A couple of collapses, injuries and now this past week the teams' pitching ace is served a civil lawsuit over rape charges and the closer beats up his girlfriends father in the teams family room in front of children and is charged with assault. Francisco Rodriguez also has had runs ins with a coach, team executive, and a Yankee before a game last year. Anger management classes is just the start K-Rod. I don't think a complete house cleaning is in order. I would love Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz to sell to someone who'll first re-establish the Mets history to Mets fans. Next they need to find a team leader who give this team some swagger. The last two guys who took that job and relished it were dumped; and now the guy who should be the leader Jeff Francoeur has been buried in a platoon with the return of Carlos Beltran.
Brandon Phillips just shut up please! That brawl in the first inning of the Cards/Reds game was such a moronic display of idiocy. Hope the foot in mouth disease is being treated. Any simpleton knows you never diss your opponent like that right before you play 'em with first place on the line.
SF Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez also joined Brandon Phillips in the nurses office for foot in mouth disease when he predicted the Giants would sweep the Padres this weekend. Didn't happen now did it John? One more note on the flailing friars of San Diego. Can we just get it over with and hand the NL manager of the year award to Bud Black now please.
I may have hands of stone, but if a foul ball is headed for my girlfriend, unless she was an allstar softball player in high school or college; I'm re-enacting the scene from, "The Bodyguard" where Kevin Costner dives in front of Whitney Houston to save her from getting shot. You've been living in a cave recently if you haven't seen the video of that guy at the Astros game with his hat turned sideways dissing his woman and letting her get plunked. Moron. He was probably worried his beer would be spilled. They interviewed the happy twosome during the game and they later appeared on the CBS Morning Show. CBS really has a morning show? I did not know that.
To quote Bob Uecker from "Major League" in regards to Dustin Johnson and the 2 shot penalty assessed to him for grounding his club on the 18th hole at the PGA championship, "Personally I think he got hosed on that call." That was one mighty small bunker. Looked like trampled ground to me.
I'd rather be strapped to a chair with duct tape and forced to watch "Paul Blart, Mall Cop" or any other movie starring Kevin James and Adam Sandler than watch "Hard Knocks" on HBO.
It must have been one really slow news day for Bill O'Reilly. Why is he dissing Jennifer Aniston for her desire to have a child and raise it as single parent?
Talk about stating the obvious. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi said she is not a role model! No duh!
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Forgive me, its technically from last week. Kate Gosselin went on a camping trip in Alaska with Sarah Palin. That one made my skin crawl. I'm not making some of this stuff up people.
The age spots have been exploding all over my arms and body with the knowledge that two of my favorite movies "Caddy Shack" is now 30 years old and "Back to the Future" is 25.
Finally, two things to leave you with. The go-cart race is coming up this Wednesday and WCKM is now on Facebook. Check it out and be our friends, please...Leccese out.

Seven days til the start of football practice

Hi there. Ladies and Gentlemen we interrupt the beginning of the latest entry of "The Greenhouse Effect" to inform you after 4 months being late, the State of New York finally has a budget signed, sealed and delivered!!!!! All these years I tought it was Joe Bruno and Sheldon Silver being pigheaded. The truth has come out. It's the entire state legislature that is totally out of touch with reality and plain screwed up.
I would like to formally apologize to LeBron James for my rants about his free agency and drama that concluded with "The Decision" on Bristol Tech. No hard feelings I hope. After the return of that soap opera known to us all,"As the Brett Favre Turns." Compared to that fiasco, "The Wooing of LeBron" and "The Decision" was tame. Brett Favre is as big a drama queen as Ali Fedotowsky from "The Bachelorette."
If I ran my Dads' business into the ground the way Jeff Wilpon and Jim Dolan are doing with the Mets and Knicks, Big Ken Leccese would disown me, have me written out of the will and asked that I change my name.
More on the Knickerbockers. What photos or other incriminating stuff does Isaiah Thomas have on Jim Dolan that would cause him to bring him back as a consultant. After what he did to send the Knicks into a tailspin and on the same level of embarrassment and humiliation to the Association as the Clippers and Nets do, I wouldn't trust Zeke coaching or consulting a team of 5 and 6 year olds.
So A-Rod finally did hit that 600th Home Run. That's nice to hear.
Would someone tell "Fudgy the Football Coach" a.k.a Rex Ryan to shut up his big blowhole. Use number 150 for duct tape. Sticking it on Rex's mouth to silence it!!!! I hope he trips one day and lands on the guy who wears the firemans' hat and Bruce Harper jersey and does the J-E-T-S chant and suffocates him.
Buck Showalter returned to managing with the Orioles. Just remember this fans in Charm City. The guys who replaced him in New York and Arizona won the World Series the year after he was canned. Plan ahead so you can find his successor and the parade route when you end the World Series drought.
Rays manager Joe Maddon complained after a pop fly hit the catwalk in play at Tropicana Field that caused his team to lose. After this horribile occurance that should convince anybody that a new ballpark is needed in the Tampa/St.Pete area. Mr.Maddon if I had the power, I'd send you CitiField with a big red bow on it. Wait a minute. That's not an adequate major league ballpark either. Sorry Joe, you're out of luck.
After the debut Blue Jays rookie catcher J.P.Arencibia had Saturday going 4 for 5 with 2 home runs, I'd quit now and leave while on top.
I love the prep material we use on the air radio and this week I found out a lot about myself from it. I found out that I'll need at least 1.5 million dollars for an attractive woman to go out with and possibly marry me. The other discovery is 3 of the top 4 cars on the least likely to be stolen list I either own or want to own.
To add insult to injury, one my co-workers at the radio station had no idea I was filling in doing the morning show with Pete. Just stab me in the heart with a broken beer or wine bottle please.
If you think Bristol Tech sideline reporter and stalker victim Erin Andrews is attractive, wait til you see her sister! I saw a photo of her with Erin at a premier for a movie she is in and it made me wish I had learn to play a keyboard instrument. Yes my friends the gene pool has been kind to both of the Andrews girls.
Awwww poor Eldrick Woods is in a slump. If I gave the violinist a 20 dollar bill, you think he leave and go over and play for that cute couple canoodling at table 4.
Went to the track Wednesday and although I didn't win on any of the bets I placed, it was great way to spend the afternoon. Next time, I'm getting grandstand reserved seats so I could sit in the shade. Next weekend its off to Troy and a minor league baseball game.
I'm starting to sense it. High School football practice starts in 7 days. Training camp visits, scrimmages and media day in 2 weeks. Those nine months between seasons' somehow fly by real fast...Leccese out.

Did you ever just have one of those days?

Hi there. There's nothing better after a nice quiet weekend of just relaxing at home then to kick off a new work week than to have a couple of things happen to you and it feels like you've been hit by lightning not once, but twice within the same 4 hour period. So, I'm driving into the radio station Monday morning at 4:30 when I got pulled over by one of Warren County's finest for speeding. Me of all people. I was lucky to get off with a nice warning to be more careful. Thanks officer, and I promise to be less of lead foot. There was strike one. The second strike came when I was told that a co-worker was leaving and her last day was Friday. I was totally caught off guard by that hit and I'm having a real hard time accepting it. It's really depressing me. She's an amazing person and I let her know my feelings in a text. It will be even harder for me to say goodbye in person and I'm dreading that moment. It's been that strange of a day.
On to other things.
Chelsea Clinton got married over the weekend and I have wonder how her husband Mark is addressing her parents? This is not your typical in-law situation. Her dad is a former two term U.S. President and Mom is the current Secretary of State. Calling them Mom and Dad just doesn't seem very copacetic now does it?. Plus you have secret service people everywhere. Don't want to screw anything up or big brother will be watching and all over you like white on bread.
Normally this blog is an "American Idol" free zone. But not today. First Simon leaves the show, and now Kara has been fired. All that is left is Randy and that guy who seems to be hosting everything on TV and radio. As for Ellen, don't let the door hit you on the way out. I make no apologies by saying I find Ms.DeGeneres void of any talent and just plain annoying. Go back to doing Very Fine juice commercials.
You make the call. Who's more screwed up. Lindsey Lohan or Mel Gibson.
How come every team who wanted to make a trade for a big time player did so but the Mets. You even had the Padres and Rangers (who are technically bankrupt) making deals and all they parted with were a couple of low minor leaguers and some bats and balls thrown in to help sell souvenirs.
Football training camps have opened and you want to why there is a need for a new collective bargaining agreement in the NFL. Sam Bradford the number 1 pick in the draft who hasn't played a down for the Rams will get 50 ma-ma-million dollars guaranteed. That's why.
VH1 must be real happy that Terrell Owens signed with the Bengals. I'm still trying to figure out that one.
Hard to believe that the NHL actually used some common sense and voided the 17 year deal the Devils offered Ilya Kovalchuk. Bad news guys. Heeeee's back. Donald Fehr formally the head of the Major League Baseball Players Union is helping the NHLPA and contract negotiations on their new CBA is coming up faster than you think.
Why do they call it a lockout when a sports league and its players don't have a collective bargaining agreement? Wouldn't a true lock out be when there is an agreement in place and the owners decide not play?
The zucchini harvest has begun and also the first yellow pear tomatoes are being picked for those needing a garden update.
Finally, this weeks sign of the apocalypse. I saw a commercial advertising a snuggie in athletic department t-shirt grey that reads, "Property of Snuggies Athletic Department XXL." We're talking about a stinking bathroom that's been turned around so you wear it with the back in front!..Leccese out.

Is summer really half over already?

Hi there. I'm finding it hard to believe that Saratoga is open. July went by like a blur. Here I am writing this entry and watching TVG at the same time. I've got to get to the track this year on a day where there is no giveaways and I can get kind of dressed up, actually sit inside, and watch the races with binoculars. I don't get the tailgating/picnic, watching on tv screens thing. Every year I say I plan on going to the track and I end up not going at all. The other thing I promise to do every year is go check out the Valley Cats play either Brooklyn or Staten Island. Doesn't happen either.
A couple of weeks ago Sly Stallone regretted making Rocky V, now he said the worst movie he ever made was "Stop, or my Mom will Shoot." I feel vindicated. However Dan in his infinite wisdom said that "Rhinestone" was the worst. He may be and probably is right.
First it was LeBron James and now it is Chris Paul wanting to play for a winner and uber star loaded team. CP3 (what's with that?) has asked to be traded. By the way, the price tag on the Golden State Warriors sale was 450 million dollars. My mouth is still not off the ground with that price. When the Warriors sell for that high an amount, how much does that make the Lakers or Celtics worth?
Every once in a while a puff of white smoke comes from the Civic Center and the Phantoms announce a signing. The parent club recently makes a deal with Tampa and Stevie Y and all they get in return is another defenseman and a 4th round pick for Simon Gagne?
If you've never seen "Man versus Food" on the Travel Channel and you want to know what its like, come to the radio station and see Mike Dubray eat. He puts hot sauce and spicy stuff on everything. The other day he ordered a package of these dried ghost chilis that are the hottest pepper on earth. He then proceeded to sprinkle them on a sub sandwich. Seeing him eat this lethal concoction and writhe in pain as his stomach and digestive systems were being disintegrated from the inside out was priceless. His facial expressions are even better and worth the price of admission alone. I wonder if he does it just to get sympathy from the female constituency who works at the radio station?
Wasn't there any way for the Mets to keep Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo and Ollie Perez on the disabled list and away from the team? They were doing well without them and since their return, the bats have taken the gas pipe and the life of the team has been taken out of it like the air being released from a balloon. If it weren't for Mariano Rivera closing games in the Bronx, I think Mets fans would like Francisco Rodriquez a lot more.
Read something in Pete Tobey's most recent football column that made me kind of depressed. Saratoga Catholic isn't fielding a football team this year. They only had 12 kids sign up. Hopefully next year the Saints will be back.
Remember if you do head to the track and bet, stay away from Steeplechase races and those first time 2 year old starter races. Hope you're cashin' em and not trashin' em...Leccese out.

First harvest has occured and other notes of interest

Hi there. Well, how was your weekend? The only thing I didn't do this weekend was type this entry. Spend the weekend cleaning, doing a remote, weeding the garden, baking, watching the British Open, creating questions for the contest I do in the afternoon, and I also managed to play 18 holes of golf.
Since it hasn't been mentioned in a while, first you get a garden update. We had some carnage. Bambi paid a visit and decided to eat the green beans and impatiens that run along one side of my home. I could tell, because the hoof prints were in the soil. He just walked along and feasted.
Somehow out of the remnants there is hope. The mentally challenged venison ate the leaves and not the buds and flowers, so beans are actually growing. We also had first harvest. The mystery peppers turned out to be jalapenos and this is the earliest I've harvested peppers ever. I use them make a really good vodka sauce that I serve over pasta. The rest of the stuff is coming along nicely, although I would like to see some eggplant.
To quote Bryant Gumbel, on to other things. The British Open. It's my favorite of the majors. Watching American PGA tour pros play courses that don't come close to what they are used to at home is a joy. Instead of going over there to practice beforehand, they should head to a under maintained muni or public course and play 18 to work on their shot making. I've written this many times, but at the top of any bucket or if I had 24 hours to live list, I want to play a British Open course. The winner Louis Oosthuizen looked unflappable. After hearing how his name is pronounced, it sounded like some style of Belgian or other imported beer I might want to try.
Is it that much of a slow sports day when Joe Girardi gets second guessed for how he managed in the All Star game?
The Golden State Warriors just sold for how much? Are you sure it was the Warriors? What are the Lakers or Celtics really worth then?
I sort of owe LeBron James an apology. I've been raking him through the coals for his reality tv drama that eventually became his decision to sign with the Heat. I forgot that for the last 3 or 4 years we've been treated to, "As the Brett Favre Turns." That saga hasn't ended yet.
NBA owners are crying poverty as the upcoming collective bargaining agreement is about to expire but how can we believe them with all the max contracts they've passed out like PEZ and the Warriors sold for how much again.
Note to Erin Andrews. Your "feel sorry for me for my privacy was violated" act is starting to run thin. She was on Dancing with the Stars. She was manning the red carpet at the Bristol Techie Awards and did you she how she was attired? It wasn't a conservative pant suit. Now she is suing the hotel chains where the perv did the filming. Enough already. Maybe we should cancel the entire college football season so we don't have so see her sideline eye candy act.
One of the things I take great pride and joy laughing at is going to a bar or wedding and watching people dance. It can be as humorous as a good HBO or Comedy Channel stand up special. You find a nice quiet place to take your beverage and observe, get a chuckle, and just shake your head in bewilderment.
I'm becoming a fan of McDonalds new Smoothies.
Why did Disney make a sequel to Tron 28 years after it originally came out?
More and more I'm starting to believe that Dan Miner and Mike Dubray know everybody and everyone...Leccese out.

Yes, Mom people do actually read "The Greenhouse Effect."

Hi there. Hope you survived the sauna like weather we've had the past week. I actually went swimming not once, but twice in the lake I live on and it was great. Its one of those cold spring fed lakes so you'd be enjoying the bath like warm temps then WHAM! Get hit one of those springs bubbling up and get shocked back into reality. Remember all you gardeners out there, when you have temps like we've had, really soak your plants in the morning. Don't water them at night.
The way Bristol Tech hyped the LeBron James affair was a total joke and an embarrassment. We're talking about a 25 year old basketball player picking what team he is going to play for! "The Decision." Sounds like what we should call the coverage of the upcoming mid term elections in November, not a hoops players telling us whose 9 figure salary offer he's accepting. The only real winner in this whole calamity was the Miami Heat. Not only did LeBron come across class less in his handling of this, but Dan Gilbert owner of the Cavs really improved his chances of joining Mensa with his crybaby, sour grapes, calling LeBron out letter to fans. You think they also could have chosen a better place to hold the announcement than community gym in Connecticut?
Didn't Knicks management learn their lesson the first time? They asked Isaiah Thomas for help in convincing LeBron to play for them You think Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley or Patrick Ewing would have been better choices? But noooo, they chose the guy who made them awful and irrelevant to start. Isaiah must have some serious dirt on James Dolan. One other thing on the Knickerbockers. David Lee plays with his heart on a sleeve for the team for 5 years and then gets shipped off to Golden State in a sign and trade? Red Holtzman must be turning in his grave.
Is there anyway the Mets and Pirates could make a deal in which the Mets trade CitiField for PNC Park straight up so they'd be playing their home games in a real nice ballpark?
Here's this weeks sign of the apocalypse and we have two. Up first T.O. and Chad 85 each have their own tv shows on VH1; and batting second it must be a real slow news day when some annoying American Idol runner up who won't go away like Carrie Underwood makes the front page of the paper for getting married to some hockey player from the Ottawa Senators. We are truly becoming a country of obese, stupid people.
Have you seen clips from the animated feature, "Despicable Me?" Those yellow things look like someone somehow managed to bring Twinkies to life. And we all know Twinkies have a life of their own.
Sylvester Stallone said he regretting making Rocky V. He felt fans of the Rocky films didn't want to see Rocky on the downside like that. No duh! What he should have admitted regretting was making such fine cinematic tour de forces like, "Over the Top," "Oscar," and "Stop or My Mom Will Shoot."
NBC should re-title "America's Got Talent," to "America's Got Way Too Much Time on its Hands"
Now that the World Cup is over, I'm going to miss those vuvuzelas. I would love to see and hear those annoying horns blare during golf tournaments or tennis matches.
I didn't want to bring up the passing of a legend, but Bob Sheppard was the epitome of eloquence and class the way he manned the Public Address system for the Yankees and Giants. My favorite Bob Sheppard moment was a tv commercial he did a few years ago for NFL.com. He's sitting poolside with a laptop explaining that he can follow his favorite team anywhere. He sees a play on the screen and then grabs a microphone and announces, "Ball carried by Barber" which went over the Giants Stadium speakers...Leccese out.