Hi There. The past seven days have been kind of surreal. The Colts and Saints making the Super Bowl. Filling in for Pete and doing the morning show with Dan, (It was fun) and in all of the chaos I find myself writing about the passing of 3 more people who touched my life in some form or another. First we'll start with Tom Brookshier. Before John Madden teamed up with Pat Summerall there was Tom Brookshier. A former defensive back for the Eagles, he was part of the CBS NFL team and was as good a color man as there was in the business. If you grew up watching football in the 70's like I did, there were 6 names on Sunday afternoon you knew. Pat Summerall, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, Charlie Jones, Merlin Olsen, Al DeRogatis, and Tom Brookshier.
The second person I'm mentioning is Jane Jarvis, the organist at Shea Stadium. The Yankees and Madison Square Garden had Eddie Layton, the Mets had Jane Jarvis. She was an accomplished jazz musician and also worked for MUZAK. To me though she was part of my youth listening to her playing the Thomas organ in the background as Murphy, Nelson and Kiner would call the games of Seaver, Koosman, Grote and Co.
Finally the last but most important of the three: Francis Carl Leccese or as I knew him, Uncle Frankie. My Dads older brother had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease and his agony finally ended. He was a golfing buddy, a friend, a mentor and just a great person to be around. On Tuesday I had to make the 3 hour drive to Connecticut to say goodbye and then be back later that night, so I could be on air with Dan the next day. I told my Dad how lucky I was to have his two older brothers as uncles. I hope he, like all my other relatives are looking out for me in some form.
On to some more uplifting positive news. I admit I love watching the PBA tour on Bristol Tech and last weekend before the football games Kelly Kulick won one for the girls. She beat Chris Barnes and all the other guys in a PBA Tour event. Nice going. While watching this weeks tour event, I saw Walter Ray Williams bowl with the ball that we'll be auctioning off in March for Bowl for Kids Sake.
On to the football games, went one for two. The Jets gave it there best shot, but Peyton Manning is on another plane of football being and existence. I feel relieved though that the flailing the arms and pointing out the defenses runs in the family. Now I know where Eli gets it. As for the Saints/Vikings, you don't win football games fumbling 6 times, losing three of them and for the second straight time Brett Favre threw a pick at the most inopportune time. I'm happy for the Saints, but if I hear for an inordinate amount of times how winning will help with the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, I'm gonna have a nervous breakdown. The fact that my birthday is also on Super Bowl Sunday and I'll be depressed as it is won't help the cause. For all you crazy betting line folks. What's gonna be the over/under on how many questions will Reggie Bush get on media day that mentions his girlfriend Kim Kardashian? Should be interesting.
Does anybody really care about the Pro Bowl? I didn't think so.
Question for Phantoms fans. Do you worry like I do when the team scores 5 goals in game like they did Wednesday that in effect it uses up their goal scoring quota for the week in just one game?
If you haven't being paying attention to the Adirondack League, check out the Argyle Scots boys team and the Whitehall Railroaders girls teams. Both are having great years. There are a lot big important games coming up in all of the three major area leagues during the first two weeks of February that should make for some interesting watching and will have some effect on sectional seedings.
Super Bowl prediction on Friday...Leccese out.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Picking the Superbowl match up and some other thoughts
Hi there. O.K we've got four teams left and here they are the two teams that will play in two weeks on my birthday in Superbowl 44. In the AFC go with the Colts over the Jets. Peyton Manning is on another level of being and the Colts also have enough of a running game with Joseph Addai and Donald Brown to keep the Jets D off guard. For the Jets to win, they need control the time of possession in the 4o minute range. In the NFC this one is a toss up. The Saints have this amazing home field in the Superdome and the Vikings seem to struggle on the road. However, since the game is indoors, the Vikings will feel more comfortable then they would if this were being played outdoors. I think the Vikings will make one or two more plays on defense and win this game in a high scoring shootout. So the Colts and Vikings are my picks.
The Phantoms announced the creation of the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame. With so many worthy people who should and will be inducted, how can you pick an inaugural class without offending someone? I've got 4 choices. I would start with Ned Harkness and Ed Bartholomew. You have to include Bill Dineen or a riot would break out. From the amateur side my choice would be Don "Doc"Miller, the Glens Falls High School hockey coach. The many former players like Glen Merkosky, Jody Gage, Greg Joly, Pete Mahovlich, Erin Whitten and others will get their day trust me.
With the Phantoms and Rats playing tonight, their will be a buzz in the Civic Center in regards to the rumored sale of the Rats and a move to Charlotte. For now its just a rumor. If you followed the American Hockey League All-Star festivities in Portland, Dave Andrews in his state of the league address stated that 6 teams affiliation agreements were up at the end of the year. Would the Hurricanes like their prospects closer to Raleigh? Sure they would. It makes sense. Honestly putting them in Charlotte where an ECHL team is, more than likely would kill pro hockey there. There have been too many cities that had successful low level minor league teams in the ECHL or UHL try to move up to the AHL and what happened? The fans didn't embrace it. Look at Greensboro, Norfolk, and Quad Cities. Rockford maybe the exception to the rule, but the jury is still out. Peoria is a lot like Glens Falls. They were in the IHL for a long time and when the bigger was better trend, dropped to the ECHL to survive and compete. If the AHL is looking for new markets, why has Fort Wayne or Indianapolis never been mentioned in discussions? The only city that has garnered attention is Oklahoma City, where the Blazers drew well in the CHL. Also Walter Robb has stated he is interested in selling only to people who would want to keep the team in Albany. I think the Rats will be around, but with a new affiliation.
I know a lot of people are disappointed that the Federation Tournament of Champions is leaving for the TU Center next year, but honestly I'd be more concerned if the Public High School Athletic Association Championships were to leave the Civic Center. With the hockey tradition Glens Falls has and the Phantoms help, I would like Doug Kenyon and his crew try and go after the state ice hockey championships and wrestle them away from Utica for 3 years. You could have back to back weekends of the state hockey and basketball championships at the Civic Center.
Got an update on the new cell phone. I know how to take pictures with it. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.
The Phantoms announced the creation of the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame. With so many worthy people who should and will be inducted, how can you pick an inaugural class without offending someone? I've got 4 choices. I would start with Ned Harkness and Ed Bartholomew. You have to include Bill Dineen or a riot would break out. From the amateur side my choice would be Don "Doc"Miller, the Glens Falls High School hockey coach. The many former players like Glen Merkosky, Jody Gage, Greg Joly, Pete Mahovlich, Erin Whitten and others will get their day trust me.
With the Phantoms and Rats playing tonight, their will be a buzz in the Civic Center in regards to the rumored sale of the Rats and a move to Charlotte. For now its just a rumor. If you followed the American Hockey League All-Star festivities in Portland, Dave Andrews in his state of the league address stated that 6 teams affiliation agreements were up at the end of the year. Would the Hurricanes like their prospects closer to Raleigh? Sure they would. It makes sense. Honestly putting them in Charlotte where an ECHL team is, more than likely would kill pro hockey there. There have been too many cities that had successful low level minor league teams in the ECHL or UHL try to move up to the AHL and what happened? The fans didn't embrace it. Look at Greensboro, Norfolk, and Quad Cities. Rockford maybe the exception to the rule, but the jury is still out. Peoria is a lot like Glens Falls. They were in the IHL for a long time and when the bigger was better trend, dropped to the ECHL to survive and compete. If the AHL is looking for new markets, why has Fort Wayne or Indianapolis never been mentioned in discussions? The only city that has garnered attention is Oklahoma City, where the Blazers drew well in the CHL. Also Walter Robb has stated he is interested in selling only to people who would want to keep the team in Albany. I think the Rats will be around, but with a new affiliation.
I know a lot of people are disappointed that the Federation Tournament of Champions is leaving for the TU Center next year, but honestly I'd be more concerned if the Public High School Athletic Association Championships were to leave the Civic Center. With the hockey tradition Glens Falls has and the Phantoms help, I would like Doug Kenyon and his crew try and go after the state ice hockey championships and wrestle them away from Utica for 3 years. You could have back to back weekends of the state hockey and basketball championships at the Civic Center.
Got an update on the new cell phone. I know how to take pictures with it. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.
Monday, January 18, 2010
In the wrong hands, like my hands; technology can be a dangerous thing
Hi there. First the weekend picks. Let me pass the "O-for" torch to my colleague and sports broadcast partner Mr. John Pratt. John, like the Stanley Cup the "o-for" torch is very heavy. Saturday I was looking good with the Saints and Colts coming up winners. Sunday was a different story. As much as dislike the Cowboys, I couldn't pick the Vikings. I used to love the Vikes with Fran Tarkenton, Chuck Foreman and the Purple People Eaters defense. Now I can't stand them. Is it just me or did half the team look like Grizzly Adams? Note to Jared Allen. Dan Haggerty called, he wants his look back. The Jets beat the Chargers doing what they've done all year long. Solid running game backed by a good defense. Mark Sanchez has managed the offense well enough to win and has kept his mistakes to a minimum. Also the Chargers self destructed and Norv Turner reminds me of Marty Shottenheimer. Great regular season coach, but come play-off time different story. I like the Jets just as much as I do the Islanders, Cubs, and Duke basketball.
My folks saw "Avatar" Thursday night even though its racist, causes depression in folks and it might be plagiarized. Both liked it and said it was a great movie.
I avoid watching award shows, but there is great humor in seeing stars dressed up in designer evening gowns and tuxes getting soaking wet in the rain walking the red carpet and having some publicist behind them with an umbrella over their head so the paparazzi can take photos.
For Christmas I got this thing that allows me to start and grow an indoor herb garden. You'll love this story. So I ordered a seed starting kit from Burpee and when the package arrived, there was no seed starter kit. I call up Burpee and tell them about the mistake. They apologized and said to keep what they sent and they'll send the seed starter kit. Guess what they sent? An indoor herb garden. You can never have enough of those.
Get well soon and quick healing to my good friend Jody Nolan. I'm calling you "Steeplechase" since I found out how you injured your elbow.
Last but not least, I bought the new cell phone Friday. "The Fossil" has been officially retired and will become a museum piece. The new phone has service I can use in my home, a keyboard and I've actually learned how to send text messages. There's a scary thought. Leccese with new technology and he's not afraid to use it. I won't be embarrassed anymore because 10 year old kids have better cell phones than I do. Next challenge with the phone. Taking photos. CBS comedies and Bourdain tonight...Leccese LOL out.
My folks saw "Avatar" Thursday night even though its racist, causes depression in folks and it might be plagiarized. Both liked it and said it was a great movie.
I avoid watching award shows, but there is great humor in seeing stars dressed up in designer evening gowns and tuxes getting soaking wet in the rain walking the red carpet and having some publicist behind them with an umbrella over their head so the paparazzi can take photos.
For Christmas I got this thing that allows me to start and grow an indoor herb garden. You'll love this story. So I ordered a seed starting kit from Burpee and when the package arrived, there was no seed starter kit. I call up Burpee and tell them about the mistake. They apologized and said to keep what they sent and they'll send the seed starter kit. Guess what they sent? An indoor herb garden. You can never have enough of those.
Get well soon and quick healing to my good friend Jody Nolan. I'm calling you "Steeplechase" since I found out how you injured your elbow.
Last but not least, I bought the new cell phone Friday. "The Fossil" has been officially retired and will become a museum piece. The new phone has service I can use in my home, a keyboard and I've actually learned how to send text messages. There's a scary thought. Leccese with new technology and he's not afraid to use it. I won't be embarrassed anymore because 10 year old kids have better cell phones than I do. Next challenge with the phone. Taking photos. CBS comedies and Bourdain tonight...Leccese LOL out.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Buying a new phone and lets see if I can pick at least one winner
Hi there. Lets get this over with now. The jokes were made by my co-workers, I made fun of myself on the air over it and even women who know nothing about football who pick the teams because the helmet is nicer or the quarterback is cute had a better wild card week than me. Here we go and there's no place to go but up. I like the Saints, Colts, Cowboys and Chargers.
I discovered two things this week about the Giants. Nobody wanted to be the defensive co-coordinator and Jerome Bettis in a radio interview is claiming that Bill Cowher is waiting for Tom Coughlin to get canned because he wants to be the next head coach
Is it just me or does Pete Carroll going to the Seahawks reeks of something because USC is headed for probation. I thought the captain was supposed to down with his ship? Just like Jason Bay there's 7 million reasons a year for 5 years to hop off the Lido deck and see it go down glug, glug, glug off the coast of Santa Catalina island.
How did an 8 year old cub scout get on the red flag watch list as a potential terrorist threat? They must have come up with some new badges and electives to become a wolf or bear scout since I was scout and my Mom did the den mother thing.
There is one part of my body that is damming me through the first 15 days of the new year. My legs. In the last entry, I forgot to mention a big thanks to my friends at Lake George High for putting me on a team in the annual alumni basketball tournament. However working out 5 to 6 days a week does not prepare you for basketball. I played on a team that consisted of faculty members and a few others who joined up to have some fun. 6 and 1/2 games over two days. I must have beeen nuts to accept that challenge. Playing against kids who are half your age and who's games you called on the radio. The team I played for actually made it to the finals, but we lost. If I get asked for next year, I'll pass. By the way, Lucas didn't score a basket. My quad muscles hate me right now. Between those basketball games and the fitness classes at the gym, I feel pain. By the way I did take Body Pump for the first time Tuesday morning. There I was bright(O.K. it wasn't bright. It was cold and dark) and early. Making my initial peace offering of the olive branch to a barbell and weights.
It's kind of a coincidence that you begin a new fitness challenge and girl scout cookie sales happen at the same time. Plus you are obligated to buy a least a couple of boxes. This maybe sacrilegious to admit, I don't like Thin Mints.
First it was trans fat and now its too much sodium in our diets. Why are lawmakers trying to but in to our eating habits. I'm reading where schools have banned baked sales and kids are not allowed to bring in homemade cupcakes, cookies, and stuff like that because of food allergies, lawsuits, and obesity. You want to know why kids are fat? I'll tell you. We've cut gym classes and there is so much structure in their lives we don't force them to go outside and just run around and play, day dream and be kids. Plus we've become so protective of them, we're afraid of the slightest bruise, cut, or scrape on the leg or elbow will scar them for life.
Mark McGwire admitted taking steroids and HGH at a time when the major league baseball players union had it written in the collective bargaining agreement that it wasn't illegal to do so. What is the big deal over this? According to the rules, he did nothing wrong people! Also, isn't there something in our laws called the statute of limitations?
In another witch hunt, the mob with torches attacking "Avatar" continues. First, the movie is racist. Now people who have seen it are becoming depressed and suicidal over it, and to add more gas to the raging inferno somebody is claiming James Cameron stole his idea from a book that was written more than 20 years ago.
One of my favorite radio personalities growing up passed away earlier this week. Arthur George Rust, Jr. Listened to him on WABC. When I describe Yankee Stadium as, "The big ball orchard in the South Bronx" those words came from the mouth of Art. Classy guy, great voice.
Finally, this is the weekend I'm buying that new cell phone I've said I would. I've got the plan picked out and I think I know what phone I want. Now I've got to learn how to send a text message LOL...Leccese out.
I discovered two things this week about the Giants. Nobody wanted to be the defensive co-coordinator and Jerome Bettis in a radio interview is claiming that Bill Cowher is waiting for Tom Coughlin to get canned because he wants to be the next head coach
Is it just me or does Pete Carroll going to the Seahawks reeks of something because USC is headed for probation. I thought the captain was supposed to down with his ship? Just like Jason Bay there's 7 million reasons a year for 5 years to hop off the Lido deck and see it go down glug, glug, glug off the coast of Santa Catalina island.
How did an 8 year old cub scout get on the red flag watch list as a potential terrorist threat? They must have come up with some new badges and electives to become a wolf or bear scout since I was scout and my Mom did the den mother thing.
There is one part of my body that is damming me through the first 15 days of the new year. My legs. In the last entry, I forgot to mention a big thanks to my friends at Lake George High for putting me on a team in the annual alumni basketball tournament. However working out 5 to 6 days a week does not prepare you for basketball. I played on a team that consisted of faculty members and a few others who joined up to have some fun. 6 and 1/2 games over two days. I must have beeen nuts to accept that challenge. Playing against kids who are half your age and who's games you called on the radio. The team I played for actually made it to the finals, but we lost. If I get asked for next year, I'll pass. By the way, Lucas didn't score a basket. My quad muscles hate me right now. Between those basketball games and the fitness classes at the gym, I feel pain. By the way I did take Body Pump for the first time Tuesday morning. There I was bright(O.K. it wasn't bright. It was cold and dark) and early. Making my initial peace offering of the olive branch to a barbell and weights.
It's kind of a coincidence that you begin a new fitness challenge and girl scout cookie sales happen at the same time. Plus you are obligated to buy a least a couple of boxes. This maybe sacrilegious to admit, I don't like Thin Mints.
First it was trans fat and now its too much sodium in our diets. Why are lawmakers trying to but in to our eating habits. I'm reading where schools have banned baked sales and kids are not allowed to bring in homemade cupcakes, cookies, and stuff like that because of food allergies, lawsuits, and obesity. You want to know why kids are fat? I'll tell you. We've cut gym classes and there is so much structure in their lives we don't force them to go outside and just run around and play, day dream and be kids. Plus we've become so protective of them, we're afraid of the slightest bruise, cut, or scrape on the leg or elbow will scar them for life.
Mark McGwire admitted taking steroids and HGH at a time when the major league baseball players union had it written in the collective bargaining agreement that it wasn't illegal to do so. What is the big deal over this? According to the rules, he did nothing wrong people! Also, isn't there something in our laws called the statute of limitations?
In another witch hunt, the mob with torches attacking "Avatar" continues. First, the movie is racist. Now people who have seen it are becoming depressed and suicidal over it, and to add more gas to the raging inferno somebody is claiming James Cameron stole his idea from a book that was written more than 20 years ago.
One of my favorite radio personalities growing up passed away earlier this week. Arthur George Rust, Jr. Listened to him on WABC. When I describe Yankee Stadium as, "The big ball orchard in the South Bronx" those words came from the mouth of Art. Classy guy, great voice.
Finally, this is the weekend I'm buying that new cell phone I've said I would. I've got the plan picked out and I think I know what phone I want. Now I've got to learn how to send a text message LOL...Leccese out.
Monday, January 11, 2010
0 for freakin' 4 and Other Observations
Hi there. Lets just say picking winners was not one of my new years' resolutions. 0 for 4, talk about a lost weekend. The games weren't things of beauty either. They were double bag ugly affairs. However, the Packers/Cardinals game was a great track meet to watch.
On to other things. You have to wonder about Friday nights Devils/Lightning game and conveniently with the Devils down 3 to 0 midway through the second period, half the lights at the Prudential Center suddenly crashed due to a circuit breaker and computer malfunction. Vicky Lawrence should resurrect her Grammy award winning song and change the lyrics and title to, "That's the night when the lights when out in Newark." Rumor has it Lou Lamoriello was walking around the bowels with wire cutters or some computer virus on a USB drive. Just kidding Devils fans.
Outside the Phantoms' winning Saturday night, it would have been nice to have Kevin Dineen acknowledged in Dan's pre-game script. One thing that I didn't like was a sign brought in by a couple fans who come from Philadephia. They want Greg Gilbert fired and John Stevens brought back. The problem is not the coach. It's a lack of quality offensive players. Nothing against John Matsumoto, Stephan Legein, and Jared Ross. James van Riemsdyk would have been a difference maker if he were playing here instead of for the big club.
If you believe that there is someone out there for everybody, you just maybe right. Case in point. If that ugly looking, scary weirdo nut case freak Marilyn Manson can get engaged to Evan Rachel Wood, there is either something seriously wrong with the world or another sign of the apocalypse has occured.
Driving home from my workout this morning, I'm listening to ABC News and groups are calling "Avatar" a racist motion picture because it depicts a white male helping a primitive culture defeat some invader. Give me a break. Its fictional. Doesn't the PC police have anything better to do in the new year?
I've added another resolution to the 5 already. Cutting down on the use of plastic grocery bags. I'm actually bringing canvass ones to the store when I shop.
Tomorrow morning if you notice around 5:30 it getting a little colder, that will be me taking my first Body Pump class. Yes, a level of h-e-double hockey sticks is gonna freeze and they better get used to it down there.
Finally, tonight some new episodes of the Monday night comedies on CBS and then at 10pm, it's the new season of "No Reservations." Like I've written many times before, this guy worships in the house of one Anthony Bourdain. I love that s.o.b. He is the ultimate in cool...Leccese out.
On to other things. You have to wonder about Friday nights Devils/Lightning game and conveniently with the Devils down 3 to 0 midway through the second period, half the lights at the Prudential Center suddenly crashed due to a circuit breaker and computer malfunction. Vicky Lawrence should resurrect her Grammy award winning song and change the lyrics and title to, "That's the night when the lights when out in Newark." Rumor has it Lou Lamoriello was walking around the bowels with wire cutters or some computer virus on a USB drive. Just kidding Devils fans.
Outside the Phantoms' winning Saturday night, it would have been nice to have Kevin Dineen acknowledged in Dan's pre-game script. One thing that I didn't like was a sign brought in by a couple fans who come from Philadephia. They want Greg Gilbert fired and John Stevens brought back. The problem is not the coach. It's a lack of quality offensive players. Nothing against John Matsumoto, Stephan Legein, and Jared Ross. James van Riemsdyk would have been a difference maker if he were playing here instead of for the big club.
If you believe that there is someone out there for everybody, you just maybe right. Case in point. If that ugly looking, scary weirdo nut case freak Marilyn Manson can get engaged to Evan Rachel Wood, there is either something seriously wrong with the world or another sign of the apocalypse has occured.
Driving home from my workout this morning, I'm listening to ABC News and groups are calling "Avatar" a racist motion picture because it depicts a white male helping a primitive culture defeat some invader. Give me a break. Its fictional. Doesn't the PC police have anything better to do in the new year?
I've added another resolution to the 5 already. Cutting down on the use of plastic grocery bags. I'm actually bringing canvass ones to the store when I shop.
Tomorrow morning if you notice around 5:30 it getting a little colder, that will be me taking my first Body Pump class. Yes, a level of h-e-double hockey sticks is gonna freeze and they better get used to it down there.
Finally, tonight some new episodes of the Monday night comedies on CBS and then at 10pm, it's the new season of "No Reservations." Like I've written many times before, this guy worships in the house of one Anthony Bourdain. I love that s.o.b. He is the ultimate in cool...Leccese out.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Catching up and Wild Card Weekend picks
Hi there and a belated Happy New Year! Christmas was quiet. Got a lot of gift cards which is what I wanted. I was in bed asleep when the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve. I'm not a big New Years person anyway.
I made 5 New Years resolutions this year and if you missed it when I announced them on the air filling in for Dan and Pete, here's the happy re-cap. I'm buying a new cell-phone with better service so I actually can use it in my home. My current phone,"The Fossil" is ready to be donated along with the Beta VCR in my garage to a museum as artifacts. If you look on the cell-phone evolutionary chart its the fifth one on the left side right next to the one Zack Morris had on "Saved by The Bell." I hope to buy a brand new or low mileage pre-owned vehicle this year and it will not be a Saturn. I won't let a certain "little" thing bother me anymore. I'm really having hard time with that one already. Last year I gave up eating ice cream and this year I'm giving up cake and snack cakes. That's also gonna be tough. Finally, I'm going to take Body Pump at the gym. I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I need to make friends with the weights to accomplish my fitness goal and this is my desperation "Deal with the Devil" last chance to make peace with them.
On December 31st 2008 I weighed in at 242 pounds, a year later on December 31s 2009 the scale read 217 pounds.
After writing about weight loss, dieting, exercise and giving up eating certain foods, if you haven't been yet, stop in and try The Chocolate Mill. It's great. My kind of nice upscale gourmet place. Have breakfast and try the Dutch Apple Pancakes. Trust me on this recommendation. Afterwards, you'll be thanking me and I will be higher up on your best friends list. Plus the chocolates and other candies are killer. Haven't tried the desserts yet. Maybe that will be my birthday treat.
After doing this years' Grandstanders Hockey Tournament, I felt it didn't have the same atmosphere and vibe that its had in past years. The quality of teams were better, but the points format and no South Glens Falls and Saratoga sort of put a damper on the overall enthusiasm. Plus I think the local fans hoped to see Glens Falls and Queensbury play each other.
Note to the Phantoms. Ask the local high school hockey teams for their music play lists. They're 100 times better than what we as fans have to suffer with during home games at the Civic Center. Enough with the songs that encourage hand clapping please!
Its been a great first 8 days of 2010 for hockey here in the U.S. The Winter Classic was great. Fenway Park was a perfect venue. Next year it has to be at Yankee Stadium with the Rangers playing the Capitals. However, there could be a problem. The Yankees are holding a college bowl game between Christmas and New Years. It takes time to get a decent ice surface ready. The Mets have offered up you know where as an alternative sight. I promised I wouldn't mention and slam that place til April.
Props to USA Hockey and the Mens national junior programs who both came home with gold medals at the Under 20 and Under 17 World Junior Championships in Canada earlier this week.
The Mets signed Jason Bay and I loved this comment from the great baseball writer Peter Gammons. "Jason Bay would rather play in Beruit than in the place where the Mets now call home." For the second time, I promised I wouldn't mention and slam you know where 'til April. Peter, Jason had 66 million reasons over 4 years with an option for a fifth why he chose Queens over Beruit. Refresh my memory, does the Beruit ballpark have a Home Run Apple or a Shake Shack restaurant? I didn't think so.
I almost feel sorry for Association commish David Stern having to make a decision with the Gilbert Arenas fiasco. There's nothing better than two teammeates re-living child hood memories playing cops and robbers or cowboys and indians in the locker room using real guns, and keeping the weapons in a box in your locker. "Look everybody, I got the latest new sneaks from my shoe company. Oops wrong shoe box. That's my 44 magnum revolver or is it my glock?" What's even better is the commish has to deal with blowhard Al Sharpton chiming in with his unsolicited opinion. The key word in all of this is,almost.
By now we've heard all the Tiger Woods jokes, and probably someone has come up with this one. Growing up, on one wall of Tigers' bedroom was a list of Jack Nicklaus' accomplishments and major championships. What we didn't know is that on another wall was the list of the 20 thousand women that Wilt Chamberlain supposedly slept with. I think Tigers' a little closer to Jack's number than Wilt's, but he's working on it. Thank you, thank you very much. You're a great audience. Stay for the late show and try the veal.
Am I the only one who has noticed that a Snuggie really is nothing more than a plush bathrobe that you wear backwards.
Here they are short,sweet and to the point. Picks for the wild card games. I like the Bengals, Eagles, Patriots, and Packers. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.
I made 5 New Years resolutions this year and if you missed it when I announced them on the air filling in for Dan and Pete, here's the happy re-cap. I'm buying a new cell-phone with better service so I actually can use it in my home. My current phone,"The Fossil" is ready to be donated along with the Beta VCR in my garage to a museum as artifacts. If you look on the cell-phone evolutionary chart its the fifth one on the left side right next to the one Zack Morris had on "Saved by The Bell." I hope to buy a brand new or low mileage pre-owned vehicle this year and it will not be a Saturn. I won't let a certain "little" thing bother me anymore. I'm really having hard time with that one already. Last year I gave up eating ice cream and this year I'm giving up cake and snack cakes. That's also gonna be tough. Finally, I'm going to take Body Pump at the gym. I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I need to make friends with the weights to accomplish my fitness goal and this is my desperation "Deal with the Devil" last chance to make peace with them.
On December 31st 2008 I weighed in at 242 pounds, a year later on December 31s 2009 the scale read 217 pounds.
After writing about weight loss, dieting, exercise and giving up eating certain foods, if you haven't been yet, stop in and try The Chocolate Mill. It's great. My kind of nice upscale gourmet place. Have breakfast and try the Dutch Apple Pancakes. Trust me on this recommendation. Afterwards, you'll be thanking me and I will be higher up on your best friends list. Plus the chocolates and other candies are killer. Haven't tried the desserts yet. Maybe that will be my birthday treat.
After doing this years' Grandstanders Hockey Tournament, I felt it didn't have the same atmosphere and vibe that its had in past years. The quality of teams were better, but the points format and no South Glens Falls and Saratoga sort of put a damper on the overall enthusiasm. Plus I think the local fans hoped to see Glens Falls and Queensbury play each other.
Note to the Phantoms. Ask the local high school hockey teams for their music play lists. They're 100 times better than what we as fans have to suffer with during home games at the Civic Center. Enough with the songs that encourage hand clapping please!
Its been a great first 8 days of 2010 for hockey here in the U.S. The Winter Classic was great. Fenway Park was a perfect venue. Next year it has to be at Yankee Stadium with the Rangers playing the Capitals. However, there could be a problem. The Yankees are holding a college bowl game between Christmas and New Years. It takes time to get a decent ice surface ready. The Mets have offered up you know where as an alternative sight. I promised I wouldn't mention and slam that place til April.
Props to USA Hockey and the Mens national junior programs who both came home with gold medals at the Under 20 and Under 17 World Junior Championships in Canada earlier this week.
The Mets signed Jason Bay and I loved this comment from the great baseball writer Peter Gammons. "Jason Bay would rather play in Beruit than in the place where the Mets now call home." For the second time, I promised I wouldn't mention and slam you know where 'til April. Peter, Jason had 66 million reasons over 4 years with an option for a fifth why he chose Queens over Beruit. Refresh my memory, does the Beruit ballpark have a Home Run Apple or a Shake Shack restaurant? I didn't think so.
I almost feel sorry for Association commish David Stern having to make a decision with the Gilbert Arenas fiasco. There's nothing better than two teammeates re-living child hood memories playing cops and robbers or cowboys and indians in the locker room using real guns, and keeping the weapons in a box in your locker. "Look everybody, I got the latest new sneaks from my shoe company. Oops wrong shoe box. That's my 44 magnum revolver or is it my glock?" What's even better is the commish has to deal with blowhard Al Sharpton chiming in with his unsolicited opinion. The key word in all of this is,almost.
By now we've heard all the Tiger Woods jokes, and probably someone has come up with this one. Growing up, on one wall of Tigers' bedroom was a list of Jack Nicklaus' accomplishments and major championships. What we didn't know is that on another wall was the list of the 20 thousand women that Wilt Chamberlain supposedly slept with. I think Tigers' a little closer to Jack's number than Wilt's, but he's working on it. Thank you, thank you very much. You're a great audience. Stay for the late show and try the veal.
Am I the only one who has noticed that a Snuggie really is nothing more than a plush bathrobe that you wear backwards.
Here they are short,sweet and to the point. Picks for the wild card games. I like the Bengals, Eagles, Patriots, and Packers. Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out.
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