Monday, April 26, 2010

Who would of thought plastic could absorb an odor and smell that bad?

Hi there. Lets get this one over with quickly. Roger Goodell, good decision giving Mr Roethlisberger 6 games. Bad decision stretching the NFL draft to 3 days. Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay should only be watched in small doses and should could come with a medical disclaimer saying if you watch them for more than 4 hours you should consult a physician.
Lawrence Taylor was asked what he remembered about his draft day back in 1981. He says he couldn't because he drank 41 beers that day. This coming from the guy who was drafted number 2 overall after George Rogers. And the draft back then started at like 12 noon. In the past, Dubray used to be able knock down that many on any given night.
Speaking of Mike, he might have a new entry in his blog. He met Rachel Ray Thursday night at Lake George High School and had his photo taken with her. If it wasn't for the heels she was wearing, he might have actually been taller. Mike always does entries when he has his photo taken with some attractive woman and will show it off and write about it.
A couple of more draft notes. Myron Rolle that kid from Florida State who is a Rhodes scholar and spent the past year studying in England, got picked in the 6th round by the Titans. Teams were afraid to pick him because they didn't think he could be committed totally to football. If the Knicks had that mentality, Bill Bradley would have been a hall of fame player somewhere else.
If you had told the so called football geniuses that someday Rutgers would have 2 kids drafted in the first round in the same draft, they would have laughed in your face. There not laughing anymore.
The Scarlet Knights still have a long way to go. They held their spring game and a record 21 thousand people showed up. Alabama, and Penn State had 92 thousand show up at their spring game which is just a glorified scrimmage.
You want to know why Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen dropped into the second round. One name: Brady Quinn.
Last draft words. The Greenhouse Effect is a Tim Tebow free zone.
After seeing Ike Davis playing not like a rookie and Jose Reyes starting to play like Jose Reyes of old, it was good to be a Mets fan this past week.
Spent the past weekend working in the garden (finally planted that rhubarb), opening up windows getting some fresh air in the house and doing a little more cleaning. I did discover a not so pleasant smell coming from my gym bag and it was my workout gloves and the plastic bag I keep them in. That smell could knock a fly off a pile of you know what. So I washed the gloves, cleaned and disinfected the plastic bag and aired out the gym bag.
I'm getting the itch to golf. I cleaned my clubs and went through my golf bag throwing out old stuff. It's amazing what you'll find. 2 cans of spray sun tan lotion, 2 empty ball sleeves, a couple of empty golf tee bags and a 3 year old pack of gum.
My cousin Dina obviously doesn't read my blog. She sent the wedding invitation. Let's see. How much should I deduct from the gift for her mistake? Her future husband is named Jonathan McAfee. Wasn't he was one of the New Kids on the Block? Oops, my bad. The name was McIntyre.
I've been telling you loyal readers about how I've been in a serious workout funk recently and I thought seeing one of the fitness instructors (sorry Sonja, wasn't you) this past weekend would have skaken me up and gotten me out of it. Didn't happen. Still in the workout funk.
Is there another writers strike going on because How I Met Your Mother tonight is another repeat. It was bad enough that last week we had a lame episode, but come on now. Want a funny Ted dating a potential," is she the one" episode and soon. Or how about a "Bro Code" violation. As a consolation there's a new "Bizarre Foods" with Andrew Zimmern starting tonight on the Travel Channel...Leccese out

Monday, April 19, 2010

When you finish reading the latest edition of, "The Greenhouse Effect" we'll send you back to Fox's coverage of the Mets/Cardinals game

Hi there. With all the talk about the Mets pitching staff being a steaming pile of friendliness, after throwing 19 of 20 shutout innings Saturday, doesn't Dan Wharthen deserve a little credit for a change while hitting coach Howard Johnson should be on the hot seat for the offense ineptness we saw. No truth to the rumor that Tony LaRussa called me or some of the fans in the stands Saturday and asked if we wanted to pitch an inning if the game had gone further.
Umpire Joe West recently took aim and criticized the Yanks and BoSox for slow play and slowing down the game. Note to all officials in all professional sports. Since none of you gutless individuals have the family jewels to explain yourselves in front of the media at post game press conferences, shut up and keep quiet. Stay invisible no matter how hard it may seem. If any coach, player, or owner tries to criticize the job you're doing, the league fines them. Just ask Mark Cuban or Phil Jackson.
I know European air travel is at a stand still causing massive travel delays, but admit it, there is something cool about seeing that volcano errupt in Iceland.
Larry King seems like a really fascinating person who someday I'd like to meet in some old time bar and just pick his mind and talk about every topic imaginable for hours upon hours. Now he's filed for divorce for the 7th time. Hey Larry, did it ever occur to you that marriage isn't your thing? I can understand trying 2 or 3 times, but 7? Some people were not meant to have that in their lives. I'm coming to that realization in my mid 40's that I will be the forever known as the single friend in the group of people I socialize with. It's not a bad gig to have at times.
Also Larry gave his sister-in-law a $160,000 automobile. I hope it came with one of those 6 year 100,000 mile warranties or a live in mechanic. Sort of like the cabana boy only for a car.
I haven't decided if it was odd or cutting edge at the time. John Tesh and Oprah having gone out together while working at a tv station in Memphis.
Even though Big Ben won't be charged with a crime for the alleged incident in Georgia, Roger Goodell and the Rooney family should suspend him at least 4 games for his stupidity. Remember this is the second time he's been involved in a case like this.
After hearing some of the details of what might have happened between Ben and the college co-ed, watching "Two and a Half Men" last week, and also reading of an incident that took place at the White Sox home opener where a couple became frisky, if you're going to get intimate or force yourself on someone in a public restroom; wouldn't it make more sense to use the handicapped stall?
I've said on many occasion that "Big Brother" is watching all of us and it's in those little devices we love called the cell phone or I-Pod. Just ask Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He's goes out, has a few drinks at the bar, the alcohol kicks in, and he starts rambling on about people and other things and somebody records the whole thing. Amazingly, it finds its way to internet sites and Bristol Tech shows the grainy video. What happened to respect for ones privacy?
If you get a chance, check out the TV Land Awards Show this Sunday if for the only reason that they're honoring "Bosom Buddies" and yes Tom Hanks will be appearing with the rest of the cast. I hope and assume he and Peter Scolari won't be reprising their roles as Buffy and Hilde.
Got a good laugh out of my Mom yesterday. I finished pulling out the last stump from that landscaped area and she said I should start working on the 25 foot pine tree that has to come out. I told her I would call a tree removal company and have them send her the bill at my uncle's place when they finished the job. Uh Mom, I'm dead serious and you can stop laughing now...Leccese out.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Eldrick is back to being Eldrick

Hi there. Yesterday one of those great sports days and the weekend in general was one of those that I wished I had picture in picture so I didn't have to keep channel surfing. You had the Masters, baseball games all over the place and a win and your in last game of the regular season between 2 teams fighting for the last playoff spot in the NHL.
We'll get to the golf in a second. Losing in a shootout was a bummer for the Rangers, but they didn't deserve to make the playoffs the first place. By the way does Glen Sather really exist or is he just a name the Garden made up to make us believe that the team has a GM. He's like the Wizard of Oz.
Now for the Masters. This weekend showed why I'm not a fan of Eldrick the Great. He discribed his comeback like that of Ben Hogan's. It took a while and a lot of soul searching but I eventually figured out the similarity of a horrific car accident in which you suffer 2 broken legs to protect your wife to keep her alive and cheating on your wife. It wasn't that clear at first. Thank heaven for those new contact lens' I'm wearing. Also the "new Tiger" lasted all of 2 rounds. Best of all he told Peter Kostis in a post round interview that the outbursts and frustrations were taken out of context and everybody blew them out of proportion. Only Bristol Tech and CBS needed Eldrick around this weekend. You had Phil Mickelson who has Eldrick's talent and is more likable making shots we average golfers dream about. Plus he had a good story line with his Mom and wife in recovering from cancer. Anthony Kim going lights out on the back nine wishing he had 2 or 3 more holes to catch Phil. Did you hear a 16 year old amateur from Italy made the cut this year? Finally there was Freddy Couples. 50 years old playing like the Boom Boom of old and his back never having any trouble. However, you can't win at Augusta going 3 over playing the par 3's on the back nine in the final round.
Watching the Mets this weekend, the same problem that has plagued them this first week of the regular season has been there achilles heel the past several years. The inability to get a clutch hit with the bases loaded or with 2 men in scoring position.
I saw Texas Stadium imploded yesterday morning and then I see the latest photos of the slow, painful process of the dismantling of both Yankee and Giants Stadiums. Come on just blow the damm places up and let them come down with dignity. Another reason why its no fun to live in New York or New Jersey.
I don't know a lot about what to see while watching football players in their "pro day," but how does throwing to wide outs with no pass rush in a controlled atmosphere improve a QB's draft spot? Even I could make some throws rolling out or sitting in the pocket when I don't have some 240 to 300 pound guy who runs a 4.5 chasing me or breathing down my neck from the blindside.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. The first event in the new Meadowlands football stadium was a college lacrosse tripleheader.
Finally, my fantasy hockey team the CTOWN K-DOGS won the league championship yesterday. Even I get lucky once in a while...Leccese out.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Drinking my tea and writing about nothing

Hi There. Just drinking my green tea with honey (1st cup of the day) pondering the world around me with my usual humorous twist on it.
Leading off with the Final Four. The Leccese curse worked its magic again as I picked Michigan State and I gave props to West Virginia. One glaring stat from the Duke/Butler title game. You don't win many basketball games shooting only 34 percent from the the floor. I love to preach and rant about what I think is wrong with pro and college basketball. Duke is one of the right things and I should praise and applaud them. To be perfectly honest for some reason, I like Mike Krzysewski as much as I do Kobe and LeBron. Which is not at all.
Baseball is back and my favorite Mets moment from opening day wasn't the win or the big names coming through in the clutch. It was seeing them wear the traditional Mets look. The pinstripes with the blue cap. Sorry Fred and Jeff Wilpon, here comes my first slam of Citi Field for 2010. No matter how much of an effort you've made into making the place more Mets history friendly for fans like me, as long as the rotunda has Jackie Robinson's name attached on it, it will never be a true Mets place. Take the stuff and move it to Keyspan park in Brooklyn and rename rotunda after Gil Hodges, Joan Payson or William Shea. Naming the VIP entrances after Tom Seaver, Gil Hodges, and Casey Stengal was nice touch. Putting up the wall hangings and other things also nice. Re-naming the Ebbetts Club the Champions Club, fine with me. The bridge is now named the Shea Bridge. Talk about an insult and slap in the face. You go from having the old stadium being after you, to getting your name attached to gimmick in the new place. Two recommendations for the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum. Put up a replica of the Kiner's Korner set where the fans could either sit behind Ralph's desk or in one of the chairs where the players sat. Also have some car builder/restorer guys make up one of the old bullpen carts that you saw pitchers rode to the mound on from the 70's.
What in the h-e-double hockey sticks were the Philadelphia Eagles thinking trading Donovan McNabb in the first place and to make matters worse to the Redskins? You don't trade a franchise player to a hated division rival. Not now, not ever, never! Ask the Boston RedSox and some guy named Babe Ruth.
Enough about Eldrick Woods. Just let the guy play some golf please.
After reading about former Giant running back Tiki Barber and his recent revelations and indiscretions, I've looked it up and according to the Chinese calendar not only is this is the year of the tiger it is also the year of marital infidelity.
If you haven't seen the latest HBO sports documentary about the rivalry between Earvin Johnson and Larry Bird, its a must see.
I'm already looking forward to next season for the Phantoms, because this one can't end soon enough.
If BYU does come and play a basketball game against Vermont at the Civic Center later this year it would be that totally cool.
I'd like to think that I'm in the majority of men who thinks without the glasses Tina Fey is a stunning looking woman and she's got the intelligence as well. Talk about a total package. Bonus news guys. She'll be playing Sarah Palin for a little while longer.
Got to finish raking the yard this weekend and if the weather co-operates maybe I'll plant those rhubarb plants I bought.
Note to CBS: Enough with the reruns on Monday night. Want new episodes now!
Finally, I'm not bringing up the golf. Take a look at the leader board and see who's on top after one round. You'll understand. I don't want the curse to affect him as long as possible...Leccese out.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Easter Beagle is Coming Sunday and other thoughts

Hi There. Sunday is Easter. Another holiday that includes getting together with family and eating ham and lasagna. My family is down south and I have to admit, I'm kind of missing my folks since I've barely seen them in the past 4 months. Don't feel sorry for me though, if the weather cooperates, I'm gonna start raking leaves and cleaning up the yard and accessing the mud piles that are my garden. As for the seedlings inside, it will be separating and replanting weekend. I've got about 25 to 30 little ones that need to be taken care of. Lucky for me I have friends who will take and give many of them good homes.
This has been one of the those weeks where I had to take care of a lot of personal stuff. Get the SUV's oil changed, hair cut (I'm really not liking the sight of those gray hair clippings mixing with the blond ones), get the contact lens situation finally squared away and re-loading the funds for the cell phone.
On to the final four. On one of my brackets had 2 of the final 4, on the other one 1. I'm not conceding the title to Coach K and the Blue Devils just yet. I'm picking Michigan State to win it all. Don't count out West Virginia either. Note to Butler, I know you're playing in your hometown but Lucas Oil Field is not Hinkle Fieldhouse.
I thought Fran McCaffrey might leave Siena, but Iowa was not on my radar for where I thought he'd end up.
At one point in my young life St.John's basketball played an important part in it and Chris Mullin will go down as my favorite college player of all time. It just shows how times and the Big East have changed when Johnnies were having such a hard time trying to find a new coach. Steve Lavin is good guy, he just doesn't seem East Coast enough for me. Have you seen his wife? She'll be getting as much camera time as he does.
Tim Welch got the job at Hofstra, so for all you fired coaches out there, just exile yourself to Bristol Tech for a cushy tv job. Sooner or later some AD will see you and you'll have that new coaching gig.
Why are people making such a big deal and going sentimental over the fact that the ECHL's Johnstown Chiefs are moving to South Carolina. They're comparing it to the movie "SlapShot." It's unfortunate, however its business.
There's a part of me that's glad the Phantoms are not making the playoffs. Note to the parent club. Here's your goal for next year. Bigger, stronger, faster forwards who are not afraid to crash the net.
I read where a motorcycle group on the west coast is planning a ride in support of Jesse James. That would be like a group of golfers holding a golf cart rally with clubs in hand in support of Tiger Woods.
I'm worried about the "Big Bang Theory." This years season finale has Sheldon getting a girlfriend. I can see it happening to Raj, but Sheldon's devotion to his work and his hobbies and his total lack of interest in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship of any shape or form is what makes him interesting. On second thought since Dan and John think I'm the real life Sheldon, could this be a sign of things to come. Nah, I didn't think so.
On to this weeks sign of the apocalypse and trust me there were many candidates. But it goes to the fine people in the publishing field. First the two morons who host the morning show on Bristol Tech radio have co-written a book. It gets worse. Ronnie and J-Woww from that great tv series Jersey Shore are going to write a book called, "Never fall in love at the Jersey Shore, a guide to living like a guido." I'm speechless over this one.
Opening day in baseball is Sunday night and the gag order on insulting where the Mets play there homes games officially ends. Yes!!!!Leccese out.