Hi there. This weeks entry (number 275 if you're keeping count) was supposed to be a short simple one that talked about the AFC and NFC championship games. Well I go to check my e-mails and the headline read, "Bucs to hire Schiano." I click on the headline and my heart sank. I was a quarterback who just got sacked by the legendary Leroy Selmon. The Tampa Bay Bucs were able to do what the University of Miami and Michigan couldn't do. Convince Greg Schiano to leave Rutgers for their head coaching job. Look I understand that change is part of what makes the world go round, and it was inevitable that the coach would leave someday for greener pastures. When it happens though, you're never prepared. Let me say this about Greg Schiano, if it weren't for him the only thing people would know about Rutgers football is that they played in the first college game against Princeton back in the 1860's. I've been a Rutgers fan since high school when my close friend Eddie Farley got a scholarship to play football for Dick Anderson when he became head coach at the school. So for about 20 years I had nothing to cheer about. Rutgers was that bad. Greg Schiano changed the losing culture into winning. It took a couple of years. Convinced great kids like Brian Leonard and Ray Rice to play for Rutgers and they started winning and got them to bowl games. He also ran a clean program and his kids were student athletes who graduated. You see Rutgers alums being drafted and playing in the NFL. Think about that kid Eric LeGrand. Greg Schiano was at his bed side every night after that accident on the field. Look at Eric LeGrand now and how's he's doing. He's going to walk again someday. Who ever Tim Pernetti chooses, that person has to replace the guy who made Rutgers relevant! Big shoes to fill. I compare the job Greg Schiano did at Rutgers to that of Bill Snyder at Kansas State. He took a program that was so low down on the totem pole and took them to heights that no one thought was possible.
As for the AFC and NFC championship games. They were amazing games and that's what makes the NFL so special at times. Both were classic 15 round heavyweight title fights and unfortunately only 2 had to be left standing. I was happy about the two that were left standing.
Joe Paterno's recent death reminded me of the passing of another coaching legend, Paul "Bear" Bryant. One month after he retired, he was gone. Don't judge Joe Paterno by what happened in the end and the Jerry Sandusky stuff. Remember him for all the good he did for Penn State and college athletics in general.
One non sports story. Tim Gunn of fashion and style fame said he hasn't had sex in 29 years. He's hasn't missed it. Good for him. I know that I'm not the most sexually experienced male on the planet. It's been the butt of many jokes among my friends and co-workers and I don't mind the barbs at all. I joke about it all the time. I'm not ashamed of it. Come on, I tell my listeners that two movies have been made about my life. "The 40 year old Virgin" and "Failure to Launch." However, in defense of my virginity I was brought up to believe and still do that you do it for the right reason. You love someone and it's part of the relationship process. I haven't met that person yet. I have had opportunities, but it wasn't right. The consequences weren't worth it. I hope that makes sense.
Superbowl prediction next week and thanks Coach Schiano, Piscataway won't be the same without you and that's what worries me...Leccese out.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Super Bowl picks and other thoughts
Hi there. So my parents have left for their 3 month stay at the southern fortress of solitude in Fripp Island SC and what comes, SNOW. Great timing huh.
First in this edition is Super Bowl picks. Last week 3 for 4 with my only loss being the Giants. A few observations on the games from last weekend. The Niner team that you see now is nothing like the Joe Montana led teams from the 80's and early 90's. They were a finesse team that short passed and ran like the wind after the catch you to death. This years' edition plays a nasty defense and runs the ball effectively setting up the pass. The Saints only problem was the Niners got the ball last.
Rob Gronkowski is a stud tight end period and Adrian Hernandez compliments him well for the Patriots. Now if Bill Belichick remembers how coach a defense like he did with the Giants...I don't want to think about how good they will be again.
Ravens playing over their heads but are just doing enough to win.
Joe Flacco is becoming everyone's whipping boy. Ed Reed calls him out, and the other day one of his neighbors actually contacted the Ravens front office to let them know he was riding a skateboard in his driveway!
As for the Giants. They're not intimidated by a hostile crowd, because they have to deal with the home fans when they stink up the Meadowlands. Eli Manning was asked if he thought he was an elite quarterback along the lines of Brady, Rodgers, Big Ben in Pittsburgh and Drew Brees. He honestly answered yes and people laughed. Um, I think he's backed up those words.
Super Bowl Prediction. Patriots and the Giants in two weeks in Indy.
On to other things.
There is this product out there called "bacon lube." It's a bacon flavored and scented massage oil. The notion of rubbing a bacon scented oil on a woman's back is repulsive. I can picture it. Dim lights, candles, Marvin Gaye's 'Let's get it on" playing in the background and you're rubbing a hickory or apple wood smoked bacon oil on your girlfriend or wife's back while in the mood. I'm not thinking intimacy or intercourse, I'm thinking "what's for brunch and pass me a Mimosa."
I was disappointed when I didn't make the cut for that story on Glens Falls most eligible bachelors.
Last week it was Hostess bakeries and this week Kodak corporation filed for bankruptcy protection. Who's next, IBM?
I've got not one, but two "This weeks sign of the apocalypse." Leading off, Lady GaGa is working with Harvard University to launch, "The Born this Way" foundation. Not in my lifetime would you think that would happen. I figured she would be honored by the schools' "Hasty Pudding" drama club.
Second one comes from Utah where the PC police swat team are at it again. Corner Canyon High School is scheduled to open in September of 2013. They let the students choose the mascot. The students chose the name, "Cougars" because of its closeness to BYU. The school board overruled the students and changed the name to Chargers because they thought the name "Cougars" would be offensive to older women! I live in Chestertown and I have yet to be asked to sign a petition by any middle age women wanting to change North Warren's mascot for that same reason.
Finally say a prayer for Gary Carter. "The Kid" has been fighting brain cancer and doctors found more tumors. It's not looking good. What a heck of ball player he was and an even better person...Leccese out.
First in this edition is Super Bowl picks. Last week 3 for 4 with my only loss being the Giants. A few observations on the games from last weekend. The Niner team that you see now is nothing like the Joe Montana led teams from the 80's and early 90's. They were a finesse team that short passed and ran like the wind after the catch you to death. This years' edition plays a nasty defense and runs the ball effectively setting up the pass. The Saints only problem was the Niners got the ball last.
Rob Gronkowski is a stud tight end period and Adrian Hernandez compliments him well for the Patriots. Now if Bill Belichick remembers how coach a defense like he did with the Giants...I don't want to think about how good they will be again.
Ravens playing over their heads but are just doing enough to win.
Joe Flacco is becoming everyone's whipping boy. Ed Reed calls him out, and the other day one of his neighbors actually contacted the Ravens front office to let them know he was riding a skateboard in his driveway!
As for the Giants. They're not intimidated by a hostile crowd, because they have to deal with the home fans when they stink up the Meadowlands. Eli Manning was asked if he thought he was an elite quarterback along the lines of Brady, Rodgers, Big Ben in Pittsburgh and Drew Brees. He honestly answered yes and people laughed. Um, I think he's backed up those words.
Super Bowl Prediction. Patriots and the Giants in two weeks in Indy.
On to other things.
There is this product out there called "bacon lube." It's a bacon flavored and scented massage oil. The notion of rubbing a bacon scented oil on a woman's back is repulsive. I can picture it. Dim lights, candles, Marvin Gaye's 'Let's get it on" playing in the background and you're rubbing a hickory or apple wood smoked bacon oil on your girlfriend or wife's back while in the mood. I'm not thinking intimacy or intercourse, I'm thinking "what's for brunch and pass me a Mimosa."
I was disappointed when I didn't make the cut for that story on Glens Falls most eligible bachelors.
Last week it was Hostess bakeries and this week Kodak corporation filed for bankruptcy protection. Who's next, IBM?
I've got not one, but two "This weeks sign of the apocalypse." Leading off, Lady GaGa is working with Harvard University to launch, "The Born this Way" foundation. Not in my lifetime would you think that would happen. I figured she would be honored by the schools' "Hasty Pudding" drama club.
Second one comes from Utah where the PC police swat team are at it again. Corner Canyon High School is scheduled to open in September of 2013. They let the students choose the mascot. The students chose the name, "Cougars" because of its closeness to BYU. The school board overruled the students and changed the name to Chargers because they thought the name "Cougars" would be offensive to older women! I live in Chestertown and I have yet to be asked to sign a petition by any middle age women wanting to change North Warren's mascot for that same reason.
Finally say a prayer for Gary Carter. "The Kid" has been fighting brain cancer and doctors found more tumors. It's not looking good. What a heck of ball player he was and an even better person...Leccese out.
Friday, January 13, 2012
I am becoming Sheldon Cooper after all
Hi there. Well here we are and winter has finally arrived in our glorious tri-county area. Not much going on, but we do have some things to talk about.
First off NFL picks where on wild card weekend I went 2 for 4. Wins for the Giants and Saints, and losses on the Steelers and Bengals. Two observations from last weekends games. The Steelers looked like an old, beat up football team against the Broncos who can play some serious defense. The other one I have is for the first time in the two year history of the new Meadowlands stadium, Giants fans finally made the place feel like the old one that was across the parking lot where Lawrence Taylor, Simms, Parcells and Co. would make opposing teams lives miserable come December and January.
As for this weeks picks. Niners, Ravens, Patriots, and although my heart says go with the Giants, my head says take the Packers and that's my pick...The Packers
Maybe you've heard of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx or the Madden football video game cover jinx, Could there be a Post Star article curse? Well where I live in Chestertown they might believe it. Some nice articles have been written about the recent success of both the boys and girls basketball teams at North Warren. The Cougars boys team lost a couple of games and the girls team has been hit with the injury bug and have to play unbeaten Argyle tonight. The WWSC curse only seem to affect free throw shooters. We'll mention during the broadcast that a person or team hasn't missed a free throw and bazinga! Brick layer!
In our show prep there was a story of how some parents are upset with General Mills for coming out with Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios. With all the sugar loaded cereals out there, aren't their other cereals to boycott. We are talking Cheerios here. I don't ever remember Honey Nut Cheerios being boycotted. I just finished a box of the Peanut Butter ones and they are good.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Hostess Company has declared bankruptcy. I didn't think cutting back on my Twinkee, Ho-Ho, and Suzie Q intake would cause that much financial trouble. My apologies.
So I go into the new coffee shop that is a couple of steps down from the radio station to buy a chocolate chip cookie. Great place, you should stop in and try it by the way. Back to the story. I look up from staring into the display case and I see one of the fitness instructors from Core sitting at one of the tables there. Make a nice little wave. Awkward moment to say the least. I might have to do some extra crunches or push ups to wipe away the guilt.
If J-Woww does Dancing with the Stars, I may have to watch. On second thought, no.
The more and more I watch , "The Big Bang Theory" I'm discovering that I truly am Sheldon Cooper after all. I have a couple of female friends who could fit the Penny bill. Still looking for the, "Amy." I hate when Dan Miner and John Pratt are right...Leccese out.
First off NFL picks where on wild card weekend I went 2 for 4. Wins for the Giants and Saints, and losses on the Steelers and Bengals. Two observations from last weekends games. The Steelers looked like an old, beat up football team against the Broncos who can play some serious defense. The other one I have is for the first time in the two year history of the new Meadowlands stadium, Giants fans finally made the place feel like the old one that was across the parking lot where Lawrence Taylor, Simms, Parcells and Co. would make opposing teams lives miserable come December and January.
As for this weeks picks. Niners, Ravens, Patriots, and although my heart says go with the Giants, my head says take the Packers and that's my pick...The Packers
Maybe you've heard of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx or the Madden football video game cover jinx, Could there be a Post Star article curse? Well where I live in Chestertown they might believe it. Some nice articles have been written about the recent success of both the boys and girls basketball teams at North Warren. The Cougars boys team lost a couple of games and the girls team has been hit with the injury bug and have to play unbeaten Argyle tonight. The WWSC curse only seem to affect free throw shooters. We'll mention during the broadcast that a person or team hasn't missed a free throw and bazinga! Brick layer!
In our show prep there was a story of how some parents are upset with General Mills for coming out with Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios. With all the sugar loaded cereals out there, aren't their other cereals to boycott. We are talking Cheerios here. I don't ever remember Honey Nut Cheerios being boycotted. I just finished a box of the Peanut Butter ones and they are good.
This weeks sign of the apocalypse. Hostess Company has declared bankruptcy. I didn't think cutting back on my Twinkee, Ho-Ho, and Suzie Q intake would cause that much financial trouble. My apologies.
So I go into the new coffee shop that is a couple of steps down from the radio station to buy a chocolate chip cookie. Great place, you should stop in and try it by the way. Back to the story. I look up from staring into the display case and I see one of the fitness instructors from Core sitting at one of the tables there. Make a nice little wave. Awkward moment to say the least. I might have to do some extra crunches or push ups to wipe away the guilt.
If J-Woww does Dancing with the Stars, I may have to watch. On second thought, no.
The more and more I watch , "The Big Bang Theory" I'm discovering that I truly am Sheldon Cooper after all. I have a couple of female friends who could fit the Penny bill. Still looking for the, "Amy." I hate when Dan Miner and John Pratt are right...Leccese out.
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Invasion of the seed catalogs have begun
Hi there. Happy New Year. I assume an overwhelming majority of you loyal readers did not ring in the new year like I did. In bed by 9:30pm and in a deep sleep not knowing whether the new year arrived or not.
O.K. its Wild Card weekend in the NFL and before I give you my picks, a re-cap of last weeks five. 2 for 5. Wins for the Chargers and the Cincinnati Bearcats in their bowl game. OT loss for Va Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Texans go for the win and botch a 2 point conversion and lose to the Titans on the final play, and finally there was West Virginia's 70 - 33 drubbing of Clemson in the Orange Bowl. I didn't see that one coming. Wild card weekend picks plus a bowl game. Bowl game. K-State over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. NFL picks. Bengals, Saints, Giants and Steelers.
After looking at some of the scores in these bowl games, I would be very afraid if I were a defensive co-ordinator at a major college program.
Offensively these no huddle, spread, shotgun, pistol formations are driving me nuts. It must make the defensive guys wake up with nightmares screaming audibles watching qb's at the line of scrimmage moving their arms pointing out schemes and a speed of sound pace like they've downed 3 or 4 of those energy drinks loaded with caffeine.
If 2010 was the year of marital infidelity, 2011 should go down as the year of celebrity divorces. Katy Perry and Russell Brand no longer together after only 1 year.
Moving on. The invasion of the seed catalogs have arrived at the Garden Boys' home. The count is currently 9 and growing. And you thought the Christmas catalogs from gourmet food companies were endless.
I enjoyed the everything about the NHL Winter Classic, but I have to agree with John Tortorella about the officiating. I've mentioned this before: If the coaches and players have to address the media, so should the officials to explain calls and be under the same scrutiny.
I felt like a kid again watching the Alumni game. Seeing the Ranger players I grew up idolizing playing against some of the Flyer greats of the Broad Street Bullies of the 70's. You should have your hockey fan card taken away from you if you didn't get a chill seeing Bernie Parent play goal for those 5 minutes.
Three days into 2012 and states are holding caucuses and primaries that will affect the presidential election which occurs 10 months later. Is there any way we can like shrink the campaign time? The primary season goes on forever til like May. Then the lull until the conventions in August or early September followed by debates and the actual voting.
Tiger Woods ex Elin Nordegren buys a 12 million dollar mansion and bulldozes the thing to build something else on the property. I would love to see a place like that imploded with explosives shown on tv like they do old skyscrapers or sports stadiums.
Since I have Directv it doesn't affect me, but I'm feeling sorry for my Time Warner friends who've lost MSG Network over the usual right fees. The only thing I care about when it comes to MSG is the whole Buffalo Sabres bs.
I've changed my relationship status to "single" on my Facebook page. It's no longer complicated. It stopped being funny.
Well I've made through one week of the kindlier, gentler, less angry Ken Leccese. Giving up sarcasm is harder than I thought. I'm comparing this to being a batter at the plate. The pitcher gives him one right in his wheel house and instead of swinging for the fences, he keeps the bat on the shoulder and takes a called strike...Leccese out.
O.K. its Wild Card weekend in the NFL and before I give you my picks, a re-cap of last weeks five. 2 for 5. Wins for the Chargers and the Cincinnati Bearcats in their bowl game. OT loss for Va Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Texans go for the win and botch a 2 point conversion and lose to the Titans on the final play, and finally there was West Virginia's 70 - 33 drubbing of Clemson in the Orange Bowl. I didn't see that one coming. Wild card weekend picks plus a bowl game. Bowl game. K-State over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. NFL picks. Bengals, Saints, Giants and Steelers.
After looking at some of the scores in these bowl games, I would be very afraid if I were a defensive co-ordinator at a major college program.
Offensively these no huddle, spread, shotgun, pistol formations are driving me nuts. It must make the defensive guys wake up with nightmares screaming audibles watching qb's at the line of scrimmage moving their arms pointing out schemes and a speed of sound pace like they've downed 3 or 4 of those energy drinks loaded with caffeine.
If 2010 was the year of marital infidelity, 2011 should go down as the year of celebrity divorces. Katy Perry and Russell Brand no longer together after only 1 year.
Moving on. The invasion of the seed catalogs have arrived at the Garden Boys' home. The count is currently 9 and growing. And you thought the Christmas catalogs from gourmet food companies were endless.
I enjoyed the everything about the NHL Winter Classic, but I have to agree with John Tortorella about the officiating. I've mentioned this before: If the coaches and players have to address the media, so should the officials to explain calls and be under the same scrutiny.
I felt like a kid again watching the Alumni game. Seeing the Ranger players I grew up idolizing playing against some of the Flyer greats of the Broad Street Bullies of the 70's. You should have your hockey fan card taken away from you if you didn't get a chill seeing Bernie Parent play goal for those 5 minutes.
Three days into 2012 and states are holding caucuses and primaries that will affect the presidential election which occurs 10 months later. Is there any way we can like shrink the campaign time? The primary season goes on forever til like May. Then the lull until the conventions in August or early September followed by debates and the actual voting.
Tiger Woods ex Elin Nordegren buys a 12 million dollar mansion and bulldozes the thing to build something else on the property. I would love to see a place like that imploded with explosives shown on tv like they do old skyscrapers or sports stadiums.
Since I have Directv it doesn't affect me, but I'm feeling sorry for my Time Warner friends who've lost MSG Network over the usual right fees. The only thing I care about when it comes to MSG is the whole Buffalo Sabres bs.
I've changed my relationship status to "single" on my Facebook page. It's no longer complicated. It stopped being funny.
Well I've made through one week of the kindlier, gentler, less angry Ken Leccese. Giving up sarcasm is harder than I thought. I'm comparing this to being a batter at the plate. The pitcher gives him one right in his wheel house and instead of swinging for the fences, he keeps the bat on the shoulder and takes a called strike...Leccese out.
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