1.31.2009

One and Six

That's my basketball team's record. We lost a heartbreaker at the buzzer today, 22-20. With 10 seconds left, we stole the ball, and one of my boys went up for a 3; and got fouled. You get 3 foul shots, he made 2 - tie game. Then with 4.6 seconds left the other team inbounded and their best player (he's actually the best player in the league) ran the court and took an 8 ft jumper with the clock ticking. Nothing but net. Good shot, good win. Hats off to the other team.

In case I never mentioned it, I also coach a clinic team of boys in 1st and 2nd grade. My youngest son is in 2nd, and this is his last year playing at this level. This is a good group of boys, but the level is 100% not organized well - I have 12 boys and 1 assistant coach. Every other team has 10 boys and three coaches total. Rough. As all my teams in hoops, we are Tenacious D, and I don't mean Jack Black's side project. I can't wait until this is finished and we're on to baseball all the time.

I like basketball, don't get me wrong. When I was a lad, I used to attend the Pocono Invitational Basketball Camp annually. But my Irish genes stopped me just short of 6' - so when I got to HS, it was adios, muchacho. In my town, the people running hoops would seem to have agendas. Oh well, I'll survive.

So while I'm on my soapbox - it's time to begin a new blog soon, exposing the unrelenting BS that occurs in my town's government. I'm still mulling it over - but the dominoes are falling.

Tick, tick, tick.

1.30.2009

Bowling Anyone?


Not me.


I get an e-mail today from one of the crew - "hey, my wife told me you (and your wife) aren't bowling on Saturday (PTO outing)".


Let me clarify. I don't bowl. Anytime. Ever.


Maybe it's because the patron saint of bowling looks like a televangelist. Could be I'm a little skeeved out about the bad Eddie Van Halen style shoes, or the fact that most bowlers look like they would benefit from a salad. Could be the whole league thing - the terrible shirts, untucked; the arm guards, worn by all, and looking like a bit of falconry is underway; the way people polish and shine their balls. YIKES.


Now I have no doubt that long-lasting kinship has evolved over a game or two. And that the incredibly sedentary get some exercise at the local alley. But I'll bet the no smoking rule has chapped the a** of many a striker, who wants to puff away, drink a couple of longnecks and high-five his teammates on that tough 7-10 split or 3-8 pickup.


Count me out chubby.

1.28.2009

Wednesday Gomez

Had to have some name for this post. And I've decided to ramble.

What to report? Well, weather is still on the sh***ugary side, if you can grab my meaning. Snow and rain and sleet and wind and bitter cold. Nice if your an eskimo (what is the PC name for eskimos anyway?) or a polar bear. Not so nice if you don't like the cold and the joys of winter.

Boys Basketball team finally won first game - after 5 losses. We are hard luck. In six games we have only had a max of 6 players attend any single game due to injury, illness or parental stupidity. But we put an ugly one together to win one against a team who housed us in the first game of the season. Now we play another 6 regular season games, so maybe we can get back to a respectable level. At least the boys got the W and can feel a little better about themselves.

Boys Travel Baseball is on hiatus, due to SB Sunday - nobody wants to practice (well parents don't want to come down) so we leave it open. We have about 6 weeks to our first game and we need to get rolling.

Missed Lost tonight due to PAL meetings - so now I have to watch on the 'net to keep up. In other TV thoughts:
24 - dumb and dead. They should end this farce after this loooooong day is over.
Fringe - great show - but I have no idea what is going on. I do like the two Bishop fellas though. Funny guys.
Supernatural - has actually become the best show on TV - but only me and one other loyal viewer (Hey BM!) know it. I have no doubt some suit is drawing a redline through it right now...
Ghost Hunters - why does SciFi only show these one night a week. Hey SF - instead of the terrible movies you play on Saturday, how about a rerun of these great shows.
Cops/America's Most Wanted - if you don't like these shows you are a loser. And John Walsh deserves everyone's respect.
VH1 Reality Shows- a trainwreck, every one of them. Highly entertaining.
Smallville - can Clark become Superman already?

That's enough -now go away.

1.25.2009

THE CAPS LOCK POST


HEY HOW IS IT GOING !~


NOTHING GOING ON HERE BUT U SHOULD CHECK _____ OUT !~


WHATEVER _ SO LET ME KNOW AND I WILL DO SAME... :)




(Dedicated to all of the people who send me e-mails or post on forums and refuse to turn off the Caps Lock button, use spell check, or use proper syntax!)

1.24.2009

The Hitman


Just finished reading Hitman, an autobiography by Bret Hart, the wrestling legend. Fast and interesting read - even if your not a mark.


Back in the '90's, The Hart Foundation and the Hitman were some of the biggest stars in wrestling and the WWF (before they lost the name and changed it to WWE)- and the book covers all that and more including the early years in Calgary working for his father's Stampede territory. Pulls no punches and skewers the likes of Hogan, as well as Hickenbottom and Levesque (aka HBK and Triple H). The final quarter or so deals with Owen's death and Bret's stroke and family issues. Highly recommended.
SoulSlam was a big wrestling fan in back in the day... but never a huge fan of the McMahon brand. Now I watch occasionally, more like TNA, but it's not the same. After reading, I realized the guys I tremendously dislike (see above) had cause for my scorn. Funny how that turns out.


1.23.2009

A Review of Sorts

I don't profess to be some type of TV maven who can critique the ins and outs of the old boobtube. I like what I like. Not a lot of shows hold my interest. When I find a show I do like, I watch feverishly. I like complex plots. Not big in comedies (since Seinfeld went away). Hate Dr. and Hospital shows. Like that.

Lost came back on Wednesday - two hours worth. And it was good, not great. Kind of jumped around and "answered" some questions, as the creators promised. Big deal. I did like the surprising character returning from the dead in LA. We'll see. I'm sure it will be fine.

Another show I watch is Supernatural. Love it. Which means it is probably going to get cancelled. But anyway, last night's episode was titled "Criss Angel is a Douchebag" - now that is a great name for a show, and I couldn't agree more.

And I can't get enough MLB Network. Hot Stove is the best show on TV.

I'm out, gotta go.

1.19.2009

Day Off

Took today off since the kids had off from school. My sons invited a couple of pals for a sleepover, so I am relegated to the rooms they aren't in at any particular time. Good thing I got another Sony HDTV (sweet).

Had baseball practice last night, and one of the boys came down with his maternal unit to tell me he decided not to play anymore. I have always impressed on players and parents that travel baseball (that lasts 8 to 9 months) requires commitment, and this boy couldn't make that happen. Apparently he likes playing ball, but does not like the competition, which makes him a "Rec Star" - no disrespect intended. Good luck.

Lost starts this week. About time.

And Cardinals - Steelers in two weeks for all the marbles. I'm in third place in my fantasy playoff pool with Larry Fitzgerald and Heath Miller my remaining players. Problem is, somebody else has Warner, so unless Mr. Kurt gets hurt or the punter starts flinging TD passes, I am out.

1.17.2009

I Predict

Enjoy this lost classic!




Anyway - Ravens over Steelers (just to make waves with the fans of Pittsburgh) and Cards over Eagles (because I can't stand Philly teams).

1.16.2009

A Different World

Back to the cold (and I mean frigid) North. And not a moment too soon.

Now don't get me wrong - I found Richmond, Va. a charming place (I'm expanding my vocabulary). Just a few things though -
  • There are a lot of fast food places, more than I've ever seen anywhere else
  • The 7-Eleven's in Va. are just as dirty as the ones in NJ
  • I-95 is a road to everywhere and nowhere at the same time. (Put that in your existential pipe and smoke it!)
  • I have only seen Food Lion in Va.
  • Fried Catfish is the Wednesday special at the Holiday Inn
  • People move a little slower than I typically like
  • There are no professional sports teams in the Richmond area but plenty of Minor league stuff
  • Newscasters are not very good looking (happens in less happening markets)
  • Burger King has an Angry Whopper

So that is what I got. And before I leave I would like to wish the gentleman purchasing 3 big cans of Schlitz Malt Liquor and a couple of packs of menthol at 6:00 AM at the Wawa a great weekend! A quick start is a good start I guess!

1.13.2009

Drivin'

That's me... a drivin' fool! My company is feeling the economical crush and has decided to limit business travel to all 'non-sales' personnel. That's me. So I was asked to take a trip to see a customer this week in the great state of Virginia. And since that can be driven (it's only 350 miles or so), that is what SoulSlam is doing. Tomorrow I drive for a good six or seven, see the customer Thursday, then drive six or seven back on Friday. I'll leave by 6:00AM and get an early start to my weekend. WHEEEEE!!!!!


So due to injuries (major ones), my Boys Basketball (4th/5th grade) is now down to five total. And out of five, two understand and can play the game, another is a terror on the court but gets stuffed on every shot due to his vertical limitations (he's very short!), and two seem to daydream on the court. We play two 20-minute halves, so that's a lot of up and down for anybody. We haven't won yet, we're trying, but it might never happen until we get one of the injured reserve back. Tough.


And last - a big congratulations to Mr. Mickey Rourke on the Golden Globe win. Once again, SoulSlam was there first. That's self-praise in it's finest glory, folks!!!

1.11.2009

Upset Saturday and Odds and Ends

Glad I didn't postulate about the faves winning on playoff Saturday! Yikes.

Giants-Eagles on right now, Eagles up 7-3 as the result of a turnover. And even though I'm a North Jersey kind of guy, I'm not a Giant (is that NY or NJ) kind of guy. But I do have Eli as my (lone remaining) fantasy playoff QB - so I need the Manningman to win here today. (as of yesterday before gametime I was in 2nd place!)

Snow again yesterday - when is Spring?

24 starts tonight. Hope it lives up to expectations.

Did anyone order a Snuggie for their loved ones this holiday season? (I would link to their website for your convenience but it locked up by PC!)

My opinion about Bernie Madoff - think Reservoir Dogs, Michael Madsen, Stealer's Wheel and a straight razor!

Hockey? Who cares?


And in baseball news (I know that is why you are here!) - Program had an optional workout this morning (in a gym, we're not sadists) for our two teams. Four boys from each showed - maybe the weather, couple went to the game, etc. Here is a bit of wisdom for any player 'on the bubble': show up for each and every workout possible. Attitude goes a long way - if you think that you are guaranteed a position, you are mistaken. I always look for boys who want to play ball as being the boys I want on the field. They give you their all, all the time.

1.09.2009

Season Begins

Couldn't wait until tomorrow (when it snows again)...

Had our first team practice for 10U travel baseball tonight - great new facility in Wayne, NJ called Overtime Sports - had both teams from the program there from 8:30-10PM, with full use of the facilities. Super.

Boys look pretty good considering that a couple probably pulled their gloves out of the garage at 7PM tonight - coming along. The Year of the Blue Devil is upon us.

1.07.2009

Winter Weather

Here in the Northeast, we have had the worst stretch of weather I can remember since a week before Christmas. Today, we have ice everywhere, freezing rain, and the real possibility that the flooding will begin soon. Nice. Not.

So the kids had delayed opening for school, and I decided to take the day off work (I'm entitled since I worked all through the holidays while my boss, peers and co-workers all took vacation!) - so I watched a movie I really enjoy - Frequency starring Jim Caveziel, Dennis Quaid, Andre Braugher and Elizabeth Mitchell. Check it out - great premise and the Amazin' Mets win the '69 series as a bonus. Anyway, Ms. Mitchell and the villain of the movie, Shawn Doyle, both appear on ABC's Lost, which I found kind of ironic. But that is me.

Last night, my 4th/5th grade basketball team got housed. I don't mind losing, but I do mind when coaches run up the score and continue to fastbreak and run half-court traps. In a rec league. Get a life coach.

OUT.

1.04.2009

Handicapper

Great picks Saturday, SS! Which makes me wonder - could I pick the winner in a one horse race?

At least my playoff fantasy team isn't in last place.

1.03.2009

The January Man

I am not the January Man - but I'm real busy this time of year. And now it's 2009 and there are all kind of resolutions and looking forward kind of attitudes. A new day so to speak. Good.

My resolution? I haven't completely decided on a major one. I'll let you know when I do.

Basketball is in full swing - gets going this week with games. Then it's a couple of months of non-stop hoops. Great for the kids. Travel baseball begins practicing this Friday night as well - cannot wait for that. Great things for our program this year, I can feel it in my bones.

And now for the SoulSlam Football Predictions for this weekend-

Falcon over Cardinals
Colts over Chargers
Ravens over Dolphins
Vikings over Eagles

Book 'em Dano.