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!

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!!!

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?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.