I'm sitting in my office the other day and a faint jingle caught my attention. It was difficult to hear over the clacking keyboards and voices in the office, but there it was again.. Jingle Jingle.....
OH My.............. Here we are again. Thanksgiving is still 2 weeks away and there are Christmas songs on the radio. Worse yet they are playing on the station that is forced down our throats over the intercom system in the office.
Don't get me wrong. I love the Holidays. The family, cheer,, everything really. I actually like to shop Christmas Eve because I like the atmosphere. Christmas eve shopping gets a bad rap from housewives that want to go shopping in October.... The men, and yes they are always men, that are shopping Christmas Eve are generally cheerful and in the spirit, but this is beside my point.
When did the holiday Season get moved up to November 1st? I'm my world Thanksgiving was its own Holiday, celebrated for its own reasons, with the Christmas season starting a couple weeks later in December. These days everything is wrapped up into the "Holiday Season" uggggh.....
Well this year I'm going on strike. Yes that is correct I'm going to picket the "Holiday Season" I will no longer recognize the term "Holiday Season" as understandable terminology.
Wish me a Merry Christmas (after December 1st)
Say Happy Thanksgiving.
Wish me Happy Holidays and I will look at you like I cant tell if you are a talking green broccoli spear or a hallucination caused by excessive Turkey breast consumption.
Oh yea and for god sake.. No Christmas until December. We like it but not for 2 months straight, 8 hours a day.
Happy Hol..errrrr Happy Thanksgiving.... Come back in 3 weeks for the rest.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
1 - 0
Philles looked anemic yesterday. Im willing to bet that this was the first time in 163 games that Rollins, Utley, Howard all took a collar.
Lets hope Kendrick throws a ton of ground balls Thursday and Philly can pull a split.
Lets hope Kendrick throws a ton of ground balls Thursday and Philly can pull a split.
Monday, October 1, 2007
9/30/07 Fan Appreciation Day
Its 10:25 am April 24th. I'm looking online to get tickets for the family to go see the Phillies at one of their Fireworks games over the 4th of July weekend. To my dismay the only way to get tickets to one of those games was to pay up for a 4 game pack. I grew up going to the fireworks games. They were one of the few times a year when my family packed up the car and did something together. After becoming both the step-father of an 8 year old as well as a dad to a new born son this year, I was determined the do the same with my new family.
I have to admit that at the time I was not the happiest of Phans. The Phills had started out 4-11 and really had only shown glimpses of what was to come. It appeared that management was trying to use the always sold out fireworks shows to sell tickets to some end of season games that were sure to be duds. All the same I dove in and picked out my 4 pack.
At the time it seemed trivial.. I picked a game against the Mets, one against the Braves, one with the Pirates... Oh what the heck, Fan Appreciation Day against the Nationals, maybe my boy can get some autographs.
As the season progressed my 8 year old boy Shawn and I started watching games on TV. At first just one here and there. After going to the game in July we were seeing at least 2 games a week.
Ill digress for a second. It isn't easy being a step dad. Building trust, respect and love isn't something that just happens because you are there everyday. It takes persistence, patience, and well..... luck.
After catching our second game; a blowout of the Pirates with the Phills scoring 8 runs in, I think, the 7th, we were watching every game of the week on the tube. The Phills were really fun to watch. Shawn had a different hero every day of the week (Utley, Howard, Rollins, Hammels, ect..... I could go on) Out of nowhere Shawn was telling me the averages and stats of the guys on the team from memory.
We were really enjoying the season (together) even if the wild card was still a long shot. August was coming to a close and we only had one more game to go see. 9/30/07 We talked about what would have to happen for the Phills to make the playoffs. I had to be honest with the kid, "I think they are gonna give it a try but its a long shot buddy." Even so we'll have fun the last game of the year and see them one more time.
Then it happened. win, win, win, a sweep of the Mets. hmmmm I thought.... naaaaa
win, win, win, win, another sweep of the Mets. ummmmmm
It seemed like overnight, well ok it was 2 weeks, the Phills turned the NL East into a playground while the Mets were tripping over themselves all the way to the finish.
Before we knew it we were holding tickets to what would become the single greatest sporting event I have ever witnessed.
9/30/07 Fan Appreciation Day.
The game itself has been rehashed in dozens of articles so I'm not going there, but this was special. Rollins was 2 for 3 with a triple, Howard homered, and Jamie Moyer was apparently throwing whiffle balls. That was nice. We went nuts along with 45 thousand others even before the game started as they flashed the Mets score, 7-0 fish.
Could it really happen???
The 9th inning came along. The left field scoreboard flashed the news.,. FINAL: FLA 8- NY 1
Myers took the rock and slammed the door. The pile on the mound grew, Citizens Bank Park went berserk.
I had an 8 year old on my shoulders watching his hero have the best day of his life; and it sure was the best day of MY life.
Thank You Phillies. Thanks for making me buy 4 games. Thanks for fighting all the way to the end. Thanks for playing your hearts out. Thanks for giving a father and son something in common to build upon.
9/30/07 Fan Appreciation Day..................11 More to go.
I have to admit that at the time I was not the happiest of Phans. The Phills had started out 4-11 and really had only shown glimpses of what was to come. It appeared that management was trying to use the always sold out fireworks shows to sell tickets to some end of season games that were sure to be duds. All the same I dove in and picked out my 4 pack.
At the time it seemed trivial.. I picked a game against the Mets, one against the Braves, one with the Pirates... Oh what the heck, Fan Appreciation Day against the Nationals, maybe my boy can get some autographs.
As the season progressed my 8 year old boy Shawn and I started watching games on TV. At first just one here and there. After going to the game in July we were seeing at least 2 games a week.
Ill digress for a second. It isn't easy being a step dad. Building trust, respect and love isn't something that just happens because you are there everyday. It takes persistence, patience, and well..... luck.
After catching our second game; a blowout of the Pirates with the Phills scoring 8 runs in, I think, the 7th, we were watching every game of the week on the tube. The Phills were really fun to watch. Shawn had a different hero every day of the week (Utley, Howard, Rollins, Hammels, ect..... I could go on) Out of nowhere Shawn was telling me the averages and stats of the guys on the team from memory.
We were really enjoying the season (together) even if the wild card was still a long shot. August was coming to a close and we only had one more game to go see. 9/30/07 We talked about what would have to happen for the Phills to make the playoffs. I had to be honest with the kid, "I think they are gonna give it a try but its a long shot buddy." Even so we'll have fun the last game of the year and see them one more time.
Then it happened. win, win, win, a sweep of the Mets. hmmmm I thought.... naaaaa
win, win, win, win, another sweep of the Mets. ummmmmm
It seemed like overnight, well ok it was 2 weeks, the Phills turned the NL East into a playground while the Mets were tripping over themselves all the way to the finish.
Before we knew it we were holding tickets to what would become the single greatest sporting event I have ever witnessed.
9/30/07 Fan Appreciation Day.
The game itself has been rehashed in dozens of articles so I'm not going there, but this was special. Rollins was 2 for 3 with a triple, Howard homered, and Jamie Moyer was apparently throwing whiffle balls. That was nice. We went nuts along with 45 thousand others even before the game started as they flashed the Mets score, 7-0 fish.
Could it really happen???
The 9th inning came along. The left field scoreboard flashed the news.,. FINAL: FLA 8- NY 1
Myers took the rock and slammed the door. The pile on the mound grew, Citizens Bank Park went berserk.
I had an 8 year old on my shoulders watching his hero have the best day of his life; and it sure was the best day of MY life.
Thank You Phillies. Thanks for making me buy 4 games. Thanks for fighting all the way to the end. Thanks for playing your hearts out. Thanks for giving a father and son something in common to build upon.
9/30/07 Fan Appreciation Day..................11 More to go.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Comcast and the Big Ten
Personally I'm impartial and would only watch Big Ten Network once in a long while, but there is a lot more to this debate than we see on the surface.
Its been interesting watching the battle between Comcast and the Big Ten Network over the past month. The Big Ten says Comcast doesn't want you to have what you deserve. Comcast says they dont want everyone to have to pay for something not everyone wants.
On the surface this makes sense, but then I realize that Im being forced to pay for about 60 other stations that I really have no interest in. Its dishonest for Comcast to take this approach. Id rather they just be honest and admit they want to earn more for their sports tier rather than try and confuse people into thinking they are for choice.
Comcast and the Cable industry are the BIGGEST opponents of allowing choice in programming. The spend millions to keep people from being able to select their own channels ala carte. All of a sudden it is convenient for them to say we are doing this because not everyone wants it.. As if everyone wants 7 home improvement channels, or 6 children's networks.
This would be a much less offensive argument for Comcast to be making if Sports wasn't the only special tier. Let me select the Package that has HD, sports, news, educational and movies and cuts out the home improvement, shopping, children's, and music and I wont question your real motives. Until that point don't pretend to be doing me a favor by removing NFL Network and now charging for Big Ten. I didn't see a reduction in my bill when NFL Network went away. Why should I believe that you would be 'forced' to charge for Big Ten.
Its disconcerting to be lied to like this by a company I used to think so highly of.
Its been interesting watching the battle between Comcast and the Big Ten Network over the past month. The Big Ten says Comcast doesn't want you to have what you deserve. Comcast says they dont want everyone to have to pay for something not everyone wants.
On the surface this makes sense, but then I realize that Im being forced to pay for about 60 other stations that I really have no interest in. Its dishonest for Comcast to take this approach. Id rather they just be honest and admit they want to earn more for their sports tier rather than try and confuse people into thinking they are for choice.
Comcast and the Cable industry are the BIGGEST opponents of allowing choice in programming. The spend millions to keep people from being able to select their own channels ala carte. All of a sudden it is convenient for them to say we are doing this because not everyone wants it.. As if everyone wants 7 home improvement channels, or 6 children's networks.
This would be a much less offensive argument for Comcast to be making if Sports wasn't the only special tier. Let me select the Package that has HD, sports, news, educational and movies and cuts out the home improvement, shopping, children's, and music and I wont question your real motives. Until that point don't pretend to be doing me a favor by removing NFL Network and now charging for Big Ten. I didn't see a reduction in my bill when NFL Network went away. Why should I believe that you would be 'forced' to charge for Big Ten.
Its disconcerting to be lied to like this by a company I used to think so highly of.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
THANK YOU MILTON
Monday was the best day off the Phillies have had in years. Both the Mets and Padres loose. The Padres loose 2 of their best hitters just in tim to go see the Brewers for the last series of the season. Right now the Phills are in a dead heat with the Padres, will be at home against the Nationals and Braves while the Pads are on the road against the Giants and Brewers.
I'm sure Ill regret it, bit I'm actually starting to believe that there may be a playoff spot reserved for Philadelphia. Assuming the Mets don't fall apart that would put Philly in Arizona with he Mets playing the Cubs. If the Phils get past the D-Backs the Mets will be looking at their worst nightmare. Philly, who they have lost 8 straight too, coming to town for the NLCS.
Phils in the World Series??? Long shot, but more possible that the 'experts' are letting on.
I cant go without saying that Milton Bradley is an IDIOT!!!!! I don't care if the ump was baiting him or not. going after him like that was the most selfish and stupid thing a player in his situation could have done. Best case scenario, he was going to get suspended for at least 3 games. Worst case? Well I guess a year of rehab on that ACL will fill that bill..
As a life long Phillies fan I have to say thank you Milton.
I'm sure Ill regret it, bit I'm actually starting to believe that there may be a playoff spot reserved for Philadelphia. Assuming the Mets don't fall apart that would put Philly in Arizona with he Mets playing the Cubs. If the Phils get past the D-Backs the Mets will be looking at their worst nightmare. Philly, who they have lost 8 straight too, coming to town for the NLCS.
Phils in the World Series??? Long shot, but more possible that the 'experts' are letting on.
I cant go without saying that Milton Bradley is an IDIOT!!!!! I don't care if the ump was baiting him or not. going after him like that was the most selfish and stupid thing a player in his situation could have done. Best case scenario, he was going to get suspended for at least 3 games. Worst case? Well I guess a year of rehab on that ACL will fill that bill..
As a life long Phillies fan I have to say thank you Milton.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Mark Cuban
I don't have many heroes. My dad, Lou Gehrig, Dr. J, ummmmm..... That's it, at least it was.
Over the past 10 years there is one person who seems to have common sense, the impartiality to make informed decisions, a sense of humor, and above all the balls to go with his gut. If you read the title you know I'm talking about Mark Cuban.
Am I ready to call him my hero.. well no. After all we are about the same age and that just seems a bit weird to me. I do have to admit however that I admire what he has accomplished in his life to this point. Was it luck? Sure some of it, but he didn't win the lottery by spending a buck at the Quickie Mart. The man took a chance. He made his own luck. That is the kind of man I'd move to Texas to work for. When I hear or read his interviews I'm always impressed. the media likes to make him out to be this maverick owner. I just don't see it. Does he speak his mind? Sure.. Does he always walk the line.. No. But that doesn't mean that he isn't right. After all if that line goes down a dark hallway, someone has to turn the lights on.
Now he is going on Dancing with the Stars.. I got a kick outta that. I don't watch the show. I probably still won't, but if that doesn't show you the balls this man has what will? If history is anything he's probably going to win.
Does anyone know where I can send a resume???
Over the past 10 years there is one person who seems to have common sense, the impartiality to make informed decisions, a sense of humor, and above all the balls to go with his gut. If you read the title you know I'm talking about Mark Cuban.
Am I ready to call him my hero.. well no. After all we are about the same age and that just seems a bit weird to me. I do have to admit however that I admire what he has accomplished in his life to this point. Was it luck? Sure some of it, but he didn't win the lottery by spending a buck at the Quickie Mart. The man took a chance. He made his own luck. That is the kind of man I'd move to Texas to work for. When I hear or read his interviews I'm always impressed. the media likes to make him out to be this maverick owner. I just don't see it. Does he speak his mind? Sure.. Does he always walk the line.. No. But that doesn't mean that he isn't right. After all if that line goes down a dark hallway, someone has to turn the lights on.
Now he is going on Dancing with the Stars.. I got a kick outta that. I don't watch the show. I probably still won't, but if that doesn't show you the balls this man has what will? If history is anything he's probably going to win.
Does anyone know where I can send a resume???
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