Blah, Blah, Blog

It Ain't My Fault

2008-08-25T20:48:00.002-04:00

Check out this excuse for my forthcoming fantasy sufferings:

I was conflicted all night... trying to split hairs between Bryant Johnson and Justin Gage while constantly being prodded with some sort of Rohrschach Test. Still, two drafts in the books resulting in reluctant optimism.

Draft #1 was moving right along - 7 consecutive rounds where I drafted a top-18 (my rankings) player at his position. Then, I was TINWA'd! Swiping Chris Johnson then the Vikings D two picks later. Of course the legend of this draft starts with our first overall drafting commissioner, who managed to waste the prime draft spot by entering the season with Deuce McAllister as his featured running back.

But my Draft #2 homies were the craziest. LT fell to the 3-spot. Sitting in the 9, I managed a starting backfield of Addai and Lynch. What's weird though, is that despite Carson Palmer being a first round pick, Ryan Grant lasting to 34th overall and Nick Folk going in round 7, I can't say my team looks all that much better on paper than most.

Southwest Flies Hall-of-Fame Talent

2008-08-07T21:31:00.005-04:00

I was just reminiscing over my most recent celebrity sighting...

It was just a few weeks back when I was sitting at the Chicago Midway terminal on my way back from Kansas City (they love company!), marveling at how people in such close proximity are simulateously in a thousand different places. Then I saw him... Adrian Dantley! Eye contact followed and I was sure he knew I knew who he was - a surprisingly satisfying feeling.

Now, what if I sat next to AD? How should I play it? I can't imagine Dantley gets hounded on the regular, so he might be up for some roundball discourse. I could show off by marginalizing the talent he was traded for. After all, who wouldn't be game for trashing Tripucka? I would most def make it very clear to Adrian Dantley that I'm appalled he's not in the Hall. (I've discovered since that he would have replied: "I am.")

But then it hit me... there's no way the great Adrian Dantley is flying Southwest. And just like that, he walked off.

Fast forward to my plane entrance. As I boarded, the flight attendant pegged me as a candidate for a nice front row seat since I didn't have any carry-on. "Walk right off the plane," she said. Of course the front row seat was between one grown man and another extra-grown man... 400 lbs minimum. I took one for the team and wedged myself into "first-class."

Next I learned that I don't need a functioning left side of my body to notice ADRIAN DANTLEY boarding my plane. Ol' #4(5) shook off the flight attendant's concern over space for his bag and went right ahead and flew Southwest. Who will Dantley sit next to? What will they discuss?

Frustrated that I couldn't spit game with Adrian Dantley, I must say things got worse when normally sized man requested "tomato" to quench his thirst. Then he cycled PAST Mike Tyson's Punch-out to play Berzerk on his DS. What? There's Hall-of-Fame talent on the plane and I'm stuck between the offensive line and a V8?

Pop Radio Freestyle

2008-08-05T22:18:00.001-04:00

The radio's back! With my new officemate came FM 97 and all of their popular music. Such as:

"I Kissed a Girl" - 7:59 AM, 9:19 AM, 1:41 PM & 2:30 PM
"Take a Bow" - 8:12 AM, 9:34 AM, 11:13 AM & 2:01 PM
"Pocketful of Sunshine" - 8:20 AM, 10:04 AM, 11:31 AM & 2:15 PM

The box was cut at 4:00 PM, so I'm sure each hit got another run prior to rush hour. I also could've probably churned out similar data for "Leavin'," "In Love With a Girl," and that lousy, Oldies 96.1 inspired Kid Rock song.

On the flip-side, WLAN does offer a request-a-song feature on their web page (I'm your DJ now, Princey!). I marked the "Closer" checkbox the last two days and they did manage to squeeze in the Ne-Yo tune this afternoon.

That Gas Article

2008-07-20T22:05:00.001-04:00

I've done a great job bringing up the subject of an MPG article I read recently (small-talk enthusiasts world-wide have confirmed: gas is the new humid), but a lousy job articulating the post's contents. So here goes...

First, the line graph:

Next, the math:

15 mpg = 660 gallons per 10,000 miles
20 mpg = 500 gallons per 10,000 miles
30 mpg = 330 gallons per 10,000 miles
45 mpg = 220 gallons per 10,000 miles
60 mpg = 160 gallons per 10,000 miles

And finally, the source:
http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/16482

Do me a big Favrer

2008-07-16T22:33:00.002-04:00

Ahhh yes, the Brett Favre song-and-dance has served well as NFL offseason drama. The story has really evolved into a satire of today’s sports coverage as even the worldwide leader seems to recognize that the constant analysis is silly. Most recently, the story has dinged the iron-man’s rep a bit as he’s resorted to launching insults at Packer brass. Oh I forgot, he shoots from the hip… rep remains fully intact.

But here’s the thing: I’m dead serious when I say, “Thank you Gunslinger, and please return as a Redskin.”

First, thanks for giving Ol’ #5 a year off from the ESPNapparazzi. Nothing about McNabbulous heading to the Windy City. Not a peep from Wilma. I bet you even forget the name of the guy Big Red took in round 2 last year.

Second, Washington is the perfect fit for Favre - suit him up in Burgundy and Old! The Birds were tied for last in the league in picks a season ago with 11. Coupling the addition of Asante Samuel to our secondary with the opportunity to face Favre twice a season (and assuming we can catch punts), we’d be going worst-to-first like Bob Cox and them. Could the Birds trade a player to the Pack on the Skins behalf? I got it…

Redskins get: Brett Favre
Packers get: LJ Smith
Eagles get: Complimentary National Zoo Passes

PepsiStuff (Disa)Points

2008-07-15T22:59:00.001-04:00

For some reason, I’m still a sucker for a cap game. I’ve been collecting PepsiStuff Points for the last few months, routinely banking my 18¢ codes in hopes of freely downloading the summer’s hits from Amazon.com. Sucker.

First problem: This summer’s releases have been whack. When Miley Cyrus is 1 of 5 highlights on PepsiStuff’s home page, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Second problem: Amazon has been selective with its PepsiStuff offerings. Just this last week, I scored only 1 summer jam of the 6 under consideration due to PepsiStuff availability issues. The download was the ColdPlay hit... but these sophisticated bands just give you their music now, right?

Bottom line? You’re better off soaking your Cheerios in Pepsi… maybe washing your hair with Pepsi… so you can rack up 60 for a vintage Pepsi Tee.

Catch a Fallen Starbury

2008-07-11T23:22:00.000-04:00

Chapter 11 v. The Movement… who wins? Steve and Barry’s recent bankruptcy protection filing may have taken some of the punch out of its forthcoming opening at the West Manchester Mall, but don’t sleep on their roster: Starbury (naturally), Sarah Jessica Parker, Venus, Amanda Bynes. That’s right “harsh economic environment,” Amanda Bynes!

4 Minutes

2008-07-10T22:47:00.001-04:00

Madonna just won’t quit. After all these years, who would have thought that she would be the artist delivering the soundtrack to Mallory’s first unprompted pop-song sing-along: “Tick tock, tick tock.” Alright, for future reference Mal-Biz, here’s your Triple-B Madonna Mix Tape:

Side A
4 Minutes
Get Into The Groove
Borderline
Ray of Light
Crazy For You

Side B
Music
Holiday
Who’s That Girl
What It Feels Like For A Girl
This Used To Be My Playground

Bib #151

2008-07-01T21:42:00.000-04:00

At this rate, MJ's Beijing-bound. She participated in her first 5K run last weekend, wrapping up the last leg of a team entry into the annual Y-Tri.

At the Y-Tri, you either smoke, or in the case of Bibs number 10, 168, 122 & 9, you get smoked!

Nickname: Brother Lo

2008-06-28T23:01:00.003-04:00

Looking for a positive in MLB’s interleague fiasco? I must admit that I like the way Jim Palmer colors a game. In fact, the O’s stable of announcers on MASN are sound as Buck Martinez is much more preferred in the booth than on Team USA's bench and Gary Thorne is a familiar voice. If only John Lowenstein could still get some run, I might be convinced to watch an occasional AL-Only tilt.

100390OriolesJaysHighlights
Uploaded by gatecitycanes

That's the most Lowenstein I could find... silky! Somehow despite being distracted by that late 80's graphics package, I noticed that Fred McGriff's .301 BA was the only plus-300 average posted by either team. And Balmer slotted their top hitter (Billy Ripken -resisting linking to the card - with a .28couple) in the 9-hole.

99 Problems

2008-06-25T21:55:00.000-04:00

With the recent flurry of blogtivity, I figured I better catch the wave. And what better to post about than my problems? Check out my CrackedBook:

When Sutton's on the DL

2008-05-30T22:27:00.000-04:00

New ballpark, young bat at the hot corner, dedicated cable network, Meat Hook... the Nats have really been making strides in becoming a traditional MLB franchise. But what happens when top color-man Don Sutton's voice dries up? They back him up with DL players LoDuca and Cordero... what? Meat Hook's just glad he was already rehabbing with the Senators when that nasty flu bug ripped through the grounds-crew. Sorry Nats fans, your squad's still makeshift!

Random Bullets of Blah

2008-05-19T22:12:00.001-04:00

I'd very much like to get back into collecting cards, but this site makes it painfully clear as to why I shouldn't. It seems that Peter Moylan's propsensity to notch the occasional Hold values his rookie card greater than FUT HOF Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine or John Smoltz RCs.

Visiting your peeps isn't as free as it used to be. I've been able to block out the gas fiasco pretty well, until calculating that our trip to my sister's Haymarket, VA pad set us back $30.

My wife's multiple attempts to silence my Popular Baby Names database analysis may be proof that I'm a name nerd. But you've got to admit, it's no coincidence Mallory peaked at an 83rd ranking in 1986.

Revisiting my Trutech vouch, I guess I should technically be satisfied. But after one quick year, the DVD Recorder went on the fritz.

Tuesday night hoops is on deck... can you believe they play to "a hundred?" I hadn't played to a hundred since Matt Ernst insisted on it twice a week circa '90-'92.

Biz and the Bike

2008-05-12T21:06:00.004-04:00

Good chance I'll be logging heavy minutes at Animoto. Pretty amazing stuff and no doubt more impressive after digging deeper. Too bad the widget width swells my blog walls.

I'll Vouch For That

2008-04-28T21:35:00.005-04:00

I'm about to vouch like I haven't vouched in a while...

And what product better to set it off with than the Dr. Pepper I'm A Pepper Air Freshener? This scent was just recently installed in the Swag, but I'm predicting an impact on pop consumption. Quite frankly, I could see a one-can swing, one way or the other.

Less new to the Swag is Lupe Fiasco's The Cool. Let's call Fiasco Auto-Lupe because I've been wearing this one out over the last month. I would think even the non-rap fan readers of this blog might like tracks like "Superstar," "Streets on Fire," and "Little Weapon."

Thinkin' Arby's? If so, I'd like to direct your attention to the Chicken Salad Sandwich with Pecans. Don't bother clicking, here's the scoop: Freshly prepared chicken salad, made with grilled chicken, apples, grapes, celery, toasted pecans and mayo, with green leaf lettuce on thick sliced honey wheat bread. Almost enough to forgive them for the Oven Mitt.

And lastly, why not chill out this summer the old-fashioned way - via cool breeze? This Larson Screen Away Storm Door has me clamoring for some hot summer days. Should the heat get overbearing however, and the AC (and subsequent AC-lung) becomes very necessary, spare a second only and vamoose! The screen's gone!

Being Donnie Walsh

2008-04-22T22:51:00.005-04:00

Voting day... it's just like the Knicks. Lame-duck coach has more than worn out his welcome, turning a once-proud franchise on it's side. So the knucklehead who somehow extended his contract in the midst of chaos finally calls upon a grizzled vet to find a leader who can pick up the pieces. Today was Pennsylvania's chance to be that grizzled vet. It was our chance to play general manager and finalize the hiring of a quality candidate, but instead we let Hillary hang around. My guess is Donnie Walsh will treat the Knicks better.

The touch-screen voting booths are cool, but why can't I create/print my own commemorative sticker through this kiosk after finalizing my choices? The stand-by is getting stale, I want to customize! I'd go with a modification of the Nerdiac insignia to perpetuate the paranoia:

Of course, Busted Tees might be onto something as well.

The Office

2008-04-14T22:16:00.002-04:00

Yes, I do watch the show. I've even seen a handful of eps multiple times. Still, the details are apparently murky...

The Office Quiz (U.S. Edition)

Score: 39% (7 out of 18)

But you know I got #9 right!

Desktop: Biz-Art

2008-03-20T22:25:00.005-04:00

Mallory goes to work on her art easel these days. She's learning from the magnetic shapes and also does a nice job with the whiteboard. Looking closer at her scribbles on this desktop shows a pretty well-balanced use of color. Of course, the scribbling is mostly done just so she can wipe the board clean again... "paper towel!"

The King of Blazing Rockets

2008-03-18T23:17:00.005-04:00

In the midst of an unprecedented string of playoff wins, the Portland Trailblazers replaced head coach Mike Shuler in 1989 with Rick Adelman. Under Adelman that season, the Blazers went from 3 games over .500 to 4 games under, squeaked into the playoffs, then lost in the first round for the fourth straight season.

The franchise took a giant leap forward under a fully entrenched Adelman in the following campaigns, experiencing their greatest 4-year run in franchise history. Portland netted 4 consecutive 50+ win seasons and 2 trips to the NBA finals (Mike shrugs shoulders). Their 63 wins in '90/'91 are the most in team history.

The Sacramento Kings franchise was fresh off 15 sub-.500 seasons in a row when Rick Adelman took over the reins in 1998. Following his arrival, the fevered fans of Sac-town were rewarded with 8 straight winning seasons, each of which resulted in postseason appearances.

Most cowbell rung in '01/'02, when the Kings notched the only 60+ win season in franchise history. Still fresh is their playoff run that season as Adelman's crew were an ill-advised Vlade Divac tipped ball away from reaching the NBA Finals.

With team and franchise player playoff performances being sketchy of late, the Houston Rockets welcomed Rick Adelman as new head coach this season. In the stacked Western Conference, Houston's postseason life was hardly a certainty.

But as the season progressed, and the cast of characters evolved regularly, the Rockets found themselves making regular-season history. Having surpassed the '70/'71 Milwaukee Bucks - that's Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's world-champion Bucks - this Rocket team has notched the second longest winning streak in NBA history. Only the Laker team of '71/'72 - and that's a Chamberlain/West/Goodrich world-champion Laker team - has tallied more consecutive victories.

I have a feeling if Houston was led by a rookie or younger coach, perhaps a former player from recent memory or a college convert, a 7-11 Slurpee flavor would have been named after him by now. But it's just old Rick Adelman... and all of this is nothing new.

Amazing Trivia Learned From Researching This Post

Name the 2 Bucks players in franchise history to have led the team in points, rebounds and assists in the same season.

Sidney Moncrief ('80/'81)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ('74/'75)

Long and Whining Road

2008-02-25T23:31:00.005-05:00

From the cockpit of the Sport Wagon, or Swag for short...

If you go with the Edge, and you go with the Sync, tinted windows become nonelective. Solar-tinted side and windshield, Privacy Glass, Panoramic Vista Roof... do what's necessary to hide the fact you're talking to your car.

Living with our decisions: Poor email address acumen < Poor vanity plate acumen < Poor tattoo acumen

If I had known I would have been stuck behind this sticker blast of bands I never heard of, I would have dressed appropriately.

I'm not at all pleased with this 180, but I think the dudes riding their bikes in regular clothes look peculiar. A beanie, hoody and some jeans is the new, well, this.

Walk Like A Turkey

2008-02-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

You know what Jordan, how 'bout you look ME in the eye and tell me the tag really says $185. Become legendary? Maybe. Become stone-broke? Yessir. Why do you think Sprewell's strapped for cash? He wanted to be like Mike. Hello XXIII's, bon-voyage yacht! And look at the cast of characters lining up to peddle Jumpman's: Jeter, T.O. 'Melo, Rip, Jesus Shuttlesworth... all veterans of the underbelly. But now The Tongue's got Joe Johnson hawking these? Oh well, it's not about the shoes, it's about what you do in them. Mainly, walk like a turkey.

All-Star Saturday Quotebook*

2008-02-17T18:26:00.003-05:00

"They just sent jump-shooting back 100 years."
-Reggie Miller, on the fact that 7-footers David Robinson and Tim Duncan (and much shorter Becky Hammond) claimed victory in the Shooting Stars competition

"That's cool."
-Me, in regards to the $50,000 winners' checks going to local organizations, rather than the players.

"Did you guys get a chance to see his (Daniel Gibson) shooting performance last night?"
-Kevin Harlan, to Charles and Kenny, who happened to be calling the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge Friday night for TNT

"Sager had plans?"
-Me, in response to Cheryl Miller's performance as on-court emcee, where sponsor executive's names were butchered regularly

"Rudy Gay should be asking YouTube for tips on getting into a defensive stance."
-Jeff Van Gundy, during Thursday night's TNT broadcast in response to Rudy Gay's YouTube video asking fans for dunk ideas

"They need to start playing him more, he's got too much time on his hands."
-Charles Barkley, after Gerald Green drug a ladder on the court again for his follow-up to the Birthday Cake

"He's a video game, not a real person!"
-Kenny Smith, after Dwight Howard's sick toss/jump/catch left/throw off backboard/catch right/throwdown

"That was fun."
-Me, realizing I never laughed so much during a dunk contest and only saw two as good or better

* This is asking a lot from my memory... so actual quotes may vary.

The Skinless Pig

2008-02-14T12:45:00.009-05:00

It's Valentine's Day, so naturally I'm thinking Webmail. SusCom Webmail in fact...

As disappointing as it is, I've still got a Comcast.net email account that I infrequently check online. With all the $$ tossed about in this article, you'd think the pig could give me some skins!

Vincent Price: Still Ticklish

2008-02-13T23:02:00.002-05:00

Well, after slamming the Grammys earlier this week for honoring the olds, I guess there's no excuse for me bumping my new Thriller 25 album like its 1983. I'm always a sucker for a remix (the Best Buy edition features 6) and it's never a bad idea to have a physical copy of the best-selling album of all time. It's impossible to grasp that 7 of the 9 tracks on Thriller were top 10 hits, having been released rapid-fire between November '82 ("The Girl Is Mine") through January '84 ("Thriller"). Plus, having the CD puts the lyrics to "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" at your fingertips... "You're a buffet/You're a vegetable"... he might win Grammys but he won't win Yo Mama!

The remix segment of the album is worthwhile. I think one will.i.am production would have been suffice, but the Pea successfully breathed new life into "The Girl Is Mine" and totally revamped "PYT". "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008" features Akon and is okay, further carrying this one-note-pony's career-by-collaboration. I might like "Beat It 2008" better with a sidekick other than Fergie. Obviously, the do-over I was looking forward to the most was Kanye's mix of "Billie Jean", and he delivered his signature (pre-euro-synth) sound without compromising the original flow and feel of the song. The album closes with a so-so unreleased track and a quality house mix of the title track - "For no mere mortal can resist the evil of the Thriller." (Into maniacal laugh, in deep echo.)

The Grammy's: What We Missed

2008-02-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

Since most of America was busy returning from their wives' grandmothers' house and tuning in to the Wizards/Suns late-night tilt during the Grammys airing, here's what we missed:

Rehab pays: With 5 trophys, Cra, I mean Winehouse cleaned up
The Gramophones? Ancient acts Hancock, Springsteen, Chaka, Gill and The Eagles win
The BBD goes to: They actually have a Best R&B/Rap Collabo cat?!?
Foreshadowing? Obama trumps Clinton
Man, I been waitin' all night now: The definitive Kanye performance on YouTube

Blogger Blink

2008-02-10T15:44:00.001-05:00

Agent Zero
Indexed - That index card blog
Mark Forrester - Digital Design
Oh Word - Music
Seth's Blog - Marketing
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Blog

Family Business Blink

2008-02-10T15:05:00.002-05:00

An archive of friends and relatives' business sites...

fostersgrille.com
michaelkessler.com
smileysfunzone.com
transloggt.com

Design Blink

2008-02-10T15:01:00.001-05:00

What's a Blink? A blog page of links! (Web 2.0 speech MUST teeter between creative and obnoxious!) The following is an archive of design sites/blogs...

abduzeedo.com - designer blog
bittbox.com - design freebies
blambot.com - comic design/fonts
brusheezy.com - photoshop brushes
colourlovers.com - color palettes
designfloat.com - digg for design
flashnifties.com - flash components
freelanceswitch.com - freelance blog
gomediazine.com - design magazine
istockphoto.com - stock photos
layersmagazine.com - design magazine
luxa.org - photoshop tutorials
photoshopstar.com - photoshop tutorials
psdtuts.com - photoshop tutorials
smashingmagazine.com - design blog
sproutbuilder.com - flash widgets
tutorialblog.org - design tutorials
urbanfonts.com - free fonts
vecteezy.com - vectors
webdesignerwall.com - web design blog
zymic.com - web design resources

Images

2008-02-08T15:41:00.017-05:00

Diesel going Solar?

2008-02-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

Since the morning drive goofys won't touch on anything outside of a courtroom, I thought I'd delve into the Shaq-to-the-Suns development. Whether or not this was a good move for PHX has been debated ad nauseam on this 411-Freeway over the last two days. I believe the following to be the most important things to consider:

#1 - The Suns have won a ton of ball games over the last 4 seasons and have nothing at all to show for it in the postseason. Just because this is an obvious point doesn't mean we should look past it. Something's got to change during the tournament, and Shaq Diesel, excuse me, Solar Shaq knows something about tournaments.

#2 - Shaq's sluggishness won't terminate the Suns fast break. I remember running 3-on-2 and 2-on-1 fast break drills during basketball tryouts (it's called "potential" coach Wildasin!) at SGHS, never 5-on-anything. You may remember a fast breaking Lakers team dubbed "Showtime" (112 ppg) featuring 40 year old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the middle. And the '90-'91 run-and-gun Nuggets (119 ppg!), although terrible, were not hampered by 7-0, 250 lbs. behemoth Blair Rasmussen, their 4th leading scorer.

#3 - Shaq won't play heavy minutes. This opens up opportunity for Boris Diaw to run in the Matrix Unloaded's place. The French Army Knife's only getting 28 minutes per this season, 7 less than his average 2 season's ago. Brian Skinner (14 mpg) is no doubt licking his chops as well.

Now, back to the redesign.

The Colts, I Think

2008-02-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl reactions? MJ dropped a real eye-opener while watching some post-game coverage. "Who does Eli's brother play for?" she asked with a straight face. Wwwwwwhat just happened?

I say good for Eli. I was pulling for him out of sympathy. Being a 5 fan, it's easy to spot when a QB is getting a raw deal from the hometown fans. Not to mention the Patriots' comeuppance has been long overdue.

But it's important to remember it was the Giants. Sure you pull for them in this one, but visions of Bender pacing through the living room during the game's closing moments were a bit over the top. And tales of tears for Elisha from various Instituters is well past the line.

At the end of the day though, to have made such investments into this season and the final, most thrilling chapter features an N.E. Heartbreak at the hands of Giants, all I hear are the words of an immortal: "for who, for what?"

Up to Speed

2008-01-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

Months ago: It took awhile, but watching dishes finally became pain-free. However, reviewing monthly statements with a fine-tooth comb is strongly advised. Expect to make some phone calls.

A month ago: Cha-ching! A 15-1 (Charlie Batch = dream-killer) week 17 propelled The Institute Pick'em Frenzy's 10th ranked entrant all the way to the top of the final standings. He is I and I am him, slim with a tilted brim.

A few weeks ago: Corporate structure shake-up at the Institute. Marketing's top dog tabbed fall guy. Domino effect?

A week ago: You know, this '08 Bushisms page-a-day calendar was a clutch gift from MJ. Sure they've been around for a few years, the Bushisms become poetry knowing this is W's final year on the job. "First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."

Just days ago: This, That and He Said What? makes it's triumphant return! This semiannual posting craze is sure to catch on.

Yesterday: In a roundabout way, a sister school is claiming that they're sitting more students because their web site is (intentionally?) crappy. If they had a well-designed, easily navigable web site, so goes the argument, prospective students wouldn't be frustrated into calling. Sister please! (Noss-ism?)

Today: There wasn't a trace of ice on my morning commute until I started down that hill on Little Creek Road. Suddenly, my brakes wouldn't catch and I was flying, veering to the left and to the right, seemingly out of control. There was a pick-up off-road by the stars-and-stripes barn and a fellow on the other side of the road waving his arms frantically, then bailing as my swerving sport wagon barreled closer. I was going too fast and the road was too slick to turn off into an open field. A car was at the bottom of the hill, astutely peeling off onto the nearest driveway. I zipped by that car as Little Creek began to finally level off. My speed lowered and my brakes finally caught. Eeeewwwwwhat a rrrrush! A rush I hope to never experience again.

Rose Radio Freestyle #3

2007-10-26T17:48:00.000-04:00

What's that Shannon? Let The Music Play? Like I have a ch... wait! My office mate is moving to her own office (with radio) and a new hire will be moving in. Suddenly, the relationship I've forged with adult contemporary is on the rocks. This could get messy...

First of all, Rose, why do Alicia Keys and Corinne Bailey Rae still only have one song each in rotation? Keys couldn't even drive when "Falling" came out. "No One" is the joint. "Trouble Sleeping" ditto. They're not Business Radio enough for you?

Now don't even try to recapture my soul with Marvin Gaye's "Got To Give It Up." It was better the first time when Aaliyah featuring Slick Rick sang it!

Anymore, It's like I don't even know you... Thousand Dollar Thursday winners struck it rich in the AM and PM this week?

How could you? I thought I told you I only want new stuff from Enrique Iglesias that includes sound effects from a game room. The Ping Pong Song was pop at its finest, and the best use of table-game audio since Blackstreet's "Good Life" dropped in a billiards break. But you passed over the table tennis track, instead serving this "Somebody's Me" mush.

Speaking of mush, there's Meatloaf that can be sliced and served with onions and barbecue sauce that unsettles MJ. And then there's Meatloaf that attempts to recreate entire hokey, down at the dixie high school musicals in four minutes and some seconds that unsettles myself. "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" is pure torture.

This split is getting ugly, and the Rose knows it... Tracey Chapman followed immediately by Corey Hart. Wow, a whole 4-song catalog between them. You know what? We're through.

Bears 19, Eagles 16

2007-10-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

We've reached that point in the season that is becoming all too familiar: Is it time to write off the Birds? And now more than ever, is it time to write off the Reid/McNabb/Dawkins Birds? Hooorn!...

First, Chris dissects the team by the locks:

I do believe this team is a hair away from being the best team in the division, problem is, everyone on the team is a hair off. Can everyone straighten their hair in sync?

Then, Todd gets a little carried away:

But still...they all (Eagles divisional counterparts) have shown me lightyears (okay, maybe a little exagerration) more than the 'Birds this year. Do the 'Birds have a pulse? I don't know.

Finally, I consider The Foundation:

The Eagles (season) does feel like it's shot, but you've got to remember last season. The big difference is that our division isn't down like it was last year. Still, don't give up, don't ever give up.

Okay, maybe the Eagles aren't worthy of the Valvano quote. It seems like we're all kind of coming from the same place in that we don't want to throw in the towel yet, but it's hard not to be down on these Beagles right now.

Taking Inventory

John Elway's "The Drive": 98 yards, 4 min. 53 sec.
Brian Griese's "The Drive": 97 yards, 1 min. 43 sec.
Sav Rocca punts inside the 5 while holding a lead late in a game, season: 1
Insert forced 3-and-outs stat here: not good
Fantasy Record: 21-21
Office Pick'em: 64-40 (14th place)

Recap Rewind: '05 | '06

2007 World Series Preview

2007-10-24T23:18:00.000-04:00

Remember how exciting "bread sticks, bread sticks" was at Sovereign Bank Stadium last summer? Well, every World Series base-runner (or at least those without a base-runner in front of them) brings with him the potential to steal you a taco, just as the opposing #2 hitter had the potential to wiff you free pizza crust against the Revs.

These really are the only numbers worth considering heading into Rox/Sox best-of-7:

Rockies
Willy Taveras - 33 SB
Kazuo Matsui - 32 SB
Matt Holliday - 11 SB

Red Sox
Julio Lugo - 33 SB
Coco Crisp - 28 SB
Jacoby Ellsbury - 9 SB

So who's going to be this year's W.S. hero? Yo quiero Taco Bell!

Pause

2007-10-21T21:15:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the great thing about a DVR is that you can pause live TV?!? Did you know that the great thing about wanting your dish installed on an in-ground pole next to your house in hopes of keeping the eyesore as inconspicuous as possible will pause an install?!? This apparently needs to be clarified during the order call, which I mentioned but did not officially request I guess. Also, I found out that I'll be getting 2 dishes (1 for HD and 1 for standard), which is the first that I've heard of this. Next attempt at a hook-up is next Saturday AM.

Doin' the Dish

2007-10-19T17:39:00.000-04:00

I did it. The monopoly has been Comcastrated. Eighy-sixed. X'd punk.

I thought I'd document my journey to the plate since I expect it to be an unsettling experience at times. I'll start with the history that brought me to stop feeding the pig:

Comcast terminated my employment
My Comcast bill 10-ish/06: $114/mo
My Comcast bill 11-ish/06: $129/mo
My projected Comcast bill 11-ish/07: $136/mo

Maybe my biggest beef though has to do with DVR service. In order to be willing to pay the empire an additional $12/mo for DVR service, a $13/mo upgrade to Digital Preferred is required. Granted, SusCom's policy was similar, but it just bothers me.

The Clipper Curse
MJ's been in a coupon mood lately and therefore procured her mom's Clipper Magazine. I've been in a Dish Network mood and had finally gotten a handle on their current offer when I saw an ad in the Clip for Dish service from an authorized retailer that included the current offer plus freebies: TV Guide for a year; choice of iPod, Digital Video Camera, Home Theater System; free $100 Gas Card. I wrestled with that ad and after three falls mydishnow.com had the match. Last night, I made the call.

56 Minutes, 17 Seconds
I went in with a gameplan... If favorable responses were received to my fact-finding questions, I was placing an order, even though I was skeptical that anything was going to go my way. Well, the reality was a 50/50 split. After slight hesitation, I unpocketed the plastic. Nearly an hour later, I give you the lowdown:

Programming

America's Top 200, local channels, regional sports networks (MASN and CSN-MA), DVR service, all fees except local tax: $49.99/mo
HD Package including 38 channels in hi-def: Free for 6 months, $20/mo after promotional period or $6/mo enabling fee which still gives you locals in HD
Free HBO, Cinimax and the like for 3 months

Equipment

Free Dual-tuner HD DVR receiver makes programming and DVR service accessible from 2 TVs eliminating the need to purchase a 2nd box with an additional DVR service fee
Free Dish
Free Installation

The "Extras"

Free TV-Guide for 1 year - okay, not necessary, but I'll take it
Free iPod - Not so fast... it's a Shuffle, and an old 512 MB model at that. It must be redeemed through their web site where the details are revealed. Hassle + $25 shipping > Value of 512 MB iPod stick. I guess I'll just go with the home theater system.
Free Gas Card - Again, I'm passing on this. My head is still spinning from their Redeption Policy.
Disney Trip - After I placed my order, they transferred me for "verification" which was really 15 minutes hearing about a great trip featuring time-shares and VIP cards that I had to decide on then and there because they only had a few left.

Other Notes

There is a $30 non-refundable start-up charge
This particular company checked my credit score which somehow signed me up for an account with the scorers that MJ had to cancel this morning
After the free prize discoveries, I have little faith in this company's truthiness. But there apparently is a nationwide high-speed internet offering from Dish and AT&T coming in the very near future

Rose Radio Freestyle #2

2007-10-17T22:54:00.000-04:00

Ghouls, goblins, gremlins... nothing is as gory as what Lou from Carpet Mart did to the legacy of Ray Parker Jr.

The Fray knows How to Save a Life? I know some flavorful hard candy that is unimpressed.

This Colbie Caillat's a breath of fresh air... her CD has been Targeted.

Despite decades of business radio friendly material, Hall & Oates are by and large inconspicuous on 101.3. However, their ad for an upcoming holiday ablum has me thinking the Rose's H&O tolerance levels will soon intersect my own.

I know the game, I watch it unfold. If someone strikes it rich with a thousand dollar cash prize in the AM, never test that Free Money Machine in the PM past $250. He'll devour your gusto like a bag of cheezy doodles at an NBA draft.

Speaking of game-play strategy, most know to call "S" first on a Wheel of Fortune "Things" puzzle. But making "R" your first choice on an "Occupation" puzzle is nearly as solid a play.

If Phil Collins were a baseball player he would lead the league in Slugging Percentage. He hits often and he hits hard. Bat him 4th with confidence.

The Fray knows How to Save a Life? Why didn't you just say so? You'll tour with Smashing Pumpkins.

Eagles 16, Jets 9

2007-10-17T00:40:00.000-04:00

Terry Bradshaw called them the ugliest uniforms. To me, the Jets get-up was just plain lazy. It was like they didn't bother getting all the licensing and ended up looking like pre-'82 Topps football cards. Haven, Horace:

Thanks guys. Anyway, the game was so-so. The ball was moved about but points were somehow a premium. William Thomas returned to keep Ol' #5 upright enough to throw a sneaky slant to Kevin Curtis for the game's only touchdown. And the defense continued to play well without secondary sensations "Lockdown" Lito and "The Wolverine." Ho-hum. Next.

Taking Inventory

David Akers kicking in Jersey in '07: 4-for-7
McNabb v. Favre, '07 QB Rating: 87.9 > 87.0
McNabb v. Favre, '07 TD/Int Ratio: 3:1 > 3:2
Correll Buckhalter YPC, season-to-date: 5.4
Fantasy Record: 19-17
Office Pick'em: 54-36 (14th place)

Recap Rewind: '05 | '06

Double Take

2007-10-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

While thumbing through the latest Sensational Beginnings, you may have been taken aback by the photo above. However, I am here to report that Mal-Biz has not launched a modeling career.

Straw Man

2007-10-11T23:38:00.000-04:00

Speech quirks are generally cool. But when an individual's quirkiness spreads like wildfire and becomes common lingo within a greater body politic, it's time to squash the quirk.

Case in point, IT's love affair with "straw man," their VP/Chief Officer's vocal treasure. Considering it's intention to foster discussion and argument, straw man's often an appropriate phrase choice. But now everything is a straw man: a list of meeting attendees; a staff brainstorming session; a working copy of a site's navigational tree.

My underlying problem with this newfound lexicon is that I used to draw Straw Man. My illustrations of a pin-striped, overbiting ol' #18 were seemingly well received... "nice Straw Man." Did they like my Strawberry or were they looking to start an argument? Were my depictions of an unorthodox leg-kick perceived merely as a flawed, unpolished first attempt? I don't know... I'm just throwing it out there... as a straw man.

Hip Hop Honors '07

2007-10-11T00:12:00.000-04:00

Recapping VH1 award shows on Blogger.com may not be hip hop, but there's not a building tall enough around Lakeview Drive on which to spray this entry. The Honorees were hip hop though, and the "You ain't hip hop" skit served Tracy Morgan well as host.

I can't quite figure out though why award shows keep inviting performers who struggle in a live setting. The opening tribute to Honoree Missy Elliott was littered with them - Tweet, Keisha Cole, even Nelly Furtado was weak. T-Pain was awful, Lupe Fiasco forgot a few lines and Busta Rhymes was insane (although entertaining I must admit).

The show picked up from there. As usual, the old men in the room proved to hold the mic with supreme authority. The likes of Whodini, Teddy Riley, Busy Bee, KRS-One, Phife Dawg and Q-Tip delivered the old school goods to be expected at a Hip Hop Honors show.

The highlight for me was Kool Moe Dee's "How Ya Like Me Now" verse during the New Jack Swing tribute. Moe was a few pounds to the good physically compared to when he dropped the title track to solo album #2 back in '87, but he was pretty close vocally. He also seemingly buried the hatchet with LL (who appeared as a presenter) with a lyric swap out. Moe, or at least the Treacherous Three, has to be in line for an '08 Honor, right?

Here’s your Hip Hop Honors ’07/Blah, Blah, Blog Official Mix (and I do mean) Tape:

Side A

Award Tour - A Tribe Called Quest
Five Minutes of Funk - Whodini
Gossip Folks - Missy Elliott
Groove Me - Guy (New Jack Swing)

Side B

What's My Name? - Snoop Doggy Dogg
Fantastic Freaks at the Dixie - Fantastic Freaks (Wild Style)
We Got Our Own Thang - Heavy D and the Boyz (New Jack Swing)
I Left My Wallet In El Segundo - A Tribe Called Quest

Rose Radio Freestyle

2007-10-09T23:49:00.000-04:00

Gloria Gaynor wants us to know very badly that she will survive. She's fairly non-descript on post-survival life. For all we know, her strategy backfired.

Who is this Tears For Fears and their "Everybody Wants To Rule The World?" Uhh yeah, it was better the first time when it was called "Rule" and Nas featuring Amerie sang it.

Save for Summertime by JJ+FP on Flashback Fridays, the Monster Mash is the closest thing to rap the Rose is going to drop. This haunting tale only serves as a reminder that real holiday music is merely weeks away.

Patch knows a relentless business radio blitz for their staple Buzzword is the key to owning family fun night. You want a piece of Saturday night Milton Bradley, you pony up to the Rose.

After reading the speculation in this article, the brilliance of Pootie Tang's musicianship is even more evident. Sa-da-tay!

You know what Duncan Shiek? Asthma's not to be taken lightly. How about we get your uncle Iron to put you in the Camel Clutch? Then you'll know what "Barely Breathing" really is, one-hitter.

If today's copyright rules applied in '79, do you really think Chic greenlight's sampling of "Good Times" for an anecdote about a friend's mom's bad cookin'? (Recounting... I understand about the food baby-bubba but we're still friends.) Maybe so.

Don't call it a comeback! Revivals by The Eagles and REO Speedwagon are instant classics. Hard to find new releases with vibes like these.

I'll Vouch For That

2007-10-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

I'll vouch for the new World of Wings joint on 30 West. Don't let the fact that it's sandwiched between Pizza Hut and a Grease Monkey fool you... it's a happening place. I'm hardly a viable food critic, but the menu was right in my wheelhouse. The atmosphere seals the deal - bold colors, flat-panel tvs and WiFi. You could even go there for lunch. Their web presence is less vouchable, but you can check 'em out online at wingery.com.

I'll vouch for cereal's shift to stick crappy plastic toys in their boxes again. The Spongebob toppers are quality little freebies, although the Buzz Spinner is low on functionality. Bottom line... the junk drawer can be full again without logging into www.KelloggsFreeCrap.com.

I'll vouch for Hala Gas. I've been hoping for years that someone would re-occupy their location since it's the most time-efficient spot for me to stop for a work morning fill-up. Brand spankin' new pumps, competitive prices... now they just need some business!

I'll vouch for Spoonfed Photoshop Tutorials at psdtuts.com. Unfortunately, many tutorial sites that I've come across in the past run out of ideas and dry up pretty quickly. Hopefully this site keeps 'em coming... they provide a great work-day change-up.

Giants 16, Eagles 3

2007-10-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

When Michael Strahan opened the telecast of this game by declaring "Eagles/Giants is like Nascar," I would have been better off to have taken his nonsensical analogy literally and done what I usually do if I see Nascar on TV... turn the channel. What a disaster.

But let's get to the fun... Winston Justice headline writing. My guess was that Philly.com's Eagles section would have featured a cornucopia of "Justice" headlines, but only see "You call this Justice?" How about:

Justice got served
Criminal Justice
Opening the doors of Justice
Osi smokes Winston
With Justice, no peace for Ol' #5

What'd'ya got?

Taking Inventory

Giants sack total versus Eagles, week 4: 12
Reggie Brown's receiving yards per game: 20
Philly's record wearing midnight green protective gear, year-to-date: 0-3
Times I saw my dad in a crowd pan at Memorial Stadium's final game while flipping to Orioles Classics on MASN during an Eagles/Giants timeout: 1 (well, 5 counting DVR rewinds)
Fantasy record: 15-9
Office Pick'em: 39-23 (6th place)

Recap Rewind: '05 | '06

Eagles 56, Lions 21

2007-09-28T00:09:00.000-04:00

A few happenings in last week's Eagles win over the Lions that we might not see again this season:

Let's just get it out of the way... the uniforms, hopefully
Ol' #5's perfect passer rating
50+ points from the offense
3 TDs by 3 different RBs
3 TDs by 1 WR

Pitch and catch is fun, no? And I hope we get to see much more of that Stockton and Baldinger booth.

Taking Inventory

Bearcat Trent Cole's season sack total: 5
Bearcat Brent Celek's season reception total: 0
Yards Tony Hunt is stealing from Brian Westbrook, year-to-date: 1
Eagles record: 1-2
Fantasy record: 10-8
Office Pick'em: 33-15 (5th place)

Recap Rewind: '06 | '05

Champion

2007-09-25T00:26:00.000-04:00

TINWA digs "Good Life". Old Man likes "Stronger". So, considering the weighty role I played in launching that Bear, I might as well go on record as blogging "Champion" is my top track on the new KanYe.

It makes me think of my dad's Archway Cookie Route like no hip-hop anthem before it. The Route may have ended up a wash-out, but it was a glorious risk. And with a freezer packed with Apricot Filled, Dutch Cocoa and Iced Oatmeal, one not without reward.

Plus, "Champion's" hook may trump De La Soul's "Eye Know" as best use of a Steely Dan sample. Hey, I like some of his stuff (that's for Witt, hope my blog's signal reaches Winchester). In fact, I Limewired "Kid Charlemagne" and gave it a few plays. The "Is there gas in the car? / Yes, there's gas in the car." line sounds like it belongs in Weird Al's "Trapped In The Drive-Thru", when in Wikireality, the lyric hints at the downfall of a famed LSD chemist. Oh, do tell, Steely.

Other Graduation thoughts:

Big fan of the packaging. The tri-fold cardboard jacket was sealed differently than your typical CD and was easy to open.
Also dig the artwork. That Bear has come along way, no? I still haven't decided where to hang the poster.
I personally don't think 'Ye needed to alter pronunciation of "good morning" prior to the last verse of track 1 just so that it would rhyme better with Valedictorian and Delorean. For more unnecessarily detailed analysis of Mr. West, the MC, click here, here and/or here.
The disc opens with a strong run of 6 tracks and closes with 5 solids. I recommend routinely skipping 7 and 8. I'd cut 7 some slack if it would show up on the CD deck as 7*.

Getting Out Our Dreams

2007-09-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

Rarely do my dreams cause concern. After all they tend to be pretty tame. But last night's... whoa... I'll try my best to recap:

It was Sunday afternoon, Mark and I were watching American Football. The Chargers were on and I was excited to see LT breaking a few long runs to finally get his season kick-started. He was having a field-day, busting loose every time he touched it. We were analyzing whether it would be wise for me to pull the trade offer I have on the table in the Bill Hahn league since LT was finally looking like a difference maker (it has been two weeks). Then the broadcast jumped over to a McDonald's Game Break or something. More good news. Another of my personal fantasy investments, Larry Fitzgerald, was tearing it up with over 100 yards and two scores in the first half for the Buzzsaw. Must have been a Popeye's Game Break. Then I glanced at the bottom line and caught a glimpse of the name D Culpepper scrolling...

Of course what followed was the gasp. Then the rapid pulse. Finally the sweat. What could it all mean?

Well, amateur psychologists, go ahead and put your eyeglasses back on. I don't need any help with this one. I picked up Josh McCown earlier this week to be a one-week starter due to his favorable match-up against Cleveland's torchable D. I guess I failed to mention that my dreams are pretty transparent too.

So what do I do?

Bail on the premonition, play the match-up, start Josh McCown over Tony Romo and Jay Cutler
Trust that I have better vision with my eyes closed and no conciousness and drop McCown immediately
Start a Fantasy Fantasy Football League where real-life NFL players are awarded points based on stats from games I totally dream up

Redskins 20, Eagles 12

2007-09-18T22:19:00.000-04:00

What did we learn from last night's 20-12 Philly loss to DC? I need to locate the JVC's AM Loop Antenna. The only thing more painful than watching the Birds break down in the red zone was listening to the MNF booth - Barkley's guest appearance included - "calling the action." I found the decision to override actual play-by-play and color commentary with the soundtrack to Days Of Our Lives an unbearable one. MJ summed it up best when she briefly dropped her People magazine below her chin to question "why are they still talking about this?"

On the field, there are some concerns. While we've been able to successfully stuff the run, the secondary's injuries are mounting and the play of Sean Consadine has been spotty. Offensively, the book seems to be out already on our starting wideouts' inability to shed the bump-and-run with Reggie Brown playing the role of Todd Pinkston and Kevin Curtis' game looking eerily like James Thrash's. As for the star of ESPN's soap opera, I'll reserve judgement on Donovan's effectiveness (or lack thereof) for a few weeks yet. Getting in synch obviously isn't coming as easily as I assumed it would and he may need a few more games to hit stride. Also, can we please ditch the no huddle?

Taking Inventory

Eagles offensive TDs, season-to-date: 1
Minutes spent talking about The View during an NFL football game: 2
Booming Sav Rocca punts: 1... maybe?
Eagles record: 0-2
Fantasy record: 7-5 (the yin and the yang so to speak)
Office Pick'em: 23-9 (5th place)

Recap Rewind: '06 | '05

Constitution Party

2007-09-17T13:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Constitution Day everyone! Now playing on the Instutute's campus monitors is the U.S. Constitution in its most unthinkable format - a powerpoint slideshow chock full of bullet lists, fun facts and Pepsi Can-ized US Flag graphics. I've been bewildered by the I's fuss over this holiday, but as usual, Wiki clears things up:

The law establishing the holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an
amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before
this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to
renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates
that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational
programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May
2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any
kind.

Why should the kids have all the fun? Here's your Constitution Day Cookout primer:

First off, allow yourself plenty of travel time as traffic will no doubt be heavy. It's never polite to arrive late, or worse, pull a Rhode Island.
It'll come up for sure, so dig deep and allow that pesky Preamble to resurface. I'll get you started: "We the people..." ...lost yet?
Be ready to rule on "friendly discussions" with authority by packing a Pocket Constitution.
If you're doing the grilling, cut your patties thin to keep your guests from waiting too long for their burgers. After all, you're cooking beef, not framing the Constitution! (101 days)
Finally, party in style with your favorite Constitution Day tee. May I recommend "The Second Ammendment?"

The Office Pool

2007-09-13T22:57:00.000-04:00

An $85 entry fee normally ends any conversation of me jumping in an office pool. But I've been struggling to get to know people at the Institute and thought this might serve as an excellent talking point. Plus, with over 40 participants, there are plenty of weekly and seasonal opportunities to recoup lost funds. And what's great is that there are no point spreads - just pick the winners straight up and let the chips fall where they may. Okay, I'm in. Now who's running this thing...

IT.

Ugh. Let me guess, there's a database app to manage the pool that looks like it was built in 1992. Check. Ooh and I bet a shortcut to this eyesore will conveniently appear on my Citrix app panel based on my log-in credentials. Check. Surely they came up with a clever name for this operation... what?!? Frenzy? Nooooo!!!

I am off to a nice start having pocketed 15 singles in week one and am currently tied with a few others atop the leaderboard. But no matter how well I fare as the season progresses, I'll still only be as imaginative as an IT guy. Bleh.

Packers 16, Eagles 13

2007-09-12T22:57:00.000-04:00

The night before the Birds took the field for the first time in '07, I was debating on which classic from the VHS vault to pop in the Broksonic. Should I go the season opener route and revisit the Pickle Juice game? Talk about a quintessential table-setter. Or should I play up the Packer angle and relish once again on a successfully converted 4th and 26? Put the belt on Freddie! Maybe my decision to just go with the less relevant tape of Eagles Video Yearbooks was most appropriate, since the following day's action was hardly classic material. Unfortunately though, it will go down in Eagles lore - the mishandled punts by Greg Lewis and JR Reed won't soon be forgotten.

Taking Inventory

Brett Favre vs. Philly (since 2000): 4 TDs, 9 INTs
Times Brett Favre's interceptions have been blamed on a rookie running back not initiating a blitz pick-up block in the exact spot on the field that it should have been, even though the block effectively thwarted a blitzing linebacker: 1 (by the Moose)
Reno Mahe signings: 1 (JR Reed cut)
Eagles Record: 0-1
Fantasy Record: 6-0
Office Pick'em: 11-3 (more on this later)

Recap Rewind: '06, '05
Also See: TINWA's thoughts, StrouseNet's thoughts

Contestant’s Skid Row

2007-09-08T00:14:00.000-04:00

This title may have the makings of a quality “Same Name” Wheel of Fortune puzzle (new season starts Monday, 9/10, with all sorts of new wrinkles), but it actually sums up life as I continue to follow through with ‘07’s resolution: Enter more contests.

Thus far I’ve avoided letting the losses get to my heart. However, after YDR’s handling of their “Summer Photo Contest,” I’ve been sunk to Brittenum Twin status: My spirit has been broken.

“Summer Photo Contest” sounds innocent enough, right? Find a few snapshots of Mallory doing this or that in a seasonal setting and give it a whirl. The contest results were printed last Sunday and we didn’t make the cut. No biggie.

Dejection set in soon after when I checked out the archive of entries online. First of all, my pictures looked dark on a PC, no doubt the format of the machine the judges were using. The poor color representation zapped the sunsation out of a few of my shots, but despite Hodgman’s efforts, that’s just the way of the world I guess.

Then, I really hit rock bottom when I clicked to view my photos and saw a 5-star rating system attached to each pic. I didn't make the paper, now I've got to stand by as the people tell me how close I wasn't? Mally’s face is barely peeping out of the top of a ferris wheel carriage and you’re giving me 1.8 stars? I use my cam’s built-in “Fireworks” setting, but my killer July 4th shot can only muster a 1.7? My daughter’s first steps on the beach warrant a 2.4? This county is merciless!

The 2007 Lines

2007-09-06T00:06:00.000-04:00

As the men in Midnight Green prepare to launch another promising season this Sunday at Lambeau, I'll kick around a few thoughts on the state of the Birds this 2007 season eve by reflecting on the most quotable of preseason Eagle quotes:

"It's going to be a new 100 percent," Jevon Kearse said yesterday. "It's not the 100 I used to be. It's a new 100 percent."

The defensive end position remains key for the Eagles this season as it would be nice to be able to pressure the quarterback consistently without blitzing linebackers or safeties. This was the game plan last season, but things didn't work out so well. I think Juqua Thomas might be the man to watch this season, so it's probably okay that Jevon's feeling less freakish.

"Before every game, we're going to say that the first thing we want to do is take that run away. Let the quarterbacks and the DBs decide the game." -- Broderick Bunkley

This ties in with the previous quote, and quite frankly, it scares me. Should the above M.O. go awry again this season, 5's unit will be under the gun to win shootouts aplenty. I've been content with our Gang Green defense allowing rushing yards by the bunches in the past because: a) even though opponent's running games were effective, head coaches just couldn't resist the lure of the passing game and more times than not ended up playing right into the Birds' claws; and b) we usually won 11+ games. I'm just not sold on this LB/DB crew going into the season.

Asked when he'd last returned punts, before the Eagles asked him to take a shot, (Greg) Lewis said, "Probably in a previous life."

The special teams unit was quite the toast of Philly's preseason. The Aussie punter beat out the incumbent and will be on the field goal holding hot seat. Maybe more of a concern is Mike Dorenbos' adventure at replacing a long-snapping legend. Then just this week the whirling dervish that is JR Reed has returned to return since spotlight skier Jeremy hadn't Bloomed. Oh, and there's what Greg Lewis said. Could be an adventure.

"I think the people who really understand the game really understand what an outstanding quarterback Donovan McNabb is and what he's meant to the franchise," Ron Jaworski said.

Finally, if things don't work out this year and the proverbial window suddenly slams shut on this Reid/McNabb/Dawkins version of our beloved Birds, it will have been an enjoyable ride. Donovan's not done by any means and will no doubt pick up the pieces should it be with another franchise. But it's easy to get caught up in what could happen if the team struggles. Andy Reid steps away from the game, Dawk retires, and management cuts ties to top-dollar vets, ultimately creating a starting spot for QB Kevin Kolb and his new era.

But that's all worst-case stuff and my fearless forecast for the upcoming season does not at all hint at a closing window of opportunity. I've seen guesses on the Eagles' record this season ranging from 8-8 to 10-6, but I'm ready to lap those low-balls. It looks like we've got games against 3 alleged elite teams (CHI/NE/NO), 1 pretty good team (SEA), and a lot of question marks. I say we split the 4 toughest tussles, lose once to a division rival, and one more time St. Elsewhere. That's right... Midnight Green is back to the upper echelon: 12-4.

An Awesomely Brilliant Rocker

2007-09-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

I'm often asked how work's going and rarely offer much of a response. My reticence isn't due to the fact that it's not going well though. In fact, much to the contrary say these recent emails:

Bill Walton's mastery of hyperbole is more than welcome during any NBA broadcast. Various co-workers' unwitting insertion of the same into my mailbox... not so much. Multiple exclamation points, smiley faces - what I really think when I get a few of these within the span of a day or two is that there is some kind of inside joke going on and the Instituters are just having fun with me. Brilliant? I converted a series of HTML pages into a PDF document.
Awesome? I uploaded a word file to our web site to override the outdated version. I rock? Cool.

By the way, can you take exclamation points and smiley faces into a performance review? "Sir, as evidenced by correspondences saved in my Exclamations and Smileys Outlook folders, I've accrued 427 exclamation points and 88 smiley faces over the last fiscal year. Need we really discuss 'being a team player' and 'future challenges?!?'" ☺

FFL'07: Gang Green, Pt. 1

2007-09-01T23:33:00.000-04:00

Nothing beats a live draft and for the 11th straight season the FFL crew (sorry for the lack of league-name creativity but there wasn't much need for differentiation back in '96) got together for some pizza and some picks.

Following tradition, each team entered the draft with 3 keepers from the previous season. My 5-time Super Bowl winning franchise Gang Green struggled mightily in '06 and had to swing a few off-season deals just to have some talent worth protecting. The trio of Brian Westbrook, Rudi Johnson and Terrell Owens were slated as my playmakers heading into the 8-team draft. Due to many draft day player trades and position swaps, I'll have to exclude the players pick numbers, but here's what I got:

QB: Jon Kitna, Vince Young, Matt Leinhart
RB: Brian Westbrook, Rudi Johnson, Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Michael Turner
WR: Marvin Harrison, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Vincent Jackson, Donte Stallworth, James Jones, Dwayne Bowe
TE: Vernon Davis, Owen Daniels
K: Jason Hanson
DEF: Baltimore Ravens

Nemesis Yuck made a draft day offer that I couldn't pass up on. The result has Vincent Jackson slated as my 3rd receiver rather than Andre Johnson, but the deal led me to jump on a TE and DEF earlier than I would have otherwise. We'll see whether the move was worthwhile. Also, I was pleased to dump T.O. in exchange for Marvin Harrison... will the numbers prove the deal to be as favorable as I'm hoping?

Overall, this squad lacks the punch some of my opponents pack (Dawg Pound's backfield combo of LT and LJ for example). The goal is to finish in the top half of the standings and become a playoff team. Then, anything can happen (DC Express' victorious
backfield combo of Ladell Betts and Sammy Morris in last year's Super Bowl for example).

FFL'07: Career Backups

2007-08-29T22:34:00.000-04:00

Mr. Sparkle's crown is on the line as the Pfantasy Pfootball league is back after a brief hiatus. The deck's been reshuffled a bit as the "iPhone Doom" guy and Mr. Fuddruckers bailed, leaving 8 franchises to battle for Reprise supremacy. Looking at my team of Career Backups, I like what I see. Then I look at some of my opponents' rosters and I realize others must be thinking the same thing. Here's what I'm rolling out:

QB: Jon Kitna (7-52); Tony Romo (12-93)
RB: Larry Johnson (1-4); Travis Henry (2-15); Edgerrin James (6-45); Thomas Jones (9-68); Michael Turner (14-109)
WR: Chad Johnson (3-20); Larry Fitzgerald (4-29); Javon Walker (5-36); Darrell Jackson (10-77); Donte Stallworth (13-100); Patrick Crayton (16-125)
TE: Vernon Davis (8-61); Benjamin Watson (15-116)
K: Rob Bironas (17-132)
DEF: Pittsburgh (11-84)

This was the first draft where stolen picks became a common theme. Missing out on Adrian Peterson and the Ravens D led me down alternate routes on draft day. Again, no Eagle, but at least I don't have T.O.

LLWS

2007-08-28T23:20:00.000-04:00

The current state of the Little League World Series has deservedly faced plenty of criticism the last few years on the web, but this brief paragraph hits the nail on the head as well as any (from Deadspin):

I've always found ESPN's obsession with the Little League World Series pretty self serving. They are, after all, making money off the backs of 12-year-olds. I have nothing against Little League -- I once coached it -- but I have no clue as to why anyone other than coaches or parents would want to watch it. It's actually pretty boring; the umpiring is usually terrible and the parents are nuts. And the best players are mostly the ones who've hit puberty first, and watching a six-foot teenager hit popups that go for home runs over a 200-foot fence isn't my idea of compelling viewing.

But I'm not entirely anti-Little League. The Nintendo game was pretty awesome. With an unmatched combination of speed and power, my Mexico team couldn't be beat:

Casting Call

2007-08-22T23:25:00.000-04:00

An '07 resolution has been to enter more contests. While the strategy really just subjects you to an immense amount of losing, MJ was lucky enough to net a gift card from the Insurance Company earlier this month. So I guess it's my turn to carry my weight in all of this. Here's the mission:

Contest - Actober.com
The Immortal Postseason Moment - Hrbek's tag
The Cast - ??

Might as well turn yesterday's heartache into today's low-budget comedy. I'm seeing spaghetti and meatballs, the obligatory exaggerated tag turned pile-driver and a "language edited for tv" (think Boyz N The Hood on USA) spoof of the exchange between our hapless hero Gant and the married-to-the-mob ump. I need a Hrbek, a Gant, an Ump and a Corrales. Where're my thespians? Or should I just do a jib-jab?

Midweek Reading - MJ's Day Off

2007-08-21T22:57:00.000-04:00

Let's get to the targeted content:

Slate discusses what not to name that forthcoming blog of yours...
Link - Don't Drink the Balloon Juice

The article we've heard so much about...
Link - Baby Einsteins: Not So Smart After All

A little propaganda to warm you up for next quarter's holiday season...
Link - Santa: "I Killed Jesus"

And alas, some fun and games to kill time during Mallory's nap...
Link - Scrabble Cubes

FFL'07: The Ultimate Weapon

2007-08-18T00:45:00.000-04:00

My second fantasy football team of the season was assembled earlier this week. After paying homage to McNabbulous with my first team's name, I thought I'd sport a throwback this time around with The Ultimate Weapon.

Whitey's league is a 12-teamer, and I wasn't too happy to find myself jammed in the 12-hole upon entering the draft room. My mood improved about a half-hour later as Joseph Addai fell to me in that precarious position. I followed up with Lawrence Maroney and I felt like my 1-2 RB punch could be as good as anyone's. T.O. then fell in my lap in round 3 and I was confident that there would be at least 3 picks that I didn't screw up. What happened after that, not pretty (but it is a 12-team league):

QB: Tony Romo (7-84), Jay Cutler (8-85), Jake Delhomme (13-156)
RB: Joseph Addai (1-12), Lawrence Maroney (2-13), Cadillac Williams (5-60), Jerious Norwood (6-61), Brandon Jackson (12-133)
WR: Terrell Owens (3-36), TJ Houshmandzadeh (4-37), Vincent Jackson (9-108), Greg Jennings (10-110)
TE: Daniel Graham (14-157)
K: Mike Nugent (15-180) Mr. Irrelevant
DEF: Cincinnati (11-132)

Considering this league starts 3 WRs and a Flex player, I think it might be wise to cut Delhomme and add to my meat and potatoes. I don't have an Eagle... maybe bring in Hank Baskett?

Keep On Movementin’

2007-08-15T00:09:00.000-04:00

I like to wear short socks but only have high Starbury’s. So after weeks of sporting a questionable look, the family decided to take a road-trip to the Town Mall of Westminster, home of the nearest Steve and Barry’s.

Fifty bucks at the S&B got us one collared shirt (Starbury line), two long-sleeve tees, one pair of mesh athletic pants, two women’s shirts, one Cutie Pie kid’s tee and one pair of women’s Starbury’s. Fifty bucks at the Air Jordan rack gets you a pair of Jumpman socks and a key chain.

Needless to say, we’re big fans of Steve and Barry’s and the mall as a whole. I found out the hard way though that the Westminster S&B store is a “level 4” store and it’s Starbury supply is often depleted, as it was this past weekend. I guess I’ll be a fashion misfit a while longer.

As for the Movement, Steph’s kept busy:

Stephon Marbury Calls Out Michael Jordan (Loose interpretation of "calls out")
Marbury Shocker: I'll Play in Italy (What's with these headlines?)
Big Ben Joins the Movement

Outsell Kanye or Quit Tryin'

2007-08-11T00:52:00.000-04:00

There's hope. Heard 'em say on MSN:

"If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11, I'll no longer write music. I'll write music and work with my other artists, but I won't put out any more solo albums." -- 50 Cent

I need you right now... I beg all of you to help pull the plug on 50's career. Mr. West's Graduation can be pre-ordered on iTunes even as we speak. Or join me in line at Wal-Mart on 9/11 for the unleaded 'Ye. Just don't download, go out and buy the record.

What I'm trying to figure out is how this competition can end up being close? Is 50 even relevant to those who thought he at one point was relevant? Can hardcore steel-squeezers still respect the Culligan Man? 'Licia Keys better talk some sense in him.

On the flip-side, the SnyPod reminds me regularly that Kanye's the best thing going. You can't even tell MJ nothing. Throw in a collaboration a week and pandering to the internets crowd, and you figure West's popularity has dipped into fans of other genres. Sorry Mr. Jackson's gone.

Astroyals

2007-08-01T22:50:00.000-04:00

I posted this originally on my fantasy baseball league's message board but wanted to include it on Blah, Blah for posterity. Whether Jason Jenning’s mound mastery leads to the Stros tumble to the bowels of the senior circuit or just really screwed up a decent fantasy week for the Magnificent Maracas, I’ll forever be reminded of my Jennings-induced anxiety.

---

OK, so the slaughtering Jason Jennings took yesterday apparently isn't all that rare. In fact, according to JJ's flaming Y! note, some dude allowed 11 1st inning runs just last year for the KC Royals.

You know what? I hope this Jennings thing is a sign that the Astros are soon to be the new Royals... 20 years of ineptness, nary an all-star, laughing stock of the league.

I can't think of another MLB franchise I'd rather see suffer through pathetic season after pathetic season than Houston. They put a hill in center field for crying out loud! And every time I see them on TV, there's dumpy old "this is working out well for them" Babs Bush perched just over the batter's shoulder. And George senior popping peanuts, chirping with his oil cronies... get 'em off my screen! When this godforsaken franchise burns like Enron remember... Jason Jennings lit the fire!!!

Chip Off The Old Brick

2007-08-01T00:10:00.000-04:00

MJ reports that Mallory’s been spending quite a bit of her Gymboree time hanging out at the basketball hoop (the bucket's like this one, but those aren't my kids). While the rest of the class is gathered for some kooky story-time or clown magic tomfoolery (the clown looks like this, but that's not my kid), Mal-Biz is off on her own, takin' it to the tin. Now while I can’t condone skipping class for a roundball fix, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that was my Penn State York semester two game plan. Like father like daughter, for better or worse I guess.

RE: I Hate This Game

2007-07-30T23:17:00.000-04:00

So maybe the Buccos inauspicious start to yesterday’s tilt with the Phils is hardly throwing 10-foot pitch-outs, but I can’t pass up a chance to chip away at TK’s high-horse and toss around a FloodWord.

With NFL preseason action right around the corner, I thought I’d flip on the Pirates/Phillies contest yesterday to start off one last MLB doubleheader (the Braves/D-backs match-up was slated for a 4:30 start.) The following series of unfortunate events promptly ended the cable-box’s afternoon:

Top 1: Pirates 2B Freddy Sanchez was caught straying too far from bag 1 and thrown out by Phillies C Carlos Ruiz to end the inning.

Bottom 1: New Phillies 2B Iguchi pulled a ball down the right field line. What might have been a close play at 2nd turned into an easy 2-bagger for Iguchi as Pirates RF Xavier Nady failed to cut off the ball prior to it getting to the wall.

Bottom 1: Following his single to center, J-Roll advanced to 2nd as Pitt CF Nate McClouth airmailed the cut-off man with a throw going all the way to the plate, even though Iguchi stopped at 3rd and wasn’t really a threat to score on the play.

Bottom 1: Iguchi scored on a wild pitch (passed ball in my opinion).

Bottom 1: Power button.

Don't get me wrong, this nonsense doesn't push me to hate the game. I still checked in to the Braves blow-out win over Zona later that evening. I just think I've learned my lesson with P-Burgh. I think it's time to fax Jim Tracy a blueprint of the clubhouse, highlighting the door in Bucco gold.

FFL'07: Ol' Number Five

2007-07-17T13:55:00.000-04:00

Long before allowing the ebb and flow of the NFL preseason to scramble my mind, well in advance of countless guru-crafted fantasy football web articles crossing my eyes, and at least a week or two before Mark and I get our mock on, I drafted my first fantasy football squad of the season.

I jumped into a free public Yahoo! league (10 team) to experiment a bit with building a team White House style... all gut. I stuck to the formula of hitting the skill positions early and often, but made my choices on whim and impulse. Here's Ol' Number Five's roster rundown:

QB: Matt Leinhart (7-70); Jon Kitna (8-71); Matt Schaub (16-151)
RB: Brian Westbrook (1-10); Travis Henry (2-11); Marshawn Lynch (6-51); Jerious Norwood (9-90); Michael Turner (14-131)
WR: Terrell Owens (3-30); Javon Walker (4-31); Plaxico Burress (5-50); D.J. Hackett (10-91); Greg Jennings (11-110); Robert Meachem (18-171)
TE: Randy McMichael (12-111); Eric Johnson (15-150)
K: Stephen Gostkowski (17-170)
DEF: Denver (13-130)

Without a top-tier QB or top-5 RB, I'm hoping this is a versatile enough team to post consistent numbers. The team bottoms out after a strong receiving corps, and I'm not sure I have a sure enough thing backing up at RB. But, thanks to some shaky drafts by the competition, I think I might be able to put forth a legit fight to add to the trophy case.

Draft Book

2007-07-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

From what I've seen, the www offers all sorts of opinions on fantasy football. But I still like to have a book each season - something right at the fingertips to help prep for my drafts.

I swung by Borders last week to raid the magazine rack. Do these publications understand the volume of competition they face? When hoping to standout from the others as a viable option, here are two major gaffs they should avoid:

1) Do not highlight the fact that your magazine ranks Carson Palmer as this season's #1 QB. Betting against Manning to keep his title is draftbook suicide.

2) Do not highlight an interview with Ladainian Tomlinson as the main cover call-out. We don't care what LT's favorite pre-game meal is, how many DVDs he owns or who wins when he golfs with Phillip Rivers.

So I settled on a single magazine - "Fantasy Football Draftbook 2007. " Catchy enough title but, as pointed out by my brother-in-law, one whose cover's largest photo is of Larry Johnson and largest title is "Steven Jackson Takes No Prisoners." Ugh... no wonder I can't get over the hump and turn my Gang Green franchise around.

SMC: Chilly Willy

2007-07-14T09:14:00.000-04:00

A classic game of cat-and-mouse featuring a dog (I think) and a penquin...

Wiki Chilly Willy
Visit Chilly Willy's Sub-Arctic WORLD!

Banks Shots

2007-07-09T23:15:00.000-04:00

OBX'07 Thumbs Up: Pine Island Diner's Hawaiian Burger, Bad Bean Taqueiro's peace, the fireworks for being a scene setting on my camera, Chef Kirby's versatile menu, short and sweet Cinderella at The Lost Colony, fish swimming at Mallory's eye-level at the aquarium, Mako Mike's sub one-hour waiting time, TimbukII mini-golf's exaggerated par assessment, MJ picking up the last leg on the way home.

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

2007-06-30T00:36:00.000-04:00

Woulda blogged this week about some new soda I sipped, but canned the idea for fear of over-vouching. (The Pepsi Summer Mix was pretty good though.)

Coulda blogged this week about a case of eBay fraud I had to deal with... seems limited to that so far, which is a relief. But both eBay and Discover were so cooperative that I'm satisfied sparing the details.

Shoulda blogged this week about how a "Just Played" feature is a must-have on all jazz radio station web sites. When Alan Jackson is on country radio, by golly I know it's Alan Jackson even if I've never heard the song before. I'm not sure how to make that distinction when a song's lead "vocalist" is a jazz guitar. So if I hear a song in the car that I like but do not catch the DJ tag, I have nowhere to begin my follow-up. Seems simple enough to archive titles played within the previous 2 hours of airplay at any given moment.

While I Was Out... PNC Park

2007-06-22T16:59:00.000-04:00

Todd, Travis and I embarked on our biennial journey to PNC Park for a Pirates game last month. It's always fun to dig into our collective 80's baseball memory during the car ride, no matter how many inaccuracies we find later on baseball-reference.com.

Once again the guys were kind enough to settle on a Pirates/Braves tilt and this year the Braves actually pulled out a W for me. Chuck James took a no-no into the 6th and Scott Thorman highlighted the offensive attack with a shot over that short-porch in right. Chipper Jones led the team in signatures as he began an untimely stint on the DL.

The Bucs first of many mistakes was benching Ronny Paulino on Ronny Paulino bobblehead night. Their 2nd mistake was rolling out the Ace of Diamonds to make what would be his second-to-last start of the season (career?). Base-running mistakes, fielding errors and the general hilarity of Jason Bay navigating left ensued.

I slapped some of my photos from the game behind the artwork of the 1985 Topps baseball card design because, well, I can get bored. Interestingly enough, when researching the dimensions of baseball cards, I discovered a shout-out to York, PA on Wikipedia's baseball cards entry... something about York Caramel producing cards in 1927. Point #1: Not a bad year to have a Yankees team set, eh? Point #2: York... it's a baseball town!

I'll Vouch For That

2007-06-21T22:58:00.000-04:00

On the tube, I've got to vouch for Lil' Bush. I think the voices clinched it for me (see Behind-the-Scenes clip).
In my car, I'll vouch for the iCarPlay FM transmitter. When tuned to 106.3, I can scoot from Hanover to The Institute with clean SnyPod sound.
In the kitchen, I'll vouch for Joe Corbi's Southwest Queso Kit. Many preparation options are highlighted, but this meal's best designed by MJ; first implementing the Queso Pizza solution, then adding her own flair, and finally rolling the whole thing up into a wrap.
Web-wise, I'll vouch for SwitchPlanet. The concept is air-tight, but the interface and usability could be improved. Bonus points for the use of made up currency.
In the playroom, Mallory will vouch for a wet washcloth, a wicker basket, a set of coasters and a 1/2 TSP measuring spoon. What is it about toys that kids just don't like?
I hope to one day vouch for... setting my vinyl free. A tip of the hat to Old Man Kirby for passing along a link to the Ion USB Turntable.

Rev'd Up?

2007-06-17T13:06:00.000-04:00

From what I heard, the Revolution won't be televised. So thanks to free passes from Mr. Dietrich, my dad and I headed to Sovereign Stadium last night for a look at the ball park and the team. Turns out, I've got a few bullets:

The Stadium

Parking at Small's Field cost $3, but was certainly close-by and hassle-free.
It may not have looked like a construction zone to the extent I was expecting, but they've got plenty of work to do and hardly wowed fans with anything close to a finished product.
The home team's RP's get the brunt of the sunlight, while the visitor's bullpen is tucked neatly in the shade.
Obviously then those with seats on the 3rd baseline do not have the sun issues those along the 1st baseline have for the first half of evening games.
The video board was pretty large actually, something I wasn't expecting.
The grass was too long... not sure if that is by design since this team is supposed to be built on speed or if it just needs a fresh cut.
The inundation with advertising wore me out by about the 3rd inning.

The Team

Danny Bautista (former Brave) and Peter Bergeron are the active Revs to have once played in the Majors. Statistically Bergeron seems to be struggling while Bautista is putting up decent numbers.
Kaz Tanaka has the inside track on being the fan-favorite. At 5'5", he's scrappy, bunts, steals and plays a reasonable LF.
RP Jason Olson was my game MVP. The first 3 innings took an eternity to complete due to an abundance of hits, walks and errors. Olson came in to get the Revs out of the 3rd and then pitched 2 more timely, shut-out innings.
No one drew the ire of the crowd more than 3rd base coach Ryan Minor who held up a base-runner rounding 3rd when it seemed apparent that he would score. His presence makes me feel old as I remember a Slam Magazine article in high school about an Oklahoma Sooner shooting guard titled "Minor Threat."
York committed a fare share of errors (fielding and on the base-paths), but thankfully theirs were not as embarrassing as Newark 2B Javier Colina's... a slow-rolling grounder sneaked through his legs and he dropped a throw from the catcher that would have nailed a potential (slow-footed) base-stealer by about 5 steps. That Bear was a goat.
Revolution closer Franklin Nunez made the 9th inning exciting by not making the 9th inning exciting: 3 batters faced, 2 Ks.

Here are some pics. I'd say that the experience is worth a few trips per summer.

SMC: DangerMouse

2007-06-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

Wiki DangerMouse
DangerMouse - The Greatest Secret Agent in the World

Weekend Reading

2007-06-15T13:56:00.000-04:00

"What began as a witheringly accurate account of modern American business incompetence and interpersonal awkwardness (following the lead of its British progenitor) has been shanghaied and derailed by this fixation on love." She's preachin' to the choir.
Coming soon to a MacBook near you: Madden!
Nothing quite like minor league baseball promotional shenanigans.
Getting closer to pickle pop.
Winnie Cooper likes all that adding and stuff.

A Blah, Blah, Blog Mixclusive

2007-06-13T22:28:00.000-04:00

"... I'll stir-fry you in my wok..."

Oh, sorry. I was just listening to the Blah, Blah, Blog Mixclusive Fremix of the Beastie Boys' Intergalactic.

The Beasties conveniently enough feature an "A Capella Download Page" on their web site - complete with BPMs. After several hours of GarageBand dragging and dropping I think I finally got a beat that's popping. I struggled mightily with the post-export volume level, so an adjustment might be necessary... for which I apologize profusely.

Listen/Download (thanks for the ZShare tip Todd): Intergalactic (SnyPod Mix)

Scottie's Been Deadspun

2007-06-12T17:07:00.000-04:00

It's rarely a positive thing to be Deadspin fodder, which was the case today as Scottie Pippen was featured on the cynical sports blog. The foundation of the post wasn't really anything new, but the entry allowed the Deadspin community to dip into their stash of SP pot-shots. Admittedly, some were funny:

Stev D says:
You could make good money doing the opposite of whatever Scottie Pippen does.

Camp Tiger Claw says:
The only reason he can grow anything is because Michael Jordan owns a farm next door and fertilizes everything.

Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah! says:
I heard that he got into the farming life so much that he joined a country band. He's the second fiddler.
Sorry.

As for the Toni Kukoc/sidelines/pouting themed cracks... too soon! Those are some deep wounds. I mean it was finally Pip's team and the Master of the Zeniverse decoyed him. Treacherous!

Home Makeover

2007-06-11T23:10:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the SnyPod likes to relax on the dining room table... it reminds him so much of home. By the way, he likes what they've recently done with the place.

Pandora the Explora

2007-06-07T17:08:00.000-04:00

As my week without an office-mate winds down, so does my Rose Radio independence. Pandora, it's been a blast:

Old Man was right...
The best thing about Pandora is exploring/discovering new music. I've also realized that I'm much more receptive to discovering new music while listening at work, since solid background sound is the main objective and singing along to familiar tunes ain't happening. I took the most artist/song notes (Palmer would be proud) while listening to my Kaskade Radio and Consequence Radio stations. The former for some house stuff, the latter for some bearable contemporary rap.

Most appropriate track...
"Busy Doing Nuthin" was played yesterday on my Special Ed Radio station. We know this simply as a Biz Mark album cut from the early 90's, but the Genome knows it as:

Features Of This Song
east coast rap roots
swingin' beats
consistent rhyme patterns
clean lyrics
acoustic drum samples
an electric bass riff
prominent horns
the heavy use of funk samples
a dry recording sound
thin orchestration
lyrics by a famous rap artist
These are just a few of the hundreds of attributes cataloged for this song by the Music Genome Project.

Poppin' the hood...
The only list letdown I experienced was my 3rd Force Radio station. Looking to smooth things out a little, this didn't quite peg my brand of jazz. I wish you could pop the Genome's hood and take a look at some checkboxes. Since most level-headed music fans dig thick orchestration, what if "thin orchestration" in the above features list could be unchecked to further refine your station's mix?

Speaking of the Genome...
Isn't creating a New Edition playlist like giving the Genome a day off? If I create Keith Sweat Radio will all the songs be sung through a pinched nose? Is there a group putting more stress on the Genome attributes database than the Beastie Boys?

I miss the wrap...
Pandora's design used to feature full-site ad-wraps, which I actually liked. These were usually appealing designs that would refresh the look-and-feel every few songs. I wonder if their backers pulled given the cloudy future of Pandora and similar sites.

While I Was Out... The Ken Howell Table

2007-06-06T23:34:00.000-04:00

Next time you're at Ruby Tuesday's - the Galleria Mall edition - be sure to request the Ken Howell table, if only because there is one.

MJ surprised me by stopping by The Institute on my birthday and treating me to lunch at Ruby's. As we perused the menu, started feeding Mallory, and began discussing the spectacular plans she had in store for the rest of the weekend, I became distracted by the wall decor next to our table. The Tommy Greene autographed 8x10 I reluctantly accepted since he threw a no-hitter for the Phils in the early 90's. But that other photo, I couldn't even remember the guy's name. Ken Harvey I kept thinking, but realized he was a more recent player. I recognized him as a late 80's Philly arm... Ken Holland maybe? Ken Dixon?

The first order of business upon returning to the office was a trip to baseball-reference.com where Ken Howell appeared on the '89 Phillies page. Not a bad season either - he led all Phightin' starters in wins, ERA, strikeouts and innings pitched, and set a team record for wild pitches in a game with five... numbers undoubtedly making the famous Ken Howell worthy of wall space at Ruby Tuesday's... 18 years later.

Word Up!

2007-06-05T22:43:00.000-04:00

Here's the challenge: What is the longest word you can come up with using only one magnetic alphabet? Can Mallory's eleven-letter word be topped?

How about this twelve-letter puzzle from last night's Wheel of Fortune: whippoorwill? Webster hyphenates it, but Sajak's wordsmithery is king in my book.

I Was Watching When...

2007-06-01T02:18:00.000-04:00

Wow. What a performance by Lebron James tonight in the Cavs 2-OT win. This was Marv's recap:

Lebron scored the Cavs last 25 points;
29 of last 30 points;
Last 11 field goals made

This includes 2 unheard of dunks within the final minute of regulation and bombs from various spots on the Palace floor. Reggie was getting beat-up by the Jet and Chuck post-game, but I think he had a point. Many of Lebron's shots down the stretch were well-contested including those drifting 3s he drained.

Still Detroit had to throw more aggressive double and triple teams at him to force more of those awkward Sasha Pavlovic moments. Lost in going bonkers for the King is how Flip Saunders further cemented his standing as an awful playoff coach.

But the story was The Lebrons, and it's a development that I certainly welcome. I was prepared for and accepting of a Spurs/Pistons final, but that's up in the air now. This Cleveland team has provided the drama TNT craves - I think it is important to highlight the word team as it was an incredibly effective team effort on the defensive end. And knowing your roles on the offensive end demonstrates teamwork as well in my opinion.

Now I don't watch the ESPN around here, but I imagine the hype following this game is going to get out of hand. I beg you GSW bandwagoners not to re-hitch to these Cavs. Except Todd, because he wore a Cavaliers tee to my birthday party. Also except Witt, because he has a John Bagley rookie card. If you were too busy watching "1 vs. 100" before the Lebron James game, then you should stay busy watching "1 vs. 100" after the Lebron James game.

I'll continue to witness.

Finding the Alamo

2007-05-30T23:11:00.000-04:00

"I don't know what the hell is going on," Shakir says. "It's crazy."

Following my week-long search for some basic NBA-wear, I must admit that the same sentiment crossed my mind.

What had me puzzled? The white tee, and it's prevalence at the various athletic apparel shops I visited, most notoriously the Foot Locker at the West Manchester Mall. Picture the entire center section of the Foot Locker store covered by 4 gigantic shelving units holding nothing but plain tee shirts, half of which were plain white tee shirts! And their sales-zebras still had the nerve to dress up like refs. You sell white tees... Line Judges are in no way symbolic of me sleeping!

"If you can go to the store and buy five shirts for $25, that's your whole week," explains Myorr Janha.

My eyes and ears have told me that the white tee has become a staple of hip-hop culture. I respect the trend as a spirited take-back mission and figure it was born of inner-city economics. Rather than sweat name-brand, higher-priced merchandise, why not make what many kids in poor areas were relegated to wearing the style? Then if you can pinch enough, go name-brand on the sneakers since you can wear those everyday. It's a sound strategy without a doubt.

But the irony in all of this is that the Foot Lockers and Finish Lines were the stores peddling the then trendy officially licensed league/player merchandise and sneaker brand duds. I guess the take-back is in full-effect. And I'm out a Spurs shirt.

---

I thought I'd get Googley and see what the tangled web had to say about this white tee shirt trend. The article quoted throughout this post, "XXXXXXXL", provided at-length coverage. (Pun intended!) It's really a pretty interesting and entertaining write-up. They hint at my theory behind the trend, as well as others including:

"There's the idea of not only living large, but living extra-large, and wearing a long shirt that goes down to your knees is a bold statement. You'll get noticed."

"...they mimic and glorify a violent prison culture, where beltless cons stash contraband in the folds of one-size-fits-all uniforms."

"The culture of the customer is so everyone will look the same," says Stuart Silberman, vice president of marketing at Changes, a nine-store chain of urban menswear stores based in Baltimore that has been stocking tall tees since 2002. "If the cops are looking for a suspect, he's invariably wearing a long white T-shirt with long shorts. So they can't be identified. That was the real reason it all started."

The last of which is refuted by my favorite quote of the article:

"In my neighborhood, we all wear the same stuff, so me, I had to change my dress code up," ... "I wear different things from everybody else, so now when [the cops] run up on me, they don't get confused."

Finally an explanation as to why Burlington Coat Factory thought they could sell a Fat Lever college jersey. And at the same time an explanation as to why I can no longer find a Fat Lever college jersey at Burlington Coat Factory.

The NBA Beat: Playoff Bullets

2007-05-29T13:58:00.000-04:00

First off... the Wiz. Playing short-handed in round one against Cleveland was definitely a worst-case scenario. They learned absolutely nothing about their ball club and will undoubtedly move forward with the same make-up and strategy that they've had the past few seasons. The run-and-gun/no defense thing just can't work, which leads me to my next bullet...
I'm actually pleased the wheels fell off the Warriors and Suns bandwagons last round. Their brand of ball may have made Bo Kimble a lottery pick, but it ain't gonna win championships. Sure it was exciting and oftentimes well-played, but at some point you've got to play some D. Good riddance small-ball!
If there were to ever be a sequel to "Eight Men Out", the Spurs game 3 performance against the Jazz could easily be your storyline. I don't know who pulled those strings, but that was a giveaway. Each Tim Duncan foul was like Eddie grooving one in the movie. Jazz fans crying about flops today should just be happy the series wasn't allowed to be over yet.
Also: Gilbert breaks down the Blazers and Sam Vincent is once again linked to Michael Jordan

While I Was Out... Deep Creek, MD

2007-05-27T16:15:00.000-04:00

Visits to Deep Creek are commonplace and rarely blog-worthy. But during this trip OJ was in the news for some reason and I witnessed first-hand someone who seriously thinks Ron Goldman was simply being nice and returning a stranger's glasses from the restaurant he was working at. If you like Chris Rock's OJ rant, you might too find this amusing.

SMC: Mitch Hedberg?

2007-05-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so Dr. Katz wasn't technically a Saturday morning cartoon. But he was animated and his show was clutch. I didn't realize the late Mitch Hedberg was on an episode, but You Tube's well-informed:

This is definitely a keepsake for Hedberg fans as his classic jokes are brought to life via squiggly animation. If only Dr. Katz would've interjected a bit more, we might have more "I can't do a back-flip... much less several... simultaneously with two other guys."

Wiki Dr. Katz

Great use of something that's not flash

2007-05-25T23:48:00.000-04:00

When I first came across the site linked below, I thought "now that's a great use of flash." After pulling and sliding the tab for awhile, I thought I'd give it a right-click to be sure. Much to my bewilderment, it wasn't flash at all. Can you believe it?

http://www.orionadvisor.com/public/

A view of the source code indicates that it's javascript. Maybe Jarva was onto something back at SWAT when he just called everything a java.

From Amy Krebs to Doug E. Fresh

2007-05-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

A semi ho-hum edition of A.I. failed to inspire me enough to light up Blogger.com very often this year, so with the help of the SusCom Idol Super Pool 2's blog I'll attempt to straighten the whole season out...

02/21/07 - Remember Amy Krebs? Man, she got a raw deal.
02/28/07 - Kenny says "I'm voting to axe her (Leslie Hunt) every week even if it costs me the championship." He says it as though he knew the championship was his and only Leslie Hunt stood in the way. She was tossed the next night.
03/08/07 - Randy starts talking about somebody's boots, I think maybe Lakisha's. This fittingly reflects the viewing audience's growing infatuation with contestants' wardrobe and appearance.
03/10/07 - Todd K declares his "new favorite imprecation to be 'Haley Scarnato!'" May I request a more extensive list of favorite imprecations? Oh, and thanks for the new word.
03/14/07 - Haley Scarnato! cries like a baby, which needs to be grounds for an automatic boot in season 7. Much angst is building among SusCom Idol Poolers regarding Sanjaya's popularity.
03/21/07 - My pick to win it all gets a premature send-off. Kenneth Lee takes a lead in the Pool that he will never relinquish.
03/26/07 - Don't hate, prognosticate: MJ and Todd K correctly identify this season's winner nearly two months in advance. Look, I turned the other cheek to the support of Ozzie Smith's son, but I refuse to accept support of Phillippi Sparks' daughter! E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!
03/27/07 - Stefani seemed kind of nerdy.
04/04/07 - It's a good week to be a crooner as Tony Bennett guests on Standards Night. Unfortunately niether Clay Aiken, John Stevens nor David Radford are among season 6's hopefuls.
04/11/07 - SusCom Idol Poolers unite! A nearly unanimous (9 of 11) combo of Phil and Haley are selected to fair the poorest. Well played by most as Haley Scarnato! is sent packing.
04/17/07 - Todd K questions Phil Stacy's country roots all the while wondering if he's the "dorkiest guy ever"?
04/18/07 - That crying girl's life has taken a devastating turn: Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol.
04/24/07 - The much hyped Idol Gives Back show probably was the season's highlight, far out-dazzling the finale. Still not sure what to think about those bed nets though.
05/02/07 - Prior to double-elimination night, Flood mixes a rare comment in with his picks, going the political route with a Mission Accomplished jab.
05/03/07 - I said it once and I'll say it again: I'm convinced one of the following is true: 1) These aren't contestants, they're dominoes; or 2) Cowell was privy to the ribbon show's voting results and shaped his comments accordingly to satisfy his sweltering ego!
05/09/07 - Some are growing tired of Blake's beat-boxing while others are growing tired of awkward, painful performances by past-their-prime entertainers. Additionally, I must admit Idol's honesty with Sparks to close last night's show regained some credibility with me.
05/16/07 - The judging panel's incessant reminders that "this is a singing competition" come one week too late as Doolittle is sent home. Nevermind Allison's gut - eventual Idol Pool bronze-trophy winning Todd K was the only one who saw it coming.
05/22/07 - Blake Lewis delivers an encore performance of his Bon Jovi cover to open the performance side of the finale. Daughtry, who covered Bon Jovi quite successfully last season, closes it.
05/23/07 - The World's Greatest Entertainer Doug E. Fresh challenges soon-to-be runner-up Blake Lewis to a duel... the kind of duel in which only the bravest of men will partake... a reproduction of drum sounds using one's voice, mouth, and nasal cavity duel! I'm disappointed that Rose Radio has yet to give Doug Fresh the post-Idol-appearance love that it has shown others. I wouldn't mind a little "Cut That Zero" or "All The Way To Heaven" today. Oh, did anything else happen on the finale?

Dial Idol Has Spoken

2007-05-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

The results are in and Dial Idol has spoken:

Count me as "not a fan" of this outcome. I've never been a Jordin Sparks pep rally attendee because A) her dad was a New York Giant and B) she just hasn't sounded that unique or consistent to me. I won't get too fired up about the result though because it's reasonable to say she probably was the better singer of the final two, and as The Dawg pointed out last night, this is a singing competition.

So what happens to beat-box Blake? History hasn't been too kind to the show's runners-up with the exception of Clay Aiken. Guarini, Degarmo, Bob Ice, McPhee... strugglin'. Can Blake break the curse? Will he be able to assert more of himself and his creativity into an album as a runner-up? Will I soon hear "pfffft, batp, shpoom, poom, batp" on Rose Radio?

While I Was Out... MJ's B-Day

2007-05-21T23:17:00.000-04:00

April was a lousy month to shelf the blog. So I figured I'd recap some of the month's highlights.

First off, MJ turned the big 2-7, her first b-day as a mom. The 3 of us had a chance to spend a fun afternoon at the park.

SMC: Kid 'N' Play

2007-05-19T10:44:00.000-04:00

Not sure where this falls in the annals of animation, but you can't beat the intro. Roll with Kid 'N' Play, now everybody say:

Wiki Kid 'N' Play

I'm Back

2007-05-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

"I'm back."

So it's been about a month since my last post, plenty long enough to be put officially on notice. And I realize that I need to make a splash if I ever hope to regain the readership of my 5 & 1/2 loyals. (That figure might be a reach actually.) With the pressure to deliver staring me down with raised eyebrow, I give you...

... the best icon I've seen on the worldwide during my hiatus! Isn't this a great "Contact Us" icon? Sure this features an obvious means of communication, but IntelliContact managed to use a phone style that's familiar in the real-world, but uncommon as an icon. I say a job well done IC.

Won't you agree?

April 20

2007-04-20T15:11:00.000-04:00

April 20, 1976... One of my favorite stats of this day has always been that it marked the date Mike Schmidt hit career home run number 100. Schmidt's home run prowess early in that '76 season has become newsworthy of late, associated with Alex Rodriguez's season opening fireworks display. Schmidtty's 11 bombs in his first 12 games that year made him the fastest in history to 10 in a season, withstanding even A-Rod's impressive run. Thanks to BaseballReference.com, we can take a closer look at Schmidt's early '76 efforts...

That magical #100 was launched in Pittsburgh off Pirates southpaw John Candelaria in the 4th inning, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead in a game they would win 5-1. Schmidt batted in the 6-hole that day and his was the game's only big fly. Proof that the Phils have always driven their fans mad, catcher Bob Boone followed the homerun with a double, advanced to 3rd on a sac bunt, then was thrown out by the Candy Man in an attempt to steal home! Bob Boone averaged 2 steals per season throughout his career, and 2.5 caught stealings per season. (How long until I can read "CS: B Boone (2, Home by J Candelaria/M Sanguillen)" on BaseballReference.com and have it linked to a press clipping further explaining such an incomprehensible act?)

The game that seems to have cemented Michael Jack Schmidt into the record books as the fastest to 10 home runs in a season was the Phillies 5th game of the '76 season, a wild 18-16 win at Wrigley Field. Schmidt connected 4 times off Cubs pitching, accounting for 4 runs, 5 hits, and 8 rbi in total. The Phillies scored 14 of their 18 after the 7th inning. Father of Nick Swisher, Steve, singled in 2 runs for the Cubbies in the bottom of the 9th off father of Tim McGraw, Tug, to send the game to extra innings.

Despite the fast start, ol' #20 only tallied 38 home runs in that 1976 campaign. An extended homerless drought between May 21 and June 9 coupled with a stretch of only 1 long-ball between August 20 and September 12 prevented Schmidt from breaking the team record of 43 homeruns in a season, set by Chuck Klein in 1929. 3 years later, Schmidt would break that record with 45 dingers, then break his own record the following year with 48. In 2006, league MVP Ryan Howard outslugged the hall-of-famer by 10. Nevertheless, Mike Schmidt finished 3rd in NL MVP voting in 1976, was an all-star, a gold-glover, and led the senior circuit in total bases and home runs.

BaseballReference.com makes one more relevant connection especially interesting to me. Mike Schmidt was 26 years old in 1976 and the one career in the entire history of baseball most closely resembling Schmidtty's through age 26 was Ron Gant's. Their runs, hits, doubles, triples, batting averages and slugging percentages were very close. Schmidt had more homers, Gant countered with more steals. Not sure if Mike had a dirt bike though.

---

Amazing... after writing all of this and wondering who in the world would ever find it interesting, my friend Chris (of Yuck fame) just emailed me to let me know his wife gave birth to their first child earlier this morning, a boy. Seeing how Lukas has no choice but to be a huge Philly fan like his pops, maybe the post has an audience after all.

SMC: Pepe Le Pew

2007-04-14T10:44:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Rant, Rave and Blog's recent post...

Wiki Pepe Le Pew

Mathematics

2007-04-13T13:29:00.000-04:00


  Last 2 weeks of NBA season
  First 2 weeks of MLB season
+ Unseasonably cold weather
______________________________

  Fantasy sports obsession

I think I might actually have a problem. At least I've had the courtesy of sparing this blog with a multitude of associated posts. Hopefully the weather turns the corner, I can get a Keystone Ball and Stick win under my belt, my Shakes can end the String Bean Basketball season in style and life can get back to its regularly scheduled (25% less fantasy sports focused) programming.

The Thrill is Gone

2007-04-05T13:33:00.000-04:00

Agent Zero's season is over. The Wizards season is over. The Papertown Shakes season might not be far behind.

The most gracefully uncoordinated fool in the NBA crashed into Gilbert Arenas' left knee last night, tearing his miniscus. How clumsy is Gerald Wallace (dubbed "Crash" by some)? He wears shoulderpads, that's how. Now, the world's just as imbalanced as he is, without it's greatest entertainer.

Can the Shakes survive? It's been a tough week:

Tuesday - F/C Al Jefferson ran into a teammate in practice, injuring his knee
Tuesday- F/C LaMarcus Aldridge was deemed out indefinitely after getting dizzy on Saturday
Wednesday - G/F Michael Redd sat out the his teams game purely for tanking purposes
Wednesday - G Gilbert gets crashed into, torn miniscus

Baseball on Basic Cable

2007-03-29T23:56:00.000-04:00

While John Kerry goes to bat for cable subscribing baseball fans and the MLB tries to take their Extra Innings exclusively to DirecTV, I've done a little research to get a feel for the ball-and-stick coverage we're "stuck" with. For those Comcast subscribers in the South Central PA area the news is actually pretty good, especially for the senior circuit fans. We can expect to see the following:

162 Orioles games on MASN/MASN2
161 Nationals games on MASN/MASN2
118 Pirates games on FSN
70 Braves games on TBS
70 Cubs games on WGN
46 Phillies games on UPN

These numbers do not consider blackouts (I'm sure there will be a few). This also does not consider ESPN/ESPN2 Yankees/Red Sox or WGN White Sox telecasts.

Download the spreadsheet I compiled for the bulleted teams/networks above by clicking here.

Not the Slowskys

2007-03-28T01:15:00.000-04:00

I received a postcard last week announcing the addition of MASN2 to my channel lineup in order to make all Orioles and Nationals baseball games available on cable this season. The card got tossed before the details sank in, and I wanted to clarify things since I often get direct mail from Comcast and Verizon that promote things that do not apply to me.

After my inside connection (Flood) dropped the ball, I thought I'd use one of them web-forms Comcast provides on their web site (since the actual information isn't included on their web site) figuring my chances of receiving an actual response were slim. I was wrong:

Dear Brett,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.

MASN has launched two channels ? MASN and MASN 2. The second channel, MASN 2 was created to ensure that fans of the Orioles and Nationals could see their favorite team play, even when they were both playing the same day at about the same time. These are being launched on your channel line-up on March 29, 2007.

- The Orioles and Nationals each play 162 games, often at the same time.
- To accommodate and ensure fans can see their favorite team, MASN has scheduled more than 200 games on its main channel, MASN.
- An additional 100+ games will appear on MASN 2

MASN is a 24 x 7 sports network, and airs on channel 62 at all times in your area.

MASN 2 is an ?overflow? channel for Nationals/Orioles games that overlap and, as such, will have only occasional, live pre-game, game, and post-game programming.

TV Guide Channel and MASN 2 will now share channel space at channel 8 in your area. What this means is that when there is an overlapping game, pre-game shows, the game and post-game programming will air on channel 8 where TV Guide Channel normally appears. At all other times, this channel will deliver TV Guide Channel programming.

Digital customers who want 24 x 7 access to TV Guide Channel need not worry ? TV Guide Channel is available in its entirety with 100% TV Guide Channel programming at all times on channel 100 for TV Guide.

* Note: The interactive program guide will display ?MASN 2? on the analog TV Guide Channel and ?TV Guide? on channel 100, the full time TV Guide Channel digital channel.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions.

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Shawn
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Thorough. And I received this response in less than an hour after submitting the form.

SMC: Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels

2007-03-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Geico's got nothing on Hanna-Barbera...

Wiki Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels