An All Sports Post - sorry to put you to sleep

Realignment, Probation, The Beautiful Game and a Run that was nearly complete...

Pretty amazing Spring for sports. Let's start with the last of those four up there because chronologically it came first. If you are not a fan of hockey you should at least become a fan of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Whether it was the first round and the early run by the Canadiens, or you are like me, a die hard Philly sports fan, there was a lot to enjoy about this run to the Cup. And if you are a Chicagoan then you are still celebrating a well deserved Cup victory. For me, the 4 weeks+ were magical. Watching the Flyers manhandle the higher seeded and hated New Jersey Devils was great. Moving on to Round 2 and taking care of the storied Montreal Canadiens seemed to be 'icing on the cake' for a team that squeaked into the playoffs but then the real magic happened. My Fly boys looked flat after 2 tough losses in the Conference Championship Series versus the Boston Bruins and then got blown out in game 3 to go down 3-0 in the Series. At that point I began to appreciate where 'we' had gotten to so unexpectedly, but at the same time hoping to at least steal a game to save face. What started as one game turned into two and then a third and before you knew it we were in Game 7 and on the verge of history. Game 7 in Boston was a daunting task and getting down 3-0 in the first period made it tougher but somehow this team did it the impossible. Like Rocky coming back against Apollo Creed in the original Rocky, only this time Rocky wins and we don't need that "rematch" (Go watch the movie). Like so many good stories this one ended just short of history as the Flyers lost in 6 to the Blackhawks for the Cup but this run will be remembered by me for years to come and it was more than the hockey. It was memories revived and old friendships brought alive again. As the Flyers snuck into the playoffs I sat in the basement of my oldest (as in time) friend. A friendship that began at summer camp at the age of 4, survived family changes, moves, college and life has been renewed and on that final day we watched the Flyers get 'in'. Ironically, one of my other 'camp' friends from that same time period also lives in New York and we met up for the first time in 33 years to watch what became the final game of the year. It was a bittersweet but felt great to reconnect with someone and see 33 years melt away.

With hockey out of the way, I can turn my attention to the World Cup. I don't profess to be a true lover of soccer/futbol but I certainly can enjoy the spectacle and marvel at the athleticism. The whole world can't be wrong, this really is a great sport and the World Cup is truly a grand event. Today marked just the beginning but I am excited to tune in as much as possible and cheer on the Red, White and Blue. For the record, I am taking the boys from SPAIN to win it all. I like the US getting out of their group and as I will be posting this the night before the Yank take on the Brits, I like us to upset them tomorrow as well, hey, I'm a HOMER!

Next up is college sports. What started as a quiet rumor turned into a giant inferno within the week. What am I talking about? Conference realignment and the birth of true 'Super Conferences'. Already we have seen Colorado jump to the Pac 10, which I guess gets a new name and Nebraska head to the Big 10 (which already had 11). Next dominoes to fall seem to be the complete disintegration of the Big 12 (though now the Big 10 is 12 so aren't they the Big 12?). While all this is big news I am wondering what the SEC will do. The biggest conference of them all has been relatively quiet. From the reports I am reading it looks like Texas and a couple of other Big 12 schools will jump to the Pac 10+ as well. This surprises me; call it East Coast bias but why do they want to jump two time zones away from TV coverage? In my mind the natural pull would be to bring Texas and Texas A&M into the SEC and make a truly SOUTHERN conference that stretches all the way across the Gulf States. For the SEC it also brings in two HUGE TV markets in Dallas and Houston as well. It would also mean the SEC would need to add two more teams to balance out the East with the West. I would think they could have their choice of Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Georgia Tech. This would truly create a mega conference. It would also create a near impossible run to undefeated seasons, but is that so wrong? It would make for great football and huge ratings week after week. I know it will never happen but I like the idea. I also like the idea of the Gators and Hurricanes renewing rivalries every year!

The other big news in college football was the announcement of USC getting hit hard with sanctions from the NCAA. Now there is a lot to debate here (why punish kids that were not a part of the problem) to gloating about things like karma (it's a BITCH isn't it Coach Kiffin?). What I am trying to figure out is what happened to schools losing the right to be on television for a period of time? In the 80's, when Florida was put on probation, along with losing scholarships and Bowl games, we also were not allowed to be shown on TV. Maybe, now that TV contracts have gotten so large this is no longer an option, but if you truly want to deal a Program a blow you take away the TV coverage. Why you might ask? College athletes today want to be on TV. They want to be seen. They want to be drafted and make a ton of money. If your School is not on TV, it really doesn't matter how many scholly's you have to offer, the best will not come! I'm not saying that USC should have gotten it in this case, I am just wondering if it is even still an option...

BONUS SPORTS NOTE - as I type this the Gator Baseball Team just beat the Miami Hurricanes in their opening game in a series that will determine who goes to the College World Series --- GO GATORS!!!

The Weekend that was (mostly sports related...spoiler alert)

I left Friday evening for Knoxville and the University of Florida - University of Tennessee football game (Jonathan, I did that correctly by spelling it out for those not in the know right? ;-))? It is a very quick and easy drive from my house to my friend Marc's in the western burbs of Knoxville. The night was beautiful and I had the roof open, windows down and iPod blasting my FAVORITE mix and it just let my mind wander and prepare for what I knew would be a great couple of days. I rolled in around 10:00 and got caught up with the my friends and then went to sleep. Up early on Saturday we were out the door for a tailgate party at 10:30. Kick-off was not until 3:30 so it was going to be a long day. Marc had a buddy that hooked us up with an awesome party right outside the stadium. The Tennessee folks at the tailgate could NOT have been friendlier and really, besides a few obnoxious students the fans were hospitable all day and night. While I ABSOLUTELY love home games in THE SWAMP I really enjoy going on the road where there are 100,000+ people rooting for the other team. The atmosphere in the SEC is second to none and Knoxville is probably my favorite away game to go to for the atmosphere. Our seats were in the Florida section right under the 'jumbotron' so that would be the last row. However, it was only row 33 so it was really not bad as the pictures will attest. We had the added benefit of a great breeze all day and the Tennessee River behind us. Oh yeah -Gators romped 30-6 - "IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR".









Besides college football there was so much else going on sports wise. We are in the middle of the pennant chase in Major League Baseball, the NFL is in fool swing and the Ryder Cup was going on. Being an avid golfer and homer, I was pulling for the U.S. and enjoyed watching periodically throughout the weekend. What I did see showed great shot making from both sides and I was pleased to see the emotion and spirit the Americans played with. I give a ton of credit to their Captain, Paul Azinger, who has survived cancer and truly is inspirational.


On Sunday morning I hustled out of the door in Knoxville to make it home in time to take the family to the final home game of the year for the Braves. The girls looked ADORABLE in the pink Braves hats and their Tomahawks. I, of course, was in a PHILLIES cap but for the first time I can remember actively remember rooting for the Braves because they were playing the New York Mets. The mets and Phillies are in a battle for the division and every Met loss is a good one. The Braves battled back and won and I am almost beginning to feel comfortable that the Phillies will be in the playoffs. I forgot to download those pics but I'll add them at some point.

The only disappointing part of my Sunday sports day was hustling home to catch the Eagles-Steelers game only to find out it was not on in Atlanta.

Besides the big boys playing sports I did miss the girls' soccer games on Saturday though I am happy to report about them. Cydney's team WON their first game of the year in the 8/9 year old division. They won 4-2 and Cydney scored the game winner when it was knotted at 2. I can't tell you how proud I am of these girls as their coach. I only have 3 girls who are even 'of age' and they are new to the team. The rest of the girls will be turning 8 throughout this year. We lost our first 2 games soundly but they are playing with heart and determination and really having fun and enjoying each other. On a side note, from an embarrassment standpoint I am glad to have missed the game as Ilene apparently did a cartwheel ON THE FIELD after Cyd's goal. G-d forbid there is video of that I would love to put it on YouTube! Rachel's team also won and she scored 3 goals. They too have moved up divisions and are playing great soccer and are now 2-1. Coaching both teams is challenging yet very rewarding and as I told one of my coaches, maybe I should stay away from games more often.

Lastly, I watched some of the New York Yankee game last night as they closed down Yankee Stadium. Fortunately I got to see several games there. It is by no means a 'beautiful park' from a cleanliness standpoint but I was always truly in awe knowing the history that had preceded me being there.

I think that covers the weekend

It's so close I can feel it...

I am actually talking about several things with that line, not in the least are:

1. Football season
2. My FAVORITE season - Autumn
3. Our Fantasy Football show getting set to take off!

So, let's 'tackle' them in that order.

1. As I type this the Gators take the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in less than 26 hours from now. I get very nostalgic thinking about all of my 'firsts' in that stadium and on that campus. I remember the first time I set foot in The Swamp. I was a high school Senior and we went up for Gator Growl (Homecoming). I knew right then and there that Gainesville would always be HOME. I remember throwing the ball around on the astro turf back then and I even remember a crazy night where I wound up on the G that was painted for Goal Line but I was convinced it was for Gil. Let's just say there is a spot on my arm/wrist that hair will never grow thanks to that astro turf...sorry no details my Mom reads this blog :).

Optimism is everywhere in college football this time of year but I really do believe this season can be a special one for the Gators. I'm not sure Tebow can win back to back Heisman's but I do think we can go 12-1 and wind up playing for it all in MIAMI at the Orange Bowl - WOW, that would be INCREDIBLE! I know where I will be and I know Denise will have our lucky sweatshirt ready to go!

2. The fall is just the best time of year. I love the change in weather, I like to pull out different clothes to wear. I like waking up to the cool air and opening the windows in the evening and breathing the fresh air. I love the change in the foliage and the smell of a fire roaring in the neighborhood. Of course fall also ushers in football and closes out baseball and it also welcomes back hockey and basketball. Driving with the radio blasting, windows down letting the cool breeze take you wherever you want to go, literally or figuratively, that is what fall is about for me.

3. The FFL Guru - wow, this journey that Jordan and I started last year is really beginning to take flight. First, we signed the deal with 790 The Zone and you can reach us directly from their website (www.790thezone.com), then we grabbed a 'title sponsor' in Lincoln and the new MKZ, and the latest news, we are now a part of the World Championship of Fantasy Football (www.wcofs.com). We officially kick off with them next week when Jordan will be in Vegas for their weekend extravaganza and draft. We will be covering the event and we will also be participants. Viewers will be able to follow our progress in their Leagues through our weekly videos. We also are creating a custom front end for them so they can sell their own advertising which is where we make some money. Lastly, they have over 100,000 players who will now be watching The FFL Guru TWICE a week - traffic should skyrocket and that can only mean good things for us, our partners and our advertisers.

Cheers to what should be the most rewarding season ever and a terrific launching into 2009!

Finally a Championship for Philadelphia and my TV problems seem to be solved (Hallelujah)

Ok, so it's not one of the BIG 4 Leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL or NBA) but this morning my hometown is finally celebrating a championship, our first since the 1983 Sixers! Most of you are scratching your heads and thinking, who cares or what the F does he mean, or both. Well, yesterday afternoon the Philadelphia Soul (that's Arena Football folks) won Arena Bowl XXII in New Orleans. I watched most of it as I was in tremendous pain and on a pretty strong dose of Vicodin at the time, but Arena Football is fun to watch! Add on the fact that Jon Bon Jovi and Ron Jaworski own the team and I am fan. A few months ago I met Ron and we had a great conversation about the Soul and Philly in general. I am even working on a project with his daughter and one of their businesses so it was fun to fire off an email to them this morning congratulating them on the win. I'm sure there will be no ticker tape parade but hopefully this is a sign of things to come for Philly. A lot of people comment about my passion for Philly Sports as well as that of my Alma Mater, THE University of Florida. For me they are a part of me and I them. This time of year I jones for Mick Hubert saying "oh my" as Tebow plows through the FSU line or Percy Harvin rips a huge run again the Dawgs...I can't wait for Asante Samuel to pick off his first pass in an Eagles uniform or see Brian Westbrook break free for a game winning score.

In related news, the TV. I have been reticent to admit that there is a problem with my SONY GRAND WEGA. In fact, it's been quite awhile that an ugly blue haze has been slowly creeping in from the right side of the screen. At first, I blew it off but in the last couple of weeks its gotten worse and these very tiny blue dots started popping up like zits on 14 year old. Months ago I went to the web and found a bunch of people complaining about the problem but no solutions were out there. I was at my wits end and was thinking that I was going to have to sink $2500 into a new TV just 3years after getting this one. On top of that, we had the built in specially designed for the SONY specs so my options were going to be limited. At the last minute, Ilene suggested I google the problem again. Thank G-d for that one, as now I found the same people with the problem but also a SOLUTION, and a FREE one to boot. Turns out SONY had been notified of the problem and they are now including service as part of an extended warranty at NO CHARGE!!!!! Woo freakin hoo!!!!!!! Part should be in within a week or so and I will be back in full HD, digital view in time for the NFL PRESEASON!!!!!

No, Ilene does not get to take the $2,500 and spend it on something for her :)

The little things

It always amazes me how much gratification and pleasure comes so much more easily from the small things that life gives us. It has been a pretty rough last few days as I continue to sit in a holding pattern on the knee and a couple other minor hurdles were put out there, but yesterday I received a nice little package in the mail from the State of Georgia that helped put things in perspective.

Does that have you curious? What did Gil do? Is he being sued? Is he being summoned? Come on already just tell us...

My new LICENSE PLATE came in the mail. Earlier in the year The University of Florida FINALLY got their own plates here in GEORGIA. Usually I would be the first in line, and actually I was, but something got screwed up so I just waited until my tags were up for renewal, which was this month! Yesterday, I poked my head in the mailbox and there they were, 2 new license plates...I'll have to add the picture when I take one :); so 2 cars down with Gator Plates, one to go when the 3rd car's tags are up (January). My tag #'s are 3176 & 3177. It gives me great pleasure to know 3175 other Gators are pissing of Georgia Bulldog fans on a daily basis in their lovely Atlanta commutes.

So with that I once again see all the small things in life that outweigh all the crap:

- the way Cydney hugs me in the morning
- the way Rae Rae screams 'Daddy' when I walk in from a long day
- the way words from a friend or family member can touch my soul so deeply
- a late afternoon thunderstorm that blows the heat away
- the warm sun beating down, while the wind blows by as you drive
- the lyrics of a song that capture your mood.or your life to a 'T'


Today, like everyday is a renewal, and sometimes even a revival.

SEC dominance

Not sure why I took such pleasure in watching LSU win the BCS Title game last night...

Oh yeah, it was all those obnoxious Ohio State fans we encountered last year at the same game! Seriously, I love trash talking with my rival friends (Georgia, FSU, Miami, Tennessee, etc...) but as much as we do it there is a mutual respect that underlies all the trash talk. The Ohio State fans and probably all Big Ten fans have zero respect for anyone but their conference. I have never seen this level of arrogance. Last year we knocked them down a peg (a few times and a few pegs) yet there they were again brazen and bold as ever disrespecting LSU and the SEC. Did last night change their mind? I hope so. Don't get me wrong guys, keep bringing it, but at the end of the day give respect to those who earn it.

Here is an example where you can trash talk AND give respect:

Did you see the final polls? Wow, Georgia #2, congratulations little dawgies! Imagine if you didn't lose to Spurrier at home with a team that only wound up 6 and 6. He might not be at Florida anymore but St. Superior owns the Dawgs, that's gotta hurt. In all seriousness, I love Knowshon Moreno and watching your defense against Hawaii I was envious for what we should have flying around at UF, but at the end of the day, like Ricky Bobby said, "If you ain't first your last" so see you next year with the Heisman Trophy in hand and both of us undefeated going in Jax.

See, respect, dig, respect, dig and a mutual looking forward to next year...your turn sweater vest, pay some damn RESPECT!

Oh yeah - Troy Smith is a midget and just got sacked again!

SEC Championship 2007

Usually this game has a ton of fanfare! For the 2 Universities playing in the game (Tennessee & LSU) I guess it still does but this year it will certainly be lacking the drama. All in all the SEC puts on a good show and there are lots of festivities around downtown that make it a great weekend.

There is also a lot of subtext to this years match up and around the nation:

1. Will Les Miles bolt for the Michigan job?
2. Will LSU fans care and who would replace him? Does Jimbo Fisher leave FSU already?
3. What's the deal with Phillip Fulmer? I guess he keeps his job but are UT fans happy?
4. Which BCS game does Georgia get? Personally I'd like to see them meet USC in the Rose Bowl but that would mean Ohio State is back in a Championship game and that would be a re-run of last year just substitute West Virginia for Florida.

I'll take LSU to win a pretty tight battle.

I'll have a complete Bowl rundown once the match ups are made and you can bet I'll be talking Heisman as my fellow Gator, Tim Tebow, is certainly a finalist if not the front runner.

Atlanta's Best kept secret - sports related

Believe it or not it's the HAWKS! yes, the Hawks people.

Last night the Hawks beat the Phoenix Suns 105-96 and they looked GOOD doing it. They are now 2 and 2 on the young season but they are showing real signs of maturity. They have beaten 2 of the best teams (Dallas & Phoenix) and have played very tough in their 2 losses, both on the road.

What has looked like an Organization in complete drift has all of the sudden become something. Let's see why:

1. The young nucleus - Joe Johnson, Josh Childress and Josh Smith are becoming bonafied stars in their own right and the oldest of them (Johnson) has been in the league 6 years.
2. Marvin Williams - this guy looked like another 'dud' pick but all of the sudden he has exploded and is playing with confidence.
3. The rookies - both Acie Law and Al Horford (my man from the University of Florida) are already playing HUGE minutes and contributing (Acie distributing the ball and Al is a MONSTER on the glass)

What might be the best part of this whole thing is that these guys are DYNAMIC and fun to watch. They could easily fit in the West Coast style of basketball as they like to run up and down the court.
There is still room for improvement as these guys will only get better.

Now it is up to you though!

The crowd, while a pretty good size because Phoenix was here, needs to get louder and more supportive in crunch time. The Hawks were up 3 to 7 points late in the 4th Quarter and you could feel the crowd just waiting for the Suns run to put the Hawks away. It never came and now is the time for us to help the boys out!

The Eastern Conference is VERY mediocre. If this team can stay healthy and keep growing they will make the playoffs this year...the future is in sight!

Get to Phillips now while you can get good seats!

The girls' first trip to the SWAMP!

Sorry for the lack of posts, life should be more normal now...

We have spent the last week up at my parents' house while the hardwoods were being done in our place. It worked out really well but things were definitely disjointed from a time and usual routine standpoint.

Today we head to the house for a walk through and I believe we move back in this afternoon! It will be so nice to sleep in our own beds and the girls' are excited to going back into their own rooms and their own beds.

I missed last weeks WW meeting because of the house thing but I'll be back this afternoon. I don't think I've done tremendously well in the last 2 weeks so hopefully I will have at least maintained my current losses.

Busy week all the way around plus I leave for Florida on Thursday.

Football is about to get into high gear, just 5 more days until the Gators begin defense of their National Championship and 12 days until the girls get their first taste of the SWAMP!

Random thoughts from the weekend

1. I LOVE the NFL Hall of Fame speeches! As my friends know, I am not a Michael Irvin fan per se, he did go to UM and them played for the Cowboys, but his speech was great. While I don't love Mike I have grown to respect him. He has made mistakes, many in fact, but has pretty much taken accountability for them. His speech last night showed a man humbled by his surroundings and his own place there. The Charlie Sanders moment saying 'Hi Mom' was awesome and the son of the Hall of Famer speech was amazing him being led out by the 3 running backs that he led into the Hall was cool.

2. More inspiration? How about the job NBC does with rebroadcasting the Ironman? Al Trautwig has a perfect voice for it! The way they profile athletes makes you think anyone can swim, bike and run in that heat. It's the 2nd time they broadcast the event and I got a lump in my throat again when they showed the John Blaise story.

3. Tiger Woods, need I say more?

4. Back to football...training camps are open, the preseason started last night and I am psyched. 26 days until the Gators open their season and 33 until we take the girls to the SWAMP for their first game at the University of Florida!

5. Tennis - on Saturday night we played mixed doubles with another couple. I am NO tennis player. In fact, it's only the 2nd time I've played in a 'competitive' match. Of course I won :) but I REALLY enjoyed it. So now I'm thinking of maybe getting a coach and trying out this ALTA deal. Ilene plays on a Ladies' Team and really enjoys it. I don't think it's that easy for guys. I'm very competitive and I realize I pretty much suck! Where do I start so I don't look like an ass is pretty much what I am trying to figure out :)

6. Lastly, but now first is the word POSITIVITY! For the most part I think I'm a pretty positive person but it is so easy to get caught up in the negative bullshit that swirls around. I am taking a conscious effort to the see the glass more than 1/2 full. Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of my father's death, enough of the self deprecating shit, I will try to think of the good times we shared, the love he had for his kids, and how proud he would be of myself and my sister of the people we have become and the children we are raising!

Stay tuned tomorrow to see if I dropped any weight in week 2!




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